Paribhāṣā

mēlvīdu

மேல்வீடு

Also known as: mel vidu, melnaadu, the superior abode, vaikuntham in Tamil

Meaning

The superior abode; Śrī Vaikuṇṭham, the eternal realm of Bhagavān, contrasted with this mortal world (kīzhvīdu).

Detailed Explanation

Mēlvīdu — The Superior Abode

Mēlvīdu (Tamil: mēl — above/superior; vīdu — home/abode) is the Tamil vernacular expression for Śrī Vaikuṇṭham, the eternal transcendent realm (nityavibhūti) where Bhagavān Nārāyaṇa resides in his full, unobstructed glory, attended by the nitya-sūris and mukta-jīvas who have attained liberation.

The term contrasts with kīzhvīdu (lower abode — this mortal world) and with leelā vibhūti (the realm of divine sport, i.e., the material cosmos). Mēlvīdu is the ultimate destination of every prapanna and bhakta.

In Yathīndra Pravaṇa Prabhāvam, the passing of great Āchāryas is described as 'ascending to mēlvīdu' — a phrase used respectfully to indicate their liberation and arrival at Śrī Vaikuṇṭham. Māmunigaḷ and his disciples are described as eagerly longing for mēlvīdu while continuing their kaiṅkarya in this world.

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