Shlok for Peace and Protection

Śāntākāraṁ Bhujagaśayanaṁ Padmanābhaṁ Sureśam
Viśvādhāraṁ Gaganasadṛśaṁ Meghavarṇa Śubhāṅgam
Lakṣmīkāntaṁ Kamalanayanaṁ Yogibhir Dhyānagamyam
Vande Viṣṇuṁ Bhavabhayaharaṁ Sarvalokaikanātham

I bow to Lord Vishnu, who is peaceful in form, who rests on the serpent Adi Shesha, whose navel is the source of the lotus (from which Lord Brahma emerged), who is the supreme lord of all gods, the support of the universe, boundless and like the sky in form. His complexion is dark like a rain-laden cloud, and His body is auspicious. He is the beloved of Goddess Lakshmi, with eyes like lotus petals, attainable through meditation by the sages. He is the remover of the fear of worldly existence and the one supreme master of all realms.

🕉️ Let us understand the meaning of the shlok

• Śāntākāraṁ: Describes Lord Vishnu as the embodiment of peace. His presence is calming and brings tranquility to those who meditate on Him.

• Bhujagaśayanaṁ: Refers to Lord Vishnu reclining on the serpent Adi Shesha, symbolizing His mastery over the cosmic forces and the eternal time cycle.

• Padmanābhaṁ: Indicates that a lotus, the source of creation, sprouts from His navel, from which Lord Brahma emerged. It signifies the origin of the universe from Vishnu.

• Sureśam: Means "Lord of the gods," denoting Vishnu's position as the preserver and protector within the cosmic order.

• Viśvādhāraṁ: The one who supports and sustains the entire universe.

• Gaganasadṛśaṁ: His form is as vast and expansive as the sky, suggesting His omnipresence.

• Meghavarṇa: His complexion is like that of a rain-filled cloud, dark and beautiful, symbolizing fertility and life-giving qualities.

• Śubhāṅgam: Describes His body as auspicious and divine, full of spiritual energy.

• Lakṣmīkāntaṁ: The beloved consort of Goddess Lakshmi, who brings prosperity and well-being to all.

• Kamalanayanaṁ: Refers to His eyes, which are as gentle and beautiful as lotus petals, exuding compassion and grace.

• Yogibhir Dhyānagamyam: Attainable only through deep meditation by sages and spiritual seekers, highlighting that Lord Vishnu’s essence is best realized through inner spiritual practice.

• Vande Viṣṇuṁ: "I bow to Lord Vishnu," expressing devotion and reverence.

• Bhavabhayaharaṁ: The remover of the fear of samsara, the cycle of birth and death, granting liberation to His devotees.

• Sarvalokaikanātham: The supreme lord of all worlds, protector and guide of all beings.

This shlok praises Lord Vishnu, the divine preserver and protector of the universe, who brings peace and dispels fears associated with worldly existence. It encapsulates the beauty, power, and compassion of Lord Vishnu, emphasizing His role as the universal protector and guide.

⌚ When to chant this shlok?

• Chant this shlok during your daily prayers, especially in the morning, to invoke Lord Vishnu's blessings for peace, prosperity, and protection.

• It is also beneficial to recite when feeling overwhelmed or fearful, as Lord Vishnu is the remover of existential fears and the grantor of inner calm.

• Chant before beginning important work or during festivals dedicated to Lord Vishnu, such as Vaikunta Ekadashi or during Vishnu Sahasranama recitations.

🧩 Three easy ways to integrate this shlok in your daily lives

Morning Routine: Recite this shlok as part of your morning prayers. Visualize Lord Vishnu’s peaceful form and feel His divine presence bringing calm to your mind and heart.

Meditation Practice: Focus on each attribute of Lord Vishnu, imagining His expansive, sky-like form filling your consciousness.

Evening Reflection: Reflect on the meaning of the shlok before bedtime. Offer gratitude for the day and ask for Lord Vishnu’s protection and guidance through the night.

🙏 Benefits of daily chanting

• Inner Peace: Fosters a sense of calm and balance, helping you face challenges with a steady mind.

• Divine Protection: Shields from negative influences and fears, bringing a sense of security and divine grace.

• Spiritual Connection: Deepens the connection to the divine and enhances spiritual understanding and awareness.

• Liberation from Fear: Helps in overcoming anxieties related to the material world and instills confidence in the divine plan.

💡 Good to know…

Lord Vishnu, in His reclining form on the cosmic serpent Adi Shesha, is known as Ananta Shayana. This depiction symbolizes the idea of infinite time and the eternal cycle of creation and dissolution. The lotus from His navel, bearing Brahma, emphasizes the concept of creation emerging from the cosmic waters of consciousness.

💭 Take a moment to reflect…

How can you cultivate the qualities of peace and balance in your life, emulating Lord Vishnu’s calm and protective nature?

Hari om!

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