Vibhava Avataras Part II (Names 333-606) 🌊

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Part 3: The Manifestations & Elements (Names 333–606) ⚡

1. Vasudeva: The All-Pervading Lord (333–357) 🌍

Focus: The Lord as the indweller of all beings, treating creation as a sport.

No.	Name	Meaning (Parashara Bhatta)	Context/Anecdote from Source
333	Vasudevaha	The Pervader who plays.	He lives (Vasati) in all beings and plays (Divyati) with them. He covers the universe like a bird covers its nest with wings.
334	Brihat Bhanuhu	The Great Radiance.	He is the brightness within the sun's rays that illuminates the world.
335	Adi Devaha	The Primal Deity.	He treats the entire creation as a sport (Leela), playing with the universe.
336	Purandaraha	Destroyer of Cities.	He destroys the cities of Asuras (Tripura) who oppose the devotees.
337	Ashokaha	Dispeller of Sorrow.	He destroys the internal sorrow (Shoka) and delusion (Moha) of his devotees.
338	Taranaha	The Savior.	He helps devotees cross over external fears like germs, enemies, and thieves.
339	Taraha	The Rescuer.	He helps devotees cross the cycle of Samsara (birth and death). The name Rama is called the Taraka Mantra.
340	Shuraha	The Valiant.	He is always victorious and shows his valor in protecting devotees.
341	Shaurihi	Son of Shura (Vasudeva).	He was born in the clan of Shura (Vasudeva's father).
342	Janeshwaraha	Lord of People.	He is the ruler of all beings, leaving no one out.
343	Anukoolaha	The Agreeable/Humble.	Despite his power, he has no arrogance (Garvam) and cooperates with his devotees.
344	Shatavartaha	He of Hundred Whirlpools.	His grace flows in hundreds of waves like a whirlpool of wealth.
345	Padmi	Lotus-Holder.	He holds a lotus representing his playful nature (Leela).
346	Padmanibhekshanah	Lotus-like Eyes.	His eyes resemble the soft, beautiful lotus, removing the fatigue of devotees.
347	Padmanabhaha	Lotus-Navelled.	He has a navel soft as a lotus from which Brahma is born.
348	Aravindakshaha	Lotus-Eyed.	Another reference to his eyes, specifically resembling the day-lotus (Pankaja).
349	Padmagarbhaha	Installed in Lotus-Heart.	He sits in the lotus-like hearts of Yogis (Yogi Hrid Dhyana Gamyam).
350	Sharirabhrit	Nourisher of Bodies.	He nourishes the devotees who hold Him in their bodies/minds.
351	Mahardhihi	Great Prosperity.	He grants infinite wealth (Riddhi) to his devotees.
352	Riddhaha	The Prosperous.	He grows along with the prosperity of his devotees.
353	Vriddhatma	The Expanded Soul.	Though appearing small (in Avatars), his power and nature are huge.
354	Mahakshaha	Great-Eyed / Great Vehicle.	He possesses Garuda (the vehicle) who is the embodiment of Vedas.
355	Garudadhwajaha	Garuda-Flagged.	He has Garuda on his flag; Garuda represents the Vedas.
356	Atulaha	Incomparable.	There is no one equal to Him (Anupamam).
357	Sharabhaha	The Destroyer.	He destroys those who cross the boundaries of Dharma.

2. Controllership: Nature & Time (358–389) ⏰

Focus: The Lord's control over fear, time, and the cosmos.

No.	Name	Meaning	Context/Anecdote from Source
358	Bhimaha	The Fearful.	He instills fear in those who ridicule Shastras.
359	Samayagnyaha	Knower of Timing.	He knows the right time to bless his devotees with prosperity.
360	Havirharihi	Receiver of Offerings.	He accepts the Havis in Yagyas and removes obstacles (Hari).
361	Sarvalakshana Lakshanyaha	Defined by all Marks.	He is defined by all auspicious marks, primarily his association with Lakshmi.
362	Lakshmivan	Possessor of Lakshmi.	He is eternally united with Lakshmi.
363	Samitinjayaha	Victor in War.	He wins over the distress of devotees (like Brahma).
364	Viksharaha	Undecaying (Love).	His love for devotees never perishes.
365	Rohitaha	The Red One.	He takes a reddish hue (like a lotus, or in anger against enemies).
366	Margaha	The Path.	He is sought after by Upasakas (devotees).
367	Hetuhu	The Cause.	He is the cause for the fulfillment of desires.
368	Damodaraha	Rope around Waist.	He allowed Yashoda to tie him with a rope (Dama) around his waist (Udara).
369	Sahaha	The Tolerant.	He tolerates the binding and scolding of devotees (like Yashoda).
370	Mahidharaha	Supporter of Earth.	He bears the burden of the earth by removing evil forces.
371	Mahabhagaha	The Fortunate.	He is fortunate to have won Rukmini, Satyabhama, etc. in Swayamvara.
372	Vegavan	The Fast One.	He manifests his divine qualities quickly, even as a child.
373	Amitashanah	The Great Eater.	He swallowed the immense food offered to Govardhana Hill.
374	Udbhavaha	The Releaser.	He releases devotees from the bondage of Samsara (just as he was released from the mortar).
375	Kshobhanaha	The Agitator.	He agitates Prakriti (nature) to bind Jivas, and then releases them.
376	Devaha	The Player.	He plays with animals (boars, tigers) and protects them.
377	Shrigarbhaha	Womb of Lakshmi.	He protects Lakshmi within him like a child.
378	Parameshwarah	The Supreme Ruler.	He rules with Lakshmi; his sovereignty is for a purpose.
385	Vyavasayaha	The Determination.	He determines the paths of the stellar bodies (Jyotish Chakra).
386	Vyavasthanaha	The Regulator.	He regulates time (Kala, Muhurta).
387	Samsthanaha	The Abode.	All cosmic activities converge in Him.
388	Sthanadaha	Giver of Status.	He gave Dhruva the supreme status of the Pole Star.
389	Dhruvaha	The Stationary.	He made Dhruva stationary and is Himself the stable support.

3. Rama Avatara: The Ideal Man (390–421) 🏹

Focus: The qualities of Sri Rama and his destruction of Ravana.

No.	Name	Meaning	Context/Anecdote from Source
390	Parardhih	Repository of Qualities.	He is full of auspicious qualities (Kalyana Gunas).
391	Paramaspashtah	Explicitly Clear.	He revealed his four-armed form (Chaturbhuja) to Hanuman explicitly.
392	Tushtah	The Contented.	He was happy to be born as Dasharatha's son and follow his words.
393	Pushtah	The Full.	He is full of noble qualities like respecting elders and valor.
394	Shubhekshanah	Auspicious Gaze.	To be seen by Rama was considered the greatest fortune by Ayodhya's people.
395	Ramah	The Delighter.	His beauty captivates the minds of men (Pumsam Mohana).
396	Viramah	The End.	He put an end to Ravana and the suffering of the Devas.
397	Viratah	The Detached.	He was not attached to the Kingdom; he accepted exile calmly.
398	Margah	The Sought After.	He was sought by sages like Bharadwaja.
399	Neyah	One who can be led.	He allowed himself to be led by devotees like Sugriva and Bhaktisara.
400	Nayah	The Protector.	He promised to protect the Rishis in the forest.
401	Anayah	The Un-leadable (by enemies).	He cannot be commanded by enemies; he destroys them (e.g., Khara, Dushana).
402	Virah	The Hero.	His valor made enemies like Maricha tremble.
403	Shaktimatam Shreshtah	Best of the Powerful.	He is greater than Indra, Agni, and Vayu.
404	Dharmah	Dharma Incarnate.	He grants both worldly success and Moksha; He is Dharmo Vigrahavan.
405	Dharmaviduttamah	Best Knower of Dharma.	He learned from Vasishta but is the ultimate authority on Dharma.
406	Vaikunthah	The Uniter.	He removes obstacles to unite with devotees (like Guha).
407	Purushah	The Purifier.	He is purity personified.
408	Pranah	The Life Breath.	He rejuvenated the army (Hanuman, monkeys) on the battlefield.
409	Pranadah	Giver of Life.	He gives strength to his followers.
410	Pranamah	Worthy of Bowing.	He is worshipped by all, including sages like Valmiki.
411	Prithuhu	The Famous.	His fame spread everywhere (even Guha knew him).
412	Hiranyagarbhah	Golden Womb (Treasure).	He is the golden treasure in the hearts of Yogis.
413	Shatrughnah	Destroyer of Enemies.	He destroys the internal enemies (senses) represented by Ravana.
414	Vyaptah	The Pervader (Love).	His love pervades everyone, friend or foe (Vibhishana/Sugriva).
415	Vayuhu	The Mover.	He goes to the place of his devotees (Shabari, Guha) to bless them.
416	Adhokshajah	Undiminishing.	His ocean of qualities never dries up.
417	Rituhu	The Seasons.	His qualities come in waves like seasons to delight devotees.
418	Sudarshanah	Beautiful Sight.	His form is auspicious to look at.
419	Kalaha	The Gatherer.	He draws all beings to Himself.
420	Parameshti	The Supreme Resident.	After the Avatar, he returns to the Supreme Abode.
421	Parigrahah	The All-Accepting.	He took all citizens of Ayodhya (even grass) to Vaikuntha.

4. Kalki Avatara: The Future Warrior (422–435) ⚔️

Focus: The end of Kali Yuga and restoration of Dharma.

No.	Name	Meaning	Context/Anecdote from Source
422	Ugrah	The Fierce.	He will be fierce against sinners at the end of Kali Yuga.
423	Samvatsarah	The Waiting One.	He waits in Patala (with Adisesha) for the right time.
424	Dakshah	The Quick Actor.	He destroys the wicked instantly upon emerging.
425	Vishramah	The Resting Place.	He provides shade/rest to those who seek remorse for sins.
426	Vishwa Dakshinah	Skillful for All.	He is the shelter for both good and bad who seek him.
427	Vistarah	The Extender.	He extends/establishes Krita Yuga within Kali Yuga.
428	Sthavara Sthanuh	Establishing Firmness.	He restores Dharma firmly and rests.
429	Pramanam	The Authority.	He defines what is good and bad for the new age.
430	Bijam Avyayam	Imperishable Seed.	He sows the seeds of Dharma even during destruction.
431	Arthah	The Goal.	He is the fruit attained by devotees.
432	Anarthah	Not for Unfortunate.	Those without merit/fortune do not worship Him.
433	Mahakoshah	Great Treasure.	He possesses the treasure of knowledge (Nidhis).
434	Mahabhogah	Great Enjoyment.	He provides material wealth and enjoyment to devotees.
435	Mahadhanah	Great Wealth.	He is the wealth for the destitute (like Kuchela).

5. Simshumara Chakra & Yagya (436–450) ⭐

Focus: The Lord as the untiring creator, stars, and sacrifice.

No.	Name	Meaning	Context/Anecdote from Source
436	Anirvinnah	The Untiring.	He never tires of creating and correcting the world.
437	Sthavishtah	The Gross/Huge.	He forms the Simshumara Chakra (dolphin-shaped constellation).
438	Bhuhu	The Support.	He supports the Dhruva star and the constellation.
439	Dharma Yupah	Pillar of Dharma.	He is the post/pillar to which Dharma is tied.
440	Mahamakhah	Great Sacrifice.	Dharma is his body and Yagyas are his limbs.
441	Nakshatra Nemih	Hub of Stars.	He controls the movement of stars; the center of the wheel.
442	Nakshatri	Owner of Stars.	He is the substratum of the stars.
443	Kshamah	The Competent/Patient.	He bears the burden of the universe effortlessly.
444	Kshamah	The Remainder.	He remains after dissolution when stars merge into Him.
445	Samihanah	The Assigner.	He assigns duties to respective deities during creation.
446	Yagyah	The Sacrifice.	He is the Yagya, the means, and the fruit.
447	Ijyah	Object of Worship.	He is worshipped even by Indra (who seeks lesser fruits).
448	Mahejyah	Great Object of Worship.	He is the object of meditation for those seeking higher fruits.
449	Kratuh	The Ritual.	He is the specific sacrifices like Agnihotra and Soma Yagya.
450	Satram	Continuous Sacrifice.	He is the long sacrifices (Satram) like the one by Parikshit.

6. Nara-Narayana: Divine Sages (451–463) 🧘‍♂️

Focus: The path of renunciation (Nivritti) and Badrikashrama.

No.	Name	Meaning	Context/Anecdote from Source
451	Nirvritti Dharmatma	Soul of Detachment.	He exemplifies Nivritti (renunciation) as Nara-Narayana.
452	Sarvadarshi	All-Seeing.	He oversees both Pravritti and Nivritti Dharmas.
453	Nivrittatma	Detached Soul.	He practices detachment (Vairagya) to teach the world.
454	Sarvagnah	All-Knowing.	He is the Antaryami (inner knower) of all souls.
455	Gyanam Uttamam	Supreme Knowledge.	Identified as Vaishnava Dharma (empathy for others).
456	Suvratah	Good Vow.	He practices Dharma first before preaching it.
457	Sumukhah	Good Face.	He has a serene face that destroys worries.
458	Sukshmah	The Subtle.	He is realized only through intense meditation.
459	Sughoshah	Auspicious Sound.	He is the voice/essence of the Upanishads.
460	Sukhadah	Giver of Happiness.	He gives happiness to those who follow Dharma.
461	Suhrit	The Friend.	He helps even those who think they are his enemies (asking "What can I do for you?").
462	Manoharah	Stealer of Mind.	He has motherly love (Vatsalyam) that captivates devotees.
463	Jita Krodhah	Conqueror of Anger.	He controls anger, using it only for the right reason (e.g., Rama).

7. Mohini & Amrita Mathana (464–470) 💃

Focus: The churning of the ocean and the Mohini Avatar.

No.	Name	Meaning	Context/Anecdote from Source
464	Virabahuh	Heroic Arms.	He used 1000 arms to churn the ocean with Vasuki.
465	Vidharanah	The Destroyer/Splitter.	He destroyed Rahu and obstacles during the churning.
466	Swapanah	The Lulling/Mesmerizer.	As Mohini, he mesmerized the Asuras with his beauty/smile.
467	Swavashah	Independent.	While Asuras fainted/were mesmerized, He remained self-controlled.
468	Vyapi	The Pervader.	He pervaded the Tortoise, the Mountain, and Vasuki simultaneously.
469	Naikatma	Many Souled/Formed.	He took many forms (Kurma, Mohini, Ajita, Dhanvantari) for one event.
470	Naika Karmakrit	Doer of Many Actions.	He churned, supported, distributed nectar, and killed demons.

8. Dharma & Power of Names (471–527) 📿

Focus: The Sustainer, the nature of Dharma, and protection of devotees.

No.	Name	Meaning	Context/Anecdote from Source
471	Vatsarah	The Indweller.	He resides within to induce interest in Dharma.
472	Vatsalah	The Affectionate.	Like a cow licking its calf, he loves his devotees.
473	Vatsi	Possessor of Calves.	He protects his devotees as if they were calves.
474	Ratnagarbhah	Womb of Gems.	He grants riches (diamonds, gold) to those who desire them.
475	Dhaneshwarah	Lord of Wealth.	He grants wealth quickly to those who ask.
476	Dharmagup	Protector of Dharma.	He protects Dharma while granting Artha and Kama.
477	Dharmakrit	Doer of Dharma.	He makes his devotees perform Dharma.
478	Dharmi	Possessor of Dharma.	He uses Dharma as an instrument to correct the world.
479	Sat	The Good/Existing.	He is the embodiment of Sanatana Dharma (Krishna/Rama).
480	Asat	The Non-Existing.	He does not stay with sinners/those opposing Dharma.
483	Avignata	The Non-Knower.	He ignores/overlooks the faults of his sincere devotees.
486	Krita Lakshanah	Maker of Marks.	He gives the insignia (Shankha/Chakra) to his devotees.
489	Simhah	The Lion.	He acts as a lion against Yama to protect his devotees.
490	Bhuta Maheshwarah	Great Lord of Beings.	He controls Brahma, Yama, etc., to give peace to devotees.
495	Guruh	The Teacher.	He dispenses knowledge of Vedas (e.g., as Gitacharya).
503	Kapindrah	Lord of Monkeys.	He led the monkeys (Devas incarnate) as Rama.
504	Bhuridakshinah	Giver of Large Dakshina.	He performed many Yagyas (Ashwamedha) giving huge charity.
509	Purushottamah	Best Person.	Hanuman realized Him as the Supreme Person through His qualities.
512	Satyasandhah	True to Promise.	He never betrays his promise (e.g., to Sugriva regarding Vali).
513	Dasharhah	Worthy of Surrender.	He allows devotees (like Guha) to surrender to Him.
514	Satvatam Patih	Lord of Satvatas.	Leader of the Yadavas/Bhagavatas (Pancharatra followers).
517	Sakshi	The Witness.	He witnesses the adherence to rules by devotees.
518	Mukundah	Giver of Moksha.	He grants liberation (Mukti).

9. Kapila & Varaha Avatars (528–540) 🐗

Focus: The propounder of Sankhya and the Boar who saved Earth.

No.	Name	Meaning	Context/Anecdote from Source
528	Anandah	Bliss.	He is the great bliss mentioned in the Anandavalli of Upanishads.
529	Nandanah	The Gladdener.	He makes devotees happy by granting Moksha.
530	Nandah	The Prosperous.	He is full of all enjoyments.
533	Trivikramah	Pervader of 3 Vedas.	(In Kapila context) He pervades the three Vedas with his knowledge.
534	Maharishi	Great Seer.	Kapila is the seer of mantras (Mantra Drashta).
535	Kapilacharyah	Teacher Kapila.	He taught Sankhya to his mother Devahuti.
536	Kritagyah	The Grateful.	He helped the sons of Sagara (Anshuman) despite their offense.
537	Medini Patih	Lord of the Earth.	He supports the earth (as Kapila holding it).
538	Tripadah	Three-Stepped/State.	He grants knowledge of Achit, Chit, and Ishwara.
539	Tridashadhyakshah	Lord of 30 Gods.	He protected the Devas during the deluge (Varaha context).
540	Mahashringah	Great Horned.	As Varaha, he had huge tusks/horns to lift the Earth.

10. Auspicious & Healer (541–574) 💊

Focus: Dhanvantari, destruction of evil, and general auspiciousness.

No.	Name	Meaning	Context/Anecdote from Source
541	Kritantakrit	Slayer of Death/Hiranyaksha.	He killed Hiranyaksha who was like death itself.
542	Mahavarahah	Great Boar.	The huge form of Varaha that lifted the earth.
543	Govinda	Rescuer of Earth.	He rescued Go (Earth) from the depths.
544	Sushenah	Good Army.	He has a good army (body) made of Shuddha Sattva.
545	Kanakangadi	Golden Armlets.	He wears divine golden ornaments.
550	Chakra Gadadharah	Holder of Chakra/Gada.	He holds the 5 weapons (Panchayudha) to protect.
554	Krishna	Dark/Attractive.	He has a beautiful hue (mixture of dark blue/green/black).
560	Vrikshah	The Tree.	He provides shade like a tree to those suffering from Samsara (e.g., Mango tree anecdote).
561	Pushkarakshah	Lotus-Eyed.	His eyes nourish devotees like a mother's gaze.
563	Bhagavan	Possessor of 6 Opulences.	He possesses Jnana, Bala, Aishwarya, Virya, Shakti, Tejas.
566	Vanamali	Wearing Forest Garland.	He wears the Vaijayanti garland made of the essence of 5 elements.
567	Halayudhah	Plough-Weaponed.	Reference to Balarama (ploughing the mind for knowledge).
569	Jyotiradityah	Light of the Sun.	He is the inner light giving power to the sun.
573	Khanda Parashuh	Broken Axe.	Parashurama (whose axe broke in many battles).

11. Vyasa Avatara (575–589) 📚

Focus: The compiler of Vedas and source of knowledge.

No.	Name	Meaning	Context/Anecdote from Source
575	Dravinapradah	Giver of Wealth.	Here, wealth refers to the knowledge of Shastras given by Vyasa.
578	Vyasah	The Divider.	He divided/categorized the Vedas (Rig, Yajur, Sama, Atharva).
579	Vachaspati	Lord of Speech.	He composed the "Fifth Veda" (Mahabharata).
580	Ayonijah	Unborn (from womb).	Though born to Satyavati, his knowledge was not born of a womb (divine origin).
582	Samagah	Singer of Sama.	He enjoys singing the Sama Veda.
585	Bheshajam	The Medicine.	He is the cure for the disease of Samsara.
586	Bhishak	The Physician.	He is the doctor (Dhanvantari) who cures the illness of birth/death.
587	Sanyasakrit	Institutor of Renunciation.	He teaches Satvika Tyaga (renouncing doership/fruit).

12. The Goal of Yoga (590–606) 🧘

Focus: The destination of spiritual practice.

No.	Name	Meaning	Context/Anecdote from Source
590	Nishtha	The Abode/Establishment.	He is where the minds of disciplined devotees rest.
591	Shantihi	Peace.	The peace experienced in the state of Samadhi.
592	Parayanam	Supreme Goal.	He allows devotees to attain Him through Bhakti.
593	Shubhangah	Beautiful Limbs (Yoga).	He facilitates the 8 limbs (Angas) of Ashtanga Yoga.
594	Shantidah	Giver of Peace.	He grants Sayujya (union) and peace to the Yogi.
595	Srashta	The Creator.	He creates conditions for souls based on their desire for bondage or liberation.
599	Gopatih	Lord of Earth/Heaven.	He is the Lord of Swarga (Bhoga Bhumi).
600	Gopta	The Protector.	He protects the karma-phala (fruit of action) cycle.
603	Anivarti	Non-Returner (or Returner).	For those attached to the world (Pravritti), he makes them return to Samsara.
604	Nivrittatma	Detached Soul.	For those seeking liberation (Nivritti), he leads them away from the world.
606	Kshemakrit	Doer of Good.	He protects the Nivritti path devotees and grants them welfare.

The Divine Drama Continues 🎭

This section reveals the Lord's extraordinary ability to be simultaneously transcendent and immanent. As Vasudeva, He pervades all existence while playing with creation like a cosmic sport. Through His incarnations as Rama, Kalki, Kapila, and Vyasa, we see how the same divine consciousness adapts to meet the needs of different ages and different types of devotees.

Parashara Bhatta's commentary beautifully shows how even the future avatar (Kalki) and the philosophical teacher (Kapila) are not separate from the playful child tied by Yashoda's rope (Damodara). The Lord who compiles the Vedas (Vyasa) is the same one who becomes the goal of all Yoga practice.

Reference 🎥

Vishnu Sahasranamam Commentary Discussion

📝 Acknowledgment & Disclaimer

These articles are based on discourses by Sri Dushyanth Sridhar, who renders discourses in English & Tamil on Rāmāyana, Mahābhārata, Bhāgavata, Vishnu Purāna, Bhagavad Gitā, Vishnu Sahasranāma, and Divya Prabanda in the upanyāsam, pravachanam, or kālakshepam style. Visit https://desikadaya.org for more information. These notes are presented solely for educational purposes to help viewers download and benefit from these teachings. Any incorrect interpretations or inaccuracies are mine and unintentional—please forgive me. For any feedback, please send an email.

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