1. What is Vishnu Sahasranamam?
The Vishnu Sahasranamam is a sacred hymn from the Anushasana Parva of the Mahabharata โ containing the 1000 names of Lord Vishnu, narrated by the dying Bhishma Pitamah to Yudhishthira on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. It is one of the most recited hymns in Vaishnavite Hinduism and is chanted daily in temples and homes across India.
The text begins with Yudhishthira asking: "Who is the one deity that, if worshipped, brings liberation? What is the highest path?" Bhishma's answer is the Sahasranamam โ the thousand names that together form the complete portrait of the infinite Vishnu.
"Recitation of the Vishnu Sahasranamam even once is equal to worshipping Vishnu with a thousand flowers. Each name is a doorway into a different aspect of the infinite Lord."
2. Benefits of Reciting Vishnu Sahasranamam
- Removal of sins and purification of the mind and heart
- Protection from disease, enemies and adversity
- Blessings of prosperity, longevity and peace
- Liberation (Moksha) from the cycle of birth and death
- Fulfilment of righteous desires and removal of obstacles
3. How to Recite
Best Time
Early morning after bath โ ideally during Brahma Muhurta (before sunrise).
Setup
Light a lamp, sit facing east or north on a clean mat or asana.
Repetitions
108 times on special days; once daily as regular practice.
Offering
Offer Tulsi leaves, yellow flowers and water to Vishnu as you recite.
4. Opening Shloka (Phala Shruti โ Benefit Verses)
Yani Namani Gauneeni Vikhyatani Mahatmanah,
Rishibhih Parigitani Tani Vakshyami Bhootaye.
Translation: "Those auspicious names of the great soul, sung by the sages for the well-being of all โ I shall now recite for your benefit."
5. Selected Names & Their Meanings
- Vishvam โ He who is the universe itself
- Vishnuh โ He who pervades all existence
- Vashatkara โ He who is invoked with the Vashat mantra in yajnas
- Bhutabhavyabhavatprabhuh โ Lord of the past, future and present
- Bhutakrit โ Creator of all beings
- Bhutatma โ The soul of all beings
- Bhutabhavana โ The nourisher of all beings
- Anantah โ The infinite one with no end
The complete 1000 names span six chapters and take approximately 20โ30 minutes to recite at a measured pace.