The Vishnu Sahasranama is a sacred text in Hinduism, consisting of a thousand names (sahasranama) of Lord Vishnu, one of the principal deities in Hinduism, who is considered the preserver of the universe.
The Vishnu Sahasranama, as its name suggests, consists of a thousand names of Lord Vishnu. These names are drawn from various sources, including the Vedas and other ancient scriptures, and they encapsulate the diverse attributes, qualities, and aspects of the divine Vishnu.
The Vishnu Sahasranama is presented in the form of a dialogue between the sage Vyas and his disciple Yudhishthir, one of the Pandav princes. In this dialogue, Vyas imparts spiritual knowledge to Yudhishthir and reveals the thousand names of Lord Vishnu, each name highlighting different attributes, qualities, and aspects of the divine.
Here are a few examples of names from the Vishnu Sahasranama:
- Vishvam: The universe
- Vishnuh: All-pervading
- Vashatkara: The origin of all beings
- Bhutabhavyabhavatprabhuh: The master of past, present, and future
- Sarvah: The all-encompassing
- Bhutatma: The soul of all beings
- Chaturatma: The fourfold self
- Kamah: The embodiment of desire
- Kamakrit: The fulfiller of desires
- Kritagamah: The creator of the world
These names, along with the remaining 990, collectively form the Vishnu Sahasranama. Recitation or chanting of these names is considered a powerful spiritual practice in Hinduism, believed to bring blessings, protection, and spiritual upliftment to the devotee. This text is found in the ancient Indian epic, the Mahabharat, specifically in the Anushasana Parva (the Book of Instructions) in the Bhishm Parva.
The recitation or chanting of the Vishnu Sahasranama is considered highly auspicious and is believed to confer spiritual benefits, including protection, prosperity, and liberation (moksha). Devotees often recite or listen to the Vishnu Sahasranama as a form of devotion and meditation.
The text is revered by millions of Hindus around the world and is frequently recited in various religious ceremonies, especially during Vishnu-related festivals such as Vaikuntha Ekadashi and Vishnu Jayanti. It holds profound significance in Hindu theology and is considered a potent means of invoking the blessings and grace of Lord Vishnu.