Nirashrava

Nirashrava (निराश्रय, IAST: Nirāśraya) is a Sanskrit-origin Hindu boy-name meaning “Without dependence, self-sustained refuge of all”. Joining 'nir' (without) and 'āśraya' (refuge, support, dependence), this name proclaims that Vishnu relies upon nothing outside Himself for His existence, while simultaneously being the supreme refuge upon whom all creation depends.

Meaning, etymology & significance

The word 'āśraya' denotes the base or support upon which something rests; all beings seek an āśraya, yet Vishnu as 'nirāśraya' is entirely self-existent, resting on nothing other than His own infinite being. This apparent paradox — that the one who is the refuge of all has no refuge of His own — underlines His absolute independence (svātantrya). It is a cornerstone Vaishnava teaching.

This epithet reminds the devotee that surrendering to Vishnu is surrendering to the one support that itself has no need of support — making that surrender the most secure refuge possible. Pronounced nee-RAA-shrah-yah, care should be taken not to confuse it with 'nirāmaya.'

Scriptural source

Nirashrava appears in the Vishnu Sahasranama, among the sacred names of Vishnu.

Astrology — nakshatra, rashi & numerology

By the standard Vedic correspondence between a name’s first syllable and the lunar mansion, Nirashrava aligns with the Anuradha nakshatra, under the Vrischika rashi (Moon sign). Its Chaldean name-number is 9.