VISNU SAHASRA-NAMA-II

Visnu's flag bears the Garuda emblem (garuda-dhvajah, 354). Visnu wears the garland named vaijayanti, standing for the subtle elements (vanamali, 561, sragvi, 216). On his chest, He has the mark srivatsa (sri-vatsavaksah, 601). The various features of Visnu's form, the weapons and other appurtenances he bears, are all symbolic of the nature of Godhead and its cosmic functions. Bhaga means beatitude: splendor, goodness, fame, auspiciousness, dispassion, freedom -these six are the beatitudes. In Godhead, these are to be found in their plentitude.

aisvarya samagrasya

dharmasya yasasah sriyah,

vairagyasya ca moksasya

sannam bhaga itirana. 13

He who has bhaga is Bhagavan (558). He knows the origin of things and their dissolution; He knows the coming of beings and their going too; He knows knowledge and nescience as well.

Utpattim Pralayam caiva

bhutanam agatim gatim,

Vetti Vidyam avidyam ca

sa vacyo bhagavan iti.14

13. Visnu-Purana, VI, V, 74. 

14. ibid., VI, v, 78.

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