Vaishnavam – Vishnu
Vaishnavam is the worship of Lord Vishnu. Vishnu is derived from the root word “Vis” which means one who pervades, permeates everything and is free from limitations of time, space and objects. Mahanarayanopanishad says “antar-bahisca tat sarvam vyaapya narayanah stitah” – it is Lord Narayana who stands inside and outside, pervading everything. Just as a spider resides in the web created by its saliva, the lord is the antaryami in His creation.
Shashankar Chakram Saka Reeta Kundalam
Sappetha Vasthram Sarasi Ruheshanam
Sahara Vaksha Sthala Shobi Kausthubam
Namami Vishnum Shirasa Chathurbhujam
Lord Vishnu has four arms to indicate his all-powerful nature. From his shangu comes the Omkara shabdam & his Sudarshana Chakram represents dharmachakram/kalachakram (Su-darshana would ensure good vision with spiritual knowledge having destroyed individuality with the chakra). The other two hands holding the mace and lotus represents strength and purity. The Shreevasta mark on his chest, symbolizes his consort, Lakshmi. He wears the auspicious “Kaustubha” jewel around his neck in which Lakshmi dwells on his chest. A crown adorns his head symbolizing his supreme authority. He wears two earrings representing inherent opposites in creation – knowledge and ignorance; pleasure and pain. Adiseshan, the snake represents Adisakti and its five heads represent the five elements; some say it has 1000 heads representing the infinite, varied creation.
Paritranaya sadhunam vinasaya ca duskrtam
Dharma-samsthapanarthaya sambhavami yuge yuge
For the protection of the good, for the destruction of the wicked, and for the establishment of righteousness, Lord Vishnu takes an avatar in every age. Of them, “Dasavatar” (ten incarnations) are very popular. We should consider this as phases of our own life also. From swimming in the womb as a fish (Matsya), to being capable of life on land and water like a tortoise(Kurma), crawling on fours as a boar (Varaha), being sometimes four legged (Simha) and then two legged human (Nara) as we learn to walk, graduating to a young student (Vamana), growing into an adolescent (Parasurama) to becoming a ideal man (Rama, Balarama) to Godly Krishna and resolving into Kalki.
Adi Sankara in Bhaja Govindam sings “Geyam Gita Nama Sahasram” instructing us to chant Vishnu Sahasranamam and Bhagvad Gita.
Sankara Mattham conducts Veda Classes, Gita Classes and fortnightly Veda Parayanam where all can participate and benefit.