Sri Vishnu
Vishnu, one among the Trinity of Gods, is in the form of
Ananthapadhmaanabha. He is the Protector of the Universe. He comes to
earth in different incarnations to protect the world.
SLOKA/PRAYER
Santhaakaaram Bhujaga Sayanam Padhmanaabham
Suresam Viswaakaaram Gagana Sadrusam Meghavarnam
Subhaangam Lakshmikaantham Kamalanayanam Yogi Hridh Gnaana Gamyam Vande
Vishnum Bhavabhayharam Sarva Lokaika Naatham. Santhaakaaram Bhujaga Sayanam
Padhmanaabham Suresam
MEANING
I bow to Vishnu, with the benign form, reclining on the serpent. The lotus
issues forth from the navel and He is the very universe. He is the supreme among
the Gods, the consort of Lakshmi, and He resplendent like the sky, and the color
of the clouds and with auspicious limbs. His eyes are beautiful like the lotus
and He is ever in the hearts of His evolved devotees. He is the one and only
Lord of all this universe and can save us from the cycle of repeated births and
deaths.
VISHNU as ANANTAPADMANABHA AT SSVT
The yoga nidhra form represents Ananthapadhmanabha of Thiruvananthapuram. The
shrine is built in the Vijayanagara style of architecture, of twelfth century.
The shrine with reclining Ananthapadhmanaabha symbolizes the picture of Pralaya
(Dissolution), when Lord Vishnu is lying still with eyes closed on the coils of
Anantha, the thousand-headed Lord of Serpents. On the eve of Creation, by His
will through Brahma arising from Vishnu's navel, the Creation is accomplished.
Lord Vishnu with Goddess Lakshmi, His holy consort, is the sole source of
Creation. Lord Vishnu seems to rest his right hand on the Sivalingam. Several of
His devotees and celestial beings are seen in the panel behind the idol and in
front of it, in postures of worship, meditation and reverence.
AUSPICIOUS DAYS AND FESTIVALSEkaadasi, the 11th day of the lunar
fortnight is auspicious to Vishnu. Vaikunta Ekaadasi, falling in December-
January, is celebrated as a special festival when the "gates of
Heaven" ceremoniously open for devotees to enter.
SPECIAL OFFERINGSSudarsana Homam, the celebration of the His Divine
Disc - Sudarsanam, and special flower alankaras are performed to
Ananthapadmanabha. Yogurt rice, coconut and jaggery mix are offered to Lord
Ananthapadhmanabha.
GAYATHRI
Naarayanaaya Vidhmahe Vaasudevaya Dheemahi Tanno Vishnu
Prachodhayaath.
MEANING
We worship Narayana. Salutations to the Great Lord Vasudeva. May that Vishnu
stimulate our creative faculties.
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