Sri Vishnu Sahasranam

        The Sri Vishnu Sahasranam, or the Thousand Names of Vishnu, is an important Stotram that is chanted in many temples of Vishnu throughout the world. It is used at important times or occasions, or even simply for personal meditation.  It is extremely powerful and offers numerous spiritual benefits. Its recitation creates a most spiritual atmosphere for all, destroys negative influences and elements, and produces a high vibration for peace and positivity.

        The 1000 names of Lord Vishnu are meant to invoke a sense of bonding with the Lord, who's the most intimate one, whether we recognize it or not. The meanings of the names given here will help in understanding the magnitude and depth of Godhood. There are exactly 1031 names of Lord Vishnu in the ‘Sahasranama’ but we also find some repetitions.

        The Sri Vishnu Sahasranam is found in the Mahabharata, Anusasana Parva, Section 149, verses 14 to 120, and authored by Srila Vyasadeva. The edition of the Mahabharata by Kisari Mohan Ganguli offers an easy translation of the text in English. However, copies of the Vishnu Sahasranam are available in books that concentrate on the Stotram alone, with texts, translations, explanations, etc., depending on which one you buy. 

        Many devotees chant this everyday; if this is not convenient they perform this at least on their birthdays, on eclipse days and on the day which sun moves from one zodiac sign to another. The chanting of the Vishnu Sahasra Nama is said by sastras to ward off troubles that arise from the position of stars, planets, anger of rulers, incurable diseases and ruthless enemies. Moreover this purifies the mind there by letting one gain more inner poise for meditation, allows us greater understanding of the characteristics of the Lord, and invokes His energy into our life and consciousness.

        [Click here] to download a copy of the Roman transliteration of the Vishnu Sahasranam. This is especially for Westerners who want a copy to chant it for your own recitation. 

        [Click Here] to view a translation of the Slokas (verses) in Sanskrit, plus Roman transliterations, and simple English translations of each name of Vishnu. 

        [Click here] to read an introduction to the Sri Vishnu Sahasranam. This also contains links for additional copies and for an audio version so you can hear it and practice the chanting properly. 

        http://sanskrit.safire.com/pdf/VISHNU2.PDF  This is a link that will provide you with a Sanskrit edition of the full text if you would also like a copy of that.         

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