Sri Hari Tattwa Jnana - Narayana
Meaning of Narayana
The word Narayana has many sacred meanings.
- “Naara” means He who is praised in the Vedas.
- “Naara” also refers to Vayu Devaru, the greatest among souls, who constantly worships Narayana.
- “Ara” means defect. “Na + ara” means one who is free from all defects.
- Narayana is full of infinite auspicious qualities.
Lakshmi-Narayana and Creation
The original divine form is Lakshmi-Narayana. From Him emerge the four important forms:
- Aniruddha
- Pradyumna
- Sankarshana
- Vasudeva
Mahalakshmi appears as Sri Devi, Bhoo Devi, and Durga Devi.
All beings function because Narayana exists within them as Antaryami — the indwelling Lord.
Narayana’s Avatars
Narayana takes many avatars for the welfare of the world. He appears by His divine will to protect Dharma and bless devotees.
- Sri Vedavyasa – Supreme Guru
- Sri Rama – Ideal example of righteous living
- Sri Krishna – Protector of Dharma
- Sri Narasimha – Protector of devotees
Dasavatara
- Matsya
- Kurma
- Varaha
- Narasimha
- Vamana
- Parashurama
- Rama
- Krishna
- Buddha
- Kalki
Narayana has countless avatars beyond these ten. Every avatar is complete and perfect.
Worship of Narayana
Narayana is worshipped through the grace of:
- Mahalakshmi
- Brahma
- Vayu (Mukhya Prana)
In Madhwa tradition, offerings are made with the understanding that Narayana accepts them through Lakshmi and Brahma-Vayu.
Narayana’s Infinite Forms
Narayana has infinite forms across space, time, and qualities.
- He exists in every year, month, and day.
- He exists in every Nakshatra and Yoga.
- He guides every soul according to karma.
- He resides in every being as Antaryami.
Main Teachings (Taatparya)
- Narayana is Supreme (Sarvottama)
- Narayana is complete and perfect (Paripoorna)
- Narayana resides in all beings as Antaryami
- Narayana is understood through Vedas and Guru’s teachings
- Narayana alone is fully independent
- All others depend on Him
- Narayana is the cause of creation, protection, and destruction
- Narayana is infinite and free from all defects