Vyasa Vandana (Vyasaya Vishnu Rupaya) — Word-by-Word Meaning

व्यास वन्दना (व्यासाय विष्णुरूपाय)

Every Sanskrit word explained in English

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Word-by-Word Breakdown

व्यासाय

Vyasaya

To Vyasa (the great sage and compiler of the Vedas)

विष्णुरूपाय

Vishnu-rupaya

Who is the very form of Vishnu

व्यासरूपाय विष्णवे

Vyasa-rupaya Vishnave

And to Vishnu, who has taken the form of Vyasa

नमो वै

Namo Vai

Salutations indeed

ब्रह्मनिधये

Brahma-nidhaye

To the treasure-house of Brahman / of the Vedas

वासिष्ठाय

Vasishthaya

To the descendant of Vasishtha (Vyasa's lineage through Parashara)

नमो नमः

Namo Namah

Salutations again and again

अचतुर्वदनः ब्रह्मा

Achatur-vadanah Brahma

Brahma without his four faces (Vyasa is Brahma in human form)

द्विबाहुः अपरः हरिः

Dvi-bahuh Aparah Harih

Another Hari (Vishnu), but with only two arms

अफाललोचनः शम्भुः

Aphala-lochanah Shambhuh

Shambhu (Shiva) without the eye on his forehead

भगवान् बादरायणः

Bhagavan Badarayanah

The Lord Badarayana (Vyasa, named for his hermitage among the badari trees)

Complete Translation

Salutations to Vyasa, who is the very form of Vishnu, and to Vishnu, who took the form of Vyasa; salutations indeed to the treasure-house of the Vedas, to the noble son of the Vasishtha line — salutations again and again. He is Brahma without the four faces, another Vishnu but with only two arms, Shiva without the third eye on his brow — such is the Lord Badarayana (Vyasa).

Origin & History

Source: Traditional Vyasa salutation verses (recited in Guru Purnima / Vyasa Purnima worship and before scriptural study)

Author: Traditional

Period: Classical / Puranic

Guru Purnima, the full-moon day of Ashadha, is observed as Vyasa Purnima in honour of Sri Veda Vyasa, regarded as the foremost guru in Hindu tradition. Born to the sage Parashara and Satyavati, Vyasa divided the single Veda into four, composed the Puranas and the vast Mahabharata, and is counted among the chiranjivis (immortals). These vandana verses, recited at the start of Guru Purnima worship and before reading any scripture, salute him as the very embodiment of the Trimurti and the wellspring of all knowledge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Vyasa and why is he worshipped on Guru Purnima?▼

Veda Vyasa (Krishna Dvaipayana, also called Badarayana) is the sage who divided and compiled the Vedas, composed the eighteen Puranas and the Mahabharata (which contains the Bhagavad Gita). Guru Purnima is celebrated as Vyasa Purnima, his birth anniversary, honouring him as the Adi Guru — the first teacher of all sacred knowledge.

What does 'Vyasaya Vishnu Rupaya' mean?▼

It means 'Salutations to Vyasa who is the form of Vishnu, and to Vishnu who took the form of Vyasa.' The verse declares Vyasa to be a divine incarnation — Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva combined, only without their four faces, four arms and third eye respectively.

When is this Vyasa Vandana recited?▼

Primarily on Guru Purnima (Ashadha Purnima). It is also chanted before beginning the recitation or study of any scripture, since Vyasa is honoured as the author and the original guru of all learning.

Why is Vyasa called Badarayana?▼

He is called Badarayana because, by tradition, he lived and meditated among the badari (jujube) trees. He is also known as Krishna Dvaipayana, having been born on an island (dvipa) and being dark (krishna) in complexion.

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