Tripadastha (त्रिपदस्थ, IAST: Tripadastha) is a Sanskrit-origin Hindu boy-name meaning “He who abides in or encompasses the three steps”. From 'tri' (three), 'pada' (step, foot, place), and 'stha' (established in, abiding in), this name honors Vishnu as the one whose being is established across all three worlds measured by his three cosmic strides.

Meaning, etymology & significance

Tripadastha is a Sahasranama compound celebrating the Vamana-Trivikrama episode: 'tri' means three, 'pada' refers both to the foot and to the places or states encompassed, and 'stha' from the root 'sthā' means to stand or to be established. Vishnu's three steps covered the earth, the atmosphere, and the heavens, meaning his very existence pervades and is established in all three planes of reality. The name thus points to Vishnu's omnipresence expressed through the mythic language of cosmic stepping.

This is a Vishnu-specific epithet in the Sahasranama, closely associated with the Trivikrama form. As a compound descriptive name, it is rarely given to children but is rich in devotional significance.

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Scriptural source

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