As a deity name
Name 15 of the Narasimha Sahasranāma — Brahmanda Purana / Narasimha Purana, as taught by Sages to Assembly of Devotees
As a Hindi name
No reading on this path — this spelling has no entry in our Hindi sources, and no near neighbour is attested there either. We say so rather than invent one.
As a Sanskrit word
Meaning
(superl. of 2. vara) the most excellent or best, most preferable among (gen. or comp.), &c. &c.
Scripturally attested Verified split — attested membersMultiple readings (5)Why this matches what you typed
M1 · same meaning "variṣṭhāya" is the dative of "variṣṭha" — the same word in a different grammatical case.
M3 · meaning shifts "variṣṭha" is derived from "var" with the iṣṭhan suffix — a related word whose meaning shifts, so both meanings are shown.
var 10 U. (va rayati-te, strictly caus. of vṛ, or vṝ of class 10) To ask for, choose, seek to get; see vṛ.
1. variṣṭha mfn. (superl. of uru, q.v.) widest, broadest, largest, most extensive, RV.; VS.; TBr.; R.
2. variṣṭha mf(ā)n. (superl. of 2. vara) the most excellent or best, most preferable among (gen. or comp.), RV. &c. &c.
Related forms
Dictionary citations
1. variṣṭha mfn. (superl. of uru, q.v.) widest, broadest, largest, most extensive, RV.; VS.; TBr.; R.
2. variṣṭha mf(ā)n. (superl. of 2. vara) the most excellent or best, most preferable among (gen. or comp.), RV. &c. &c.
var 10 U. (va rayati-te, strictly caus. of vṛ, or vṝ of class 10) To ask for, choose, seek to get; see vṛ.
Alternative readings
More than one analysis survives full verification. That ambiguity is real, so we show every reading rather than pick one silently.
Caveats
Sources contain errors and engines have limits; every claim above carries its citation so you can verify it. This is guidance about names and their sources — not religious or astrological consultation. How we work · Our sources