Sahasranama position 836 of the 1,000 names

Sushenaya

सुषेणाय

Suṣeṇāya

What Sushenaya means

Sushenaya is name 836 in the Kalabhairava Sahasranama, the 1,000-name devotional text to Kalabhairava. Salutations To The one who possesses a beautiful, victorious, and divine army.

Also spelled

  • Sushena
  • Susenaya
  • Source transliteration: SUSHENAAYA

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 beautiful, victorious, and divine army.

Elaboration

The name Sushena (Suṣeṇāya) is a compound of the Sanskrit terms “Su” and “Shena,” which collectively describe a profound aspect of Kalabhairava’s divine power and cosmic authority.

The Meaning of "Su" “Su” is a prefix in Sanskrit indicating excellence, auspiciousness, goodness, beauty, or well-being. It elevates the quality of the word it precedes, transforming it into something superior or divine.

The Meaning of "Shena" “Shena” translates to "army," "host," or "force." In a literal sense, it refers to a military contingent. However, in the context of divine epithets, it often signifies more than just a physical army; it can denote a powerful host of divine beings, energies, or principles that serve the deity.

Auspicious, Beautiful, and Victorious Army When combined, Sushena means "one who possesses an excellent, auspicious, beautiful, or victorious army." This "army" is not merely a collection of soldiers, but a host of divine energies and beings that uphold cosmic order and execute the will of Kalabhairava. These forces are inherently victorious because they are extensions of his supreme power; they cannot be defeated. Their "beauty" and "auspiciousness" refer to the divine order and inherent correctness of their actions, even when those actions involve destruction or enforcement of justice.

Cosmic Regulator and Protector This name highlights Kalabhairava’s role as a supreme commander whose forces are not limited by earthly constraints. His army could be interpreted as: Attendants (Ganas): The countless spirits and deities who serve Shiva and Bhairava, ready to carry out his commands whether for creation, preservation, or dissolution. Cosmic Laws: The immutable laws of the universe, such as karma, time, and causality, which operate flawlessly and unfailingly, ensuring cosmic justice. Guardians: The deities and entities responsible for maintaining dharma, protecting the innocent, and punishing the wicked.

Victory Over Negative Forces The "victorious" aspect of his army signifies Kalabhairava's ultimate triumph over ignorance, evil, fear, and all forms of negativity that hinder spiritual progress and cosmic harmony. He is the ultimate vanquisher of all obstacles, both internal and external.

Hence, addressing Kalabhairava as Sushena is an acknowledgement of his absolute command over all forces, his decisive power, and his unshakeable authority in maintaining the cosmic balance.

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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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