शान्ताकारं भुजगशयनं — Word-by-Word Meaning
शान्ताकारं भुजगशयनं
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
शान्ताकारम्
Shantakaram
Of a peaceful, serene form
भुजगशयनम्
Bhujagashayanam
Reclining on the serpent Shesha (Adishesha), upon the ocean of milk
पद्मनाभम्
Padmanabham
From whose navel (nabhi) springs the lotus (padma) on which Brahma is born
लक्ष्मीकान्तम्
Lakshmikantam
The beloved (consort) of Goddess Lakshmi
भवभयहरम्
Bhavabhayaharam
Remover of the fear (bhaya) of worldly existence (bhava)
Complete Translation
Of serene form, reclining upon the serpent (Shesha), with a lotus springing from his navel, the Lord of the gods; the support of the universe, boundless as the sky, cloud-hued, with all-auspicious limbs;
the beloved of Lakshmi, lotus-eyed, attained by yogis in meditation — I bow to Vishnu, remover of the fear of worldly existence, the one Lord of all the worlds.
Origin & History
Source: Traditional Vishnu Dhyana Shloka
Author: Traditional
Period: Classical
This single luminous verse is the classical dhyana (meditation) shloka of Lord Vishnu, recited across India before his worship and before the Vishnu Sahasranama. In one sweep it beholds Narayana asleep on the serpent Shesha upon the milk-ocean — serene, lotus-naveled, cloud-blue and lotus-eyed — the support of all the worlds and the remover of every fear.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shantakaram Bhujagashayanam?▼
It is the most famous dhyana shloka (meditation verse) of Lord Vishnu, describing him of serene form reclining on the serpent Shesha, with a lotus from his navel, cloud-hued and lotus-eyed. It is traditionally recited to visualise the Lord before worship and before the Vishnu Sahasranama.
When is the Shantakaram shloka recited?▼
It is recited daily and especially on Thursdays (Vishnu's day) and Ekadashi, and as the opening dhyana before chanting the Vishnu Sahasranama, the Bhagavad Gita, or performing Vishnu / Satyanarayan puja.
What does Shantakaram Bhujagashayanam mean?▼
It means: 'I bow to Vishnu — of peaceful form, reclining on the serpent, lotus-naveled, Lord of the gods, support of the universe, sky-vast, cloud-hued and auspicious of limb, beloved of Lakshmi, lotus-eyed, reached by yogis in meditation, the remover of worldly fear and the one Lord of all the worlds.'
Why is Vishnu shown reclining on a serpent?▼
Vishnu reclines on Adishesha, the thousand-hooded serpent floating on the ocean of milk (Kshira Sagara), symbolising the Lord resting in serene cosmic consciousness between the cycles of creation, with a lotus rising from his navel from which Brahma creates the worlds.
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