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vishnusahasranamam1000-namesmahabharata

Vishnu Sahasranamam

विष्णु सहस्रनाम in English · English

🕉️ hindu·📿 1× repetitions·🕐 Early morning (Brahma Muhurta) or evening; especially Thursdays, Ekadashi, Saturdays and Vishnu festivals·🎵 Audio included·📜 Mahabharata, Anushasana Parva (Book 13), Chapter 149
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Meaning

The Vishnu Sahasranamam — the thousand names of Lord Vishnu — comes from the Mahabharata, where the grandsire Bhishma, lying on his bed of arrows, teaches it to Yudhishthira as the highest of all dharmas. Each name celebrates an aspect of the all-pervading sustainer of the universe. Daily recitation is believed to bestow peace of mind, freedom from fear and sorrow, prosperity and ultimate liberation.

Origin & Story

Mahabharata, Anushasana Parva (Book 13), Chapter 149 · Sage Vyasa (composed); narrated by Bhishma Pitamaha · Ancient — traditionally c. 3000 BCE; scholarly c. 400 BCE

After the Kurukshetra war, Yudhishthira approached Bhishma, who lay on a bed of arrows awaiting his chosen hour of death. The grieving king asked six profound questions, the first being: 'Kim ekam daivatam loke — who is the one God of the universe, and by chanting whose name does a being cross beyond all sorrow?' In reply, with Lord Krishna seated beside him, Bhishma revealed the thousand names of Vishnu, declaring their recitation the highest of all dharmas and the surest path to liberation.

As told in scripture

When Adi Shankaracharya composed his celebrated commentary on the Sahasranama, tradition holds that the names themselves carry living power: the devotee Prahlada was protected through every attempt on his life by Hiranyakashipu solely through the names of Vishnu catalogued here. The Phalashruti itself records the promise that 'for the devotees of Vasudeva no evil ever exists' — countless devotees across the centuries have testified to relief from disease, fear and calamity through its daily recitation.

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Complete Text with Meaning

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Verse 1

Shuklambaradharam vishnum shashivarnam chaturbhujam Prasannavadanam dhyayet sarvavighnopashantaye

Meaning:I meditate upon Lord Vishnu — clad in white, all-pervading, moon-hued, four-armed and ever serene of face — for the stilling of all obstacles.

Verse 2

Yasya dviradavaktradyah parishadyah parah shatam Vighnam nighnanti satatam vishvaksenam tamashraye

Meaning:I take refuge in Vishvaksena, whose attendants — over a hundred, led by the elephant-faced Ganesha — ceaselessly destroy every obstacle.

Verse 3

Vyasam vasishthanaptaram shakteh pautramakalmasham Parasharatmajam vande shukatatam taponidhim Vyasaya vishnurupaya vyasarupaya vishnave Namo vai brahmanidhaye vasishthaya namo namah

Meaning:I bow to Vyasa — great-grandson of Vasishtha, grandson of Shakti, the stainless son of Parashara, father of Shuka, a treasure-house of austerity. Salutations to Vyasa who is the very form of Vishnu, and to Vishnu in the form of Vyasa; again and again I bow to that treasure of the Veda, the descendant of Vasishtha.

Verse 4

Yasya smaranamatrena janmasamsarabandhanat Vimuchyate namastasmai vishnave prabhavishnave Om namo vishnave prabhavishnave

Meaning:Salutations to that all-powerful Vishnu, by the mere remembrance of whom one is freed from the bondage of birth and worldly existence. Om, salutations to Vishnu, the Almighty.

Verse 5

Yudhishthira uvacha Kimekam daivatam loke kim vapyekam parayanam Stuvantah kam kamarchantah prapnuyurmanavah shubham Ko dharmah sarvadharmanam bhavatah paramo matah Kim japanmuchyate janturjanmasamsarabandhanat

Meaning:Yudhishthira asked Bhishma: Who is the one God of the universe? What is the one supreme refuge? By praising and worshipping whom do human beings attain well-being? Which, in your view, is the greatest of all dharmas? By chanting what is a being freed from the bondage of birth and rebirth?

Verse 6

Bhishma uvacha Jagatprabhum devadevamanantam purushottamam Stuvan namasahasrena purushah satatotthitah Esha me sarvadharmanam dharmodhikatamo matah Yadbhaktya pundarikaksham stavairarchennarah sada

Meaning:Bhishma replied: One who, ever-vigilant, praises the Lord of the universe — the God of gods, the infinite Purushottama — with the thousand names, crosses beyond all sorrow. This, in my view, is the highest of all dharmas: that a person should always, with devotion, worship the lotus-eyed Lord with hymns of praise.

Verse 7

Om shantakaram bhujagashayanam padmanabham suresham Vishvadharam gaganasadrisham meghavarnam shubhangam Lakshmikantam kamalanayanam yogibhirdhyanagamyam Vande vishnum bhavabhayaharam sarvalokaikanatham

Meaning:I bow to Vishnu, the one Lord of all the worlds, remover of the fear of existence — of peaceful form, reclining on the serpent Shesha, lotus-naveled, Lord of the gods; the support of the universe, vast as the sky, cloud-hued, of auspicious limbs; beloved of Lakshmi, lotus-eyed, realised by yogis in meditation.

Verse 8

Atha vishnoh sahasranamastotram Harih Om

Meaning:Now begins the recitation of the thousand names of Vishnu. Hari Om.

Verse 9

Vishvam vishnurvashatkaro bhutabhavyabhavatprabhuh Bhutakridbhutabhridbhavo bhutatma bhutabhavanah

Meaning:He is the Universe (Vishvam) itself; the all-pervading Vishnu; He for whom oblations are offered (Vashatkara); the Lord of past, present and future; the creator of beings (Bhutakrit), their sustainer (Bhutabhrit), pure Being itself, the Soul of all beings and the nourishing source of all existence.

Verse 10

Putatma paramatma cha muktanam parama gatih Avyayah purushah sakshi kshetrajnokshara eva cha

Meaning:The Pure Soul, the Supreme Self, and the highest goal of the liberated; the Imperishable, the Supreme Person (Purusha), the Witness of all, the Knower of the field (the body), and the changeless Akshara.

Verse 11

Yogo yogavidam neta pradhanapurusheshvarah Narasimhavapuh shriman keshavah purushottamah

Meaning:He is Yoga itself and the leader of all yogis; the Lord of Pradhana (matter) and Purusha (spirit); He whose form is the Man-Lion (Narasimha); the glorious Shriman; Keshava; and Purushottama, the Supreme Person.

Verse 12

Sarvah sharvah shivah sthanurbhutadirnidhiravyayah Sambhavo bhavano bharta prabhavah prabhurishvarah

Meaning:Sarva (the All), Sharva (the auspicious destroyer), Shiva (the pure), Sthanu (the firm pillar), the origin of beings, the imperishable treasure; the source, the giver of existence, the upholder, the cause of birth, the Lord and Ruler of all.

Verse 13

Svayambhuh shambhuradityah pushkaraksho mahasvanah Anadinidhano dhata vidhata dhaturuttamah

Meaning:The Self-born (Svayambhu), the source of joy (Shambhu), the radiant Sun (Aditya), the lotus-eyed, the deep-voiced; without beginning or end, the upholder (Dhata), the dispenser of fruits (Vidhata), and the highest support of all elements.

Verse 14

Aprameyo hrishikeshah padmanabhomaraprabhuh Vishvakarma manustvashta sthavishthah sthaviro dhruvah

Meaning:The immeasurable (Aprameya), Hrishikesha (Lord of the senses), Padmanabha (from whose navel the lotus springs), the Lord of the immortals; the cosmic architect Vishvakarma, Manu, Tvashta the shaper, the most massive, the most ancient, and the ever-fixed (Dhruva).

Verse 15

Agrahyah shashvatah krishno lohitakshah pratardanah Prabhutastrikakubdhama pavitram mangalam param

Meaning:The ungraspable, the eternal, Krishna (the dark, all-attractive one), the red-eyed, the destroyer of foes; the ever-full, the support of the three directions, the purifier, and the supreme auspiciousness (Mangalam Param).

Verse 16

Ishanah pranadah prano jyeshthah shreshthah prajapatih Hiranyagarbho bhugarbho madhavo madhusudanah

Meaning:Ishana the ruler, the giver of vital breath, Life itself; the eldest and the most excellent, the Lord of creatures (Prajapati); Hiranyagarbha the golden womb, the womb of the earth, Madhava, and Madhusudana the slayer of the demon Madhu.

Verse 17

Ishvaro vikrami dhanvi medhavi vikramah kramah Anuttamo duradharshah kritajnah kritiratmavan

Meaning:The Lord (Ishvara), the mighty strider, the wielder of the bow, the wise; valour and the very stride of progress; the unsurpassed, the unassailable, the grateful knower of all deeds, pure action, and the master of the Self.

Verse 18

Sureshah sharanam sharma vishvaretah prajabhavah Ahah samvatsaro vyalah pratyayah sarvadarshanah

Meaning:The Lord of the gods, the refuge and bliss of all; the seed of the universe and source of beings; He who is the Day, the Year, the serpent of time, the inner conviction, and the all-seeing one.

Verse 19

Ajah sarveshvarah siddhah siddhih sarvadirachyutah Vrishakapirameyatma sarvayogavinihsritah

Meaning:The unborn (Aja), the Lord of all, the ever-accomplished (Siddha), perfection itself and the bestower of perfection; the first cause of all, the never-falling Achyuta; Vrishakapi (upholder of dharma), the immeasurable Self, free from all bondage of yoga.

Verse 20

Vasurvasumanah satyah samatmasammitah samah Amoghah pundarikaksho vrishakarma vrishakritih

Meaning:Vasu (the refuge), pure-minded, Truth itself, the even-souled, the immeasurable, the impartial; the unfailing, the lotus-eyed, He of righteous action and righteous form.

Verse 21

Rudro bahushira babhrurvishvayonih shuchishravah Amritah shashvatasthanurvararoho mahatapah

Meaning:Rudra (who makes beings weep at dissolution), the many-headed, the tawny one, the womb of the universe, of pure renown; the immortal, the ever-firm pillar, the noble-statured, the great ascetic.

Verse 22

Sarvagah sarvavidbhanurvishvakseno janardanah Vedo vedavidavyango vedango vedavit kavih

Meaning:All-pervading, all-knowing, the radiant Sun, Vishvaksena, Janardana (refuge of people); the Veda, the knower of the Veda, the flawless, the limbs of the Veda, and the wise seer of the Veda.

Verse 23

Lokadhyakshah suradhyaksho dharmadhyakshah kritakritah Chaturatma chaturvyuhashchaturdamshtrashchaturbhujah

Meaning:The overseer of the worlds, of the gods, and of dharma; both the done and the undone; the fourfold Self, of the four vyuhas (manifestations), the four-tusked (as Varaha) and the four-armed.

Verse 24

Bhrajishnurbhojanam bhokta sahishnurjagadadijah Anagho vijayo jeta vishvayonih punarvasuh

Meaning:The radiant, the food and the eater of food, the all-enduring, the first-born of the world; the sinless, the victorious conqueror, the womb of the universe, and Punarvasu (who dwells again in beings).

Verse 25

Upendro vamanah pramshuramoghah shuchirurjitah Atindrah sangrahah sargo dhritatma niyamo yamah

Meaning:Upendra (younger brother of Indra as Vamana), the dwarf, the tall one; the unfailing, the pure, the mighty; beyond Indra, the gatherer, the creation itself, the self-controlled, restraint and the inner controller Yama.

Verse 26

Vedyo vaidyah sadayogi viraha madhavo madhuh Atindriyo mahamayo mahotsaho mahabalah

Meaning:Worthy of knowing, the divine physician (Vaidya), the ever-united yogi, the slayer of heroic foes, Madhava (Lord of knowledge), the sweet honey; beyond the senses, of great wisdom (Maya), of great energy and great strength.

Verse 27

Mahabuddhirmahaviryo mahashaktirmahadyutih Anirdeshyavapuh shrimanameyatma mahadridhrik

Meaning:Of great intellect, great valour, great power and great splendour; of indescribable form, the glorious, the immeasurable Self, the upholder of the great mountain (Mandara).

Verse 28

Maheshvaso mahibharta shrinivasah satam gatih Aniruddhah suranando govindo govidam patih

Meaning:The great archer, the supporter of the earth, the abode of Shri (Lakshmi), the goal of the good; Aniruddha (the unobstructable), the joy of the gods, Govinda (knower and Lord of the cows/earth/words).

Verse 29

Marichirdamano hamsah suparno bhujagottamah Hiranyanabhah sutapah padmanabhah prajapatih

Meaning:Marichi (the ray of light), the subduer, the swan (Hamsa), the beautiful-winged, the best of serpents; of golden navel, the great ascetic, lotus-naveled, the Lord of creatures.

Verse 30

Amrityuh sarvadrik simhah sandhata sandhiman sthirah Ajo durmarshanah shasta vishrutatma surariha

Meaning:The deathless, the all-seeing, the lion; the joiner and bond of all, the steadfast; the unborn, the hard-to-bear, the ruler and teacher, of far-famed soul, the slayer of the enemies of the gods.

Verse 31

Gururgurutamo dhama satyah satyaparakramah Nimishonimishah sragvi vachaspatirudaradhih

Meaning:The Guru and the greatest Guru, the supreme abode; Truth and of truthful prowess; the unwinking (ever-watchful) and the winking, the garlanded one, the Lord of speech (Vachaspati) of generous intellect.

Verse 32

Agranirgramanih shriman nyayo neta samiranah Sahasramurdha vishvatma sahasrakshah sahasrapat

Meaning:The foremost leader and guide of all, the glorious; justice itself, the leader, the mover of all; the thousand-headed, the universal Soul, the thousand-eyed and thousand-footed.

Verse 33

Avartano nivrittatma samvritah sampramardanah Ahah samvartako vahniranilo dharanidharah

Meaning:The turner of the wheel of the world, the withdrawn Self, the enveloped one, the great destroyer; the day of dissolution, the cosmic fire, the wind, and the upholder of the earth.

Verse 34

Suprasadah prasannatma vishvadhrigvishvabhugvibhuh Satkarta satkritah sadhurjahnurnarayano narah

Meaning:Of perfect grace, the serene-souled, the upholder, enjoyer and pervader of all; the doer of good, the honoured, the saint (Sadhu), Jahnu, Narayana (the resting-place of all) and Nara.

Verse 35

Asankhyeyoprameyatma vishishtah shishtakrichchhuchih Siddharthah siddhasankalpah siddhidah siddhisadhanah

Meaning:The innumerable, the immeasurable Self, the distinguished one, who disciplines the good, the pure; of accomplished aim and accomplished will, the giver of success and the means of success.

Verse 36

Vrishahi vrishabho vishnurvrishaparva vrishodarah Vardhano vardhamanashcha viviktah shrutisagarah

Meaning:The bull of dharma, the supreme being, Vishnu, of righteous ordinances and righteous heart; the increaser of all, the ever-growing, the distinct one, the ocean of the Vedas (Shrutisagara).

Verse 37

Subhujo durdharo vagmi mahendro vasudo vasuh Naikarupo brihadrupah shipivishtah prakashanah

Meaning:Of beautiful arms, the hard-to-vanquish, the eloquent; the great Indra, the giver of wealth, wealth itself; of manifold forms, of vast form, Shipivishta (pervading the rays), the illuminator.

Verse 38

Ojastejodyutidharah prakashatma pratapanah Riddhah spashtaksharo mantrashchandramshurbhaskaradyutih

Meaning:The bearer of vigour, lustre and radiance; the embodiment of light, the burning blazer; the prosperous, of clear and imperishable speech, the sacred Mantra, the moonbeam and the splendour of the sun.

Verse 39

Amritamshudbhavo bhanuh shashabinduh sureshvarah Aushadham jagatah setuh satyadharmaparakramah

Meaning:The source of the nectar-rayed moon, the Sun (Bhanu), the rabbit-marked moon, the Lord of the gods; the medicine for the world's ills, the bridge across existence, of true righteousness and prowess.

Verse 40

Bhutabhavyabhavannathah pavanah pavanonalah Kamaha kamakritkantah kamah kamapradah prabhuh

Meaning:The Lord of past, present and future; the wind, the purifier, the fire; the destroyer of desire and the fulfiller of desire, the beloved, Desire itself, the giver of desires, the Lord.

Verse 41

Yugadikridyugavarto naikamayo mahashanah Adrishyo vyaktarupashcha sahasrajidanantajit

Meaning:The maker of the ages and their revolver; of manifold powers, the great devourer; the unseen, of manifest form, the conqueror of thousands and of the endless.

Verse 42

Ishtovishishtah shishteshtah shikhandi nahusho vrishah Krodhaha krodhakritkarta vishvabahurmahidharah

Meaning:The desired one, the unexcelled who is dear to the good; the crested (as Krishna), Nahusha (who binds beings by Maya), the bull of dharma; the destroyer of wrath, who provokes righteous wrath, the doer, of mighty arms, the supporter of the earth.

Verse 43

Achyutah prathitah pranah pranado vasavanujah Apamnidhiradhishthanamapramattah pratishthitah

Meaning:Achyuta (the unfalling), the renowned, Life-breath and its giver, the younger brother of Indra (Vasava); the abode of waters, the substratum, the ever-vigilant, the firmly established.

Verse 44

Skandah skandadharo dhuryo varado vayuvahanah Vasudevo brihadbhanuradidevah purandarah

Meaning:Skanda (who dries up evil), the upholder of Skanda, the burden-bearer, the boon-giver, borne by the wind; Vasudeva, the vast radiance, the primal God, Purandara the destroyer of foes' citadels.

Verse 45

Ashokastaranastarah shurah shaurirjaneshvarah Anukulah shatavartah padmi padmanibhekshanah

Meaning:The sorrowless, the deliverer who ferries beings across, the valiant, the heroic Shauri, the Lord of beings; the favourable, of a hundred sacrifices, the lotus-holder, the lotus-eyed.

Verse 46

Padmanabhoravindakshah padmagarbhah sharirabhrit Maharddhirriddho vriddhatma mahaksho garudadhvajah

Meaning:Padmanabha the lotus-naveled, the lotus-eyed, the lotus-wombed, the bearer of bodies; of great prosperity, the prosperous, the ancient Self, the large-eyed, the Garuda-bannered.

Verse 47

Atulah sharabho bhimah samayajno havirharih Sarvalakshanalakshanyo lakshmivan samitinjayah

Meaning:The peerless, the deer-slaying Sharabha, the awesome; the knower of the right time, the oblation, Hari (who removes all); endowed with all auspicious marks, the consort of Lakshmi, the victor in battle.

Verse 48

Viksharo rohito margo heturdamodarah sahah Mahidharo mahabhago vegavanamitashanah

Meaning:The imperishable, the red one, the Path; the cause, Damodara (bound at the waist), the all-enduring; the upholder of the earth, the greatly fortunate, the swift one, of boundless appetite.

Verse 49

Udbhavah kshobhano devah shrigarbhah parameshvarah Karanam karanam karta vikarta gahano guhah

Meaning:The arising one, the agitator (at dissolution), the resplendent God; bearer of Shri in His heart, the Supreme Lord; the instrument, the cause, the doer, the un-doer, the unfathomable, the hidden (Guha).

Verse 50

Vyavasayo vyavasthanah samsthanah sthanado dhruvah Pararddhih paramaspashtastushtah pushtah shubhekshanah

Meaning:Effort and steadfast resolve, of firm position; the support, the giver of stations, the ever-fixed; of supreme prosperity, perfectly clear, content, full, and of auspicious gaze.

Verse 51

Ramo viramo virajo margo neyo nayonayah Virah shaktimatam shreshtho dharmo dharmaviduttamah

Meaning:Rama (in whom yogis delight), the resting-place, the passionless, the Path; the one to be led and the leader and the un-leadable; the heroic, the best of the powerful, Dharma itself, and the supreme knower of dharma.

Verse 52

Vaikunthah purushah pranah pranadah pranavah prithuh Hiranyagarbhah shatrughno vyapto vayuradhokshajah

Meaning:Vaikuntha (Lord of the supreme abode), the Purusha, Life and its giver, the sacred Pranava (Om), the vast Prithu; the golden-wombed, Shatrughna the slayer of foes, the all-pervading, the air, Adhokshaja.

Verse 53

Rituh sudarshanah kalah parameshthi parigrahah Ugrah samvatsaro daksho vishramo vishvadakshinah

Meaning:The seasons (Ritu), Sudarshana, Time (Kala), the supreme-stationed, the receiver; the fierce, the year, the able Daksha, the resting-place, and the all-skilful.

Verse 54

Vistarah sthavarasthanuh pramanam bijamavyayam Arthonartho mahakosho mahabhogo mahadhanah

Meaning:Expansion, the firm and immovable pillar, the standard of measure, the imperishable seed; meaning and beyond meaning, the great treasure, of great enjoyment and great wealth.

Verse 55

Anirvinnah sthavishthobhurdharmayupo mahamakhah Nakshatranemirnakshatri kshamah kshamah samihanah

Meaning:The ever-content (free of despair), the most massive, the un-born, the sacrificial post of dharma, the great sacrifice; the hub of the stars, the Lord of stars, the patient, the lean, the well-wishing.

Verse 56

Yajna ijyo mahejyashcha kratuh satram satam gatih Sarvadarshi vimuktatma sarvajno jnanamuttamam

Meaning:Yajna (sacrifice), the one worshipped, the greatly worshipped, the rite, the sacrificial session, the goal of the good; the all-seeing, the liberated Self, the omniscient, and Knowledge supreme.

Verse 57

Suvratah sumukhah sukshmah sughoshah sukhadah suhrit Manoharo jitakrodho virabahurvidaranah

Meaning:Of noble vows, of pleasant face, the subtle, of auspicious sound, the giver of joy, the kind friend (Suhrit); the enchanter of the mind, the conqueror of anger, of heroic arms, the render of foes.

Verse 58

Svapanah svavasho vyapi naikatma naikakarmakrit Vatsaro vatsalo vatsi ratnagarbho dhaneshvarah

Meaning:The awakener (and giver of cosmic sleep), the self-controlled, the all-pervading; the Self of many, the doer of many deeds; the year, the affectionate, the calf-cherisher, the jewel-wombed, the Lord of wealth.

Verse 59

Dharmagubdharmakriddharmi sadasatksharamaksharam Avijnata sahasramshurvidhata kritalakshanah

Meaning:The protector and doer of dharma, the embodiment of dharma; the existent and the non-existent, the perishable and the imperishable; the all-knower (beyond ordinary knowing), the thousand-rayed, the ordainer, of distinguished marks.

Verse 60

Gabhastinemih sattvasthah simho bhutamaheshvarah Adidevo mahadevo devesho devabhridguruh

Meaning:The hub of the sun's rays, established in pure Sattva, the lion, the great Lord of beings; the primal God, the great God (Mahadeva), the Lord of gods, the supporter of gods, the Guru.

Verse 61

Uttaro gopatirgopta jnanagamyah puratanah Sharirabhutabhridbhokta kapindro bhuridakshinah

Meaning:The transcendent, the Lord and protector of cattle (and of speech), attainable through knowledge, the ancient; the supporter of the body, beings and the elements, the enjoyer, the Lord of monkeys (Kapindra), the giver of abundant gifts.

Verse 62

Somapomritapah somah purujitpurusattamah Vinayo jayah satyasandho dasharhah satvatampatih viniyojyah

Meaning:The drinker of Soma and of nectar, the moon (Soma); the conqueror of many, the best of many; humility and victory, of truthful resolve, born in the Dasharha clan, the Lord of the Satvatas.

Verse 63

Jivo vinayita sakshi mukundomitavikramah Ambhonidhiranantatma mahodadhishayontakah

Meaning:The living Self, the disciplinarian, the witness, Mukunda (giver of liberation), of measureless valour; the ocean of being, the infinite Self, who reclines on the great ocean, the ender of all.

Verse 64

Ajo maharhah svabhavyo jitamitrah pramodanah Anando nandano nandah satyadharma trivikramah

Meaning:The unborn, the greatly worthy of worship, of natural state, the conqueror of foes, the delighter; bliss, the source of joy, joy itself, of true dharma, Trivikrama who measured the three worlds.

Verse 65

Maharshih kapilacharyah kritajno medinipatih Tripadastridashadhyaksho mahashringah kritantakrit

Meaning:The great sage, the teacher Kapila, the grateful knower, the Lord of the earth; of three strides, the overseer of the thirty gods, of mighty horn, the maker of the end of evil.

Verse 66

Mahavaraho govindah sushenah kanakangadi Guhyo gabhiro gahano guptashchakragadadharah

Meaning:The great Boar (Varaha), Govinda, of good army, adorned with golden armlets; the secret, the deep, the unfathomable, the hidden, the bearer of the discus and mace.

Verse 67

Vedhah svangojitah krishno dridhah sankarshanochyutah Varuno varuno vrikshah pushkaraksho mahamanah

Meaning:The creator (Vedhas), perfect-limbed, the unconquered, Krishna, the firm, Sankarshana (who draws all in), Achyuta; Varuna, the son of Varuna (Vasishtha/Agastya), the tree of shelter, the lotus-eyed, the great-minded.

Verse 68

Bhagavan bhagahanandi vanamali halayudhah Adityo jyotiradityah sahishnurgatisattamah

Meaning:The Lord (Bhagavan), the destroyer of fortunes (at dissolution), the blissful, garlanded with forest-flowers, armed with the plough (as Balarama); the Sun, the light of the sun, the all-enduring, the best of all paths.

Verse 69

Sudhanva khandaparashurdaruno dravinapradah Divasprik sarvadrigvyaso vachaspatirayonijah

Meaning:Of good bow, of the axe (Parashurama), the terrible (to the wicked), the giver of wealth; touching the heavens, the all-seeing Vyasa, the Lord of speech, the womb-less (un-born).

Verse 70

Trisama samagah sama nirvanam bheshajam bhishak Samnyasakrichchhamah shanto nishtha shantih parayanam

Meaning:Of the three Samas, the singer of the Sama, the Sama itself; liberation (Nirvana), the medicine and the physician; the maker of renunciation, the tranquil, the peaceful, the firm goal, peace, the supreme refuge.

Verse 71

Shubhangah shantidah srashta kumudah kuvaleshayah Gohito gopatirgopta vrishabhaksho vrishapriyah

Meaning:Of auspicious limbs, the giver of peace, the creator; the gladdening (Kumuda), who reclines on the waters; the benefactor of cattle, their Lord and protector, of bull-like eyes, dear to the righteous.

Verse 72

Anivarti nivrittatma sankshepta kshemakrichchhivah Shrivatsavakshah shrivasah shripatih shrimatamvarah

Meaning:The non-returning (who frees from rebirth), the withdrawn Self, the abridger, the doer of welfare, the auspicious; bearing Shrivatsa on His chest, the abode of Shri, the Lord of Shri (Lakshmi), the best of the prosperous.

Verse 73

Shridah shrishah shrinivasah shrinidhih shrivibhavanah Shridharah shrikarah shreyah shrimanllokatrayashrayah

Meaning:The giver of Shri, the Lord of Shri, the abode of Shri, the treasure of Shri, the manifester of Shri; the bearer of Shri, the giver of prosperity, the supreme good, the glorious, the refuge of the three worlds.

Verse 74

Svakshah svangah shatanando nandirjyotirganeshvarah Vijitatmavidheyatma satkirtishchhinnasamshayah

Meaning:Of beautiful eyes and beautiful limbs, of a hundred joys, the blissful, the Lord of the hosts of light; the self-conquered, who submits to none, of true renown, the cutter of all doubt.

Verse 75

Udirnah sarvatashchakshuranishah shashvatasthirah Bhushayo bhushano bhutirvishokah shokanashanah

Meaning:The exalted, the all-eyed (seeing everywhere), having no master, the eternal and the ever-fixed; reposing on the earth (and waters), the ornament of all, prosperity itself, the sorrowless, the destroyer of sorrow.

Verse 76

Archishmanarchitah kumbho vishuddhatma vishodhanah Aniruddhopratirathah pradyumnomitavikramah

Meaning:The radiant, the worshipped, the pot (Kumbha, holding all), the pure Self, the purifier; Aniruddha (the unobstructed), the unrivalled, Pradyumna (of surpassing wealth), of measureless valour.

Verse 77

Kalaneminiha virah shaurih shurajaneshvarah Trilokatma trilokeshah keshavah keshiha harih

Meaning:The slayer of Kalanemi, the hero, Shauri, the Lord of brave men; the Self of the three worlds and their Lord, Keshava, the slayer of Keshi, Hari.

Verse 78

Kamadevah kamapalah kami kantah kritagamah Anirdeshyavapurvishnurvironanto dhananjayah

Meaning:Kamadeva (the adorable one), the protector of love, the desirable, the beloved, the maker of scriptures; of indescribable form, Vishnu, the heroic, the infinite, Dhananjaya (winner of wealth).

Verse 79

Brahmanyo brahmakrid brahma brahma brahmavivardhanah Brahmavid brahmano brahmi brahmajno brahmanapriyah

Meaning:Devoted to the Brahman, the creator of the Veda, Brahma (the creator), the Brahman itself, the increaser of the Veda; the knower of the Veda, the Brahmana, the Vedic, the knower of Brahman, dear to Brahmanas.

Verse 80

Mahakramo mahakarma mahateja mahoragah Mahakraturmahayajva mahayajno mahahavih

Meaning:Of great strides, of great deeds, of great splendour, the great serpent (Shesha); of great sacrifices, the great sacrificer, the great offering and the great oblation.

Verse 81

Stavyah stavapriyah stotram stutih stota ranapriyah Purnah purayita punyah punyakirtiranamayah

Meaning:Worthy of praise, fond of praise, the hymn, the praise and the praiser, fond of righteous battle; the full, the fulfiller, the holy, of holy renown, the disease-less.

Verse 82

Manojavastirthakaro vasureta vasupradah Vasuprado vasudevo vasurvasumana havih

Meaning:Swift as the mind, the maker of sacred fords, the source of wealth (Vasu), the giver of wealth; the giver of treasures, Vasudeva, the indwelling wealth, the pure-minded, the oblation.

Verse 83

Sadgatih satkritih satta sadbhutih satparayanah Shuraseno yadushreshthah sannivasah suyamunah

Meaning:The good goal, of good deeds, pure Existence, of good manifestation, the supreme refuge of the good; the commander of heroes (Shurasena), the best of the Yadus, the dwelling-place, of the beautiful Yamuna.

Verse 84

Bhutavaso vasudevah sarvasunilayonalah Darpaha darpado dripto durdharothaparajitah

Meaning:The abode of all beings, Vasudeva, the resting-place of all life, the cosmic fire; the destroyer of pride, the giver of pride, the radiant, the hard-to-bear, the unconquered.

Verse 85

Vishvamurtirmahamurtirdiptamurtiramurtiman Anekamurtiravyaktah shatamurtih shatananah

Meaning:Of universal form, of mighty form, of brilliant form, yet formless; of manifold forms, the unmanifest, of a hundred forms and a hundred faces.

Verse 86

Eko naikah savah kah kim yat tatpadamanuttamam Lokabandhurlokanatho madhavo bhaktavatsalah

Meaning:The One, the many (in manifestation), the impeller, the radiant 'Who', the 'What', the 'That' — the supreme unexcelled state; the kinsman of the worlds, their Lord, Madhava, the lover of His devotees.

Verse 87

Suvarnavarno hemango varangashchandanangadi Viraha vishamah shunyo ghritashirachalashchalah

Meaning:Of golden hue, of golden limbs, of beautiful body, adorned with sandal and armlets; the slayer of heroes (evil), the formidable, the void (beyond attributes), nourished by oblation, the unmoving and the moving.

Verse 88

Amani manado manyo lokasvami trilokadhrik Sumedha medhajo dhanyah satyamedha dharadharah

Meaning:Free of pride, the giver of honour, the honourable, the Lord of the worlds, the bearer of the three worlds; of good intellect, born of wisdom, the blessed, of true wisdom, the supporter of the earth.

Verse 89

Tejovrisho dyutidharah sarvashastrabhritam varah Pragraho nigraho vyagro naikashringo gadagrajah

Meaning:The bull among the radiant, the bearer of lustre, the best of all weapon-bearers; the holder and the restrainer, the intensely engaged, of manifold horns, the elder of Gada (as Krishna).

Verse 90

Chaturmurtishchaturbahushchaturvyuhashchaturgatih Chaturatma chaturbhavashchaturvedavidekapat

Meaning:Of four forms, four arms, four manifestations, four ways; the fourfold Self, of fourfold being, the knower of the four Vedas, the One-footed (transcending all).

Verse 91

Samavartonivrittatma durjayo duratikramah Durlabho durgamo durgo duravaso durariha

Meaning:Returning fully (in cycles), yet the unreturning Self; the hard-to-conquer, the un-transgressable; the hard-to-attain, the hard-to-reach, the inaccessible fortress (Durga), of difficult abode, the slayer of difficult foes.

Verse 92

Shubhango lokasarangah sutantustantuvardhanah Indrakarma mahakarma kritakarma kritagamah

Meaning:Of auspicious limbs, the deer of the worlds (sought by all), the fine thread (weaving the cosmos), the increaser of the thread; of Indra's deeds, of great deeds, of accomplished deeds, the maker of scriptures.

Verse 93

Udbhavah sundarah sundo ratnanabhah sulochanah Arko vajasanah shringi jayantah sarvavijjayi

Meaning:The arising one, the beautiful, the lovely, of jewel-navel, of beautiful eyes; the sun, the offerer of oblations, the horned (as Varaha/the ship), Jayanta the conqueror, the all-knowing victor.

Verse 94

Suvarnabindurakshobhyah sarvavagishvareshvarah Mahahrado mahagarto mahabhuto mahanidhih

Meaning:Of golden, imperturbable seed (Om), the Lord of the lords of all speech; the great lake, the great abyss, the great being, the great treasure.

Verse 95

Kumudah kundarah kundah parjanyah pavanonilah Amritashomritavapuh sarvajnah sarvatomukhah

Meaning:The gladdening, the giver of joy, the formless ground; the rain-cloud (Parjanya), the purifier, the wind; the devourer of nectar, of nectarean body, the all-knowing, facing all directions.

Verse 96

Sulabhah suvratah siddhah shatrujichchhatrutapanah Nyagrodhodumbaroshvatthashchanurandhranishudanah

Meaning:Easy to attain, of good vows, the accomplished; the conqueror and tormentor of foes; the banyan, the cluster-fig, the holy fig (Ashvattha), the slayer of Chanura and the Andhras.

Verse 97

Sahasrarchih saptajihvah saptaidhah saptavahanah Amurtiranaghochintyo bhayakridbhayanashanah

Meaning:Of a thousand flames, of seven tongues (of fire), of seven fuels, of seven steeds (the sun); the formless, the sinless, the inconceivable, the maker and the destroyer of fear.

Verse 98

Anurbrihatkrishah sthulo gunabhrinnirguno mahan Adhritah svadhritah svasyah pragvamsho vamshavardhanah

Meaning:The atom and the vast, the lean and the gross; bearer of qualities yet beyond qualities, the great one; the unsupported and self-supported, of pleasant face, the head of the lineage, its increaser.

Verse 99

Bharabhrit kathito yogi yogishah sarvakamadah Ashramah shramanah kshamah suparno vayuvahanah

Meaning:The bearer of all burdens, the celebrated, the yogi, the Lord of yogis, the giver of all desires; the hermitage and the toiler, the patient, the beautiful-winged, borne by the wind.

Verse 100

Dhanurdharo dhanurvedo dando damayita damah Aparajitah sarvasaho niyantaniyamoyamah

Meaning:The wielder of the bow (as Rama), the science of archery, punishment, the punisher, restraint itself; the unconquered, the all-enduring, the controller, free of all restraint, the inner ruler.

Verse 101

Sattvavan sattvikah satyah satyadharmaparayanah Abhiprayah priyarhorhah priyakrit pritivardhanah

Meaning:Endowed with Sattva, the pure (Sattvika), Truth, devoted to true dharma; the inner intention, worthy of love, the worthy, the doer of dear deeds, the increaser of love.

Verse 102

Vihayasagatirjyotih suruchirhutabhugvibhuh Ravirvirochanah suryah savita ravilochanah

Meaning:Moving through the heavens (Light itself), of beautiful radiance, the devourer of oblations, the all-pervading; the sun (Ravi), the shining Virochana, Surya, the impeller Savitr, of sun-like eyes.

Verse 103

Ananto hutabhugbhokta sukhado naikajograjah Anirvinnah sadamarshi lokadhishthanamadbhutah

Meaning:The infinite, the devourer of oblations, the enjoyer, the giver of happiness, of manifold birth, the first-born; the ever-content, the ever-forbearing, the support of the worlds, the wonderful.

Verse 104

Sanatsanatanatamah kapilah kapiravyayah Svastidah svastikritsvasti svastibhuksvastidakshinah

Meaning:The eternal (from the ancient Sanat), the most ancient, Kapila, the tawny Kapi, the imperishable; the giver of welfare, the doer of welfare, welfare itself, the enjoyer and bestower of all blessing.

Verse 105

Araudrah kundali chakri vikramyurjitashasanah Shabdatigah shabdasahah shishirah sharvarikarah

Meaning:Free of fierceness, the bearer of earrings and discus, of valorous and mighty rule; beyond sound yet bearing sound, the cooling (Shishira), the maker of night (relief).

Verse 106

Akrurah peshalo daksho dakshinah kshaminamvarah Vidvattamo vitabhayah punyashravanakirtanah

Meaning:Free of cruelty (Akrura), the gentle, the able, the favourable, the best of the forbearing; the wisest, free of fear, of holy fame in hearing and chanting.

Verse 107

Uttarano dushkritiha punyo duhsvapnanashanah Viraha rakshanah santo jivanah paryavasthitah

Meaning:The deliverer who ferries across, the destroyer of evil deeds, the holy, the dispeller of bad dreams; the slayer of foes, the protector, the saint, the Life, the all-pervading support.

Verse 108

Anantaruponantashrirjitamanyurbhayapahah Chaturashro gabhiratma vidisho vyadisho dishah

Meaning:Of endless forms and endless glory, the conqueror of wrath, the remover of fear; of perfect symmetry, of profound nature, He who is all the directions and beyond them.

Verse 109

Anadirbhurbhuvo lakshmih suviro ruchirangadah Janano janajanmadirbhimo bhimaparakramah

Meaning:Without beginning, the earth and the atmosphere, Lakshmi, the heroic, of radiant armlets; the begetter, the origin of all births, the terrible, of terrible prowess (to the wicked).

Verse 110

Adharanilayodhata pushpahasah prajagarah Urdhvagah satpathacharah pranadah pranavah panah

Meaning:The support and resting-place, the un-upholder (needing no support), the flower-like-smiling, the ever-awake; the upward-moving, the treader of the true path, the giver of life, the Pranava (Om), the supreme stake of all.

Verse 111

Pramanam prananilayah pranabhritpranajivanah Tattvam tattvavidekatma janmamrityujaratigah

Meaning:The measure of all, the abode of life-breath, the bearer and very life of breath; Reality (Tattva) and its knower, the one Self, beyond birth, death and old age.

Verse 112

Bhurbhuvahsvastarustarah savita prapitamahah Yajno yajnapatiryajva yajnango yajnavahanah

Meaning:The tree of plenty spanning earth, atmosphere and heaven, the deliverer, the impeller Savitr, the great-grandfather; sacrifice, the Lord of sacrifice, the sacrificer, the limb and the vehicle of sacrifice.

Verse 113

Yajnabhrid yajnakrid yajni yajnabhug yajnasadhanah Yajnantakrid yajnaguhyamannamannada eva cha

Meaning:The bearer, the doer, the master, the enjoyer and the means of sacrifice; the consummator of sacrifice, the mystery of sacrifice, and verily the food and the eater of food.

Verse 114

Atmayonih svayanjato vaikhanah samagayanah Devakinandanah srashta kshitishah papanashanah

Meaning:The self-born source, self-manifested, Vaikhana (who dug the earth as Varaha), the singer of the Sama; the joy of Devaki (Krishna), the creator, the Lord of the earth, the destroyer of sin.

Verse 115

Shankhabhrinnandaki chakri sharngadhanva gadadharah Rathangapanirakshobhyah sarvapraharanayudhah

Meaning:He who bears the conch (Panchajanya) and the sword Nandaka, the holder of the discus, the wielder of the Sharnga bow and the mace; the bearer of the wheel-weapon, the imperturbable, armed with every weapon.

Verse 116

Vanamali gadi sharngi shankhi chakri cha nandaki Shriman narayano vishnurvasudevobhirakshatu

Meaning:Garlanded with forest-flowers, bearing mace, Sharnga bow, conch, discus and the sword Nandaka — may the glorious Narayana, Vishnu, Vasudeva, fully protect us!

Verse 117

Phalashrutih

Meaning:The Phalashruti — the fruits of reciting these thousand names:

Verse 118

Bhishma uvacha Itidam kirtaniyasya keshavasya mahatmanah Namnam sahasram divyanamasheshena prakirtitam

Meaning:Bhishma said: Thus have I fully recited the thousand divine names of the great-souled Keshava, worthy of being sung.

Verse 119

Ya idam sharinuyannityam yashchapi parikirtayet Nashubham prapnuyatkinchitsomutreha cha manavah

Meaning:The person who daily listens to this and who recites it will meet with no misfortune, neither in this world nor the next.

Verse 120

Durganyatitaratyashu purushah purushottamam Stuvannamasahasrena nityam bhaktisamanvitah Vasudevashrayo martyo vasudevaparayanah Sarvapapavishuddhatma yati brahma sanatanam

Meaning:Praising Purushottama daily with these thousand names, full of devotion, a person swiftly crosses over all difficulties. The mortal who takes refuge in Vasudeva, devoted to Vasudeva, his soul cleansed of every sin, attains the eternal Brahman.

Verse 121

Na vasudevabhaktanamashubham vidyate kvachit Janmamrityujaravyadhibhayam naivopajayate

Meaning:For the devotees of Vasudeva no evil ever exists; for them no fear of birth, death, old age or disease arises.

Verse 122

Arjuna uvacha Padmapatravishalaksha padmanabha surottama Bhaktanamanuraktanam trata bhava janardana Shribhagavanuvacha Yo mam namasahasrena stotumichchhati pandava Sohamekena shlokena stuta eva na samshayah

Meaning:Arjuna said: O lotus-petal-eyed, lotus-naveled, best of gods — become the protector of your loving devotees, O Janardana. The Blessed Lord replied: O Pandava, whoever wishes to praise Me with the thousand names — by even a single verse of it I am truly praised; of this there is no doubt.

Verse 123

Vyasa uvacha Vasanadvasudevasya vasitam bhuvanatrayam Sarvabhutanivasosi vasudeva namostu te

Meaning:Vyasa said: By the indwelling of Vasudeva the three worlds are pervaded. You are the abode of all beings — O Vasudeva, salutations to You.

Verse 124

Parvatyuvacha Kenopayena laghuna vishnornamasahasrakam Pathyate panditairnityam shrotumichchhamyaham prabho Ishvara uvacha Shrirama rama rameti rame rame manorame Sahasranama tattulyam ramanama varanane

Meaning:Parvati asked: O Lord, by what easy means do the wise recite Vishnu's thousand names daily? I wish to hear it. Lord Shiva answered: 'Sri Rama, Rama, Rama' — I delight in the delightful Rama. O fair-faced one, the name of Rama is equal to all the thousand names.

Verse 125

Brahmovacha Namostvanantaya sahasramurtaye Sahasrapadakshishirorubahave Sahasranamne purushaya shashvate Sahasrakotiyugadharine namah

Meaning:Brahma said: Salutations to the Infinite One of a thousand forms — of a thousand feet, eyes, heads and arms; to the eternal Purusha of a thousand names, the sustainer of a thousand-crore ages — salutations.

Verse 126

Sanjaya uvacha Yatra yogeshvarah krishno yatra partho dhanurdharah Tatra shrirvijayo bhutirdhruva nitirmatirmama

Meaning:Sanjaya said: Wherever there is Krishna, the Lord of Yoga, and wherever there is Arjuna the archer — there are fortune, victory, prosperity and unfailing righteousness: such is my conviction.

Verse 127

Kayena vacha manasendriyairva Buddhyatmana va prakriteh svabhavat Karomi yadyatsakalam parasmai Narayanayeti samarpayami

Meaning:Whatever I do — with body, speech, mind, senses, intellect or soul, whether by deliberate will or by the promptings of nature — all of it I surrender to the Supreme, to Narayana.

Verse 128

Iti shrivishnordivyasahasranamastotram sampurnam Om tat sat

Meaning:Thus concludes the divine Vishnu Sahasranama Stotram. Om Tat Sat.

Word-by-Word Meaning

Click any word to hear its pronunciation

Vishvam🔊The Universe — He who is the universe itself
Vishnuh🔊The All-Pervading One who enters everywhere
Vashatkarah🔊He invoked by the Vashat call in every sacrifice
Bhuta-Bhavya-Bhavat-Prabhuh🔊Lord of the past, present and future
Putatma🔊The ever-pure Self
Paramatma🔊The Supreme Soul
Muktanam Parama Gatih🔊The highest goal of the liberated
Keshavah🔊He of beautiful locks; slayer of the demon Keshi
Purushottamah🔊The Supreme Person, highest of all beings
Narasimhavapuh🔊He whose form is the Man-Lion, Narasimha
Shivah🔊The ever-auspicious one
Achyutah🔊The infallible, who never falls from His nature
Hrishikeshah🔊The Lord of the senses
Padmanabhah🔊He from whose navel-lotus Brahma was born
Damodarah🔊He bound at the waist by Yashoda's cord
Madhavah🔊Consort of Lakshmi (Ma); Lord of knowledge
Madhusudanah🔊Slayer of the demon Madhu
Govindah🔊Protector of cows, earth and the Vedas
Vasudevah🔊The indwelling God; son of Vasudeva
Trivikramah🔊He who measured the three worlds in three strides
Vamanah🔊The dwarf incarnation
Shridharah🔊Bearer of Shri (Lakshmi) on His chest
Harih🔊He who removes sins and sorrow
Krishnah🔊The dark, all-attractive one; existence-knowledge-bliss
Ramah🔊In whom the yogis eternally delight
Vishvakarma🔊The architect of the universe
Sahasranamne🔊He of a thousand names
Narayanah🔊The resting-place of all beings; who dwells in the waters
Anadinidhanah🔊Without beginning or end
Sarvajnah🔊The all-knowing
Sthanuh🔊The firm, immovable pillar of existence
Hiranyagarbhah🔊The golden cosmic womb
Pundarikakshah🔊The lotus-eyed Lord
Sudarshanah🔊Bearer of the Sudarshana discus
Gadadharah🔊Wielder of the mace Kaumodaki
Shankhabhrit🔊Bearer of the conch Panchajanya
Vanamali🔊Adorned with the forest-flower garland (Vaijayanti)
Janardanah🔊The refuge of people; who is prayed to by all
Upendrah🔊The younger brother of Indra (as Vamana)
Yajnah🔊He who is the sacrifice itself

Benefits of Chanting विष्णु सहस्रनाम

Recitation of all 1000 names is regarded as the supreme remedy for every sorrow — Bhishma declared it the highest dharma when asked the easiest path to liberation.

The Phalashruti promises that daily recitation or even listening brings no misfortune in this world or the next.

Frees the devotee from fear of birth, death, old age and disease (janma-mrityu-jara-vyadhi).

Purifies the mind of anger, greed and jealousy and bestows peace, patience, memory and good fortune.

Said to cure chronic illness — 'rogarto muchyate rogat' (the sick are freed from disease, the bound from bondage).

Grants wealth, fame, victory and progeny: each seeker attains exactly what they desire.

Universally revered — Adi Shankaracharya wrote his famous commentary on it, and it crosses every sampradaya.

Most commonly recited on Thursdays, Ekadashi, Saturdays and during the Vishnu/ Satyanarayan puja.

How to Chant विष्णु सहस्रनाम

Repetitions1times
Best TimeEarly morning (Brahma Muhurta) or evening; especially Thursdays, Ekadashi, Saturdays and Vishnu festivals
FaceEast or North

Bathe and sit facing east or north before an image of Vishnu, Krishna or Narayana. Light a lamp and begin with the opening dhyana shlokas (Shuklambaradharam and Shantakaram). Recite the 1000 names slowly, clearly and with devotion — the complete path takes about 25–30 minutes. If a full recitation is not possible, the tradition says even one shloka, or simply the name of Rama, carries the merit of all thousand. Conclude with the Phalashruti. Maintain unbroken attention on the Lord throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

This page shows the complete विष्णु सहस्रनाम written in the English script — the same Sanskrit/Hindi verses, transliterated character-by-character so you can read and chant comfortably. Tap any line (or the ▶ button) to hear it recited aloud.
Yes — only the script changes; the words and their meaning are the original. The verse-by-verse meaning, benefits and how-to-chant guidance on this page apply exactly the same.
Vishnu Sahasranamam is a hymn of the 1000 names of Lord Vishnu, found in the Anushasana Parva of the Mahabharata. Composed by Sage Vyasa, it was narrated by Bhishma to Yudhishthira and is the most widely recited stotram in the Vaishnava tradition.
It contains exactly 1000 names of Lord Vishnu arranged in 108 shlokas in the Anushtup metre, framed by dhyana (meditation) verses at the start and the Phalashruti (statement of benefits) at the end.
A complete recitation takes about 25–30 minutes at a steady pace. Beginners may take 40–45 minutes. With regular practice the rhythm becomes natural and effortless.
Bhishma Pitamaha narrated the thousand names to Yudhishthira while lying on the bed of arrows after the Kurukshetra war, in the presence of Lord Krishna himself. Sage Vyasa recorded it in the Mahabharata.
Yes. There is no restriction of gender, caste or background. The Phalashruti explicitly states that anyone who recites or even listens with devotion attains the highest good.
In the Phalashruti, Lord Shiva tells Parvati that chanting the name of 'Rama' is equal to reciting all thousand names — 'Sri Rama Rama Rameti... sahasranama tat-tulyam'. Krishna also says that even a single verse offered with devotion praises Him fully.
Thursday (Guruvar) is most associated with Vishnu, but Ekadashi and Saturday are also highly auspicious. Many devotees recite it every morning as a daily practice.

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