Sahasranama position 985 of the 1,000 names

Shrilaya

श्रीलाय

Śrīlāya

What Shrilaya means

Shrilaya is name 985 in the Kalabhairava Sahasranama, the 1,000-name devotional text to Kalabhairava. Salutations To The one who possesses a noble, virtuous, and excellent character.

Also spelled

  • Shrila
  • Srilaya
  • Source transliteration: SHRIILAAYA

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 possesses a noble, virtuous, and excellent character.

Elaboration

The name Shreela (or Śrīla) is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Śrī' (श्री), which carries a multitude of profound meanings beyond mere material wealth.

Auspiciousness and Divinity (Śrī) At its core, 'Śrī' refers to auspiciousness, divinity, prosperity, radiance, beauty, grace, and spiritual splendor. It is a venerable prefix used for highly respected persons or deities, denoting honor and sacredness. When used as an adjective, 'Śrīla' signifies possession of these divine qualities in an eminent degree.

Noble and Virtuous Character Therefore, 'Shreela' refers to someone who embodies intrinsic nobility, exalted character, and unwavering virtue. It points to a being whose actions, thoughts, and very essence are marked by purity, righteousness, and inherent goodness. This is not merely an external display but an internal state of being.

Excellent and Glorious The term also implies excellence and glory. It describes a being whose nature is so perfectly ordered and spiritually elevated that it radiates a natural majesty and splendor. This excellence encompasses all dimensions—moral, spiritual, and aesthetic.

The Ideal of Perfection As applied to Kalabhairava, it signifies that even in his fierce and formidable aspect, beneath the surface of cosmic destruction and justice, lies an utterly pure, noble, and ultimately benevolent character. His actions, whether terrifying or protective, spring from a divine, virtuous intent to uphold dharma (righteousness) and guide beings toward liberation. He is the ultimate ideal of spiritual perfection and character, leading to auspicious outcomes for his sincere devotees.

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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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