Vilwamangalam: From Worldly Temptations to Divine Enlightenment

Today, we will see the story of the transformation of the great saint Vilwamangalam from Kerala and also the meaning of the 140th divya nama of Vishnu Sahasranama - chaturvyuha from: चतुरात्मा चतुर्व्यूहश्चतुर्दंष्ट्रश्चतुर्भुजः

Bilvamangalam, as a child, was calm and well-mannered. He learned the Vedas and Shastras from his father, Ramdas. But after his parents died, Bilvamangalam inherited wealth and fell into bad company. His character changed. He became infatuated with a courtesan named Chintamani. He forgot his duties and devoted himself to her, losing his way.

One day, during his father's Shraadha, Bilvamangalam could not stop thinking about Chintamani. Despite a storm, he rushed to her house. He swam across the river holding on to a dead body, mistaking it for a log of wood, and climbed up the wall of Chintamani's house, holding on to a snake, mistaking it for a rope. Chintamani, shocked by his condition, rebuked him. She said if he had directed even a small part of the passion he had for her towards Bhagavan, he would have reached great heights by now. Her words made him realize his mistakes. Filled with remorse, he thanked her and left, seeking a new path.

Bilvamangalam decided to renounce his past life. To avoid distractions, he blinded himself. He wandered, seeking divine love. His heart was now devoted to Lord Krishna.

One day, a young cowherd boy appeared and offered him sweets and water. Bilvamangalam, enchanted by the boy, sensed something divine. The boy, who started visiting him daily, was Krishna. Bilvamangalam's devotion was rewarded. Krishna revealed himself and granted him divine vision.

Bilvamangalam's story teaches us about redemption and the power of devotion. From a devout Brahmin to a wayward soul, and finally, back to a devoted follower of Krishna, his journey shows the transformative grace of divine love.

Bilvamangalam's journey teaches us to stay true to our spiritual path. It shows how a single incident can lead to a lifetime of devotion and ultimate redemption. This story gives us spiritual guidance, cultural connection, and philosophical insights. Trust in divine plans, stay devoted, and fulfill our duties.

Chatur-vyoohah refers to the fourfold manifestation of the Supreme Being, Vishnu or Krishna. These four forms are meant to be meditated upon and worshiped, each representing different aspects of the divine.

The Four Forms (Vyuhas)

• Vasudeva: The supreme form, endowed with all six divine qualities (Jnana - knowledge, Shakti - power, Bala - strength, Aishvarya - sovereignty, Virya - energy, and Tejas - splendor).
• Samkarshana: Represents strength and knowledge.
• Pradyumna: Represents power and energy.
• Aniruddha: Represents sovereignty and splendor.

Each form has its unique characteristics, including different colors, ornaments, weapons, vehicles, and banners.

The Four States of Consciousness

The concept of Chatur-vyoohah is also linked with the four states of consciousness:

• Jaagrat (Wakeful State): In this state, our external senses are active, and we interact with the external world.
• Svapna (Dream State): In this state, our senses are inactive, but the mind is still active, experiencing dreams.
• Sushupti (Deep Sleep State): In this state, both the senses and the mind are inactive. Only the vital functions like breathing continue.
• Tureeya (The Fourth State): This is a transcendental state where even the breath is suspended. It is beyond the other three states and represents a state of pure consciousness or enlightenment.

Visualization of the Four Forms

In the Paramapada (the supreme abode), there's a conceptual pillar called Visakha-sthambha made of pure Sattva (goodness). This pillar has four parts, each corresponding to one of the Vyuhas. Each part of the pillar has four sides, representing the four states of consciousness, and on each side, a different form of the Vyuha resides. This symbolizes the stages of spiritual development for a worshiper who meditates on these forms.

The concept of Chatur-vyoohah integrates the idea of Vishnu's divine manifestations with the stages of human consciousness, providing a comprehensive framework for meditation and worship.

Knowledge Bank

Kalyanotsavam dress code

Men - Veshti and Uttareeyam. Shirt, banian, etc. not allowed. Women - Saree. If wearing a churidar, then dupatta should necessarily be there.

What is the logic behind exclusive devotion?

In this world, everything is perishable. How can they ever take you out of worldly delusions and troubles? It is only Bhagavan who is eternal and omnipotent. It is only Bhagavan who is dependable.