Sashankha Chakram Sakirita Kundalam (Vishnu Dhyana) — Word-by-Word Meaning
सशङ्खचक्रं सकिरीटकुण्डलम् (विष्णु ध्यानम्)
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
सशङ्खचक्रं
Sa-Shankha-Chakram
With the conch (shankha) and discus (chakra)
सकिरीटकुण्डलं
Sa-Kirita-Kundalam
With the crown (kirita) and ear-ornaments (kundalas)
सपीतवस्त्रं
Sa-Pita-Vastram
Clad in yellow garments (pitambara)
सरसीरुह
Sarasiruha
Lotus (that which grows in water)
ईक्षणम्
Ikṣhanam
Eyes — hence having lotus-like eyes
सहार
Sa-Hara
With a garland / necklace (of pearls or flowers)
वक्षःस्थल
Vakṣhah-Sthala
The region of the chest / bosom
शोभि
Shobhi
Shining, beautifying, lending splendour
कौस्तुभं
Kaustubham
The Kaustubha gem (worn on Vishnu's chest)
नमामि
Namami
I bow to, I salute
विष्णुं
Vishnum
Lord Vishnu
शिरसा
Shirasa
With (my) head — i.e. bowing the head reverently
चतुर्भुजम्
Chatur-Bhujam
The four-armed one
Complete Translation
I bow my head to the four-armed Lord Vishnu — who bears the conch and the discus, who wears a crown and ear-ornaments, who is clad in yellow silk, whose eyes are like lotuses, and on whose chest shines a garland together with the radiant Kaustubha gem.
Origin & History
Source: Traditional Vishnu dhyana shloka recited before Vishnu worship and the Vishnu Sahasranama
Author: Traditional
Period: Classical
This verse belongs to the body of dhyana shlokas used to invoke Lord Vishnu before worship and the recitation of His hymns. By naming the Lord's emblems and adornments in a single, easily remembered verse, it allows the devotee to form a complete mental image of four-armed Vishnu and bow to Him before commencing japa or the chanting of His names.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this dhyana shloka describe?▼
It describes Lord Vishnu in His classic four-armed form, listing His emblems and adornments — conch, discus, crown, earrings, yellow silk, lotus eyes and the Kaustubha gem on His garlanded chest — and offers a reverent bow of the head to Him.
When should 'Sashankha Chakram' be recited?▼
It is commonly recited as a brief opening invocation (dhyana) before Vishnu worship, japa, or the recitation of Vishnu hymns such as the Vishnu Sahasranama. It also serves well as a short daily salutation to the Lord.
Why is Vishnu shown with four arms?▼
The four arms signify the Lord's all-pervading power and His holding of the conch, discus, mace and lotus — emblems of sound, time/protection, strength and grace. The four-armed form is the traditional iconography of Vishnu.
What is the Kaustubha gem mentioned in the verse?▼
The Kaustubha is the brilliant jewel that adorns Vishnu's chest, said to have emerged from the churning of the Milk Ocean. Together with the garland it lends splendour to the Lord's bosom and is described here to aid meditation.
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