Vishnupada, aka: Viṣṇupada, Viṣṇupāda, Vishnu-pada; 5 Definition(s)

Introduction

Vishnupada means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit, the history of ancient India, Marathi. 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 terms Viṣṇupada and Viṣṇupāda can be transliterated into English as Visnupada or Vishnupada, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).

In Hinduism

Purana

Viṣṇupada (विष्णुपद).—A place at the source of the river Gaṅgā See under Gaṅgā.

1a) Viṣṇupada (विष्णुपद).—A lake in the Niṣadha hill;¹ sacred to Pitṛs;² the place where Dhruva is located.³

• 1) Brahmāṇḍa-purāṇa II. 18. 67; III. 43. 14; Matsya-purāṇa 121. 66; Vāyu-purāṇa 47. 64.
• 2) Matsya-purāṇa 22. 25.
• 3) Vāyu-purāṇa 50. 222.

1b) The path where Dharma, Dhruva and others take their stand above the seven sages; the region between the seven ṛṣis and Dhruva where live ascetics and yogis of a high order; the source of rain and the stay of the three worlds; from this proceeds the Gangā; issuing from the nail of the great toe of Viṣnu's left foot;¹ the third division of the celestial region.²

• 1) Brahmāṇḍa-purāṇa II. 21. 176; Viṣṇu-purāṇa II. 8. 98-109;
• 2) Ib. II. 8. 122.

1c) A mountain in Gayā; a hill where Dharmaratha performed a sacrifice.^*

• * Matsya-purāṇa 48. 93; Vāyu-purāṇa 99. 102; 105. 26; 109. 18; 111. 46-7 and 56.

2) Viṣṇupāda (विष्णुपाद).—The celestial regions where Dhruva holds the Bhagavatpadī on his head with intense devotion;¹ sacred for Gangā.²

• 1) Bhāgavata-purāṇa V. 17. 1-2.
• 2) Brahmāṇḍa-purāṇa III. 13. 118.

context information

The Purana (पुराण, purāṇas) refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

India history and geogprahy

Viṣṇupada (विष्णुपद) is the name of a mountain mentioned in the Gupta inscription No. 20. The Gupta empire (r. 3rd-century CE), founded by Śrī Gupta, covered much of ancient India and embraced the Dharmic religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. We know from the inscription that a lofty standard of the divine Viṣṇu was set up on the hill called Viṣṇupada.

Viṣṇupada literally means “the hill marked with footprints of Viṣṇu”. Viṣṇupada hill has been identified with that part of the Delhi Ridge on which the column stands. But there is no mountain in Delhi and the inscription appears to have been brought there from the mount Viṣṇupada. On the evidence from the Epics, this Viṣṇupada hill is not far from Kurukshetra and the Beas.

context information

The history of India traces the identification of countries, villages, towns and other regions of India, as well as royal dynasties, rulers, tribes, local festivities and traditions and regional languages. Ancient India enjoyed religious freedom and encourages the path of Dharma, a concept common to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.

Languages of India and abroad

Marathi-English dictionary

viṣṇupada (विष्णुपद).—n (S) An image of the foot of viṣṇu, worshiped at the holy place Gaya.

Sanskrit-English dictionary

Viṣṇupada (विष्णुपद).—

1) the sky, atmosphere.

2) the sea of milk.

3) the foot of Viṣṇu (worshipped at Gayā).

4) a lotus.

Derivable forms: viṣṇupadam (विष्णुपदम्).

Viṣṇupada is a Sanskrit compound consisting of the terms viṣṇu and pada (पद).

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