Vijaya

Let’s look at the meaning of the 149th divya nama of Vishnu Sahasranama - विजयः (Vijaya) from -

भ्राजिष्णुर्भोजनं भोक्ता सहिष्णुर्जगदादिजः ।

अनघो विजयो जेता विश्वयोनिः पुनर्वसुः ॥

The name 'Vijaya' means 'to conquer' or 'to win'. The prefix 'vi-' adds an element of distinctiveness and excellence to ‘jaya’. Thus, 'Vijaya' means 'One who conquers in a special and unique way' or 'One who excels in victory over everything'.

Victory Over All:

Vishnu, as 'Vijaya', represents supreme victory. He wins over everything, including:

• Prakriti (Nature): He controls material energy and the cycles of creation, sustenance, and destruction.
• Jivas (Living Beings): He governs the individual souls, guiding them towards liberation.
• Negative Forces: He destroys evil and protects the righteous, as seen in His many incarnations like Rama and Krishna.

Attributes of Vijaya:

Vishnu is 'Vijaya' because of His unmatched divine qualities:

1. Jñāna (Knowledge): His supreme wisdom allows Him to know everything about the universe and its functioning.
2. Vairāgya (Detachment): He is unaffected by desires or attachments, making Him the ultimate controller.
3. Aishvarya (Divine Power): He has unlimited strength and resources to manage the universe.
4. Sat, Chit, and Ananda (Truth, Consciousness, Bliss): His essential nature is eternal truth, infinite knowledge, and perfect bliss.

Guidance to Brahma and Rudra:

The Mahabharata (Moksha Parva 169.19) highlights that Vishnu is the guiding force behind Brahma (creator) and Rudra (destroyer). Without His help, they cannot perform their duties.

• Creation: Brahma creates by following the path shown by Vishnu.
• Destruction: Rudra performs destruction as per Vishnu's guidance.

This shows that all activities in the universe—creation, sustenance, and destruction—are under His supreme control.

The name 'Vijaya' emphasizes that Vishnu is the ultimate source of victory in both material and spiritual realms. He is the refuge for devotees seeking liberation, as He overcomes ignorance and suffering. His victory is not limited to physical conquests but extends to:

• Conquering Karma: Helping devotees transcend the cycle of birth and death.
• Vanquishing Avidya (Ignorance): Enlightening beings with true knowledge.

1. What is the significance of Vishnu being called the ultimate controller?

Vishnu's role as the ultimate controller highlights that every action in the universe happens under His supervision. He delegates tasks like creation and destruction to Brahma and Rudra but retains authority over them. This ensures the cosmic balance, as everything operates according to His divine will.

2. How does Vishnu guide devotees to achieve liberation?

Vishnu guides devotees through His teachings, avatars, and grace. By following dharma and surrendering to Him, devotees overcome ignorance and the bondage of karma. His supreme qualities like wisdom and compassion help devotees attain moksha (liberation).

3. Why does Vishnu's form as sat-chit-ananda matter?

Sat-chit-ananda (truth, consciousness, and bliss) reflects Vishnu's eternal, unchanging nature. It shows that He is beyond time, space, and material limitations. This form assures devotees that surrendering to Him leads to eternal bliss and freedom from worldly suffering.

4. What is the deeper meaning of Vishnu's victory over evil?

Vishnu's victory over evil is symbolic of the triumph of dharma (righteousness) over adharma (unrighteousness). In His avatars, He destroys physical demons, but the deeper meaning lies in conquering inner evils like ignorance, greed, and anger within individuals, guiding them toward spiritual growth.

Ramaswamy Sastry and Vighnesh Ghanapaathi