Sahasranama position 853 of the 1,000 names

Supratikaya

सुप्रतीकाय

Supratīkāya

What Supratikaya means

Supratikaya is name 853 in the Kalabhairava Sahasranama, the 1,000-name devotional text to Kalabhairava. Salutations To The one who has a beautiful, excellent, and auspicious form.

Also spelled

  • Supratika
  • Source transliteration: SUPRATIIKAAYA

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 has a beautiful, excellent, and auspicious form.

Elaboration

The name Supratīkāya is derived from the Sanskrit words "Su" and "Pratīka."

Su: This prefix means "good," "excellent," "beautiful," "well," or "auspicious."

Pratīka: This term denotes "form," "image," "symbol," "appearance," "body," or "aspect."

Taken together, Supratīkāya refers to the one who possesses an exceptionally beautiful, excellent, and auspicious form.

The Aesthetic and Divine Form While Bhairava is often depicted with fierce and terrifying aspects, this name highlights His inherent divine beauty and perfection. This beauty is not merely superficial but reflects the ultimate aesthetic and harmonious nature of the Divine. It emphasizes that even in His most formidable manifestations, there is an underlying order, perfection, and sacredness that is inherently beautiful. This form is "excellent" because it is a perfect manifestation of divine power and wisdom, embodying all ideal qualities.

Auspicious Presence An "auspicious" form signifies that His presence, even in a fierce manifestation, brings forth good fortune, blessings, and positive cosmic influences when worshipped with devotion. It suggests that His form, though awe-inspiring, is ultimately benevolent and conducive to spiritual growth and well-being for His devotees.

Symbolic Representation "Pratīka" can also mean a symbol or an emblem. In this sense, Supratīka suggests that every aspect of Kalabhairava's form, from His weapons to His ornaments, is not merely ornamental but a perfect and auspicious symbol of His divine attributes, powers, and cosmic functions. Each element of His iconography is laden with profound spiritual meaning and beauty.

Inner and Outer Radiance This name can also imply that Kalabhairava embodies both outer (physical) and inner (spiritual) beauty. His "beautiful form" is a reflection of His perfect consciousness, purity, and supreme spiritual state. For a devotee, contemplating this "Supratīka" can lead to inner peace, clarity, and a deeper appreciation of divine perfection.

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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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