Sahasranama position 983 of the 1,000 names

Shridharaya

श्रीधराय

Śrīdharāya

What Shridharaya means

Shridharaya is name 983 in the Kalabhairava Sahasranama, the 1,000-name devotional text to Kalabhairava. Salutations To The one who holds or possesses all glory, splendor, and prosperity (Shri).

Also spelled

  • Shridhara
  • Sridharaya
  • Source transliteration: SHRIIDHARAAYA

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 holds or possesses all glory, splendor, and prosperity (Shri).

Elaboration

The name Shridhara is a compound of the Sanskrit words Shrī (श्री) and Dhara (धर).

Shrī (श्री): This term is highly significant and carries multiple layers of meaning. It refers to: 1. Glory, splendor, majesty, renown. 2. Prosperity, wealth, abundance, good fortune. 3. Beauty, grace. 4. Divinity, often personified as the Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Vishnu. 5. In a spiritual context, it can refer to supreme spiritual energy or divine grace.

Dhara (धर): This means "holder," "bearer," "supporter," or "possessor."

The Possessor of All Glory and Splendor The name Shridhara therefore implies one who holds, possesses, or carries all forms of auspiciousness, glory, beauty, and divine splendor. Kalabhairava, as this aspect, is not merely adorned with these qualities but is their very source and embodiment. He is the ultimate repository of all magnificent attributes and divine power.

The Giver of Prosperity and Fortune While Shrī is often associated with the Goddess Lakshmi and Vishnu, its application to Kalabhairava signifies his supreme command over material and spiritual prosperity. He is the ultimate bestower of good fortune, abundance, and success to his devotees. This highlights a benevolent aspect of Bhairava, ensuring the well-being and enrichment of those who seek his refuge.

The Bearer of Divine Grace In a deeper spiritual sense, Shridhara implies that Kalabhairava is the bearer of supreme divine grace. He is the one through whom spiritual prosperity, enlightenment, and liberation are attained. His grace dispels ignorance and leads the seeker towards ultimate truth and inner richness.

Unified Manifestation This name underscores that Kalabhairava, despite his fierce exterior, encompasses the entire spectrum of divine qualities, including those traditionally attributed to other deities. He is the complete manifestation of the Divine, holding within himself both the power of transformation and the essence of all auspiciousness.

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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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