Paribhāṣā

Ubhaya-vibhūti

உபய விபூதி

Also known as: ubhaya-vibhūti, ubhaya vibhuti, உபயவிபூதி, ubhaya vibhooti, both domains, ubhaya vibhoothi

Meaning

Both domains together — Nitya-vibhūti (Vaikuṇṭha) and Leelā-vibhūti (the material universe) as the complete, total domain of Bhagavān's sovereignty.

Detailed Explanation

The Complete Universe

Ubhaya-vibhūti (Sanskrit: ubhaya = both + vibhūti = domain/glory) refers to the totality of Bhagavān's sovereignty: both His eternal transcendental domain (nitya-vibhūti) and His material domain (leelā-vibhūti) together. Everything that exists — material and transcendental — belongs to and constitutes the body of Bhagavān Śrīman Nārāyaṇa.

Expression of Total Lordship

The concept of ubhaya-vibhūti expresses Bhagavān's sarveśvaratva (lordship of all). There is no domain, no reality, no level of existence that falls outside His sovereignty. Even Vaikuṇṭha, the transcendental realm, is His vibhūti — not separate from Him but part of His body and expression.

Tirunāmam Symbolism

The tirunāmam marks — the white clay lines (representing Bhagavān's feet) with the central red mark (representing Śrī Lakṣmī) — are said to symbolize ubhaya-vibhūti: the white represents the spiritual domain, the combination with red represents the material as well. Wearing tirunāmam is thus a statement of belonging to the Lord who owns both domains.

Related Terms