Vishnu Sahasranama

Vishnu Sahasranama is an ancient script, a Sanskrit hymn that literally translates to thousand names of Lord Vishnu who is believed to be one of the most revered Gods in Hinduism. Lord Vishnu is also known as the preserver of this world. 'Sahasra' means thousand and 'nama' means name. It is said that one of the easiest ways to pray and pay respect to the Lord is by reciting mantras, stotras, and shlokas. 

Lord Vishnu is believed to be the supreme power who rules the entire universe, the one who saves lives. The Vishnu Sahasranama or Stotra is written by Sanskrit scholar Sage Vyasa who has written epics like Ramayana, Mahabharata and Bhagavad Gita. Chanting the Vishnu Sahasranama is said to be highly beneficial.

Background

In the 135th 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 deathbed (of arrows) in the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Yudhishthira asks Bhishma the following questions:

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 eulogizing whom can a person reach auspiciousness? By worshiping 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?

Bhishma answers by stating that mankind will be free from all sorrows by chanting the "Vishnusahasranāma", 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 "many" , often infinite. 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.

Benefits of chanting the Vishnu Sahasranama

Sincere devotion stems from absolute faith in the power of the divine. Hence, hailing the supreme force and doing Nama Japa with honesty works wonders, as our prayers reach the Lord sooner than expected. Chanting a thousand names of Shri Hari Vishnu attracts goodness, bliss and peace and above all, his blessings.

Chanting of the mantras or slokas or stotras help us remain focussed in life. Each word, when uttered correctly generates energy that can be felt within. This energy stimulates the tiniest cells of the body and boosts our concentration power.

A sound mind is essential for a healthy body and vice versa. Hence, we must keep both our mental and physical health free of stress and illness. Regular chanting of the Vishnu Sahasranama or even listening to it daily helps devotees in maintaining good health.

Taking the name of the Lord regularly helps us remain grounded. It inculcates a sense of gratitude as we acknowledge the fact that there's something more powerful than humankind.

And last but not least, reciting the Vishnu Sahasranama rids people of the vicious cycle of birth, death and rebirth. Devotees of Shri Hari Vishnu yearn to attain Moksha (liberation) by visiting Vaikuntha, the holy abode of the Lord after breathing their last.

What Is The Right Time To Read The Vishnu Sahasranama?

It is best to read the strotra in the morning after you have taken a bath. However, if you wish to read it later in the day then the best time would be in the evening between 5-7 pm. Chanting the strotra before going to sleep is also said to be beneficial.

What Is The Right Way Of Chanting The Vishnu Sahasranama?

Though you can chant the strotra wearing any color of clothes, it is best to wear something in yellow. It is believed that yellow color is Lord Vishnu's favorite. While chanting it, make sure you sit on a woolen asana.  While chanting the stotra, one must keep a 'jal kalash' or a glass of water in the temple or puja area. One can also offer fruits, dry fruits, or a yellow sweet dish as bhog while reciting it. After one finishes reading, they must drink the water and distribute the food to their family members as prasad.

There are 108 slokas in the Vishnu Sahasranama. Even if you find it difficult to read then even listening to it can be really beneficial.