P.J.
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Meaning of the word Sri Vishnu?
Ever since i took up writing about Divya Desam Temples, I come across many articles about Sri Maha Vishnu; Even an invitation from one of my friend to take me to Thirupathi!!
Wish to share with one such meaningful article which i came across.
At the lotus feet of Sri Maha Vishnu
Sri Maha Vishnu and Visnhu Murthy are used to describe the Lord. While they both essentially convey the same inner meaning – there is a slight difference.
Sri Vishnu, as described in Nirukta (Vedic dictionary), means ‘that which has spread everywhere’. ‘Veshti vyapnoti iti Vishnu’ – ‘that which has permeated everything and everywhere’. This indicates the quintessential meaning of God – that he is omnipresent and formless. He is the fabric on which universe comes into being and dissolves gradually without any change in the fabric – god!
God is indeed formless and everywhere. Being abstract, this fact is nearly impossible for us to absorb and bring god into our daily lives. Hence, the attribute-less god takes form from time to time to show the way to those who strive to reach the divine (Dharma Samsthapanaya…). When this formless god takes form – he is Vishnu Murthy (Murthy = form). Since the nature of this all-pervading divine energy is merciful and acts for the benefit of all – it is also called ‘Siva’!!
By understanding the Tattva behind a name and image – one can overcome the narrow boundaries of form and attributes and the petty fights that often emerge out of it.
All discussions that this god is greater than that god disappear when one firmly establishes this idea in mind that Divinity is essentially one and takes various forms.
In our scriptures, all those demons who want to harm Vishnu couldn't understand this real nature and hence kept searching for a ‘form’ even though He is everywhere. Hence, they usually trouble the most important expressions of Vishnu – Cows, Sages and Yagnas. Improper action towards any of these three will invite disciplinary action from Sri maha Vishnu in the form of Vishnu Murthy. Hence we have Dasavataras to punish the wicked, protect the good and reestablish Dharma!
Source: Jigyasa
Ever since i took up writing about Divya Desam Temples, I come across many articles about Sri Maha Vishnu; Even an invitation from one of my friend to take me to Thirupathi!!
Wish to share with one such meaningful article which i came across.
At the lotus feet of Sri Maha Vishnu
Sri Maha Vishnu and Visnhu Murthy are used to describe the Lord. While they both essentially convey the same inner meaning – there is a slight difference.
Sri Vishnu, as described in Nirukta (Vedic dictionary), means ‘that which has spread everywhere’. ‘Veshti vyapnoti iti Vishnu’ – ‘that which has permeated everything and everywhere’. This indicates the quintessential meaning of God – that he is omnipresent and formless. He is the fabric on which universe comes into being and dissolves gradually without any change in the fabric – god!
God is indeed formless and everywhere. Being abstract, this fact is nearly impossible for us to absorb and bring god into our daily lives. Hence, the attribute-less god takes form from time to time to show the way to those who strive to reach the divine (Dharma Samsthapanaya…). When this formless god takes form – he is Vishnu Murthy (Murthy = form). Since the nature of this all-pervading divine energy is merciful and acts for the benefit of all – it is also called ‘Siva’!!
By understanding the Tattva behind a name and image – one can overcome the narrow boundaries of form and attributes and the petty fights that often emerge out of it.
All discussions that this god is greater than that god disappear when one firmly establishes this idea in mind that Divinity is essentially one and takes various forms.
In our scriptures, all those demons who want to harm Vishnu couldn't understand this real nature and hence kept searching for a ‘form’ even though He is everywhere. Hence, they usually trouble the most important expressions of Vishnu – Cows, Sages and Yagnas. Improper action towards any of these three will invite disciplinary action from Sri maha Vishnu in the form of Vishnu Murthy. Hence we have Dasavataras to punish the wicked, protect the good and reestablish Dharma!
Source: Jigyasa
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