Madhvaon Brahma Sūtra 1.3.3

Here, in the present text, Rudra is . not spoken of as the Creator on the .authority of the Agnma which depends for its authoritativeness upon mere reasoning (supposition); for the special terms such as,<s the wearer of ashes,*’ “the, fierce” denoting Rudra only, are hot found (here). On the other hand, the attributes of being the stay of the vital airs, of being fierce and the like are affirmed only of Vishnu, as seen in the following passages “ He is Hari who is the destroyer ; He is Hari who is called Rudra (the fierce); HeisYishuu who is the mainstay of breaths (vital airs); He is Vishnu who is the supreme Lord of breaths; He is the highest Lord, far higher, than the high, who is * Isa/, the ruler; He is Hari who is unlimited.” And in the Brahmanda Puraua (it is said), ‘‘Janardana (i.e., the redeemer, Vishnu) is.called Rudra; for lie cures the disease (of life). lie is ‘ Isana.’ (the ruler) for lie rules the lords of the world ; He is Mahadeva; for He is great aud splendid. He is known as Piuakiu; for those that have crossed the sea of life and obtained re- lease, take their stand on Him and drink in pure pleasure. He is Siva, for. He is absolutely blissful. Hari is Sarva, for He closes (the gates of) happiness against (the wicked). The Lord is called Krittivasas; for He shelters or dwells in this body covered over with skin, to guide it iu life. He is called Virincha ; for He produces the world out of Himself; He is Brahma, for lie is perfect, and He is ludra (the wealthy), for He is the.sole Lord.” Thus in words of various denotations, the Lord who-is Puruslia, the most exalted of all other Purushas (spiritual existences), who has measured the world in three strides—such is the Lord Most High that is sung by the Vedas and Puranas together- The Vamaiia Puranaalso says : “ But the-names, Narayaua, etc., (belonging to Vishnu) cannot (be taken to) denote auy other than Vishnu ; while Vishuu is that single One whom the names of all others do primarily denote.” Tliis is also stated iu Skauda; “ Purushotliama has given to. other individuals His uwu names except Narayaua, etc., just as a kiug confers the various. parts of his kingdom on other people except his own city.” And the Brahma Purana also says “ Kesava (the Lord of Brahma, Isa, etc.), has given special names, which are also his names, to Brahma as the P'our-faced, Satananda (ot a huudted blessings), the lotus-boru ; and to Siva, the names such as, * the Fierce,’ ‘ the Wearer of ashes/ ‘ the Naked/ ‘ the Skull-bearer/ ” etc.