Sahasranama position 422 of the 1,000 names

Punyakirtaye

पुण्यकीर्तये

Puṇyakīrtaye

What Punyakirtaye means

Punyakirtaye is name 422 in the Kalabhairava Sahasranama, the 1,000-name devotional text to Kalabhairava. Salutations To The one whose fame and glory are supremely pure and sacred.

Also spelled

  • Source transliteration: PUNYAKIIRTAYE

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 whose fame and glory are supremely pure and sacred.

Elaboration

The name Puṇyakīrtaye is a compound of Puṇya and Kīrti, reflecting a profound aspect of Kalabhairava's divine nature.

Puṇya: This Sanskrit term means "meritorious," "virtuous," "sacred," "pure," or "propitious." It encompasses actions, thoughts, and qualities that lead to spiritual merit, auspiciousness, and freedom from sin. In a deeper sense, it refers to that which is inherently good, purifying, and conducive to spiritual advancement.

Kīrti: This term signifies "fame," "glory," "renown," "report," or "praise." It refers to the widespread recognition and adoration of one's virtues, achievements, or divine qualities.

Supremely Pure and Sacred Fame When combined, Puṇyakīrti means "one whose fame is sacred," "one whose glory is pure," or "one whose renown is meritorious." This implies that Kalabhairava's very essence, actions, and existence are inherently pure and sanctifying. His fame is not born of worldly achievements or fleeting glories but from his fundamental nature as the embodiment of Dharma, justice, and spiritual purification. His glory purifies those who remember, praise, or worship him.

The Purifying Power of His Renown This name highlights the transformative power of acknowledging Kalabhairava. To contemplate his Puṇyakīrti is to partake in that purity. Unlike worldly fame, which can be fickle or tainted, Kalabhairava’s renown is a source of spiritual merit and auspiciousness for his devotees. By recognizing his sacred glory, one's own consciousness is elevated and cleansed.

Embodiment of Dharma Kalabhairava, in his role as Dharmapāla (protector of righteousness) and Dandapāni (one who wields the rod of justice), upholds cosmic order. His fame arises from his unwavering commitment to dharma, his capacity to annihilate evil, and his ability to grant liberation. His "glory" is thus the manifestation of eternal righteousness and divine justice.

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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 →

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