Vishnu Dhyana Shloka

This is one of the most beloved dhyana shlokas in the Vaishnava tradition — recited before puja, before meals, and at the start of the day. Every word is a brushstroke painting Vishnu's form.

He is the one at total peace (Shantakara), reclining on the cosmic serpent Shesha on the waters of eternity. The lotus of creation springs from his navel. He is blue like a rain-cloud — vast, cooling, nourishing.

The verse ends with a profound note: this Vishnu who upholds the entire universe can be reached by yogis through deep meditation (dhyangamya). He is not just a distant deity — he is the goal of inner practice.

This shloka is found in various Vaishnava texts and is widely attributed to the tradition of Vishnu puja. It is recited in Vaishnava temples across India, especially in South India, as part of the morning puja ritual.

The image of Vishnu reclining on Shesha Naga (Anantashayana) is one of the iconic forms of Vishnu — seen in the Anantapadmanabha temple in Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala), one of the 108 Divya Desams.