Sahasranama position 627 of the 1,000 names

Vilochanaya

विलोचनाय

Vilocanāya

What Vilochanaya means

Vilochanaya is name 627 in the Kalabhairava Sahasranama, the 1,000-name devotional text to Kalabhairava. Salutations To The one whose eyes are particularly beautiful or special.

Also spelled

  • Vilochana
  • Vilocanaya
  • Source transliteration: VILOCANAAYA

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 eyes are particularly beautiful or special.

Elaboration

The name Vilocanāya is derived from the Sanskrit word "Vilocana," which signifies "eye," but carries a deeper connotation when applied to the divine, suggesting something beyond mere sight. "Vi" is a prefix that intensifies or makes something special, while "locana" refers to the eye.

Special and Extraordinary Eyes When used for a divine entity like Kalabhairava, "Vilocana" does not just mean having eyes, but possessing eyes that are particularly beautiful, unique, or extraordinary in their function and perception. These are not ordinary eyes bound by physical limitations.

All-Seeing and All-Knowing Vision Kalabhairava's eyes represent his omniscience. He sees all—past, present, and future—and perceives beyond the veil of material illusion. His gaze penetrates the deepest mysteries and innermost thoughts. This all-encompassing vision is an aspect of his supreme consciousness.

Symbol of Wisdom and Knowledge The eyes of Kalabhairava are also symbols of profound wisdom (Jnana) and divine insight. They are the instruments through which he imparts knowledge, discriminates between truth and falsehood, and guides devotees towards spiritual realization.

Cosmic Perspective The "special" nature of his eyes can also imply their cosmic scale. They might be envisioned as beholding the entire universe, with galaxies, stars, and planets, thereby representing his unbounded vision and control over the cosmos. His eyes manifest the entire creation and destruction.

Aesthetics and Divine Beauty While fierce, Kalabhairava embodies a terrifying beauty. His eyes, even in their intensity, possess a certain divine aesthetic that captivates and enthralls those who are able to perceive his true form. They can be seen as captivating and mesmerizing due to their divine potency.

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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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