Sahasranama position 138 of the 1,000 names

Kalavasaya

कलावासाय

Kalāvāsāya

What Kalavasaya means

Kalavasaya is name 138 in the Kalabhairava Sahasranama, the 1,000-name devotional text to Kalabhairava. Salutations To The one who is the supreme and ultimate abode of all arts and skills.

Also spelled

  • Kalavasa
  • Source transliteration: KALAAVAASAAYA

Sanskrit names travel into English in several romanizations. This page keeps the common spelling, the IAST form, and the source transliteration together so the same name is discoverable under each spelling readers use.

Meaning and elaboration

Meaning: Salutations To The one who is the supreme and ultimate abode of all arts and skills.

Elaboration

The name Kalāvāsa (Kalāvāsāya) is a compound of Kalā and Vāsa.

Kalā: Art, Skill, and Parts/Phases Kalā is a multifaceted term in Sanskrit meaning "art," "skill," "technique," "performance," "talent," or "craft." It encompasses all forms of creative expression, human ingenuity, and even the subtle divisions of time (like a kalā of the moon, referring to its phases) or even a small part of something. In a broader sense, it refers to the 64 traditional arts cherished in India, ranging from music and dance to architecture, poetry, and even practical skills.

Vāsa: Abode, Dwelling, Residence Vāsa signifies "abode," "dwelling place," "residence," or "home." It implies a source, a repository, and a foundational space.

The Supreme Abode of All Arts and Skills Thus, Kalāvāsa means "the abode of all arts." This implies that Kalabhairava is the ultimate source, patron, and embodiment of all forms of artistic expression and skill. He is the divine inspiration behind creativity, mastery, and expertise in every field. Whether it is the intricate dance of a celestial being, the precise craftsmanship of a sculptor, the melodious strains of a musician, or the profound insights of a philosopher, all derive their essence and perfection from Kalabhairava.

Master of the Subtle Divisions By connecting to the meaning of Kalā as "part" or "phase," this name also implies His mastery over the subtle divisions of existence, time, and consciousness. He is the one who orchestrates the intricate workings of the universe, each "part" or "phase" of creation unfolding according to His divine will.

Patron of Creators Invoking Kalāvāsa is an acknowledgment that true artistic excellence and profound skill are not merely human endeavors but are infused with and empowered by the divine. He is the ultimate muse and the wellspring from which all creativity flows, serving as a reminder that the pursuit of art and skill can be a path to the divine.

-

Text and sources

The name list follows the Kalabhairava Sahasranama as compiled for this project. The English meaning and elaboration are interpretive notes for devotional study, not a translation of a single critical edition.

Read the editorial method and source notes →

About the author · Contact and corrections · Privacy policy