Today, let us explore some interesting details about the massive time calculations of Sanathan dharma. "Manu" the first man and Brahma, the creator are the base for today's discussion. Many of us would have heard the name of Manu and also the law book associated with him called "Manusmriti". Other than that, not much details are known about Manu. One main reason is the complexity of "time calculations" involved in this process. I agree that the time line is massive but it should not restrain us from knowing the details. Hence, in this effort, I am trying my best to make it simple, so that it is easier for us to understand some of the concepts called "Manu", "Manvantara", "Kalpa" and "Age of Brahma".
In Hindu mythology, people often get confused about some events and the persons involved in those events. It is because all the events feature the same people like Indra, Devas, Asuras, Manu, Brahma and the Avatars of Gods. Hence people easily say them as "Mythology" or "Stories of imagination". But before coming to such conclusion, we should understand one basic information. All those events "really happened" but in different time lines and yes, with different people (!!!!!). This article is an attempt to explain that in detail. Plenty of patience and effort is required to understand these concepts, but I encourage all of you to devote some of your valuable time (hence quick view is not given). Knowing this will certainly break the idea that such events are "Mythology". They are, rather "Stupendous History" which we, humans cannot even contemplate. Let us get prepared for a massive time travel.......
Age of Universe and Hindu cosmology :
According to modern science, age of Universe is estimated as 13.82 billion years. That is the time elapsed since big bang. You can get the exact calculation from this wikipedia article....
And please take a look at the following statements from another wikipedia article......
"The Hindu cosmology and timeline is the closest to modern scientific timelines and even more which might indicate that the Big Bang is not the beginning of everything but just the start of the present cycle preceded by an infinite number of Universes and to be followed by another infinite number of Universes".
"The Hindu dharma is the only one of the world's greatest faiths dedicated to the idea that the cosmos itself undergoes an immense, indeed an infinite number of deaths and rebirths. It is the only dharma in which the time scales correspond to those of modern scientific cosmology. Its cycles run from our ordinary day and night to a day and night of Brahma, 8.64 billion years long, longer than the age of Earth or the Sun and about half the time since the Big bang". - Carl Sagan.
The above statements reveal the massiveness of our time scale. The time scale which goes even beyond the "Age of Universe" as per modern scientific calculations. Please keep this in mind before we go any further......
Few definitions :
There are certain terms used in Hindu scriptures repeatedly to mention massive units of time and it is important to know them for better clarity. I hope these simple definitions will give a better understanding of such terms....
ChaturYuga :
It is one cycle of 4 yugas (Kritha, tretha, dwapara and kali). A total of 4320000 (4.3 million) human years. For a detailed calculation about each yuga, please refer to my earlier blog post.
Kalpa means Aeon, which denotes relatively long period of time according to human calculations. 1000 chaturyuga is one kalpa. (1000 * 4320000). In simple terms, it can be said as 4.32 billion years and this is one day of Brahma. An equal amount of time is his night. Hence 4.32 + 4.32 = 8.64 billion years is one full day (day + night) of Brahma. Each kalpa has a different name and our current kalpa is called as "Shvethavaraha kalpa"
Age of Brahma :
Brahma has 100 years of life span. The equivalent human years are calculated as follows :
2 kalpas - 1 day and night for Brahma = 8.64 billion years
1 month of Brahma = 259.2 billion years
1 year of brahma = 3.1104 trillion years
100 years of Brahma = 311.04 trillion years.
50 year time period of Brahma is called parardha. This is why in "Sankalpa Mantra" we use the term "dvitheeya parardhe" which means in the second half of Brahma's life. It is amazing to see the deep meanings which are always hidden in many rituals. Hence, our current Brahma is in his middle age now. The most astonishing fact is that, when his full life span of 100 years is over, new Brahma will take over and this cycle will go on and on. Can we even imagine that with our tiny human brain????
And don't forget that, according to modern calculations, Age of Universe itself is estimated only as 13.8 billion years. But according to the calculations in our scriptures, the life span of one Brahma is itself 311.04 trillion years and this is an ongoing cycle......
It is Manu Antara, which means the life span of Manu. We have 14 Manus to rule over in one day of Brahma (kalpa) and this is classified as 14 manvantaras. Life span of one Manu is roughly 71 chaturyugas. It is considered that no life exists during the night of Brahma and hence Manvantara refers to day time of Brahma only. Hence, 504000 Manus manifest in one full life of Brahma. Each Manu has a different name. The total number of Manus in one full life span of Brahma is calculated as follows :
One day of Brahma (kalpa) = 14 Manus
One month of Brahma = (14*30) = 420 Manus
One year of Brahma = (420*12) = 5040 Manus
100 years of Brahma = (5040*100) = 504000 Manus
We are in the 28th chaturyuga of the seventh Manvantara now and the name of our current Manu is "Vaivasvatha"
Every name is actually a Position :
This is an important concept to be understood. Whenever we refer Indra, any Deva, Manu or even Brahma, we should clearly understand that they are only the name of positions (பதவி) they hold. They are just the titles.This is where we all get confused and hence believe every event told in Hindu scriptures are mythology. The scriptures only mention the name of their positions for all events. For instance, Brahma is responsible for creation and hence creation stories always highlight Brahma. But which Brahma? He too, has specified life span and as such after him, another Brahma will obviously come. Similarly, whenever the scriptures say Indra, it is not the same Indra. They actually refer to different Indras in different time periods. A simple example can clarify this. When we say President or Prime minister, we actually refer to the person who is holding that position but generally denote only by the words President and Prime minister. Please take a look at the 14 Manus for this current "Shvethavaraha kalpa" which is just one day of Brahma. (Source - Wikipedia)
As seen above, these 14 Manus are only for one day of Brahma. Since Our Brahma is now 51 years old, the total number of Manus actually passed in the previous years were 252000 (14*30*12*50). All these Manus are different people but denoted by the same title in all Vedic Puranic stories. Same applies to Indra and other Devas too. I hope this will change your perception regarding the scriptural stories here after.
Manu - The First Man :
Manu is considered to be the first man according to Sanathan Dharma. With the help of above calculations, we are now clear that Manu is only a position and 14 different people come to this position in one kalpa (day of Brahma) in an interval of 71 chaturyugas respectively. 71 chaturyuga means 4320000*71 = 306,720,000 human years. What a massive time line? But since Manu is only a position, even the above time line is small compared to that of the life span of all 14 manus' put together. We can say, that in one kalpa (day) of Brahma, we have 14 First Men. In other words 14 minor pralayas are there in one day of Brahma and one Major pralaya which takes place at the end of his day where entire Earth is destroyed. Click the below link to see "End of the world, Dooms day calculations".
This current kalpa is called "Shvethavaraha kalpa". As the name reveals, Varaha avatar is the starting point of this kalpa in the period of the First Manu - Svayambhuva. Please remember our current Manu is Vaivasvatha and Svayambhuva Manu lived 6 Manvantaras before, which means :
Timeline of one Manu (Manvantara) = 4320000*71 = 306720000
Timeline for six Manvantaras = 306720000 * 6 = 1840320000 (1.8 billion years)
Hence the story of Hiranyaksha hiding the Earth in Ocean and Varaha avatar restoring it back happened 1.8 billion years ago. For a detailed analysis of this story and the Ocean associated with it, please go to the following link....
Uttanapada is the son of the First Manu, Svayambhuva. His son was Dhruva. He got the boon from Lord Maha Vishnu and became "Dhruva Nakshathra". This is one story in our scriptures and this also happened in "Svayambhuva Manu" period which is 1.8 billion years ago. To know the story in detail, please click the link below :
The time line of Sanathan dharma is not only massive but also cyclical. The Yugas, Manvantaras, Time of Brahma all are repetitive and so are the incidents. For a simple example, let us take the two great epics Ramayana and Mahabaratha which happened in Tretha yuga and Dwapara yuga respectively and analyse with this time cycle concept....
In one chathur yuga (4 yugas put together) - 1 Ramayana and 1 Mahabaratha
In one Manvanthara (71 chathuryugas) - 71 Ramayanas and 71 Mahabarathas
In one Kalpa (1000 chathuryugas) - 1000 Ramayanas and 1000 Mahabarathas
We are still arguing and trying to estimate the time line of one Ramayana and Mahabaratha. Considering we are in the 28th chathuryuga of the present Vaivaswatha Manvanthara, Ramayana and Mahabaratha have already happened 28 times and still going to happen 43 times in the future (71-28). If we take kalpa, these two epics have already happened 454 times (6 manvantaras * 71 = 426 + 28) and going to happen 540 times in the future in this kalpa alone. (7 more manvantaras to go = 7*71 = 497+43 left in this manvantara). The timeline goes beyond this also but for our calculations let us stop here.
Infinite and Eternal :
One of the main principles of "Sanathan Dharma" is that time (kala) is eternal. It is infinite and it has no beginning and end. It starts from void and goes back to void but this process happen again and again in cycles and hence it is considered eternal.
According to modern science, everything started with Big bang and that happened 13.6 billion years ago. But please take a look.... the following theories suggest that the concept of big bang itself is wrong and that the Universe has no beginning or end.....
Actually I do not know how to conclude this post as I completely lost myself in writing it. But one thought came to my mind is that, the petty problems we face in everyday life are actually nothing. It is like how Earth looks from Space. Earth, our gigantic planet is nothing when compared to the ever expanding space. Likewise, our life and our time is nothing when compared to the massive timeline given above.. Isn't it? Thank you all readers for taking your precious time in reading this.
In my humble efforts to know the meanings of Mantras, I have started the section "Mantras and Meanings" in this blog. When I thought of adding "Vishnu Sahasranama" in this section, the first notion came to my mind was "Who am I to write about this"? There are quite a few reasons for such thinking. On the first hand, I am not a person who is well-versed in Sanskrit; second : this is a lengthy sloka and it will be tough to learn the full meaning in one day and last, there are many translations already available with word by word meanings. Yet, something drives me to post it today and here I am. But let me brief few points beforehand :
Instead of proceeding with the sloka directly, we will first start with some introductions for better understanding.
Since this is a lengthy sloka, I am planning to add 5 paragraphs or verses each time for making it easy to understand. As such, this is not a complete blog post, but will be updated as and when and I will notify you when it is done.
As always, I will be including many web links from where I compiled the information.
The Manthras are given in English and split up for easy reading. Please do not expect perfect sanskrit way of writing. The numbering of the verses are also given by me only for easy learning and might not match with the numbers in the original sloka.
I will be very happy if readers share their thoughts and knowledge. It is a collective effort and the ultimate aim is to learn this sloka with its meaning.
I pray to Shri Maha Vishnu to give me the motivation and determination to complete this post fully and also to enlighten all of us in this journey.
Vishnu Sahasranamam - A brief overview :
As most of you know, the term "sahasra" in Sanskrit, means 1000. Vishnu Sahasranama literally means the 1000 names of Vishnu . It is found in the "Anushasana parva" of the epic Mahabaratha which continues the theme of "Shanthi Parva". "Anushasana" can be referred as "Book of instructions" of Book of precepts". It has 2 sub parvas and 168 chapters. Bhishma, in his death bed, is surrounded by great sages Vasishta, Maithreya, Sanathkumara, Valmiki, Kapila and Narada and also by the Pandavas. Yudishtra asks for a counsel for which Bhishma gives answers. It includes duties of the King, officials of a kingdom and men and women. It also includes the importance of cows, their importance to household's food security, agriculture and wealth. Chapter 149 of this Anushasana parva recites "Vishnu Sahasranama" and in the list of 1000 names of Vishnu are the names of Shiva, Sharva, Sthanu, Ishana and Rudra.
By Ramanarayanadatta astri (http://archive.org/details/mahabharata
06ramauoft) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
The glory of Vishnu Sahasranama is disclosed by the following quote :
Adi Sankaracharya in Bhaja Govindam - Verse 27 :
"Geyam gita nama sahasram dhyeam sripathi rupamajasram
neyam sajjana sange chittham deyam dinajanaya ca vittam"
"Let your mouth chant Bhagavad Gita and Sahasranama everyday, Let your heart be filled with Vishnu swaroopam, Let your mind be led towards the company of good (satsang) and let your wealth be distributed to the needy".
"Vishnu Sahasranama" in the divine voice of M.S.Subbulakshmi :
I have included below, the youtube video of "Vishnu Sahasranama" in order to make it easy for us to practice the sloka step by step when we learn the meanings.
The Meaning : (Our journey starts now!!!!)
Please remember that this section will not have the full sloka with meaning now. It is a part by part attempt to mindfully learn the sloka and hence will be updated periodically. Hear the youtube video for practicing, The first five verses are included today along with the accurate seconds (for youtube).
PROLOGUE
Verses 1 - 5 : (Hear the youtube video from start to 0.56)
"AUM" : Please refer to my previous post (link below) regarding this syllable.
Shuklam baradaram vishnum - Vishnu, who is dressed in white
Sasi varnam - Who is in the color of moon
Chaturbujam - Who is having four arms
Prasanna vadhanam - Who has an ever-smiling, happy and pleasant face
Dhyayet - I meditate upon thee
Sarva vignopa shanthaye - Eradicate all obstacles in my way.
"I meditate on the ever-smiling face (roopam) the almighty Vishnu, who is dressed in white, who is in the color of moon and who is having four arms. Let him remove all obstacles in my way".
Vyasam vasishtanaptharam - Vyasa, the great grand son of sage Vasishta
Sakthe pouthramakalmasham - The grand son of sage Sakthi
Parasarathmaajam vandhe - The son of sage Parashara
Shukathatham taponidhim - The father of Shuka Rishi
"I bow before great Rishi Vyasa , who is the great grand son of Rishi Vasishta, the grand son of Rishi Sakthi and the son of Rishi Parashara. I bow before Rishi Vyasa who is the father of Shuka Brahma Rishi".
"Vyasaya vishnu roopaya vyasa roopaya vishnave Namo vai brahma nidhaye vaasishtaya namo namaha" -3
Vyasaya vishnu roopaya - Vyasa who is vishnu (vyasa is believed to be an incarnation of vishnu)
Vyasa roopaya vishnave - Vishnu who is vyasa
Namo vai brahma nidhaye - I bow before thee, who possess the treasure of vedic knowledge/ Brahmam
Vaasishtaya namo namaha - Many salutations to the one who is born in the family of Vasishta
"I offer my salutations many times to sage Vyasa, who is an incarnation of Vishnu ; and to Vishnu, who has taken the visible roopam of Vyasa, the sage who is born in the family of Vasishta and possess the treasure of "Brahma vidya"
Avikaraaya Shudhaaya - Vishnu, who is pure and not affected by change
Nithyaaya paramaathmane - who is eternal and the supreme soul
Sadhaika roopa roopaya - who has the consistent form in all times and ages
Vishnave sarva jishnave - I bow before thee, one who is the conqueror of all mortals.
"I bow before thee, Lord Vishnu, the pure, immutable, eternal and the supreme soul. I salute thee, who has the consistent form in all ages and one who is the conqueror of all mortal beings."
Yasya smarana maathrene - The mere contemplation of the name Vishnu
Janma samsaara bandhanaath - Frees one from the terrific cycle of birth and death
Vimuchyate nama tasmai - I bow before thee
Vishnave prabha vishnave - The all powerful Vishnu
"I salute the almighty Lord vishnu, the mere thought of whom, releases one for ever, from the terrific and never ending cycle of birth and death."
"Om namo vishnave prabha vishnave"
"Salutations to the all powerful deity Vishnu"
Verses 6-10 : (Hear youtube video for practice from 0.56 - 1.50)
"Shri Vaishamphayana uvacha"
"Sri Vaisamphaya said" (remember this sloka is part of Mahabaratha and will be in conversational style. Vaisamphaya is the sage who narrated the epic "Mahabaratha" to king Janamejaya and thereby to all human beings. Pandavas and Kauravas were king Janamejaya's ancestors.)
Shrutvaa dharmaana seshaena - After hearing a lot about all the dharmas
Paavanaani cha sarvashaha - Which eradicates sins completely, from one's life
Yudishtirah shaanthanavam - Yudhishtira addressed Shanthanu's son (Bhishma)
Punare vaabhya baashatha - The abode of everlasting peace, again (as follows)
"Yudhishtira, after hearing the Dharmas entirely from Bhishma, which are capable of eradicating all the sins in one's life and thereby purify the person, again asked Bhishma, the abode of everlasting peace, as follows"
Kimekam daivatham loke - Who is the one God in this wide world ?
Kim vaapyekam paraayanam - Who is the one ultimate shelter for all ?
Sthuvanthahkam kamarchandham - By glorifying whom and by praising whom with love
Praapnuyur maanavaashubham - Men attain peace, prosperity and great salvation
"Grandpa! In this vast world, who is the one God ? who is the one shelter? who is the one beings worship, praise and glorify and obtain peace, prosperity and ultimately, salvation?"
Khodharmah sarvadharmaanam - Which dharma in all dharmas
Bhavathahparamo mathaha - Greatest of all and none is greater than that
Kinjapan muchyatejandhur - By which japa (chanting), living beings go beyond
Janmasamsaara bhandhanaadh - This terrific cycle of birth and death
"Among all the Dharmas, which is the greatest one ? none is greater than that? By chanting on which, can living beings go beyond this terrific cycle of birth and death and attain salvation?"
Jagathprabhum devadevam - Ruler of the Universe, God of all Gods
Anantham purushothamam - Infinite, endless, supreme person
Sthuvannaama sahasrena - (By) chanting the thousand names
Purushah sathathothithaha - Men, ever engaged in devotion, (are set free)
"Men, by means of chanting the thousand names of the endless supreme lord who is the king of the Universe and God of all Gods and by engaging themselves in pure devotion to this infinite purusha, (are released from this horrible cycle of birth and death.)"
Thamevacharcha yannithyam - One who worships and prays every day
Bhakthyaa purushamavyayam - With devotion to that supreme being who is not liable to change
Dhyaayan sthuvan namasyancha - Meditates and chants
Yajamaanastha meva cha - Submits and surrenders completely, moves beyond (released)
"One who worships the unchanging ultimate lord with utmost love everyday, one who meditates and chants the glory of the supreme lord and surrenders to him completely, moves beyond this cycle of birth and death".
Verses 11-15 : (Hear youtube video for practice from 1.51 - 2.38)
Anaadi nidhanam vishnum - Vishnu who has no beginning or end
Sarva lokha maheshwaram - The supreme lord of all worlds
Lokadyaksham sthuvannithyam - One who chants everyday (about) the one who presides all worlds
Sarva dukhagthigo bhavedh - All their miseries go beyond
"All the miseries will go away from the person, when he chants everyday and praises the glory of Lord Vishnu, the supreme lord who presides all worlds and who is without any beginning or end."
Brahmanyam sarvadharmagyam - Who knows all dharmas and who has to be perceived through the vedas
Lokaanam kirthivardhanam - Who increases the fame of beings who live in worlds
Lokanaatham mahatbhuutham - The master of all worlds and the greatest truth among all
Sarvabhuutha bhavodbhavam - Source behind the existence of all beings
"Vishnu, who alone knows all dharmas, has to be known through the vedas. He is the master of all worlds. He is the one who increases the fame of all beings in all worlds and the absolute truth/source behind the existence of all beings."
Yeshame sarvadharmaanam - This dharma, among all dharmas
Dharmo dikhathamo mathah - Is declared as the greatest
Yadbhakthyaa pundarikaaksham - With bakthi, worships the lotus eyed (lord)
Sthavairarcher narassadha - Singing the glory, everyday by beings
"Dharma for beings (humans) is to worship the lotus eyed lord and sing and chant his glory with devotion, everyday. This is the greatest dharma among all dharmas."
"Paramam yo mahat tejah parmam yo mahat tapah Paramam yo mahat brahmah paramam yah paraayanam" - 14
Paramam yo mahat tejah - Greatest of all lights
Paramam yo mahat tapah - Greatest of all penance
Paramam yo mahat brahmah - Brahmam, the absolute truth
Paramam yah paraayanam - Greatest of all shelters
"(Worship he who is) The greatest of all lights, greatest of all penance, who himself is the absolute truth called brahmam and one who is the greatest of all shelters."
"Pavithraanam pavithram yo mangalaanaamcha mangalam
Daivatham devataanaamcha bhuthaanam yo avyayah pitaa" - 15
Pavithraanam pavithram yo - Holiest among all holy things
Mangalaanaamcha mangalam - Most auspicious among all auspicious things
Daivatham devataanaamcha - Supreme God among all Gods
Bhuthaanam yo avyayah pitaa - Who is without death and hence (eternal) father of all beings
"(Worship he who is) The holiest (pure) among all holy things, the most auspicious among all auspicious things, the supreme lord of lords, and the one who is the eternal father of all beings in all worlds."
Verses 16-20 : (Hear youtube video for practice from 2.38 - 3.24 )
Yatha sarvaani bhuthaani - (The eternal father) From whom, all beings in the world
Bhavanthyaadi yugaagamae - Emanated at the beginning of the initial yuga
Yasmimcha pralayam yanthi - To whom, (all beings) during the final dissolution
Punareva yugakshayae - Go back at the end of the world
"The eternal indestructible father, from whom, all beings, originated at the beginning of the initial yuga, and to whom, all beings, merge together, during the final dissolution, which happens at the end of the final yuga".
Tasya loka pradhaanasya - The pillar on which the entire universe rests
Jagannaadhasya bhoopathe - The master of Universe (Oh King!!)
Vishnornaama sahasramme - The thousand names of Lord vishnu
Shrunupaapa bhayaapaham - (Listen, oh king!) which drives away all sins and all fears
"Oh King (Yudishtra), listen!!! I will tell you the thousand names of Lord Vishnu, the master of the Universe, the pillar on which the entire Universe rests. Oh king! these thousand names of Lord Vishnu, will dispel all fears and wash out all fears".
Yaani naamaani gaunaani - (Make you familiar) with the names
Vikhyaataani mahaatmanah - Those which proclaim the glory of the supreme being
Rishibih parigeethani -Well chanted and sung by the Rishis
Taani vakshyaami bhuthaye - Know them, for the welfare of all beings
"I will help you to get familiar with the names, which proclaim the glory of the supreme being and are well chanted and sung by the Rishis. Know these names, for the welfare of all beings."
Rishir naamnaam sahasrasya - (Rishi) of these thousand names of Vishnu
Vedavyaso mahamunihi - The great Rishi, Veda Vyasa
Chandoasushtub thathaadevo - The vedic meter is "Anushtub", the presiding deity
Bhagavaan devakisuthah - The Lord, who is the son of Devaki
"The great sage, Veda Vyasa, is the Rishi (composer) of these thousand names of Vishnu. The vedic meter in which it is composed is "Anushtub" and the presiding deity (of these thousand names) is Lord Vishnu, who is the son of Devaki".
(Please click the following link to know about vedic meters) :
Amrutaam shuthbhavobijam - (Its) root is one who is born in (chandra) lunar race
Shakthir devakinandhanah - (Its) power is the son of Devaki
Trisaamaa hridhayamtasya - (Its) heart is the one who is glorified in thrisama (sama veda)
Shaanthyarthe viniyujyathe - (Its) purpose is the attainment of peace
"The root (of these thousand names) is the one who is born in chandra vamsa (lunar race), the power (of these names) is the beloved son of Devaki, The heart (of these names) is the one who is glorified in trisaama (the third veda, samaveda) and the purpose of it (the names) is to attain peace
Verses 21-28 : (Hear youtube video for practice from 3.24 - 4.02)
Vishnum jishnum mahavishnum - (I bow before) Vishnu who is victorious and who is all pervading
Prabhavishnum maheshwaram - (who is) Mighty, radiant and the lord of all lords
Anekaroopa daithyaantham - One who possesses many forms and the destroyer of daityas (asuras)
Namaami purushothamam - I bow before the one who is the best among all Purushas (beings)
"I bow before the all pervading lord Vishnu, who is victorious, mighty, radiant and lord of all lords. I bow before him who possesses many forms and the destroyer of asuras. I bow before him, the best among all the beings (purusha).
Chanting mode (tune) changes from here. Hence giving each line as a verse....
"The deity is Shriman Narayana, who is the all pervading supreme soul"
"Amrutaam shudhbhavo bhanuriti bhijam" - 26
"The root is Sri krishna (Bhanu refers sun. Even though krishna belongs to lunar dynasty, as given in verse 20, here it is said about sun. We can take it in this way. Since he is all pervading, he is common to both sun and moon. He is also known to possess sun and moon as his two eyes.)
"This is the supreme mantra which glorifies the splendid God who is not created by anyone (swayambu)"
Verses 29-36 : (Hear youtube video for practice from 4.02 - 4.33)
"Shankhabrin nandaki chakriiti kiilakam" - 29
The key (pin) bonding (driving) forces (of this mantra) are "Shanka" (conch called panchajanya) "Chakra" (sudharshana chakra) and "Nandaka" (sword).
"Shaarnga dhanvaa gadhaadhara ityastram" - 30
The weapons (of this mantra) are "Gadha" and the bow called "Shaarnga". Maha vishnu holds the mace (Kaumodaki Gadha) and a bow (shaarnga) in his hands.
Each words here have deep hidden meanings as they represent the things held by Vishnu in his hands. To get a clear understanding of what each item represents, please click this link.
The eye (of this mantra) is the lord (refers to krishna here) who is holding wheel of a chariot (can also take as "the charioteer") in his hands and who is ever peaceful.
"Trisaamaa saamagah saameti kavasam" - 32
The shield (of this mantra) is one who is glorified in the third Veda (sama veda) and the one who is always the same (unchanged).
"Aanandham parabrahmeti yonihi" - 33
The resting place/abode (of this mantra) is the supreme lord who is ever blissful.
"Rithuh sudarshana kala iti digbhandhaha"- 34
The directions (of this mantra) are truth which is the lord himself, his weapon the sudarshana chakra and his annihilating power represented by kaala.
"Shrivishvaruupa iti dhyanam" - 35
The object of meditation (of this mantra) is the "vishvaroopa" of the lord.
Let Mukuntha, who is seated on the throne arranged with pearl garlands, in the ocean of milk with glittering sand, purify us. Let Mukuntha, whose form is well decorated with pearls and crystals (spatika), bless us. Let Mukuntha, who enjoys ecstatic bliss on white clouds showering drops of nectar, purify us. Let Mukuntha, who holds lotus, mace and conch in his hands, bless us.
Salutations to lord Vishnu, who has earth in his feet, sky in his navel, wind as his breath and the sun and moon as his eyes. Salutations to lord Vishnu, whose ears are the directions, whose head is the heaven, whose face is the fire and whose abdomen is the ocean. Salutations to lord Vishnu, within whom whole universe rests with its different beings viz. gods, humans, birds, animals, serpents, asuras, gandharvas and daithyas. Salutaions to lord Vishnu, who is the lord of three worlds, who has an admirable and wonderful structure and who is the supreme lord.
I bow before lord Vishnu, who is the embodiment of peace, who sleeps in the serpent bed, who has lotus in his navel and who is the god of all gods. I bow before lord Vishnu, who is the base for this earth, who resembles the sky, who possesses the color of clouds and who has attractive physical structure. I bow before lord Vishnu, who is the consort of Lakshmi, who has lotus eyes and whom yogis see in their hearts by meditation. I bow before lord Vishnu, who is the destroyer of all fears and who is the controller of all worlds.
Verses 4-7 : (Hear youtube video for practice from 5.46 - 6.48)
I bow before the lord Vishnu, who is the master of all worlds, who possesses the color of the clouds, who is dressed in yellow silk clothes and who has a mark on his chest which denotes the residing place of Lakshmi. I prostrate before lord Vishnu, whose divine body is decorated with the gorgeous kaustubha gem, who is surrounded by holy people and who has eyes that resemble pretty lotus.
I worship lord Vishnu who is the beginning of all beings (living) combined, I worship lord Vishnu who manifests himself in many forms and who is radiant, elegant and beautiful.
I surrender myself to lord Vishnu, who holds conch and discuss in his hands, who has beautiful crown and earrings, who is dressed in yellow clothes and who has eyes like a lotus. I bow my head before lord Vishnu, who has four hands and whose divine body is beautifully decorated by many ornaments including the kausthubha gem.
I take refuge in the holy feet of lord Vishnu, who sits in a golden throne, who is in the shade of paarijaatha tree, who has the color of the clouds and who has long broad eyes. I take refuge in the holy feet of lord Vishnu, who has a face that resembles the moon, who has four hands, whose chest is adorned by srivatsa (residing place of lakshmi) and who is in the company of Rukmani and Satyabhama,
THE 1000 NAMES
Verses 1-5 : (Hear youtube video for practice from 6.49 - 7.38 )
1. Vishvam - He who is the Universe
2. Vishnur - He who is all pervasive
3. Vashatkaaro - One who controls
4. Bhuta-bhavya-bhavat-prabhuh - The lord of past, present and future
5. Bhutakrit - One who is the creator of all beings
6. Bhutabhrid - One who sustains all beings
7. Bhaavo - One who always exists
8. Bhutaatma - One who is the soul of all beings
9. Bhutabhavanah - One who is the cause for welfare of all beings
Pootaatmaa (10) Paramaatmaa (11) cha Mukthaanaam paramaa gatihi (12) Avyayah (13) Purushah (14) Saakshee (15) Kshetrajno (16) Akshara (17) eva cha - 2
10. Pootaatma - Pure soul
11. Paramaatma - Supreme soul
12. Mukthaanaam paramaa gatihi - The ultimate goal reached by the liberated souls
13. Avyayah - Not liable to change, indestructible
14. Purushah - Dwells in the body
15. Saakshee - The witness
16. Kshetrajno - One who knows (the field)
17. Akshara - Imperishable
18. Yogo - One who is reached by yoga
19. Yoga-vidaam netaa - One who is the leader of those who practice yoga
20. Pradhaana-purusheshvarah - Lord of principal matter and all living beings
21. Naarasimha-vapuh - He who has a man-lion body
22. Shrimaan - One who is with Shri (Lakshmi)
23. Keshavah - One who has long and beautiful hair
24. Purushothamah - One who is the greatest soul
25. Sarvah - He who is everything
26. Sharvah - Auspicious
27. Shivah - Eternally pure
28. Sthaanur - Immovable/fixed
29. Bhutaadir - The source of all beings
30. Nidhir-avyayah - Indestructible treasure
31. Sambhavo - Self manifesting
32. Bhaavano - Producer of all beings
33. Bhartaa - One who governs
34. Prabhavah - Prominent/great/superior
35. Prabhur - All powerful master
36. Eeshvarah - One who is capable of anything
37. Svyambhoo - Self existant
38. Shambhur - Cause for happiness
39. Aadithyah - The sun
40. Pushkaraaksho - Lotus-eyed
41. Mahaasvanah - Loud sound (of the Vedas)
42. Anaadhi-nidhano - Without beginning and end
43. Dhaataa - Supports all
44. Vidhaataa - Dispenser of fruits of action
45. Dhaaturuttamah - Superior to the creator (Brahma)
Verses 6-10 : (Hear youtube video for practice from 7.39 - 8.24)
46. Aprameyo - Cannot be perceived by senses ; Not cognizable
47. Hrisheekeshah - Controller of senses
48. Padmanaabho - One who has lotus in his navel
49. Amaraprabhuh - The lord of immortals (Gods)
50. Vishwakarmaa - One who does all the activities before and after Brahma
51. Manus - Great thinker ; capable of creating things just be mere thought.
52. Tvashtaa - Chiseler of all forms
53. Sthavishthah - Massive in size
54. Sthaviro - Always in existence
55. Dhruvah - Changeless
56. Agraahyah - Beyond grasp/perception
57. Shaasvathah - Eternal
58. Krishno - One who is in state of bliss always
59. Lohitaakshah - One who has red lotus like eyes
60. Pratardanah - One who destroys everything during Pralaya
61. Prabhootah - One who has all within even everything else is destroyed
62. Trikakub-dhaama - Who has the Vaikuntha planet (three times bigger as this material universe)
63. Pavitram - Always pure
64. Mangalamparam - Supreme auspiciousness
65. Eeshanah - One who rules the Universe
66. Praanadhah - One who gives life
67. Praano - One who is the life, himself
68. Jyeshthah - Older than the oldest
69. Shreshtah - One who is praise worthy
70. Prajaapathi - Lord of ever existent beings
71. Hiranya garbho - The golden womb
72. Bhuu garbho - The Universe womb
73. Madhavo - Concert of Maa (Lakshmi)
74. Madhusudhanah - One who slayed the demon called Madhu
75. Eeshvaro - One who rules without interruptions
76. Vikramee - Brave ; courageous ; capable of doing anything
77. Dhanvee - One who holds the bow called Saarnga
78. Medhaavee - One who knows everything
79. Vikramah - One who takes stride in his Garuda vehicle
80. Kramah - Who is the base of Universe to function in an order
81. Anuttamo - Who is superior, that nothing is more superior than him
82 Duraadharshah - Who is as deep as an ocean that no one can overcome
83. Kritagyah - One who is grateful (to his devotees)
84. Kritir - One who is the cause of virtuous acts
85. Aatmavaan - One who is the owner of all souls
86. Sureshah - Lord of all gods including Brahma
87. Sharanam - The refuge of all
88. Sharmaa - One who is full of bliss
89. Vishva-retaah - Primordial seed of the Universe
90. Prajaa-bhavah - The origin from whom all beings emerge
91. Ahah - Day ; Remover of ignorance ; The light which removes darkness
92. Samvatsaro - Year ; kaala ; time
93. Vyaalah - One who sends his representatives to his devotees when needed
94. Pratyayah - One who can be relied upon (by his devotees)
95. Sarvadharshanah - One who shows everything (to his devotees)
Verses 11-15 : (Hear youtube video for practice from 8.24 - 9.11)
96. Ajah - Unborn
97. Sarveshvarah - Lord of all lords
98. Siddhah - Fully accomplished
99. Siddhih - The goal (of the sidhas)
100. Sarvaadir - Origin of all origins
101. Achyuthah - Never fallen from glory
102. Vrishaa ka pir - The one who lifted dharma from the water (Varaaha)
103. Ameyaatmaa - Incomprehensible
104. Sarva-yoga-vinihssritah - Beyond attachment (all yogas)
115. Rudro - The destroyer of sorrow (Rudra)
116. Bahu-shiraa - Multi-headed
117. Babhrur - Supporter
118. Vishvayonih - Cause for the Universe
119. Shuchi-shravaah - One who listens to pure words
120. Amritah - Elixer/nectar
121. Shaasvatah-sthaanur - Eternally firm
122. Varaaraho - Supreme ascent
123. Mahaatapaah - Greatest knowledge of all knowledge
124. Sarvagah - All pervasive
125. Sarvavid - All knower
126. Bhaanuhr - One who shines
127. Vishhvak-seno - Army for (all directions)
128. Janaardhanah - One who destroys the wicked
129. Vedo - The Vedas
130. Vedavid - The knower of Vedas
131. Avyango - Beyond imperfections
132. Vedaango - One who has Vedas as his body
133. Vedavit - One who is known by the Vedas
134. Kavih - Cognizes beyond ordinary perception
135. Lokaadhyakshah - Lord of all words
136. Suraadhyaksho - Lord of all gods
137. Dharmaadhyakshah - Lord of dharma
138. Kritaa-kritah - The cause and effect
139. Chaturaatmaa - Manifests as (four self)
140. Chaturvyuhas - Four forms
141. Chatur-damstrash - Four teeth
142. Chatur-bhujah - Four arma
Verses 16-20 : (Hear youtube video for practice from 9.11 - 9.56 )
143. Bharaajishnur - Shining brightly
144. Bhojanam - (object) of enjoyment
145. Bhoktaa - Enjoyer
146. Sahishhnur - One who forgives
147. Jagadaadijah - One who is born before everyone
148. Anagho - One who is not contaminated
149. Vijayo - Victorious
150. Jetaa - One who is the conqueror
151. Vishvayonih - Cause of the Universe
152. Punarvasuh - Lives for ever
165. Vedyo - Realizable
166. Vaidyah - Knower of knowledge
167. Sadaayogee - A yogi for ever
168. Veerahaa - One who slays the strong demons
169. Maadhavo - One who is the consort of Lakshmi
170. Madhuh - One who is sweet like honey
171. Ati-indriyo - One who is beyond (the reach of) senses
172. Mahaamaayo - The great maya
173. Mahotsaaho - The great enthusiasm
174. Mahaabalah - The great strength
191. Mareechir - The ray of light
192. Damano - One who destroys the heat of samsara with his light
193. Hamsah - (Pure) swan
194. Suparno - One who has beautiful wings (capable to life us from samsara)
195. Bhujagottamah - Lord of all snakes including Adisesha
196. Hiranyanaabhah - One who has golden navel
197. Sutapaah - One who knows about everything
198. Padmanaabaah - One who has eight-petaled lotus in his navel
199. Prajaapatih - Master of everyone including creator (Brahma)
200. Amrityuh - Enemy for death god ; one who is beyond death
201. Sarvaadrik - Unbiased
202. Simhaah - Lion (Narasimha)
203. Sandhaataah - Unites (all beings) into one
204. Sandhimaan - Be united with (all beings)
205. Stiraah - Firm (with all beings)
206. Ajo - One who is not born
207. Durmarshanaah - One who has majestic powers which cannot be tolerated by enemies
208. Shaastaa - A teacher
209. Vishrutaatmaa - Has wonderful special names
210. Suraarihaa - Slayer of Devas' enemies
211. Guruh-gurutamo - Guru of all Gurus
212. Dhaamaah - Ultimate abode
213. Satyah - Truth
214. Satya-paraakramaah - One who showed his unfailing valor (to Manu during pralaya)
215. Nimishho - One who closes his eyes for enemies
216. A-nimishhah - One who is always awake for devotees
217. Sragvee - One who has "vaijayanthi" as his garland
218. Vaachaspatir - Lord of speech
219. Udaara-dhee - One who possesses vast knowledge
220. Agraneer - Leads forward
221. Graamaniih - Leads (to) angels and mukthaas in Vaikunth
222. Shriimaan - Lord of Lakshmi (sri)
223. Nyaayo - Just
224. Netaa - One who manages the affairs for his devotees
225. Samiiranah - One who plays (with his devotees)
226. Sahasra-muurdhaa - One who has thousand heads
227. Vishvaatmaa - All pervasive
228. Sahasraakshah - One who has thousand eyes
229. Sahasrapaat - One who has thousand feet
230. Aavartano - One who turns the wheel of samsaara
231. Nivrittaatmaa - One who leads to moksha
232. Samvritah - One who remains hidden to those who are covered by agnana
233. Sam-pramardhanah - Dispeller of darkness
234. Ahah ssamvartako - One who regulates the time including day, night, month etc
235. Vanhir - Bearer (of Akaash)
236. Anilo - Vital air needed for life
237. Dharaniidharah - Bearer (of Earth)
Verses 26-30 : (Hear youtube video for practice from 10.43 - 11.29)
238. Suprasaadah - One who grants good favors
239. Prasannaatmaa - One who has clear contended mind
240. Vishva-dhrig - Who creates Universe with utmost love
241. Vishvabhug-vibhuh - One who is the only protector of all
242. Satkartaa - One who honors good people
243. Satkritaah - One who is worshipped by Sadhus including Sabari
244. Saadhur - Does what is needed (including riding a chariot)
245. Jahnur - One who conceals himself to those who have vengeance and jealousy
246. Naaraayano - Supporter of all souls
247. Narah - Imperishable (Also known by the name "Narah" which is an avatar)
248. Asankhyeyo - One who has innumerable attributes
249. Aprameyaatmaa - One who cannot be measured
250. Vishishhtah - Superior because he is desireless
251. Shishhta-krit - One who makes his devotees pure
252. Shhuchih - One who is pure by all means
253. Siddhaartah - Attained everything
254. Siddhasankalpah - One who is capable of doing everything he thought
255. Siddhidah - One who grants "siddhis" to Yogis
256. Siddhisaadanah - One who makes the "sadhana" process a pleasurable one
257. Vrishaahee - Auspicious day/ Dharma
258. Vrishhabho - One who is like elixir to those troubled by samsara
259. Visshnur - One who is everywhere
260. Vrishhaparvaa - Dharmic steps (which devotees can climb to attain moksha)
261. Vrishhodarah - Who has a dharmic belly. (accepts the prashad given by devotees with love)
262. Vardhano - Nourishes like a mother
263. Vardhamaanashcha - Makes the devotees grow in spiritual progress and grows along with them
264. Viviktah - One who is unique
265. Shruti-saagarah - Abode for Vedas (like how ocean is abode for rivers)
266. Shubujo - Who has good arms
267. Durdharo - who has irresistible speed
268. Vaagmii - One who talks sweetly (like vedas) ; one who is worshiped by vedas
269. Mahendro - Who has extreme wealth
270. Vasudo - One who grants wealth to those who desire for it
271. Vasuh - Wealth himself (to the devotees who desire him)
272. Naika-ruupo - One who has infinite forms
273. Brihad-ruupah - Immense forms
274. Shipivishhtah - Pervades as sun-rays
275. Prakaashanah - One who shows his light to devotees
276. Ojas-tejo-dyutidharah - One who possess strength, vigor and brilliance
277. Prakaasha-aatmaa - Radiant soul
278. Prataapanah - One who creates heat (to his enemies)
279. Riddah -Full in all aspects
280. Spashhtaaksharo - One who has clear words
281. Mantrash - Mantra
282. Chandraanshur - One who has moon like rays
283. Bhaaskara-dyutih - One who has sun like brilliance
Verses 31-35 : (Hear youtube video for practice from 11.29 - 12.12)
