Meaning and elaboration
Meaning: Salutations To The one who is the liberator of all people, the object of their adoration.
Elaboration
The name Janārdana (Janārdanā) is a profound and ancient epithet, conventionally associated with Lord Vishnu, but in this context, it is applied to Kalabhairava, emphasizing his all-encompassing divine functions. It is a compound of two Sanskrit words: Jana and Arda.
Jana: This term means "people," "mankind," "creatures," or "beings." It refers to the collective living entities, especially humans.
Arda: This root has several meanings, including "to torment," "to destroy," or, more pertinently, "to pray to," "to implore," or "to move."
Liberator of People When Arda is taken to mean "to torment" or "to destroy," Janārdana signifies "the one who torments wicked people" or "the one who destroys the demons and evil forces that trouble mankind." This aligns with Kalabhairava's fierce aspect, where he acts as a punisher of the unrighteous and a destroyer of obstacles, leading to the liberation of the good. His terrifying form dispatches negativity, freeing his devotees from suffering induced by external malevolent forces or internal vices.
Object of Adoration and Prayer A deeper and more benevolent interpretation takes "Arda" to mean "to implore" or "to pray to." In this sense, Janārdana means "the one who is worshipped by all people" or "the one to whom people offer their prayers and depend on for salvation." This highlights Kalabhairava's role as the supreme deity to whom all beings turn in times of need, seeking refuge, protection, and ultimate liberation (moksha). He is the ultimate resort for spiritual solace and the fulfillment of worldly and spiritual aspirations.
Bestower of Salvation Implicit in being the object of adoration is the function of bestowing salvation or liberation. By destroying evil and being the recipient of devotion, Kalabhairava, as Janārdana, is the ultimate liberator. He frees beings from the cycle of birth and death (samsara) and from the bondage of ignorance and karma, guiding them towards spiritual enlightenment. This emphasizes his compassionate aspect, where his fierce appearance is a means to achieve the benevolent end of liberation for his devotees.
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