The Mahima of Vishnu Sahasranaama Part IV

Bharatha Varsha as we all know is the birth place of the Vedas. It is believed that the Vedas  have originated in ancient India and are considered the most ancient scripture of Hinduism. It is believed that humans did not compose the revered Vedas but was handed down to  us by word of mouth from time immemorial. The Vedas, were compiled by Ved Vyasa during the time of Krishnaand contains hymns, rituals, theologies and philosophies( Upanishads) The Upanishads form the concluding part of the Vedas and thus called Vedanta. In order to provide the Jeevatma with the principles to live life , the Vedas were born.

 What then is the role of Ithihaasas and Puranas? Being difficult to comprehend , the Supreme Lord descended down as Avataars to practically live and demonstrate the principles enshrined in the Vedas and a record of these demonstrations are the Puranas and  Ithihaasa. We thus need to realize that the Supreme Lord makes an all out effort to make sure that His children seek and reach Him .

In the Vishnu Sahasranaama the names Of the Lord  that have been strung together by Bheeshmachrya address the Lord in any one of the five Prakaras…நிலைகள்..

1.SRI VAIKUNTAM: (Para roopam) Maha Vishnu is seated here (அமர்ந்த திருகோலம்) with His consorts in all His regal splendor heading  the assemblage of Graudaazhvar, Vishvaksenar , Aadhisheshan..and muktaamas (those who have attained mukti). We as mortals are yet to witness His magnificence and splendor!!

2.THIRUPAARKADAL:(Vyuha roopam) (திருப்பாற்கடல்) (கிடந்ததிருகோலம்) The Lord reclines on Aadhishesha in the ocean of milk with the Devas singing hymns in praise of Him and His never ending mercy..He patiently listens and yields to their genuine pleas!!!

3. AVATAARANGAL : From the ksheeraabdhi , He descends  as Rama or Krishna  to live the principles enshrined  in the Vedas and practically demonstrate how to live a life of Dharma!! We mortals live  in an age far removed from these avathaars though they walked the same land where we now live!! So we don’t get to see Him.

4.ANTHARYAAMI: எல்லாவற்றையும் கடந்து நமக்குள் இருக்கும் அந்தர்யாமி..Aham Brahmaasmi… and to realize this God head it takes great tapas and penance. Difficult  in this kaliyuga.

5.ARCHAAVATHAARAM: The diverse idols enshrined  in the various Divya desams and Abimaana sthalams..each one of them having their own purana ,their own utsavams, their own naamas, gives a seeable form  to the all pervading Paramaatma and  draws Him closer to us.  To distinguish these multifarious archavataarams  from one another,  they come to be addressed by diverse naamas (sahasranaama). Each of these  various forms attempts  to capture and  draw the attention of the mortal beings in one way or the other  to that Supreme Lord and to call Him,to address Him in supplication. We need to chant His name and so whatever be your favorite naama of the sahasranaama chant it incessantly.

Govindham baja moodamathe!!!