Vishnu Sahasranamam lyrics English

Vishnu sahasranama In English text (Lyrics)

Shuklam Baradaram Vishnum, Sasi Varnam Chatur Bhujam,
Prasanna Vadanan Dyayet, Sarva Vignoba Sandaye

Vyasam Vasishtanaptharam, Sakthe Poutramakalmasham,
Parasarathmajam vande, Shukathatham Taponidhim.

Vyasa Vishnu Roopaya, Vyasa Roopaya Vishnave,
Namo Vai Brahma Vidaya, Vasishtaya Namo Nama.

Avikaraya Shuddhaya, Nityaya Paramatmane,
Sadaika Roopa Roopaya, Vishnave Sarva Jishnave.

Yasya Smarana Mathrena, Janma Samsara Bandhanath.
Vimuchayate Nama Tasmai, Vishnave Prabha Vishnave
OM Namo Vishnave Prabha Vishnave

Shri Vaisampayana Uvacha

Shrutva Dharmaneshena, Pavanani Cha Sarvasha,
Yudishtra Santhanavam Puneravabhya Bhashata

Yudishtra Uvacha

Kimekam Daivatham Loke, Kim Vapyegam Parayanam,
Sthuvantha Kam Kamarchanda Prapnyur Manava Shubham,

Ko Dharma sarva Dharmanam Paramo Matha
Kim Japanmuchyathe Jandur Janma Samsara Bhandanat

Sri Bheeshma Uvacha

Jagat Prabhum Devadevam Anantham Purushottamam,
Stuvan Nama Sahasrena, Purusha Sathathothida,
Tameva Charchayan Nityam, Bhaktya Purushamavyayam,
Dhyayan Sthuvan Namasyancha Yajamanasthameva Cha,

Anadi Nidhanam Vishnum Sarva Loka Maheswaram
Lokadyaksham Stuvannityam Sarva Dukkhago Bhaved,
Brahmanyam Sarva Dharmagnam Lokanam Keerthi Vardhanam,
Lokanatham Mahadbhootham Sarva Bhootha Bhavodbhavam

Aeshame Sarva Dharmanam Dharmadhika Tamo Matha,
Yad Bhaktyo Pundarikaksham Stuvyr-Archanayr-Nara Sada,
Paramam Yo Mahatteja, Paramam Yo Mahattapa
Paramam Yo Mahad Brahma Paramam Ya Parayanam

Pavithranam Pavithram Yo Mangalanam Cha Mangalam,
Dhaivatham Devathanam Cha Bhootanam Yo Vya Pitha
Yatha Sarvani Bhoothani Bhavandyathi Yugagame
Yasmincha Pralayam Yanthi Punareve Yuga Kshaye

Tasya Loka Pradhanasya Jagannatathasya Bhoopathe
Vishno Nama Sahasram Me Srunu Papa Bhayapaham
Yani Namani Gounani Vikhyatani Mahatmanah
Rishibhih Parigeetani Tani Vakshyami Bhootaye

Rishir Namnam Sahsrasya Veda Vyaso Maha Munih
Chando Aunustup Stada Devo Bhagawan Devaki Sutha
Amruthamsu Bhavo Bhhejam Shakthir Devaki Nandana
Trisama Hridayam Tasya Santhyarthe Viniyujyade

Vishnum Jishnum Mahavishnum Prabha Vishnun Maheswaram
Aneka Roopa Daityantham Namami Purushottamam

Sri Vishnu Sahasranama Stotra

Asya Shriivishhnor-Divyasahasranaama Stotra Mahaa Mantrasya
Shri Vedavyaaso Bhagavaan Rishhih
Anushhtuph Chhandah
Shri Mahaavishnuh Paramaatmaa Shriimannaaraayano Devataa
Amritaam Shuudbhavo Bhaanuriti Bieejam
Devakee Nandanah Srashteti Shaktih
Udbhavah Kshobhano Deva Iti Paramo Mantrah
Shankha-Bhrinnandakii Chakriiti Keelakam
Shaarngadhanvaa Gadaadhara Ityastram
Rathaangapaani Rakshobhya Iti Netram
Trisaamaa Saamagah Saameti Kavacham
Aanandam Parabrahmeti Yonih
Rituh Sudarshanah Kaala Iti Digbandhah
Shri Vishvaruupa Iti Dhyaanam
Shri Mahaavishhnu Priityartham Sahasranaama Jape Viniyogah

Dhyanam

Ksheerodanvath Pradese Suchimani Vilasad Saikathe Maukthikanam
Malaklupthasanastha Spatikamani Nibhai Maukthiker Mandithangah
Shubrai-Rabrai-Rathabrai Ruparivirachitai Muktha Peeyusha Varshai
Anandi Na Puniyadari Nalina Gadha Sankapanir Mukundaha

Bhoo Padau Yasya Nabhi R Viyadasu Ranila Schandra Suryaau Cha Nether
Karnavasasiro Dhaumugamabhi Dhahano Yasya Vasteyamabhdhi
Anthastham Yasya Viswam Sura Nara Khaga Go Bhogi Gandharva Dhaityai,
Chitram Ram Ramyathe Tham Thribhuvana Vapusham Vishnumeesam Namami

Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya

Santhakaram Bujaga Sayanam Padmanabham Suresam,
Viswadharam Gagana sadrusam Megha Varnam Shubangam
Lakshmi Kantham Kamala Nayanam Yogi Hrid Dyana Gamyam
Vande Vishnum Bava Bhayaharam Sarva Lokaika Nadham

Megha Syamam Peetha Kouseya Vasam Srivatsangam Kausthuboth Bhasithangam
Punyopetham Pundareekayathaksham Vishnum Vande Sarva Lokaika Natham

Namah Samasta Bhutanam-Adi-Bhutaya Bhubrite
Aneka-Ruparupaya Vishnave Prabha-Vishnave

Sasanga Chakram Sakerita Kundalam Sappeethavastram Saraseruhekshanam,
Sahara Vaksha Sthala Shobhi Kousthubham Namai Vishnum Sirasa Chaturbhujam

Chayayam Parijatasys Hemasimhasanopari,
Aseenamam Budha Syama Mayathakashamalangrutham,
Chandranana Chathurbahum Sreevatsangitha Vakshasam,
Rukmani Satyabhamabhyam Sahitham Krishnamasraye.

Vishnu Sahasranamam Stotra Lyrics

Om Vishvam Vishnur-Vashatkaro Bhuta-Bhavya-Bhavat-Prabhuh
Bhutakrud Bhutabhrud Bhavo Bhutatma Bhuta-Bhavanah
Putatma Paramatma Cha Muktanam Parama Gatih
Avyayah Purusha Sakshi Kshetrajno-Kshara Eva Cha

Yogo Yogavidam Neta Pradhana-Purushesvarah
Narasimha-Vapu Shriman Kesavah Purushottamah
Sarvah Sarvah Sivah Sthanur-Bhutadir-Nidhir-Avyayah
Sambhavo Bhavano Bharta Prabhavah Prabhur-Isvarah

Svayambhuh Sambhur-Adityah Pushkaraksho Mahasvanah
Anandi-Nidhano Dhata Vidhata Dhaturuttamah
Aprameyo Hrishikesah Padma-Nabho-Mara-Prabhuh
Visvakarma Manustvashta Sthavishtah Sthaviro-Dhruvah

Agrahyah Sasvatah Krishno Lohitakshah Pratardanah
Prabhutas-Trikakubdhama Pavitram Mangalam Param
Isanah Pranadah Prano Jyeshthah Sreshthah Prajapatih
Hiranyagarbho Bhugarbho Madhavo Madhusudanah

Ishvaro Vikrami Dhanvi Medhavi Vikramah Kramah
Anuttamo Duradharsah Krutajnah Krutiratmavan
Suresah Sharanam Sharma Vishvaretah Prajabhavah
Ahah Samvasaro Vyalah Pratyayah Sarvadarshanah

Ajah Sarveshvarah Siddhah Siddhih Sarvadir Acyutah
Vrushakapir Ameyatma Sarva-Yoga-Vinihshrutah
Vasur Vasumanah Satyah Samatma Sammitah Samah
Amoghah Pundarikaksho Vrusha-Karma Vrushakrutih

Rudro Bahushira Babhrur Vishva-Yonih Shuchi Sravah
Amrutah Shashvata-Sthanur Vararoho Maha-Tapah
Sarvagah Sarva-Vid-Bhanur Vishvaksheno Janardanah
Vedo Vedavid Avyango Vedango Vedavit Kavih

Lokadhyakshah Suradhyaksho Dharmadhyakshah Krutakrutah
Chaturatma Chaturvyuhas Chaturdamstras Chatur-Bhujah
Bhrajishnur-Bhojanam Bhokta Sahishnur Jagad-Adhijah
Anagho Vijayo Jeta Vishva-Yonih Punar-Vasuh

Upendro Vamanah Pramshur Amoghah Suchir Urjitah
Atindrah Samgrahah Sargo Dhrutatma Niyamo Yamah
Vedyo Vaidyah Sada-Yogi Viraha Madhavo Madhuh
Atindriyo Mahamayo Mahotsaho Mahabalah

Mahabuddir Mahaviryo Mahasaktir Mahadyutih
Anirdesyavapuh Shriman Ameyatma Mahadridhruk
Maheshvaso Mahibharta Shrinivasah Satam Gatih
Aniruddhah Suranando Govindo Govidam Patih

Marichir-Damano Hamsah Suparno Bhujagottamah
Hiranya-Nabha Sutapah Padmanabhah Prajapatih
Amrutyuh Sarva-Druk Simhah Sandhata Sandhiman Sthirah
Ajo Durmarshanah Shasta Vishrutatma Surariha

Gurur Gurutamo Dhama Satyah Satya-Parakramah
Nimisho Animishah Sragvi Vachaspatir Udaradhih
Agranir Gramanih Shriman Nyayo Neta Samiranah
Sahsra-Murdha Vishvatma Sahasraksha Sahasrapat

Avrtano Nivrutatma Samvrutah Sampramardanah
Ahah Samvartako Vahnir Anilo Dharani-Dharah
Suprasadah Prasannatma Vishva-Dhrug Vishva-Bhug Vibhuh
Sat-Karta Sat-Krutah Sadhur Jahnur Narayano Narah

Asankhyeyo Prameyatma Visistah Shishtakruch Chucih
Siddharthah Siddha-Sankalpah Siddhidah Siddhisadhanah
Vrushahi Vrushabho Vishnur Vrushaparva Vrushodarah
Vardhano Vardhamanascha Viviktah Shruti-Sagarah

Subhujo Durdharo Vagmi Mahendro Vasodo Vasuh
Naikarupo Bruhad-Rupah Shipivishtah Prakashana
Ojas Tejo Dyuti-Dharah Prakashatma Pratapanah
Vruddhah Spahstaksharo Mantras Chandramshur Bhaskaradyutih

Amrtamshu Dbhavo Bhanuh Shashabinduh Sureshvarah
Aushadham Jagatah Setuh Satya-Dharma-Prarakramah
Bhuta-Bhavya-Bhavan-Nathah Pavanah Pavano Analah
Kamaha Kamakrut Kantah Kamah Kamapradah Prabhuh

Yugadikrud Yugavarto Naikamayo Mahashanah
Adrushyo Vyakta-Rupascha Sahasrajid Anantajit
Ishtovishistah Shishtestah Sikhandi Nahusho Vrushah
Krodhaha Krodhakrut Karta Vishva-Bahur Mahidharah

Achyutah Prathitah Pranah Pranado Vasavanujah
Apam-Nidhir Adhishthanam Apramattah Pratishtitah
Skandah Skanda-Dharo Dhuryo Varado Vayuvahanah
Vashudevo Bruhad-Bhanur Adidevah Purandarah

Ashokas-Taranas-Tarah Surah Saurir Janeshvarah
Anukulah Shatavartah Padmi Padma-Nibhekshanah
Padmanabho Aravindakshah Padmagarbhah Sarirabhrut
Mahardhir Ruddho Vruddhatma Mahaksho Garuda-Dhvajah

Atulah Sarabho Bhimah Samayagno Havirharih
Sarvalakshana Lakshanyo Lakshmivan Samitinjayah
Viksharo Rohito Margo Hetur-Damodarah Sahah
Mahidharo Mahabhago Vegavan Amitashanah

Udbhavah Kshobhano Devan Shrigarbhah Parameshvarah
Karanam Kaaranam Karta Vikarta Gahano Guhah
Vyavasayo Vyavasthanah Samsthanah Sthanado Dhruvah
Parardhih Parama-Spashtas Tushtah Pushtah Subhekshanah

Ramo Viramo Virato Margo Neyo Nayonayah
Virah Shaktimatam Shreshtho Dharmo Dharma-Vid Uttamah
Vaikunthah Purushah Pranah Pranadah Pranavah Pruthuh
Hiranya-Garbhah Shatrughno Vyapto Vayur Adhokshajah

Rituh Sudarshanah Kalah Parameshti Parigrahah
Ugrah Samvatsaro Daksho Vishramo Vishva-Dakshinah
Vistarah Sthavara-Sthanuh Pramanam Bijam Avyayam
Arthonartho Mahakosho Mahabhogo Mahadhanah

Anirvinnah Sthavishthobhur Dharma-Yupo Maha-Makhah
Nakshatra-Nemir Nakshatri Kshamah Kshamah Samihanah
Yajna Ijyo Mahejyas Cha Kratuh Satram Satamgatih
Sarvadarshi Vimuktatma Sarvagyo Gynanam-Uttamam

Suvratah Sumukhah Sukshmah Sughoshah Sukhadah Suhrut
Manoharo Jita-Krodho Virabahur Vidaranah
Svapanah svavasho Vyapi Naikatma Naika-Karma-Krut
Vatsaro Vatsalo Vatsi Ratna-Garbho Dhaneshvarah

Dharmagub Dharmakrud Dharmi Sad-Asatksharam Aksharam
Avigyata Sahashramsur Vidhata Kruta-Lakshanah
Gabhasti-Nemih Sattvasthah Simho Bhuta-Maheshvarah
Adidevo Mahadevo Devesho Devabhrud-Guruh

Uttaro Gopatir Gopta Gyanagamyah Puratanah
Sharira-Bhuta-Bhrud Bhokta Kapindro Bhuridakshinah
Somapo Amrutapah Somah Purujit Purushottamah
Vinayo Jayah Satyasandho Dasharhah Satvatampatih

Jivo Vinayita-Sakshi Mukundo Amita Vikramah
Ambhonidhir Anantatma Mahodadhishayonatakah
Ajo Maharhah Svabhavyo Jitamitrah Pramodanah
Anando Nandano Nandah Satya-Dharma Trivikramah

Maharshih Kapilacharyah Krutagyo Medini-Patih
Tripadas Tridashadhyaksho Mahashrungah Krutantakrut
Mahavaraho Goivindah Sushenah Kanakangadi
Guhyo Gabhiro Gahano Guptas Chakra-Gadadharah

Vedhah Svango Ajitah Krishno Drudhah Sankarshano Acyutah
Varuno Vaaruno Vrukshah Pushkaraksho Mahamanah
Bhagavan Bhagahanandi Vanamali Halayudhah
Adityo Jyotir-Adityah Sahishnur Gatisattamah

Sudhanva-Khandaparashur-Daruno Dravinapradah
Divah-Spruk Sarva-Drug Vyaso Vachaspatir Ayonijah
Trisama Samagah Sama Nirvanam Bheshajam Bhishak
Sanyasakrut Chamah Santo Nishtha Shantih Parayanam

Shubhangah Shantidah Srashta Kumudah Kuvalesayah
Gohito Gopatir Gopta Vrushabhaksho Vrushapriyah
Anivarti Nivrutatma Samkshepta Kshema-Kruchivah
Shrivasta-Vakshah Shrivasah Shripatih Shrimatam-Varah

Shridah Shrishah Shrinivasah Shrinidhih Shri-Vibhavanah
Shridharah Shrikarah Shreyah Shriman Loka-Trayashrayah
Svakshah Svangah Shatanando Nandir Jyotir-Ganeshvarah
Vijitatma Vidheyatma Satkirtischinna-Samsayah

Udirnah Sarvata-Chakshur-Anisah Sasvata-Sthirah
Bhushayo Bhushano Bhutir Vishokah Shoka-Nashanah
Archishman Architah Kumbho Vishuddhatma Vishodhanah
Aniruddho Pratirathah Pradyumno Amita-Vikramah

Kalaneminiha Virah Saurih Sura-Janeshvarah
Trilokatma Trilokeshah Keshavah Keshiha Harih
Kamadevah Kamapalah Kami Kantah Krutagamah
Anirdeshya-Vapur Vishnur Viro Ananto Dhananjayah

Brahmanyo Brahmakrud-Brahma Brahma Brahma-Vivardhanah
Brahmavid Brahmano Brahmi Brahmgno Brahmana-Priyah
Mahakramo Mahakarma Mahateja Mahoragah
Mahakratur Mahayajva Mahayagyo Mahahavih

Stavyah Stavapriyah Stotram Stutih Stota Ranapriyah
Purnah Purayita Punyah Punyakirtir Anamayah
Manojavas Tirthakaro Vasureta Vasupradah
Vasuprado Vasudevo Vasur Vasumana Havih

Sadgatih Sat-Krutih Satta Sad-Bhutih Sat-Parayanah
Suraseno Yadushreshthah Sannivasah Suyamunah
Bhutavaso Vasudevah Sarvasu-Nilayo Analah
Darpaha Darpado Drupto Durdharo-Atha-Parajitah

Vishvamurtir Mahamurtir Diptamurtir Amurtiman
Anekamurtir Avyaktah Shatamurtih Shatananah
Eko Naikah Savah Kah Kim Yat Tat Padam-Anuttamam
Lokabandhur Lokanatho Madhavo Bhakta-Vastalah

Suvarna Varno Hemango Varangas Chandanangadi
Viraha Vishamah Sunyo Ghrutasir Achalaschalah
Amani Manado Manyo Lokasvami Triloka-Dhruk
Sumedha Medhajo Dhanyah Satyamedha Dharadharah

Tejovrusho Dyuti-Dharah Sarva-Shastra-Bhrutam-Varah
Pragrahonigraho Vyagro Naikashrungo Gadagrajah
Chaturmurtis Chaturbahus Chaturvyuhas Chaturgatih
Chaturatma Chaturbhavas Chaturvedavid Ekapat

Samavarto Anivrutatma Durjayo Duratikramah
Durlabho Durgamo Durgo Duravaso Durariha
Shubhango Lokasarangah Sutantus Tantu-Vardhanah
Indrakarma Mahakarma Krutakarma Krutagamah

Udbhavah Sundarah Sundo Ratnanabhah Sulochanah
Arko Vajasanah Shrungi Jayantah Sarva-Vij-Jayi
Suvarna-Bindur-Akshobhyah Sarva-Vagishvareshvarah
Mahahrado Maha-Garto Maha-Bhuto Maha-Nidhih

Kumudah Kundarah Kundah Parjanyah Pavano Anilah
Amrutasho Amrutavapuh Sarvagyah Sarvato-Mukha
Sulabhah Suvratah Siddhah Shatru-Jit Shatru-Tapanah
Nyagrodho Adumbaro-Svatthas Chanurandhra-Nishudhanah

Sahasrarchi Sapta-Jihvah Saptaidhah Sapta-Vahanah
Amurtir Anagho Achintyo Bhayakrud Bhaya-Nashanah
Anur Bruhat Krusah Sthulo Gunabrun Nirguno Mahan
Adhrutah Svadhrutah Svasyah Pragvamsho Vamshavardhanah

Bhara-Bhrut Kathito Yogi Yogishah Sarva-Kamadah
Ashramah Shramanah Kshamah Suparno Vayu-Vahanah
Dhanurdharo Dhanurvedo Dando Damayita Damah
Aparajitah Sarvasaho Niyanta Niyamo Yamah

Satvavan Satvikah Satyah Satya-Dharma-Parayanah
Abhiprayah Priyarho-Rhah Priyakrut Pritivardhanah
Vihayasagatir Jyotih Suruchir Huta-Bhug Vibhuh
Ravir Virochanah Suryah Savita Ravilochanah

Ananto Huta-Bhug Bhokta Sukhado Naikajo-Grajah
Anirvinnah Sadamarshi Lokadhishthana-Madbhutah
Sanat Sanatana-Tamah Kapilah Kapir Avyayah
Svastidah Svastikrut Svasti Svastibhuk Svasti-Dakshinah

Araudrah Kundali Chakri Vikramyurjita-Shasanah
Shabdatigah Shabdasahah Sisirah Sarvari-Karah
Akrurah Peshalo Daksho Dakshinah Kshiminam Varah
Vidvattamo Vitabhayah Punya-Shravana-Kirtanah

Uttarano Dushkrutiha Punyo Duh-Svapna-Nasanah
Viraha Rakshanah Santo Jivanah Paryavasthitah
Ananta-Rupo Ananta-Shri Jitamanyur Bhayapahah
Chaturashro Gabhiratma Vidisho Vyadisho Dishah

Anadi Bhurbhuvo Lakshmih Suviro Ruchirangadah
Janano Janajanmadir Bhimo Bhima-Parakramah
Adharanilayo Dhata Pushpahasah Prajagarah
Urdhvagah Sat-Pathacharah Pranadah Pranavah Panah

Pramanam Prananilayah Pranabhrut Pranajivanah
Tatvam Tatvavidekatma Janma-Mrutyu-Jaratigah
Bhurbhuvah Svastarus-Tarah Savita Prapitamahah
Yagyo Yagya-Patir-Yajva Yagyango Yagya-Vahanah

Yagyabhrud Yagyakrud Yagyi Yagyabhrug Yagyasadhanah
Yagyanantakrud Yagyaguhyam Annam Annada Eva Cha
Atmayonih Svayamjato Vaikhanah Samagayanah
Devaki-Nandanah Srashtha Kshitishah Papanashanah

Shankhabrun -Nandaki Chakri Sharangadhnva Gadadharah
Rathanga Panirakshobhyah Sarva-Praharanayudhah

Sree Sarva-Praha-Rana-Yudha Om Naman Ithi

Vanamali Gadi Sharangi Shankhi Chakri Cha Nandaki
Shriman Narayano Vishnur-Vasudevo-Abhirakshatu (repeat these 2 times)

Iteedam Keerta-Neeyasya Kesha-Vasya Maha-Tmanah |

Namnam sahasram divya-nam ashe-shena prakeer-titam

Ya Edam Shrunuyat Nityam Yaschhapi Parikeertayet
Nashubham-Prapnuyat-Kinchit So Mutreha-Cha-Manavah

Vedan-Tago Bramhana-Syat Kshatriyo Vijayee Bavet
Vaisyo Dhana-Samru-Ddhasyat Shhoodra Sukha Mavap-Nuyat

Dharmarthee Prapnu-Yatdharmam Artharthee Chartha Mapnuyat
Kamana-Vapnuyat-Kamee Prajarthee Chapnu-Yat-Prajam

Bhakt-Imanya Sadotthaya Shuchi-Stadgata Manasah
Sahasram Vasu-Devasya Namna Metat Prakee-Rtayet

Yashah Prapnoti Vipulam Ynati Praadhanya Meva-Cha
Achalam shriya mapnothi shreyah prapnotya-nuttamam

Na Bhayam Kvachi Dapnoti Veeryam Tejachha Vindati
Bhava Tyarogo Dhyu-Timan Bala-Roopa Gunan-Vitah

Rogarto Muchyate Rogat Baddho Muchyeta Bandhanat
Bhaya Nmuchyeta Bheetastu Muchye Tapanna Apadha

Durganya-Titara Tyashu Purushah Purusho-Ttamam
Stuva Nnama-Saha-Srena Nityam Bhakti Saman-Vitah

Vasu-Deva-Shrayo Marthyo Vasu-Deva Para-Yanah
Sarva-Papa Vishu-Ddhatma Yati Bramha Sana-Tanam

Na Vasu-Deva Bhakta-Nam Ashubham Vidyate Kvachit
Janma Mrithyu Jara Vyadhi Bhayam Naivapa Jayate

Emam Stava Madhee-Yanah Shraddha-Bhakti Sama-Nvitah
Yujye Tatam Sukha-Kshantih Shree-Dhrati Smruti Keertibhih

Na Krodho Na Matsaryam Na Lobho Na Shubha-Matih
Bhavanti Kruta Punyanam Bhakta-Nam Puru-Shottame

Dhyou Sachan-Drarka Nakshatra Kham Disho Bhoorma-Hodadhih
Vasu-Devasya Veeryena Vidhrutani Mahat-Manah

Sa-Sura-Sura Gandharvam Sa-Yaksho-Raga Raksha-Sam
Jaga-Dvashe Varta-Tedam Krishnasya Sachara-Charam

Indri-Yani Mano-Buddhih Satvam Tejo-Balam Dhrutih|
Vasu-Devatma Kanyahuh Kshetram-Kshetragyna Eva Cha

Sarva-Gamana Macharah Prathamam Pari-Kalpate
Aachara Prabhavo Dharmo Dharmasya Pradhu-Rachyutah

Rushayah Pitaro Devah Maha-Bhootani Dhatavah |
Jangama-Jangamam Chedam Jagannaraya-Nodbhavam

Yogo Gynanam Tatha Sankhyam Vidya Shilpadi Karma-Cha
Vedah Shasthrani Vigynana Etat-Sarvam Janar-Danat

Eko-Vishnu Rmaha-Dbhootam Prutha-Gbhoota Nyanekasah
Trilon-Lokan-Vyapya-Bhootatma Bhujkte Vishva-Bhugavyayah

Emam Stavam Bhagavato Vishnor-Vyasena Keertitam
Pathedya Echhet Purushah Shreyah Praptum Sukhani-Cha

Vishve-Shvara Majam Devam Jagatah Prabhu Mavyam
Bhajanti Ye Pushka-Raksham Nate Yanti Para-Bhavam

Na Te Yanti Para-Bhavam Om Nama Iti

Arjuna Uvacha

Padma-Patra Visha-Laksha Padma-Nabha Suro-Ttama
Bhaktana Manu-Raktanam Trata Bhava Janar-Dana

Shree Bhagavan Uvacha

Yo-Mam Nama Saha-Srena Stotu Michhati Pandava
Sho Ha Mekena Shlokena Stuta Eva Na Samshayah

Stita Eva Na Samshaya Om Nama Iti

Vyasa Uvacha

Vasa-Naad Vasu Devsaya Vasitham Te Jaga-Thrayam
Sarva-Butha Nivaso Si Vaasu-Deva Namo Stute

Vasu-Deva Namostute Om Nama Iti

Parvati Uyvachv

Keno-Paayena Laghunaa Vishnur-Nama Saha-Skrakam
Patyate Pamditeh Nityam Shortu Michha Myaham Prabho

Eshwara Uvacha

Shree-Rama Ram Rameti Rame Raame Mano-Rame
Saha-Sranaama Tattulyam Raama-Naama Varaa-Nane

(Read the above 2 lines 2 more times)

Raama-Naama Varaa-Nana Om Nama Iti

Bramho Uvacha

Namo Stvana-Ntaya Saha-Sramurtaye
Saha-Srapaa-Dakshi Shiroru-Bahave
Saha-Sranaamne Puru-Shaya Shashvate
Saha-Srakoti-Yuga-Dharine Namah
Saha-Srakoti Yuga-Dharina Om Nama Iti

Sanjaya Uvacha

Yatra Yoge-Shvarah Krushno Yatra Paardho Dhanur-Dharah
Tatra-Shreeh Vijayo Bhutih Dhruva Neetih Mati Rmama

Shree Bhagawan Uvacha

Ananya-Schanta-Yanto Mam Ye Janaah Paryu-Panate
Tesham Nitya-Bhiyuktanaam Yoga-Kshemam Vaha-Myaham

Parithrayana Sadhunam Vinasaya Cha Dushkritham,
Dharma Samsthapanarthaya Sambhavami Yuge Yuge

Aartha-Vishanna-Shithila-Schabhitah Ghoreshucha-Vyadhi-Varthamanah
Samkeertya-Narayana-Shabda-Matram Vimukta-Duhghah-Sukhino-Bhavanti

Kayena-Vaacha Mana-Sendhriyerva
Buddhyatma-Naavaa Prakrute-Swabhawat
Karomi Yadyat Sakalam Parasmai
Naaraa-Yanayeti Samarpayami

Sarvam Shree-Krishnar-Panamastu

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Phalashruthi

Hearing of the benefits


Itidam Keerthanasya Kesavasya mahatmana,
Namnam sahasram Diwyanamaseshesna prakeerthitham                                       1

Thus was told,
All the holy thousand names ,
Of Kesava who is great.

Ya tdam srunyuan nityam  yaschapi parikeerthayed,
Nasubham prapunayad kinchid Soamuthre ha cha manava                            2

He who hears or sings,
It all without fail,
In all days of the year,
Will never get  in to bad,
In this life and after.

Vedantago brahmana syad kshatriyo  vijayi bhaved,
Vaisyo dhana samruddha  syachyutha Sugapnuyad                                  3

The Brahmin will get knowledge,
The kshatriya will get victory,
The vaisya will get wealth,
The shudra will get pleasures ,
By reading these/

Dharmarthi Prapnuyad Dharmam, Artharthi Cha Arthamapnuyad,
Kamanvapnuyad Kami, PrajarthiChapnuyad Prajam                                  4

He who seeks Dharma,
He who seeks wealth,
He who seeks pleasures,
He who seeks children,
Will all without fail,
Get what they want.

Bhakthiman Ya sdaothaya , Suchistad gatha manasa,
Sahasram vasudevasya  Namnamedat prakeerthayed                                 5
Yasa Prapnodhi vipulam yadi pradanya meva cha
Achalam sriyamapnodhi  sryaprapnothyanuttamam                                  6
Na Bhayam kwachidapnodhi Veerya tejascha vindhati
Bhavatyarogo dyuthiman  bala roopa gunanvidha                                  7
Rogartho muchayade rogat , Bhaddo muchyathe Bandanath,
Bhayan muchyathe Bheedasthu, muchyadepanna apada,                              8

He who sings the thousand names of Vasudeva ,
With utmost devotion ,
After he rises in the morn,
With a  mind tied in Him always,
Will get fame without fail ,
Will be first in what he does,
Will get riches that last,
Would attain salvation from these bonds,
Will never be afraid of anything,
Will be bubbling with vim and valour,
Will not get any ills,
Will be handsome forever,
Will have all the virtues in this wide world,
And he who is ill will get cured,
He who is bound will be free,
He who is afraid , will get rid of fear,
He who is in danger , will be safe.

Durganyadarthyasu purusha purushottamam,
Stuvan nama sahasrena nityam bhakthi samanvida                                 9

He who chants these holy thousand names,
With devotion to Purushottama,
Will cross the miseries ,
That cannot be crossed
Without fail.

Vasudevasryo marthyo vasudeva parayana,
Sarva papa vishudhatma Yati brahma sanathanam                                  10


The man who nears Vasudeva,
The man who takes Him as shelter,
Would get rid of all sins,
And become purer than the pure,
And  will reach Brahmam,
Which existed forever.


Na vasudevabhaktanamasubham  vidyate Kwachit
Janma Nrutyu jara Vyadhi Bhayam naivopa jayade                                 11

The  devotees of Vasudeva the great,
Never fall into days that are difficult,
And never forever suffer,
Of birth, death , old age and fear.

Imam stavamaddeyana sraddha Bhakthi samanvidha,
Yujyedathma sukha kshanthi sri dhrithi smrithi keerthibhi                      12


He who sings these names with devotion,
And with Bhakthi,
Will get pleasure  the great,
Patience to allure,
Wealth to attract,
Bravery and memory to excel.

Na krodho na cha matsarya na shubha mati,
Bhavanthi kritha punyanam Bhakthanam puroshottame                              13

The devotee of the Lord Purushottama,
Has neither anger nor fear,
Nor avarice and nor bad thoughts

Dhyau sachandrarka nakshatra Kham diso bhur mahadathi.
Vasudevasya veeryena  vidhrithani mahatmana                                    14

All this world of sun and stars,
Moon and sky, Sea and the directions,
Are but borne by valour the great,
Of the great god Vasudeva.

Sasurasura gandharwa, sayakshoraga rahshasam,
Jagaddese vartatedam krishnasya sacharacharam                                  15

All this world,
Which moves and moves not,
And which has devas, rakshasas and Gandharwas,
And also asuras and nagas,
Is with Lord Krishna without fail.

Indriyani mano bhuddhi satvam tejo bala dhruti.
Vasudevatmakanyahu  kshetram ksheragna eve cha                                 16

The learned ones say,
That all the limbs,
Mind, wisdom, and thought,
And also strength, bravery, body and the soul,
Are full of Vasudeva.

Sarvagamanamachara pradamm parikalpathe,
Achara prabhavo dharma dharmasya prabhurachyutha                               17

Rule of life was first born
And from it came Dharma,
And from it came Achyutha the Lord.

Hrishaya pitaro deva mahabhootani  dhatava,
Jangamajangamam chedam  jagannarayanodbhavam                                   18

All the sages,
All the ancestors,
All the devas,
All the five elements,
All the pleasures,
All the luck,
All that moves,
All that does not move,
All came only ,
From the great Narayana.

Yogo gnanan thada sankhyam  vidhya shilpadhi karma cha
Veda shastradi vignanam death sravam janardhanath.                             19
The Art of Yoga 
And the science of Sankhya.
The treasure of knowledge.
The divine art of sculpture .
And all Vedas and sciences,
All these came from Janardhana

Eko vishnu Mahadbhutham  pradag Bhutanyanekasa,
Treem lokan vyapya bhutatma  bhungte viswabhugavyaya                           20

Vishnu  is many ,
But  He is one,
And he divides himself,
And exists in all beings,
That is in three worlds,
And rules all of them,
Without death and decay.

Imam stavam bhagavatho  vishnur vyasena keerthitham,
Padedya icched purusha sreys prapthum sukhani cha                              21

He who desires fame and pleasure,
Should chant these verses, sung by  Vyasa,
Of this great stotra of Vishnu without fail.

Visweswaramajam devam Jagatha Prabhumavyayam,
Bhajanthi Ye pushkaraksham  na te yanthi parabhavam     
                    
Na te Yanthi Parabhava  Om Na Ithi                                             22

He will never fail,
Who sings the praise of the Lord,
Of this universe,
Who does not have birth,
Who is always stable,
And who shines and sparkles,
And has lotus eyes.

Om  Nama He will not fail

Arjuna Uvacha:-
Padma Pathra Visalakha  padmanabha surothama,
Bhakthanamanu rakthanam Tratho Bhava Janardhana                                23

Arjuna Said:-
Oh God Who has eyes,
Like the petals of lotus,
Oh God, Who has a lotus,
On his stomach,
Oh God, Who has eyes,
Seeing all things,
Oh God, Who is the Lord,
Of all devas,
Please be kind,
And be shelter,
To all your devotees ,
Who come to you with love.

Sri Bhagawanuvacha:-
 Yo mam nama sahasrena stothumichadi pandava,
Sohamekena slokena sthutha eva na samsaya

Sthutha eva na samsaya Om Nama Ithi                                            24

The Lord Said:-
He who likes , Oh Arjuna,
To sing my praise,
Using these thousand names,
Should know Arjuna ,
That I would be satisfied,
By his singing of,
Even  one stanza ,
Without any doubt.

Om Nama without  any doubt

Vyasa Uvacha:-
Vasanad Vasudevasya vasitham bhuvana trayam,
Sarva bhutha nivasosi vasudeva namosthuthe.

Sri Vasudeva namosthuthe om nama ithi                                          24

Vyasa said:-
My salutations to you Vasudeva,
Because you who live in all the worlds,
Make these worlds  as places ,
Where beings live,
And also Vasudeva,
You live in all beings,
As their soul.

Om Nam salutations to Vasudeva

Parvatyuvacha:-
 Kenoupayena Laguna  Vishnor nama sahasragam,
Patyadher Pandither nithyam Srothumichamyaham Prabho                           25

Parvathi said:-
I am desirous  to know oh Lord,
How the scholars of this world,
Will chant without fail,
These thousand names ,
By a method that is easy and quick.

Easwara Uvacha:-
Sri Rama Rama ramethi reme rame manorame,
Sahasra nama thathulyam rama nama varanane

Rama nama varanane om nama ithi                                                27

Lord Shiva said:-
Hey beautiful one,
I play with Rama always,
By chanting Rama Rama and Rama,
Hey lady with a beautiful face,
Chanting of the name Rama ,
Is same as the thousand names.

Om Nama Rama Nama is same as

Brahmouvacha:-
Namostvanandaya sahasra moorthaye
Sahasra Padakshi sirory Bahave,
Sahasra namne purushaya saswathe ,
Sahasra koti yuga dharine nama

Sahasra Koti yuga dharine nama om nama ithi                                    28

Brahma said:-

Salutations to thee oh lord,
Who runs the immeasurable time,
Of thousand crore yugas,
Who has no end,
Who has thousand names,
Who has thousand forms,
Who has thousand feet,
Who has thousand eyes,
Who has thousand heads,
Who has thousand arms,
And Who is always there.

Om Nama He who runs thousand crore yugas


Sanchaya Uvacha:-
Yatra Yogiswara Krishno Yatra Partho dhanurdhara
Tatra srirvijaya bhoothirdhruva neethir murthir mama                           29

Sanjaya said:-
     Where Krisna, the king of Yogas,
      And where  the wielder of bow,
      Arjuna is there,
      There will exist all the good,
      All the the victory,
      All the fame ,
      And all the justice.
      In this world.

Sri Bhagawan Uvacha:-

Ananyaschinatayanto  Mam ye jana parypasathe,
Thesham nityabhi yukthanam yogakshemam vahamyaham                              30

Parithrayana sadhunam  vinasaya  cha dushkritham,
Dharma samsthapanarthaya  sambhavami yuge yuge                                 31

Artha vishanna sidhilascha beetha, Goreshu cha vyadeeshu varthamana
Samkalpa narayana sabdha mathram  vimuktha dukho sukhino bhavanthu             32

Sri Bhagavan said:-

I would take care  ,
Of  worries and cares of Him,
Who thinks and serves me ,
Without any other Thoughts,

To take care of Dharma,
To protect those who are good,
And to destroy all who are bad.
I will be born from time to time.

If he who is worried,
If he who is sad,
If he who is broken,
If he who is afraid,
If he who is severely ill,
If he who has heard tidings bad,
Sings  Narayana and Narayana,
All his cares would be taken care of.

Prayer for completion:-
Kayenavacha Manasendryrva budhyatmanava  prakrithai swabhawat,
Karomi yadyat sakalam parasmai narayanayethi samarpayami                       33

              OM TAT SAT

I offer all that I do,
To :Lord Narayana,
Whatever I do with my body,
Whatever I do with my mind,
Whatever I do with my brain,
Whatever I do with my soul,
And whatever I do with natures help

   Om that is the truth.

Vishnu Sahasranama Stotram

Stotra vishnu sahasranama

Vishnu Sahasranama Stotram

Sarvapraharanayuda OM Nama Idi

He who uses everything as a weapon Om

Vanamali Gadhi Sarnkhee Chakree cha nandaki
Sreeman narayano vishnur vasudevobhi rakshatu

Protect us Oh Lord Narayana
Who wears the forest garland,
Who has the mace, conch , sword and the wheel.
And who is called Vishnu  and the Vasudeva

Dhyanam - Vishnu Shasranamam

Dhyanam - Vishnu Shasranamam

Dyanam - Vishnu Sahasranama

Ksheerodanvath pradese suchimani vilasad saikathe Maukthikanam
Malaklupthasanastha Spatikamani nibhai maukthiker mandithanga
Shubrai-rabrai-rathabrai ruparivirachitai muktha peeyusha varshai
Anandi na puniyadari nalina Gadha sankapanir Mukunda                           1


Let that Mukunda makes us all holy,
Who wears all  over his body
Pearls made of spatika,
Who sits on the throne of garland of  pearls ,
Located in the sand of precious stones,
By the side of the sea of milk,
Who gets happy of the white cloud,
Sprayed  of drops of nectar,
And who has the mace , the wheel and the lotus in His hands.

Bhoo padau  yasya nabhi r viyadasu ranila schandra suryaau cha nether
Karnavasasiro dhaumugamabhi dhahano yasya vasteyamabhdhi
Anthastham yasya viswam sura nara khaga go bhogi gandharva dhaityai,
Chitram ram ramyathe  tham thribhuvana vapusham vishnumeesam namami            2

I bow before that God, Vishnu
Who is the lord of three worlds,
Who has earth as his feet,
Who has air as his soul,
Who has sky as his belly,
Who has moon and sun  as eyes,
Who has the four directions as ears,
Who has the land of gods as head,
Who has fire as his mouth,
Who has sea as his stomach,
And in whose belly play and enjoy,
Gods, men birds, animals,
Serpent men, Gandharvas and Asuras.


Santhakaram Bujaga sayanam Padmanabham suresam,
Viswadharam Gagana sadrusam Megha varnam shubangam
Lakshmi kantham kamala nayanam Yogi hrid dyana gamyam
Vande vishnum bava bhayaharam sava lokaika nadham                              3

I bow before the God Vishnu,
Who is personification of peace,
Who sleeps on his folded arms,
Who has a lotus on his belly,
Who is the God of gods,
Who is the basis of earth,
Who is similar to the sky,
Who is of the colour of the cloud,
Who has beautiful limbs,
Who is the consort of Lakshmi,
Who has lotus like eyes,
Who is seen by saints through thought,
Who kills all worries and fears,
And who is the lord of all the worlds.

Megha syamam Peetha kouseys vasam Srivatsangam Kausthuboth bhasithangam
Punyopetham pundareekayathaksham  Vishnum vande sarva lokaika natham           4

I bow before that  God Vishnu,
Who is the lord of all the universe,
Who is black like a cloud,
Who wears yellow silks,
Who has the sreevatsa on him,
Whose limbs shine because of Kousthubha,
Who has eyes like an open lotus,
And who is surrounded by the blessed always.

Sasanga chakram sakerita kundalam sappeethavastram saraseruhekshanam,
Sahara vaksha sthala shobhi kousthubham  namai Vishnum sirasa chaturbhujam     5

I bow before the God Vishnu,
Who has four arms,
Who has a conch and wheel in his hands,
Who wears a crown and ear globes,
Who wears yellow silks,
Who has lotus like eyes,
Who shines because of Kousthbha ,
Worn in his garlanded chest.

Chayayam  Parijatasys hemasimhasanopari,
Aseenamam budha syama  Mayathakashamalangrutham,
Chandranana chathurbahum sreevatsangitha vakshasam,
Rukmani Satyabhamabhyam Sahitham Krishnamasraye.                               6

I seek refuge in Lord Krishna,
Who is with Rukhmani and Satyabhama,
Who sits on a golden throne,
In the shade of Parijata tree,
Who is of the colour of the black cloud,
Who has long broad eyes,
Who has a face like moon,
Who has four hands,
And who has a chest adorned by Sreevatsa.

Vishnusahasranamam Invocation

Vishnusahasranamam Invocation

Shuklam Baradaram Vishnum, Sasi Varnam Chatur Bhujam,
Prasanna Vadanan Dyayet, Sarva Vignoba Sandaye                                 1

Dressed in white you are,
Oh, all pervading one,
And glowing with the colour of moon.
With four arms, you are, the all knowing one
 I meditate on your ever-smiling face,
 And pray, “ Remove all obstacles on my way”.

Vyasam Vasishtanaptharam, Sakthe Poutramakalmasham,
Parasarathmajam vande, Shukathatham Taponidhim.                              2

I bow before you Vyasa,
The treasure house of penance,
The great grand son of   Vasishta.
The grand son of Shakthi,
The son of Parasara.
And the father of Shuka,

Vyasa Vishnu Roopaya, Vyasa Roopaya Vishnave,
Nmo Vai Brahma Vidaya, Vasishtaya Namo Nama.                                   3

Bow I before,
Vyasa who is Vishnu,
Vishnu who is Vyasa,
And again and again bow before,
He, who is born,
In the family of Vasishta.

Avikaraya Shuddhaya, Nityaya Paramatmane,
Sadaika Roopa Roopaya, Vishnave Sarva Jishnave.                                4

Bow I before Vishnu
Who is pure,
Who is not affected,
Who is permanent,
Who is the ultimate truth.
And He  who wins over,
All the mortals in this world.

Yasya smarana Mathrena, Janma Samsara bandhanath.
Vimuchayate Nama Tasmai , Vishnave Prabha Vishnave                            

                                   OM Namo Vishnave Prabha Vishnave            5                                            

Bow I before Him,
The all-powerful Vishnu,
The mere thought of whom.
Releases one forever,
Of the ties of birth and life.
                Bow I before the all powerful Vishnu                                           

Shri Vaisampayana Uvacha:-

 Shrutva dharmaneshena , Pavanani cha Sarvasha,
Yudishtra santhanavam Puneravabhya Bhashata                                    6                                 

Sri Vaisampayana said:-

 After hearing a lot,
About Dharma  that carries life,,
And of those methods great,
That  removes sins from ones life,
For ever and  to cleanse,
Yudhishtra asked again,
Bheeshma, the abode of everlasting  peace.

Yudishtra Uvacha:-

Kimekam Daivatham Loke, Kim Vapyegam Parayanam,
Sthuvantha Kam Kamarchanda  Prapnyur Manava Shubham,                           7
Ko Dharma sarva Dharmanam Paramo Matha
Kim Japan Muchyathe Jandur Janma Samsara Bhandanat                              8

Yudishtra asked:-

 In this wide world , Oh Grandpa,
Which is that one God,
Who is the only shelter?

Who is He whom,
Beings worship and pray,
And get salvation great?

Who is He who should oft,
Be worshipped with love?

Which Dharma is so great,
There is none greater?

And which is to be oft chanted,
To get free.
From these bondage of life, cruel?

Bheeshma Uvacha:-

Jagat Prabhum devadevam Anantham Purushottamam,
Stuvan nama Sahasrena, Purusha Sathathothida,                                  9
Tameva charchayan nityam, Bhaktya purushamavyayam,
Dhyayan sthuvan namasyancha yajamanasthameva cha,                              10
Anadi nidhanam vishnum sarva loka Maheswaram
Lokadyaksham stuvannityam Sarva dukkhago bhaved,                               11
Brahmanyam sarva dharmagnam Lokanam keerthi vardhanam,
Lokanatham Mahadbhootham Sarva Bhootha bhavodbhavam                            12
Aeshame sarva dharmanam dharmadhika tamo matha,
Yad bhaktyo pundarikaksham Stuvyr-archanayr-nara sada,                         13
Paramam yo mahatteja, paramam yo mahattapa
Paramam  yo mahad brahma paramam ya parayanam                                  14
Pavithranam Pavithram  yo mangalanam cha mangalam,
Dhaivatham devathanam cha bhootanam yo vya pitha                               15
Yatha sarvani bhoothani bhavandyathi yugagame
Yasmincha pralayam yanthi punareve yuga kshaye                                 16
Tasya Loka pradhanasya Jagannatathasya bhoopathe                              
Vishno nama sahasram me Srunu papa bhayapaham                                  17



Bheeshma Replied:-


That purusha with endless devotion,
Who chants the thousand names ,
Of  He who is the lord of the Universe,
Of  He who is the God of Gods,
Of  He who is limitless,
Would get free  ,
From these bondage of life, cruel

He who also worships and prays,
Daily without break,
That Purusha who does not change,
That Vishnu who does not end or begin,
That God who is the lord of all worlds,
And Him, who presides over the universe,
Would loose without fail,
All the miseries in this life.

Chanting the praises,
Worshipping and singing,
With devotion great,
Of the lotus eyed one ,
Who is partial to the Vedas,
Who is the only  one , who knows the dharma,
Who increases the fame ,
Of those who live in this world,
Who is the master of the universe,
Who is the truth among all those who has life,
And who decides the life of all living,
Is the dharma that is great.

That which is the greatest light,
That which is the greatest penance,
That which is the greatest brahmam,
Is the greatest shelter that I know.

Please hear from me,
The thousand holy names,
Which wash away all sins,
Of  Him who  is purest of the pure,
Of  That which is holiest of holies,
Of Him who  is God among Gods,
Of That father who  lives Without death,
Among all that lives in this world,
Of  Him whom  all the souls,
Were born at the start of the world,
Of  Him  in whom, all that lives,
Will disappear at the end of the world,
And of that  the chief of all this world ,
Who bears the burden of this world..

I would teach you without fail,
Of those names with fame.
Which deal of His qualities great,
And which the sages sing,
So that beings of this wide world,
Become happy and great.


Rishir Namnam Sahsrasya Veda Vyaso Maha Muni
Chando aunustup stada devo bhagawan devaki sutha                               19
Amruthamsu Bhavo Bhhejam Shakthir devaki nandana
Trisama hridayam tasya santhyarthe viniyujyade                                 20

Vishnum Jishnum Mahavishnum Prabha vishnun Maheswaram
Aneka Roopa Daityantham  Namami purushottamam                                  21

These thousand names Yudishtra
Are Sung for peace,
And has Vyasa as the sage,
And is composed in Anusthup metre,
And has its God the son of Devaki,
And its root is Amrutamsudbhava
And its strength the baby of Devaki,
And its heart is Trissama

Bow I before Him,
Who is everywhere,
Who is ever victorious,
Who is in every being,
Who is God of Gods,
Who is the killer of asuras,
And who is the greatest,
Among all purushas.

Introduction to Vishnu Sahasranama

Stotras are devotional hymns of Hinduism sung in praise of God. This word is derived from Sthuthi which means praise. Though post puranic age has given rise to large number of popular mellifluous stotras composed by sages like Sankara, Ramanuja, Vedatha Desika, Appayya Deeksithar, Mooka Kavi etc and poets like Kalidasa, there are several great stotras which trace their origin to Puranas. Of these the greatest is possibly the Vishnu Sahasra Namam found in Mahabharatha. Literally translated this means thousand names of Vishnu. This is found in the Anushasanika Parvam (chapter relating to orders or rules to the kings) of Mahabharatha.

     Bheeshma Pitamaha was defeated and grievously wounded by Arjuna. But since he could choose the time of his death as per the boons received by him, he chose to die in Uttarayana and was waiting for the auspicious time. Meanwhile the war was over leading to death of all those male members in his family except the Pancha Pandavas and the unborn child of Abhimanyu. Yudishtra the eldest of the Pandavas became the King of Hasthinapura and whom else would he go for advise other  than Bheeshma the great. Anushasanika Parva is in the form of questions and answers between Yudishtra and Bheeshma Pitamaha.To a question as to what is the best possible stotra, Bheeshma answers that it is the Vishnu Sahasra Nama and teaches it to Yudishtra.

    Though it describes one thousand aspects and praises of the lord, it is not simple and easy to understand. Many great Acharyas lead by Sankara Bhagavat Pada, felt a need to give its meaning in crystal clear terms so that the devotee can not only sing but meditate on the aspect of the God he is praising. But this again was done in Sanskrit. With the modern civilization several translations of this stotra is available in English and in almost all major languages of India.

     I have attempted yet another translation in English .My aim is to make the translation simple to understand and easy to meditate. Naturally I have leaned heavily on many translations, which are already available, especially the one in Tamil by Anna published by the Sri Ramakrishna Mutt, Mylapore, Madras.

    Though it is called Sahasra Nama in fact it contains only 901 distinct sounding names. Eight hundred and fifteen names are repeated once, Seventy-five of these names are repeated twice, nine of these names thrice and two of these names four times. The acharyas have attempted to give different meanings to the same word in different places successfully.

   In the afterward to the stotra Goddess Parvathi asks Siva the cosmic god for an easy way to sing this stotra for the learned .He replies that it is sufficient that the learned one repeats the name of Rama and this is equivalent to his singing of sahasranama. It is important to note that this is easy method is prescribed to the very learned who do not have time to recite it daily and not for everybody, It is also very important to meditate on the meaning of each word while it is sung.