शान्ताकारं भुजगशयनं पद्मनाभं सुरेशं
विश्वाधारं गगनसदृशं मेघवर्णम् शुभाङ्गम् ।
लक्ष्मीकान्त कमलनयन योगिभिर्ध्यानगम्यम्
वन्दे विष्णु भवभयहरं सर्वलोकैकनाथम् ॥
Vishnusahasranama (part of Mahabharata,
Anushasana-parva, 149).
"I bow to Vishnu, who is the remover of worldly fears and the sole lord of all worlds. He, embodiment of peace, sleeps on the serpent (Ananta), with lotus from his navel. He is the lord of the gods, the support of the universe, with a complexion like a cloud. His limbs are auspicious (shubh) and He is the consort of Lakshmi. He has lotus-like eyes, and is attainable through meditation by yogis".
सशड़खचक्रं सकिरीटकुण्डलं सपीतवस्त्रं सरसीरुहेक्षणम्।
सहारवक्षः स्थलकौस्तुभश्रियं नमामि विष्णु शिरसा चतुर्भुजम् ।।
From Shruti Parampara (Oral tradition).
"I bow to Vishnu, who has four arms, holding a conch shell and a disc (chakra), adorned with a crown and earrings, wearing yellow garments, with eyes like lotus flowers, and having the Kaustubha gem shining on his broad chest".
Let us dive into an analysis of the above two verses. These verses paint a vivid picture of Vishnu as a symbol of cosmic order, spiritual growth, and divine protection. The first verse sets the tone for Vishnu's serene and powerful nature. The image of him sleeping on the serpent Ananta suggests his connection to the cyclical nature of time and the universe. The symbolism of Brahma emerging from Vishnu's navel via the lotus thread suggests an intricate relationship between creation and preservation. This imagery implies that Vishnu.
is not just the protector but also the source or foundation from which creation emerges. The mention of Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, by his side emphasizes the idea that spiritual growth and material prosperity are intertwined. The phrase "yogibhirdbyanagamyam (attainable through meditation by yogis) highlights the importance of spiritual practice in realizing the divine. The second verse focuses on Vishnu's majestic and powerful form. The four arms, conch shell, and disc represent his ability to protect and maintain the cosmic order. The yellow garments and lotus-like eyes evoke a sense of radiance and enlightenment.
The verse cited above at the outset describes the iconic depiction of Vishnu reclining on the serpent couch (Ananta-Shesha) in the cosmic ocean (Kshira Sagar). The scene is rich in symbolism, featuring Brahma emerging on a lotus, representing creation; Lakshmi tending to Vishnu's feet, and disc in hand symbolizing devotion, prosperity and protection. The Garuda, Vishnu's mount, often depicted with wings, symbolize aerial vehicle for quick rescue/relief. At the same time missile like weapon chakra reflects his dynamism to protect the humanity and sustain cosmic order. Together, these verses suggest that Vishnu embodies the qualities of a cosmic guardian, spiritual guide, and symbol of divine protection.
The Bhagavad-Gita's depiction of Vishnu's cosmic form (Vishvarupa) highlights his all-encompassing nature, transcending human understanding. This form embodies creation, sustenance, and destruction, effectively subsuming the roles of the trinity (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva). By encompassing various manifestations, attributes, and actions, the cosmic form underscores Vishnu's supreme status as the total godhead. This imagery represents the eternal and divine form of Vishnu as Krishna in the Gita, inspiring devotion, action, knowledge (Bhakti, Karma, Jnana) and artistic expression across various mediums like stone, metal, and paintings.
The Lakshmi-Narayana form embodies the interdependence of male and female principles, symbolizing harmony and balance in creation. The Gajendra-Moksha form of Vishnu reflects rescue of the elephant Gajendra from the alligator's grip, symbolizing liberation from worldly entanglements and the triumph of divine grace over suffering.
The exploration of Vishnu's composite and other forms reveals the core spirit of Indian culture, echoing the Rigvedic spirit of unity in diversity "Ekam sad viprah bahudha vadanti" (Rigveda, VI. 47.18 and I. 164.46). This philosophical thread culminated in Adi Shankaracharya's Advaita-Vedanta, emphasizing non-dualism and the ultimate reality of Brahman. Through these forms and philosophies, Sanatana conveys profound truths about non-duality, the universe, and the interconnectedness of all life.
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