Purushottama: The Supreme Being in Hinduism
Introduction to Purushottama
In Hinduism, the term Purushottama refers to the Supreme Being, often identified as the ultimate, all-pervading, and eternal reality. The term is derived from two Sanskrit words: Purusha, meaning “person” or “being,” and Uttama, meaning “highest” or “supreme.” Thus, Purushottama can be understood as “the Supreme Person” or “the Highest Being.” This concept holds a central place in Hindu philosophy and is particularly emphasized in the Bhagavad Gita and the Vedic scriptures.
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The concept of Purushottama represents the highest ideal of spiritual realization, where the divine is seen as both immanent and transcendent, encompassing all aspects of existence while remaining beyond the limitations of the material world. In various Hindu traditions, Lord Vishnu or his avatars, especially Krishna, are often considered manifestations of Purushottama, but the concept transcends the identification with any single deity.
Etymology and Meaning
The word Purusha is often used in Hindu philosophy to describe the cosmic being or the spirit that pervades the universe. It represents the universal soul or consciousness, which is eternal and beyond material existence. The suffix Uttama denotes something that is superior or the best, which in this context refers to the Supreme or Absolute aspect of Purusha.
Purushottama is therefore understood as the highest form of Purusha, the Supreme Being who is both the ultimate creator and the sustainer of the universe. While Purusha can sometimes refer to the individual soul (Atman), Purushottama refers to the universal and supreme form of divinity, one that transcends individual existence.
Purushottama in the Bhagavad Gita
The concept of Purushottama is most prominently discussed in the Bhagavad Gita, specifically in Chapter 15, where Krishna refers to himself as Purushottama. This chapter is titled “Purushottama Yoga,” or the “Yoga of the Supreme Person,” where Krishna explains the nature of the eternal soul, the material world, and the path to realizing the Supreme.
Key Verses from the Bhagavad Gita on Purushottama:
- “Beyond this manifest and unmanifest world, there is another eternal realm, the Supreme Person (Purushottama), which is not destroyed when all else perishes.” (Bhagavad Gita 15.17)
- “I am transcendental to both the perishable material world and the imperishable spirit, and thus I am known as the Supreme Being, Purushottama.” (Bhagavad Gita 15.18)
In this chapter, Krishna identifies three key aspects of existence:
- Kshara Purusha (The Perishable Being): This refers to the material world and all beings that are subject to birth, death, and rebirth.
- Akshara Purusha (The Imperishable Being): This refers to the eternal soul or consciousness that transcends the material world.
- Purushottama (The Supreme Being): This is the highest reality, the divine essence that governs both the material and spiritual realms. Purushottama is beyond both the perishable and imperishable aspects of creation, representing the ultimate, unchanging truth.
Krishna emphasizes that Purushottama is not just a concept but a reality that can be experienced through devotion and spiritual discipline. By realizing the nature of Purushottama, one can transcend the limitations of the material world and attain liberation (moksha).
Purushottama in Vedic Texts
The concept of Purushottama is not limited to the Bhagavad Gita; it also appears in various Vedic and Upanishadic texts. In the Purusha Sukta of the Rigveda, the cosmic being, Purusha, is described as a primordial entity whose sacrifice led to the creation of the universe. This hymn is considered one of the most important in Vedic literature, and it provides the foundation for understanding Purusha as the source of all existence.
In the Shvetashvatara Upanishad, the Supreme Being is described as Purusha who transcends time and space. The Upanishad identifies Purusha with the eternal, infinite consciousness that pervades everything. It also introduces the idea that knowing this Purusha is the key to attaining liberation:
- “The one who knows that Purusha, who is the supreme, eternal, all-pervading, and omniscient, transcends the cycle of birth and death and becomes immortal.” (Shvetashvatara Upanishad 3.15)
Through these texts, Purushottama is portrayed as the ultimate goal of spiritual realization, the essence of all creation, and the source of all life and consciousness.
The Role of Purushottama in Various Hindu Traditions
Purushottama holds significance in various sects of Hinduism, particularly in Vaishnavism, where Vishnu or Krishna is regarded as the supreme manifestation of Purushottama. In this context, Vishnu is worshipped as the ultimate reality who sustains and governs the universe.
In Vaishnavism, the concept of Purushottama is central to the worship of Lord Vishnu. Vaishnavites believe that by surrendering to Vishnu and acknowledging him as the Supreme Being, they can attain eternal liberation. This belief is supported by texts like the Vishnu Purana, which describes Vishnu as the all-pervading Purushottama, the creator and preserver of the universe.
In Advaita Vedanta, the non-dualistic school of Hindu philosophy, Purushottama is seen as the ultimate, formless reality known as Brahman. According to this view, the individual soul (Atman) and Brahman are one and the same, and realizing this unity is the path to enlightenment. While the Bhagavad Gita speaks of Purushottama as a personal deity, Advaita Vedanta interprets it as the impersonal absolute that transcends all distinctions.
In Bhakti traditions, such as those following the teachings of saints like Ramanuja and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Purushottama is worshipped with intense devotion. In these traditions, the relationship between the devotee and Purushottama is one of love and surrender. The devotee sees Purushottama as both a personal and universal deity who is intimately involved in their life.
Symbolism of Purushottama
Purushottama represents the highest form of divinity that goes beyond dualities, time, and space. In Hindu symbolism, this concept carries profound philosophical meanings:
- Transcendence and Immanence: Purushottama is both transcendent, existing beyond the material world, and immanent, present within all beings and forms. This dual nature is a hallmark of Hindu philosophy, where the divine is seen as encompassing both the physical and metaphysical realms.
- Unity of Being: Purushottama symbolizes the unity of all beings. It is the principle that binds the perishable and imperishable aspects of creation. The interconnectedness of life and consciousness is a key feature of the Hindu worldview, and Purushottama embodies this unity.
- Ultimate Liberation: Purushottama is often equated with Moksha, the ultimate goal of human life. By realizing Purushottama, one transcends the cycle of birth and death, entering a state of eternal bliss and liberation. This realization is not merely intellectual but a profound spiritual experience that comes through devotion, meditation, and self-inquiry.
Spiritual Path to Purushottama
The Bhagavad Gita outlines several paths that can lead an individual to the realization of Purushottama. These paths, known as Yogas, provide different approaches to spiritual practice, catering to the diverse temperaments and inclinations of individuals.
- Bhakti Yoga (Path of Devotion): Devotion to the Supreme Being is one of the simplest and most accessible paths. By surrendering to Purushottama with love and devotion, one can attain divine grace and eventually experience oneness with the supreme.
- Jnana Yoga (Path of Knowledge): Through self-inquiry and the pursuit of knowledge, a seeker can transcend the material world and realize the nature of Purushottama. This path emphasizes the study of scriptures, meditation, and the dissolution of the ego.
- Karma Yoga (Path of Selfless Action): Acting without attachment to the fruits of one’s labor is the essence of Karma Yoga. By dedicating all actions to Purushottama, one purifies the mind and aligns with the cosmic will, leading to liberation.
- Dhyana Yoga (Path of Meditation): Meditation on the formless or personal aspects of Purushottama helps in transcending the distractions of the material world. This path leads to inner peace, clarity, and eventually the realization of Purushottama.
Worship and Festivals of Purushottama
In Hinduism, the worship of Purushottama is an integral part of daily rituals and larger festivals. Particularly in Vaishnavism, where Vishnu is seen as the Supreme Being, various festivals celebrate his divine form as Purushottama.
One such festival is Purushottama Masa, which is an extra month
