Significance of Lord Hari
In Vaishnavism, Lord Hari is synonymous with Lord Krishna, the supreme being and object of devotion. He is the divine figure who bestows liberation, enjoys divine pastimes, and is the focus of meditation and service. Lord Hari is also recognized as Vishnu, the protector, and is associated with various incarnations and divine attributes.
Synonyms: Lord krishna, Vishnu, Supreme being, Deity, God, Divine, Krishna, Narayana, Kesava, Madhava, Mukunda, Govinda
In Dutch: Heer Hari; In Finnish: Herra Hari; In Spanish: Señor Hari; In German: Herr Hari
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Lord Hari'
Lord Hari in Hinduism is primarily identified as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, often associated with Vishnu or Krishna. This divine figure embodies qualities of compassion, protection, and is the central object of devotion, worship, and meditation. Lord Hari represents the ultimate reality and is revered for his divine nature.
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A name of Lord Krishna, the divine being whose form will be revealed.[1] (2) Lord Hari, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, is the focus of worship for those seeking happiness in this life and the next, according to the provided text.[2] (3) A reference to a form of the Supreme God in Hinduism, revered by devotees.[3] (4) A reference to the divine figure that the demon acknowledges and seeks to honor.[4] (5) Referring to the divine Lord Hari, representing a celebrated figure in Hinduism.[5]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The maha- bhagavatas have no engagement other than the service of this entity and His devotees.[6] (2) At that moment, there was a significant amount of vocal praise directed towards Lord Hari, indicating reverence and devotion within the gathering present.[7] (3) Lord Hari is described as appearing in the form of Mohini, a beautiful woman who bewildered demons and gave nectar to demigods, causing bewilderment even to Lord Shiva.[8] (4) The deity whose service, when performed by living beings with their knowledge, experience, and wealth, leads to the greatest good, as mentioned in the text.[9] (5) The provided text mentions the service of Lord Hari, to which the residents of Nadia were averse, indicating a lack of devotion.[10]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) Devotees were instructed to chant the holy names of Lord Hari and serve each other with sincere devotion.[11] (2) This is a reference to a divine entity, indicating the focus of worship, and emphasizing the central theme of the narrative, influencing the interactions and actions of the characters.[12] (3) This refers to the Supreme Lord, whose holy name has all power in Kali-yuga, and whose chanting is the key to obtaining perfection in this age, and who is identical to the Supreme Lord.[13] (4) The holy names of Lord Hari are chanted by a group of boys during a game, indicating reverence and a religious context.[14] (5) Referring to a divine figure, emphasizing a spiritual connection and the chanting as a form of worship.[15]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) Refers to a divine figure known for protection and destroying evil; here, he is depicted as countering the enemy's attacks.[16]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) A name for Krishna that invokes His divine nature and merciful qualities.[17]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) This term refers to the pastimes and narrations that are listened to in the realm of Vaikuntha, causing birds to cease their clamor and become absorbed.[18]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) Lord Hari's narratives are described as ambrosia that should melt the heart and wet the eye, signifying the profound impact of divine stories.[19]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) Lord Hari, out of His mercy, danced in the Rasa circle formed by the milk-maids.[20]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) Another name for Vishnu, symbolizing his role as a preserver and protector.[21] (2) A reference to Vishnu, whose birth was marked by cosmic phenomena, indicating his divine nature and importance in the universe.[22] (3) The highly illustrious deity who brings about the dissolution of the universe and exists as pure intelligence.[23] (4) Another name for Vishnu, indicating his divine authority and importance.[24] (5) A highly illustrious figure among the deities, identified with various attributes and responsibilities, who participates in the battle against the Daityas.[25]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) An alternate name for the deity Vishnu, signifying his roles as a preserver and protector in the Hindu tradition.[26] (2) The Lord Hari is described as the being of unlimited power who dwells on a car made of gold, represents the universe, merges the universe during dissolution, and is also omniscient.[27]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) Another name for Narayana, who interacts with Siva and Parvati in the narrative.[28] (2) The divine figure who ultimately grants Aditi her boon and helps restore order by regaining Indra's kingdom.[29]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) The deity that is to be meditated on by the Dhyayins (yogins).[30]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) A divine figure referred to for his role in obtaining the discus at Cakratirtha.[31]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Prahlada worshipped his lord Hari in the inner part of his house, using rich offerings, along with his faith and spirit.[32]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Had to perform very difficult asceticism like an ordinary mortal, even though he is able to create the universe.[33]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) A name for the Supreme Being, emphasized as the source of the universe's creation through will.[34] (2) The specific manifestation of Brahman denoted by the name Om, recognized as the eternal and all-encompassing reality.[35]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) Refers to Shri-Rama, who is changeless and the witness of all changes.[36]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) Another name for God within the context of the Bhagavata and Pancaratra doctrines, representing divine compassion and knowledge.[37]
From: Mundaka Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) The Lord who enters into his life, through the instrumentality of Prana, expanding the consciousness of the wise and lending illumination, according to the text.[38]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) A reference to Vishnu, a supreme deity, represented as reclining on the snake Shesha with divine attributes and attended by celestial beings.[39]
The concept of Lord Hari in local and regional sources
Lord Hari, another name for Krishna, appears in devotional contexts. The gopis use it playfully. It also refers to the divine being Prahlada worships, embodying love, life, and the continuous cycle of existence.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The divine being whom Prahlada worships, representing love, life, and the ceaseless cycle of existence.[40] (2) Another name for Krishna, used in the context of devotion and playful entreaties by the gopis.[41]