Re: nArAyaNa in the veda-s
This is a repost of an earlier pramANa with some additional context (Rg veda 1.22.16-20):
ato devā avantu no yato viṣṇurvicakrame |
pṛthivyāḥ saptadhāmabhiḥ ||
idaṃ viṣṇurvi cakrame tredhā ni dadhe padam |
samūḷhamasya pāṃsure ||
trīṇi padā vi cakrame viṣṇurghopā adābhyaḥ |
ato dharmāṇi dhārayan ||
viṣṇoḥ karmāṇi paśyata yato vratāni paspaśe |
indrasya yujyaḥ sakhā ||
tad viṣṇoḥ paramaṃ padaṃ sadā paśyanti sūrayaḥ |
divīva cakṣurātatam ||
tad viprāso vipanyavo jāghṛvāṃsaḥ samindhate |
viṣṇoryat paramaṃ padam ||
16 The Gods be gracious unto us even from the place whence Viṣṇu strode
Through the seven regions of the earth!
17 Through all this world strode Viṣṇu; thrice his foot he planted, and the whole
Was gathered in his footstep's dust.
18 Viṣṇu, the Guardian, he whom none deceiveth, made three steps; thenceforth
Establishing his high decrees.
19 Look ye on Viṣṇu's works, whereby the Friend of Indra, close-allied,
Hath let his holy ways be seen.
20 The princes evermore behold that loftiest place where Viṣṇu is,
Laid as it were an eye in heaven.
21 This, Viṣṇu's station most sublime, the singers, ever vigilant,
Lovers of holy song, light up.
Some notes on the above mantras:
1) They acknowledge the existence of other gods distinct from Vishnu. In other words, "all gods are the same" is contradicted here.
2) Once again, as in many other places in the Rg veda, reference is made to Vishnu's three strides (covering heaven, earth, and everyone) which is a metaphor for His omnipresence.
3) Griffith somewhat akwardly translates "suri" as "prince." Vaishnavas, especially Sri Vaishnavas usually understand this to refer to the "nitya-suris" or in other words, those liberated souls in Vaikuntha who behold Him in person.
4) RV 1.22.20 clearly mentions the "paramam padam" or "supreme abode" of Vishnu - this is a very clear reference to His supremacy, contradicting the European view that Vishnu is merely a minor solar deity.
5) The last two mantras are often heard chanted at pujas to Vishnu during mangala-Arati. They are very beautiful when chanted properly and of very potent philosophical significance.
Philosoraptor
"Wise men speak because they have something to say. Fools speak because they have to say something." - Plato
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