Vishnu Sahasranama

The Vishnu Sahasranama[1] (Sanskrit: विष्णुसहस्रनाम, IAST: Viṣṇusahasranāma),[lower-alpha 1] is a Sanskrit hymn containing a list of the 1,000 names of Vishnu, one of the main deities in Hinduism and the Supreme God in Vaishnavism. It is one of the most sacred and popular stotras in Hinduism. The most popular version of the Vishnu Sahasranama is featured in the Anushasana Parva of the epic Mahabharata. Other versions exist in the Padma Purana, the Skanda Purana, and the Garuda Purana. There is also a Sikh version of the Vishnu Sahasranama found in the work Sundar Gutka.[2]

Vishnu Sahasranama
Vishnusahasranama manuscript, c.1690
Information
ReligionHinduism
AuthorVyasa
Verses108

Background

In the 135th[3] chapter of Anushāsanaparva (verses 14 to 120) in Mahabharata, the stotra was given to Yudhishthira by the grandsire of Kuru dynasty and warrior Bhishma who was on his death bed (of arrows) in the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Yudhishthira asks Bhishma the following questions:[4][5]

kimekam daivatam loke kim vāpyekam parāyaṇam
stuvantaḥ kam kamarcantaḥ prāpnuyurmānavāḥ śubham
ko dharmaḥ sarva dharmāṇām bhavataḥ paramo mataḥ
kim japan mucyate jantuḥ janmasamsārabandhanāt

In this world Who is the one refuge for all? Who is the greatest Divinity in the world ? By eulogising whom can a person reach auspiciousness? By worshipping whom can a person reach auspiciousness? What is, in your opinion, the greatest Dharma among all the Dharmas? By chanting whose name, can a creature proceed beyond the bonds of samsāra?[6]

Bhishma answers by stating that mankind will be free from all sorrows by chanting the Vishnu Sahasranama, which are the thousand names of the all-pervading Supreme Being Vishnu, who is the master of all the worlds, the supreme light, the essence of the universe and who is Brahman. All matter animate and inanimate reside in him, and he in turn resides within all matter.

Etymology

In Sanskrit, sahasra means 'thousand'. The meaning of sahasra is situation dependent. nāma (nominative, the stem is nāman-) means 'name'. The compound is of the Bahuvrihi type and may be translated as 'having a thousand names'. In modern Hindi pronunciation, nāma is pronounced [na:m]. It is also pronounced sahasranāmam in South India.

The phala shruthi [Phala = results Śruti = that which is heard] says that one who reads this Vishnu Sahasranamam every day with full devotion achieves name, fame, wealth and knowledge in his life.[7][8]

Interpretations

The Vishnu Sahasranama is popular among Hindus, and a major part of prayer for devout Vaishnavas, or followers of Vishnu. While Vaishanvas venerate other deities, they believe that the universe, including the other divinities such as Shiva and Devi, is ultimately a manifestation of the Supreme Vishnu. Despite the existence of other sahasranamas of other gods, referring a sahasranama as "The Sahasranama," generally refers to the Vishnu Sahasranama alone, thereby indicating its wide popularity and use.[9]

Two of the names in Vishnu Sahasranama that refer to Shiva are "Shiva" (names # 27 and # 600 in Advaitin Adi Shankara's commentary) itself, "Shambhu" (name # 38), "Ishanah" (name #6 4), and "Rudra" (name # 114). Adi Sankara of Advaita Vedanta asserts that the deity Vishnu is Brahman itself (not just an aspect of Brahmam).[10] Again, he notes that "only Hari (Vishnu) is eulogized by names such as Shiva",[11] a position consistent with interpretations of the Srivaishnavite commentator Parasara Bhattar. Parasara Bhattar had interpreted Shiva to mean a quality of Vishnu, such as "One who bestows auspiciousness".[12]

However, this interpretation of the name Shiva has been challenged by Swami Tapasyananda's translation of Shankara's commentary on the Vishnu Sahasranama.[13] He translates the 27th name, Shiva to mean:"One who is not affected by the three Gunas of Prakrti, Sattva, Rajas,and Tamas; The Kaivalaya Upanishad says, "He is both Brahma and Shiva." In the light of this statement of non-difference between Shiva and Vishnu, it is Vishnu Himself Who Is exalted by the praise and worship of Shiva."[13] Based on this commonly held Advaitan point of view which has been adopted by Smartas, Vishnu and Shiva are viewed as one and the same God, being different aspects of preservation and destruction respectively. As many Sanskrit words have multiple meanings, it is possible that both Vishnu and Shiva share names in this instance, e.g., the name Shiva itself means "auspicious"[14] which could also apply to Vishnu. The Deities Ananthapadmanabha and Shankaranarayana are worshipped by Hindus, as is Panduranga Vitthala, a form of Krishna with a Shiva Linga on his crown, signifying the oneness of both deities.

However, the Vaishnava commentator, Parasara Bhattar, a follower of Ramanujacharya has interpreted the names "Shiva" and "Rudra" in Vishnu Sahasranama to mean qualities or attributes of Vishnu, and not to indicate that Vishnu and Shiva are one and the same God. Vaishnavas worship Vishnu in his four-armed form, carrying conch, disc, flower and mace in his hands, believing that to be the Supreme form. However, Smarthas do not subscribe to this aspect or personification of God, as Smarthas say that God is Nirguna and thus devoid of form. Additionally, they believe that God is not limited by time nor limited by shape and color. Vaishnava traditions are of the opinion that Vishnu is both unlimited and yet still capable of having specific forms, as to give arguments to the contrary (to say that God is incapable of having a form) is to limit the unlimitable and all-powerful Supreme.

In the Sri Vaishnava and Sadh Vaishnava tradition, the Bhagavad-gita and the Vishnu Sahasranama are considered the two eyes of spiritual revelation.

In other Vaishnava traditions too, the Vishnu Sahasranama is considered an important text. Within Gaudiya Vaishnavism, Vallabha sampradaya, Nimbarka sampradaya and among Ramanandis, the chanting of the names of Krishna and Rama are considered to be superior to that of Vishnu. Based on another verse in the Padma Purana which says that the benefit of chanting the one thousand names of Vishnu can be derived from chanting one name of Rama, and a verse in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana equating the benefit of chanting three names of Rama with one name of Krishna. However, it is important to realize that those verses in those puranas are not to be interpreted literally, as many believe that there is no difference between Vishnu and Krishna and Rama. This theological difference can be expressed as follows: Many Vaishnava groups recognize Krishna and Rama as an Avatar of Vishnu, while others, instead, consider Him (Krishna) to be svayam bhagavan, or the original form of the Lord. Yet these verses can be interpreted as it is more important to have pure bhakti or devotion than merely repeating the many names of God without emotion. Indeed, Shri Krishna Himself said, "Arjuna, One may be desirous of praising by reciting the thousand names. But, on my part, I feel praised by one shloka. There is no doubt about it.” [15]

Within Vaisnavism some groups, such as Sri sampradaya, adhere to and follow the Rig Veda: 1.156.3, which states "O ye who wish to gain realization of the supreme truth, utter the name of Vishnu at least once in the steadfast faith that it will lead you to such realization." [16]

Interpretations alluding to the power of God in controlling karma

Many names in the Vishnusahasranama, the thousand names of Vishnu allude to the power of God in controlling karma. For example, the 135th name of Vishnu, Dharmadhyaksha, in Sankara's interpretation means, "One who directly sees the merits (Dharma) and demerits (Adharma), of beings by bestowing their due rewards on them."[17]

Other names of Vishnu alluding to this nature of God are Bhavanah, the 32nd name, Vidhata, the 44th name, Apramattah, the 325th name, Sthanadah, the 387th name and Srivibhavanah, the 609th name.[18] Bhavanah, according to Sankara's interpretation, means "One who generates the fruits of Karmas of all Jivas for them to enjoy."[19] The Brahma Sutra (3.2.28) "Phalmatah upapatteh" speaks of the Lord's function as the bestower of the fruits of all actions of the jivas.[19]

General thoughts

Sections from Swami Tapasyananda's translation of the concluding verses of Vishnu Sahasranama, state the following: "Nothing evil or inauspicious will befall a man here or hereafter who daily hears or repeats these names." That comment is noteworthy. King Nahusha, a once righteous king, ancestor of Yudhishthira, after performing a hundred Ashwamedha sacrifices, became king of devas, but was later expelled from Svarga or heaven due to a curse by the great sage Agastya due to his pride and arrogance and became a python for thousands of years.[20] In the commentary to this sloka Sankara states that a fall akin to that of king Nahusha will not happen to that devotee who recites Vishnu Sahasranama daily.

Merits of recitation

Believers in the recitation of the Sahasranama claim that it brings unwavering calm of mind, complete freedom from stress and brings eternal knowledge. A translation of the concluding verses (Phalasruti) of Vishnu Sahasranama, state the following: "Nothing evil or inauspicious will befall a man here or hereafter who daily hears or repeats these names... Whichever devoted man, getting up early in the morning and purifying himself, repeats this hymn devoted to Vasudeva, with a mind that is concentrated on Him, that man attains to great fame, leadership among his peers, wealth that is secure and the supreme good unsurpassed by anything. He will be free from all fears and be endowed with great courage and energy and he will be free from diseases. Beauty of form, strength of body and mind, and virtuous character will be natural to him.... One who reads this hymn every day with devotion and attention attains to peace of mind, patience, prosperity, mental stability, memory and reputation.... Whoever desires advancement and happiness should repeat this devotional hymn on Vishnu composed by Vyasa.... Never will defeat attend on a man who adores the Lotus-Eyed One [Kamala Nayana], who is the Master of all the worlds, who is birthless, and out of whom the worlds have originated and into whom they dissolve."

In orthodox Hindu tradition, a devotee should daily chant the Upanishads, Gita, Rudram, Purusha Sukta and Vishnu Sahasranama. If one cannot do all this on any day, it is believed that chanting Vishnu Sahasranama alone is sufficient. Vishnu Sahasranama can be chanted at any time, irrespective of gender.

Varahi Tantra says that in the age of Kali yuga, most stotras are cursed by Parashurama and hence are ineffective. While listing the ones which are free from this curse and hence suitable during Kali Yuga, it is said, "Gita of the Bhishma Parva, Vishnu Sahasranama of Mahabharata and Chandika Saptashati' (Devi Mahatmyam) are free from all doshas and grant fruits immediately in Kali Yuga." [21]

In a classic astrological text, the Bṛhat Parāśara Horāśāstra, sage Parashara frequently recommends the recitation of the Vishnu Sahasranama as the best remedial measure for planetary afflictions.[22] For example, see the following verse: "The most effective and beneficial remedial measure for the prolongation of longevity and to obtain relief from other evil effects is recitation of Vishnu Sahasranam." Ch. 56, verse 30 [22]

Sage Parashara mentions this practice more than ten times in his text as in this further verse:

"The remedial measure to obtain relief from the above evil effects, is recitation of Vishnu Sahasranama." Ch. 59, verse 77 [22]

In his celebrated Ayurvedic text Charaka Samhita, Acharya Charaka refers to the power of Vishnu Sahasranama in curing all kinds of fever.

viṣṇuṁ sahasramūrdhānaṁ carācarapatiṁ vibhum|| 311 stuvannāmasahasrēṇa jvarān sarvānapōhati| Recitation of the sahasra nāma (one thousand names) of Viṡnū, who has one thousand heads, who is the chief of the carācara (moving and non-moving things of the universe) and who is omnipresent cures all type of jwaras. [23]

Shlokas

Recitation and aggregation

An alternative approach is to say the starting prayer, and then say the names collected in stanzas (As they were originally said by Bhishma.) Such stanzas are called Slokas in Sanskrit. The Sahasranama (apart from the initial and concluding prayers) has a total of 108 shlokas.

For example, the first sloka is:

om visvam vishnur-vashatkaro bhutbhavyabhavatprabhuh
bhutkrd bhutbhrd-bhaavo bhutatma bhutabhavanah

Notice the aggregation of several words and the omission of their intervening spaces. For example, the last word of the first line of this Sloka:

bhutabhavya-bhavatprabhuh

corresponds to:

om bhutabhavya bhavat prabhave namah

of the expanded version.

This joining-together of words is a common feature of Sanskrit and is called Samasa- a compound. It makes the slokas compact, and easier to remember.

The thousand names of Vishnu

This is the complete list of names, in loose anglicized spelling and with idiosyncratic translations.[24][25]

#NameTransliterationTranslation
1विश्वम्viśvamWho is the universe himself
2विष्णुःviṣṇuḥHe who pervades everywhere
3वषट्कारःvaṣaṭkāraḥHe who is invoked for oblations
4भूतभव्यभवत्प्रभुःbhūtabhavyabhavatprabhuḥThe Lord of past, present and future
5भूतकृत्bhūtakṛtThe creator of all creatures
6भूतभृत्bhūtabhṛtHe who nourishes all creatures
7भावःbhāvahHe who becomes all moving and nonmoving things
8भूतात्माbhūtātmāHe who is atma or soul of all beings
9भूतभावनःbhūtabhāvanaḥThe cause of the growth and birth of all creatures
10पूतात्माpūtātmāHe with an extremely pure essence
11परमात्माparamātmāThe Supreme-Self
12मुक्तानां परमा गतिःmuktānāṃ paramā gatiḥThe final goal, reached by liberated souls
13अव्ययःavyayaḥwithout destruction
14पुरुषःpuruṣaḥThe Universal Spirit
15साक्षीsākṣīThe witness
16क्षेत्रज्ञःkṣetrajñaḥThe knower of the field
17अक्षरःakṣaraḥIndestructible
18योगःyogaḥHe who is realized through yoga
19योगविदां नेताyogavidāṃ netāThe guide of those who know yoga
20प्रधानपुरुषेश्वरःpradhānapuruṣeśvaraḥLord of pradhaana and purusha
21नारसिंहवपुःnārasiṃhavapuḥHe whose form is man-lion
22श्रीमान्śrīmānHe who is always with shree
23केशवःkeśavaḥkeshavah: He who has beautiful locks of hair, slayer of Keshi and one who is himself the three
24पुरुषोत्तमःpuruṣottamaḥThe best among all Purushas
25सर्वःsarvaḥHe who is everything
26शर्वःśarvaḥThe auspicious
27शिवःśivaḥHe who is eternally pure
28स्थाणुःsthāṇuḥThe pillar, the immovable truth
29भूतादिःbhūtādiḥThe cause of the five great elements
30निधिरव्ययःnidhiravyayaḥThe imperishable treasure
31सम्भवःsambhavaḥHe who descends of His own free will
32भावनःbhāvanaḥHe who gives everything to his devotees
33भर्ताbhartāHe who nourishes the entire living world
34प्रभवःprabhavaḥThe womb of the five great elements
35प्रभुःprabhuḥThe Almighty Lord
36ईश्वरःīśvaraḥThe Ruler of Universe
37स्वयम्भूःsvayambhūḥHe who manifests from Himself
38शम्भुःśambhuḥHe who brings auspiciousness
39आदित्यःādityaḥThe son of Aditi (Vaamana)
40पुष्कराक्षःpuṣkarākṣaḥHe who has eyes like the lotus
41महास्वनःmahāsvanaḥHe who has a thundering voice
42अनादि-निधनःanādi-nidhanaḥHe without origin or end
43धाताdhātāHe who supports all fields of experience
44विधाताvidhātāThe dispenser of fruits of action
45धातुरुत्तमःdhāturuttamaḥThe subtlest atom
46अप्रमेयःaprameyaḥHe who cannot be perceived
47हृषीकेशःhṛṣīkeśaḥThe Lord of the senses
48पद्मनाभःpadmanābhaḥHe from whose navel comes the lotus
49अमरप्रभुःamaraprabhuḥThe Lord of the devas
50विश्वकर्माviśvakarmāThe creator of the universe
51मनुःmanuḥHe who has manifested as the Vedic mantras
52त्वष्टाtvaṣṭāHe who makes huge things small
53स्थविष्ठःsthaviṣṭhaḥThe supremely gross
54स्थविरो ध्रुवःsthaviro dhruvaḥThe ancient, motionless one
55अग्राह्यःagrāhyaḥHe who is not perceived by senses
56शाश्वतःśāśvataḥHe who always remains the same
57कृष्णःkṛṣṇaḥHe whose complexion is dark
58लोहिताक्षःlohitākṣaḥRed-eyed
59प्रतर्दनःpratardanaḥThe Supreme destruction
60प्रभूतस्prabhūtasEver-full
61त्रिकाकुब्धामtrikākubdhāmaThe support of the three quarters
62पवित्रम्pavitramHe who gives purity to the heart
63मंगलं-परम्maṃgalaṃ-paramThe Supreme auspiciousness
64ईशानःīśānaḥThe controller of the five great elements
65प्राणदःprāṇadaḥHe who gives life
66प्राणःprāṇaḥHe who ever lives
67ज्येष्ठःjyeṣṭhaḥOlder than all
68श्रेष्ठःśreṣṭhaḥThe most glorious
69प्रजापतिःprajāpatiḥThe Lord of all creatures
70हिरण्यगर्भःhiraṇyagarbhaḥHe who is the golden womb
71भूगर्भःbhūgarbhaḥHe who is the womb of the earth
72माधवःmādhavaḥHe who is sweet like honey
73मधुसूदनःmadhusūdanaḥDestroyer of the Madhu demon
74ईश्वरःīśvaraḥThe controller
75विक्रमीvikramīHe who is full of prowess
76धन्वीdhanvīHe who always has a divine bow
77मेधावीmedhāvīSupremely intelligent
78विक्रमःvikramaḥValorous
79क्रमःkramaḥAll-pervading
80अनुत्तमःanuttamaḥIncomparably great
81दुराधर्षःdurādharṣaḥHe who cannot be attacked successfully
82कृतज्ञःkṛtajñaḥHe who knows all that is
83कृतिःkṛtiḥHe who rewards all our actions
84आत्मवान्ātmavānThe self in all beings
85सुरेशःsureśaḥThe Lord of the devas
86शरणम्śaraṇamThe refuge
87शर्मśarmaHe who is Himself infinite bliss
88विश्वरेताःviśvaretāḥThe seed of the universe
89प्रजाभवःprajābhavaḥHe from whom all praja (population) comes
90अहःahaḥHe who is the nature of time
91संवत्सरःsaṃvatsaraḥHe from whom the concept of time comes
92व्याळःvyālaḥThe serpent (vyaalah) to atheists
93प्रत्ययःpratyayaḥHe whose nature is knowledge
94सर्वदर्शनःsarvadarśanaḥAll-seeing
95अजःajaḥUnborn
96सर्वेश्वरःsarveśvaraḥController of all
97सिद्धःsiddhaḥThe most famous
98सिद्धिःsiddhiḥHe who gives moksha
99सर्वादिःsarvādiḥThe beginning of all
100अच्युतःacyutaḥInfallible
101वृषाकपिःvṛṣākapiḥHe who lifts the world to dharma
102अमेयात्माameyātmāHe who manifests in infinite varieties
103सर्वयोगविनिसृतःsarvayogavinisṛtaḥHe who is free from all attachments
104वसुःvasuḥThe support of all elements
105वसुमनाःvasumanāḥHe whose mind is supremely pure
106सत्यःsatyaḥThe truth
107समात्माsamātmāHe who is the same in all
108सम्मितःsammitaḥHe who has been accepted by authorities
109समःsamaḥEqual
110अमोघःamoghaḥEver useful
111पुण्डरीकाक्षःpuṇḍarīkākṣaḥHe who dwells in the heart
112वृषकर्माvṛṣakarmāHe whose every act is righteous
113वृषाकृतिःvṛṣākṛtiḥThe form of dharma
114रुद्रःrudraḥHe who is mightiest of the mighty or He who is "fierce"
115बहुशिरःbahuśiraḥHe who has many heads
116बभ्रुःbabhruḥHe who rules over all the worlds
117विश्वयोनिःviśvayoniḥThe womb of the universe
118शुचिश्रवाःśuciśravāḥHe who listens only the good and pure
119अमृतःamṛtaḥImmortal
120शाश्वतः-स्थाणुःśāśvataḥ-sthāṇuḥPermanent and immovable
121वरारोहःvarārohaḥThe most glorious destination
122महातपःmahātapaḥHe of great tapas
123सर्वगःsarvagaḥAll-pervading
124सर्वविद्भानुःsarvavidbhānuḥAll-knowing and effulgent
125विष्वक्सेनःviṣvaksenaḥHe against whom no army can stand
126जनार्दनःjanārdanaḥHe who gives joy to good people
127वेदःvedaḥHe who is the Vedas
128वेदविद्vedavidThe knower of the Vedas
129अव्यंगःavyaṃgaḥWithout imperfections
130वेदांगःvedāṃgaḥHe whose limbs are the Vedas
131वेदवित्vedavitHe who contemplates upon the Vedas
132कविःkaviḥThe seer
133लोकाध्यक्षःlokādhyakṣaḥHe who presides over all lokas
134सुराध्यक्षःsurādhyakṣaḥHe who presides over all devas
135धर्माध्यक्षःdharmādhyakṣaḥHe who presides over dharma
136कृताकृतःkṛtākṛtaḥAll that is created and not created
137चतुरात्माcaturātmāThe four-fold self
138चतुर्व्यूहःcaturvyūhaḥVasudeva, Sankarshan etc.
139चतुर्दंष्ट्रःcaturdaṃṣṭraḥHe who has four canines (Nrsimha)
140चतुर्भुजःcaturbhujaḥFour-handed
141भ्राजिष्णुःbhrājiṣṇuḥSelf-effulgent consciousness
142भोजनम्bhojanamHe who is the sense-objects
143भोक्ताbhoktāThe enjoyer
144सहिष्णुःsahiṣṇuḥHe who can suffer patiently
145जगदादिजःjagadādijaḥBorn at the beginning of the world
146अनघःanaghaḥSinless
147विजयःvijayaḥVictorious
148जेताjetāEver-successful
149विश्वयोनिःviśvayoniḥHe who incarnates because of the world
150पुनर्वसुःpunarvasuḥHe who lives repeatedly in different bodies
151उपेन्द्रःupendraḥThe younger brother of Indra (Vamana)
152वामनःvāmanaḥHe with a dwarf body
153प्रांशुःprāṃśuḥHe with a huge body
154अमोघःamoghaḥHe whose acts are for a great purpose
155शुचिःśuciḥHe who is spotlessly clean
156ऊर्जितःūrjitaḥHe who has infinite vitality
157अतीन्द्रःatīndraḥHe who surpasses Indra
158संग्रहःsaṃgrahaḥHe who holds everything together
159सर्गःsargaḥHe who creates the world from Himself
160धृतात्माdhṛtātmāEstablished in Himself
161नियमःniyamaḥThe appointing authority
162यमःyamaḥThe administrator
163वेद्यःvedyaḥThat which is to be known
164वैद्यःvaidyaḥThe Supreme doctor
165सदायोगीsadāyogīAlways in yoga
166वीरहाvīrahāHe who destroys the mighty heroes
167माधवःmādhavaḥThe Lord of all knowledge
168मधुःmadhuḥSweet
169अतीन्द्रियःatīndriyaḥBeyond the sense organs
170महामायःmahāmāyaḥThe Supreme Master of all Maya
171महोत्साहःmahotsāhaḥThe great enthusiast
172महाबलःmahābalaḥHe who has supreme strength
173महाबुद्धिःmahābuddhiḥHe who has supreme intelligence
174महावीर्यःmahāvīryaḥThe supreme essence
175महाशक्तिःmahāśaktiḥAll-powerful
176महाद्युतिःmahādyutiḥGreatly luminous
177अनिर्देश्यवपुःanirdeśyavapuḥHe whose form is indescribable
178श्रीमान्śrīmānHe who is always courted by glories
179अमेयात्माameyātmāHe whose essence is immeasurable
180महाद्रिधृक्mahādridhṛkHe who supports the great mountain
181महेष्वासःmaheṣvāsaḥHe who wields shaarnga
182महीभर्ताmahībhartāThe husband of mother earth
183श्रीनिवासःśrīnivāsaḥThe permanent abode of Shree
184सतां गतिःsatāṃ gatiḥThe goal for all virtuous people
185अनिरुद्धःaniruddhaḥHe who cannot be obstructed
186सुरानन्दःsurānandaḥHe who gives out happiness
187गोविन्दःgovindaḥThe protector of the Cows.
188गोविदां-पतिःgovidāṃ-patiḥThe Lord of all men of wisdom
189मरीचिःmarīciḥEffulgence
190दमनःdamanaḥHe who controls rakshasas
191हंसःhaṃsaḥThe swan
192सुपर्णःsuparṇaḥBeautiful-winged (Two birds analogy)
193भुजगोत्तमःbhujagottamaḥThe serpent Ananta
194हिरण्यनाभःhiraṇyanābhaḥHe who has a golden navel
195सुतपाःsutapāḥHe who has glorious tapas
196पद्मनाभःpadmanābhaḥHe whose navel is like a lotus
197प्रजापतिःprajāpatiḥHe from whom all creatures emerge
198अमृत्युःamṛtyuḥHe who knows no death
199सर्वदृक्sarvadṛkThe seer of everything
200सिंहःsiṃhaḥHe who destroys
201सन्धाताsandhātāThe regulator
202सन्धिमान्sandhimānHe who seems to be conditioned
203स्थिरःsthiraḥSteady
204अजःajaḥHe who takes the form of Aja, Brahma
205दुर्मषणःdurmaṣaṇaḥHe who cannot be vanquished
206शास्ताśāstāHe who rules over the universe
207विश्रुतात्माviśrutātmāHe who is celebrated, most famous and heard about by one and all.
208सुरारिहाsurārihāDestroyer of the enemies of the devas
209गुरुःguruḥThe teacher
210गुरुतमःgurutamaḥThe greatest teacher
211धामdhāmaThe goal
212सत्यःsatyaḥHe who is Himself the truth
213सत्यपराक्रमःsatyaparākramaḥDynamic Truth
214निमिषःnimiṣaḥHe who has closed eyes in contemplation
215अनिमिषःanimiṣaḥHe who remains unwinking; ever knowing
216स्रग्वीsragvīHe who always wears a garland of undecaying flowers
217वाचस्पतिः-उदारधीःvācaspatiḥ-udāradhīḥHe who is eloquent in championing the Supreme law of life; He with a large-hearted intelligence
218अग्रणीःagraṇīḥHe who guides us to the peak
219ग्रामणीःgrāmaṇīḥHe who leads the flock
220श्रीमान्śrīmānThe possessor of light, effulgence, glory
221न्यायःnyāyaḥJustice
222नेताnetāThe leader
223समीरणःsamīraṇaḥHe who sufficiently administers all movements of all living creatures
224सहस्रमूर्धाsahasramūrdhāHe who has endless heads
225विश्वात्माviśvātmāThe soul of the universe
226सहस्राक्षःsahasrākṣaḥThousands of eyes
227सहस्रपात्sahasrapātThousand-footed
228आवर्तनःāvartanaḥThe unseen dynamism
229निवृत्तात्माnivṛttātmāThe soul retreated from matter
230संवृतःsaṃvṛtaḥHe who is veiled from the jiva
231संप्रमर्दनःsaṃpramardanaḥHe who persecutes evil men
232अहः संवर्तकःahaḥ saṃvartakaḥHe who thrills the day and makes it function vigorously
233वह्निःvahniḥFire
234अनिलःanilaḥAir
235धरणीधरःdharaṇīdharaḥHe who supports the earth
236सुप्रसादःsuprasādaḥFully satisfied
237प्रसन्नात्माprasannātmāEver pure and all-blissful self
238विश्वधृक्viśvadhṛkSupporter of the world
239विश्वभुक्viśvabhukHe who enjoys all experiences
240विभुःvibhuḥHe who manifests in endless forms
241सत्कर्ताsatkartāHe who adores good and wise people
242सत्कृतःsatkṛtaḥHe who is adored by all good people
243साधुःsādhuḥHe who lives by the righteous codes
244जह्नुःjahnuḥLeader of men
245नारायणःnārāyaṇaḥHe who resides on the waters
246नरःnaraḥThe guide
247असंख्येयःasaṃkhyeyaḥHe who has numberless names and forms
248अप्रमेयात्माaprameyātmāA soul not known through the pramanas
249विशिष्टःviśiṣṭaḥHe who transcends all in His glory
250शिष्टकृत्śiṣṭakṛtThe lawmaker
251शुचिःśuciḥHe who is pure
252सिद्धार्थःsiddhārthaḥHe who has all arthas
253सिद्धसंकल्पःsiddhasaṃkalpaḥHe who gets all He wishes for
254सिद्धिदःsiddhidaḥThe giver of benedictions
255सिद्धिसाधनःsiddhisādhanaḥThe power behind our sadhana
256वृषाहीvṛṣāhīController of all actions
257वृषभःvṛṣabhaḥHe who showers all dharmas
258विष्णुःviṣṇuḥLong-striding
259वृषपर्वाvṛṣaparvāThe ladder leading to dharma (As well as dharma itself)
260वृषोदरःvṛṣodaraḥHe from whose belly life showers forth
261वर्धनःvardhanaḥThe nurturer and nourisher
262वर्धमानःvardhamānaḥHe who can grow into any dimension
263विविक्तःviviktaḥSeparate
264श्रुतिसागरःśrutisāgaraḥThe ocean for all scripture
265सुभुजःsubhujaḥHe who has graceful arms
266दुर्धरःdurdharaḥHe who cannot be known by great yogis
267वाग्मीvāgmīHe who is eloquent in speech
268महेन्द्रःmahendraḥThe lord of Indra
269वसुदःvasudaḥHe who gives all wealth
270वसुःvasuḥHe who is Wealth
271नैकरूपःnaikarūpaḥHe who has unlimited forms
272बृहद्रूपःbṛhadrūpaḥVast, of infinite dimensions
273शिपिविष्टःśipiviṣṭaḥThe presiding deity of the sun
274प्रकाशनःprakāśanaḥHe who illuminates
275ओजस्तेजोद्युतिधरःojastejodyutidharaḥThe possessor of vitality, effulgence and beauty
276प्रकाशात्माprakāśātmāThe effulgent self
277प्रतापनःpratāpanaḥThermal energy; one who heats
278ऋद्धःṛddhaḥFull of prosperity
279स्पष्टाक्षरःspaṣṭākṣaraḥOne who is indicated by OM
280मन्त्रःmantraḥThe nature of the Vedic mantras
281चन्द्रांशुःcandrāṃśuḥThe rays of the moon
282भास्करद्युतिःbhāskaradyutiḥThe effulgence of the sun
283अमृतांशोद्भवःamṛtāṃśodbhavaḥThe Paramatman from whom Amrutamshu or the Moon originated at the time of the churning of the Milk-ocean.[26]
284भानुःbhānuḥSelf-effulgent
285शशबिन्दुःśaśabinduḥThe moon who has a rabbit-like spot
286सुरेश्वरःsureśvaraḥA person of extreme charity
287औषधम्auṣadhamMedicine
288जगतः सेतुःjagataḥ setuḥA bridge across the material energy
289सत्यधर्मपराक्रमःsatyadharmaparākramaḥOne who champions heroically for truth and righteousness
290भूतभव्यभवन्नाथःbhūtabhavyabhavannāthaḥThe Lord of past, present and future
291पवनःpavanaḥThe air that fills the universe
292पावनःpāvanaḥHe who gives life-sustaining power to air
293अनलःanalaḥFire
294कामहाkāmahāHe who destroys all desires
295कामकृत्kāmakṛtHe who fulfills all desires
296कान्तःkāntaḥHe who is of enchanting form
297कामःkāmaḥThe beloved
298कामप्रदःkāmapradaḥHe who supplies desired objects
299प्रभुःprabhuḥThe Lord
300युगादिकृत्yugādikṛtThe creator of the yugas
301युगावर्तःyugāvartaḥThe law behind time
302नैकमायःnaikamāyaḥHe whose forms are endless and varied
303महाशनःmahāśanaḥHe who eats up everything
304अदृश्यःadṛśyaḥImperceptible
305व्यक्तरूपःvyaktarūpaḥHe who is perceptible to the yogi
306सहस्रजित्sahasrajitHe who vanquishes thousands
307अनन्तजित्anantajitEver-victorious
308इष्टःiṣṭaḥHe who is invoked through Vedic rituals
309विशिष्टःviśiṣṭaḥThe noblest and most sacred
310शिष्टेष्टःśiṣṭeṣṭaḥThe greatest beloved
311शिखंडीśikhaṃḍīIncarnation as Krishna with a peacock feather embedded in his crown. Shikhandee
312नहुषःnahuṣaḥHe who binds all with maya
313वृषःvṛṣaḥHe who is dharma
314क्रोधहाkrodhahāHe who destroys anger
315क्रोधकृत्कर्ताkrodhakṛtkartāHe who generates anger against the lower tendency
316विश्वबाहुःviśvabāhuḥHe whose hand is in everything
317महीधरःmahīdharaḥThe support of the earth
318अच्युतःacyutaḥHe who undergoes no changes
319प्रथितःprathitaḥHe who exists pervading all
320प्राणःprāṇaḥThe prana in all living creatures
321प्राणदःprāṇadaḥHe who gives prana
322वासवानुजःvāsavānujaḥThe brother of Indra
323अपां-निधिःapāṃ-nidhiḥTreasure of waters (the ocean)
324अधिष्ठानम्adhiṣṭhānamThe substratum of the entire universe
325अप्रमत्तःapramattaḥHe who never makes a wrong judgement
326प्रतिष्ठितःpratiṣṭhitaḥHe who has no cause
327स्कन्दःskandaḥHe whose glory is expressed through Subrahmanya
328स्कन्दधरःskandadharaḥUpholder of withering righteousness
329धूर्यःdhūryaḥWho carries out creation etc. without hitch
330वरदःvaradaḥHe who fulfills boons
331वायुवाहनःvāyuvāhanaḥController of winds
332वासुदेवःvāsudevaḥDwelling in all creatures although not affected by that condition
333बृहद्भानुःbṛhadbhānuḥHe who illumines the world with the rays of the sun and moon
334आदिदेवःādidevaḥThe primary source of everything
335पुरन्दरःpurandaraḥDestroyer of cities
336अशोकःaśokaḥHe who has no sorrow
337तारणःtāraṇaḥHe who enables others to cross
338तारःtāraḥHe who saves
339शूरःśūraḥThe valiant
340शौरिःśauriḥHe who incarnated in the dynasty of Shoora
341जनेश्वरःjaneśvaraḥThe Lord of the people
342अनुकूलःanukūlaḥWell-wisher of everyone
343शतावर्तःśatāvartaḥHe who takes infinite forms
344पद्मीpadmīHe who holds a lotus
345पद्मनिभेक्षणःpadmanibhekṣaṇaḥLotus-eyed
346पद्मनाभःpadmanābhaḥHe who has a lotus-navel
347अरविन्दाक्षःaravindākṣaḥHe who has eyes as beautiful as the lotus
348पद्मगर्भःpadmagarbhaḥHe who is being meditated upon in the lotus of the heart
349शरीरभृत्śarīrabhṛtHe who sustains all bodies
350महर्द्धिःmaharddhiḥOne who has great prosperity
351ऋद्धःṛddhaḥHe who has expanded Himself as the universe
352वृद्धात्माvṛddhātmāThe ancient self
353महाक्षःmahākṣaḥThe great-eyed
354गरुडध्वजःgaruḍadhvajaḥOne who has Garuda on His flag
355अतुलःatulaḥIncomparable
356शरभःśarabhaḥOne who dwells and shines forth through the bodies
357भीमःbhīmaḥThe terrible
358समयज्ञःsamayajñaḥOne whose worship is nothing more than keeping an equal vision of the mind by the devotee
359हविर्हरिःhavirhariḥThe receiver of all oblation
360सर्वलक्षणलक्षण्यःsarvalakṣaṇalakṣaṇyaḥKnown through all proofs
361लक्ष्मीवान्lakṣmīvānThe consort of Laksmi
362समितिञ्जयःsamitiñjayaḥEver-victorious
363विक्षरःvikṣaraḥImperishable
364रोहितःrohitaḥThe fish incarnation
365मार्गःmārgaḥThe path
366हेतुःhetuḥThe cause
367दामोदरःdāmodaraḥWho has a rope around his stomach
368सहःsahaḥAll-enduring
369महीधरःmahīdharaḥThe bearer of the earth
370महाभागःmahābhāgaḥHe who gets the greatest share in every Yajna
371वेगवान्vegavānHe who is swift
372अमिताशनःamitāśanaḥOf endless appetite
373उद्भवःudbhavaḥThe originator
374क्षोभणःkṣobhaṇaḥThe agitator
375देवःdevaḥHe who revels
376श्रीगर्भःśrīgarbhaḥHe in whom are all glories
377परमेश्वरःparameśvaraḥParama + Ishvara = Supreme Lord, Parama (Mahalakshmi i.e. above all the shaktis) + Ishvara (Lord) = Lord of Mahalakshmi
378करणम्karaṇamThe instrument
379कारणम्kāraṇamThe cause
380कर्ताkartāThe doer
381विकर्ताvikartāCreator of the endless varieties that make up the universe
382गहनःgahanaḥThe unknowable
383गुहःguhaḥHe who dwells in the cave of the heart
384व्यवसायःvyavasāyaḥResolute
385व्यवस्थानःvyavasthānaḥThe substratum
386संस्थानःsaṃsthānaḥThe ultimate authority
387स्थानदःsthānadaḥHe who confers the right abode
388ध्रुवःdhruvaḥThe changeless in the midst of changes
389परर्धिःparardhiḥHe who has supreme manifestations
390परमस्पष्टःparamaspaṣṭaḥThe extremely vivid
391तुष्टःtuṣṭaḥOne who is contented with a very simple offering
392पुष्टःpuṣṭaḥOne who is ever-full
393शुभेक्षणःśubhekṣaṇaḥAll-auspicious gaze
394रामःrāmaḥOne who is most handsome
395विरामःvirāmaḥThe abode of perfect-rest
396विरजःvirajaḥPassionless
397मार्गःmārgaḥThe path
398नेयःneyaḥThe guide
399नयःnayaḥOne who leads
400अनयःanayaḥOne who has no leader
401वीरःvīraḥThe valiant
402शक्तिमतां श्रेष्ठःśaktimatāṃ śreṣṭhaḥThe best among the powerful
403धर्मःdharmaḥThe law of being
404धर्मविदुत्तमःdharmaviduttamaḥThe highest among men of realisation
405वैकुण्ठःvaikuṇṭhaḥLord of supreme abode, Vaikuntha
406पुरुषःpuruṣaḥOne who dwells in all bodies
407प्राणःprāṇaḥLife
408प्राणदःprāṇadaḥGiver of life
409प्रणवःpraṇavaḥHe who is praised by the gods
410पृथुःpṛthuḥThe expanded
411हिरण्यगर्भःhiraṇyagarbhaḥThe creator
412शत्रुघ्नःśatrughnaḥThe destroyer of enemies
413व्याप्तःvyāptaḥThe pervader
414वायुःvāyuḥThe air
415अधोक्षजःadhokṣajaḥOne whose vitality never flows downwards
416ऋतुःṛtuḥThe seasons
417सुदर्शनःsudarśanaḥHe whose meeting is auspicious
418कालःkālaḥHe who judges and punishes beings
419परमेष्ठीparameṣṭhīOne who is readily available for experience within the heart
420परिग्रहःparigrahaḥThe receiver
421उग्रःugraḥThe terrible
422संवत्सरःsaṃvatsaraḥThe year
423दक्षःdakṣaḥThe smart
424विश्रामःviśrāmaḥThe resting place
425विश्वदक्षिणःviśvadakṣiṇaḥThe most skilful and efficient
426विस्तारःvistāraḥThe extension
427स्थावरस्स्थाणुःsthāvarassthāṇuḥThe firm and motionless
428प्रमाणम्pramāṇamThe proof
429बीजमव्ययम्bījamavyayamThe Immutable Seed
430अर्थःarthaḥHe who is worshiped by all
431अनर्थःanarthaḥOne to whom there is nothing yet to be fulfilled
432महाकोशःmahākośaḥHe who has got around him great sheaths
433महाभोगःmahābhogaḥHe who is of the nature of enjoyment
434महाधनःmahādhanaḥHe who is supremely rich
435अनिर्विण्णःanirviṇṇaḥHe who has no discontent
436स्थविष्ठःsthaviṣṭhaḥOne who is supremely huge
437अभूःabhūḥOne who has no birth
438धर्मयूपःdharmayūpaḥThe post to which all dharma is tied
439महामखःmahāmakhaḥThe great sacrificer
440नक्षत्रनेमिःnakṣatranemiḥThe nave of the stars
441नक्षत्रीnakṣatrīThe Lord of the stars (the moon)
442क्षमःkṣamaḥHe who is supremely efficient in all undertakings
443क्षामःkṣāmaḥHe who ever remains without any scarcity
444समीहनःsamīhanaḥOne whose desires are auspicious
445यज्ञःyajñaḥOne who is of the nature of yajna
446इज्यःijyaḥHe who is fit to be invoked through yajna
447महेज्यःmahejyaḥOne who is to be most worshiped
448क्रतुःkratuḥThe animal-sacrifice
449सत्रम्satramProtector of the good
450सतां-गतिःsatāṃ-gatiḥRefuge of the good
451सर्वदर्शीsarvadarśīAll-knower
452विमुक्तात्माvimuktātmāThe ever-liberated self
453सर्वज्ञःsarvajñaḥOmniscient
454ज्ञानमुत्तमम्jñānamuttamamThe Supreme Knowledge
455सुव्रतःsuvrataḥHe who ever-performing the pure vow
456सुमुखःsumukhaḥOne who has a charming face
457सूक्ष्मःsūkṣmaḥThe subtlest
458सुघोषःsughoṣaḥOf auspicious sound
459सुखदःsukhadaḥGiver of happiness
460सुहृत्suhṛtFriend of all creatures
461मनोहरःmanoharaḥThe stealer of the mind
462जितक्रोधःjitakrodhaḥOne who has conquered anger
463वीरबाहुःvīrabāhuḥHaving mighty arms
464विदारणःvidāraṇaḥOne who splits asunder
465स्वापनःsvāpanaḥOne who puts people to sleep
466स्ववशःsvavaśaḥHe who has everything under His control
467व्यापीvyāpīAll-pervading
468नैकात्माnaikātmāMany souled
469नैककर्मकृत्naikakarmakṛtOne who does many actions
470वत्सरःvatsaraḥThe abode
471वत्सलःvatsalaḥThe supremely affectionate
472वत्सीvatsīThe father
473रत्नगर्भःratnagarbhaḥThe jewel-wombed
474धनेश्वरःdhaneśvaraḥThe Lord of wealth
475धर्मगुब्dharmagubOne who protects dharma
476धर्मकृत्dharmakṛtOne who acts according to dharma
477धर्मीdharmīThe supporter of dharma
478सत्satexistence
479असत्asatillusion
480क्षरम्kṣaramHe who appears to perish
481अक्षरम्akṣaramImperishable
482अविज्ञाताavijñātāThe non-knower (The knower being the conditioned soul within the body)
483सहस्रांशुःsahasrāṃśuḥThe thousand-rayed
484विधाताvidhātāAll supporter
485कृतलक्षणःkṛtalakṣaṇaḥOne who is famous for His qualities
486गभस्तिनेमिःgabhastinemiḥThe hub of the universal wheel
487सत्त्वस्थःsattvasthaḥSituated in sattva
488सिंहःsiṃhaḥThe lion
489भूतमहेश्वरःbhūtamaheśvaraḥThe great lord of beings
490आदिदेवःādidevaḥThe first deity
491महादेवःmahādevaḥThe great deity
492देवेशःdeveśaḥThe Lord of all devas
493देवभृद्गुरुःdevabhṛdguruḥAdvisor of Indra
494उत्तरःuttaraḥHe who lifts us from the ocean of samsara
495गोपतिःgopatiḥThe shepherd
496गोप्ताgoptāThe protector
497ज्ञानगम्यःjñānagamyaḥOne who is experienced through pure knowledge
498पुरातनःpurātanaḥHe who was even before time
499शरीरभूतभृत्śarīrabhūtabhṛtOne who nourishes the nature from which the bodies came
500भोक्ताbhoktāThe enjoyer
501कपीन्द्रःkapīndraḥLord of the monkeys (Rama)
502भूरिदक्षिणःbhūridakṣiṇaḥHe who gives away large gifts
503सोमपःsomapaḥOne who takes Soma in the yajnas
504अमृतपःamṛtapaḥOne who drinks the nectar
505सोमःsomaḥOne who as the moon nourishes plants
506पुरुजित्purujitOne who has conquered numerous enemies
507पुरुसत्तमःpurusattamaḥThe greatest of the great
508विनयःvinayaḥHe who humiliates those who are unrighteous
509जयःjayaḥThe victorious
510सत्यसन्धःsatyasandhaḥOf truthful resolution
511दाशार्हःdāśārhaḥOne who was born in the Dasarha race
512सात्त्वतां पतिःsāttvatāṃ patiḥThe Lord of the Satvatas
513जीवःjīvaḥOne who functions as the ksetrajna
514विनयितासाक्षीvinayitāsākṣīThe witness of modesty
515मुकुन्दःmukundaḥThe giver of liberation
516अमितविक्रमःamitavikramaḥOf immeasurable prowess
517अम्भोनिधिःambhonidhiḥThe substratum of the four types of beings
518अनन्तात्माanantātmāThe infinite self
519महोदधिशयःmahodadhiśayaḥOne who rests on the great ocean
520अन्तकःantakaḥThe death
521अजःajaḥUnborn
522महार्हःmahārhaḥOne who deserves the highest worship
523स्वाभाव्यःsvābhāvyaḥEver rooted in the nature of His own self
524जितामित्रःjitāmitraḥOne who has conquered all enemies
525प्रमोदनःpramodanaḥEver-blissful
526आनन्दःānandaḥA mass of pure bliss
527नन्दनःnandanaḥOne who makes others blissful
528नन्दःnandaḥFree from all worldly pleasures
529सत्यधर्माsatyadharmāOne who has in Himself all true dharmas
530त्रिविक्रमःtrivikramaḥOne who took three steps
531महर्षिः कपिलाचार्यःmaharṣiḥ kapilācāryaḥHe who incarnated as Kapila, the great sage
532कृतज्ञःkṛtajñaḥThe knower of the creation
533मेदिनीपतिःmedinīpatiḥThe Lord of the earth
534त्रिपदःtripadaḥOne who has taken three steps
535त्रिदशाध्यक्षःtridaśādhyakṣaḥThe Lord of the three states of consciousness
536महाशृंगःmahāśṛṃgaḥGreat-horned (Matsya)
537कृतान्तकृत्kṛtāntakṛtDestroyer of the creation
538महावराहःmahāvarāhaḥThe great boar
539गोविन्दःgovindaḥOne who is known through Vedanta
540सुषेणःsuṣeṇaḥHe who has a charming army
541कनकांगदीkanakāṃgadīWearer of bright-as-gold armlets
542गुह्यःguhyaḥThe mysterious
543गभीरःgabhīraḥThe unfathomable
544गहनःgahanaḥImpenetrable
545गुप्तःguptaḥThe well-concealed
546चक्रगदाधरःcakragadādharaḥBearer of the disc and mace
547वेधाःvedhāḥCreator of the universe
548स्वांगःsvāṃgaḥOne with well-proportioned limbs
549अजितःajitaḥVanquished by none
550कृष्णःkṛṣṇaḥDark-complexioned
551दृढःdṛḍhaḥThe firm
552संकर्षणोऽच्युतःsaṃkarṣaṇo’cyutaḥHe who absorbs the whole creation into His nature and never falls away from that nature
553वरुणःvaruṇaḥOne who sets on the horizon (Sun)
554वारुणःvāruṇaḥThe son of Varuna (Vasistha or Agastya)
555वृक्षःvṛkṣaḥThe tree
556पुष्कराक्षःpuṣkarākṣaḥLotus eyed
557महामनःmahāmanaḥGreat-minded
558भगवान्bhagavānOne who possesses six opulences
559भगहाbhagahāOne who destroys the six opulences during pralaya
560आनन्दीānandīOne who gives delight
561वनमालीvanamālīOne who wears a garland of forest flowers
562हलायुधःhalāyudhaḥOne who has a plough as His weapon
563आदित्यःādityaḥSon of Aditi
564ज्योतिरादित्यःjyotirādityaḥThe resplendence of the sun
565सहिष्णुःsahiṣṇuḥOne who calmly endures duality
566गतिसत्तमःgatisattamaḥThe ultimate refuge for all devotees
567सुधन्वाsudhanvāOne who has Shaarnga
568खण्डपरशु:khaṇḍaparaśu:One who holds an axe
569दारुणःdāruṇaḥMerciless towards the unrighteous
570द्रविणप्रदःdraviṇapradaḥOne who lavishly gives wealth
571दिवःस्पृक्divaḥspṛkSky-reaching
572सर्वदृग्व्यासःsarvadṛgvyāsaḥOne who creates many men of wisdom
573वाचस्पतिरयोनिजःvācaspatirayonijaḥOne who is the master of all vidyas and who is unborn through a womb
574त्रिसामाtrisāmāOne who is glorified by Devas, Vratas and Saamans
575सामगःsāmagaḥThe singer of the sama songs
576सामsāmaThe Sama Veda
577निर्वाणम्nirvāṇamAll-bliss
578भेषजम्bheṣajamMedicine
579भृषक्bhṛṣakPhysician
580संन्यासकृत्saṃnyāsakṛtInstitutor of sannyasa
581समःsamaḥCalm
582शान्तःśāntaḥPeaceful within
583निष्ठाniṣṭhāAbode of all beings
584शान्तिःśāntiḥOne whose very nature is peace
585परायणम्parāyaṇamThe way to liberation
586शुभांगःśubhāṃgaḥOne who has the most beautiful form
587शान्तिदःśāntidaḥGiver of peace
588स्रष्टाsraṣṭāCreator of all beings
589कुमुदःkumudaḥHe who delights in the earth
590कुवलेशयःkuvaleśayaḥHe who reclines in the waters
591गोहितःgohitaḥOne who does welfare for cows
592गोपतिःgopatiḥHusband of the earth
593गोप्ताgoptāProtector of the universe
594वृषभाक्षःvṛṣabhākṣaḥOne whose eyes rain fulfilment of desires
595वृषप्रियःvṛṣapriyaḥOne who delights in dharma
596अनिवर्तीanivartīOne who never retreats
597निवृतात्माnivṛtātmāOne who is fully restrained from all sense indulgences
598संक्षेप्ताsaṃkṣeptāThe involver
599क्षेमकृत्kṣemakṛtDoer of good
600शिवःśivaḥAuspiciousness
601श्रीवत्सवत्साःśrīvatsavatsāḥOne who has the srivatsa on His chest
602श्रीवासःśrīvāsaḥAbode of Sri
603श्रीपतिःśrīpatiḥLord of Lakshmi
604श्रीमतां वरःśrīmatāṃ varaḥThe best among glorious
605श्रीदःśrīdaḥGiver of opulence
606श्रीशःśrīśaḥThe Lord of Sri
607श्रीनिवासःśrīnivāsaḥOne who dwells in the good people
608श्रीनिधिःśrīnidhiḥThe treasure of Sri
609श्रीविभावनःśrīvibhāvanaḥDistributor of Sri
610श्रीधरःśrīdharaḥHolder of Sri
611श्रीकरःśrīkaraḥOne who gives Sri
612श्रेयःśreyaḥLiberation
613श्रीमान्śrīmānPossessor of Sri
614लोकत्रयाश्रयःlokatrayāśrayaḥShelter of the three worlds
615स्वक्षःsvakṣaḥBeautiful-eyed
616स्वङ्गःsvaṅgaḥBeautiful-limbed
617शतानन्दःśatānandaḥOf infinite varieties and joys
618नन्दिःnandiḥInfinite bliss
619ज्योतिर्गणेश्वरःjyotirgaṇeśvaraḥLord of the luminaries in the cosmos
620विजितात्माvijitātmāOne who has conquered the sense organs
621विधेयात्माvidheyātmāOne who is ever available for the devotees to command in love
622सत्कीर्तिःsatkīrtiḥOne of pure fame
623छिन्नसंशयःchinnasaṃśayaḥOne whose doubts are ever at rest
624उदीर्णःudīrṇaḥThe great transcendent
625सर्वतश्चक्षुःsarvataścakṣuḥOne who has eyes everywhere
626अनीशःanīśaḥOne who has none to Lord over Him
627शाश्वतः-स्थिरःśāśvataḥ-sthiraḥOne who is eternal and stable
628भूशयःbhūśayaḥOne who rested on the ocean shore (Rama)
629भूषणःbhūṣaṇaḥOne who adorns the world
630भूतिःbhūtiḥOne who is pure existence
631विशोकःviśokaḥSorrowless
632शोकनाशनःśokanāśanaḥDestroyer of sorrows
633अर्चिष्मान्arciṣmānThe effulgent
634अर्चितःarcitaḥOne who is constantly worshipped by His devotees
635कुम्भःkumbhaḥThe pot within whom everything is contained
636विशुद्धात्माviśuddhātmāOne who has the purest soul
637विशोधनःviśodhanaḥThe great purifier
638अनिरुद्धःaniruddhaḥHe who is invincible by any enemy
639अप्रतिरथःapratirathaḥOne who has no enemies to threaten Him
640प्रद्युम्नःpradyumnaḥVery rich
641अमितविक्रमःamitavikramaḥOf immeasurable prowess
642कालनेमीनिहाkālanemīnihāSlayer of Kalanemi
643वीरःvīraḥThe heroic victor
644शौरीśaurīOne who always has invincible prowess
645शूरजनेश्वरःśūrajaneśvaraḥLord of the valiant
646त्रिलोकात्माtrilokātmāThe self of the three worlds
647त्रिलोकेशःtrilokeśaḥThe Lord of the three worlds
648केशवःkeśavaḥOne whose rays illumine the cosmos
649केशिहाkeśihāKiller of Keshi
650हरिःhariḥThe creator
651कामदेवःkāmadevaḥThe beloved Lord
652कामपालःkāmapālaḥThe fulfiller of desires
653कामीkāmīOne who has fulfilled all His desires
654कान्तःkāntaḥOf enchanting form
655कृतागमःkṛtāgamaḥThe author of the agama scriptures
656अनिर्देश्यवपुःanirdeśyavapuḥOf Indescribable form
657विष्णुःviṣṇuḥAll-pervading
658वीरःvīraḥThe courageous
659अनन्तःanantaḥEndless
660धनञ्जयःdhanañjayaḥOne who gained wealth through conquest
661ब्रह्मण्यःbrahmaṇyaḥProtector of Brahman (anything related to Narayana)
662ब्रह्मकृत्brahmakṛtOne who acts in Brahman
663ब्रह्माbrahmāCreator
664ब्रहमbrahamaBiggest
665ब्रह्मविवर्धनःbrahmavivardhanaḥOne who increases the Brahman
666ब्रह्मविद्brahmavidOne who knows Brahman
667ब्राह्मणःbrāhmaṇaḥOne who has realised Brahman
668ब्रह्मीbrahmīOne who is with Brahma
669ब्रह्मज्ञःbrahmajñaḥOne who knows the nature of Brahman
670ब्राह्मणप्रियःbrāhmaṇapriyaḥDear to the brahmanas
671महाकर्मःmahākarmaḥOf great step
672महाकर्माmahākarmāOne who performs great deeds
673महातेजाmahātejāOne of great resplendence
674महोरगःmahoragaḥThe great serpent
675महाक्रतुःmahākratuḥThe great sacrifice
676महायज्वाmahāyajvāOne who performed great yajnas
677महायज्ञःmahāyajñaḥThe great yajna
678महाहविःmahāhaviḥThe great offering
679स्तव्यःstavyaḥOne who is the object of all praise
680स्तवप्रियःstavapriyaḥOne who is invoked through prayer
681स्तोत्रम्stotramThe hymn
682स्तुतिःstutiḥThe act of praise
683स्तोताstotāOne who adores or praises
684रणप्रियःraṇapriyaḥLover of battles
685पूर्णःpūrṇaḥThe complete
686पूरयिताpūrayitāThe fulfiller
687पुण्यःpuṇyaḥThe truly holy
688पुण्यकीर्तिःpuṇyakīrtiḥOf Holy fame
689अनामयःanāmayaḥOne who has no diseases
690मनोजवःmanojavaḥSwift as the mind
691तीर्थकरःtīrthakaraḥThe teacher of the tirthas
692वसुरेताःvasuretāḥHe whose essence is golden
693वसुप्रदःvasupradaḥThe free-giver of wealth
694वसुप्रदःvasupradaḥThe giver of salvation, the greatest wealth
695वासुदेवःvāsudevaḥThe son of Vasudeva
696वसुःvasuḥThe refuge for all
697वसुमनाvasumanāOne who is attentive to everything
698हविःhaviḥThe oblation
699सद्गतिःsadgatiḥThe goal of good people
700सत्कृतिःsatkṛtiḥOne who is full of Good actions
701सत्ताsattāOne without a second
702सद्भूतिःsadbhūtiḥOne who has rich glories
703सत्परायणःsatparāyaṇaḥThe Supreme goal for the good
704शूरसेनःśūrasenaḥOne who has heroic and valiant armies
705यदुश्रेष्ठःyaduśreṣṭhaḥThe best among the Yadava clan
706सन्निवासःsannivāsaḥThe abode of the good
707सुयामुनःsuyāmunaḥOne who attended by the people dwelling on the banks of Yamuna
708भूतावासःbhūtāvāsaḥThe dwelling place of the elements
709वासुदेवःvāsudevaḥOne who envelops the world with Maya
710सर्वासुनिलयःsarvāsunilayaḥThe abode of all life energies
711अनलःanalaḥOne of unlimited wealth, power and glory
712दर्पहाdarpahāThe destroyer of pride in evil-minded people
713दर्पदःdarpadaḥOne who creates pride, or an urge to be the best, among the righteous
714दृप्तःdṛptaḥOne who is drunk with Infinite bliss
715दुर्धरःdurdharaḥThe object of contemplation
716अथापराजितःathāparājitaḥThe unvanquished
717विश्वमूर्तिःviśvamūrtiḥOf the form of the entire Universe
718महामूर्तिःmahāmūrtiḥThe great form
719दीप्तमूर्तिःdīptamūrtiḥOf resplendent form
720अमूर्तिमान्amūrtimānHaving no form
721अनेकमूर्तिःanekamūrtiḥMulti-formed
722अव्यक्तःavyaktaḥUnmanifeset
723शतमूर्तिःśatamūrtiḥOf many forms
724शताननःśatānanaḥMany-faced
725एकःekaḥThe one
726नैकःnaikaḥThe many
727सवःsavaḥThe nature of the sacrifice
728कःkaḥOne who is of the nature of bliss
729किम्kimWhat (the one to be inquired into)
730यत्yatWhich
731तत्tatThat
732पदमनुत्तमम्padamanuttamamThe unequalled state of perfection
733लोकबन्धुःlokabandhuḥFriend of the world
734लोकनाथःlokanāthaḥLord of the world
735माधवःmādhavaḥBorn in the family of Madhu
736भक्तवत्सलःbhaktavatsalaḥOne who loves His devotees
737सुवर्णवर्णःsuvarṇavarṇaḥGolden-coloured
738हेमांगःhemāṃgaḥOne who has limbs of gold
739वरांगःvarāṃgaḥWith beautiful limbs
740चन्दनांगदीcandanāṃgadīOne who has attractive armlets
741वीरहाvīrahāDestroyer of valiant heroes
742विषमःviṣamaḥUnequalled
743शून्यःśūnyaḥThe void
744घृताशीghṛtāśīOne who has no need for good wishes
745अचलःacalaḥNon-moving
746चलःcalaḥMoving
747अमानीamānīWithout false vanity
748मानदःmānadaḥOne who causes, by His maya, false identification with the body
749मान्यःmānyaḥOne who is to be honoured
750लोकस्वामीlokasvāmīLord of the universe
751त्रिलोकधृक्trilokadhṛkOne who is the support of all the three worlds
752सुमेधाsumedhāOne who has pure intelligence
753मेधजःmedhajaḥBorn out of sacrifices
754धन्यःdhanyaḥFortunate
755सत्यमेधःsatyamedhaḥOne whose intelligence never fails
756धराधरःdharādharaḥThe sole support of the earth
757तेजोवृषःtejovṛṣaḥOne who showers radiance
758द्युतिधरःdyutidharaḥOne who bears an effulgent form
759सर्वशस्त्रभृतां वरःsarvaśastrabhṛtāṃ varaḥThe best among those who wield weapons
760प्रग्रहःpragrahaḥReceiver of worship
761निग्रहःnigrahaḥThe killer
762व्यग्रःvyagraḥOne who is ever engaged in fulfilling the devotee's desires
763नैकशृंगःnaikaśṛṃgaḥOne who has many horns
764गदाग्रजःgadāgrajaḥOne who is invoked through mantra
765चतुर्मूर्तिःcaturmūrtiḥFour-formed
766चतुर्बाहुःcaturbāhuḥFour-handed
767चतुर्व्यूहःcaturvyūhaḥOne who expresses Himself as the dynamic centre in the four vyoohas
768चतुर्गतिःcaturgatiḥThe ultimate goal of all four varnas and asramas
769चतुरात्माcaturātmāClear-minded
770चतुर्भावःcaturbhāvaḥThe source of the four
771चतुर्वेदविद्caturvedavidKnower of all four vedas
772एकपात्ekapātOne-footed (BG 10.42)
773समावर्तःsamāvartaḥThe efficient turner
774निवृत्तात्माnivṛttātmāOne whose mind is turned away from sense indulgence
775दुर्जयःdurjayaḥThe invincible
776दुरतिक्रमःduratikramaḥOne who is difficult to be disobeyed
777दुर्लभःdurlabhaḥOne who can be obtained with great efforts
778दुर्गमःdurgamaḥOne who is realised with great effort
779दुर्गःdurgaḥNot easy to storm into
780दुरावासःdurāvāsaḥNot easy to lodge
781दुरारिहाdurārihāSlayer of the asuras
782शुभांगःśubhāṃgaḥOne with enchanting limbs
783लोकसारंगःlokasāraṃgaḥOne who understands the universe
784सुतन्तुःsutantuḥBeautifully expanded
785तन्तुवर्धनःtantuvardhanaḥOne who sustains the continuity of the drive for the family
786इन्द्रकर्माindrakarmāOne who always performs gloriously auspicious actions
787महाकर्माmahākarmāOne who accomplishes great acts
788कृतकर्माkṛtakarmāOne who has fulfilled his acts
789कृतागमःkṛtāgamaḥAuthor of the Vedas
790उद्भवःudbhavaḥThe ultimate source
791सुन्दरःsundaraḥOf unrivalled beauty
792सुन्दःsundaḥOf great mercy
793रत्ननाभःratnanābhaḥOf beautiful navel
794सुलोचनःsulocanaḥOne who has the most enchanting eyes
795अर्कःarkaḥOne who is in the form of the sun
796वाजसनःvājasanaḥThe giver of food
797शृंगीśṛṃgīThe horned one
798जयन्तःjayantaḥThe conqueror of all enemies
799सर्वविज्जयीsarvavijjayīOne who is at once omniscient and victorious
800सुवर्णबिन्दुःsuvarṇabinduḥWith limbs radiant like gold
801अक्षोभ्यःakṣobhyaḥOne who is ever unruffled
802सर्ववागीश्वरेश्वरःsarvavāgīśvareśvaraḥLord of the Lord of speech
803महाहृदःmahāhṛdaḥOne who is like a great refreshing swimming pool
804महागर्तःmahāgartaḥThe great chasm
805महाभूतःmahābhūtaḥThe great being
806महानिधिःmahānidhiḥThe great abode
807कुमुदःkumudaḥOne who gladdens the earth
808कुन्दरःkundaraḥThe one who lifted the earth
809कुन्दःkundaḥOne who is as attractive as Kunda flowers
810पर्जन्यःparjanyaḥHe who is similar to rain-bearing clouds
811पावनःpāvanaḥOne who ever purifies
812अनिलःanilaḥOne who never slips
813अमृतांशःamṛtāṃśaḥOne whose desires are never fruitless
814अमृतवपुःamṛtavapuḥHe whose form is immortal
815सर्वज्ञःsarvajñaḥOmniscient
816सर्वतोमुखःsarvatomukhaḥOne who has His face turned everywhere
817सुलभःsulabhaḥOne who is readily available
818सुव्रतःsuvrataḥOne who has taken the most auspicious forms
819सिद्धःsiddhaḥOne who is perfection
820शत्रुजित्śatrujitOne who is ever victorious over His hosts of enemies
821शत्रुतापनःśatrutāpanaḥThe scorcher of enemies
822न्यग्रोधःnyagrodhaḥThe one who veils Himself with Maya
823उदुम्बरःudumbaraḥNourishment of all living creatures
824अश्वत्थःaśvatthaḥTree of life
825चाणूरान्ध्रनिषूदनःcāṇūrāndhraniṣūdanaḥThe slayer of Canura
826सहस्रार्चिःsahasrārciḥHe who has thousands of rays
827सप्तजिह्वःsaptajihvaḥHe who expresses himself as the seven tongues of fire (Types of agni)
828सप्तैधाःsaptaidhāḥThe seven effulgences in the flames
829सप्तवाहनःsaptavāhanaḥOne who has a vehicle of seven horses (sun)
830अमूर्तिःamūrtiḥFormless
831अनघःanaghaḥSinless
832अचिन्त्यःacintyaḥInconceivable
833भयकृत्bhayakṛtGiver of fear
834भयनाशनःbhayanāśanaḥDestroyer of fear
835अणुःaṇuḥThe subtlest
836बृहत्bṛhatThe greatest
837कृशःkṛśaḥDelicate, lean
838स्थूलःsthūlaḥOne who is the fattest
839गुणभृत्guṇabhṛtOne who supports
840निर्गुणःnirguṇaḥWithout any properties
841महान्mahānThe mighty
842अधृतःadhṛtaḥWithout support
843स्वधृतःsvadhṛtaḥSelf-supported
844स्वास्यःsvāsyaḥOne who has an effulgent face
845प्राग्वंशःprāgvaṃśaḥOne who has the most ancient ancestry
846वंशवर्धनःvaṃśavardhanaḥHe who multiplies His family of descendants
847भारभृत्bhārabhṛtOne who carries the load of the universe
848कथितःkathitaḥOne who is glorified in all scriptures
849योगीyogīOne who can be realised through yoga
850योगीशःyogīśaḥThe king of yogis
851सर्वकामदःsarvakāmadaḥOne who fulfils all desires of true devotees
852आश्रमःāśramaḥHaven
853श्रमणःśramaṇaḥOne who persecutes the worldly people
854क्षामःkṣāmaḥOne who destroys everything
855सुपर्णःsuparṇaḥThe golden leaf (Vedas) BG 15.1
856वायुवाहनःvāyuvāhanaḥThe mover of the winds
857धनुर्धरःdhanurdharaḥThe wielder of the bow
858धनुर्वेदःdhanurvedaḥOne who declared the science of archery
859दण्डःdaṇḍaḥOne who punishes the wicked
860दमयिताdamayitāThe controller
861दमःdamaḥBeautitude in the self
862अपराजितःaparājitaḥOne who cannot be defeated
863सर्वसहःsarvasahaḥOne who carries the entire Universe
864अनियन्ताaniyantāOne who has no controller
865नियमःniyamaḥOne who is not under anyone's laws
866अयमःayamaḥOne who knows no death
867सत्त्ववान्sattvavānOne who is full of exploits and courage
868सात्त्विकःsāttvikaḥOne who is full of sattvic qualities
869सत्यःsatyaḥTruth
870सत्यधर्मपराक्रमःsatyadharmaparākramaḥOne who is the very abode of truth and dharma
871अभिप्रायःabhiprāyaḥOne who is faced by all seekers marching to the infinite
872प्रियार्हःpriyārhaḥOne who deserves all our love
873अर्हःarhaḥOne who deserves to be worshiped
874प्रियकृत्priyakṛtOne who is ever-obliging in fulfilling our wishes
875प्रीतिवर्धनःprītivardhanaḥOne who increases joy in the devotee's heart
876विहायसगतिःvihāyasagatiḥOne who travels in space
877ज्योतिःjyotiḥSelf-effulgent
878सुरुचिःsuruciḥWhose desire manifests as the universe
879हुतभुक्hutabhukOne who enjoys all that is offered in yajna
880विभुःvibhuḥAll-pervading
881रविःraviḥOne who dries up everything
882विरोचनःvirocanaḥOne who shines in different forms
883सूर्यःsūryaḥThe one source from where everything is born
884सविताsavitāThe one who brings forth the Universe from Himself
885रविलोचनःravilocanaḥOne whose eye is the sun
886अनन्तःanantaḥEndless
887हुतभुक्hutabhukOne who accepts oblations
888भोक्ताbhoktāOne who enjoys
889सुखदःsukhadaḥGiver of bliss to those who are liberated
890नैकजःnaikajaḥOne who is born many times
891अग्रजःagrajaḥThe first amongst eternal [ Pradhana Purusha ]. Agra means first and ajah means never born. Both individual souls and Vishnu are eternal but Ishvara is Pradhana Taatva. Hence the word agra.
892अनिर्विण्णःanirviṇṇaḥOne who feels no disappointment
893सदामर्षीsadāmarṣīOne who forgives the trespasses of His devotees
894लोकाधिष्ठानम्lokādhiṣṭhānamThe substratum of the universe
895अद्भुतःadbhutaḥWonderful
896सनात्sanātThe beginningless and endless factor
897सनातनतमःsanātanatamaḥThe most ancient
898कपिलःkapilaḥThe great sage Kapila
899कपिःkapiḥOne who drinks water
900अव्ययःavyayaḥThe one in whom the universe merges
901स्वस्तिदःsvastidaḥGiver of Svasti
902स्वस्तिकृत्svastikṛtOne who robs all auspiciousness
903स्वस्तिsvastiOne who is the source of all auspiciouness
904स्वस्तिभुक्svastibhukOne who constantly enjoys auspiciousness
905स्वस्तिदक्षिणःsvastidakṣiṇaḥDistributor of auspiciousness
906अरौद्रःaraudraḥOne who has no negative emotions or urges
907कुण्डलीkuṇḍalīOne who wears shark earrings
908चक्रीcakrīHolder of the chakra
909विक्रमीvikramīThe most daring
910ऊर्जितशासनःūrjitaśāsanaḥOne who commands with His hand
911शब्दातिगःśabdātigaḥOne who transcends all words
912शब्दसहःśabdasahaḥOne who allows Himself to be invoked by Vedic declarations
913शिशिरःśiśiraḥThe cold season, winter
914शर्वरीकरःśarvarīkaraḥCreator of darkness
915अक्रूरःakrūraḥNever cruel
916पेशलःpeśalaḥOne who is supremely soft
917दक्षःdakṣaḥPrompt
918दक्षिणःdakṣiṇaḥThe most liberal
919क्षमिणांवरःkṣamiṇāṃvaraḥOne who has the greatest amount of patience with sinners
920विद्वत्तमःvidvattamaḥOne who has the greatest wisdom
921वीतभयःvītabhayaḥOne with no fear
922पुण्यश्रवणकीर्तनःpuṇyaśravaṇakīrtanaḥThe hearing of whose glory causes holiness to grow
923उत्तारणःuttāraṇaḥOne who lifts us out of the ocean of change
924दुष्कृतिहाduṣkṛtihāDestroyer of bad actions
925पुण्यःpuṇyaḥSupremely pure
926दुःस्वप्ननाशनःduḥsvapnanāśanaḥOne who destroys all bad dreams
927वीरहाvīrahāOne who ends the passage from womb to womb
928रक्षणःrakṣaṇaḥProtector of the universe
929सन्तःsantaḥOne who is expressed through saintly men
930जीवनःjīvanaḥThe life spark in all creatures
931पर्यवस्थितःparyavasthitaḥOne who dwells everywhere
932अनन्तरूपःanantarūpaḥOne of infinite forms
933अनन्तश्रीःanantaśrīḥFull of infinite glories
934जितमन्युःjitamanyuḥOne who has no anger
935भयापहःbhayāpahaḥOne who destroys all fears
936चतुरश्रःcaturaśraḥOne who deals squarely
937गभीरात्माgabhīrātmāToo deep to be fathomed
938विदिशःvidiśaḥOne who is unique in His giving
939व्यादिशःvyādiśaḥOne who is unique in His commanding power
940दिशःdiśaḥOne who advises and gives knowledge
941अनादिःanādiḥOne who is the first cause
942भूर्भूवःbhūrbhūvaḥThe substratum of the earth
943लक्ष्मीःlakṣmīḥThe glory of the universe
944सुवीरःsuvīraḥOne who moves through various ways
945रुचिरांगदःrucirāṃgadaḥOne who wears resplendent shoulder caps
946जननःjananaḥHe who delivers all living creatures
947जनजन्मादिःjanajanmādiḥThe cause of the birth of all creatures
948भीमःbhīmaḥTerrible form
949भीमपराक्रमःbhīmaparākramaḥOne whose prowess is fearful to His enemies
950आधारनिलयःādhāranilayaḥThe fundamental sustainer
951अधाताadhātāAbove whom there is no other to command
952पुष्पहासःpuṣpahāsaḥHe who shines like an opening flower
953प्रजागरःprajāgaraḥEver-awakened
954ऊर्ध्वगःūrdhvagaḥOne who is on top of everything
955सत्पथाचारःsatpathācāraḥOne who walks the path of truth
956प्राणदःprāṇadaḥGiver of life
957प्रणवःpraṇavaḥOmkara
958पणःpaṇaḥThe supreme universal manager
959प्रमाणम्pramāṇamHe whose form is the Vedas
960प्राणनिलयःprāṇanilayaḥHe in whom all prana is established
961प्राणभृत्prāṇabhṛtHe who rules over all pranas
962प्राणजीवनःprāṇajīvanaḥHe who maintains the life-breath in all living creatures
963तत्त्वम्tattvamThe reality
964तत्त्वविद्tattvavidOne who has realised the reality
965एकात्माekātmāThe one self
966जन्ममृत्युजरातिगःjanmamṛtyujarātigaḥOne who knows no birth, death or old age in Himself
967भूर्भुवःस्वस्तरुःbhūrbhuvaḥsvastaruḥThe tree of the three worlds (bhoo=terrestrial, svah=celestial and bhuvah=the world in between)
968तारःtāraḥOne who helps all to cross over
969सविताःsavitāḥThe father of all
970प्रपितामहःprapitāmahaḥThe father of the father of beings (Brahma)
971यज्ञःyajñaḥOne whose very nature is yajna
972यज्ञपतिःyajñapatiḥThe Lord of all yajnas
973यज्वाyajvāThe one who performs yajna
974यज्ञांगःyajñāṃgaḥOne whose limbs are the things employed in yajna
975यज्ञवाहनःyajñavāhanaḥOne who fulfils yajnas in complete
976यज्ञभृद्yajñabhṛdThe ruler of the yajanas
977यज्ञकृत्yajñakṛtOne who performs yajna
978यज्ञीyajñīEnjoyer of yajnas
979यज्ञभुक्yajñabhukReceiver of all that is offered
980यज्ञसाधनःyajñasādhanaḥOne who fulfils all yajnas
981यज्ञान्तकृत्yajñāntakṛtOne who performs the concluding act of the yajna
982यज्ञगुह्यम्yajñaguhyamThe person to be realised by yajna
983अन्नम्annamOne who is food
984अन्नादःannādaḥOne who eats the food
985आत्मयोनिःātmayoniḥThe uncaused cause
986स्वयंजातःsvayaṃjātaḥSelf-born
987वैखानःvaikhānaḥThe one who cut through the earth
988सामगायनःsāmagāyanaḥOne who sings the sama songs; one who loves hearing saama chants;
989देवकीनन्दनःdevakīnandanaḥSon of Devaki
990स्रष्टाsraṣṭāCreator
991क्षितीशःkṣitīśaḥThe Lord of the earth
992पापनाशनःpāpanāśanaḥDestroyer of sin
993शंखभृत्śaṃkhabhṛtOne who has the divine Pancajanya
994नन्दकीnandakīOne who holds the Nandaka sword
995चक्रीcakrīCarrier of Sudarshana chakra
996शार्ङ्गधन्वाśārṅgadhanvāOne who aims His shaarnga bow
997गदाधरःgadādharaḥCarrier of Kaumodaki club
998रथांगपाणिःrathāṃgapāṇiḥOne who has the wheel of a chariot as His weapon; One with the strings of the chariot in his hands;
999अक्षोभ्यःakṣobhyaḥOne who cannot be annoyed by anyone
1000सर्वप्रहरणायुधःsarvapraharaṇāyudhaḥHe who has all implements for all kinds of assault and fight

Mentions, Quotes and Commentaries

Mentions

  • Adi Shankara of Advaita Vedanta in Verse 27 of Bhaja Govindam,[27] said that the Gita and Vishnusahasranama should be chanted and the form of the Lord of Lakshmi, Vishnu should always be meditated on. He also said that the Sahasranama bestowed all noble virtues on those who chanted it.[28]
  • Parasara Bhattar, a follower of Ramanujacharya had said that Vishnusahasranama absolves people of all sins and has no equal[28]
  • Madhvacharya, propounder of Dvaita philosophy, said that the Sahasranama was the essence of the Mahabharata, which in turn was the essence of the Sastras and that each word of the Sahasranama had 100 meanings.[28]
  • Swaminarayan, founder of the Hindu Swaminarayan faith, said in verse 118 of the scripture, Shikshapatri, that one should "either recite or have the 10th canto,(of Bhagavata Purana ) and also other holy scriptures like the "Vishnusahasranama" recited at a holy place according to one's capacity. "The recital is such that it gives fruits according to whatever is desired."[29]
  • Swaminarayan also said in verses 93–96, "I have the highest esteem for these eight holy scriptures: 1-4)the four Vedas, 5) the Vyas-Sutra,(i.e., Brahma Sutras, 6) the Shrimad Bhagavatam, 7) Shri Vishnusahasranama in the Mahabharata, and 8) the Yajnavalkya Smrti which is at the center of the Dharma Scriptures; and all My disciples who wish to prosper should listen to these eight holy scriptures, and the brahmanas under my shelter should learn and teach these holy scriptures, and read them to others."
  • Swami Sivananda, in his twenty important spiritual instructions, stated that the Vishnusahasranama, along with other religious texts, should be studied systematically.[30]

Quotes

  • Sri N. Krishnamachari, a Vaishnavite scholar, at Stephen Knapp's website, quoting Vaishnavite scholars, states that there are six reasons for the greatness of Vishnusahasranama:
  • 1) "Vishnusahasranama is the essence of the Mahabharata;
  • 2) Great sages such as Narada, the Alvars, and composers including Saint Tyagaraja have made repeated references to the "Thousand Names of Vishnu" in their devotional works;
  • 3) The person who strung together the thousand names as part of the Mahabharata and preserved it for the world was none other than Sage Veda Vyasa, the compiler of the Vedas;
  • 4) Bhishma considered chanting of the Vishnusahasranama the best and easiest of all dharmas, or the means to attain relief from all bondage;
  • 5) It is widely accepted that the chanting this Stotram gives relief from all sorrows, and leads to happiness and peace of mind;
  • 6) Vishnusahasranama is in conformity with the teachings of the Gita."[31]

In this way we find all the scriptures aiming at the Supreme Person. In the Rig Veda (1.22.20) the mantra is om tad vishnoh paramam padam sada pashyanti surayah ("The demigods are always looking to that supreme abode of Vishnu"). The whole Vedic process, therefore, is to understand Lord Vishnu, and any scripture is directly or indirectly chanting the glories of the Supreme Lord, Vishnu.”[32]

sri rama rama rameti rame rame manorame
  sahasranama tat tulyam rama nama varanane

This translates to:

O Varanana (lovely-faced lady), I chant the holy name of Rama, Rama, Rama and thus constantly enjoy this beautiful sound. This holy name of Sri Rama is equal to one thousand holy names of Lord Vishnu." (Brhad Visnusahasranamastotra, Uttara-khanda, Padma Purana 72.335)

sahasra-namnam punyanam, trir-avrttya tu yat phalam
 ekavrttya tu krsnasya, namaikam tat prayacchati

This translates to:

"The pious results (punya) achieved by chanting the thousand holy names of Vishnu (Vishnusahasranama-Stotram) three times can be attained by only one utterance of the holy name of Krishna."

  • Krishna Himself said:

yo mam nama sahasrena stotum icchati pandava
sohamekena slokena stuta eva na samsaya

This translates to:

"Arjuna, One may be desirous of praising by reciting the thousand names. But, on my part, I feel praised by one sloka. There is no doubt about it.”

  • From the oldest scriptural text in Hinduism, the Rig Veda; I.156.3b,[33] it states:

"O ye who wish to gain realization of the Supreme Truth, utter the name of "Vishnu" at least once in the steadfast faith that it will lead you to such realization."

Commentaries

The Vishnu Sahasranama has been the subject of numerous commentaries:

See also

Notes

  1. A tatpurusha compound

Bibliography

  • Sharma, B. N. Krishnamurti (2000). A History of the Dvaita School of Vedānta and Its Literature, Vol 1. 3rd Edition. Motilal Banarsidass (2008 Reprint). ISBN 978-8120815759.

Footnotes

  1. "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 26 February 2021. Retrieved 26 March 2019.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  2. "Sahasranama". 2 October 2023.
  3. "The Mahabharata in Sanskrit: Book 13: Chapter 135". www.sacred-texts.com. Retrieved 4 October 2016.
  4. For IAST version of Sanskrit for these verses, see: Sankaranarayan 1996, pp. 2–5.
  5. For Sanskrit text and translation, see: Tapasyananda, pp. 3-4.
  6. Sankara Bhashya on Vishnusahasranaama
  7. Shri Vishnu Sahasranamam - Phala Sruthi, archived from the original on 22 December 2021, retrieved 12 October 2021
  8. Aiyangar, Sridhar (31 December 2017). "SRI VISHNU SAHASRANAMAM (PHALASHRUTI) – FINAL PART (117)". Divya Kataksham. Retrieved 12 October 2021.
  9. Tapasyananda, pg. iv.
  10. Commentary to sloka 13, "yatra puMliGgashabdaprayOgaH, tatra viSNurvishESyaH; yatra strIliMga shabdaH, tatra dEvatA prayOgaH; yatra napuMsaliGga prayOgaH, tatra brahmEti vishEshyatE (where a word of masculine gender is used, the noun is Vishnu, in feminine gender the noun is Devata, and in neuter gender the noun is Brahma)", Transcription of Sankara's commentary to Vishnusahasranamastotra
  11. Commentary to sloka 17 in Transcription of Sankara's commentary to Vishnusahasranamastotra, "sivAdi nAmabhiH hariH eva stUyate"
  12. (Internet Archive copy)
  13. Tapasyananda, pg. 47.
  14. Bhag-P 4.4.14 "Siva means mangala, or auspicious"
  15. "Srivaishnavism". Archived from the original on 20 February 2008. Retrieved 21 June 2008.
  16. Foreword of P. Sankaranarayan's translation of Vishnu Sahasranama, Bhavan's Book University
  17. Tapasyananda, Swami. Sri Vishnu Sahasranama, pg. 62.
  18. Tapasyananda, Swami. Sri Vishnu Sahasranama, pgs. 48, 49, 87, 96 and 123.
  19. Tapasyananda, Swami. Sri Vishnu Sahasranama, pg. 48.
  20. "MAHABHARATA retold by C". Archived from the original on 21 December 2004. Retrieved 16 December 2004., story #53
  21. "Durga Saptashati". Archived from the original on 18 August 2010. Retrieved 23 December 2009.
  22. Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra, Vol. 2, p. 740, by Maharshi Parashara, with translation, commentary and editing by R. Santhana, Ranjan Publications, New Delhi, India
  23. "Jwara Chikitsa". 15 February 2022.
  24. Vijaya Kumar, The Thousand Names of Vishnu
  25. B.K. Chaturvedi, Vishnu Puran, page 126
  26. Swami-Krishnananda.org English translation, IAST Sanskrit
  27. Bhaja Govindam: kamakoti.org
  28. "On the Buddha in verse". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 16 December 2005. Archived from the original on 21 January 2007.
  29. "Shree Swaminarayan Temple Cardiff - Scriptures - Shikshapatri". Archived from the original on 21 March 2007. Retrieved 3 October 2006.
  30. 20 Important Spiritual Instructions
  31. "Thousand Names of the Supreme".
  32. The Krishna Consciousness Movement is the Genuine Vedic Way
  33. "The Rig Veda".
  34. Sri Vishnu sahasranama : With the bhashya of Sri Parasara Bhattar : With translation in English /. Sri Visishtadvaita Pracharini Sabha. 8 August 1983.
  35. "Antaryami.net".
  36. Sharma 2000, p. 452.
  37. Sharma 2000, p. 496.
  38. Sharma 2000, p. 508.

References

  • Sankaranarayan, P. (1996), Śrī Viṣṇu Sahasranāma Stotram, Mumbai: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. With an English Translation of Sri Sankara Bhagavatpada's Commentary
  • Tapasyananda, Swami, Sri Vishnu Sahasranama, Chennai: Sri Ramakrishna Math. Sanskrit and English, with an English translation of Sri Sankara Bhagavatpada's commentary.

Further reading

  • Sanskrit & Hindi: Sri Vishnu Sahasranama, Gita Press, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh 273005, India
  • Sanskrit & English: The Thousand Names of Vishnu and the Satyanarayana Vrat, translated by Swami Satyananda Saraswati, Devi Mandir, Napa.

Other translations:

  • Sanskrit & Gujarati: Sri Vishnu Sahasranama Stotram; translated by Shri Yogeshwarji, India @ www.swargarohan.org
  • Sanskrit & English: Sri Vishnu Sahasranama Stotram; translated by Swami Vimalananda, Sri Ramakrishna Tapovanam, Tiruchirapalli, India, 1985
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