Vishnulokavistara, Viṣṇulokavistāra, Vishnuloka-vistara: 1 definition

Introduction:

Vishnulokavistara means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.

The Sanskrit term Viṣṇulokavistāra can be transliterated into English as Visnulokavistara or Vishnulokavistara, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).

In Hinduism

Pancaratra (worship of Nārāyaṇa)

[«previous next»] — Vishnulokavistara in Pancaratra glossary
Source: archive.org: Catalogue of Pancaratra Agama Texts

Viṣṇulokavistāra (विष्णुलोकविस्तार) refers to the “some more details about the dominions of Viṣṇu”, as discussed in chapter 7 of the Indrarātra section of the Sanatkumārasaṃhitā: an encyclopedic Sanskrit text written in over 3500 verses dealing with a variety of topics such as yoga, temple-building, consecration ceremonies, initiation and dhanurveda (martial arts).

Description of the chapter [viṣṇulokavistāra]: Sanatkumāra undertakes here to describe the different worlds governed by the various forms of Viṣṇu. The first of these is Varāhaloka, which is described in terms of its extent, its buildings, etc. (1-12). This is followed by Cakraloka (13), Rāmaloka in the Southeast (14-25a), Narasiṃhaloka (25b- 36a), Rāmaloka in the Southwest (36b-453), Varuṇaloka (45b-55), Vāyuloka (56), Vāmanaloka (57a) Hayaśīrṣaloka (57b-68a), Vāsudevaloka (68b-77), Īśānaloka (78-79), Kāpilaloka (80-94), Viṣṇuloka (95-97), Brahmaloka (98- 106) and Mahāviṣṇuloka (107-113a). In this last abode all the Great Ones who continually worship the Lord in His Ultimate Form will be found. The chapter ends with the counsel to remember that all the forms enumerated are from one and the same Source; to remember this fact is to gain release. Even the mere reading of this chapter will serve to annul all one’s sins (1136-118).

Pancaratra book cover
context information

Pancaratra (पाञ्चरात्र, pāñcarātra) represents a tradition of Hinduism where Narayana is revered and worshipped. Closeley related to Vaishnavism, the Pancaratra literature includes various Agamas and tantras incorporating many Vaishnava philosophies.

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