Shloka 4

In this Part we will explore the meaning of the fourth Shloka of Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam.

सर्वःशर्वःशिवःस्थाणुर्भूतादिर्निधिरव्ययः |
सम्भवोभावनोभर्ताप्रभवःप्रभुरीश्वरः || 4 ||

SarvahSharvash Shiva SthaanurBhootaadirNidhiravyayah      |

SambhavoBhaavanoBhartaaPrabhavahPrabhureeshvarah ||4||

Purport:

He is the Ultimate cause for the Universe, its sustenance, destruction and He manifests again and again for re-establishing Dharma. He is pure, untainted one who is forever compassionate to his devotees, He who supports the Universe and is most powerful, who can do whatever He wills without the help of anything or anyone.

AnanthasayanamHe is Sarvah as He is the Ultimate cause for the Universe. He is Sharvah and subsumes everything within Him at the time of Deluge. He is Pure and untainted, hence Shivah; and Sthanuh as He is changeless. He is the source of all Causes, so He is Bhootadhir; and he is eternal as Nidhiravyayah.

He manifests again and again for re-establishing Dharma, hence Sambhavah. He gives the fruits of action as phaladaata and hence he is Bhaavanah. He supports the Universe, so He is Bhartaa. His Avatars are acts of greatness and are Prabhavah. He is most powerful, one who can do whatever He wills without the help of anything or anyone and hence He is Prabhuh. He is Supreme Eeshvarah.