Vishnu Sahasranama
విష్ణు సహస్రనామం
1,000 names in 108 shlokas + opening and concluding (phalashruti) verses · Composed by Sage Vyasa; narrated by Bhishma to Yudhishthira · Anushasana Parva of the Mahabharata (chapter 149)
Sanskrit (Devanagari)
ॐ विश्वस्मै नमः । ॐ विष्णवे नमः । ॐ वषट्काराय नमः । ॐ भूतभव्यभवत्प्रभवे नमः । ...
Transliteration (IAST)
Oṃ viśvasmai namaḥ / Oṃ viṣṇave namaḥ / Oṃ vaṣaṭkārāya namaḥ / Oṃ bhūta-bhavya-bhavat-prabhave namaḥ ... [1000 names follow]
English Translation
Salutations to Vishnu — the All-Pervading One; the source of yajna (vaṣaṭkāra); the past, future, and present master of beings; ... [continues through all 1,000 names].
About the Vishnu Sahasranama
The Vishnu Sahasranama is the thousand-name hymn to Lord Vishnu — the most-recited stotra in Hindu tradition after the Hanuman Chalisa. Composed by Sage Vyasa and narrated in the Mahabharata by Bhishma Pitamaha to Yudhishthira on the battlefield of Kurukshetra (while Bhishma lay on his bed of arrows), it summarizes Vedanta in 1,000 names. Each name is a meditation: "Vishva" — He who is the universe itself; "Vishnu" — He who pervades all; "Bhuta-bhavya-bhavat-prabhuh" — Lord of the past, present, and future. Adi Shankaracharya's commentary on the Sahasranama is the most authoritative interpretation. The phalashruti (concluding verses) declare that recitation grants protection from disease, fame, righteousness, wealth, and ultimately moksha. M.S. Subbulakshmi's recorded recitation (45 minutes) is heard in millions of South Indian homes daily. For Vaikunta Ekadashi, families perform 11 to 108 recitations together. The Bhagavad Gita is best preceded by Vishnu Sahasranama in daily practice.
Recitation Guide
Benefits
Health and longevity; protection of family; relief from fears; spiritual liberation (moksha); peace of mind; sustained prosperity; fulfillment of righteous desires; described in the Anushasana Parva as the means for "purification of body, mind, and family lineage".
Pronunciation Notes
The Sahasranama is dense with compound words. Use a printed copy and learn pronunciation from audio recordings by traditional Veda Patshala scholars (M.S. Subbulakshmi's rendition is the gold standard).
How to Practice
- Preparation: Take a bath or wash face/hands/feet. Wear clean clothes (saffron, white, or yellow preferred).
- Seat: Sit on a wool blanket or grass mat (asana). Face east or north. Keep spine straight.
- Mala: Use a 108-bead mala (rudraksha for Shiva mantras, tulsi for Vishnu mantras, sphatika/quartz for universal).
- Sankalpa: Take a vow stating today's date, your name, and the purpose of the practice.
- Recite: 1 full recitation (~45 min) daily. Maintain steady rhythm — neither rushed nor too slow.
- End: Bow with folded hands. Dedicate the merit to all beings ("Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah").
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Vishnu Sahasranama?
The Vishnu Sahasranama is the thousand-name hymn to Lord Vishnu — the most-recited stotra in Hindu tradition after the Hanuman Chalisa. Composed by Sage Vyasa and narrated in the Mahabharata by Bhishma Pitamaha to Yudhishthira on the battlefield of Kurukshetra (while Bhishma lay on his bed of arrows...
How many times should I recite Vishnu Sahasranama daily?
1 full recitation (~45 min) daily; 11 recitations on Vaikunta Ekadashi; 108 over an Ekadashi vrat
When is the best time to recite Vishnu Sahasranama?
Vaikunta Ekadashi (most powerful); Ekadashi evenings; Thursday and Saturday; before sunrise
Who composed the Vishnu Sahasranama?
Sage Vyasa; narrated by Bhishma to Yudhishthira, from Anushasana Parva of the Mahabharata (chapter 149).
What are the benefits of reciting Vishnu Sahasranama?
Health and longevity; protection of family; relief from fears; spiritual liberation (moksha); peace of mind; sustained prosperity; fulfillment of righteous desires; described in the Anushasana Parva as the means for "purification of body, mind, and family lineage".
Other Vedic Mantras
Sanskrit text and translation cross-verified with classical sources. Editorial methodology reviewed by Pandit Ramachandra Sharma. For initiation (deeksha) into specific mantras, please consult a qualified Sanskrit-speaking guru in person.