LalithA SahasranAma [298] NarAyani

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NarAyani :

 

NarAyana, Visnu or Siva. The explanation of the word nArAyana is

given in Manu Smr [i.10]:"The water is called nAra, because it

emanated from Nara [brahman], that is his first abode [ayana], hence

he is named NarAyana." The Br. Vaivarta Pr also says "Because his

abode is among men, hence he is called NarAyana." The De BhAg.

Pr., "because nara means leading, hence, the supreme self is called

nara."

 

The BhArata, "The wise man knows that the tattvas emanated from nara

[brahman] and form his abode, hence he is called NarAyana." Here

NarAyana is Paramasiva, because concerning the fourth state, the

Kasikhanda says, "He is the husband of Laksmi and also of Parvati."

Or this saying "the husband of Laksmi" may indicate non-separation

between Laksmi and Devi. Or, the sister of Visnu is called NarAyani.

For there is a saying, "Adoration to Siva, the husband of NarAyani."

Or , because there is no difference between Gauri and NarAyana. In

the Kurma Pr, Siva says, "I, the surpreme Lord, have divided myself

into two forms, one is NarAyana, the other is Gauri, the mother of

the universe. So my supreme nature is known to neither the Devas,

nor to the Rsis, because I am one. I am Devi and Visnu." The Devi Pr

says, "Because she has her abode in the water, not in air, or she

has her seat in the ocean,hence she is called NarAyani, the creater

of nara [men] and women."

 

According to the Padma Pr NarAyani is the name of the goddess

worshipped in the sacred place of SupArsva.

 

 

BhAskararAya's Commentary

Translated into English by R. Ananthakrishna Sastry.