A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.1431

c5.1431

PURUSHOTTAMA. Literally ‘best of men;’ but the word Purusha is here used in its mythic sense of soul of the universe, and so the compound means the “supreme soul.” It is a title of Vishnu, and asserts his right to be considered the Supreme God. So the *Hari-vansa* says, “Purushottama is whatever is declared to be the highest, Purusha the sacrifice, and everything else which is known by the name of Purusha.”