245 नारायणः nārāyaṇaḥ He who resides on the waters

245 नारायणः nārāyaṇaḥ He who resides on the waters

The term "नारायणः" (nārāyaṇaḥ) has multiple interpretations and holds significant meaning in Hindu mythology and philosophy. One interpretation is that it refers to the Supreme Being or the ultimate reality who resides on the waters. This interpretation is often associated with Lord Vishnu, one of the principal deities in Hinduism.

According to Hindu mythology, during the cosmic creation, the entire universe was submerged in the primordial waters. In this state of existence, Lord Vishnu reclines on the cosmic serpent Adi Shesha, floating on the waters. He is often depicted as resting on a cosmic ocean, symbolizing the infinite and formless aspect of the divine.

The waters mentioned here represent the undifferentiated and primal state of existence from which creation emerges. Lord Vishnu, as Nārāyaṇaḥ, represents the divine consciousness that pervades and sustains the universe. He is the source of all existence and the ultimate reality underlying all phenomena.

The symbolism of Lord Vishnu residing on the waters signifies his role as the preserver and sustainer of the universe. It represents the divine energy that upholds the cosmic order and maintains the balance between creation, preservation, and dissolution.

In a broader sense, the concept of Nārāyaṇaḥ can be interpreted as the divine presence that permeates everything, including the waters of the physical world and the depths of consciousness. It signifies the omnipresence of the Supreme Being and the eternal nature of existence.

Furthermore, the metaphorical representation of Nārāyaṇaḥ on the waters suggests the idea of surrender and dissolution of the individual ego into the vastness of the divine. It implies recognizing the transient nature of the material world and seeking refuge in the eternal and infinite reality represented by Nārāyaṇaḥ.

Overall, the term Nārāyaṇaḥ signifies the divine presence that transcends the physical and material realms and represents the eternal and all-pervading nature of the Supreme Being, particularly associated with Lord Vishnu.