Puruṣottama
From Hindupedia, the Hindu Encyclopedia
By Swami Harshananda
Puruṣottama literally means ‘the best of human beings’.
Puruṣottama, General Epithet[edit]
The literal meaning of the word is ‘the best of men.’ However, it is often used to indicate God, especially in his aspect as Lord Viṣṇu.
Puruṣottama as per Bhagavadgītā[edit]
After dividing this world into two classes of puruṣas, the kṣarapuruṣas[1] and the akṣarapuruṣas[2] the Bhagavadgītā[3] declares that God is Puruṣottama, the best of beings, who has transcended the other two.
Puruṣottama as per Viṣṇusahasranāma[edit]
The well-known Viṣṇusahasranāma[4] uses this word also to indicate the Lord Viṣṇu. Out of the several interpretations a few may be given here:
- He is the best of men.
- It is Brāhman who is called Puruṣottama.
- He is complete and perfect.
- He is superior even to the creator Brahmā.
- He makes human beings superior to animals and the subhuman species.
References[edit]
- ↑ Kṣarapuruṣas means the bound souls.
- ↑ Akṣarapuruṣas means the liberated ones.
- ↑ Bhagavadgītā 16.16-18
- ↑ Viṣṇusahasranāma 24
- The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math,
Bangalore