Srimad Bhagavata Skanda 2 – The Hymn of Virat Purusha (Part 3 of 3)
"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.
As Sri Shukacharya's sacred narration continued, the vision of the Virat Purusha deepened. What began as a meditation on the Lord’s universal form had already carried King Parikshit through the vast expanse of creation—from the netherworlds at His feet to the celestial skies woven from His hair. In every element, deity, and motion, the Lord was revealed. Yet the Stotra was not merely a map of the universe—it was a doorway to realization.
Thus, the Dhāraṇā of the Virāt Puruṣa had begun.
Now, in this final movement of the hymn, the vision reaches its peak—where the Supreme reveals Himself not only in form but as consciousness itself. The seeker is invited to perceive not just the Lord in all things—but all things as the Lord.
विज्ञानशक्तिं महिमामनन्ति
सर्वात्मनोऽन्तःकरणं गिरित्रम् ।
अश्वाश्वतर्युष्ट्रगजा नखानि
सर्वे मृगाः पशवः श्रोणिदेशे ॥ ३५॥
"From the Chitta—the deep consciousness of the Supreme Virat Purusha—emerged the Maha Tattva, the great principle of intelligence and discernment. This is the very essence of judgment, the power to distinguish between truth, that is eternal and illusion of death, between Dharma and Adharma. Like a clear mirror, it reflects the pure consciousness of the Lord, illuminating the path for those who seek wisdom and liberation.
From His Ahamkara, the cosmic ego that holds the sense of individual existence, manifested Rudra, the mighty destroyer, the force that dissolves creation back into its source. It is from this divine ego that the power of transformation arises, ensuring that all things born in time shall one day return to the infinite.
From the very nails of the Supreme Being sprang forth the swift and mighty creatures of the earth—horses, mules, camels, and elephants, each bearing strength and endurance, serving both gods and men in their journey across the world.
And from the hips of the Virat Purusha, the vast wilderness took life, giving birth to the wild beasts of the forests—the prowling lions, the silent deer, the cunning foxes, and the fierce tigers. In them, the primal essence of nature is preserved, untamed and free, existing beyond the reach of civilization, yet vital to the great balance of creation."
वयांसि तद्व्याकरणं विचित्रं
मनुर्मनीषा मनुजो निवासः ।
गन्धर्वविद्याधरचारणाप्सरः
स्वरस्मृतीरसुरानीकवीर्यः ॥ ३६॥
"Behold the infinite artistry of the Supreme Being, whose creation is a masterpiece of divine expression. The varieties of birds, with their radiant plumes and melodious songs, are but a reflection of His masterful artistic sense. From the soaring eagle to the gentle dove, from the wise owl to the playful parrot, each winged creature is a brushstroke in His cosmic painting, a testament to His boundless creativity.
The great Svayambhu Manu, the progenitor of mankind and guardian of Dharma, is the very emblem of the Lord’s intelligence. Through Manu, the wisdom of the Supreme flows into the world, guiding human civilization along the path of righteousness and duty.
And, O King, know this—in the children of Manu, in all living beings that walk the earth, the Supreme Lord Himself takes residence. In their breath, He is present; in their hearts, He dwells; in their consciousness, He shines as the hidden light of existence.
From His divine musical rhythm, the celestial beings—the Gandharvas, masters of song, the Vidyadharas, keepers of sacred knowledge, the Charanas, divine wanderers of the heavens, and their graceful consorts, the Apsaras—came into being. Their ethereal dances and enchanting melodies echo the very harmony of the cosmos, weaving beauty into the fabric of creation.
Yet, O noble King, as there is music, so too is there war. The demoniac soldiers, those fearsome warriors of chaos, are none other than the manifestation of the Lord’s heroic power. In them, His strength and valor are revealed, for even destruction and conflict serve their role in the grand play of existence. It is through the battle between light and darkness, between Dharma and Adharma, that the wheel of creation turns, and the divine purpose unfolds."
ब्रह्माऽऽननं क्षत्रभुजो महात्मा
विडूरुरङ्घ्रिश्रितकृष्णवर्णः ।
स्वाहास्वधावीर्यगणोपपन्नो
हव्यात्मक: कर्म वितानयोगः ॥ ३७॥
"O Parakshit!"
"From the face of the Virat Purusha, the Brahmana Varna emerged—those who seek wisdom, uphold knowledge, and illuminate the world with sacred truth. The voice that chants the Vedas, the intellect that discerns Dharma, and the mind that meditates upon the Supreme—all these are but reflections of His divine speech.
From His mighty shoulders arose the Kshatriyas — protectors of the land, wielders of strength, administrators, and upholders of justice. Like the Lord’s own arms stretched forth to preserve dharma, they stand as steadfast shields against chaos, ensuring balance and order in the world.
From the thighs of the Virat Purusha manifested the Vaishyas, those who sustain society through trade, agriculture, and prosperity. Just as the thighs provide stability to the body, so too do they uphold the material well-being of creation, ensuring abundance and sustenance for all.
And from His feet, upon which the entire universe rests, came the Shudras, those who serve, support, and ensure the smooth functioning of the world. As the foundation of existence, they embody humility, diligence, and devotion in their work, maintaining the harmony of life.
O King, the people of the four varnas, each fulfilling their divine purpose, perform their duties as Yajña—the sacred act of offering—dedicated with devotion to Ganesha, Indra, Varuna, Kubera, and other celestial deities. Yet know this truth: within all these gods dwells the same Lord—none other than the Virāt Puruṣa Himself—who receives every offering in manifold forms, as the indwelling witness of all sacrifice.
And not only is He the receiver of the Yajña, but He is also the silent indweller—the Paramātma—who abides within each being, offering the light of discernment and the strength to act. Though it is He who inspires the Yajña, it is through the willing hearts of men that the sacred act unfolds. He receives its essence, bestows its rewards, and indeed, is the very fruit of the Yajña itself—yet never does He compel, for the offering must rise from freedom, not force.
Thus, O Parīkṣit, all sacrifice, all duty, all worship, and every reward—indeed, all that moves and breathes in this universe—is but an expression of the One Supreme Being, the Virāt Puruṣa. He who pervades all, transcends all, and yet remains ever present—silent and radiant—in the heart of existence.
This is consistent with Bhagvat Gita, chapter 4, verse 18:
कर्मण्यकर्म यः पश्येदकर्मणि च कर्म यः।
स बुद्धिमान्मनुष्येषु स युक्तः कृत्स्नकर्मकृत्॥ BG-4-18 ॥
Though action is attributed to the jīva, it is only as a dependent agent—not as an independent doer. In contrast, inaction is attributed to Viṣṇu, who, though appearing inactive, is in truth the supreme and independent doer of all actions by His sovereign will. The jīva, acting with a semblance of free will, does so only under the support and governance of the Lord. Thus, what appears as the jīva’s action is ultimately enabled, directed, and sustained by Viṣṇu. The truly wise person is one who perceives this truth—that in all actions, the Lord is the primary doer, while the jīva’s will is limited and subordinate.
इयानसावीश्वरविग्रहस्ययः सन्निवेशः कथितो मया ते ।
सन्धार्यतेऽस्मिन् वपुषि स्थविष्ठे
मनः स्वबुद्ध्या न यतोऽस्ति किञ्चित् ॥ ३८॥
"O Parīkṣit, this entire cosmos is the grand physical form of the Lord, just as we behold His image in a temple. By contemplating the individual parts of His divine body, one should reflect upon His virtues — His affection, compassion, patience, tolerance to the wrongdoing, protection, wisdom, strength, justice - the protector of good and destroyer of evil, boundless presence and many more.
In recognizing the extraordinary skill, artistry, and power required to manifest this vast and intricate creation, one should meditate upon His wondrous līlās — the divine plays through which He reveals Himself to the world.
By doing so constantly, one gradually offers the entire space of the mind to the Lord’s presence, realizing that all forms, all actions, and all that exists are but expressions of His divine līlā. In truth, there is nothing apart from Him — all is He, and all is His play.”
“That very Lord, Hṛṣīkeśa, through the minds and senses of all beings, experiences the objects of the world. As Paramātmā, He is the indwelling witness in all — the One without a second. Even in dreams, it is He who perceives, for He alone creates the dream world, just as He has created the waking world, complete with living beings and inert matter.
In truth, He is Satyasvarūpa — the embodiment of eternal truth and bliss. Therefore, one should worship Him alone.
The objects, subjects, and entanglements of the material world are by nature binding and lead the soul toward lower realms. Thus, one should neither indulge in worldly pleasures nor become entangled in material concerns.
Only through unwavering Bhakti to the Lord does one attain true well-being, prosperity, and elevation to the higher realms of existence,” said Śrī Śukācārya.
Parakshit had asked Sri Shukacharya, “For Dharana—the divine concentration that purifies and steadies the mind—what shall be the form one should hold in focus?”
To this, the sage responded with profound compassion and clarity: Dharana upon the cosmic form of the Lord—the Virāt Puruṣa, the Universe as the living body of the Divine. This was not a mere meditation on form, but an invitation to sacred perception, a portal through which the seeker may behold the Lord immanent in creation and transcendent beyond it.
Thus, the Hymn of the Virāt Puruṣa reaches its sacred crescendo—not in words alone, but in awakening. Parakshit now felt the Supreme moving within him—the breath of God, Prāṇa, flowing through his lungs; the light of the Sun illuminating both outward vision and the soul's inner flame, the Jīvātma; the primordial sound of Rāma reverberating in his ears; the fragrance of Chandan dancing through his nostrils. Divine rivers—Gaṅgā, Yamunā, Godāvarī, Sarasvatī, Narmadā, Sindhu, and Kāverī—flowed through his arteries, as sacred bloodlines of grace.
Śiva stirred thought within his mind, while Pārvatī sculpted his words in rhythm with cosmic truth. His discernment shimmered—kindled by Prāṇa and guided by Goddess Bhāratī, awakening the sacred rasa of Bhakti. Dharana blossomed into communion. The boundaries of self dissolved; the seeker merged with the living presence. Illusion loosened its grip. In that stillness, Parakshit rested—not in death, but in timeless awareness. The Virāt Puruṣa did not vanish—He unfolded without end. And the one who beheld Him was never apart.
"With this, we conclude The Framework Structure of Creation by Maha Purusha, the first Adhyaya of Srimad Bhagavatam Skanda 2.
This has been possible only by the grace of Guru Sri Raghavendra and his esteemed philosophical associates, including Sri Saunaka and his fellow Rishis, Sri Sutacharya, Sri Shukacharya, God Vayu, and Sri Hari, whose divine wisdom (Jnana Prasada) has guided us.
Śrī Vādirāja Tīrtharu (1480–1600), revered saint and composer, authored the Virāṭa Puruṣa Dhyāna in colloquial Kannada. Believed to be the future incarnation of Vāyu in the coming Kalpa, he infused the hymn with profound spiritual vision and set it to rāga, tāla, and bhāva for devotional recitation. In the Phala Śruti (verse of benefits), he declares it can dispel misfortune, remove dishonor, and grant closeness to the Lord, culminating in mukti (liberation). Today, this sacred stotra remains a cherished part of daily worship.
May wish to check-out here: Virata Murthy Dhyana - Sri Vadirajaru
Comments
Post a Comment