Jagadadijah

Let’s look at the meaning of the 147th divya nama of Vishnu Shasranama - जगदादिजः(jagadadijah) from -

भ्राजिष्णुर्भोजनं भोक्ता सहिष्णुर्जगदादिजः ।

अनघो विजयो जेता विश्वयोनिः पुनर्वसुः ॥

The divine name 'Jagadadijah' is a combination of three Sanskrit words: Jagat (world or universe), Adi (beginning), and Jah (born). It means 'He who was born at the beginning of the Universe.'

Explanation:

1. Eternal Existence Before Creation:
   Before the universe was created, a supreme being with the power to create it had to exist. This name shows that Bhagavan Vishnu existed before creation and is the source of all existence. He is the ultimate cause of creation.
   
   
2. Manifestation as Hiranyagarbha:
   Bhagavan Vishnu is Hiranyagarbha, the cosmic seed or womb from which the universe is born. During pralaya (cosmic dissolution), all beings and objects merge into this miniature form. When creation begins again, the universe emerges from this aspect of Vishnu.
   
   
3. Virat Atma (Universal Soul):
   This name also refers to Vishnu as the Virat Atma, the universal soul that pervades and sustains the universe. As the Virat Atma, Vishnu ensures the cycles of creation, preservation, and dissolution.
   
   

 The Mahabharata supports this idea with the verse:

Gatishcha nastvam purvajo jagatah prabhuh
Rakshartham sarva-bhutanam Vishnustvam upajagmivan

(Udyoga Parva 12.11)

'You are our refuge. You are the first-born of the universe, the Lord of all creation. You took the role of Vishnu to protect all beings.'

This verse confirms Vishnu's primordial role as the first-born divine power and protector of the universe.

1. Bhagavan existed before time began and is not bound by its flow. This shows that Vishnu transcends past, present, and future, making him the eternal overseer of creation.
2. 'Jagadadijah' reminds us of the unchanging source of stability in a constantly evolving world. It encourages faith in the divine order and inspires introspection to connect with the eternal essence within us.
3. 'Jagadadijah' represents the cyclical nature of the universe, with Vishnu as the source from which creation arises and into which it dissolves. This helps us understand the balance between creation, preservation, and destruction.
4. As the source of creation, Vishnu is the origin of dharma, the universal laws that govern karma. Understanding 'Jagadadijah' emphasizes that our actions must align with the cosmic principles Vishnu embodies to maintain harmony.

Ramaswamy Sastry and Vighnesh Ghanapaathi