Sri Vishnu Sthotra , Santakaram Bhujaga Sayanam meaning

शान्ताकारं भुजगशयनं पद्मनाभं सुरेशं ।
विश्वाधारं गगनसदृशं मेघवर्णं शुभाङ्गम् ॥
लक्ष्मीकान्तं कमलनयनं योगिभिर्ध्यानगम्यम् ।
वन्दे विष्णुं भवभयहरं सर्वलोकैकनाथम् ॥

English Transliteration

Śāntākāraṁ bhujaga-śayanaṁ padmanābhaṁ sureśam
Viśvādhāraṁ gagana-sadṛśaṁ meghavarṇaṁ śubhāṅgam |
Lakṣmīkāntaṁ kamalanayanaṁ yogibhirdhyānagamyaṁ
Vande Viṣṇuṁ bhava-bhaya-haraṁ sarvalokaika-nātham ||

 

Meaning (Word by Word)

• Śānta-ākāram → One whose form is calm and peaceful.

• Bhujaga-śayanam → The One who reclines on the serpent (Ādiśeṣa).

• Padmanābham → From whose navel the lotus springs (the source of creation, Brahmā).

• Sureśam → The Lord of all Devas (Gods).

• Viśvādhāram → The support and foundation of the whole universe.

• Gagana-sadṛśam → As limitless as the sky.

• Megha-varṇam → Having the dark-blue color of a rain-bearing cloud.

• Śubhāṅgam → Whose form is auspicious and beautiful.

• Lakṣmī-kāntam → Beloved of Goddess Lakṣmī.

• Kamala-nayanam → Whose eyes are like lotuses.

• Yogibhiḥ dhyāna-gamyam → Attainable only through deep meditation by yogis.

• Vande Viṣṇum → I bow to Lord Viṣṇu.

• Bhava-bhaya-haram → Who destroys the fear of worldly existence (saṁsāra).

• Sarva-loka-eka-nātham → The one supreme Lord of all worlds.

Essence & Explanation

This stotra is one of the most popular praises of Lord Viṣṇu, often recited during daily prayers, meditation, and temple rituals. It presents Lord Viṣṇu as:

1. Embodiment of peace (śānta-svarūpa) – His very form radiates calmness and serenity.

2. Preserver of the universe – Reclining on Ādiśeṣa, with the lotus-born Brahmā emerging from His navel, He represents the eternal cycle of creation.

3. Infinite and all-pervading – His form is vast like the sky, and His complexion is deep blue like rain clouds, symbolizing infinity and depth.

4. Source of auspiciousness and beauty – Every aspect of Him is radiant with divinity.

5. Compassionate Lord – As Lakṣmī’s consort, He embodies prosperity and protection.

6. Object of yogic meditation – Yogis attain Him through deep dhyāna, as He is beyond ordinary perception.

7. Savior from fear – He liberates beings from the cycle of birth and death, removing all fears.

8. Supreme Lord of all worlds – Ultimately, He is the one ruler and protector of the cosmos.

Why this Stotra is Special

• It is often chanted during morning prayers, invoking peace, protection, and spiritual clarity.

• It beautifully encapsulates Lord Viṣṇu’s cosmic role as the sustainer of the universe.

• The imagery of blue cloud-like form, lotus eyes, reclining on the serpent inspires a deep meditative visualization.

• It is said that reciting this śloka daily helps one overcome fear, anxiety, and obstacles, while invoking divine grace.