Shloka 10

Sureśa means the Lord of all gods. Every aspect of creation is represented by a god or goddess. For example, Varuṇa is the god who presides over water; Agni presides over fire, etc. Viṣṇu is the Chief of all such gods and goddesses. Sureshah – The Lord of the Devas. “ Suranam Isah Suresah...Read More

NAME 86

Śaraṇaṁ शरणं

He is the ultimate protector, the ultimate sanctuary. Taking shelter in Him gives relief from sufferings and pains. The concept of śaraṇāgati (approach for protection) is considered very important amongst the followers of Lord Viṣṇu. Surrender is an important aspect of spiritual path. When a person performs an action without attachment to the fruits...Read More

NAME 87

Śarma शर्म

Śarman means happiness. When this word is used with reference to the Brahman, it means bliss. Brahman is the embodiment of bliss. He is not just the embodiment of bliss alone; He is the embodiment of everything that prevails in the universe. He is also full of anger, rage, pains and miseries. Otherwise, He cannot...Read More

NAME 88

Viśvaretāḥ विश्वरेताः

Viśvaretas means the seed of the universe. Viśva literally means universal and retas means seed. Kṛṣṇa beautifully explains this in Bhagavad Gita (XIV.4), “Of all embodied beings, Prakṛti is the Mother, who conceives and I am the seed giving Father.” According to Sāṃkhya philosophy, there are two primary aspects of creation. One is the Puruṣa, the masculine energy...Read More

NAME 89

Prajābhavaḥ प्रजाभवः

Prajā refers to the subjects of a kingdom. Universe is the God’s kingdom. Bhavaḥ means creation. He is the cause of creation. The Divine has two aspects; one is the cause and the other is effect. Brahman is the cause and His power of projection known as māyā is the effect. The one who understands...Read More

NAME 90

Ahaḥ अहः

Ahar means night and day of twenty four hour period. In this context He is the creator of time factor. This nāma also mentions about His Self-luminosity. Brahman alone is Self-illuminating. Other luminaries like sun reflect His light. Kṛṣṇa says in Bhagavad Gita (XVI.16), “Those who set aside ignorance by acquiring true knowledge that...Read More

NAME 91

Saṁvastsaraḥ संवस्त्सरः

Saṁvastsara refers to a solar year. Sun’s movement from Aries to Pisces, comprising of twelve lunar moths is known as Saṁvastsara. Previous nāma said that He represents twenty four hours of a day and this nāma says that He represents a solar year. Typically speaking, these two nāma-s say that He is both tiny...Read More

NAME 92

Vyālaḥ व्यालः

Vyāla means snake. This nāma is used in the sense that He is beyond reach. Generally serpents are difficult to catch, without expertise. He eludes those who are not devout to Him. Probably this nāma is used to indicate the power of kuṇḍalini, the life force. Kuṇḍalin also means snake. Kṛṣṇa has made a subtle...Read More

Name 93

Pratyayaḥ प्रत्ययः

Pratyaya means consciousness, intelligence, intellect, etc. Brahman is the embodiment of all these qualities. Purest form of Consciousness and the highest form of Intellect is the Brahman. Aitareya Upaniṣad (I.i.3) says, “prajñānam brahma” which means Consciousness is Brahman. Pratyaya also means faith, trust and conviction. One’s spiritual progression purely depends upon his profoundness of faith,...Read More

NAME 94

Sarva-darśanaḥ सर्व-दर्शनः

Sarva-darśana means a treatise on various systems of philosophies. There are various systems of philosophies and the important ones are dvaita, viśiṣṭādvaita and advaita (dualism, qualified non-dualism and non-dualism). The right approach to realisation is to begin with dualism, where god is kept in a pedestal and worshipped with flowers, offerings, etc. Here god is...Read More