What's in my Name?

While last name problem was being addrssed, the more common first name conundrum arose. Naming a baby can be quite stressful as it is. It becomes even harder when you want it to mean something and stand for something you believe in.

According to customary practice in our family, we picked four names for our baby girl. Fifth one happened more casually when my mother noticed her star. Here goes the meanings...

1. Nimisha - Simple Sanskrit and Tamil meaning is 'Minute'. In Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam stanza 23, 'Nimishah' is described as one of Vishnu's 108 names meaning, 'One whose eyes are closed' (towards the enemies of His devotees). It also means one who is 'All-Pervasive' and 'Omni Present' and does not need His eyes to see.
   We learned about this name from a friend and were impressed with the meaning and the fact that it represents the Almighty himself.
   
   
2. Sridhanvi - Sri represents Vedic conception of prosperity. It signifies the goddess of wealth - 'Lakshmi', the consort of Lord Vishnu. Dhanvi in Sanskrit means 'Money'.
   'Sridhanvi' is also another name for Sri Andal, one of the 12 Vaishavite Alwars (Saints) from Srivilliputtur. Our lineage from Srivilliputtur made it easy with this name.
   
   
3. Ranga Priya - Ranga is 'Sri Rangantha' of Srirangam and Priya is a lover of Sri Ranga. Sri Ranganatha Temple in Pomona, NY has beenn abode to express our devotion and offered us great deal of peace.
   We do not have any doubts our daughter will grow up to be a great lover and devotee of Sri Ranganatha.
   
   
4. Shenbaga Lakshmi - Shenbagam is a flower and Lakshmi is the consort of Vishnu.
   When my parents went to 'Sri Rajagopala Swamy Temple' in Mannargudi, TN, India, she prayed that her son be blessed with a child soon. As it came true soon with his blessings, our daughter got the main deity's consort Shenbaga Lakshmi's name.
   
   
5. Vagula Bushani - Vagula is a flower. Vagula Bushan is someone who wears the flower Vagula as an ornament.
   'Sri Nammalwar', also known as 'Vagula Bushanan', another one of the Vaishnavite Alwars was born on the star Visaka in the Tamil month of Vaikasi. Since my daughter was also born on the star Visaka, my mother thought it would be appropriate to name her as Vagula Bushani, being a girl.