ŚUKLĀMBARADHARAṂ VIṢṆUṂ ŚAŚIVARṆAṂ CATURBHUJAM
Morning Prayers
śuklāmbaradharaṃ viṣṇuṃ śaśivarṇaṃ caturbhujam .
prasannavadanaṃ dhyāyet sarvavighnopaśāntaye
For the pacification (and elimination ) of all obstructions pray to Vishnu who is clothed in dazzling fashion of purity, possessing the brilliance of the moon, sporting four arms, ever-happy and pleasant-faced
Shuklambaradharam Vishnum
Shukla – White colored
Ambara – Sky
Dhara – wearing
Vishnu – All Pervading
Chatur – Four
Bhujam – Arms
Prasanna – Satisfied, happy, peaceful
Vadanam – Face
Dhyaayet – Meditate; (from Dhyan)
Sarva – All
Vighna – Troubles
Upashaantaye – remove, nullify, ward off
History
This mantra is found in Vishnu-related devotional texts and stotras, including Vishnu Sahasranama and Padma Purana.
Traditionally, it is a dhyāna (meditation) mantra, used to visualize Lord Vishnu before performing puja, rituals, or mantra sādhanā.
It has been recited for centuries by devotees of Vishnu to invoke peace, protection, and spiritual clarity.
Historically, it was taught in gurukulas and devotional lineages to help practitioners focus their mind and prepare for meditation or worship.
Etymology & Meaning
Word Breakdown:
Śuklāmbaradharaṃ – Wearing white garments; symbolizes purity and serenity.
Viṣṇuṃ – Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe.
Śaśivarṇaṃ – Moon-colored; calm and soothing appearance.
Caturbhujam – Four-armed; holding symbolic items (conch, discus, mace, lotus).
Prasannavadanaṃ – Pleasant, serene, compassionate face.
Dhyāyet – One should meditate on or visualize.
Sarvavighnopashāntaye – For the removal of all obstacles and difficulties.
Literal Meaning:
“One should meditate on Lord Vishnu, who wears white garments, is moon-colored, four-armed, and has a serene, compassionate face, for the removal of all obstacles.”
Symbolic Meaning:
White garments (Śuklāmbaradharaṃ) – Purity of mind and consciousness.
Moon-colored (Śaśivarṇaṃ) – Calmness, emotional balance, and spiritual illumination.
Four arms (Caturbhujam) – Represents divine attributes: protection, guidance, knowledge, and wealth.
Serene face (Prasannavadanaṃ) – Inner peace, emotional stability, and compassionate energy.
Meditation on Vishnu removes obstacles (vighna) in spiritual and worldly life.
Benefits
a) Spiritual / Devotional
Enhances focus, concentration, and devotion during meditation or rituals.
Helps cultivate serenity, inner peace, and divine connection.
Invokes protection and removal of obstacles, spiritually and materially.
b) Psychological
Reduces stress, anxiety, and agitation by visualizing Vishnu’s calm and serene form.
Encourages mental clarity, emotional balance, and positive mindset.
c) Practical / Ritual
Recited before starting any important task, puja, or learning activity.
Forms a core part of Vishnu worship and daily dhyāna practice.
Helps in ritual purification of mind and intent, aligning action with spiritual energy.
Contraindications / Precautions
No physical contraindications.
Best recited mindfully, preferably facing east or during morning worship.
Avoid mechanical repetition; meditation and visualization are key for effectiveness.
Science of the Mantra
a) Neuroscience
Chanting and visualization activate the prefrontal cortex and limbic system, reducing stress and enhancing cognitive clarity.
Promotes alpha brainwave patterns, which correlate with relaxation, focus, and meditative states.
b) Psychology
Symbolic visualization of calm, serene, and protective divine form reduces anxiety and promotes emotional resilience.
Encourages mindfulness, focus, and positive mental conditioning.
c) Energy Science (Yoga / Tantra)
Meditation on Vishnu aligns prāṇa and mental energy, balancing heart, throat, and third-eye chakras.
The four arms and divine attributes symbolize energetic protection, knowledge, willpower, and abundance, enhancing subtle energy flow.
Recitation supports removal of energetic obstacles, facilitating meditation and spiritual growth.