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Mantra · The thousand names. Recited on Ekadashi.

Vishnu Sahasranama

ॐ विश्वं विष्णुर्वषट्कारो भूतभव्यभवत्प्रभुः

Also known as Vishnu Sahasranamam

In Devanagari, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and English — with the meaning of every word, and the one syllable most people pronounce wrongly.

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What the Vishnu Sahasranama is

The Vishnu Sahasranama is the ordered recitation of one thousand names of Vishnu preserved in the Anushasana Parva of the Mahabharata. It is not a seed-syllable but a stotra in which each name isolates an attribute, a cosmic function or a deed of the Lord who reclines upon Ananta, who strode the three worlds as Vamana, and who abides as the inner controller of every being. Bhishma, fixed upon his bed of arrows, delivers the litany in reply to Yudhishthira’s inquiry concerning the highest dharma and the one deity worthy of constant remembrance. Subsequent acharyas—Shankara, Parashara Bhatta, Madhva and others—composed verse-by-verse commentaries that treat the thousand names as a complete theological lexicon. To speak of the Sahasranama is therefore to speak of Vishnu under the aspect of inexhaustible nameability: the one whose glory no finite catalogue can exhaust, yet who is approached precisely through this catalogue transmitted from the dying grandsire to the eldest Pandava.

Bhishma on the Bed of Arrows

In the Anushasana Parva of the Mahabharata, after the great war has ended, Yudhishthira approaches Bhishma who lies upon the shaft-strewn field awaiting the sun’s northward turn. The new king asks which single deity is to be worshipped, which is the highest dharma, and by the recitation of whose names a person may pass beyond sorrow. Bhishma answers by declaring Vishnu the supreme refuge and then utters the thousand names, each name a facet of the same undivided reality. The epic frames the recitation as both battlefield testament and theological summa: the warrior who has upheld dharma through exile and war now exhausts language itself in praise of the Lord who upholds the worlds. Later tradition regards this moment as the authoritative origin of the Sahasranama, so that every subsequent chanting re-enters the conversation between the stricken patriarch and the righteous king on the Kurukshetra plain. The names that follow—beginning with Vishva and Vishnu—unfold from that dialogue and remain inseparable from it.

The mantra, in six scripts

DevanagariSanskrit & Hindiॐ विश्वं विष्णुर्वषट्कारो भूतभव्यभवत्प्रभुः

Tamilௐ விஶ்வம் விஷ்ணுர்வஷட்காரோ பூதபவ்யபவத்ப்ரபுஃ

Teluguఓం విశ్వం విష్ణుర్వషట్కారో భూతభవ్యభవత్ప్రభుః

Kannadaಓಂ ವಿಶ್ವಂ ವಿಷ್ಣುರ್ವಷಟ್ಕಾರೋ ಭೂತಭವ್ಯಭವತ್ಪ್ರಭುಃ

Malayalamഓം വിശ്വം വിഷ്ണുര്വഷട്കാരോ ഭൂതഭവ്യഭവത്പ്രഭുഃ

EnglishRoman transliterationoṃ viśvaṃ viṣṇur vaṣaṭkāro bhūta-bhavya-bhavat-prabhuḥ

“Oṃ. The universe; Vishnu; the one addressed with the ritual cry vaṣaṭ; the lord of what has been, what is, and what will be.”

ॐ: oṃ — the primordial syllable
विश्वं: viśvaṃ — the universe
विष्णुः: viṣṇuḥ — Vishnu
वषट्कारः: vaṣaṭkāraḥ — the one uttered with vaṣaṭ
भूतभव्यभवत्प्रभुः: bhūta-bhavya-bhavat-prabhuḥ — lord of past, future and present

Vishnu Sahasranamam lyrics in full

The thousand names, from the Mahabharata (Anushasana Parva).

All 109 verses, in Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and English, each with its meaning. Choose a script:

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Verse 1

विश्वं विष्णुर्वषट्कारो भूतभव्यभवत्प्रभुः ।
भूतकृद्भूतभृद्भावो भूतात्मा भूतभावनः ॥

He who is the universe itself; the all-pervading Vishnu; the one for whom the sacrificial call vashat is uttered; the Lord of past, future and present. He creates, sustains and is the very existence of all beings; the Self of all beings, who brings them forth and nourishes them.

Verse 2

पूतात्मा परमात्मा च मुक्तानां परमा गतिः ।
अव्ययः पुरुषः साक्षी क्षेत्रज्ञोऽक्षर एव च ॥

The pure Self; the Supreme Self; the highest goal of the liberated; the imperishable; the Person dwelling in the body; the witness; the knower of the field; the indestructible.

Verse 3

योगो योगविदां नेता प्रधानपुरुषेश्वरः ।
नारसिंहवपुः श्रीमान् केशवः पुरुषोत्तमः ॥

He who is reached through yoga; the guide of those who know yoga; the Lord of primordial nature and of souls; the one of man-lion form; ever united with Shri; Keshava of beautiful locks; the supreme Person.

Verse 4

सर्वः शर्वः शिवः स्थाणुर्भूतादिर्निधिरव्ययः ।
सम्भवो भावनो भर्ता प्रभवः प्रभुरीश्वरः ॥

He who is all; the destroyer at dissolution; the pure and auspicious; the steadfast; the source of the elements; the imperishable treasure; the one who takes birth of His own will; the giver of fruits; the supporter; the origin of all; the mighty one; the sovereign Lord.

Verse 5

स्वयम्भूः शम्भुरादित्यः पुष्कराक्षो महास्वनः ।
अनादिनिधनो धाता विधाता धातुरुत्तमः ॥

The self-existent; the bringer of happiness; the radiant one in the sun; the lotus-eyed; the one of mighty sound; without beginning or end; the upholder; the ordainer of actions and their fruits; supreme beyond all the elements.

Verse 6

अप्रमेयो हृषीकेशः पद्मनाभोऽमरप्रभुः ।
विश्वकर्मा मनुस्त्वष्टा स्थविष्ठः स्थविरो ध्रुवः ॥

The immeasurable; Lord of the senses; the one with a lotus at His navel; Lord of the gods; whose work is the universe; the thinker; the one who reduces all at dissolution; the most massive; the ancient and constant.

Verse 7

अग्राह्यः शाश्वतः कृष्णो लोहिताक्षः प्रतर्दनः ।
प्रभूतस्त्रिककुब्धाम पवित्रं मङ्गलं परम् ॥

He who cannot be grasped by the senses; the eternal; Krishna, dark-hued and of existence-bliss; the red-eyed; the destroyer at dissolution; full of wealth and excellence; the support of the three regions; the purifier; supreme auspiciousness.

Verse 8

ईशानः प्राणदः प्राणो ज्येष्ठः श्रेष्ठः प्रजापतिः ।
हिरण्यगर्भो भूगर्भो माधवो मधुसूदनः ॥

The controller; the giver of life; life itself; the eldest; the most praiseworthy; Lord of creatures; the golden womb; the one who holds the earth within; consort of Lakshmi; slayer of the demon Madhu.

Verse 9

ईश्वरो विक्रमी धन्वी मेधावी विक्रमः क्रमः ।
अनुत्तमो दुराधर्षः कृतज्ञः कृतिरात्मवान् ॥

The almighty; the valiant; the bowman; the wise; whose stride spans the worlds; the all-pervading; the unsurpassed; the unassailable; the knower of all deeds; action itself; established in His own glory.

Verse 10

सुरेशः शरणं शर्म विश्वरेताः प्रजाभवः ।
अहः संवत्सरो व्यालः प्रत्ययः सर्वदर्शनः ॥

Lord of the gods; the refuge; supreme bliss; the seed of the universe; the origin of creatures; the luminous day; the year, as time; ungraspable like a serpent; consciousness itself; the all-seeing.

Verse 11

अजः सर्वेश्वरः सिद्धः सिद्धिः सर्वादिरच्युतः ।
वृषाकपिरमेयात्मा सर्वयोगविनिःसृतः ॥

The unborn; Lord of all; the ever-perfect; the goal itself; the beginning of all; the one who never falls from His nature; the embodiment of dharma who as the Boar raised the earth; of immeasurable nature; free from all attachments.

Verse 12

वसुर्वसुमनाः सत्यः समात्माऽसम्मितः समः ।
अमोघः पुण्डरीकाक्षो वृषकर्मा वृषाकृतिः ॥

The dwelling of all; of noble mind; truth itself; the same towards all; the unmeasured; ever equal; whose acts are never in vain; lotus-eyed; whose deeds are dharma; whose form is dharma.

Verse 13

रुद्रो बहुशिरा बभ्रुर्विश्वयोनिः शुचिश्रवाः ।
अमृतः शाश्वतस्थाणुर्वरारोहो महातपाः ॥

The one who makes beings weep at dissolution; the many-headed; the upholder of the worlds; the source of the universe; whose names are pure to hear; the deathless; eternal and unmoving; the excellent goal; of great austerity.

Verse 14

सर्वगः सर्वविद्भानुर्विष्वक्सेनो जनार्दनः ।
वेदो वेदविदव्यङ्गो वेदाङ्गो वेदवित् कविः ॥

The all-pervading; all-knowing and radiant; before whom hostile armies scatter; the one who afflicts the wicked; the Veda itself; knower of the Veda; the flawless; whose limbs are the Vedic sciences; who reflects on the Veda; the seer.

Verse 15

लोकाध्यक्षः सुराध्यक्षो धर्माध्यक्षः कृताकृतः ।
चतुरात्मा चतुर्व्यूहश्चतुर्दंष्ट्रश्चतुर्भुजः ॥

Overseer of the worlds; overseer of the gods; overseer of dharma; both effect and cause; the fourfold Self; of four emanations; the four-tusked; the four-armed.

Verse 16

भ्राजिष्णुर्भोजनं भोक्ता सहिष्णुर्जगदादिजः ।
अनघो विजयो जेता विश्वयोनिः पुनर्वसुः ॥

The effulgent; the object of enjoyment; the enjoyer; the forbearing; the first-born at the beginning of the world; the sinless; the victorious; the conqueror; the source of the universe; who dwells again and again in bodies.

Verse 17

उपेन्द्रो वामनः प्रांशुरमोघः शुचिरूर्जितः ।
अतीन्द्रः सङ्ग्रहः सर्गो धृतात्मा नियमो यमः ॥

The younger brother of Indra; the Dwarf; the tall one of the three strides; whose acts are never in vain; the pure; the mighty; who surpasses Indra; who gathers all at dissolution; creation itself; steadfast in His nature; the appointer; the inner controller.

Verse 18

वेद्यो वैद्यः सदायोगी वीरहा माधवो मधुः ।
अतीन्द्रियो महामायो महोत्साहो महाबलः ॥

The one to be known; the knower of all lore; ever in yoga; slayer of mighty demons; Lord of knowledge; sweetness itself; beyond the senses; the great wielder of maya; of great zeal; of great strength.

Verse 19

महाबुद्धिर्महावीर्यो महाशक्तिर्महाद्युतिः ।
अनिर्देश्यवपुः श्रीमानमेयात्मा महाद्रिधृक् ॥

Great in intellect, in valour, in power and in splendour; of indescribable form; the glorious; of immeasurable nature; the one who held up the great mountain.

Verse 20

महेष्वासो महीभर्ता श्रीनिवासः सतां गतिः ।
अनिरुद्धः सुरानन्दो गोविन्दो गोविदां पतिः ॥

The great archer; upholder of the earth; abode of Shri; the refuge of the good; the unobstructed; the delight of the gods; Govinda, known through the words of the Veda; Lord of the wise.

Verse 21

मरीचिर्दमनो हंसः सुपर्णो भुजगोत्तमः ।
हिरण्यनाभः सुतपाः पद्मनाभः प्रजापतिः ॥

The radiance of the radiant; the subduer; the swan who removes the fear of worldly existence; of beautiful wings; the best of serpents; of golden navel; of great austerity; lotus-naveled; father of all creatures.

Verse 22

अमृत्युः सर्वदृक् सिंहः सन्धाता सन्धिमान् स्थिरः ।
अजो दुर्मर्षणः शास्ता विश्रुतात्मा सुरारिहा ॥

The deathless; the all-seeing; the lion; who joins beings to the fruits of their deeds; who partakes of those fruits; the steady; the unborn; the irresistible; the instructor; of renowned nature; slayer of the foes of the gods.

Verse 23

गुरुर्गुरुतमो धाम सत्यः सत्यपराक्रमः ।
निमिषोऽनिमिषः स्रग्वी वाचस्पतिरुदारधीः ॥

The teacher; the greatest of teachers; the abode and light of all; the truth; of true valour; whose eyes are closed in yogic sleep; ever wakeful; the garlanded; Lord of speech, of vast intellect.

Verse 24

अग्रणीर्ग्रामणीः श्रीमान् न्यायो नेता समीरणः ।
सहस्रमूर्धा विश्वात्मा सहस्राक्षः सहस्रपात् ॥

The one who leads forward; the leader of hosts; the radiant; justice itself; the guide; who moves beings as breath; thousand-headed; the Self of the universe; thousand-eyed; thousand-footed.

Verse 25

आवर्तनो निवृत्तात्मा संवृतः सम्प्रमर्दनः ।
अहः संवर्तको वह्निरनिलो धरणीधरः ॥

The one who turns the wheel of worldly existence; free from bondage; veiled by His maya; who crushes the wicked; who brings on the day as the sun; the fire that bears oblations; the wind; the upholder of the earth.

Verse 26

सुप्रसादः प्रसन्नात्मा विश्वधृग्विश्वभुग्विभुः ।
सत्कर्ता सत्कृतः साधुर्जह्नुर्नारायणो नरः ॥

The gracious; of serene nature; sustainer of the universe; protector of the universe; the manifold; who honours the good; honoured by the honoured; the righteous; who withdraws beings at dissolution; Narayana, abode of all beings; the eternal guide.

Verse 27

असङ्ख्येयोऽप्रमेयात्मा विशिष्टः शिष्टकृच्छुचिः ।
सिद्धार्थः सिद्धसङ्कल्पः सिद्धिदः सिद्धिसाधनः ॥

Beyond number; of immeasurable nature; the transcendent; who commands the good; the pure; whose purposes are fulfilled; whose resolves come true; the giver of fruits; the means of attainment.

Verse 28

वृषाही वृषभो विष्णुर्वृषपर्वा वृषोदरः ।
वर्धनो वर्धमानश्च विविक्तः श्रुतिसागरः ॥

The Lord of the sacred rites; who showers blessings; the all-pervading; whose steps are dharma; whose womb holds all beings; who nourishes; who grows as the world; ever apart; the ocean of scripture.

Verse 29

सुभुजो दुर्धरो वाग्मी महेन्द्रो वसुदो वसुः ।
नैकरूपो बृहद्रूपः शिपिविष्टः प्रकाशनः ॥

Of beautiful arms; hard to hold in the mind; the eloquent; the great Lord; the giver of wealth; wealth itself; of many forms; of vast form; who pervades the rays of light; the illuminator.

Verse 30

ओजस्तेजोद्युतिधरः प्रकाशात्मा प्रतापनः ।
ऋद्धः स्पष्टाक्षरो मन्त्रश्चन्द्रांशुर्भास्करद्युतिः ॥

Bearer of vitality, energy and splendour; of luminous nature; who gives heat as the sun; full of excellence; whose syllable Om is clear; the sacred mantra; soothing like the moon's rays; with the splendour of the sun.

Verse 31

अमृतांशूद्भवो भानुः शशबिन्दुः सुरेश्वरः ।
औषधं जगतः सेतुः सत्यधर्मपराक्रमः ॥

The source of the moon at the churning of the ocean; the shining; the moon; Lord of the gods; the remedy for worldly existence; the bridge of the world; whose truth, dharma and valour are real.

Verse 32

भूतभव्यभवन्नाथः पवनः पावनोऽनलः ।
कामहा कामकृत्कान्तः कामः कामप्रदः प्रभुः ॥

Lord of past, future and present; the purifying wind; who makes the wind move; fire; who removes the desires of seekers; who fulfils the wishes of devotees; the lovely; the one desired; the bestower of what is sought; the Lord.

Verse 33

युगादिकृद्युगावर्तो नैकमायो महाशनः ।
अदृश्यो व्यक्तरूपश्च सहस्रजिदनन्तजित् ॥

Maker of the beginning of the ages; who turns the cycle of the ages; of manifold maya; the great devourer at the end; the invisible; of manifest form; conqueror of thousands; of endless victory.

Verse 34

इष्टोऽविशिष्टः शिष्टेष्टः शिखण्डी नहुषो वृषः ।
क्रोधहा क्रोधकृत्कर्ता विश्वबाहुर्महीधरः ॥

The beloved one worshipped in sacrifice; the same in all; dear to the wise; wearing a peacock feather; who binds beings by maya; dharma itself; destroyer of anger; who acts against the wrathful; whose arms are everywhere; bearer of the earth.

Verse 35

अच्युतः प्रथितः प्राणः प्राणदो वासवानुजः ।
अपांनिधिरधिष्ठानमप्रमत्तः प्रतिष्ठितः ॥

The unfallen; the renowned; life itself; the giver of strength; younger brother of Indra; the ocean, treasury of the waters; the ground of all; ever vigilant; established in His own glory.

Verse 36

स्कन्दः स्कन्दधरो धुर्यो वरदो वायुवाहनः ।
वासुदेवो बृहद्भानुरादिदेवः पुरन्दरः ॥

The one who flows as nectar; upholder of the path of dharma; bearer of the burden of all beings; giver of boons; who moves the winds; Vasudeva, the indwelling deity; of vast radiance; the first god; destroyer of the demons' cities.

Verse 37

अशोकस्तारणस्तारः शूरः शौरिर्जनेश्वरः ।
अनुकूलः शतावर्तः पद्मी पद्मनिभेक्षणः ॥

Free from sorrow; who ferries beings across; the saviour; the valiant; born in the line of Shura; Lord of all people; well-disposed to all; of a hundred descents; holding a lotus; with eyes like the lotus.

Verse 38

पद्मनाभोऽरविन्दाक्षः पद्मगर्भः शरीरभृत् ।
महर्द्धिरृद्धो वृद्धात्मा महाक्षो गरुडध्वजः ॥

Lotus-naveled; lotus-eyed; worshipped in the lotus of the heart; who sustains bodies; of great prosperity; who has grown as the universe; the ancient Self; great-eyed; whose banner bears Garuda.

Verse 39

अतुलः शरभो भीमः समयज्ञो हविर्हरिः ।
सर्वलक्षणलक्षण्यो लक्ष्मीवान् समितिञ्जयः ॥

The incomparable; who dwells in bodies; the awe-inspiring; knower of the right time; who receives the oblation; known by every means of knowledge; ever with Lakshmi; victorious in battle.

Verse 40

विक्षरो रोहितो मार्गो हेतुर्दामोदरः सहः ।
महीधरो महाभागो वेगवानमिताशनः ॥

The imperishable; the red-hued one of the fish form; the path; the cause; Damodara, known through self-restraint; who overcomes all; bearer of the earth; most fortunate; the swift; who consumes all at dissolution.

Verse 41

उद्भवः क्षोभणो देवः श्रीगर्भः परमेश्वरः ।
करणं कारणं कर्ता विकर्ता गहनो गुहः ॥

The origin; who stirs nature and souls at creation; the shining one; who holds Shri within; the supreme Lord; the instrument; the cause; the doer; maker of the varied world; the unfathomable; who hides Himself by maya.

Verse 42

व्यवसायो व्यवस्थानः संस्थानः स्थानदो ध्रुवः ।
परर्द्धिः परमस्पष्टस्तुष्टः पुष्टः शुभेक्षणः ॥

Knowledge itself; the basis of order; the final resting place; the giver of rightful places; the fixed; of supreme glory; supremely clear; ever content; ever full; of auspicious gaze.

Verse 43

रामो विरामो विरजो मार्गो नेयो नयोऽनयः ।
वीरः शक्तिमतां श्रेष्ठो धर्मो धर्मविदुत्तमः ॥

Rama, in whom yogis delight; the rest of all; the passionless; the path; who is guided to by knowledge; the leader; who has none to lead Him; the valiant; mightiest of the mighty; dharma itself; the foremost knower of dharma.

Verse 44

वैकुण्ठः पुरुषः प्राणः प्राणदः प्रणवः पृथुः ।
हिरण्यगर्भः शत्रुघ्नो व्याप्तो वायुरधोक्षजः ॥

Vaikuntha, who joins together the scattered elements at creation; the Person; life; the giver of life; the sacred syllable Om; the expansive; the golden womb; slayer of foes; the pervading; the mover; beyond the reach of the senses.

Verse 45

ऋतुः सुदर्शनः कालः परमेष्ठी परिग्रहः ।
उग्रः संवत्सरो दक्षो विश्रामो विश्वदक्षिणः ॥

The season, as time; of auspicious sight; time itself; abiding in the supreme; who receives all offerings; the fierce; the year; the able; the resting place; the most skilful.

Verse 46

विस्तारः स्थावरस्थाणुः प्रमाणं बीजमव्ययम् ।
अर्थोऽनर्थो महाकोशो महाभोगो महाधनः ॥

In whom the worlds spread out; firm and steadfast; the authority of knowledge; the imperishable seed; the goal that is sought; who seeks nothing; of great sheaths; of great enjoyment; of great wealth.

Verse 47

अनिर्विण्णः स्थविष्ठोऽभूर्धर्मयूपो महामखः ।
नक्षत्रनेमिर्नक्षत्री क्षमः क्षामः समीहनः ॥

Never despondent; the immense; the unborn; the sacrificial post of dharma; the great sacrifice; the hub of the stars; the moon; the patient; who remains when all is reduced; who wills creation.

Verse 48

यज्ञ इज्यो महेज्यश्च क्रतुः सत्रं सतां गतिः ।
सर्वदर्शी विमुक्तात्मा सर्वज्ञो ज्ञानमुत्तमम् ॥

The sacrifice; the one to be worshipped; the most worshipful; the sacrificial rite; the sacrificial session; the goal of the good; the all-seeing; the free Self; the all-knowing; supreme knowledge.

Verse 49

सुव्रतः सुमुखः सूक्ष्मः सुघोषः सुखदः सुहृत् ।
मनोहरो जितक्रोधो वीरबाहुर्विदारणः ॥

Of holy vow; of pleasing face; the subtle; of auspicious sound; the giver of happiness; the friend; the captivating; who has conquered anger; mighty-armed; who rends the unrighteous.

Verse 50

स्वापनः स्ववशो व्यापी नैकात्मा नैककर्मकृत् ।
वत्सरो वत्सलो वत्सी रत्नगर्भो धनेश्वरः ॥

The one who lulls beings into the sleep of maya; self-dependent; all-pervading; of many forms; of many deeds; the abode of all; the affectionate; the protector of His children; holding jewels within like the ocean; Lord of wealth.

Verse 51

धर्मगुब्धर्मकृद्धर्मी सदसत्क्षरमक्षरम् ।
अविज्ञाता सहस्रांशुर्विधाता कृतलक्षणः ॥

Protector of dharma; doer of dharma; upholder of dharma; the real and the unreal, the perishable and the imperishable; not a knower in the limited sense; thousand-rayed; the supporter; who made the scriptures.

Verse 52

गभस्तिनेमिः सत्त्वस्थः सिंहो भूतमहेश्वरः ।
आदिदेवो महादेवो देवेशो देवभृद्गुरुः ॥

The centre of the circle of rays; abiding in purity; the lion; the great Lord of beings; the first god; the great god; Lord of the gods; teacher of Indra.

Verse 53

उत्तरो गोपतिर्गोप्ता ज्ञानगम्यः पुरातनः ।
शरीरभूतभृद्भोक्ता कपीन्द्रो भूरिदक्षिणः ॥

The one who lifts beings out of worldly existence; Lord of the earth; the protector; reached through knowledge; the ancient; sustainer of the elements that form bodies; the protector; chief of the monkeys; giver of abundant offerings.

Verse 54

सोमपोऽमृतपः सोमः पुरुजित्पुरुसत्तमः ।
विनयो जयः सत्यसन्धो दाशार्हः सात्वताम्पतिः ॥

Drinker of soma; drinker of the nectar of His own bliss; the moon; conqueror of many; best among the great; who disciplines the wicked; the victorious; true to His word; born of the Dasharha clan; Lord of the Satvatas.

Verse 55

जीवो विनयिता साक्षी मुकुन्दोऽमितविक्रमः ।
अम्भोनिधिरनन्तात्मा महोदधिशयोऽन्तकः ॥

The living one; witness of all conduct; Mukunda, giver of liberation; of boundless prowess; the ocean; the infinite Self; who reclines on the great ocean; the ender of all.

Verse 56

अजो महार्हः स्वाभाव्यो जितामित्रः प्रमोदनः ।
आनन्दो नन्दनो नन्दः सत्यधर्मा त्रिविक्रमः ॥

The unborn; most worthy of worship; self-existent by nature; vanquisher of foes; ever joyful; bliss itself; who gladdens; full of joy; of true dharma; who took the three strides.

Verse 57

महर्षिः कपिलाचार्यः कृतज्ञो मेदिनीपतिः ।
त्रिपदस्त्रिदशाध्यक्षो महाशृङ्गः कृतान्तकृत् ॥

The great seer Kapila; knower of the created world; Lord of the earth; of three steps; overseer of the three states of being; the great-horned one of the fish form; destroyer of death.

Verse 58

महावराहो गोविन्दः सुषेणः कनकाङ्गदी ।
गुह्यो गभीरो गहनो गुप्तश्चक्रगदाधरः ॥

The great Boar; Govinda, who found the earth; with a fine army; wearing golden armlets; the hidden; the profound; the unfathomable; the concealed; bearer of discus and mace.

Verse 59

वेधाः स्वाङ्गोऽजितः कृष्णो दृढः सङ्कर्षणोऽच्युतः ।
वरुणो वारुणो वृक्षः पुष्कराक्षो महामनाः ॥

The creator; the instrument of His own work; the unconquered; Krishna; the firm; Sankarshana, the unfailing; Lord of the waters; son of Varuna; the steady tree; lotus-eyed; of great mind.

Verse 60

भगवान् भगहाऽऽनन्दी वनमाली हलायुधः ।
आदित्यो ज्योतिरादित्यः सहिष्णुर्गतिसत्तमः ॥

The Lord possessed of the six excellences; who withdraws them at dissolution; the blissful; wearing the forest garland; bearer of the plough; son of Aditi; the light in the sun; the forbearing; the best refuge.

Verse 61

सुधन्वा खण्डपरशुर्दारुणो द्रविणप्रदः ।
दिवस्पृक् सर्वदृग्व्यासो वाचस्पतिरयोनिजः ॥

Bearer of the excellent bow; whose axe cleaves His foes; stern to the unrighteous; giver of wealth; who touches the heavens; the all-seeing Vyasa; Lord of speech, not born of a womb.

Verse 62

त्रिसामा सामगः साम निर्वाणं भेषजं भिषक् ।
संन्यासकृच्छमः शान्तो निष्ठा शान्तिः परायणम् ॥

The one praised by the three Saman chants; the singer of Saman; the Saman itself; supreme bliss; the medicine; the physician; ordainer of renunciation; tranquillity; the peaceful; the final abode; peace itself; the supreme goal.

Verse 63

शुभाङ्गः शान्तिदः स्रष्टा कुमुदः कुवलेशयः ।
गोहितो गोपतिर्गोप्ता वृषभाक्षो वृषप्रियः ॥

Of beautiful form; giver of peace; the creator; who delights on the earth; who reclines on the waters; friend of cows; Lord of the earth; the protector; whose eyes shower blessings; lover of dharma.

Verse 64

अनिवर्ती निवृत्तात्मा सङ्क्षेप्ता क्षेमकृच्छिवः ।
श्रीवत्सवक्षाः श्रीवासः श्रीपतिः श्रीमतांवरः ॥

The one who never turns back; withdrawn from sense objects; who draws the universe in at dissolution; maker of welfare; the auspicious; bearing the Shrivatsa mark on His chest; abode of Shri; Lord of Shri; best of the glorious.

Verse 65

श्रीदः श्रीशः श्रीनिवासः श्रीनिधिः श्रीविभावनः ।
श्रीधरः श्रीकरः श्रेयः श्रीमाँल्लोकत्रयाश्रयः ॥

Giver of fortune; Lord of Shri; dwelling in the fortunate; treasure of all glory; who apportions fortune; bearer of Shri; who makes His devotees prosper; the highest good; the glorious refuge of the three worlds.

Verse 66

स्वक्षः स्वङ्गः शतानन्दो नन्दिर्ज्योतिर्गणेश्वरः ।
विजितात्माऽविधेयात्मा सत्कीर्तिश्छिन्नसंशयः ॥

Of beautiful eyes; of beautiful limbs; of hundredfold bliss; supreme bliss; Lord of the hosts of light; self-controlled; subject to none; of true fame; free of every doubt.

Verse 67

उदीर्णः सर्वतश्चक्षुरनीशः शाश्वतस्थिरः ।
भूशयो भूषणो भूतिर्विशोकः शोकनाशनः ॥

Exalted above all; with eyes on every side; who has no lord above Him; eternal and steady; who lay upon the ground; who adorns the earth; prosperity itself; free from sorrow; destroyer of sorrow.

Verse 68

अर्चिष्मानर्चितः कुम्भो विशुद्धात्मा विशोधनः ।
अनिरुद्धोऽप्रतिरथः प्रद्युम्नोऽमितविक्रमः ॥

The radiant; the worshipped; the vessel containing all; of pure nature; the purifier; the unobstructed Aniruddha; without rival; Pradyumna of great wealth; of immeasurable prowess.

Verse 69

कालनेमिनिहा वीरः शौरिः शूरजनेश्वरः ।
त्रिलोकात्मा त्रिलोकेशः केशवः केशिहा हरिः ॥

Slayer of Kalanemi; the valiant; born in the line of Shura; Lord of heroes; the Self of the three worlds; Lord of the three worlds; Keshava of radiant locks; slayer of Keshi; Hari, remover of ignorance.

Verse 70

कामदेवः कामपालः कामी कान्तः कृतागमः ।
अनिर्देश्यवपुर्विष्णुर्वीरोऽनन्तो धनञ्जयः ॥

The god sought by seekers; guardian of desires; whose desires stand fulfilled; the lovely; author of the scriptures; of indescribable form; the all-pervading; the mighty; the endless; winner of wealth.

Verse 71

ब्रह्मण्यो ब्रह्मकृद् ब्रह्मा ब्रह्म ब्रह्मविवर्धनः ।
ब्रह्मविद् ब्राह्मणो ब्रह्मी ब्रह्मज्ञो ब्राह्मणप्रियः ॥

Friend of the Veda and austerity; maker of austerity; Brahma the creator; Brahman itself; who increases sacred knowledge; knower of the Veda; the teacher of the Veda; possessed of Brahman's nature; knower of Brahman; dear to the learned.

Verse 72

महाक्रमो महाकर्मा महातेजा महोरगः ।
महाक्रतुर्महायज्वा महायज्ञो महाहविः ॥

Of great stride; of great deeds; of great splendour; the great serpent; the great sacrifice; the great sacrificer; the great offering of prayer; the great oblation.

Verse 73

स्तव्यः स्तवप्रियः स्तोत्रं स्तुतिः स्तोता रणप्रियः ।
पूर्णः पूरयिता पुण्यः पुण्यकीर्तिरनामयः ॥

Worthy of praise; fond of praise; the hymn itself; the act of praise; the one who praises; fond of battle against evil; the full; who fulfils; the holy; of holy fame; free from ailment.

Verse 74

मनोजवस्तीर्थकरो वसुरेता वसुप्रदः ।
वसुप्रदो वासुदेवो वसुर्वसुमना हविः ॥

Swift as the mind; maker of the sacred fords of learning; of golden seed; giver of wealth; giver of the highest wealth; son of Vasudeva; in whom all dwell; whose mind dwells in all; the oblation.

Verse 75

सद्गतिः सत्कृतिः सत्ता सद्भूतिः सत्परायणः ।
शूरसेनो यदुश्रेष्ठः सन्निवासः सुयामुनः ॥

The goal of the good; of good deeds; existence itself; true being; the supreme refuge of the good; with a heroic army; best of the Yadus; abode of the wise; attended by the dwellers on the Yamuna.

Verse 76

भूतावासो वासुदेवः सर्वासुनिलयोऽनलः ।
दर्पहा दर्पदो दृप्तो दुर्धरोऽथापराजितः ॥

Dwelling of all beings; who covers the world with His maya; resting place of all life; of limitless power; destroyer of arrogance; who gives the righteous their dignity; ever exultant in bliss; hard to grasp; the unvanquished.

Verse 77

विश्वमूर्तिर्महामूर्तिर्दीप्तमूर्तिरमूर्तिमान् ।
अनेकमूर्तिरव्यक्तः शतमूर्तिः शताननः ॥

Whose form is the universe; of vast form; of luminous form; the formless; of many forms; the unmanifest; of a hundred forms; of a hundred faces.

Verse 78

एको नैकः सवः कः किं यत् तत्पदमनुत्तमम् ।
लोकबन्धुर्लोकनाथो माधवो भक्तवत्सलः ॥

The One; the many; the sacrifice; bliss; the one to be enquired into; the self-existent; That, the unsurpassed state; kinsman of the world; Lord of the world; born in the line of Madhu; loving to His devotees.

Verse 79

सुवर्णवर्णो हेमाङ्गो वराङ्गश्चन्दनाङ्गदी ।
वीरहा विषमः शून्यो घृताशीरचलश्चलः ॥

Golden-hued; of golden limbs; of beautiful limbs; with armlets anointed in sandal; slayer of the demon heroes; the unequalled; void of attributes; free of wants; the immovable; the moving.

Verse 80

अमानी मानदो मान्यो लोकस्वामी त्रिलोकधृक् ।
सुमेधा मेधजो धन्यः सत्यमेधा धराधरः ॥

Free of pride; giver of honour; worthy of honour; Lord of the world; upholder of the three worlds; of good wisdom; born of sacrifice; the blessed; of true wisdom; bearer of the earth.

Verse 81

तेजोवृषो द्युतिधरः सर्वशस्त्रभृतां वरः ।
प्रग्रहो निग्रहो व्यग्रो नैकशृङ्गो गदाग्रजः ॥

Who showers radiance as the sun; bearer of splendour; best of those who bear weapons; who accepts the offerings of devotees; the restrainer; without end; the many-horned; elder brother of Gada.

Verse 82

चतुर्मूर्तिश्चतुर्बाहुश्चतुर्व्यूहश्चतुर्गतिः ।
चतुरात्मा चतुर्भावश्चतुर्वेदविदेकपात् ॥

Of four forms; four-armed; of four emanations; the goal of the four stages of life; the fourfold Self; the source of the four aims; knower of the four Vedas; of whom the world is but one quarter.

Verse 83

समावर्तोऽनिवृत्तात्मा दुर्जयो दुरतिक्रमः ।
दुर्लभो दुर्गमो दुर्गो दुरावासो दुरारिहा ॥

The one who turns the wheel of existence; never withdrawn from anywhere; the invincible; whose command none can transgress; hard to attain; hard to reach; hard to approach; hard to hold in the mind; slayer of the wicked.

Verse 84

शुभाङ्गो लोकसारङ्गः सुतन्तुस्तन्तुवर्धनः ।
इन्द्रकर्मा महाकर्मा कृतकर्मा कृतागमः ॥

Of auspicious limbs; who grasps the essence of the world; the fine thread of the world; who extends that thread; whose deeds are like Indra's; of great deeds; whose work is accomplished; author of the Vedas.

Verse 85

उद्भवः सुन्दरः सुन्दो रत्ननाभः सुलोचनः ।
अर्को वाजसनः शृङ्गी जयन्तः सर्वविज्जयी ॥

Of exalted birth; the beautiful; the compassionate; jewel-naveled; fair-eyed; worshipped by the worshipful; giver of food; the horned one of the fish form; the conqueror; all-knowing and victorious.

Verse 86

सुवर्णबिन्दुरक्षोभ्यः सर्ववागीश्वरेश्वरः ।
महाह्रदो महागर्तो महाभूतो महानिधिः ॥

Of golden limbs; the unshakable; Lord of the lords of speech; the great lake of bliss; the great chasm of maya; the great being; the great treasure.

Verse 87

कुमुदः कुन्दरः कुन्दः पर्जन्यः पावनोऽनिलः ।
अमृताशोऽमृतवपुः सर्वज्ञः सर्वतोमुखः ॥

Gladdener of the earth; giver of pure fruits; pure as the jasmine; the rain-cloud; the purifier; the ever-moving; partaker of nectar; of deathless form; the all-knowing; facing every direction.

Verse 88

सुलभः सुव्रतः सिद्धः शत्रुजिच्छत्रुतापनः ।
न्यग्रोधोदुम्बरोऽश्वत्थश्चाणूरान्ध्रनिषूदनः ॥

Easily reached by devotion; of holy vow; the perfect; conqueror of foes; scorcher of foes; the banyan tree; the fig tree; the sacred ashvattha; slayer of Chanura of the Andhra clan.

Verse 89

सहस्रार्चिः सप्तजिह्वः सप्तैधाः सप्तवाहनः ।
अमूर्तिरनघोऽचिन्त्यो भयकृद्भयनाशनः ॥

Thousand-rayed; the seven-tongued fire; of seven flames; whose chariot is drawn by seven horses; the formless; the sinless; the inconceivable; who causes fear to the wicked; destroyer of fear.

Verse 90

अणुर्बृहत्कृशः स्थूलो गुणभृन्निर्गुणो महान् ।
अधृतः स्वधृतः स्वास्यः प्राग्वंशो वंशवर्धनः ॥

The subtle; the vast; the slender; the gross; bearer of qualities; beyond all qualities; the great; unsupported; self-supported; of beautiful face; of the first lineage; who prospers lineages.

Verse 91

भारभृत् कथितो योगी योगीशः सर्वकामदः ।
आश्रमः श्रमणः क्षामः सुपर्णो वायुवाहनः ॥

Bearer of the burden of the earth; proclaimed by the scriptures; the yogi; Lord of yogis; giver of all that is sought; the resting place; who afflicts the undiscerning; who wastes all at dissolution; the tree of beautiful leaves; mover of the winds.

Verse 92

धनुर्धरो धनुर्वेदो दण्डो दमयिता दमः ।
अपराजितः सर्वसहो नियन्ताऽनियमोऽयमः ॥

The bowman; knower of the science of archery; the rod of justice; the subduer; self-restraint itself; the unconquered; enduring all; the controller; subject to no rule; beyond death.

Verse 93

सत्त्ववान् सात्त्विकः सत्यः सत्यधर्मपरायणः ।
अभिप्रायः प्रियार्होऽर्हः प्रियकृत् प्रीतिवर्धनः ॥

Full of strength; established in purity; the truthful; devoted to truth and dharma; the one whom all seek; worthy of dear offerings; worthy of worship; doer of good; who increases joy.

Verse 94

विहायसगतिर्ज्योतिः सुरुचिर्हुतभुग्विभुः ।
रविर्विरोचनः सूर्यः सविता रविलोचनः ॥

Whose path is the sky; light itself; of beautiful lustre; enjoyer of oblations; the all-pervading; the sun; shining in many ways; the begetter; the progenitor; whose eye is the sun.

Verse 95

अनन्तो हुतभुग्भोक्ता सुखदो नैकजोऽग्रजः ।
अनिर्विण्णः सदामर्षी लोकाधिष्ठानमद्भुतः ॥

The endless; enjoyer of oblations; the enjoyer; giver of bliss; born many times; the first-born; never weary; ever forgiving; the ground of the world; the wondrous.

Verse 96

सनात्सनातनतमः कपिलः कपिरव्ययः ।
स्वस्तिदः स्वस्तिकृत्स्वस्ति स्वस्तिभुक्स्वस्तिदक्षिणः ॥

The eternal; the most ancient; the tawny one; the sun; the imperishable; giver of welfare; doer of good; auspiciousness itself; guardian of auspiciousness; skilled in granting welfare.

Verse 97

अरौद्रः कुण्डली चक्री विक्रम्यूर्जितशासनः ।
शब्दातिगः शब्दसहः शिशिरः शर्वरीकरः ॥

Never fierce; wearing ear-rings; bearer of the discus; the valiant one whose command is mighty; beyond words; the import of all scripture; the cool and soothing; maker of the night.

Verse 98

अक्रूरः पेशलो दक्षो दक्षिणः क्षमिणांवरः ।
विद्वत्तमो वीतभयः पुण्यश्रवणकीर्तनः ॥

Never cruel; the gentle; the skilful; the liberal; best of the patient; the wisest; the fearless; whose names are holy to hear and to sing.

Verse 99

उत्तारणो दुष्कृतिहा पुण्यो दुःस्वप्ननाशनः ।
वीरहा रक्षणः सन्तो जीवनः पर्यवस्थितः ॥

The one who lifts beings across; destroyer of wrong deeds; the holy; dispeller of evil dreams; who cuts off the paths of worldly existence; the protector; the good; the life-giver; pervading everywhere.

Verse 100

अनन्तरूपोऽनन्तश्रीर्जितमन्युर्भयापहः ।
चतुरश्रो गभीरात्मा विदिशो व्यादिशो दिशः ॥

Of endless forms; of endless glory; conqueror of anger; remover of fear; the just; of profound nature; distributor of varied fruits; who assigns all duties; the instructor.

Verse 101

अनादिर्भूर्भुवो लक्ष्मीः सुवीरो रुचिराङ्गदः ।
जननो जनजन्मादिर्भीमो भीमपराक्रमः ॥

The beginningless; the ground of the earth itself; the splendour of the world; of auspicious movements; wearing beautiful armlets; who begets beings; the root of the birth of beings; the awe-inspiring; of awesome prowess.

Verse 102

आधारनिलयोऽधाता पुष्पहासः प्रजागरः ।
ऊर्ध्वगः सत्पथाचारः प्राणदः प्रणवः पणः ॥

Abode of the supports of the world; who has no creator; blossoming like a flower; ever wakeful; highest of all; who walks the path of the good; giver of life; the syllable Om; the dispenser of the fruits of action.

Verse 103

प्रमाणं प्राणनिलयः प्राणभृत्प्राणजीवनः ।
तत्त्वं तत्त्वविदेकात्मा जन्ममृत्युजरातिगः ॥

The authority of all knowledge; abode of the vital breaths; nourisher of life; the life of the living; the reality; knower of the reality; the one Self; beyond birth, death and old age.

Verse 104

भूर्भुवःस्वस्तरुस्तारः सविता प्रपितामहः ।
यज्ञो यज्ञपतिर्यज्वा यज्ञाङ्गो यज्ञवाहनः ॥

who carries beings across through Bhuh, Bhuvah and Svah; the saviour; the father of all; the great-grandfather; the sacrifice; Lord of sacrifice; the sacrificer; whose limbs are the sacrifice; who carries sacrifice to its fruit.

Verse 105

यज्ञभृद् यज्ञकृद् यज्ञी यज्ञभुग् यज्ञसाधनः ।
यज्ञान्तकृद् यज्ञगुह्यमन्नमन्नाद एव च ॥

Sustainer of sacrifice; performer of sacrifice; master of sacrifice; enjoyer of sacrifice; for whom sacrifice is the means; who brings sacrifice to completion; the secret of sacrifice; food; and the eater of food.

Verse 106

आत्मयोनिः स्वयञ्जातो वैखानः सामगायनः ।
देवकीनन्दनः स्रष्टा क्षितीशः पापनाशनः ॥

The self-caused source; the self-born; who dug into the earth as the Boar; the singer of Saman; son of Devaki; the creator; Lord of the earth; destroyer of sin.

Verse 107

शङ्खभृन्नन्दकी चक्री शार्ङ्गधन्वा गदाधरः ।
रथाङ्गपाणिरक्षोभ्यः सर्वप्रहरणायुधः ॥

Bearer of the conch; bearer of the sword Nandaka; bearer of the discus; wielder of the Sharnga bow; bearer of the mace; with the chariot-wheel discus in hand; the unperturbable; who holds every kind of weapon.

Verse 108

वनमाली गदी शार्ङ्गी शङ्खी चक्री च नन्दकी ।
श्रीमान् नारायणो विष्णुर्वासुदेवोऽभिरक्षतु ॥

Wearing the forest garland, holding the mace, the bow Sharnga, the conch, the discus and the sword Nandaka: may the glorious Narayana, Vishnu, Vasudeva, protect us.

Closing

इति श्रीविष्णोर्दिव्यसहस्रनामस्तोत्रं सम्पूर्णम् ॥

Thus ends the divine Thousand Names hymn of Shri Vishnu.

The syllable people get wrong

In the name viṣṇu the conjunct ṣṇ joins the retroflex sibilant ṣ directly to the retroflex nasal ṇ. Speakers often insert a faint vowel between them or flatten the pair into a single ‘shn’ sound, losing the successive retroflex contacts that the word requires.

When the Vishnu Sahasranama is chanted

Weekday. Thursday

Festival. Ekadashi, above all Vaikuntha Ekadashi, when the Sahasranama is customarily recited in temples and households

Questions

The opening name Vishva, ‘the universe,’ establishes that the Lord who will be praised under a thousand designations is already identical with the totality of existence. Subsequent names particularise that totality; the first name refuses any separation between the divine and the world that is named.

Within the Mahabharata it is presented as a stotra, a hymn of praise composed of discrete names. Later liturgical practice often frames the entire recitation with seed-syllables and dhyana verses, yet the core remains the sequential utterance of the thousand names first spoken by Bhishma.

The thousand names constitute Bhishma’s direct answer to Yudhishthira inside the Anushasana Parva. The epic setting is not an optional frame story; it is the narrative ground from which the litany arises and to which every traditional commentary returns.

Not sure a mantra is enough?

Have your chart read before you decide

Chanting is yours to do, and free. But which deity your situation calls for — and whether a mantra alone is the right response — depends on your chart. Sometimes it is; sometimes it is not.

Brahmashree Shivaaya

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Over 30 years in the Guru–Sishya Parampara, from the age of five
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Vishnu Sahasranama

What the Vishnu Sahasranama is

Bhishma on the Bed of Arrows

The mantra, in six scripts

Vishnu Sahasranamam lyrics in full

The syllable people get wrong

When the Vishnu Sahasranama is chanted

Questions

Have your chart read before you decide

Related

Sudarshana Mantra

Vishnu Chalisa

Vishnu Ashtottara Shatanamavali

Nirnaya