Shaantakaram – Meaning in Detail
Shaantakaram
‘Shantam’ means equanimity , unruffledness. The countenance of the Lord depicts inner calm, happiness, balance, inner grace and mercy, the consciousness of strength and sovereignty – the very picture of peaceful calm. (All the deities exhibit their Bhava on their face and in their stance.)
Bhujagashayanam
The lord is the very embodiment of peaceful calm, though reclining on a thousand hooded snake. The snake is the symbol of the objective world, with its poisonous fangs. Being in the world but not of it, not bound by it – that is the secret. Immanent in the universe, yet transcending it. The ocean on which He reclines is symbolic of the Bhavasagar. ( SSS V/p 224 )
Padmanabham
This refers to the lotus arising out of the navel of the Lord. Brahma is depicted as seated on the lotus. Brahma stands for creation. The lotus stalk represents the umbilical cord. Just as the child draws sustenance from the mother through the umbilical cord, the creation draws sustenance from the Lord, who is the Viswadharam or the basis of the universe.
Gaganasadrisham
The Lord is like the sky, sarva vyapi, pervades everything. He is at all times, everywhere, besides His children. He is in the most distant star as well as in the blade of grass. He is the core of everything, as butter in every drop of milk. A person who realises this becomes fearless. Therefore the Lord is called Bhavabhayaharam. Despair is sin against God. When He is in your heart, why do you lose hope? That is why The Lord says, “When I am here, Why do you fear?” Be always joyful, optimistic and courageous – Baba
Meghavarnam
The dark colour of the Lord is the colour of the deep sea and the vast sky. It signifies the fathomless, unfathomable. His secret is beyond us, (SSS IV/p.168). However long you try, whosoever seeks to know by whatever means, you cannot grasp the mystery of My Majesty. Only intense study with faith of the scriptures can help you catch a glimpse of my glory. ”Yogihridyanagamyam”
Shubaangam
His form is full of loveliness and charm which radiates auspiciousness everywhere. ( SSS V/p.329)
Lakshmikaantham
He is the source of wealth. He is the universal provider.
Lakshmi means
- The five elements that sustain life – Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space.
- The wealth of sound indriyas and good health
- The wealth of virtues.
- The Lord is the Master of the five elements. He is the source of all virtues. He is the provider of sound body, mind and buddhi.
Kamalanayanam
The Lord is like the lotus, unaffected by the environment where He is. That is the reason why His eyes and His feet are compared to the lotus. ( SSS V/p.73)
Sarvalokaikanatham
Sustainer of the universe.
Shaantakaram Bhujagasayanam
The Paramathma is present in the minutest particle; Being in everything; that remains unaffected.
Gaganasadhrisham
That universal consciousness (Vishnu) pervades everything in creation
Shubaangam
He is purer than the whitest snow.
Lakshmikantham Sarvalokaikanatham
That universal consciousness illuminates and sustains the three worlds.