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VISHNU SAHASRANAMA
 
436. The oldest (Sthavishtah).
 
As Vairaja. The Sruti (Mun. Up., 1-4) says: "The
fire forms his head, the sun and moon are his eyes."
 
Vya. He is in the form of Simsumara of stars.
437. Unborn (Abhūh). (Bhüh-existant).
 
Or the name may be bhuh the earth, if the prefix a
is eliminated.
 
438. The binding post for Dharma (Dharmayupah).
 
As the sacrificial animals are bound to the Yapa, He is
the resting place of all the Dharmas which are the means
of worshipping him.
 
439. The great sacrificer (Mahamakhah).
 
Because the sacrifices dedicated to him confer Nir-
vâna or salvation.
 
Vya. He is to be worshipped by yajna as it is his.
440. Nave of the stars (Nakshatranemih).
 
According to the stanza, "The planets, sun, moon, etc.,
the stars moving and fixed, are bound to Dhruva by the
bonds of Vayu." Dhruva regulates the motions of the sys-
tems and resides at the tail of the starry Simsumara-wheel.
At the heart of the wheel of the luminaries is Vishnu like a
nave, regulating the whole. The Svadhyaya Brahmana
(Tai. Ar., 2-19) in describing the Sims'amara says: "Vishnu
is the heart."
 
441. The Moon (Nakshatri).
 
The Bh. G. (10-21) says: "Of the stars I am the moon."
Vya. He is the leader of the sun, moon, etc., who are
the leaders of the universe.
 
442. Patience (Kshamah).
 
Or clever in all his actions. Valmiki (Bala. Ka., 1-18)
 
says: "Sri Rama is equal to the earth in patience."