Viraj

What does Viraj mean?

Viraj is connected with Sanskrit virāj, whose verbal senses include ‘to rule’ and ‘to shine’. Wiktionary and Monier-Williams also record associations with sovereignty, splendor and majesty. Both ruling and radiance therefore belong to the documented word family. Viraj is also a cosmic figure in Vedic literature. That religious identity is a distinct use of the word, rather than a replacement for the verbal meanings used to explain the name.

Source: Wiktionary, विराज्. How we use sources.

Spelling and pronunciation

विराज is read vi-raaj, with a short i and a long aa. Viraaj makes the second vowel's length explicit. The dictionary stem विराज् ends in a consonant, and its grammatical form virāṭ underlies Virat. The names are related through that word but are not interchangeable spellings.

Also spelled Viraaj.

Viraj in tradition and story

In the Purusha Sukta of the Rigveda, Viraj and the cosmic Purusha are described as arising from one another. This gives Viraj a specific role in Vedic accounts of creation, alongside its meanings of rule and radiance.