क्षीरोदन्वत्प्रदेशे (विष्णु ध्यानम्) — Word-by-Word Meaning
क्षीरोदन्वत्प्रदेशे (विष्णु ध्यानम्)
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
क्षीरोदन्वत्प्रदेशे
KShirodanvat-Pradeshe
In the region of the Ocean of Milk (Kshira-sagara)
शुचिमणिविलसत्सैकते
Shuchi-Mani-Vilasat-Saikate
On its shore gleaming with pure, radiant gems
मौक्तिकानां माला
Mauktikanam Mala
A string / garland of pearls
क्लृप्तासनस्थः
Klripta-Asanasthah
Seated upon a seat fashioned (of those pearls)
स्फटिकमणिनिभैः
Sphatika-Mani-Nibhaih
Resembling crystal gems (clear and sparkling)
मौक्तिकैर्मण्डिताङ्गः
Mauktikair-Manditangah
Whose body is adorned with pearls
शुभ्रैः अभ्रैः अदभ्रैः
Shubhrair-Abhrair-Adabhraih
By bright, abundant (countless) clouds
उपरि विरचितैः
Upari Virachitaih
Arrayed / arranged above (overhead)
मुक्तपीयूषवर्षैः
Mukta-Piyusha-Varshaih
Showering down streams of released nectar (ambrosia)
आनन्दी
Anandi
The blissful one, ever joyful
नः पुनीयात्
Nah Puniyat
May He purify us
अरिनलिनगदाशङ्खपाणिः
Ari-Nalina-Gada-Shankha-Panih
Holding in His hands the discus (ari/chakra), lotus (nalina), mace (gada) and conch (shankha)
मुकुन्दः
Mukundah
Mukunda — Lord Vishnu, the giver of liberation
Complete Translation
क्षीर-सागर के प्रदेश में, पवित्र देदीप्यमान मणियों से जगमगाते तट पर, मोतियों की माला से बने आसन पर विराजमान, जिनका शरीर स्फटिक मणि के समान चमकते मोतियों से अलंकृत है; जिनके ऊपर श्वेत एवं असंख्य मेघ छाये हुए हैं और जो मुक्त अमृत की वर्षा कर रहे हैं — वे आनन्दस्वरूप मुकुन्द, जो अपने हाथों में चक्र, कमल, गदा और शंख धारण करते हैं, हमें पवित्र करें।
Origin & History
Source: Traditional Vishnu dhyana shloka recited before the Vishnu Sahasranama and Vishnu worship
Author: Traditional
Period: Classical
This verse belongs to the set of dhyana shlokas chanted as a preface to the worship and recitation of Vishnu's hymns, notably the Vishnu Sahasranama. It evokes the image of the Lord reposing upon the Ocean of Milk, the cosmic abode from which He sustains creation, and is treasured for its serene, nectar-filled imagery that prepares the mind for meditation on Mukunda.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which form of Vishnu does this verse describe?▼
It describes Lord Vishnu as Mukunda, seated in serene glory upon the shore of the Kshira-sagara (Ocean of Milk), adorned with pearls and bearing His four emblems — discus, lotus, mace and conch. It is a classic dhyana of the Lord.
When is 'Kshirodanvat Pradeshe' recited?▼
It is commonly recited as an opening dhyana (meditative invocation) before Vishnu worship and the recitation of Vishnu hymns, including the Vishnu Sahasranama, to fix the mind on the Lord's tranquil form.
What do the four objects in His hands signify?▼
The discus (chakra), lotus (padma), mace (gada) and conch (shankha) are Vishnu's emblems, representing His power, grace, strength and the primordial sound. Meditating on them deepens devotion to the all-protecting Lord.
Why does the verse mention nectar-raining clouds?▼
The bright clouds showering nectar evoke the cool, blissful, life-giving atmosphere around the Lord on the Milk Ocean. The imagery cultivates a sense of peace and the descent of grace upon the worshipper.
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