Shloka 27
Vishnu-sahasranāma-style Japa: Vishnu as Cosmic Cause and Inner Self
Antaryāmin
सुराणां च पतिः श्रेष्ठः (१६०) कपिलस्य पतिस्तथा / लतानां च पतिश्चैव वीरुधां च पतिस्तथा
surāṇāṃ ca patiḥ śreṣṭhaḥ (160) kapilasya patistathā / latānāṃ ca patiścaiva vīrudhāṃ ca patistathā
सुराणां च पतिः श्रेष्ठः, परः परम एव च। कपिलस्य पतिस्तथा, लतानां च पतिस्तथा। वीरुधां च पतिश्चैव, तथैव पतिरस्ति हि॥
Lord Vishnu (in dialogue with Garuda/Vinatā-putra)
Concept: Supreme lordship is foremost among gods; Kapila signifies authoritative wisdom; even plant life has ordered governance—suggesting an intelligible, dharma-structured cosmos.
Vedantic Theme: Cosmic hierarchy and the role of rishis as channels of knowledge; the Supreme as source of both revelation and natural order.
Application: Study and discernment (viveka) guided by authentic teachers; reverent, non-exploitative relationship with plant life and medicines.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Related Themes: Garuda Purana: didactic passages invoking rishis/teachers as authorities; Garuda Purana: lists of natural categories under divine governance
FAQs
This verse emphasizes cosmic order—each class of beings or creation has a governing principle or presiding authority, reflecting an organized dharmic universe.
By pointing to structured hierarchy in creation, it supports the text’s larger aim: teaching dharma and right understanding of reality, where roles and responsibilities are aligned with a higher governing truth.
Cultivate respect for natural order and rightful leadership—act within dharma, honor teachers of wisdom, and treat nature (plants and living systems) as part of a regulated, sacred cosmos.