Aadhyaatma

The transcendental part of me recently found a new endeavor in the ‘pursuit of happyness’ :-) - reading verses from the Vishnu Sahasranama (1000 titles of Lord Vishnu) and trying to decipher the Taatparya (meanings and significance) of each verse. It’s easy for anyone who has heard the Vishnu Sahasranama, to guess the source for the name of my blogspot “me-uvacha” – uvacha in Sanskrit means Speaks or Says, therefore: Me-Speaks!

Though insignificant, I wish to pass the acquired knowledge on for the acquaintance and appraisal by many. I begin with the foremost of Shlokas which is used to invoke the Lord:

“Shuklambaradharam Vishnum
Shashi Varnam Chatur Bhujam
Prasanna Vadanam Dhyayet
Sarva Vighnopashaantaye”

Shukla = White; ambara = Sky; dhara = Wearing; Vishnu = Lord Vishnu;Shashi = Moon; Varna = Color; Chatur = Four; Bhuja = Arms;
Prasanna = Pleasant; Vadana = Face; Dhyayet = Meditate / pray;
Sarva = All; Vighna = Obstacle; Uashaantaye = Clear / Remove;

In value, it glorifies the Lord by saying...

“Dear Vishnu – One clad in White, the all-pervading
One whose complexion is that of the Moon, One who has four arms
One who wears a pleasant smile on his face;
I Pray to thee, kindly clear all obstacles!”

The Vishnu Sahasranama was introduced to mankind during the Mahabharata.. At a time when Yudhishtira was deeply hurt by the proceedings of the war, he pleaded Bheeshma Pitamaha to guide him to peace of mind. Grandsire Bheeshma imparted the sacred Vishnu Sahasranama - originally scripted by Sri Veda Vyasa Rishi (an incarnation of Vishnu himself) – to Yudhishtira as a means of gaining inner peace and strength.