Vishnu sahasranama

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Vishnusahasranama manuscript, ca1690.

The Vishnusahasranama (Sanskrit Viṣṇusahasranāma, a tatpurusha compound translating literally to "the thousand names of Vishnu") is a list of 1,000 names (sahasranama) of Vishnu, one of the main forms of God in Hinduism and the personal supreme God for Vaishnavas (followers of Vishnu). It is also one of the most sacred and commonly chanted stotras in Hinduism. The Vishnusahasranama as found in the Shanti Parva of the Mahabharata is the most popular version of the 1,000 names of Vishnu. Another version exists in the Padma Purana and Matsya Purana. Each name eulogizes one of His countless great attributes.

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The VishnuSahasranāma has been the subject of numerous commentaries. Adi Shankaracharya wrote a definitive commentary on the sahasranāma in the 8th century which has been particularly influential for many schools of Hinduism even today. Parasara Bhattar, a follower of Ramanujacharya wrote a commentary in the 12th century, detailing the names of Vishnu from a Vishishtadvaita perspective. Madhvacharya asserted that each name in the sahasranama has a minimum of 100 meanings.

Background

According to the 149th chapter of Anushāsanaparva (verses 14 to 120) in the epic Mahabharata, the names were handed down to Yudhisthira by the famous warrior Bhishma who was on his death bed (of arrows) in the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Yudhisthira asks Bhishma the following questions:^[1]^[2]

“

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 universe Who is the one (ekam) refuge (parāyaṇam) for all? Who (kim) is the greatest (ekam) Lord (daivatam) in the world (loke)? By eulogising (sthuvantaḥ) whom (kam) can a person (mānavāḥ) reach auspiciousness (śubham) (peace and prosperity)? By worshipping (archantaḥ) whom can a person reach auspiciousness (peace and prosperity)? What (kah) is, in thy opinion, the Greatest Dharma of all Dharmas? By (kim) chanting whose name, can a "creature" (jantuh) proceed beyond (muchyate) the bonds (bandhanāt) of samsāra?

^[3]

Bhisma 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 "a thousand" and 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.

Interpretations

There are Sahasranāma for many forms of God (Vishnu, Shiva, Ganesha, Shakti, and others). The Vishnu Sahasranāma is popular among common 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 Lord Vishnu. Followers of Shaivism similarly give prominence to Shiva. Interestingly, despite the existence of other sahasranamas of other forms of God, referring a sahasranama as "The Sahasranama," generally refers to the Vishnu Sahasranama alone, thereby indicating its wide popularity and use. .^[4]

Smarta interpretations

Two of the names in Vishnusahasranama that refer to Shiva are "Shiva" (names # 27 and # 600 in Adi Sankara's commentary) itself, "Shambhu" (name # 38), "Ishanah" (name #6 4), and "Rudra" (name # 114). Most notably, Adi Shankara, according to one interpretation, has not interpreted these to mean that the deity Shiva and the deity Vishnu are the same.^[5] Specifically, he asserts that the deity Vishnu is Brahman itself (not just an aspect of Brahmam).^[6] Again, he notes that "only Hari (Vishnu) is eulogized by names such as Shiva",^[7] 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.".^[8] In fact, the Shri Rudram, a sacred prayer for Hindus and devotees of Shiva in particular, describes Vishnu as an aspect of Shiva in the fifth anuvaka.

However, this interpretation of the name Shiva has been challenged by Swami Tapasyananda's translation of Sankara's commentary on the Vishnusahasranama.^[9] 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." ^[9] 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"^[10] which could also apply to Vishnu. The Deities Ananthapadmanabha and Shankaranarayana are worshipped by Hindus, as is Lord Panduranga Vitthala, a form of Lord Krishna with a Shiva Linga on his crown, signifying the oneness of both deities.

Vaishnava interpretations

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 pure 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 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 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. This theological difference can be expressed as follows: Many Vaishnava groups recognize Krishna as an Avatar of Vishnu, while others, instead, consider Him 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.” ^[11]

Within Vaisnavism some groups, such as Sri sampradaya, adhere to and follow the Rig Veda: V.I.15b.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." ^[12]

Interpretations alluding to the power of God in controlling karma

Many names in the Vishnu Sahasranama, 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." ^[13]

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.^[14] Bhavanah, according to Sankara's interpretation, means "One who generates the fruits of Karmas of all Jivas for them to enjoy." ^[15] 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.^[15]

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 Yudhisthira, according to excerpt from C. Rajagopalachari's translation of the Mahabharata, became an Indra, king of devas, but was later expelled from Swarga or heaven due to a curse by the great sage Agastya for his eventual gain in pride and arrogance and became a python for thousands of years.^[16]

Thus, chanting of Vishnu sahasranama will help lead to success in this life and hereafter.

A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada gives a Gaudiya Vaishnava interpretation of verse 7.24 from the Bhagavad Gita, wherein he quotes the Avatar, Krishna, as saying: "Unintelligent men, who do not know Me perfectly, think that I, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krishna, was impersonal before and have now assumed this personality. Due to their small knowledge, they do not know My higher nature, which is imperishable and supreme."^[17] Prabhupada has also stated that “I beg to point out that the Hindu religion is perfectly based on the personal conception of God, or Vishnu."^[18]

In Swami Chidbhavananda's translation of the Bhagavad Gita, he gives an opposite interpretation of the same verse, 7:24, "men of poor understanding think of Me, the unmanifest, as having manifestation, not knowing My supreme state, immutable and unsurpassed." Swami Chidbhavananda, holding Advaita views, gives more importance to God being formless while Srila Prabhupada, following Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's philosophy, gives importance to God with form. Ramakrishna analogized God with form and without form as being like ice and liquid water, as being both the same but in different states.^[19]

Quotes about Vishnu Sahasranama

Sri N. Krishnamachari, a Vaishnavite scholar, at Steven Knapp's web site, quoting Vaishnavite scholars, states that there are six reasons for the greatness of Vishnu sahasranama:

"1. Vishnu sahasranama 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 foremost knower of the Vedas, who is considered an avatar of Vishnu;

4. Bhishma considered chanting of the Vishnu sahasranama the best and easiest of all dharmas, or the means to attain relief from all bondage;

5. It is widely accepted that the chanting of this Stotram gives relief from all sorrows and leads to happiness and peace of mind;

6. Vishnu sahasranama is in conformity with the teachings of the Gita." ^[20]

Adi Sankaracharya, the Advaita enlightened master, in verse 27 of his hymn, Bhaja Govindam,^[21] said that the Gita and Vishnu sahasranama 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.^[22]

Parasara Bhattar, a follower of Ramanujacharya had said that Vishnu sahasranama absolves people of all sins and has no equal^[22]

Madhvacharya, the Dvaita philosopher, said that the Sahasranama was the essence of the Mahabharata which in turn was the essence of the Shastras and that each word of the Sahasranama had 100 meanings.^[22]

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 Vishnu Sahasranama recited at a holy place according to one's capacity. The recital is such that it gives fruits according to whatever is desired." ^[23]

Swaminarayan also said in verses 93-96, "I have the highest esteem for these eight holy scriptures: the four Vedas, the Vyas-Sutra,(i.e., Brahma Sutras, the Shreemad Bhagavata Purana, the Shree Vishnu Sahasranama in the Mahabharata, and the Yaagnavalkya Smruti which is at the center of the Dharma Scriptures; and all My disciples who wish to prosper should listen to these 8 holy scriptures, and brahmins under My shelter should learn and teach these holy scriptures and read them to others."

Swami Sivananda, in his 20 important spiritual instructions, stated that the Vishnu sahasranama, along with other religious texts, should be studied systematically.^[24]

Quote by A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada; on February 15, 1970 to J.F.Staal; Professor of Philosophy and of South Asian Languages. Second paragraph, states:

”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.”^[25]

Lord Shiva addressed his wife, Parvati:

sri rama rama rameti rame rame manorame; sahasra nama tat tulyam rama nama varanane

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

Brahmānda Purana said:

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

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

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.”^[11]

From the oldest scriptural text in Hinduism, the Rig Veda; V.I.15b.3, 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."

Pronunciation

In the linked preface prayer (But not in the succeeding Sahasranama) non-formal pronunciation is used, since correct representation of pronunciation requires extensive use of diacritic marks. An example: Sanskrit/Hindi has three letters representing S, which are represented here as 's', 'ś', and 'ṣ', as used in the Sanskrit word ṣatkona (= "hexagon"), Viṣnu, Kṛṣṇa and others is actually a retroflex phoneme and has no equivalent in English. Retroflex phonemes are those where the tongue is slightly coiled back in the palate and released along with the phoneme's sound. Also, the 'ṇ' in Viṣṇu and Kṛṣṇa is retroflex. In formal transliteration of Sanskrit alphabet to English, this set-up is denoted by placing dots below the letter 'ṣ'. More details can be found at Sanskrit language#Consonants, and at IAST

Although devotion is considered the most important thing while reciting any prayer or mantra (Unless used for tantric purposes, where the sound's vibration plays the major role), use of the correct pronunciation is believed by devotees to enhance the satisfaction derived from the recital, in the case of both vocal and mental chants.

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." ^[26]

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.^[27] 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 ^[27]

Sage Parashara mentions this practice more than ten times in his text. Here's another verse:

"The remedial measure to obtain relief from the above evil effects, is recitation of Vishnu Sahasranama." ch 59 verse 77 ^[27]

It is customary to commence the Vishnu sahasranama with a devotional prayer to Vishnu.

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

Most Popular Names of Lord Vishnu

Vishwam ( विश्वं )- The world is a form or a body of Lord Vishnu.The world constitutes of earth, 21 heavens & 21 hells. This world is like a small fragment in the infinite space called Mahat-tatva. This world is Lord Vishnu. So the world being God one should not destroy this world & try to find the hidden God in this world through faith.
Vishnu ( विष्णुः )
Vashatkara ( वषट्कारः )
Bhuta Bhavya Bhavatprabhu ( भूतभव्य भवत्प्रभुः )
Bhutakrut ( भूतक्रुत )
Bhutabhrut ( भूतभ्रुत )
Bhava ( भावः )- Feelings is the abstract body of Lord Vishnu or God. A person with (true) feelings should be respected bcos he is holding God or God is holding that person. Hence feelings should be assumed to be the form of God or Lord Vishnu & should be respected.
Bhutatma ( भूतात्मा )
Bhutabhavanah ( भूतभावनः )
Putatma ( पूतात्मा )
Paramatma (परमात्मा )- The supersoul within all souls is Lord Vishnu. A sun can have 10 reflections in 10 pots or infinite reflections in infinite pots. That way Sun is Lord Vishnu or Bhagvan & the reflection "Sun Disc" is the Parmatma or the Supersoul within all souls
Muktanam Parama Gatih ( मुक्तानां परमा गतिः )
Avyaya ( अव्यय, the never changing)
Purusha ( पुरुष )- Lord Vishnu is a male. A soul with strong masculanity is called Purusha.
Keshava ( केशव )
Shrinidhi ( श्रीनिधि )- One Who is the treasure- house (Nidhih) of Sree.

Some other names

The names are generally derived from the anantakalyanagunas (meaning: infinite auspicious attributes). Some names are:

Achintya (Incomprehensible, beyond understanding)
Acyutah (infallible)
Ananta (endless, eternal, infinite)
Damodara (having a rope (dama) around his belly (udara): a name of Krishna)
Govinda (protector of the cows and Brahmins; master of the senses: a name of Krishna)
Hari (one who takes away the pain of material bondage of his devotees)
Hayagriva (giver of knowledge)
Jagannatha (Owner/Ruler of the world/universe)
Janardana (One who is worshiped by people for Wealth)
Keshava (slayer of Keshi, having long or much or handsome hair, from Atharvaveda viii, 6, 23 and one who is himself the three: kah Brahma; ah Vishnu and Isa Shiva.
Krishna (born during the third epoch or yuga, his deeds range from cow protection (go rakshya) to absolving the earth of load of sins)
Madhava (relating to the season of spring,ma=laxmi,dhav=dhaaran karne walle means madhava)
Madhusudana (he who destroyed the demon called Madhu)
Narayana (said to mean "he who is the abode of nār (= ether)", i.e., the whole universe's shelter. Also means "The supreme Man who is the foundation of all men". Another meaning is "He who lies (i.e., rests) in the water".)
Padmanabha (lotus-naveled one, from whose navel sprang the lotus which contained Brahma, who created the universe)
Parthasarathy (Charioteer of Arjuna/Partha)
Purushottama - The Supreme Eternal Being
Rama (born during the second epoch or Yuga, his deeds primarily established the ideal living principles for a man)
Hrishikesh (Lord of the senses or Lord within the heart; "hri" root meaning the heart)
Rohit (another Name of Vishnu)
Satyanarayana (a combination of satya and Narayana meaning 'protector of truth')
Shrivatsa
Shikhandee: He who wears a peacock feather.
Souryarayan (the one who destroys the evil/sins and who comforts us) described in Vishnu kautuvam.
Sridhara (consort of Sri = Laxmi or Ultimate wealth)
Siddhartha (one who attains perfection, birth name of Buddha avatar in the last epoch of Kali Yuga)
Sriman (the pride of Shri or Lakshmi); Often Sriman is combined with the name, Narayana, to form a compound word, Sriman Narayana.
Srinivasa (the abode of Shri) (also specifically referring to his form in the temple at Tirupati). Also the form of Vishnu at Tirupati is well known as Venkateswara.
Trivikrama (Conqueror of the three worlds, as in Vamana avatara).
Vishal (Immense, The Unstoppable One).
Vamana (dwarfish, small or short in stature, a dwarf brahmana)
Vāsudeva ( "All-Pervading god", with the long vowel A; it also means "the son of Vasudeva", i.e. Krishna)
Shreesh (Husband of Goddess Lakshmi).
Guruvayurappan Lord of Guruvayur (Temple made by Guru(Brihaspati) and Vayu deva)
Jaganath is the south eastern name of Vishnu. The word juggernaut (the mightiest) is derived from this name.
Sohama means the most intelligent, it is strongest form of Vishnu with a thousand brains and hands
Jayan means The Victorious or The conqueror of all enemies

Complete List of Names of Lord Vishnu

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This is the complete list of names, in loose anglicized spelling and with idiosyncratic translations.^[28]^[29]

1) vishwam: Who is the universe himself
2) vishnuh: He who pervades everywhere
3) vashatkaarah: He who is invoked for oblations
4) bhoota-bhavya-bhavat-prabhuh: The Lord of past, present and future
5) bhoota-krit: The creator of all creatures
6) bhoota-bhrit: He who nourishes all creatures
7) bhaavo: He who becomes all moving and nonmoving things
8) bhootaatmaa: The aatman of all beings
9) bhoota-bhaavanah: The cause of the growth and birth of all creatures
10) pootaatmaa: He with an extremely pure essence
11) paramaatmaa: The Supersoul
12) muktaanaam paramaa gatih: The final goal, reached by liberated souls
13) avyayah: Without destruction
14) purushah: He who dwells in the city of nine gates
15) saakshee: The witness
16) kshetrajnah: The knower of the field
17) akshara: Indestructible
18) yogah: He who is realized through yoga
19) yoga-vidaam netaa: The guide of those who know yoga
20) pradhaana-purusheshvarah: Lord of pradhaana and purusha
21) naarasimha-vapuh: He whose form is man-lion
22) shreemaan: He who is always with shree
23) keshavah: He who has beautiful locks of hair, slayer of Keshi and one who is himself the three: kah Brahma; ah Vishnu and Isa Shiva
24) purushottamah: The Supreme Controller
25) sarvah: He who is everything
26) sharvas: The auspicious
27) shivah: He who is eternally pure
28) sthaanuh: The pillar, the immovable truth
29) bhootaadih: The cause of the five great elements
30) nidhir-avyayah: The imperishable treasure
31) sambhavah: He who descends of His own free will
32) bhaavanah: He who gives everything to his devotees
33) bhartaa: He who governs the entire living world
34) prabhavah: The womb of the five great elements
35) prabhuh: The Almighty Lord
36) eeshvarah: He who can do anything without any help
37) svayambhooh: He who manifests from Himself
38) shambhuh: He who brings auspiciousness
39) aadityah: The son of Aditi (Vaamana)
40) pushkaraakshah: He who has eyes like the lotus
41) mahaasvanah: He who has a thundering voice
42) anaadi-nidhanah: He without origin or end
43) dhaataa: He who supports all fields of experience
44) vidhaataa: The dispenser of fruits of action
45) dhaaturuttamah: The subtlest atom
46) aprameyah: He who cannot be perceived
47) hrisheekeshah: The Lord of the senses
48) padmanaabhah: He from whose navel comes the lotus
49) amaraprabhuh: The Lord of the devas
50) vishvakarmaa: The creator of the universe
51) manuh: He who has manifested as the Vedic mantras
52) tvashtaa: He who makes huge things small
53) sthavishtah: The supremely gross
54) sthaviro dhruvah: The ancient, motionless one
55) agraahyah: He who is not perceived sensually
56) shaashvatah: He who always remains the same
57) krishno: He whose complexion is dark
58) lohitaakshah: Red-eyed
59) pratardanah: The Supreme destruction
60) prabhootas: Ever-full
61) trikakub-dhaama: The support of the three quarters
62) pavitram: He who gives purity to the heart
63) mangalam param: The Supreme auspiciousness
64) eeshanah: The controller of the five great elements
65) praanadah: He who gives life
66) praano: He who ever lives
67) jyeshthah: Older than all
68) shreshthah: The most glorious
69) prajaapatih: The Lord of all creatures
70) hiranyagarbhah: He who dwells in the womb of the world
71) bhoogarbhah: He who is the womb of the world
72) maadhavah: Husband of Lakshmi
73) madhusoodanah: Destroyer of the Madhu demon
74) eeshvarah: The controller
75) vikramee: He who is full of prowess
76) dhanvee: He who always has a divine bow
77) medhaavee: Supremely intelligent
78) vikramah: He who stepped (Vaamana)
79) kramah: All-pervading
80) anuttamah: Incomparably great
81) duraadharshah: He who cannot be attacked successfully
82) kritajnah: He who knows all that is
83) kritih: He who rewards all our actions
84) aatmavaan: The self in all beings
85) sureshah: The Lord of the demigods
86) sharanam: The refuge
87) sharma: He who is Himself infinite bliss
88) visva-retaah: The seed of the universe
89) prajaa-bhavah: He from whom all praja comes
90) ahah: He who is the nature of time
91) samvatsarah: He from whom the concept of time comes
92) vyaalah: The serpent (vyaalah) to atheists
93) pratyayah: He whose nature is knowledge
94) sarvadarshanah: All-seeing
95) ajah: Unborn
96) sarveshvarah: Controller of all
97) siddhah: The most famous
98) siddhih: He who gives moksha
99) sarvaadih: The beginning of all
100) achyutah: Infallible
101) vrishaakapih: He who lifts the world to dharma
102) ameyaatmaa: He who manifests in infinite varieties
103) sarva-yoga-vinissritah: He who is free from all attachments
104) vasuh: The support of all elements
105) vasumanaah: He whose mind is supremely pure
106) satyah: The truth
107) samaatmaa: He who is the same in all
108) sammitah: He who has been accepted by authorities
109) samah: Equal
110) amoghah: Ever useful
111) pundareekaakshah: He who dwells in the heart
112) vrishakarmaa: He whose every act is righteous
113) vrishaakritih: The form of dharma
114) rudrah: He who makes all people weep
115) bahu-shiraah: He who has many heads
116) babhrur: He who rules over all the worlds
117) vishvayonih: The womb of the universe
118) shuchi-shravaah: He who listens only the good and pure
119) amritah: Immortal
120) shaashvatah-sthaanur: Permanent and immovable
121) varaaroho: The most glorious destination
122) mahaatapaah: He of great tapas
123) sarvagah: All-pervading
124) sarvavid-bhaanuh: All-knowing and effulgent
125) vishvaksenah: He against whom no army can stand
126) janaardanah: He who gives joy to good people
127) vedah: He who is the Vedas
128) vedavid: The knower of the Vedas
129) avyangah: Without imperfections
130) vedaangah: He whose limbs are the Vedas
131) vedavit: He who contemplates upon the Vedas
132) kavih: The seer
133) lokaadhyakshah: He who presides over all lokas
134) suraadhyaksho: He who presides over all devas
135) dharmaadhyakshah: He who presides over dharma
136) krita-akritah: All that is created and not created
137) chaturaatmaa: The four-fold self
138) chaturvyoohah: Vasudeva, Sankarshan etc.
139) chaturdamstrah: He who has four canines (Nrsimha)
140) chaturbhujah: Four-handed
141) bhraajishnur: Self-effulgent consciousness
142) bhojanam: He who is the sense-objects
143) bhoktaa: The enjoyer
144) sahishnuh: He who can suffer patiently
145) jagadaadijah: Born at the beginning of the world
146) anaghah: Sinless
147) vijayah: Victorious
148) jetaa: Ever-successful
149) vishvayonih: He who incarnates because of the world
150) punarvasuh: He who lives repeatedly in different bodies
151) upendrah: The younger brother of Indra (vaamana)
152) vaamanah: He with a dwarf body
153) praamshuh: He with a huge body
154) amoghah: He whose acts are for a great purpose
155) shuchih: He who is spotlessly clean
156) oorjitah: He who has infinite vitality
157) ateendrah: He who surpasses Indra
158) samgrahah: He who holds everything together
159) sargah: He who creates the world from Himself
160) dhritaatmaa: Established in Himself
161) niyamo: The appointing authority
162) yamah: The administrator
163) vedyah: That which is to be known
164) vaidyah: The Supreme doctor
165) sadaa-yogee: Always in yoga
166) veerahaa: He who destroys the mighty heroes
167) maadhavo: The Lord of all knowledge
168) madhuh: Sweet
169) ateendriyo: Beyond the sense organs
170) mahaamayo: The Supreme Master of all Maya
171) mahotsaaho: The great enthusiast
172) mahaabalah: He who has supreme strength
173) mahaabuddhir: He who has supreme intelligence
174) mahaa-veeryah: The supreme essence
175) mahaa-shaktih: All-powerful
176) mahaa-dyutih: Greatly luminous
177) anirdeshya-vapuh: He whose form is indescribable
178) shreemaan: He who is always courted by glories
179) ameyaatmaa: He whose essence is immeasurable
180) mahaadri-dhrik: He who supports the great mountain
181) maheshvaasah: He who wields shaarnga
182) maheebhartaa: The husband of mother earth
183) shreenivaasah: The permanent abode of Shree
184) sataam gatih: The goal for all virtuous people
185) aniruddhah: He who cannot be obstructed
186) suraanando: He who gives out happiness
187) govindah: The protector of the cows
188) govidaam-patih: The Lord of all men of wisdom
189) mareechih: Effulgence
190) damanah: He who controls rakshasas
191) hamsah: The swan
192) suparnah: Beautiful-winged (Two birds analogy)
193) bhujagottamah: The serpent Ananta
194) hiranyanaabhah: He who has a golden navel
195) sutapaah: He who has glorious tapas
196) padmanaabhah: He whose navel is like a lotus
197) prajaapatih: He from whom all creatures emerge
198) amrityuh: He who knows no death
199) sarva-drik: The seer of everything
200) simhah: He who destroys
201) sandhaataa: The regulator
202) sandhimaan: He who seems to be conditioned
203) sthirah: Steady
204) ajah: He who takes the form of Aja, Brahma
205) durmarshanah: He who cannot be vanquished
206) shaastaa: He who rules over the universe
207) visrutaatmaa: He who is called atma in the Vedas
208) suraarihaa: Destroyer of the enemies of the devas
209) guruh: The teacher
210) gurutamah: The greatest teacher
211) dhaama: The goal
212) satyah: He who is Himself the truth
213) satya-paraakramah: Dynamic Truth
214) nimishah: He who has closed eyes in contemplation
215) animishah: He who remains unwinking; ever knowing
216) sragvee: He who always wears a garland of undecaying flowers
217) vaachaspatir-udaara-dheeh: He who is eloquent in championing the Supreme law of life; He with a large-hearted intelligence
218) agraneeh: He who guides us to the peak
219) graamaneeh: He who leads the flock
220) shreemaan: The possessor of light, effulgence, glory
221) nyaayah: Justice
222) netaa: The leader
223) sameeranah: He who sufficiently administers all movements of all living creatures
224) sahasra-moordhaa: He who has endless heads
225) vishvaatmaa: The soul of the universe
226) sahasraakshah: Thousands of eyes
227) sahasrapaat: Thousand-footed
228) aavartanah: The unseen dynamism
229) nivritaatmaa: The soul retreated from matter
230) samvritah: He who is veiled from the jiva
231) sam-pramardanah: He who persecutes evil men
232) ahassamvartakah: He who thrills the day and makes it function vigorously
233) vahnih: Fire
234) anilah: Air
235) dharaneedharah: He who supports the earth
236) suprasaadah: Fully satisfied
237) prasanaatmaa: Ever pure and all-blissful self
238) vishva-dhrik: Supporter of the world
239) vishvabhuk: He who enjoys all experiences
240) vibhuh: He who manifests in endless forms
241) satkartaa: He who adores good and wise people
242) satkritah: He who is adored by all good people
243) saadhur: He who lives by the righteous codes
244) jahnuh: Leader of men
245) naaraayanah: He who resides on the waters
246) narah: The guide
247) asankhyeyah: He who has numberless names and forms
248) aprameyaatmaa: A soul not known through the pramanas
249) vishishtah: He who transcends all in His glory
250) shishta-krit: The law-maker
251) shuchih: He who is pure
252) siddhaarthah: He who has all arthas
253) siddhasankalpah: He who gets all He wishes for
254) siddhidah: The giver of benedictions
255) siddhisaadhanah: The power behind our sadhana
256) vrishaahee: Controller of all actions
257) vrishabhah: He who showers all dharmas
258) vishnuh: Long-striding
259) vrishaparvaa: The ladder leading to dharma (As well as dharma itself)
260) vrishodarah: He from whose belly life showers forth
261) vardhanah: The nurturer and nourisher
262) vardhamaanah: He who can grow into any dimension
263) viviktah: Separate
264) shruti-saagarah: The ocean for all scripture
265) subhujah: He who has graceful arms
266) durdurdharah: He who cannot be known by great yogis
267) vaagmee: He who is eloquent in speech
268) mahendrah: The lord of Indra
269) vasudah: He who gives all wealth
270) vasuh: He who is Wealth
271) naika-roopo: He who has unlimited forms
272) brihad-roopah: Vast, of infinite dimensions
273) shipivishtah: The presiding deity of the sun
274) prakaashanah: He who illuminates
275) ojas-tejo-dyutidharah: The possessor of vitality, effulgence and beauty
276) prakaashaatmaa: The effulgent self
277) prataapanah: Thermal energy; one who heats
278) riddhah: Full of prosperity
279) spashtaaksharo: One who is indicated by OM
280) mantrah: The nature of the Vedic mantras
281) chandraamshuh: The rays of the moon
282) bhaaskara-dyutih: The effulgence of the sun
283) amritaamsoodbhavo: The moon who gives flavor to vegetables
284) bhaanuh: Self-effulgent
285) shashabindhuh: The moon who has a rabbit-like spot
286) sureshvarah: A person of extreme charity
287) aushadham: Medicine
288) jagatas-setuh: A bridge across the material energy
289) satya-dharma-paraakramah: One who champions heroically for truth and righteousness
290) bhoota-bhavya-bhavan-naathah: The Lord of past, present and future
291) pavanah: The air that fills the universe
292) paavanah: He who gives life-sustaining power to air
293) analah: Fire
294) kaamahaa: He who destroys all desires
295) kaamakrit: He who fulfills all desires
296) kaantah: He who is of enchanting form
297) kaamah: The beloved
298) kaamapradah: He who supplies desired objects
299) prabhuh: The Lord
300) yugaadi-krit: The creator of the yugas
301) yugaavartah: The law behind time
302) naikamaayah: He whose forms are endless and varied
303) mahaashanah: He who eats up everything
304) adrishyah: Imperceptible
305) vyaktaroopah: He who is perceptible to the yogi
306) sahasrajit: He who vanquishes thousands
307) anantajit: Ever-victorious
308) ishtah: He who is invoked through Vedic rituals
309) visishtah: The noblest and most sacred
310) sishteshtah: The greatest beloved
311) shikhandee: He who wears a peacock feather
312) nahushah: He who binds all with maya
313) vrishah: He who is dharma
314) krodhahaa: He who destroys anger
315) krodhakrit-kartaa: He who generates anger against the lower tendency
316) visvabaahuh: He whose hand is in everything
317) maheedharah: The support of the earth
318) achyutah: He who undergoes no changes
319) prathitah: He who exists pervading all
320) praanah: The prana in all living creatures
321) praanadah: He who gives prana
322) vaasavaanujah: The brother of Indra
323) apaam-nidhih: Treasure of waters (the ocean)
324) adhishthaanam: The substratum of the entire universe
325) apramattah: He who never makes a wrong judgement
326) pratishthitah: He who has no cause
327) skandah: He whose glory is expressed through Subrahmanya
328) skanda-dharah: Upholder of withering righteousness
329) dhuryah: Who carries out creation etc. without hitch
330) varadah: He who fulfills boons
331) vaayuvaahanah: Controller of winds
332) vaasudevah: Dwelling in all creatures although not affected by that condition
333) brihat-bhaanuh: He who illumines the world with the rays of the sun and moon
334) aadidevah: The primary source of everything
335) purandarah: Destroyer of cities
336) ashokah: He who has no sorrow
337) taaranah: He who enables others to cross
338) taarah: He who saves
339) shoorah: The valiant
340) shaurih: He who incarnated in the dynasty of Shoora
341) janeshvarah: The Lord of the people
342) anukoolah: Well-wisher of everyone
343) sataavarttah: He who takes infinite forms
344) padmee: He who holds a lotus
345) padmanibhekshanah: Lotus-eyed
346) padmanaabhah: He who has a lotus-navel
347) aravindaakshah: He who has eyes as beautiful as the lotus
348) padmagarbhah: He who is being meditated upon in the lotus of the heart
349) shareerabhrit: He who sustains all bodies
350) maharddhi: One who has great prosperity
351) riddhah: He who has expanded Himself as the universe
352) Vriddhaatmaa: The ancient self
353) mahaakshah: The great-eyed
354) garudadhvajah: One who has Garuda on His flag
355) atulah: Incomparable
356) sharabhah: One who dwells and shines forth through the bodies
357) bheemah: The terrible
358) samayajnah: One whose worship is nothing more than keeping an equal vision of the mind by the devotee
359) havirharih: The receiver of all oblation
360) sarva-lakshana-lakshanyah: Known through all proofs
361) lakshmeevaan: The consort of Laksmi
362) samitinjayah: Ever-victorious
363) viksharah: Imperishable
364) rohitah: The fish incarnation
365) maargah: The path
366) hetuh: The cause
367) daamodarah: Whose stomach is marked with three lines
368) sahah: All-enduring
369) maheedharah: The bearer of the earth
370) mahaabhaago: He who gets the greatest share in every Yajna
371) vegavaan: He who is swift
372) amitaashanah: Of endless appetite
373) udbhavah: The originator
374) kshobhanah: The agitator
375) devah: He who revels
376) shreegarbhah: He in whom are all glories
377) parameshvarah: Parama + Ishvara = Supreme Lord, Parama (MahaLakshmi i.e. above all the shaktis) + Ishvara (Lord) = Lord of MahaLakshmi
378) karanam: The instrument
379) kaaranam: The cause
380) kartaa: The doer
381) vikartaa: Creator of the endless varieties that make up the universe
382) gahanah: The unknowable
383) guhah: He who dwells in the cave of the heart
384) vyavasaayah: Resolute
385) vyavasthaanah: The substratum
386) samsthaanah: The ultimate authority
387) sthaanadah: He who confers the right abode
388) dhruvah: The changeless in the midst of changes
389) pararddhih: He who has supreme manifestations
390) paramaspashtah: The extremely vivid
391) tushtah: One who is contented with a very simple offering
392) pushtah: One who is ever-full
393) shubhekshanah: All-auspicious gaze
394) raamah: One who is most handsome
395) viraamah: The abode of perfect-rest
396) virajo: Passionless
397) maargah: The path
398) neyah: The guide
399) nayah: One who leads
400) anayah: One who has no leader
401) veerah: The valiant
402) shaktimataam-shresthah: The best among the powerful
403) dharmah: The law of being
404) dharmaviduttamah: The highest among men of realisation
405) vaikunthah: Lord of supreme abode, Vaikuntha
406) purushah: One who dwells in all bodies
407) praanah: Life
408) praanadah: Giver of life
409) pranavah: He who is praised by the gods
410) prituh: The expanded
411) hiranyagarbhah: The creator
412) shatrughnah: The destroyer of enemies
413) vyaaptah: The pervader
414) vaayuh: The air
415) adhokshajah: One whose vitality never flows downwards
416) rituh: The seasons
417) sudarshanah: He whose meeting is auspicious
418) kaalah: He who judges and punishes beings
419) parameshthee: One who is readily available for experience within the heart
420) parigrahah: The receiver
421) ugrah: The terrible
422) samvatsarah: The year
423) dakshah: The smart
424) vishraamah: The resting place
425) vishva-dakshinah: The most skilful and efficient
426) vistaarah: The extension
427) sthaavarah-sthaanuh: The firm and motionless
428) pramaanam: The proof
429) beejamavyayam: The Immutable Seed
430) arthah: He who is worshiped by all
431) anarthah: One to whom there is nothing yet to be fulfilled
432) mahaakoshah: He who has got around him great sheaths
433) mahaabhogah: He who is of the nature of enjoyment
434) mahaadhanah: He who is supremely rich
435) anirvinnah: He who has no discontent
436) sthavishthah: One who is supremely huge
437) a-bhooh: One who has no birth
438) dharma-yoopah: The post to which all dharma is tied
439) mahaa-makhah: The great sacrificer
440) nakshatranemir: The nave of the stars
441) nakshatree: The Lord of the stars (the moon)
442) kshamah: He who is supremely efficient in all undertakings
443) kshaamah: He who ever remains without any scarcity
444) sameehanah: One whose desires are auspicious
445) yajnah: One who is of the nature of yajna
446) ijyah: He who is fit to be invoked through yajna
447) mahejyah: One who is to be most worshiped
448) kratuh: The animal-sacrifice
449) satram: Protector of the good
450) sataam-gatih: Refuge of the good
451) sarvadarshee: All-knower
452) vimuktaatmaa: The ever-liberated self
453) sarvajno: Omniscient
454) jnaanamuttamam: The Supreme Knowledge
455) suvratah: He who ever-perfoeming the pure vow
456) sumukhah: One who has a charming face
457) sookshmah: The subtlest
458) sughoshah: Of auspicious sound
459) sukhadah: Giver of happiness
460) suhrit: Friend of all creatures
461) manoharah: The stealer of the mind
462) jita-krodhah: One who has conquered anger
463) veerabaahur: Having mighty arms
464) vidaaranah: One who splits asunder
465) svaapanah: One who puts people to sleep
466) svavashah: He who has everything under His control
467) vyaapee: All-pervading
468) naikaatmaa: Many souled
469) naikakarmakrit: One who does many actions
470) vatsarah: The abode
471) vatsalah: The supremely affectionate
472) vatsee: The father
473) ratnagarbhah: The jewel-wombed
474) dhaneshvarah: The Lord of wealth
475) dharmagub: One who protects dharma
476) dharmakrit: One who acts according to dharma
477) dharmee: The supporter of dharma
478) sat: existence
479) asat: illusion
480) ksharam: He who appears to perish
481) aksharam: Imperishable
482) avijnaataa: The non-knower (The knower being the conditioned soul within the body)
483) sahasraamshur: The thousand-rayed
484) vidhaataa: All supporter
485) kritalakshanah: One who is famous for His qualities
486) gabhastinemih: The hub of the universal wheel
487) sattvasthah: Situated in sattva
488) simhah: The lion
489) bhoota-maheshvarah: The great lord of beings
490) aadidevah: The first deity
491) mahaadevah: The great deity
492) deveshah: The Lord of all devas
493) devabhrit-guruh: Advisor of Indra
494) uttarah: He who lifts us from the ocean of samsara
495) gopatih: The shepherd
496) goptaa: The protector
497) jnaanagamyah: One who is experienced through pure knowledge
498) puraatanah: He who was even before time
499) shareera-bhootabhrit: One who nourishes the nature from which the bodies came
500) bhoktaa: The enjoyer
501) kapeendrah: Lord of the monkeys (Rama)
502) bhooridakshinah: He who gives away large gifts
503) somapah: One who takes Soma in the yajnas
504) amritapah: One who drinks the nectar
505) somah: One who as the moon nourishes plants
506) purujit: One who has conquered numerous enemies
507) purusattamah: The greatest of the great
508) vinayah: He who humiliates those who are unrighteous
509) jayah: The victorious
510) satyasandhah: Of truthful resolution
511) daashaarhah: One who was born in the Dasarha race
512) saatvataam-patih: The Lord of the Satvatas
513) jeevah: One who functions as the ksetrajna
514) vinayitaa-saakshee: The witness of modesty
515) mukundah: The giver of liberation
516) amitavikramah: Of immeasurable prowess
517) ambho-nidhir: The substratum of the four types of beings
518) anantaatmaa: The infinite self
519) mahodadhishayah: One who rests on the great ocean
520) antakah: The death
521) ajah: Unborn
522) mahaarhah: One who deserves the highest worship
523) svaabhaavyah: Ever rooted in the nature of His own self
524) jitaamitrah: One who has conquered all enemies
525) pramodanah: Ever-blissful
526) aanandah: A mass of pure bliss
527) nandanah: One who makes others blissful
528) nandah: Free from all worldly pleasures
529) satyadharmaa: One who has in Himself all true dharmas
530) trivikramah: One who took three steps
531) maharshih kapilaachaaryah: He who incarnated as Kapila, the great sage
532) kritajnah: The knower of the creation
533) medineepatih: The Lord of the earth
534) tripadah: One who has taken three steps
535) tridashaadhyaksho: The Lord of the three states of consciousness
536) mahaashringah: Great-horned (Matsya)
537) kritaantakrit: Destroyer of the creation
538) mahaavaraaho: The great boar
539) govindah: One who is known through Vedanta
540) sushenah: He who has a charming army
541) kanakaangadee: Wearer of bright-as-gold armlets
542) guhyo: The mysterious
543) gabheerah: The unfathomable
544) gahano: Impenetrable
545) guptah: The well-concealed
546) chakra-gadaadharah: Bearer of the disc and mace
547) vedhaah: Creator of the universe
548) svaangah: One with well-proportioned limbs
549) ajitah: Vanquished by none
550) krishnah: Dark-complexioned
551) dridhah: The firm
552) sankarshanochyutah: He who absorbs the whole creation into His nature and never falls away from that nature
553) varunah: One who sets on the horizon (Sun)
554) vaarunah: The son of Varuna (Vasistha or Agastya)
555) vrikshah: The tree
556) pushkaraakshah: Lotus eyed
557) mahaamanaah: Great-minded
558) bhagavaan: One who possesses six opulences
559) bhagahaa: One who destroys the six opulences during pralaya
560) aanandee: One who gives delight
561) vanamaalee: One who wears a garland of forest flowers
562) halaayudhah: One who has a plough as His weapon
563) aadityah: Son of Aditi
564) jyotiraadityah: The resplendence of the sun
565) sahishnuh: One who calmly endures duality
566) gatisattamah: The ultimate refuge for all devotees
567) sudhanvaa: One who has Shaarnga
568) khanda-parashur: One who holds an axe
569) daarunah: Merciless towards the unrighteous
570) dravinapradah: One who lavishly gives wealth
571) divah-sprik: Sky-reaching
572) sarvadrik-vyaaso: One who creates many men of wisdom
573) vaachaspatir-ayonijah: One who is the master of all vidyas and who is unborn through a womb
574) trisaamaa: One who is glorified by Devas, Vratas and Saamans
575) saamagah: The singer of the sama songs
576) saama: The Sama Veda
577) nirvaanam: All-bliss
578) bheshajam: Medicine
579) bhishak: Physician
580) samnyaasa-krit: Institutor of sannyasa
581) samah: Calm
582) shaantah: Peaceful within
583) nishthaa: Abode of all beings
584) shaantih: One whose very nature is peace
585) paraayanam: The way to liberation
586) shubhaangah: One who has the most beautiful form
587) shaantidah: Giver of peace
588) shrashtaa: Creator of all beings
589) kumudah: He who delights in the earth
590) kuvaleshayah: He who reclines in the waters
591) gohitah: One who does welfare for cows
592) gopatih: Husband of the earth
593) goptaa: Protector of the universe
594) vrishabhaaksho: One whose eyes rain fulfilment of desires
595) vrishapriyah: One who delights in dharma
596) anivartee: One who never retreats
597) nivrittaatmaa: One who is fully restrained from all sense indulgences
598) samksheptaa: The involver
599) kshemakrit: Doer of good
600) shivah: Auspiciousness
601) shreevatsa-vakshaah: One who has sreevatsa on His chest
602) shrevaasah: Abode of Sree
603) shreepatih: Lord of Laksmi
604) shreemataam varah: The best among glorious
605) shreedah: Giver of opulence
606) shreeshah: The Lord of Sree
607) shreenivaasah: One who dwells in the good people
608) shreenidhih: The treasure of Sree
609) shreevibhaavanah: Distributor of Sree
610) shreedharah: Holder of Sree
611) shreekarah: One who gives Sree
612) shreyah: Liberation
613) shreemaan: Possessor of Sree
614) loka-trayaashrayah: Shelter of the three worlds
615) svakshah: Beautiful-eyed
616) svangah: Beautiful-limbed
617) shataanandah: Of infinite varieties and joys
618) nandih: Infinite bliss
619) jyotir-ganeshvarah: Lord of the luminaries in the cosmos
620) vijitaatmaa: One who has conquered the sense organs
621) vidheyaatmaa: One who is ever available for the devotees to command in love
622) sat-keertih: One of pure fame
623) chinnasamshayah: One whose doubts are ever at rest
624) udeernah: The great transcendent
625) sarvatah-chakshuh: One who has eyes everywhere
626) aneeshah: One who has none to Lord over Him
627) shaashvata-sthirah: One who is eternal and stable
628) bhooshayah: One who rested on the ocean shore (Rama)
629) bhooshanah: One who adorns the world
630) bhootih: One who is pure existence
631) vishokah: Sorrowless
632) shoka-naashanah: Destroyer of sorrows
633) archishmaan: The effulgent
634) architah: One who is constantly worshipped by His devotees
635) kumbhah: The pot within whom everything is contained
636) vishuddhaatmaa: One who has the purest soul
637) vishodhanah: The great purifier
638) anniruddhah: He who is invincible by any enemy
639) apratirathah: One who has no enemies to threaten Him
640) pradyumnah: Very rich
641) amitavikramah: Of immeasurable prowess
642) kaalanemi-nihaa: Slayer of Kalanemi
643) veerah: The heroic victor
644) shauri: One who always has invincible prowess
645) shoora-janeshvarah: Lord of the valiant
646) trilokaatmaa: The self of the three worlds
647) trilokeshah: The Lord of the three worlds
648) keshavah: One whose rays illumine the cosmos
649) keshihaa: Killer of Kesi
650) harih: The destroyer
651) kaamadevah: The beloved Lord
652) kaamapaalah: The fulfiller of desires
653) kaamee: One who has fulfilled all His desires
654) kaantah: Of enchanting form
655) kritaagamah: The author of the agama scriptures
656) anirdeshya-vapuh: Of Indescribable form
657) vishnuh: All-pervading
658) veerah: The courageous
659) anantah: Endless
660) dhananjayah: One who gained wealth through conquest
661) brahmanyah: Protector of Brahman (anything related to Narayana)
662) brahmakrit: One who acts in Brahman
663) brahmaa: Creator
664) brahma: Biggest
665) brahma-vivardhanah: One who increases the Brahman
666) brahmavid: One who knows Brahman
667) braahmanah: One who has realised Brahman
668) brahmee: One who is with Brahma
669) brahmajno: One who knows the nature of Brahman
670) braahmana-priyah: Dear to the brahmanas
671) mahaakramo: Of great step
672) mahaakarmaa: One who performs great deeds
673) mahaatejaah: One of great resplendence
674) mahoragah: The great serpent
675) mahaakratuh: The great sacrifice
676) mahaayajvaa: One who performed great yajnas
677) mahaayajnah: The great yajna
678) mahaahavih: The great offering
679) stavyah: One who is the object of all praise
680) stavapriyah: One who is invoked through prayer
681) stotram: The hymn
682) stutih: The act of praise
683) stotaa: One who adores or praises
684) ranapriyah: Lover of battles
685) poornah: The complete
686) poorayitaa: The fulfiller
687) punyah: The truly holy
688) punya-keertir: Of Holy fame
689) anaamayah: One who has no diseases
690) manojavah: Swift as the mind
691) teerthakaro: The teacher of the tirthas
692) vasuretaah: He whose essence is golden
693) vasupradah: The free-giver of wealth
694) vasupradah: The giver of salvation, the greatest wealth
695) vaasudevo: The son of Vasudeva
696) vasuh: The refuge for all
697) vasumanaah: One who is attentive to everything
698) havih: The oblation
699) sadgatih: The goal of good people
700) satkritih: One who is full of Good actions
701) satta: One without a second
702) sadbhootih: One who has rich glories
703) satparaayanah: The Supreme goal for the good
704) shoorasenah: One who has heroic and valiant armies
705) yadu-shresthah: The best among the Yadava clan
706) sannivaasah: The abode of the good
707) suyaamunah: One who attended by the people dwelling on the banks of Yamuna
708) bhootaavaaso: The dwelling place of the elements
709) vaasudevah: One who envelops the world with Maya
710) sarvaasunilayah: The abode of all life energies
711) analah: One of unlimited wealth, power and glory
712) darpahaa: The destroyer of pride in evil-minded people
713) darpadah: One who creates pride, or an urge to be the best, among the righteous
714) driptah: One who is drunk with Infinite bliss
715) durdharah: The object of contemplation
716) athaaparaajitah: The unvanquished
717) vishvamoortih: Of the form of the entire Universe
718) mahaamortir: The great form
719) deeptamoortir: Of resplendent form
720) a-moortirmaan: Having no form
721) anekamoortih: Multi-formed
722) avyaktah: Unmanifeset
723) shatamoortih: Of many forms
724) shataananah: Many-faced
725) ekah: The one
726) naikah: The many
727) savah: The nature of the sacrifice
728) kah: One who is of the nature of bliss
729) kim: What (the one to be inquired into)
730) yat: Which
731) tat: That
732) padam-anuttamam: The unequalled state of perfection
733) lokabandhur: Friend of the world
734) lokanaathah: Lord of the world
735) maadhavah: Born in the family of Madhu
736) bhaktavatsalah: One who loves His devotees
737) suvarna-varnah: Golden-coloured
738) hemaangah: One who has limbs of gold
739) varaangah: With beautiful limbs
740) chandanaangadee: One who has attractive armlets
741) veerahaa: Destroyer of valiant heroes
742) vishama: Unequalled
743) shoonyah: The void
744) ghritaaseeh: One who has no need for good wishes
745) acalah: Non-moving
746) chalah: Moving
747) amaanee: Without false vanity
748) maanadah: One who causes, by His maya, false identification with the body
749) maanyah: One who is to be honoured
750) lokasvaamee: Lord of the universe
751) trilokadhrik: One who is the support of all the three worlds
752) sumedhaa: One who has pure intelligence
753) medhajah: Born out of sacrifices
754) dhanyah: Fortunate
755) satyamedhah: One whose intelligence never fails
756) dharaadharah: The sole support of the earth
757) tejovrisho: One who showers radiance
758) dyutidharah: One who bears an effulgent form
759) sarva-shastra-bhritaam-varah: The best among those who wield weapons
760) pragrahah: Receiver of worship
761) nigrahah: The killer
762) vyagrah: One who is ever engaged in fulfilling the devotee's desires
763) naikashringah: One who has many horns
764) gadaagrajah: One who is invoked through mantra
765) chaturmoortih: Four-formed
766) chaturbaahuh: Four-handed
767) chaturvyoohah: One who expresses Himself as the dynamic centre in the four vyoohas
768) chaturgatih: The ultimate goal of all four varnas and asramas
769) chaturaatmaa: Clear-minded
770) chaturbhaavas: The source of the four
771) chatur-vedavid: Knower of all four vedas
772) ekapaat: One-footed (BG 10.42)
773) samaavartah: The efficient turner
774) nivrittaatmaa: One whose mind is turned away from sense indulgence
775) durjayah: The invincible
776) duratikramah: One who is difficult to be disobeyed
777) durlabhah: One who can be obtained with great efforts
778) durgamah: One who is realised with great effort
779) durgah: Not easy to storm into
780) duraavaasah: Not easy to lodge
781) duraarihaa: Slayer of the asuras
782) shubhaangah: One with enchanting limbs
783) lokasaarangah: One who understands the universe
784) sutantuh: Beautifully expanded
785) tantu-vardhanah: One who sustains the continuity of the drive for the family
786) indrakarmaa: One who always performs gloriously auspicious actions
787) mahaakarmaa: One who accomplishes great acts
788) kritakarmaa: One who has fulfilled his acts
789) kritaagamah: Author of the Vedas
790) udbhavah: The ultimate source
791) sundarah: Of unrivalled beauty
792) sundah: Of great mercy
793) ratna-naabhah: Of beautiful navel
794) sulochanah: One who has the most enchanting eyes
795) arkah: One who is in the form of the sun
796) vaajasanah: The giver of food
797) shringee: The horned one
798) jayantah: The conqueror of all enemies
799) sarvavij-jayee: One who is at once omniscient and victorious
800) suvarna-binduh: With limbs radiant like gold
801) akshobhyah: One who is ever unruffled
802) sarva-vaageeshvareshvarah: Lord of the Lord of speech
803) mahaahradah: One who is like a great refreshing swimming pool
804) mahaagartah: The great chasm
805) mahaabhootah: The great being
806) mahaanidhih: The great abode
807) kumudah: One who gladdens the earth
808) kundarah: The one who lifted the earth
809) kundah: One who is as attractive as Kunda flowers
810) parjanyah: He who is similar to rain-bearing clouds
811) paavanah: One who ever purifies
812) anilah: One who never slips
813) amritaashah: One whose desires are never fruitless
814) amritavapuh: He whose form is immortal
815) sarvajna: Omniscient
816) sarvato-mukhah: One who has His face turned everywhere
817) sulabhah: One who is readily available
818) suvratah: One who has taken the most auspicious forms
819) siddhah: One who is perfection
820) shatrujit: One who is ever victorious over His hosts of enemies
821) shatrutaapanah: The scorcher of enemies
822) nyagrodhah: The one who veils Himself with Maya
823) udumbarah: Nourishment of all living creatures
824) ashvattas: Tree of life
825) chaanooraandhra-nishoodanah: The slayer of Canura
826) sahasraarchih: He who has thousands of rays
827) saptajihvah: He who expresses himself as the seven tongues of fire (Types of agni)
828) saptaidhaah: The seven effulgences in the flames
829) saptavaahanah: One who has a vehicle of seven horses (sun)
830) amoortih: Formless
831) anaghah: Sinless
832) acintyo: Inconceivable
833) bhayakrit: Giver of fear
834) bhayanaashanah: Destroyer of fear
835) anuh: The subtlest
836) brihat: The greatest
837) krishah: Delicate, lean
838) sthoolah: One who is the fattest
839) gunabhrit: One who supports
840) nirgunah: Without any properties
841) mahaan: The mighty
842) adhritah: Without support
843) svadhritah: Self-supported
844) svaasyah: One who has an effulgent face
845) praagvamshah: One who has the most ancient ancestry
846) vamshavardhanah: He who multiplies His family of descendents
847) bhaarabhrit: One who carries the load of the universe
848) kathitah: One who is glorified in all scriptures
849) yogee: One who can be realised through yoga
850) yogeeshah: The king of yogis
851) sarvakaamadah: One who fulfils all desires of true devotees
852) aashramah: Haven
853) shramanah: One who persecutes the worldly people
854) kshaamah: One who destroys everything
855) suparnah: The golden leaf (Vedas) BG 15.1
856) vaayuvaahanah: The mover of the winds
857) dhanurdharah: The wielder of the bow
858) dhanurvedah: One who declared the science of archery
859) dandah: One who punishes the wicked
860) damayitaa: The controller
861) damah: Beautitude in the self
862) aparaajitah: One who cannot be defeated
863) sarvasahah: One who carries the entire Universe
864) aniyantaa: One who has no controller
865) niyamah: One who is not under anyone's laws
866) ayamah: One who knows no death
867) sattvavaan: One who is full of exploits and courage
868) saattvikah: One who is full of sattvic qualities
869) satyah: Truth
870) satya-dharma-paraayanah: One who is the very abode of truth and dharma
871) abhipraayah: One who is faced by all seekers marching to the infinite
872) priyaarhah: One who deserves all our love
873) arhah: One who deserves to be worshiped
874) priyakrit: One who is ever-obliging in fulfilling our wishes
875) preetivardhanah: One who increases joy in the devotee's heart
876) vihaayasa-gatih: One who travels in space
877) jyotih: Self-effulgent
878) suruchih: Whose desire manifests as the universe
879) hutabhuk: One who enjoys all that is offered in yajna
880) vibhuh: All-pervading
881) ravih: One who dries up everything
882) virochanah: One who shines in different forms
883) sooryah: The one source from where everything is born
884) savitaa: The one who brings forth the Universe from Himself
885) ravilochanah: One whose eye is the sun
886) anantah: Endless
887) hutabhuk: One who accepts oblations
888) bhoktaaA: One who enjoys
889) sukhadah: Giver of bliss to those who are liberated
890) naikajah: One who is born many times
891) agrajah: The first-born
892) anirvinnah: One who feels no disappointment
893) sadaamarshee: One who forgives the trespasses of His devotees
894) lokaadhishthaanam: The substratum of the universe
895) adbhutah: Wonderful
896) sanaat: The beginningless and endless factor
897) sanaatanatamah: The most ancient
898) kapilah: The great sage Kapila
899) kapih: One who drinks water
900) apyayah: The one in whom the universe merges
901) svastidah: Giver of Svasti
902) svastikrit: One who robs all auspiciousness
903) svasti: One who is the source of all auspiciouness
904) svastibhuk: One who constantly enjoys auspiciousness
905) svastidakshinah: Distributor of auspiciousness
906) araudrah: One who has no negative emotions or urges
907) kundalee: One who wears shark earrings
908) chakree: Holder of the chakra
909) vikramee: The most daring
910) oorjita-shaasanah: One who commands with His hand
911) shabdaatigah: One who transcends all words
912) shabdasahah: One who allows Himself to be invoked by Vedic declarations
913) shishirah: The cold season, winter
914) sharvaree-karah: Creator of darkness
915) akroorah: Never cruel
916) peshalah: One who is supremely soft
917) dakshah: Prompt
918) dakshinah: The most liberal
919) kshaminaam-varah: One who has the greatest amount of patience with sinners
920) vidvattamah: One who has the greatest wisdom
921) veetabhayah: One with no fear
922) punya-shravana-keertanah: The hearing of whose glory causes holiness to grow
923) uttaaranah: One who lifts us out of the ocean of change
924) dushkritihaa: Destroyer of bad actions
925) punyah: Supremely pure
926) duh-svapna-naashanah: One who destroys all bad dreams
927) veerahaa: One who ends the passage from womb to womb
928) rakshanah: Protector of the universe
929) santah: One who is expressed through saintly men
930) jeevanah: The life spark in all creatures
931) paryavasthitah: One who dwells everywhere
932) anantaroopah: One of infinite forms
933) anantashreeh: Full of infinite glories
934) jitamanyuh: One who has no anger
935) bhayapahah: One who destroys all fears
936) chaturashrah: One who deals squarely
937) gabheeraatmaa: Too deep to be fathomed
938) vidishah: One who is unique in His giving
939) vyaadishah: One who is unique in His commanding power
940) dishah: One who advises and gives knowledge
941) anaadih: One who is the first cause
942) bhoor-bhuvo: The substratum of the earth
943) lakshmeeh: The glory of the universe
944) suveerah: One who moves through various ways
945) ruchiraangadah: One who wears resplendent shoulder caps
946) jananah: He who delivers all living creatures
947) jana-janmaadir: The cause of the birth of all creatures
948) bheemah: Terrible form
949) bheema-paraakramah: One whose prowess is fearful to His enemies
950) aadhaaranilayah: The fundamental sustainer
951) adhaataa: Above whom there is no other to command
952) pushpahaasah: He who shines like an opening flower
953) prajaagarah: Ever-awakened
954) oordhvagah: One who is on top of everything
955) satpathaachaarah: One who walks the path of truth
956) praanadah: Giver of life
957) pranavah: Omkara
958) panah: The supreme universal manager
959) pramaanam: He whose form is the Vedas
960) praananilayah: He in whom all prana is established
961) praanibhrit: He who rules over all pranas
962) praanajeevanah: He who maintains the life-breath in all living creatures
963) tattvam: The reality
964) tattvavit: One who has realised the reality
965) ekaatmaa: The one self
966) janma-mrityu-jaraatigah: One who knows no birth, death or old age in Himself
967) bhoor-bhuvah svas-taruh: The tree of bhur, bhuvah and svah
968) taarah: One who helps all to cross over
969) savitaa: The father of all
970) prapitaamahah: The father of the father of beings (Brahma)
971) yajnah: One whose very nature is yajna
972) yajnapatih: The Lord of all yajnas
973) yajvaa: The one who performs yajna
974) yajnaangah: One whose limbs are the things employed in yajna
975) yajnavaahanah: One who fulfils yajnas in complete
976) yajnabhrid: The ruler of the yajanas
977) yajnakrit: One who performs yajna
978) yajnee: Enjoyer of yajnas
979) yajnabhuk: Receiver of all that is offered
980) yajnasaadhanah: One who fulfils all yajnas
981) yajnaantakrit: One who performs the concluding act of the yajna
982) yajnaguhyam: The person to be realised by yajna
983) annam: One who is food
984) annaadah: One who eats the food
985) aatmayonih: The uncaused cause
986) svayamjaatah: Self-born
987) vaikhaanah: The one who cut through the earth
988) saamagaayanah: One who sings the sama songs; one who loves hearing saama chants;
989) devakee-nandanah: Son of Devaki
990) srashtaa: Creator
991) kshiteeshah: The Lord of the earth
992) paapa-naashanah: Destroyer of sin
993) samkha-bhrit: One who has the divine Pancajanya
994) nandakee: One who holds the Nandaka sword
995) chakree: Carrier of Sudarsana
996) shaarnga-dhanvaa: One who aims His shaarnga bow
997) gadaadharah: Carrier of Kaumodakee club
998) rathaanga-paanih: One who has the wheel of a chariot as His weapon; One with the strings of the chariot in his hands;
999) akshobhyah: One who cannot be annoyed by anyone
1000) sarva-praharanaayudhah: He who has all implements for all kinds of assault and fight

Tradition of recitation

Since ancient times till date, many Hindus in traditional families daily recite the Sahasranama, or a similar set of prayer Slokas of their chosen deity. (Such a collection of Slokas which are used for recital purposes is generally called a Stotra (Both 't's have soft pronunciation.))

Inclusion of other deities

One notable thing about the Sahasranama is that it includes names of other Hindu deities such as Shiva, Brahma, etc. within it. According to followers of Vaishnava theology, this is an example of Vishnu considered in His universal aspect, as an aggregation, and basis of all other deities which emanate from Him. In this cosmic aspect, Vishnu is also called Mahavishnu (Great Vishnu). By an Advaitan interpretation, this notation is not surprising as followers of Advaita philosophy, in particular, Smartas believe that Vishnu and Shiva are the same and are hence different aspects of the one Supreme Being.

1,000 Names of Lord Vishnu in English alphabetical Order

aadhaaranilayah: The fundamental sustainer
aadidevah: The first deity
aadidevah: The primary source of everything
aadityah: Son of Aditi
aadityah: The son of Aditi (Vaamana)
aanandah: A mass of pure bliss
aanandee: One who gives delight
aashramah: Haven
aatmavaan: The self in all beings
aatmayonih: The uncaused cause
aavartanah: The unseen dynamism
abhipraayah: One who is faced by all seekers marching to the infinite
a-bhooh: One who has no birth
acalah: Non-moving
achyutah: He who undergoes no changes
achyutah: Infallible
acintyo: Inconceivable
adbhutah: Wonderful
adhaataa: Above whom there is no other to command
adhishthaanam: The substratum of the entire universe
adhokshajah: One whose vitality never flows downwards
adhritah: Without support
adrishyah: Imperceptible
agraahyah: He who is not perceived sensually
agrajah: The first-born
agraneeh: He who guides us to the peak
ahah: He who is the nature of time
ahassamvartakah: He who thrills the day and makes it function vigorously
ajah: He who takes the form of Aja, Brahma
ajah: Unborn
ajah: Unborn
ajitah: Vanquished by none
ajnee: Enjoyer of yajnas
akroorah: Never cruel
akshara: Indestructible
aksharam: Imperishable
akshobhyah: One who cannot be annoyed by anyone
akshobhyah: One who is ever unruffled
amaanee: Without false vanity
amaraprabhuh: The Lord of the devas
ambho-nidhir: The substratum of the four types of beings
ameyaatmaa: He who manifests in infinite varieties
ameyaatmaa: He whose essence is immeasurable
amitaashanah: Of endless appetite
amitavikramah: Of immeasurable prowess
amitavikramah: Of immeasurable prowess
amoghah: Ever useful
amoghah: He whose acts are for a great purpose
amoortih: Formless
a-moortirmaan: Having no form
amritaamsoodbhavo: The moon who gives flavor to vegetables
amritaashah: One whose desires are never fruitless
amritah: Immortal
amritapah: One who drinks the nectar
amritavapuh: He whose form is immortal
amrityuh: He who knows no death
anaadih: One who is the first cause
anaadi-nidhanah: He without origin or end
anaamayah: One who has no diseases
anaghah: Sinless
anaghah: Sinless
analah: Fire
analah: One of unlimited wealth, power and glory
anantah: Endless
anantah: Endless
anantajit: Ever-victorious
anantaroopah: One of infinite forms
anantashreeh: Full of infinite glories
anarthah: One to whom there is nothing yet to be fulfilled
anayah: One who has no leader
aneeshah: One who has none to Lord over Him
anekamoortih: Multi-formed
anilah: Air
anilah: One who never slips
animishah: He who remains unwinking; ever knowing
anirdeshya-vapuh: He whose form is indescribable
anirdeshya-vapuh: Of Indescribable form
aniruddhah: He who cannot be obstructed
anirvinnah: He who has no discontent
anirvinnah: One who feels no disappointment
anivartee: One who never retreats
aniyantaa: One who has no controller
annaadah: One who eats the food
annam: One who is food
anniruddhah: He who is invincible by any enemy
antakah: The death
anuh: The subtlest
anukoolah: Well-wisher of everyone
anuttamah: Incomparably great
apaam-nidhih: Treasure of waters (the ocean)
aparaajitah: One who cannot be defeated
apramattah: He who never makes a wrong judgement
aprameyaatmaa: A soul not known through the pramanas
aprameyah: He who cannot be perceived
apratirathah: One who has no enemies to threaten Him
apyayah: The one in whom the universe merges
araudrah: One who has no negative emotions or urges
aravindaakshah: He who has eyes as beautiful as the lotus
archishmaan: The effulgent
architah: One who is constantly worshipped by His devotees
arhah: One who deserves to be worshiped
arkah: One who is in the form of the sun
arthah: He who is worshiped by all
asankhyeyah: He who has numberless names and forms
asat: illusion
ashokah: He who has no sorrow
ashvattas: Tree of life
ateendrah: He who surpasses Indra
ateendriyo: Beyond the sense organs
athaaparaajitah: The unvanquished
atulah: Incomparable
aushadham: Medicine
avijnaataa: The non-knower (The knower being the conditioned soul within the body)
avyaktah: Unmanifeset
avyangah: Without imperfections
avyayah: Without destruction
ayamah: One who knows no death
babhrur: He who rules over all the worlds
bahu-shiraah: He who has many heads
beejamavyayam: The Immutable Seed
bhaanuh: Self-effulgent
bhaarabhrit: One who carries the load of the universe
bhaaskara-dyutih: The effulgence of the sun
bhaavanah: He who gives everything to his devotees
bhaavo: He who becomes all moving and nonmoving things
bhagahaa: One who destroys the six opulences during pralaya
bhagavaan: One who possesses six opulences
bhaktavatsalah: One who loves His devotees
bhartaa: He who governs the entire living world
bhayakrit: Giver of fear
bhayanaashanah: Destroyer of fear
bhayapahah: One who destroys all fears
bheemah: Terrible form
bheemah: The terrible
bheema-paraakramah: One whose prowess is fearful to His enemies
bheshajam: Medicine
bhishak: Physician
bhojanam: He who is the sense-objects
bhoktaa: The enjoyer
bhoktaa: The enjoyer
bhoktaaA: One who enjoys
bhoogarbhah: He who is the womb of the world
bhoor-bhuvah svas-taruh: The tree of bhur, bhuvah and svah
bhoor-bhuvo: The substratum of the earth
bhooridakshinah: He who gives away large gifts
bhooshanah: One who adorns the world
bhooshayah: One who rested on the ocean shore (Rama)
bhootaadih: The cause of the five great elements
bhootaatmaa: The aatman of all beings
bhootaavaaso: The dwelling place of the elements
bhoota-bhaavanah: The cause of the growth and birth of all creatures
bhoota-bhavya-bhavan-naathah: The Lord of past, present and future
bhoota-bhavya-bhavat-prabhuh: The Lord of past, present and future
bhoota-bhrit: He who nourishes all creatures
bhoota-krit: The creator of all creatures
bhoota-maheshvarah: The great lord of beings
bhootih: One who is pure existence
bhraajishnur: Self-effulgent consciousness
bhujagottamah: The serpent Ananta
braahmanah: One who has realised Brahman
braahmana-priyah: Dear to the brahmanas
brahma: Biggest
brahmaa: Creator
brahmajno: One who knows the nature of Brahman
brahmakrit: One who acts in Brahman
brahmanyah: Protector of Brahman (anything related to Narayana)
brahmavid: One who knows Brahman
brahma-vivardhanah: One who increases the Brahman
brahmee: One who is with Brahma
brhad-roopah: Vast, of infinite dimensions
brhat: The greatest
brihat-bhaanuh: He who illumines the world with the rays of the sun and moon
chaanooraandhra-nishoodanah: The slayer of Canura
chakra-gadaadharah: Bearer of the disc and mace
chakree: Carrier of Sudarsana
chakree: Holder of the chakra
chalah: Moving
chandanaangadee: One who has attractive armlets
chandraamshuh: The rays of the moon
chaturaatmaa: Clear-minded
chaturaatmaa: The four-fold self
chaturashrah: One who deals squarely
chaturbaahuh: Four-handed
chaturbhaavas: The source of the four
chaturbhujah: Four-handed
chaturdamstrah: He who has four canines (Nrsimha)
chaturgatih: The ultimate goal of all four varnas and asramas
chaturmoortih: Four-formed
chatur-vedavid: Knower of all four vedas
chaturvyoohah: Vasudeva, Sankarshan etc.
chinnasamshayah: One whose doubts are ever at rest
daamodarah: Whose stomach is marked with three lines
daarunah: Merciless towards the unrighteous
daashaarhah: One who was born in the Dasarha race
dakshah: Prompt
dakshah: The smart
dakshinah: The most liberal
damah: Beautitude in the self
damanah: He who controls rakshasas
damayitaa: The controller
dandah: One who punishes the wicked
darpadah: One who creates pride, or an urge to be the best, among the righteous
darpahaa: The destroyer of pride in evil-minded people
deeptamoortir: Of resplendent form
devabhrit-guruh: Advisor of Indra
devah: He who revels
devakee-nandanah: Son of Devaki
deveshah: The Lord of all devas
dhaama: The goal
dhaataa: He who supports all fields of experience
dhaaturuttamah: The subtlest atom
dhananjayah: One who gained wealth through conquest
dhaneshvarah: The Lord of wealth
dhanurdharah: The wielder of the bow
dhanurvedah: One who declared the science of archery
dhanvee: He who always has a divine bow
dhanyah: Fortunate
dharaadharah: The sole support of the earth
dharaneedharah: He who supports the earth
dharmaadhyakshah: He who presides over dharma
dharmagub: One who protects dharma
dharmah: The law of being
dharmakrit: One who acts according to dharma
dharmaviduttamah: The highest among men of realisation
dharma-yoopah: The post to which all dharma is tied
dharmee: The supporter of dharma
dhritaatmaa: Established in Himself
dhruvah: The changeless in the midst of changes
dhuryah: Who carries out creation etc. without hitch
dishah: One who advises and gives knowledge
divah-sprik: Sky-reaching
dravinapradah: One who lavishly gives wealth
dridhah: The firm
driptah: One who is drunk with Infinite bliss
duh-svapna-naashanah: One who destroys all bad dreams
duraadharshah: He who cannot be attacked successfully
duraarihaa: Slayer of the asuras
duraavaasah: Not easy to lodge
duratikramah: One who is difficult to be disobeyed
durdharah: The object of contemplation
durdurdharah: He who cannot be known by great yogis
durgah: Not easy to storm into
durgamah: One who is realised with great effort
durjayah: The invincible
durlabhah: One who can be obtained with great efforts
durmarshanah: He who cannot be vanquished
dushkritihaa: Destroyer of bad actions
dyutidharah: One who bears an effulgent form
eeshanah: The controller of the five great elements
eeshvarah: He who can do anything without any help
eeshvarah: The controller
ekaatmaa: The one self
ekah: The one
ekapaat: One-footed (BG 10.42)
gabhastinemih: The hub of the universal wheel
gabheeraatmaa: Too deep to be fathomed
gabheerah: The unfathomable
gadaadharah: Carrier of Kaumodakee club
gadaagrajah: One who is invoked through mantra
gahanah: The unknowable
gahano: Impenetrable
garudadhvajah: One who has Garuda on His flag
gatisattamah: The ultimate refuge for all devotees
ghritaaseeh: One who has no need for good wishes
gohitah: One who does welfare for cows
gopatih: Husband of the earth
gopatih: The shepherd
goptaa: Protector of the universe
goptaa: The protector
govidaam-patih: The Lord of all men of wisdom
govindah: One who is known through Vedanta
govindah: The protector of the cows
graamaneeh: He who leads the flock
guhah: He who dwells in the cave of the heart
guhyo: The mysterious
gunabhrit: One who supports
guptah: The well-concealed
guruh: The teacher
gurutamah: The greatest teacher
halaayudhah: One who has a plough as His weapon
hamsah: The swan
harih: The destroyer
haturvyoohah: One who expresses Himself as the dynamic centre in the four vyoohas
havih: The oblation
havirharih: The receiver of all oblation
hemaangah: One who has limbs of gold
hetuh: The cause
hiranyagarbhah: He who dwells in the womb of the world
hiranyagarbhah: The creator
hiranyanaabhah: He who has a golden navel
hrisheekeshah: The Lord of the senses
hutabhuk: One who accepts oblations
hutabhuk: One who enjoys all that is offered in yajna
ijyah: He who is fit to be invoked through yajna
indrakarmaa: One who always performs gloriously auspicious actions
ishtah: He who is invoked through Vedic rituals
jagadaadijah: Born at the beginning of the world
jagatas-setuh: A bridge across the material energy
jahnuh: Leader of men
janaardanah: He who gives joy to good people
jana-janmaadir: The cause of the birth of all creatures
jananah: He who delivers all living creatures
janeshvarah: The Lord of the people
janma-mrityu-jaraatigah: One who knows no birth, death or old age in Himself
jayah: The victorious
jayantah: The conqueror of all enemies
jeevah: One who functions as the ksetrajna
jeevanah: The life spark in all creatures
jetaa: Ever-successful
jitaamitrah: One who has conquered all enemies
jita-krodhah: One who has conquered anger
jitamanyuh: One who has no anger
jnaanagamyah: One who is experienced through pure knowledge
jnaanamuttamam: The Supreme Knowledge
jyeshthah: Older than all
jyotih: Self-effulgent
jyotiraadityah: The resplendence of the sun
jyotir-ganeshvarah: Lord of the luminaries in the cosmos
kaalah: He who judges and punishes beings
kaalanemi-nihaa: Slayer of Kalanemi
kaamadevah: The beloved Lord
kaamah: The beloved
kaamahaa: He who destroys all desires
kaamakrit: He who fulfills all desires
kaamapaalah: The fulfiller of desires
kaamapradah: He who supplies desired objects
kaamee: One who has fulfilled all His desires
kaantah: He who is of enchanting form
kaantah: Of enchanting form
kaaranam: The cause
kah: One who is of the nature of bliss
kanakaangadee: Wearer of bright-as-gold armlets
kapeendrah: Lord of the monkeys (Rama)
kapih: One who drinks water
kapilah: The great sage Kapila
karanam: The instrument
kartaa: The doer
kathitah: One who is glorified in all scriptures
kavih: The seer
keshavah: He who has beautiful locks of hair
keshavah: One whose rays illumine the cosmos
keshihaa: Killer of Kesi
khanda-parashur: One who holds an axe
kim: What (the one to be inquired into)
kramah: All-pervading
kratuh: The animal-sacrifice
krishah: Delicate, lean
krishnah: Dark-complexioned
krishno: He whose complexion is dark
kritaagamah: Author of the Vedas
kritaagamah: The author of the agama scriptures
krita-akritah: All that is created and not created
kritaantakrit: Destroyer of the creation
kritajnah: He who knows all that is
kritajnah: The knower of the creation
kritakarmaa: One who has fulfilled his acts
kritalakshanah: One who is famous for His qualities
kritih: He who rewards all our actions
krodhahaa: He who destroys anger
krodhakrit-kartaa: He who generates anger against the lower tendency
kshaamah: He who ever remains without any scarcity
kshaamah: One who destroys everything
kshamah: He who is supremely efficient in all undertakings
kshaminaam-varah: One who has the greatest amount of patience with sinners
ksharam: He who appears to perish
kshemakrit: Doer of good
kshetrajnah: The knower of the field
kshiteeshah: The Lord of the earth
kshobhanah: The agitator
kumbhah: The pot within whom everything is contained
kumudah: He who delights in the earth
kumudah: One who gladdens the earth
kundah: One who is as attractive as Kunda flowers
kundalee: One who wears shark earrings
kundarah: The one who lifted the earth
kuvaleshayah: He who reclines in the waters
lakshmeeh: The glory of the universe
lakshmeevaan: The consort of Laksmi
lohitaakshah: Red-eyed
lokaadhishthaanam: The substratum of the universe
lokaadhyakshah: He who presides over all lokas
lokabandhur: Friend of the world
lokanaathah: Lord of the world
lokasaarangah: One who understands the universe
lokasvaamee: Lord of the universe
loka-trayaashrayah: Shelter of the three worlds
maadhavah: Born in the family of Madhu
maadhavah: Husband of Lakshmi
maadhavo: The Lord of all knowledge
maanadah: One who causes, by His maya, false identification with the body
maanyah: One who is to be honoured
maargah: The path
maargah: The path
madhuh: Sweet
madhusoodanah: Destroyer of the Madhu demon
mahaabalah: He who has supreme strength
mahaabhaago: He who gets the greates share in every Yajna
mahaabhogah: He who is of the nature of enjoyment
mahaabhootah: The great being
mahaabuddhir: He who has supreme intelligence
mahaadevah: The great deity
mahaadhanah: He who is supremely rich
mahaadri-dhrik: He who supports the great mountain
mahaa-dyutih: Greatly luminous
mahaagartah: The great chasm
mahaahavih: The great offering
mahaahradah: One who is like a great refreshing swimming pool
mahaakarmaa: One who accomplishes great acts
mahaakarmaa: One who performs great deeds
mahaakoshah: He who has got around him great sheaths
mahaakramo: Of great step
mahaakratuh: The great sacrifice
mahaakshah: The great-eyed
mahaa-makhah: The great sacrificer
mahaamanaah: Great-minded
mahaamayo: The Supreme Master of all Maya
mahaamortir: The great form
mahaan: The mighty
mahaanidhih: The great abode
mahaarhah: One who deserves the highest worship
mahaa-shaktih: All-powerful
mahaashanah: He who eats up everything
mahaashringah: Great-horned (Matsya)
mahaasvanah: He who has a thundering voice
mahaatapaah: He of great tapas
mahaatejaah: One of great resplendence
mahaavaraaho: The great boar
mahaa-veeryah: The supreme essence
mahaayajnah: The great yajna
mahaayajvaa: One who performed great yajnas
maharddhi: One who has great prosperity
maharshih kapilaachaaryah: He who incarnated as Kapila, the great sage
maheebhartaa: The husband of mother earth
maheedharah: The bearer of the earth
maheedharah: The support of the earth
mahejyah: One who is to be most worshiped
mahendrah: The lord of Indra
maheshvaasah: He who wields shaarnga
mahodadhishayah: One who rests on the great ocean
mahoragah: The great serpent
mahotsaaho: The great enthusiast
mangalam param: The Supreme auspiciousness
manoharah: The stealer of the mind
manojavah: Swift as the mind
mantrah: The nature of the Vedic mantras
manuh: He who has manifested as the Vedic mantras
mareechih: Effulgence
medhaavee: Supremely intelligent
medhajah: Born out of sacrifices
medineepatih: The Lord of the earth
muktaanaam paramaa gatih: The final goal, reached by liberated souls
mukundah: The giver of liberation
naaraayanah: He who resides on the waters
naarasimha-vapuh: He whose form is man-lion
nahushah: He who binds all with maya
naikaatmaa: Many souled
naikah: The many
naikajah: One who is born many times
naikakarmakrit: One who does many actions
naikamaayah: He whose forms are endless and varied
naika-roopo: He who has unlimited forms
naikashringah: One who has many horns
nakshatranemir: The nave of the stars
nakshatree: The Lord of the stars (the moon)
nandah: Free from all worldly pleasures
nandakee: One who holds the Nandaka sword
nandanah: One who makes others blissful
nandih: Infinite bliss
nantaatmaa: The infinite self
narah: The guide
nayah: One who leads
netaa: The leader
neyah: The guide
nidhir-avyayah: The imperishable treasure
nigrahah: The killer
nimishah: He who has closed eyes in contemplation
nirgunah: Without any properties
nirvaanam: All-bliss
nishthaa: Abode of all beings
nivritaatmaa: The soul retreated from matter
nivrittaatmaa: One who is fully restrained from all sense indulgences
nivrittaatmaa: One whose mind is turned away from sense indulgence
niyamah: One who is not under anyone's laws
niyamo: The appointing authority
nyaayah: Justice
nyagrodhah: The one who veils Himself with Maya
ojas-tejo-dyutidharah: The possessor of vitality, effulgence and beauty
oordhvagah: One who is on top of everything
oorjitah: He who has infinite vitality
oorjita-shaasanah: One who commands with His hand
paapa-naashanah: Destroyer of sin
paavanah: He who gives life-sustaining power to air
paavanah: One who ever purifies
padam-anuttamam: The unequalled state of perfection
padmagarbhah: He who is being meditated upon in the lotus of the heart
padmanaabhah: He from whose navel comes the lotus
padmanaabhah: He who has a lotus-navel
padmanaabhah: He whose navel is like a lotus
padmanibhekshanah: Lotus-eyed
padmee: He who holds a lotus
panah: The supreme universal manager
paraayanam: The way to liberation
paramaatmaa: The Supersoul
paramaspashtah: The extremely vivid
parameshthee: One who is readily available for experience within the heart
parameshvarah: The Supreme Lord
pararddhih: He who has supreme manifestations
parigrahah: The receiver
parjanyah: He who is similar to rain-bearing clouds
paryavasthitah: One who dwells everywhere
pavanah: The air that fills the universe
pavitram: He who gives purity to the heart
peshalah: One who is supremely soft
poorayitaa: The fulfiller
poornah: The complete
pootaatmaa: He with an extremely pure essence
praagvamshah: One who has the most ancient ancestry
praamshuh: He with a huge body
praanadah: Giver of life
praanadah: Giver of life
praanadah: He who gives life
praanadah: He who gives prana
praanah: Life
praanah: The prana in all living creatures
praanajeevanah: He who maintains the life-breath in all living creatures
praananilayah: He in whom all prana is established
praanibhrit: He who rules over all pranas
praano: He who ever lives
prabhavah: The womb of the five great elements
prabhootas: Ever-full
prabhuh: The Almighty Lord
prabhuh: The Lord
pradhaana-purusheshvarah: Lord of pradhaana and purusha
pradyumnah: Very rich
pragrahah: Receiver of worship
prajaa-bhavah: He from whom all praja comes
prajaagarah: Ever-awakened
prajaapatih: He from whom all creatures emerge
prajaapatih: The Lord of all creatures
prakaashaatmaa: The effulgent self
prakaashanah: He who illuminates
pramaanam: He whose form is the Vedas
pramaanam: The proof
pramodanah: Ever-blissful
pranavah: He who is praised by the gods
pranavah: Omkara
prapitaamahah: The father of the father of beings (Brahma)
prasanaatmaa: Ever pure and all-blissful self
prataapanah: Thermal energy; one who heats
pratardanah: The Supreme destruction
prathitah: He who exists pervading all
pratishthitah: He who has no cause
pratyayah: He whose nature is knowledge
preetivardhanah: One who increases joy in the devotee's heart
prituh: The expanded
priyaarhah: One who deserves all our love
priyakrit: One who is ever-obliging in fulfilling our wishes
punarvasuh: He who lives repeatedly in different bodies
pundareekaakshah: He who dwells in the heart
punyah: Supremely pure
punyah: The truly holy
punya-keertir: Of Holy fame
punya-shravana-keertanah: The hearing of whose glory causes holiness to grow
puraatanah: He who was even before time
purandarah: Destroyer of cities
purujit: One who has conquered numerous enemies
purusattamah: The greatest of the great
purushah: He who dwells in the city of nine gates
purushah: One who dwells in all bodies
purushottamah: The Supreme Controller
pushkaraakshah: He who has eyes like the lotus
pushkaraakshah: Lotus eyed
pushpahaasah: He who shines like an opening flower
pushtah: One who is ever-full
raamah: One who is most handsome
rakshanah: Protector of the universe
ranapriyah: Lover of battles
rathaanga-paanih: One who has the wheel of a chariot as His weapon; One with the strings of the chariot in his hands;
ratnagarbhah: The jewel-wombed
ratna-naabhah: Of beautiful navel
ravih: One who dries up everything
ravilochanah: One whose eye is the sun
riddhah: Full of prosperity
riddhah: He who has expanded Himself as the universe
rituh: The seasons
rohitah: The fish incarnation
ruchiraangadah: One who wears resplendent shoulder caps
rudrah: He who makes all people weep
saadhur: He who lives by the righteous codes
saakshee: The witness
saama: The Sama Veda
saamagaayanah: One who sings the sama songs; one who loves hearing saama chants;
saamagah: The singer of the sama songs
saattvikah: One who is full of sattvic qualities
saatvataam-patih: The Lord of the Satvatas
sadaamarshee: One who forgives the trespasses of His devotees
sadaa-yogee: Always in yoga
sadbhootih: One who has rich glories
sadgatih: The goal of good people
sahah: All-enduring
sahasraakshah: Thousands of eyes
sahasraamshur: The thousand-rayed
sahasraarchih: He who has thousands of rays
sahasrajit: He who vanquishes thousands
sahasra-moordhaa: He who has endless heads
sahasrapaat: Thousand-footed
sahishnuh: He who can suffer patiently
sahishnuh: One who calmly endures duality
samaatmaa: He who is the same in all
samaavartah: The efficient turner
samah: Calm
samah: Equal
samayajnah: One whose worship is nothing more than keeping an equal vision of the mind by the devotee
sambhavah: He who descends of His own free will
sameehanah: One whose desires are auspicious
sameeranah: He who sufficiently administers all movements of all living creatures
samgrahah: He who holds everything together
samitinjayah: Ever-victorious
samkha-bhrit: One who has the divine Pancajanya
samksheptaa: The involver
sammitah: He who has been accepted by authorities
samnyaasa-krit: Institutor of sannyasa
sam-pramardanah: He who persecutes evil men
samsthaanah: The ultimate authority
samvatsarah: He from whom the concept of time comes
samvatsarah: The year
samvritah: He who is veiled from the jiva
sanaat: The beginningless and endless factor
sanaatanatamah: The most ancient
sandhaataa: The regulator
sandhimaan: He who seems to be conditioned
sankarshanochyutah: He who absorbs the whole creation into His nature and never falls away from that nature
sannivaasah: The abode of the good
santah: One who is expressed through saintly men
saptaidhaah: The seven effulgences in the flames
saptajihvah: He who expresses himself as the seven tongues of fire (Types of agni)
saptavaahanah: One who has a vehicle of seven horses (sun)
sargah: He who creates the world from Himself
sarvaadih: The beginning of all
sarvaasunilayah: The abode of all life energies
sarvadarshanah: All-seeing
sarvadarshee: All-knower
sarva-drik: The seer of everything
sarvadrik-vyaaso: One who creates many men of wisdom
sarvagah: All-pervading
sarvah: He who is everything
sarvajna: Omniscient
sarvajno: Omniscient
sarvakaamadah: One who fulfils all desires of true devotees
sarva-lakshana-lakshanyah: Known through all proofs
sarva-praharanaayudhah: He who has all implements for all kinds of assault and fight ==
sarvasahah: One who carries the entire Universe
sarva-shastra-bhritaam-varah: The best among those who wield weapons
sarvatah-chakshuh: One who has eyes everywhere
sarvato-mukhah: One who has His face turned everywhere
sarva-vaageeshvareshvarah: Lord of the Lord of speech
sarvavid-bhaanuh: All-knowing and effulgent
sarvavij-jayee: One who is at once omniscient and victorious
sarva-yoga-vinissritah: He who is free from all attachments
sarveshvarah: Controller of all
sat: existence
sataam gatih: The goal for all virtuous people
sataam-gatih: Refuge of the good
sataavarttah: He who takes infinite forms
satkartaa: He who adores good and wise people
sat-keertih: One of pure fame
satkritah: He who is adored by all good people
satkritih: One who is full of Good actions
satparaayanah: The Supreme goal for the good
satpathaachaarah: One who walks the path of truth
satram: Protector of the good
satta: One without a second
sattvasthah: Situated in sattva
sattvavaan: One who is full of exploits and courage
satyadharmaa: One who has in Himself all true dharmas
satya-dharma-paraakramah: One who champions heroically for truth and righteousness
satya-dharma-paraayanah: One who is the very abode of truth and dharma
satyah: He who is Himself the truth
satyah: The truth
satyah: Truth
satyamedhah: One whose intelligence never fails
satya-paraakramah: Dynamic Truth
satyasandhah: Of truthful resolution
savah: The nature of the sacrifice
savitaa: The father of all
savitaa: The one who brings forth the Universe from Himself
shaantah: Peaceful within
shaantidah: Giver of peace
shaantih: One whose very nature is peace
shaarnga-dhanvaa: One who aims His shaarnga bow
shaashvatah: He who always remains the same
shaashvatah-sthaanur: Permanent and immovable
shaashvata-sthirah: One who is eternal and stable
shaastaa: He who rules over the universe
shabdaatigah: One who transcends all words
shabdasahah: One who allows Himself to be invoked by Vedic declarations
shaktimataam-shresthah: The best among the powerful
shambhuh: He who brings auspiciousness
sharabhah: One who dwells and shines forth through the bodies
sharanam: The refuge
shareera-bhootabhrit: One who nourishes the nature from which the bodies came
shareerabhrit: He who sustains all bodies
sharma: He who is Himself infinite bliss
sharvaree-karah: Creator of darkness
sharvas: The auspicious
shashabindhuh: The moon who has a rabbit-like spot
shataananah: Many-faced
shataanandah: Of infinite varieties and joys
shatamoortih: Of many forms
shatrughnah: The destroyer of enemies
shatrujit: One who is ever victorious over His hosts of enemies
shatrutaapanah: The scorcher of enemies
shauri: One who always has invincible prowess
shaurih: He who incarnated in the dynasty of Shoora
shikhandee: He who wears a peacock feather
shipivishtah: The presiding deity of the sun
shishirah: The cold season, winter
shishta-krit: The law-maker
shivah: Auspiciousness
shivah: He who is eternally pure
shoka-naashanah: Destroyer of sorrows
shoonyah: The void
shoorah: The valiant
shoora-janeshvarah: Lord of the valiant
shoorasenah: One who has heroic and valiant armies
shramanah: One who persecutes the worldly people
shrashtaa: Creator of all beings
shreedah: Giver of opulence
shreedharah: Holder of Sree
shreegarbhah: He in whom are all glories
shreekarah: One who gives Sree
shreemaan: He who is always courted by glories
shreemaan: He who is always with shree
shreemaan: Possessor of Sree
shreemaan: The possessor of light, effulgence, glory
shreemataam varah: The best among glorious
shreenidhih: The treasure of Sree
shreenivaasah: One who dwells in the good people
shreenivaasah: The permanent abode of Shree
shreepatih: Lord of Laksmi
shreeshah: The Lord of Sree
shreevatsa-vakshaah: One who has sreevatsa on His chest
shreevibhaavanah: Distributor of Sree
shreshthah: The most glorious
shrevaasah: Abode of Sree
shreyah: Liberation
shringee: The horned one
shruti-saagarah: The ocean for all scripture
shubhaangah: One who has the most beautiful form
shubhaangah: One with enchanting limbs
shubhekshanah: All-auspicious gaze
shuchih: He who is pure
shuchih: He who is spotlessly clean
shuchi-shravaah: He who listens only the good and pure
siddhaarthah: He who has all arthas
siddhah: One who is perfection
siddhah: The most famous
siddhasankalpah: He who gets all He wishes for
siddhidah: The giver of benedictions
siddhih: He who gives moksha
siddhisaadhanah: The power behind our sadhana
simhah: He who destroys
simhah: The lion
sishteshtah: The greatest beloved
skanda-dharah: Upholder of withering righteousness
skandah: He whose glory is expressed through Subrahmanya
somah: One who as the moon nourishes plants
somapah: One who takes Soma in the yajnas
sookshmah: The subtlest
sooryah: The one source from where everything is born
spashtaaksharo: One who is indicated by OM
sragvee: He who always wears a garland of undecaying flowers
srashtaa: Creator
stavapriyah: One who is invoked through prayer
stavyah: One who is the object of all praise
sthaanadah: He who confers the right abode
sthaanuh: The pillar, the immovable truth
sthaavarah-sthaanuh: The firm and motionless
sthaviro dhruvah: The ancient, motionless one
sthavishtah: The supremely gross
sthavishthah: One who is supremely huge
sthirah: Steady
sthoolah: One who is the fattest
stotaa: One who adores or praises
stotram: The hymn
stutih: The act of praise
subhujah: He who has graceful arms
sudarshanah: He whose meeting is auspicious
sudhanvaa: One who has Shaarnga
sughoshah: Of auspicious sound
suhrit: Friend of all creatures
sukhadah: Giver of bliss to those who are liberated
sukhadah: Giver of happiness
sulabhah: One who is readily available
sulochanah: One who has the most enchanting eyes
sumedhaa: One who has pure intelligence
sumukhah: One who has a charming face
sundah: Of great mercy
sundarah: Of unrivalled beauty
suparnah: Beautiful-winged (Two birds analogy)
suparnah: The golden leaf (Vedas) BG 15.1
suprasaadah: Fully satisfied
suraadhyaksho: He who presides over all devas
suraanando: He who gives out happiness
suraarihaa: Destroyer of the enemies of the devas
sureshah: The Lord of the demigods
sureshvarah: A person of extreme charity
suruchih: Whose desire manifests as the universe
sushenah: He who has a charming army
sutantuh: Beautifully expanded
sutapaah: He who has glorious tapas
suvarna-binduh: With limbs radiant like gold
suvarna-varnah: Golden-coloured
suveerah: One who moves through various ways
suvratah: He who ever-perfoeming the pure vow
suvratah: One who has taken the most auspicious forms
suyaamunah: One who attended by the people dwelling on the banks of Yamuna
svaabhaavyah: Ever rooted in the nature of His own self
svaangah: One with well-proportioned limbs
svaapanah: One who puts people to sleep
svaasyah: One who has an effulgent face
svadhritah: Self-supported
svakshah: Beautiful-eyed
svangah: Beautiful-limbed
svasti: One who is the source of all auspiciouness
svastibhuk: One who constantly enjoys auspiciousness
svastidah: Giver of Svasti
svastidakshinah: Distributor of auspiciousness
svastikrit: One who robs all auspiciousness
svavashah: He who has everything under His control
svayambhooh: He who manifests from Himself
svayamjaatah: Self-born
taarah: He who saves
taarah: One who helps all to cross over
taaranah: He who enables others to cross
tantu-vardhanah: One who sustains the continuity of the drive for the family
tat: That
tattvam: The reality
tattvavit: One who has realised the reality
teerthakaro: The teacher of the tirthas
tejovrisho: One who showers radiance
tridashaadhyaksho: The Lord of the three states of consciousness
trikakub-dhaama: The support of the three quarters
trilokaatmaa: The self of the three worlds
trilokadhrik: One who is the support of all the three worlds
trilokeshah: The Lord of the three worlds
tripadah: One who has taken three steps
trisaamaa: One who is glorified by Devas, Vratas and Saamans
trivikramah: One who took three steps
tushtah: One who is contented with a very simple offering
tvashtaa: He who makes huge things small
udbhavah: The originator
udbhavah: The ultimate source
udeernah: The great transcendent
udumbarah: Nourishment of all living creatures
ugrah: The terrible
upendrah: The younger brother of Indra (vaamana)
uttaaranah: One who lifts us out of the ocean of change
uttarah: He who lifts us from the ocean of samsara
vaachaspatir-ayonijah: One who is the master of all vidyas and who is unborn through a womb
vaachaspatir-udaara-dheeh: He who is eloquent in championing the Supreme law of life; He with a large-hearted intelligence
vaagmee: He who is eloquent in speech
vaajasanah: The giver of food
vaamanah: He with a dwarf body
vaarunah: The son of Varuna (Vasistha or Agastya)
vaasavaanujah: The brother of Indra
vaasudevah: Dwelling in all creatures although not affected by that condition
vaasudevah: One who envelops the world with Maya
vaasudevo: The son of Vasudeva
vaayuh: The air
vaayuvaahanah: Controller of winds
vaayuvaahanah: The mover of the winds
vahnih: Fire
vaidyah: The Supreme doctor
vaikhaanah: The one who cut through the earth
vaikunthah: One who prevents men from straying on wrong paths
vamshavardhanah: He who multiplies His family of descendents
vanamaalee: One who wears a garland of forest flowers
varaangah: With beautiful limbs
varaaroho: The most glorious destination
varadah: He who fulfills boons
vardhamaanah: He who can grow into any dimension
vardhanah: The nurturer and nourisher
varunah: One who sets on the horizon (Sun)
vashatkaarah: He who is invoked for oblations
vasudah: He who gives all wealth
vasuh: He who is Wealth
vasuh: The refuge for all
vasuh: The support of all elements
vasumanaah: He whose mind is supremely pure
vasumanaah: One who is attentive to everything
vasupradah: The free-giver of wealth
vasupradah: The giver of salvation, the greatest wealth
vasuretaah: He whose essence is golden
vatsalah: The supremely affectionate
vatsarah: The abode
vatsee: The father
vedaangah: He whose limbs are the Vedas
vedah: He who is the Vedas
vedavid: The knower of the Vedas
vedavit: He who contemplates upon the Vedas
vedhaah: Creator of the universe
vedyah: That which is to be known
veerabaahur: Having mighty arms
veerah: The courageous
veerah: The heroic victor
veerah: The valiant
veerahaa: Destroyer of valiant heroes
veerahaa: He who destroys the mighty heroes
veerahaa: One who ends the passage from womb to womb
veetabhayah: One with no fear
vegavaan: He who is swift
vibhuh: All-pervading
vibhuh: He who manifests in endless forms
vidaaranah: One who splits asunder
vidhaataa: All supporter
vidhaataa: The dispenser of fruits of action
vidheyaatmaa: One who is ever available for the devotees to command in love
vidishah: One who is unique in His giving
vidvattamah: One who has the greatest wisdom
vihaayasa-gatih: One who travels in space
vijayah: Victorious
vijitaatmaa: One who has conquered the sense organs
vikartaa: Creator of the endless varieties that make up the universe
vikramah: He who stepped (Vaamana)
vikramee: He who is full of prowess
vikramee: The most daring
viksharah: Imperishable
vimuktaatmaa: The ever-liberated self
vinayah: He who humiliates those who are unrighteous
vinayitaa-saakshee: The witness of modesty
viraamah: The abode of perfect-rest
virajo: Passionless
virochanah: One who shines in different forms
vishama: Unequalled
vishishtah: He who transcends all in His glory
vishnuh: All-pervading
vishnuh: He who pervades everywhere
vishnuh: Long-striding
vishodhanah: The great purifier
vishokah: Sorrowless
vishraamah: The resting place
vishuddhaatmaa: One who has the purest soul
vishvaatmaa: The soul of the universe
vishvabhuk: He who enjoys all experiences
vishva-dakshinah: The most skilful and efficient
vishva-dhrik: Supporter of the world
vishvakarmaa: The creator of the universe
vishvaksenah: He against whom no army can stand
vishvam: He who is the universe, the virat-purusha
vishvamoortih: Of the form of the entire Universe
vishvayonih: He who incarnates because of the world
vishvayonih: The womb of the universe
visishtah: The noblest and most sacred
visrutaatmaa: He who is called atma in the Vedas
vistaarah: The extension
visvabaahuh: He whose hand is in everything
visva-retaah: The seed of the universe
viviktah: Separate
vriddhaatmaa: The ancient self
vrikshah: The tree
vrishaahee: Controller of all actions
vrishaakapih: He who lifts the world to dharma
vrishaakritih: The form of dharma
vrishabhaaksho: One whose eyes rain fulfilment of desires
vrishabhah: He who showers all dharmas
vrishah: He who is dharma
vrishakarmaa: He whose every act is righteous
vrishaparvaa: The ladder leading to dharma (As well as dharma itself)
vrishapriyah: One who delights in dharma
vrishodarah: He from whose belly life showers forth
vyaadishah: One who is unique in His commanding power
vyaalah: The serpent (vyaalah) to atheists
vyaapee: All-pervading
vyaaptah: The pervader
vyagrah: One who is ever engaged in fulfilling the devotee's desires
vyaktaroopah: He who is perceptible to the yogi
vyavasaayah: Resolute
vyavasthaanah: The substratum
yadu-shresthah: The best among the Yadava clan
yajnaangah: One whose limbs are the things employed in yajna
yajnaantakrit: One who performs the concluding act of the yajna
yajnabhrid: The ruler of the yajanas
yajnabhuk: Receiver of all that is offered
yajnaguhyam: The person to be realised by yajna
yajnah: One who is of the nature of yajna
yajnah: One whose very nature is yajna
yajnakrit: One who performs yajna
yajnapatih: The Lord of all yajnas
yajnasaadhanah: One who fulfils all yajnas
yajnavaahanah: One who fulfils yajnas in complete
yajvaa: The one who performs yajna
yamah: The administrator
yat: Which
yogah: He who is realized through yoga
yoga-vidaam netaa: The guide of those who know yoga
yogee: One who can be realised through yoga
yogeeshah: The king of yogis
yugaadi-krit: The creator of the yugas
yugaavartah: The law behind time

Quotes about Vishnu Sahasranama

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:

Vishnusahasranama is the essence of the Mahabharata;
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;
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, who is considered an Avatar of Vishnu;
Bhishma considered chanting of the Vishnusahasranama the best and easiest of all dharmas, or the means to attain relief from all bondage;
It is widely accepted that the chanting this Stotram gives relief from all sorrows, and leads to happiness and peace of mind;
Vishnusahasranama is in conformity with the teachings of the Gita." ^[20]

verse 27 of Bhaja Govindam attributed to Shankaracharya ,^[30] 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.^[22]

Parasara Bhattar, a follower of Ramanujacharya had said that Vishnusahasranama absolves people of all sins and has no equal^[22]

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.^[22]

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." ^[31]

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.^[24]

Quote by A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada; on February 15, 1970 to J.F.Staal; Professor of Philosophy and of South Asian Languages. Second paragraph, states:

”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]

Lord Shiva addressed his wife, Parvati:

sri rama rama rameti rame rame manorame

sahasranama tat tulyam rama nama varanane

"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)

Brahmānda Purana said:

sahasra-namnam punyanam, trir-avrttya tu yat phalam

ekavrttya tu krsnasya, namaikam tat prayacchati

"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."

Shri Krishna Himself said:

yo mam nama sahasrena stotum icchati pandava

sohamekena slokena stuta eva na samsaya

"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.”^[11]

From the oldest scriptural text in Hinduism, the Rig Veda; V.I.15b.3, 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."

Phalasruti - Benefits of chanting Vishnusahasranama

The following lines are from the Mahabharata and are quoted portions from the text. Devotees believe that regular chanting of the hymn can accrue benefits.

I)On avoiding evil, success in battles, and gaining affluence, pleasure, happiness and offspring:

vedantago brahmanasyat kshatriyo vijayeebhavet

vaishyo dhanasamrudhyasyat shudra sukhamavapniyat

Bhisma said, "Thus have I recited to thee, without any exception, the thousand excellent names of the high-souled Kesava whose glory should always be sung. Anyone who hears the names every day or who recites them every day, never meets with any evil either here or hereafter. If a Brahmana does this he succeeds in mastering the Vedanta; if a Kshatriya does it, he is always successful in battles. A Vaisya, by doing it, becomes possessed of affluence, while a Sudra earns great happiness."

If one becomes desirous of earning the merit of righteousness, one succeeds in earning it (by hearing or reciting these names). If it is wealth that one desires, one succeeds in earning wealth (by acting in this way). So also the man who wishes for enjoyments of the senses succeeds in enjoying all kinds of pleasures, and the man desirous of offspring acquires offspring (by pursuing this course of conduct).

II)On acquiring fame, prosperity, prowess, energy, strength, beauty, removing fear, avoiding calamity, and being cured of disease:

"That man who with devotion and perseverance and heart wholly turned towards him, recites these thousand names of Vasudeva every day, after having purified himself, succeeds in acquiring great fame, a position of eminence among his kinsmen, enduring prosperity, and lastly, that which is of the highest benefit to him (viz., emancipation Moksha itself). Such a man never meets with fear at any time, and acquires great prowess and energy. Disease never afflicts him; splendour of complexion, strength, beauty, and accomplishments become his. The sick become hale, the afflicted become freed from their afflictions; the frightened become freed from fear, and he that is plunged in calamity becomes freed from calamity."

"The man who hymns the praises of that foremost of Beings by reciting His thousand names with devotion succeeds in quickly crossing all difficulties. That mortal who takes refuge in Vasudeva and who becomes devoted to Him, becomes freed of all sins and attains to eternal Brahman. They who are devoted to Vasudeva have never to encounter any evil. They become freed from the fear of birth, death, decrepitude, and disease."

III)On acquiring righteousness and intelligence, and avoiding the sins of evil:

"That man who with devotion and faith recites this hymn (consisting of the thousand names of Vasudeva) succeeds in acquiring felicity of soul, forgiveness of disposition, Prosperity, intelligence, memory, and fame. Neither wrath, nor jealousy, nor cupidity, nor evil understanding ever appears in those men of righteousness who are devoted to that foremost of beings. The firmament with the sun, moon and stars, the welkin, the points of the compass, the earth and the ocean, are all held and supported by the prowess of the high-souled Vasudeva. The whole mobile and immobile universe with the deities, Asuras, and Gandharvas, Yakshas, Uragas and Rakshasas, is under the sway of Krishna."

IV)On the origins of the soul, the source of righteous behavior, and the basis of all knowledge and existence:

"The senses, mind, understanding, life, energy, strength and memory, it has been said, have Vasudeva for their soul. Indeed, this body that is called Kshetra, and the intelligent soul within, that is called the knower of Kshetra, also have Vasudeva for their soul. Conduct (consisting of practices) is said to be the foremost of all topics treated of in the scriptures. Righteousness has conduct for its basis. The unfading Vasudeva is said to be the Lord of righteousness. The Rishis, the Pitris, the deities, the great (primal) elements, the metals, indeed, the entire mobile and immobile universe, has sprung from Narayana. Yoga, the Sankhya Philosophy, knowledge, all mechanical arts, the Vedas, the diverse scriptures, and all learning, have sprung from Janardana. Vishnu is the one great element or substance which has spread itself out into multifarious forms. Covering the three worlds, He the soul of all things, enjoys them all."

His glory knows no diminution, and He it is that is the Enjoyer of the universe (as its Supreme Lord). This hymn in praise of the illustrious Vishnu composed by Vyasa, should be recited by that person who wishes to acquire happiness and that which is the highest benefit (viz., emancipation). Those persons that worship and adore the Lord of the universe, that deity who is inborn and possessed of blazing effulgence, who is the origin or cause of the universe, who knows no deterioration, and who is endued with eyes that are as large and beautiful as the petals of the lotus, have never to meet with any discomfiture."

Bhisma's quote cited from Kisari Mohan Ganguli's translation of Vishnusahasranama (public domain)

Notes

↑ For IAST version of Sanskrit for these verses, see: Sankaranarayan 1996, pp. 2–5.
↑ For Sanskrit text and translation, see: Tapasyananda, pp. 3-4.
↑ Sankara Bhashya on Vishnusahasranaama
↑ Tapasyananda, pg. iv.
↑ Transcription of Sankara's commentary to Vishnusahasranamastotra, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur. The names "Shiva", "Shambhu", "Eesanah", and "Rudra" are to be found in slokas 17, 18, 21, and 26 respectively
↑ 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
↑ Commentary to sloka 17 in Transcription of Sankara's commentary to Vishnusahasranamastotra, "sivAdi nAmabhiH hariH eva stUyate"
↑ http://www.ahobilavalli.org/vishnu_sahasra_namam_vol1.pdf
↑ 9.0 9.1 Tapasyananda, pg. 47.
↑ Bhag-P 4.4.14 "Siva means mangala, or auspicious"
↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 Srivaishnavism
↑ Foreword of P. Sankaranarayan's translation of Vishnu sahasranama, Bhavan's Book University
↑ Tapasyananda, Swami. Sri Vishnu Sahasranama, pg. 62.
↑ Tapasyananda, Swami. Sri Vishnu Sahasranama, pgs. 48, 49, 87, 96 and 123.
↑ 15.0 15.1 Tapasyananda, Swami. Sri Vishnu Sahasranama, pg. 48.
↑ , story #53
↑ B-Gita 7.24 Chapter 7: Knowledge of the Absolute
↑ First sentence of letter
↑ Words of Sri Ramakrishna
↑ 20.0 20.1 http://www.stephen-knapp.com/thousand_names_of_the_supreme.htm
↑ Bhaja Govindam: kamakoti.org
↑ 22.0 22.1 22.2 22.3 22.4 22.5 The Hindu: Entertainment Bangalore / Book Review: On the Buddha in verse
↑ Shree Swaminarayan Temple Cardiff - Scriptures - Shikshapatri
↑ 24.0 24.1 20 Important Spiritual Instructions
↑ The Krishna Consciousness Movement is the Genuine Vedic Way
↑ http://www.kamakotimandali.com/srividya/saptashati.html
↑ 27.0 27.1 27.2 Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra, Vol. 2, pg. 740, by Maharshi Parashara, with translation, commentary and editing by R. Santhana, Ranjan Publications, New Delhi, India
↑ Vijaya Kumar, The Thousand Names of Vishnu
↑ B.K. Chaturvedi, Vishnu Puran, page 126
↑ Bhaja Govindam: kamakoti.org
↑ Shree Swaminarayan Temple Cardiff - Scriptures - Shikshapatri
↑ The Krishna Consciousness Movement is the Genuine Vedic Way

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.

External links

Vishnusahasranama in Samskrit Wikisource
Youtube Video to learn and hear Visnu Sahasranama on YouTube – Includes Sanskrit, transliteration and English translation.
Kannada (Wikisource):Sri Vishnu Sahasranama Stotram in Kannada http://kn.wikipedia.org/wiki/ವಿಷ್ಣು_ಸಹಸ್ರನಾಮ
A 5-volumes english commentary at Ahobilavalli site
Vishnu sahasranama
Vishnu sahasranama names and meanings.
Vishnu sahasranama excerpt from the Mahabharata by Kisari Mohan Ganguly (published between 1883 and 1896)
Vishnu Sahasranamam in Kannada (ಕನ್ನಡದಲ್ಲಿ ದೇವರ ಸ್ತೋತ್ರಗಳು)
Vishnu sahasranama and other books at VedaGnana
Vishnu Sahasranam sung by Srivatsa Krishna in Carnatic music

v t e Sahasranama

Ganesha Sahasranama Lalita sahasranama Rama sahasranama Shiva Sahasranama Vishnu sahasranama

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Vishnu sahasranama

Background

Etymology

Interpretations

Smarta interpretations

Vaishnava interpretations

Interpretations alluding to the power of God in controlling karma

General thoughts

Quotes about Vishnu Sahasranama

Pronunciation

Merits of Recitation

Shlokas

Recitation and aggregation

The Thousand names

Most Popular Names of Lord Vishnu

Some other names

Complete List of Names of Lord Vishnu

Tradition of recitation

Inclusion of other deities

1,000 Names of Lord Vishnu in English alphabetical Order

Quotes about Vishnu Sahasranama

Phalasruti - Benefits of chanting Vishnusahasranama

See also

Notes

References

Further reading

External links