Sixteen Names of the Divine: Exploring the Many Facets of Lord Jagannath

The divine is often contemplated through various names and forms, each representing different aspects of its limitless nature. The Shodasha Nama Stotram, a hymn invoking sixteen names of Lord Vishnu/Jagannath, beautifully showcases this concept. It highlights different names for the Lord, each meant to be remembered during particular times or situations. Let’s explore these names and their profound significance.

The Wisdom of the Shodasha Nama Stotram

The stotram begins with a powerful declaration:

“Om aushadhe chintayet vishnum bhojane cha janardanam,
Shayane padmanabham cha vivahe cha prajapatim.“

This verse and those that follow, guide us to remember the Lord using specific names in specific conditions. Here’s a breakdown of each name and its associated context:

• Aushadhe (While Taking Medicine): Vishnu – When taking medicine, remember the Lord as Vishnu, the preserver of life and health.

• Bhojane (While Eating): Janardana – During meals, remember Janardana, the one who satisfies hunger and is the giver of nourishment.

• Shayane (While Sleeping): Padmanabha – Before sleep, remember Padmanabha, the one from whose navel sprang the lotus of creation, the essence of peace.

• Vivahe (During Marriage): Prajapati – At the time of marriage, invoke Prajapati, the lord of creation and procreation, asking for blessing on this new union.

• Yuddhe (During Battle): Chakradhara – When facing conflict or challenges, remember Chakradhara, the bearer of the discus, symbolizing righteousness and victory.

• Pravase (While Traveling): Trivikrama – During journeys, invoke Trivikrama, the Lord who took three steps to encompass the cosmos.

• Tanutyaage (While Departing from the Body): Narayana – While facing death, invoke Narayana, the ultimate refuge.

• Priya Sangame (During a Loving Reunion): Shreedhara – While uniting with those who are dear to us, call to mind Shreedhara, the embodiment of divine love and compassion.

• Duswapne (During Bad Dreams): Govinda – When experiencing nightmares, remember Govinda, the protector and dispeller of fears.

• Sankate (During Trouble): Madhusudana – In times of distress, invoke Madhusudana, the destroyer of evil forces.

• Kanane (In the Forest): Narasimha – In wilderness, remember Narasimha, the powerful half-lion form of Vishnu.

• Paavake (In Fire): Jalashayinam – When near fire, remember Jalashayinam, who rests in the cosmic waters, symbolizing calm and peace.

• Jalamadhye (In the Water): Varaha – When in water, remember Varaha, the boar incarnation of Vishnu who rescued the earth.

• Parbate (On a Mountain): Raghunandana – When on a mountain, remember Raghunandana, an invocation of Rama.

• Gamane (While Travelling): Vamana – During travels, remember Vamana, who measures the universe with three steps.

• Sarvakaryeshu (In All Actions): Madhava – For every action, call on Madhava, a name signifying the essence of Lord Vishnu.

The Promise of Liberation

The hymn concludes by emphasizing the merit of reciting these sixteen names every day. It states, that:

“Shodashaitani namani prataruthaaya yah pathet
Sarvapapavinirmukto Vishnuloke maheeyate”

This translates to:

“He who recites these sixteen names every morning, is freed from all sins and is glorified in the abode of Vishnu.”

A Pathway to Divine Connection

These sixteen names serve as a reminder of the all-encompassing nature of the divine and offer a structured way to engage with the Lord at all times, whether in joy, sorrow, health, sickness, danger, or peace. By remembering these names, devotees can cultivate a deeper connection with the Supreme Being.

Bringing the Divine into Your Daily Life

If you are inspired by the wisdom of the Shodasha Nama Stotram, explore the handcrafted items at justkalinga.com. With worldwide shipping available, you can bring a touch of this divine practice into your own daily life.
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Jai jagannath 😊🙏