Meghashyamam Peeta Kausheya Vasam — Word-by-Word Meaning
मेघश्यामं पीतकौशेयवासम्
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
मेघश्यामं
Megha-Shyamam
Dark-hued like a rain cloud
पीतकौशेयवासं
Pita-Kausheya-Vasam
Clad in yellow silk garments (pitambara)
श्रीवत्साङ्कं
Shrivatsankam
Bearing the Shrivatsa mark on His chest
कौस्तुभोद्भासिताङ्गम्
Kaustubhodbhasitangam
Whose body shines radiant with the Kaustubha gem
पुण्योपेतं
Punyopetam
Endowed with (all) auspiciousness / sanctity; the embodiment of merit
पुण्डरीक
Pundarika
Lotus (white lotus)
आयताक्षं
Ayatakṣham
Having long, wide eyes — hence lotus-eyed (Pundarikaksha)
विष्णुं
Vishnum
Lord Vishnu (the all-pervading Lord, here manifest as Rama)
वन्दे
Vande
I bow to, I worship, I salute
सर्वलोकैकनाथम्
Sarva-Lokaika-Natham
The one and only Lord of all the worlds
Complete Translation
I bow to Lord Vishnu — the one and only Lord of all the worlds — who is dark-hued like a rain-laden cloud, clad in garments of yellow silk, bearing the Shrivatsa mark upon His chest, His body radiant with the glow of the Kaustubha gem, the embodiment of all that is holy and auspicious, with long lotus-petal eyes.
Origin & History
Source: Traditional dhyana (meditation) shloka of Vishnu / Sri Rama worship
Author: Traditional
Period: Classical
Dhyana shlokas like this one are recited at the threshold of worship to help the devotee form a vivid mental picture of the Lord before offering prayers. Describing Vishnu's cloud-dark form, yellow silk, Shrivatsa, Kaustubha and lotus eyes, this verse belongs to the rich tradition of meditative invocations sung before puja and japa of Vishnu and His avatara Sri Rama.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which deity does this dhyana shloka describe?▼
It describes Lord Vishnu in His classic form — cloud-dark, in yellow silk, bearing the Shrivatsa and Kaustubha — and is used equally in the worship of Sri Rama, who is Vishnu's avatar. It is a general dhyana of the Supreme Lord.
What are the Shrivatsa and Kaustubha mentioned in the verse?▼
The Shrivatsa is an auspicious curl of hair or mark on Vishnu's chest, and the Kaustubha is the brilliant gem He wears. Both are signature emblems of the Lord and are described here to aid meditation on His form.
Why is the Lord described as 'megha-shyama' (cloud-dark)?▼
The dark, rain-cloud complexion symbolises infinite depth, coolness and grace — like a rain cloud that brings relief and life. It is the traditional way of depicting Vishnu, Krishna and Rama.
When should this shloka be recited?▼
It is best recited as a dhyana verse at the very start of Vishnu or Rama puja or meditation, to bring the divine form vividly before the mind before beginning japa or further worship.
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