Chapter 1 - Introduction

" antaryāmin (inner controller) and arcyā (icon or image). The para form is also called parabrahman, paramātman, paramatattva etc. He has a form made of the six qualities. He takes a form for the sake of blessing the devotee¹. He has a gross and subtle body. The gross body is taken by him to create and protect the world. His form is also said to be partless and having parts². The partless form is known as niskala and is called sadāviṣnu³. The Upanisads speak of him as being lustrous as the sun. He is said to be a golden hue. The Pāñcarātra texts seem to agree with this description of the Supreme in the Upanisads. His place is called paramavyoma. The Agamas do not say much about the nature of this place, but the Śrīvaiṣṇava theology attaches much importance to it. Ramanuja's description of this abode, especially in the Śrivaikunthagadya, is based on the Upanisadic account. 1. SS II.70a, b. 2. JS IV 30-33. 3. SKS Rṣirātra III. 93a 4. See Introduction to the Pañcarātra and the AhS otto Schrader p.57 36