Srimad Bhagavata Skanda 2 – Dharana of the Indwelling Lord
"The Lord Sriman Narayana is the very essence of divine virtues, self-sustained, radiant with light, overflowing with boundless knowledge and bliss. He is the ‘Creator of The Universe,’ which encompasses countless forms of Himself, both the living beings and the non-living things. He sustains, transforms, and governs it all — bestowing both ignorance and wisdom, binding beings to the cycle of birth and death, and offering liberation to those who seek moksha. Thus, He is the Param, the Supreme.
In the dawn of creation, He manifested the first being, the four-faced Brahma, and gifted him the knowledge required to bring the cosmos into being. Through His blessings, wisdom unfolds. Though He seeks no gain for Himself, He creates and upholds the cosmos for the welfare of all living beings, endowed with all the wisdom necessary for such a grand design. For He is neither a juggler, nor a deceiver, crafting illusions in this world. Untainted by any flaw, He is the Satyam — the absolute truth.
With reverence, let us meditate upon Lord Sriman Narayana, the embodiment of Satyam and Param."
"The Srimad Bhagavata encompasses the entirety of Dharma, safeguarding the soul from falling by purifying it, and guiding the individual soul towards the divine path leading to the Lord. This sacred path calls for unwavering devotion — a life dedicated to honoring, worshipping, admiring, and praising the Lord, free from jealousy, expectation, or deceit. As one treads upon this path, all obstacles dissolve, prosperity is bestowed, and the heart becomes imbued with virtue, turning one into a Sajjana, a virtuous soul. Above all, it fortifies bhakti, deepening one’s devotion.
Thus, the Srimad Bhagavata, composed by the Lord in the form of sage Veda Vyasa shines as a beacon of truth, revealing Himself as Supreme Soul eternally resides in the heart of every living being."
"Salutations to Lord Sriman Narayana, the eternal support of all, including the divine Goddess Lakshmi, and the very essence of the Srimad Bhagavata. Salutations to Lord Veda Vyasa, the revered composer of this sacred scripture. Salutations to Devi, the Goddess of Fortune, who perpetually serves the Lord and bestows the blessings of abundance upon all Bhagavatas, enriching them with the divine knowledge of Srimad Bhagavata — a wealth that encompasses Jnana, Bhakti, and Vairagya.
Salutations to the Gods Brahma and Vayu, the noblest of beings. Salutations to Sarasvati, the Goddess of Knowledge and Devotion, who inspires both wisdom and bhakti. Salutations to the divine Garuda, Sesha and Shiva, the greatest among the Vaishnavas.
Salutations to the Srimad Bhagavata, the sacred text that brings forth eternal victory and spiritual triumph."
The brightness of the Sun, Fire, Moon, Planets, Stars, Gems, Precious stones and Lightening put together is just like a firefly near the astonishing brilliance emanating from your lotus of Heart wherein the five forms of Lord Sri Rama, Sri Narasimha, Sri Veda Vyasa, Sri Krishna and Sriman Narayana are present in a significant way bestowing you the Brahmavarchas or the Sacred Knowledge.
Gentle & Holy Sage, Sri Raghavendra, I worship you by surrendering myself.
एवं पुरा धारणयाऽऽत्मयोनि-
र्नष्टां स्मृतिं प्रत्यवरुध्य तुष्टात् ।
तथा ससर्जेदममोघदृष्टि
-र्यथाप्ययात्प्राग्व्यवसायबुद्धिः ॥ १॥
शाब्दस्य हि ब्रह्मण एष पन्था
यन्नामभिर्ध्यायति धीरपार्थैः ।
परिभ्रमंस्तत्र न विन्दतेऽर्थान्
मायामये वासनया शयानः ॥ २॥
अतः कविर्नामसु यावदर्थः
स्यादप्रमत्तो व्यवसायबुद्धिः ।
सिद्धेऽन्यथार्थे न यतेत तत्र
परिश्रमं तत्र समीक्षमाणः ॥ ३॥
सत्यां क्षितौ किं कशिपोः प्रयासै-
र्बाहौ स्वसिद्धे ह्युपबर्हणैः किम् ।
सत्यञ्जलौ किं पुरुधान्नपात्र्या
दिग्वल्कलादौ सति किं दुकूलैः ॥ ४॥
चीराणि किं पथि न सन्ति दिशन्ति भिक्षां
नैवाङ्घ्रिपाः परभृतः सरितोऽप्यशुष्यन् ।
रुद्धा गुहाः किमजितोऽवति नोपसन्नान्
कस्माद्भजन्ति कवयो धनदुर्मदान्धान् ॥५॥
Sri Shukacharya spoke:
“O Parīkṣit! In ages past, before creation stirred, Brahmā—the lotus-born—sat in deep Dharana, meditating upon the boundless form of the Virāt Puruṣa. In the stillness of that inner gaze, his forgotten wisdom was rekindled. From the Lord’s grace alone, knowledge of the cosmos returned to him—knowledge lost in the Great Dissolution. And with his vision restored, Brahmā shaped the fourteen worlds once more, breathing life into matter and order into space.
But know this, O King: when the mind is seduced by fleeting pleasures, it drifts. The senses scatter, and remembrance fades. Therefore, the wise withdraw within. They sever the net of cravings and turn to the One within the heart. This is true Dharana—where the soul returns to clarity, and the veil of Māyā begins to lift.
Yes, the Vedas speak in sweet voices—offering celestial joys, heavenly dwellings, and lofty attainments. But the wise see their shimmer for what it is: a mirage. For all such rewards come wrapped in toil, and all such heavens dissolve with time.
The knower of truth seeks only what is essential. He neither hoards nor hungers for more than what is needed. Misfortune, like joy, arrives not by effort but by the unfolding of karma. Comfort too, is a gift of the Lord—unbidden, like sunlight on the open field.
Why then, chase wealth to buy a bed, when the earth lies soft beneath the stars? Why seek pillows when one’s arms can cradle the head? Why thirst for silver vessels when cupped hands are enough? And if the trees clothe you with bark, what need is there for silks embroidered with pride?
Do not the roads offer discarded cloth to the seeker? Do not trees still yield their fruits and flowers? Have the rivers grown stingy with their water? Have the mountain caves barred their doors to the wanderer? And above all, has the Lord—He who watches from within, who lifts those who fall—ever turned away from one who seeks Him? Why then, O King, do sages bow to kings intoxicated by gold, veiled in pride, and lost in pleasure? Better to bow to a blade of grass that bends in truth than to power empty of devotion.
Seek the eternal, Pariksit. Let go the mirage.”
एवं स्वचित्ते स्वत एव सिद्ध
आत्मा प्रियोऽर्थो भगवाननन्तः ।
तं निर्वृतो नियतार्थो भजेत
संसारहेतूपरमश्च यत्र ॥ ६॥
"By embracing these principles, one must detach from worldly distractions, cultivate focus, and serve the most loving and compassionate Lord—Paramatma—who resides within the heart. With deep devotion and joy, surrender to Him, the eternal and boundless Supreme Being. As the ultimate goal of life, His worship dissolves ignorance and liberates the soul from the cycle of birth and death," said Sri Shuka.
कस्तां त्वनादृत्य परानुचिन्ता
मृते पशूनसतीं नाम युञ्ज्यात् ।
पश्यन् जनं पतितं वैतरण्यां
स्वकर्मजान् परितापाञ्जुषाणम् ॥ ७॥
केचित्स्वदेहान्तर्हृदयावकाशे
प्रादेशमात्रं पुरुषं वसन्तम् ।
चतुर्भुजं कञ्जरथाङ्गशङ्ख
गदाधरं धारणया स्मरन्ति ॥ ८॥
O Rajendra! I have already spoken of the Dharana Yoga of Virat Purusha, the cosmic form that encompasses the vast universe. Yet, some devoted souls turn inward, envisioning the Lord within the lotus of their own hearts that spans but size of the thumb within. In this subtle form, they meditate upon Him—resplendent with four hands, holding the Panchajanya Shankha, the Sudarshana Chakra, the mighty Kaumodaki Gada, and the divine Padma. Through such Dharana, they unite their being with the eternal presence of the Supreme," said Sri Shukacharya.
This vision aligns with the wisdom of the Śrutis. As the Kaṭha Upaniṣad (2.1.12–13) declares:
अङ्गुष्ठमात्रः पुरुषो मध्य आत्मनि तिष्ठति ।
ईशानं भूतभव्यस्य न ततो विजुगुप्सते ॥ १२ ॥
अङ्गुष्ठमात्रः पुरुषो ज्योतिरिवाधूमकः ।
ईशानो भूतभव्यस्य स एवाद्य स उ श्वः ॥ १३ ॥
"The thumb-sized Purusha dwells in the lotus of the heart. He is the Lord of past and the future as well. One who knows Him fears nothing. He shines like a smokeless flame, eternal, unchanging and sovereign over all time — yesterday, today, and tomorrow."
In that sacred space, the devotee beholds the Lord’s radiant face—serene and gracious—blooming like a wide lotus with tender, compassionate eyes. His garments, a luminous Pitambara, glow in shades of golden saffron, resembling the petals of the Kadamba flower, perfectly complementing His divine form.
उन्निद्रहृत्पङ्कजकर्णिकालये
श्रीलक्ष्मणं कौस्तुभरत्नकन्धर
मम्लानलक्ष्म्या वनमालयाऽऽचितम्॥१०॥
योगेश्वरास्थापितपादपल्लवम् ।
These master yogis, in the hull of the fully bloomed lotus within their hearts—radiant and luminous—establish the lotus feet of the Lord, which shine with a divine brilliance. Upon His chest, they behold the dazzling Kaustubha jewel, radiant and engraved with the image of a graceful calf, symbolizing purity and divine connection.
Around His shoulders rest gleaming necklaces and strings of jewels, each bead radiating celestial light. Draped across His entire torso is a beautiful garland, woven from fresh, fragrant flowers of the forest—simple, yet exquisite—adorning Him with natural grace and divine splendor.
विभूषितं मेखलयाङ्गुलीयकै-
र्महाधनैर्नूपुरकङ्कणादिभिः ।
स्निग्धामलाकुञ्चितनीलकुन्तलै
र्विरोचमानाननहासपेशलम् ॥११॥
He is adorned with a radiant ornamental wreath, and around His waist shines a jeweled band, its brilliance matched by the precious rings on His graceful fingers. His anklets and bracelets glimmer with divine luster, completing His majestic form.
His hair, dark and lustrous with a soft bluish sheen, curls gently—always appearing fresh, youthful, and ever-renewed. Above all, His face—gentle, smiling, and full of grace—blooms like a lotus in full glory, capturing the heart of the devotee with its divine charm.
The Lord’s divine pastimes are filled with grace, His bright, smiling face casting a glance of compassion upon the devoted yogi. From just a subtle movement of His eyebrows flows an outpouring of His choicest blessings.
Therefore, one must often fix the mind on His beautiful, elegant, and auspicious form—lovely beyond words, radiant with divinity—through Dharana Yoga, until that vision becomes firmly rooted in the heart. With consistent practice and the Lord’s mercy, meditation begins to happen effortlessly, like a stream flowing from a higher elevation to the lower drawn by nature, guided by grace.
This sacred visualization of the Lord’s divine body is echoed with exquisite clarity in a specific section of the Rama Raksha Stotra, where the limbs of Lord Rama are contemplated in sequence—from crown to feet—as an act of profound Dharana.
One who reads this with complete awareness, in other words, withdraws all the scattered senses and reads with focused mind will destroy all his sins and accomplish all the desires.
I meditate upon the śiras — the resplendent crown of Rāghava, encircled by a halo of dharma and royal grace. The bhālaṃ (forehead) of Daśaratha’s son shines with wisdom like the rising sun.
I behold the jewel-like eyes of Kausalya’s son — deep as the ocean, shimmering with compassion. His śrutis (ears) echo the Vedic verses, beloved to Visvamitra. The sharp ghrāṇa (nose), parrot-like and firm, carries sandalwood’s scent and sacrificial resolve. His glowing mukha (face), tender and affectionate to Laksmana, radiates sacred serenity.
I contemplate the jihvā (tongue), seat of eternal knowledge and truth. The kaṇṭha (neck), honored by Bharata, hums with cosmic order. Divine skandhas (shoulders) bear weapons of righteousness. The mighty bhujas (arms) shattered Shiva’s bow and lifted Sita’s destiny.
I behold the kara — the hands of Sītāpati, forged to wield the bow of righteousness and cradle compassion. The sanctum of the hṛdaya (heart) pulses with valor and devotion, triumphant over Paraśurāma’s pride. His sacred madhya (abdomen) blazed through Khara’s fury, a furnace of dharmic fire. At the nābhi (navel), the lotus blooms as refuge to Jāmbavān’s offering — the seat of ancient strength and surrender.
I behold the kaṭi — waist, the axis of Sugriva’s strength and loyalty. His saktinī — thighs, firm yet graceful, bear Hanuman’s unyielding devotion. The thunderous ūrū — legs, march the Raghu legacy into dharma’s battlefield. rākṣasa-kula-vināśa-kṛt, He is the annihilator of demon lineages with fiery resolve.
His jānus (knees) have built bridges between worlds — material and mythic. The nimble jaṅghās (shins) danced through Ravana’s downfall. His pādas (feet), soft yet invincible, crowned Vibhishana and planted righteousness upon Lanka’s soil.
And thus, “रामोऽखिलं वपुः पातु” — may the whole form of Rama embrace our dharana.
In this contemplative descent, Sri Rama's sacred body flows through the devotee like rain from heaven — from crown to sole, from consciousness to compassion. Thus, as the yogi contemplates each divine limb—be it of Sri Hari or Sri Rama—the boundary between self and the sacred dissolves. Dharana becomes darshana, and darshana becomes oneness.
एकैकशोऽङ्गानि धियानुभावयेत्-
पादादि यावद्धसितं गदाभृतः ।
जितं जितं स्थानमपोह्य धारयेत्
परं परं शुद्ध्यति धीर्यथा यथा ॥ १३॥
With a resolute and unwavering mind, one should begin meditation upon the Lord, starting from His lotus feet and gradually ascending to His gentle, smiling face. Through Dharana Yoga, the practice of focused concentration, the devotee should sequentially contemplate each divine part of the Lord’s transcendental body—the calves, knees, thighs, waist, stomach, chest, hands, shoulders, neck, face, and head—each of which is resplendent with spiritual beauty.
As the practitioner repeatedly anchors the mind upon these sacred limbs within the lotus of the heart, the memory becomes illumined, and the mind—once tainted by worldly impressions—is gradually purified. Negative thoughts are dispelled, replaced by sublime, divine contemplation.
In this state of steady Dharana, the spiritual intelligence (buddhi) becomes increasingly awakened. Constant consciousness of the Lord gives rise to deeper realization, unwavering devotion, and a life aligned with divine purpose.
Thus, Sri Shukacharya brings the seeker full circle—from beholding the Lord in the vast cosmos to recognizing Him in the silent lotus of the heart. The practice of Dharana becomes a sanctified journey—limb by limb, breath by breath—until the Lord's form is no longer remembered but realized. In this vision, the heart is no longer restless, the mind no longer scattered. The yogi sees not with eyes, but with love. And in that still and sacred seeing, the Lord—the holder of the conch, discus, mace, and lotus—smiles gently, not from afar, but from within.
Srimadacharya, who lived in the 13th century (c. 1238–1317), revitalized the timeless Sanātana Bhāgavata Dharma through his luminous teachings on tattva-jñāna and bhakti. Among his sacred compositions is the Sanskrit hymn “vande vandyam sadānandam,” which does more than extol the boundless virtues of Paramātma—it softly guides the seeker into Dharana, anchoring awareness in the divine form, ascending reverently from His lotus feet to His radiant facial expression.
For those wishing to immerse themselves in its melodious contemplation, the hymn is soulfully rendered by Shri Vidyabhushana, accompanied by the profound insights of Bannanje Govindacharya: 🎧 Dwadasha Stotra 02 Vande Vandyam – YouTube
May wish to check out the translation below:
vande vandyam sadānandam vāsudevam niranjanam |
indirāpati-mādyādi varadeśa-varapradam || 1 ||
I bow to the Most Adorable—Vāsudeva, the Eternal Blissful One, Immaculate and pure, untouched by blemish or illusion. He, the Lord of Indirā, revered by Brahmā and the wise, Bestower of boons upon those who themselves grant boons.
namāmi nikhilādheesha kirīṭāghr̥ṣṭa-pīṭhavat |
hr̥ttamaḥ śamanārkābhaṁ śrīpateḥ pādapaṅkajam || 2 ||
I bow to the lotus feet of Śrīpati, Lord of Lakṣmī, Resting upon a throne brightened by the crowns of all celestial rulers. Radiant like the morning sun, they dispel the darkness of the heart, illuminating the soul with the brilliance of divine grace.
jāmbūnadāmbarādhāraṁ nitaṁbaṁ cintyam īśituḥ |
svarṇamañjīrasaṁvītaṁ ārūḍhaṁ jagadambayā || 3 ||
Let the Lord’s golden-clad waist be held in sacred contemplation— Girdled with radiant ornaments, shimmering with celestial grace. There, upon His lap, rests Jagadambā, the Mother of the Universe, Her arms encircling Him in eternal embrace.
udaraṁ cintyaṁ īśasya tanutve’pi akhilāmbaram |
valitrayāṅkitaṁ nityaṁ ārūḍhaṁ śriyaikayā || 4 ||
Contemplate the Lord’s slender waist—subtle in form, yet vast enough to hold the cosmos. Marked by three sacred lines, it bears the imprint of eternity, Ever embraced by Śrī herself, the divine consort, In a union that sustains the universe with grace and balance.
smaraṇīyam uro viṣṇoḥ indirāvāsam uttamam |
anantaṁ antavad iva bhujayor antarāṅgatam || 5 ||
Let the chest of Lord Viṣṇu be held in sacred remembrance— The supreme abode of Indirā, radiant with divine grace. Though infinite in essence, it rests between His mighty arms, A boundless sanctuary embraced within cosmic form.
śaṅkha-cakra-gadā-padma-dharāś cintyā hareḥ bhujāḥ |
pīna-vṛttā jagad-rakṣā kevalodyogino 'niśam || 6 ||
Let the arms of Hari be held in sacred contemplation— Bearing the conch, discus, mace, and lotus divine. Rounded and strong, they move with a singular purpose: To guard the worlds, tirelessly, through all time.
saṁtataṁ cintayet kaṇṭhaṁ bhāsvat-kaustubha-bhāsakam |
vaikuṇṭhasyākhilā vedā udgīryante aniśaṁ yataḥ || 7 ||
Let the neck of Vaikuṇṭha’s Lord be held in ceaseless meditation— Adorned with the radiant Kaustubha gem, gleaming with divine brilliance. From this sacred throat, the eternal Vedas flow unceasingly, Resounding through time as the breath of cosmic truth.
smareta yāminīnātha sahasrāmita kāntimat |
bhavatāpāpanoḍīḍyaṁ śrīpateḥ mukhapaṅkajam || 8 ||
Let the lotus face of Śrīpati be held in sacred remembrance— His brilliance outshines a thousand full moons in splendor. It dispels the sorrows born of worldly bondage, And invites ceaseless praise as the gateway to divine joy.
pūrṇānanya-sukhodbhāsiṁ andasmita-madheśituḥ |
govindasya sadā cintyaṁ nityānanda-pada-pradam || 9 ||
Contemplate the gentle smile of Govinda, Lord of all, Radiating a joy beyond compare—full, pure, and eternal. It shines with bliss untouched by worldly longing, Bestowing the supreme gift of Moksha, the abode of endless peace.
smarāmi bhava-saṁtāpa-hāni-dāmṛta-sāgaram |
pūrṇānandasya rāmasya sānurāgāvalokanam || 10 ||
I dwell in remembrance of Rāma’s tender gaze— A nectarous ocean that washes away the burning sorrows of worldly life. He, the embodiment of perfect bliss, Looks upon creation with eyes steeped in boundless love.
dhyāyedajasram īśasya padmajādi-pratīkṣitam |
bhrūbhaṅgaṁ pārameṣṭhyādi-pada-dāyi vimuktidam || 11 ||
Let one ceaselessly contemplate the Lord’s serene brow— Long awaited by Brahmā and the gods, in hushed anticipation. A mere arch of its divine movement bestows exalted attainments, From the seat of cosmic creation to the bliss of ultimate release.
saṁtataṁ cintayet anantaṁ antakāle viśeṣataḥ |
naivo dāpuḥ gṛṇanto antaṁ yad-guṇānāṁ ajādayaḥ || 12 ||
Let one ceaselessly meditate upon the Infinite Lord— Especially at life’s final hour, when the soul prepares to depart. Even Brahmā and the greatest gods, though ever in praise, Have never reached the end of even one of His boundless virtues.
॥ Hari Om ॥
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