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The Vishnusahasranama contains a thousand names of Vishnu, one of the main deities of Hinduism. sahasra in Sanskrit means a thousand and nama means name. nama is pronounced 'naam', with an implied vowel in the end, i.e. it may be pronounced as 'naama', without extending the last 'a' as 'naamaa'. There are exactly 1031 names for Vishnu in the Vishnusahasranama. According to Hindu mythology, they were handed down to Yudhishtthara by grand sire Bheeshma, who was on his death bed at the battle of Kurukshetra, as described in the epic Mahabharata. Although all Hindus respect the Sahasranama, this is a major part of prayer for devout Vaishnavites, or followers of Vishnu. This does not mean that they do not believe in the other gods, rather they believe the whole universe, including the other gods of the pantheon, to be manifestations of their chosen one, Vishnu. Similarly Shaivaites give prominence to Shiva, but also respect Vishnu. There are Sahasranama for most major gods (Vishnu, Shiva, Shakti, and others), but Vishnu Sahasranama is most popular among common people, especially householders. The others are recited mostly in temples or by renunciants who follow that god. Swami Shankaracharya wrote a definitive commentary on the Sahasranama in c. 8th century CE.
In the following 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' (as in save), 'sh' (as in shave), the third 'sh', as used in the Sanskrit word shatkona (Hexagon), Vishnu, Krishna 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. An analogous example is the hard 't' in 'tyre'. Do the same thing with a 'sh' sound to get the correct pronunciation of the 'sh' as used in Vishnu. Also, the 'n' in Vishnu and Krishna is retroflex. In formal transliteration of Sanskrit alphabet to English, this setup is denoted by placing dots above or below the letter 's', which would be too cumbersome to do here. Although devotion is the most important thing while reciting any prayer or mantra (Unless used for tantric purposes, where the sound's vibration plays the major role), using the correct pronunciation enhances the satisfaction derived from the recital, in the case of both vocal and mental chants. One difference between transliteration is in the hard & soft 't'. Persons from northern India usually use 't' for both, while southern Indians prefer 't' for hard t (As in truck), and 'th' for soft t (Like any t in French, or the Sanskrit maruti (Son of the wind, a name of Lord Hanuman)). Northeners use 'th' to denote the aspirated t, as in 'throw'. As this article is an amalgam from at least two sources, the exact pronunciation may not be clearly apparent. For those who believe, or those who are willing to experiment for a few months at least, the Sahasranama is reputed to bring unwavering calm of mind, complete freedom from stress, eternal knowledge, and in fact, everything that these names mean. For those who do not believe, and who can't be bothered with experimentation, there's no use forcing a supposedly esoteric solution down their throats, and they would be better off trying other methods to work off tension & stress, like exercise, listening to music, a walk in the garden etc.
It is customary to commence the Vishnusahasranama with the following prayer:
Shaantakaaram bhujangashayanam (With peaceful demeanor) (Resting on the world-serpent i.e. the energy running the universe, or Prana)
Padmanaabham suresham (With the lotus-navel) (Beloved of the gods)
Vishvaadhaaram gagana-sadrisham (Supporter of the world) (Who looks infinite & magnificent like the sky)
Megha-varnam shubha-angam (With the color of clouds) (Every part of whose body is auspicious)
Lakshmee-kaantam kamala-nayanam (Who glows with the radiance of Lakshmi, or Glory) (With eyes like the lotus)
Yogibhir-dhyaana-gamyam (Whom yogis strive to reach in their deepest states of meditation)
Vande-vishnum bhava-bhaya-haram (I bow to that Vishnu) (Who takes away(eliminates) all fears from the minds of devotees as soon as they arise)
Sarva-lokaika-naatham (To He, who is the Master & Supporter of all worlds)
This is followed by the recital of the Vishnusahasranama
OM Sri Vedavyasa rishihi
Anushtup Chandhaha
Vishwaroopo Mahavishnu devata
OM Vishwasmai Namaha - Namaha means to bow in respect. i.e. bow before this aspect of Vishnu
OM Vishnave Namaha
OM Vasatkaaraya Namaha
OM Bhoota Bhavya Bhavat Prabhave Namaha
OM Bhootakrite Namaha
OM Bhootabhrite Namaha OM Bhavaya Namaha
OM Bhootatmane Namaha
OM Bhootha Bhavanaya Namaha
OM Bhootatmane Namaha - At least two texts use Pootaatma (Purest soul) here instead of Bhootaatma. This name has also been repeated 2 lines earlier.
OM Paramatmane Namaha
OM Mrukthanam Paramaye gataye Namaha
OM Avyayaya Namaha
OM Purushaya Namaha
OM Saakshine Namaha
OM Kshetragnaaya Namaha
OM Aksharaaya Namaha
OM Yogaaya Namaha
OM Yoganidaam Netre Namaha
OM Pradhaanapurusheshwaraaya Namaha
OM Narasimhavapushe Namaha
OM Shreemate Namaha
OM Keshavaaya Namaha
OM Purushottamaaya Namaha
OM Sarvasmai Namaha
OM Sharvaaya Namaha
OM Shivaaya Namaha
OM Sthanave Namaha
OM Bhootadaye Namaha
OM Nidhaye Avyayaaya Namaha
OM Sambhavaaya Namaha
OM Bhavanaaya Namaha
OM Bhartre Namaha
OM Prabhavaaya Namaha
OM Prabhave Namaha
OM Eashwaraaya Namaha
OM Swayambhuve Namaha
OM Shambhave Namaha
OM Aadityaaya Namaha
OM Pushkaraakshaaya Namaha
OM Mahaaswanaaya Namaha
OM Anaadinidaanaaya Namaha
OM Dhaatre Namaha
OM Vidhaatre Namaha
OM Dhaaturuttamaay Namaha
OM Aprameyaaya Namaha
OM Hrishikeshaaya Namaha
OM Padmanaabhaya Namaha
OM Amarprabhave Namaha
OM Vishwakarmane Namaha
OM Manave Namaha
OM Twastre Namaha
OM Sthavishtaaya Namaha
OM Sthaviraaya Dhruvaaya Namaha
OM Agraahhya Namaha
OM Shaashwataaya Namaha
OM Krishnaaaya Namaha
OM Lohitaakshaaya Namaha
OM Pratardanaaya Namaha
OM Prabhutaaya Namaha
OM Trikakubdhamne Namaha
OM Pavithraaya Namaha
OM Mangalaaya Parasmai Namaha
OM Eashaanaaya Namaha
OM Praanadaaya Namaha
OM Praanaaya Namaha
OM Jyeshtaaya Namaha
OM Shreshtaaya Namaha
OM Prajaapataye Namaha
OM Hiranyagarbhaaya Namaha
OM Bhoogarbhaaya Namaha
OM Maadhavaaya Namaha
OM Madhusoodhanaaya Namaha
OM Eashwaraaya Namaha
OM Vikramine Namaha
OM Dhanvine Namaha
OM Medhavine Namaha
OM Vikramaaya Namaha
OM Kramaaya Namaha
OM Anuttamaaya Namaha
OM Durradharshaaya Namaha
OM Kritagnaaya Namaha
OM Kritaye Namaha
OM Aatmavate Namaha
OM Sureshaaya Namaha
OM Sharanaaya Namaha
OM Sharmane Namaha
OM Vishwaretasseh Namaha
OM Prajabhavaaya Namaha
OM Ahne Namaha
OM Samvatsaraaya Namaha
OM Vyaalaaya Namaha
OM Pratyayaya Namaha
OM Sarvadarshanaaya Namaha
OM Ajaaya Namaha
OM Sarveshwaraaya Namaha
OM Siddhaaya Namaha
OM Siddhaye Namaha
OM Savadiye Namaha
OM Achyutaaya Namaha
OM Vrishakapaye Namaha
OM Ameyatmane Namaha
OM Sarvayogavinihsritaaya Namaha
OM Vasave Namaha
OM Vasumanase Namaha
OM Satyaya Namaha
OM Samatmane Namaha
OM Sammitaaya Namaha
OM Samaaya Namaha
OM Amoghaaya Namaha
OM Pundareekakshaaya Namaha
OM Vrishakarmane Namaha
OM Vrishaakritaye Namaha
OM Rudraaya Namaha
OM Bahusirase Namaha
OM Babhruve Namaha
OM Vishvayonaye Namaha
OM SuchiSravase Namaha
OM Amritaaya Namaha
OM SaswathSthanave Namaha
OM Vararohaaya Namaha
OM Mahatapase Namaha
OM Sarvagaaya Namaha
OM Sarvavidvaanave Namaha
OM Viswaksenaaya Namaha
OM Janaardanaaya Namaha
OM Vedaaya Namaha
OM Vedavide Namaha
OM Avyangaaya Namaha
OM Vedaangaya Namaha
OM Vedavide Namaha
OM Kavaye Namaha
OM Lokadyakshaaya Namaha
OM Suradyakshaaya Namaha
OM Darmadyakshaaya Namaha
OM Kritakritaaya Namaha
OM Chaturatmane Namaha
OM Chaturvuehaaya Namaha
OM Chaturdrishtaaya Namaha
OM Chaturbhujaaya Namaha
OM Bhraajishnaave Namaha
OM Bhojanaaya Namaha
OM Bhoktre Namaha
OM Sahishnave Namaha
OM Jagadaadijaaya Namaha
OM Anadhaaya Namaha
OM Vijayaaya Namaha
OM Jaitre Namaha
OM Viswayonaye Namaha
OM Punarvasave Namaha
OM Upendraaya Namaha
OM Vaamanaaya Namaha
OM Praamshave Namaha
OM Amoghaaya Namaha
OM Shuchaye Namaha
OM Oorjithaaya Namaha
OM Ateendraaya Namaha
OM Sangrahaaya Namaha
OM Sagayi Namaha
OM Dritaatmane Namaha
OM Niyamaye Namaha
OM Yamahaya Namaha
OM Vedya-aya Namaha
OM Vaidya-aya Namaha
OM Sadayogine Namaha
OM Virdhne Namaha
OM Maadhavaya Namaha
OM Madhve Namaha
OM Athinidraya-aya Namaha
OM Mahamaya-aya Namaha
OM Mahotsahaya Namaha
OM Mahabalaya Namaha
OM Buddheye Namaha
OM Mahaviryaya Namaha
OM Shakthye Namaha
OM Mahadhutheya Namaha
OM Anirdhashyavapushe Namaha
OM Shrimate Namaha
OM Ameyatmane Namaha
OM Mahadridhagge Namaha
OM Maheshvasaya Namaha
OM Mahibratre Namaha
OM Shrinivasaya Namaha
OM Santhgathye Namaha
OM Aniruddhaye Namaha
OM Suranandhaya Namaha
OM Govindaya Namaha
OM Govindaa Pataye Namaha
OM Marichaye Namaha
OM Damanaya Namaha
OM Hansaya Namaha
OM Suparanaya Namaha
OM Bhujagothamaaya Namaha
OM Hiranyanaabhaya Namaha
OM Sutapase Namaha
OM Padmanaabhaya Namaha
OM Prajapathaye Namaha
OM Amrityave Namaha
OM Sarvadgasho Namaha
OM Simahaya Namaha
OM Sandhotre Namaha
OM Sandhimate Namaha
OM Sthitaraya Namaha
OM Ajaaya Namaha
OM Durmarshanaya Namaha
OM Shastre Namaha
OM Vishrutatmane Namaha
OM Surarigne Namaha
OM Gurave Namaha
OM Gurutamaya Namaha
OM Dhaamne Namaha
OM Sathyaya Namaha
OM Satyaparaakamaaya Namaha
OM Nimishaya Namaha
OM Animishaya Namaha
OM Strgvino Namaha
OM Vaachaspataye Udhardhiye Namaha
OM Agranye Namaha
OM Gramanye Namaha
OM Shrimate Namaha
OM Nyayaya Namaha
OM Netre Namaha
OM Sameernaaya Namaha
OM SahastraMrudhne Namaha
OM Vishwatmane Namaha
OM Sahastrakshaaya Namaha
OM Sahastrapade Namaha
OM Aavarthanaya Namaha
OM Nivrutthatmane Namaha
OM Sanmruthay Namaha
OM Sampramardanaya Namaha
OM Ahassamvartakaya Namaha
OM Vahniye Namaha
OM Anilaya Namaha
OM Dharanidharaya Namaha
OM Suprasadaya Namaha
OM Prasannatamane Namaha
OM Vishwadhrage Namaha
OM Vishwabhuje Namaha
OM Vibhave Namaha
OM Satkartre Namaha
OM Satkrutaya Namaha
OM Sadhave Namaha
OM Jahannuye Namaha
OM Narayanaya Namaha
OM Naraya Namaha
OM Asankhyeyeya Namaha
OM Aprameyatmane Namaha
OM Vishishtaya Namaha
OM Shuchaye Namaha
OM Siddharthaya Namaha
OM Siddhasankalpaya Namaha
OM Siddhidayah Namaha
OM Siddhisadaanahaya Namaha
OM Vrushahineya Namaha
OM Vrushabhaya Namaha
OM Vishnave Namaha
OM Vrushparvane Namaha
OM Vrushodaraya Namaha
OM Vardhanaya Namaha
OM Vardhamanaya Namaha
OM Vivikthaaya Namaha
OM Shruthisaagaraya Namaha
OM Subusajaaya Namaha
OM Dhurdharaya Namaha
OM Vagmine Namaha
OM Mahendraya Namaha
OM Vasudaya Namaha
OM Vasave Namaha
OM Naikarupaya Namaha
OM Brihadroopaya Namaha
OM Shipivishtaya Namaha
OM Prakashanaya Namaha
OM Ojastejodyuthidharaya Namaha
OM Prakaashatmane Namaha
OM Prataapanaya Namaha
OM Riddhaya Namaha
OM Spashtaksharaya Namaha
OM Mantraya Namaha
OM Chandranshave Namaha
OM Bhaskaradyuthaye Namaha
OM Amritaamsoodbhavaya Namaha
OM Bhanave Namaha
OM Shashabindave Namaha
OM Sureshvaraya Namaha
OM Oshdhaaya Namaha
OM Jagat Setave Namaha
OM Satyadharmaparakramaya Namaha
OM Bhootabhavyabhavannathaya Namaha
OM Pavanaya Namaha
OM Paavanaya Namaha
OM Analaaya Namaha
OM Kaamdhne Namaha
OM Kaamakruthe Namaha
OM Kaanthaya Namaha
OM Kaamaya Namaha
OM Kaamapradaya Namaha
OM Prabhave Namaha
OM Yugadhikruthe Namaha
OM Yugaavarthaya Namaha
OM Naikamayaya Namaha
OM Mahashanaya Namaha
OM Adrishyaya Namaha
OM Vyaktaroopaya Namaha
OM Sahastrajite Namaha
OM Ananthajite Namaha
OM Ishtaya Namaha
OM Vishishtaya Namaha
OM Shishteastaya Namaha
OM Shikandine Namaha
OM Nahushaya Namaha
OM Vrishaya Namaha
OM Krodhgne Namaha
OM Krodhakritkartaa Namaha
OM Vishwabahave Namaha
OM Mahidharaya Namaha
OM Achyuthaya Namaha
OM Prathithaya Namaha
OM Praanaya Namaha
OM Praandaaya Namaha
OM Vaasavanujaya Namaha
OM Apaam Nidhaye Namaha
OM Adhishtaanaya Namaha
OM Apramatthaya Namaha
OM Prathishtataya Namaha
OM Skandaya Namaha
OM Skanda Dharaya Namaha
OM Dhuryaya Namaha
OM Varadhaya Namaha
OM Vaayu Vahanaya Namaha
OM Vasudevaya Namaha
OM Brihatbhaanave Namaha
OM Aadidevaya Namaha
OM Purandaraya Namaha
OM Ashokaya Namaha
OM Taraanaya Namaha
OM Taraya Namaha
OM Shuraya Namaha
OM Shourye Namaha
OM Janeshwaraya Namaha
OM Anukulaya Namaha
OM Shatavarttaya Namaha
OM Padmeene Namaha
OM Padmenebekshanaye Namaha
OM Padmanabhaya Namaha
OM Aravindaakshaaya Namaha
OM Padmagarbhaya Namaha
OM Sareerabhrite Namaha
OM Maharddheye Namaha
OM Shraddhaya Namaha
OM Vriddhatmane Namaha
OM Maha Kshaya Namaha
OM Garudadwajaya Namaha
OM Atulaya Namaha
OM Sharabhaya Namaha
OM Bheemaya Namaha
OM Samayagnaya Namaha
OM Havirharaye Namaha
OM SarvaLakshanalakshanaya Namaha
OM Lakshmivate Namaha
OM Samithinjayaya Namaha
OM Viksharaya Namaha
OM Rohitaya Namaha
OM Maargaya Namaha
OM Hetave Namaha
OM Damodaraya Namaha
OM Sahaya Namaha
OM Mahidharaya Namaha
OM Mahabhagaaya Namaha
OM Vegavathe Namaha
OM Amitaashanaya Namaha
OM Udbhavaya Namaha
OM Kshobanaya Namaha
OM Devaya Namaha
OM Shrigarbaya Namaha
OM Parameshwaraya Namaha
OM Karnaaya Namaha
OM Karatre Namaha
OM Vikaratre Namaha
OM Gahanaya Namaha
OM Guhaya Namaha
OM Vyavasayaya Namaha
OM Vyavasthaanaya Namaha
OM Samsthaanaya Namaha
OM Sthaanadhaya Namaha
OM Dhruvaaya Namaha
OM Pararddhaye Namaha
OM Paramaspastaya Namaha
OM Thustaya Namaha
OM Pushtaya Namaha
OM Subekshanaya Namaha
OM Ramaya Namaha
OM Viramaya Namaha
OM Virjaya Namaha
OM Maargaya Namaha
OM Neyaya Namaha
OM Nyaya Namaha
OM Anyaya Namaha
OM Veeraya Namaha
OM Shaktimataa Shreshtaya Namaha
OM Dharmaya Namaha
OM Dharmaviduttamaaya Namaha
OM Vaikuntaya Namaha
OM Purushaya Namaha
OM Praanaya Namaha
OM Praandaaya Namaha
OM Pranavaaya Namaha
OM Prithve Namaha
OM HiranyaGarbhaya Namaha
OM Shatrugnaaya Namaha
OM Vyaapthaaya Namaha
OM Vaayave Namaha
OM Adhokshajaaya Namaha
OM Rituhve Namaha
OM Sudarshanaaya Namaha
OM Kaalaaya Namaha
OM Paramestine Namaha
OM Parigrahaaya Namaha
OM Ugraaya Namaha
OM Samvatsraaya Namaha
OM Dakshaaya Namaha
OM Vishraamaaya Namaha
OM Vishwadakshinaaya Namaha
OM Visthaaraaya Namaha
OM Sthaavarasthaanave Namaha
OM Pramaanaya Namaha
OM Bijaay Avyayaaya Namaha
OM Arthaaya Namaha
OM Anarthaaya Namaha
OM Mahakoshaaya Namaha
OM Mahabhogaaya Namaha
OM Mahadhanaaya Namaha
OM Anirvinnahaya Namaha
OM Sthavistaaya Namaha
OM Abhuve Namaha
OM Dharmavupaya Namaha
OM Mahamakaaya Namaha
OM Nakshatranemaye Namaha
OM Nakshathrine Namaha
OM Kshamaya Namaha
OM Kshaamaya Namaha
OM Samihanaaya Namaha
OM Yagnaaya Namaha
OM Ijyaaya Namaha
OM Mahejyaaya Namaha
OM Krithave Namaha
OM Satraaya Namaha
OM Sataa Gathaye Namaha
OM Sarvadharshine Namaha
OM Vibhukthatmaane Namaha
OM Sarvagnaya Namaha
OM Jnaanamutthamaaya Namaha
OM Suvrathaaya Namaha
OM Sumukhaaya Namaha
OM Sookshmaaya Namaha
OM Sughoshaaya Namaha
OM Sukhdaaya Namaha
OM Suhridye Namaha
OM Manoharaaya Namaha
OM Jitakrodhaaya Namaha
OM Veerabhaahave Namaha
OM Vidhaarnaaya Namaha
OM Swaapanaaya Namaha
OM Swavashaaya Namaha
OM Vyaapine Namaha
OM Naikaatmane Namaha
OM Naikakarmakrihte Namaha
OM Vatsaraya Namaha
OM Vatsalaaya Namaha
OM Vathsine Namaha
OM Ratnagarbahaya Namaha
OM Dhaneshwaraya Namaha
OM Dharmagupe Namaha
OM DharmaKrihte Namaha
OM Dharmine Namaha
OM Sathe Namaha
OM Asathe Namaha
OM Ksharaaya Namaha
OM Aksharaaya Namaha
OM Avijnaatre Namaha
OM Sahasthraanshve Namaha
OM Vidhaathre Namaha
OM Krihthalakshanaaya Namaha
OM Ghabasthineymaye Namaha
OM Sattvasthaaya Namaha
OM Simhaaya Namaha
OM BhoothaMaheshwaraaya Namaha
OM Aadidevaaya Namaha
OM Mahadevaaya Namaha
OM Deveshaaya Namaha
OM Devbrihadgurave Namaha
OM Uttaraaya Namaha
OM Gopathaye Namaha
OM Gopthre Namaha
OM Jnaanagamyaaya Namaha
OM Puraatanaaya Namaha
OM Shareerabhruthabhruthe Namaha
OM Bhokhthre Namaha
OM Kapeendraya Namaha
OM Bhuridhakshinaaya Namaha
OM Somapaaya Namaha
OM AmruthaPaaya Namaha
OM Somaaya Namaha
OM Purujite Namaha
OM Purusattamaaya Namaha
OM Vinyaaya Namaha
OM Jayaaya Namaha
OM Satyasandhaaya Namaha
OM Daashaahi Namaha
OM Saatvataa Pataye Namaha
OM Jeevaaya Namaha
OM Vinayithasaakshine Namaha
OM Mukundaaya Namaha
OM Amitavikramaaya Namaha
OM Ambhonidhaye Namaha
OM Ananthatmaane Namaha
OM Mahodadhishayaya Namaha
OM Anthakaaya Namaha
OM Ajaaya Namaha
OM Mahahahi Namaha
OM Swabhavyaaya Namaha
OM Jitaamitraaya Namaha
OM Pramodnaaya Namaha
OM Anandaaya Namaha
OM Nandnaaya Namaha
OM Nandaaya Namaha
OM Satyadharmane Namaha
OM Trivikramaaya Namaha
OM Maharshaye Kapilaachaaraya Namaha
OM Krithagnaaya Namaha
OM Medinipataye Namaha
OM Tripadaaya Namaha
OM Tridashaadhyakshaaya Namaha
OM Mahaasringaaya Namaha
OM Kruthaanthkrithe Namaha
OM Mahavaraahaya Namaha
OM Govindaaya Namaha
OM Sushenaaya Namaha
OM Kanakaangadine Namaha
OM Guhyaya Namaha
OM Gabiraaya Namaha
OM Gahanaaya Namaha
OM Guptaaya Namaha
OM Chakragadhaadharaya Namaha
OM Vedhase Namaha
OM Svaanghaaya Namaha
OM Ajitahaya Namaha
OM Krishnaaya Namaha
OM Dridaaya Namaha
OM Sankarshanaaya Achyuthaaya Namaha
OM Varunaaya Namaha
OM Vaarunaaya Namaha
OM Vrukshaaya Namaha
OM Pushkaraakshaaya Namaha
OM Mahamanase Namaha
OM Bhagavate Namaha
OM Bhagaghne Namaha
OM Anandine Namaha
OM Vanamaaline Namaha
OM Halayudhaaya Namaha
OM Aadityaaya Namaha
OM Jyothiraadityaaya Namaha
OM Sahishnave Namaha
OM Gatisattamaaya Namaha
OM Sudhanvane Namaha
OM Khandparashave Namaha
OM Dhaarunaaya Namaha
OM Dravinapradaya Namaha
OM Divasprashe Namaha
OM Sarvadhrikvyaasaya Namaha
OM Vachaspathaye Ayonijaaya Namaha
OM Trisaamne Namaha
OM Saamgaaya Namaha
OM Saamne Namaha
OM Nirvaanaaya Namaha
OM Bheshjaaya Namaha
OM Bhishaje Namaha
OM Sanyaaskrithe Namaha
OM Shamaaya Namaha
OM Shaanthaaya Namaha
OM Nishtaaya Namaha
OM Shaanthye Namaha
OM Parayanaaya Namaha
OM Shubhaangaaya Namaha
OM Shantidaaya Namaha
OM Shthraste Namaha
OM Kumudaaya Namaha
OM Kuvaleshaayaya Namaha
OM Gohithaaya Namaha
OM Gopthaye Namaha
OM Gopthre Namaha
OM Vrushabhakshaaya Namaha
OM Anivarthane Namaha
OM Nivruthaatmaane Namaha
OM Sankshepthre Namaha
OM Kshemakrithe Namaha
OM Shivaaya Namaha
OM Srivatsavakshase Namaha
OM Shrivaasaaya Namaha
OM Shripataye Namaha
OM Shrimataa varaaya Namaha
OM Shridaaya Namaha
OM Shrishaaya Namaha
OM Shrinivaasaaya Namaha
OM Shrinidhaye Namaha
OM Shrivibhaavanaaya Namaha
OM Shridharaaya Namaha
OM Shrikaraaya Namaha
OM Shreyase Namaha
OM Shrimate Namaha
OM Lokthrayaashrayaya Namaha
OM Svakshaaya Namaha
OM Svangaaya Namaha
OM Shataanandaaya Namaha
OM Nandaye Namaha
OM Jyothirganeshwaraya Namaha
OM Vijeetaatmane Namaha
OM Vidheyaatmane Namaha
OM Satkeerthaye Namaha
OM Chinnasanshaayaya Namaha
OM Udheernaaya Namaha
OM Sarvatahchakshushe Namaha
OM Aneeshaaya Namaha
OM Shaashavatsthiraaya Namaha
OM Bhooshyaaya Namaha
OM Bhooshanaaya Namaha
OM Bhootaye Namaha
OM Vishokaaya Namaha
OM Shokanaashanaaya Namaha
OM Archishmate Namaha
OM Archithaaya Namaha
OM Kumbhaaya Namaha
OM Vishuddhaatmane Namaha
OM Vishodhanaaya Namaha
OM Aniruddhaaya Namaha
OM Aprathirathaaya Namaha
OM Pradhyumnaaya Namaha
OM Amitavikramaaya Namaha
OM Kaalneminigne Namaha
OM Veeraaya Namaha
OM Shouraye Namaha
OM Shoorajaneshwaraaya Namaha
OM Trilokaatmane Namaha
OM Trilokeshaaya Namaha
OM Keshavaaya Namaha
OM Keshigne Namaha
OM Haraye Namaha
OM Kaamdevaaya Namaha
OM Kaampaalaya Namaha
OM Kaamine Namaha
OM Kaanthaaya Namaha
OM Krithaagamaaya Namaha
OM Anirdheshyavapushe Namaha
OM Vishnave Namaha
OM Veeraaya Namaha
OM Ananthaaya Namaha
OM Dhananjayaaya Namaha
OM Brahmanyaaya Namaha
OM Brahmakrite Namaha
OM Brahmane Namaha
OM Brahmavivardhanaaya Namaha
OM Brahmavidhe Namaha
OM Brahmanaaya Namaha
OM Brahmine Namaha
OM Brahmajnaaya Namaha
OM Braahmanapriyaaya Namaha
OM Mahakramaaya Namaha
OM Mahakarmane Namaha
OM Mahatejase Namaha
OM Mahorgaaya Namaha
OM Mahakrithave Namaha
OM Mahayajvane Namaha
OM Mahayagnaaya Namaha
OM Mahahavishe Namaha
OM Sthavyaaya Namaha
OM Sthavapriyaaya Namaha
OM Sthothraaya Namaha
OM Sthuthaye Namaha
OM Sthothre Namaha
OM Ranapriyaaya Namaha
OM Poornaaya Namaha
OM Purayithre Namaha
OM Punyaaya Namaha
OM Punyakeerthaye Namaha
OM Anaamayaaya Namaha
OM Manojvaaya Namaha
OM Theerthakaraaya Namaha
OM Vasurethase Namaha
OM Vasupradaaya Namaha
OM Vasupradaaya Namaha
OM Vaasudevaaya Namaha
OM Vasave Namaha
OM Vasumanase Namaha
OM Havishe Namaha
OM Sadgataye Namaha
OM Satkrithaye Namaha
OM Sattaye Namaha
OM Sadbhoothaye Namaha
OM Satparaanaaya Namaha
OM Shoorasenaaya Namaha
OM Yadushrestaaya Namaha
OM Sannivaasaaya Namaha
OM Suyaamunaaya Namaha
OM Bhoothavaasaaya Namaha
OM Vaasudevaaya Namaha
OM Sarvaasunilayaaya Namaha
OM Analaaya Namaha
OM Dharpagne Namaha
OM Dharpadaaya Namaha
OM Dhrupthaaya Namaha
OM Dhurdhraaya Namaha
OM Aparaajitaaya Namaha
OM Vishwamurthaye Namaha
OM Mahaamurthaye Namaha
OM Deepthamurthaye Namaha
OM Amoorthimate Namaha
OM Anekamurthaye Namaha
OM Avyakthaaya Namaha
OM Shathamurthaye Namaha
OM Shataananaaya Namaha
OM Ekaaya Namaha
OM Naukaaya Namaha
OM Savaaya Namaha
OM Kaaya Namaha
OM Kasme Namaha
OM Yasme Namaha
OM Tasme Namaha
OM Padamanuttamaaya Namaha
OM Lokabandhave Namaha
OM Lokanaathaaya Namaha
OM Maadhavaaya Namaha
OM Bhakthavatsalaaya Namaha
OM Suvarnavarnaaya Namaha
OM Hemaangaaya Namaha
OM Varaangaaya Namaha
OM Chandanaangadine Namaha
OM Veeragne Namaha
OM Vishamaaya Namaha
OM Shoonyaaya Namaha
OM Dhoothashishe Namaha
OM Achalaaya Namaha
OM Chalaaya Namaha
OM Amaanine Namaha
OM Maanadaaya Namaha
OM Maanyaaya Namaha
OM Lokaswaamine Namaha
OM Trilokadhrige Namaha
OM Sumedhase Namaha
OM Medhajaaya Namaha
OM Dhanyaaya Namaha
OM Satyamedhase Namaha
OM Dharadharaaya Namaha
OM Tejovrishaaya Namaha
OM Dhyuthidharaaya Namaha
OM Sarvashashtrabrihtaa Varaaya Namaha
OM Pragrahaaya Namaha
OM Nigrahaaya Namaha
OM Vyagraaya Namaha
OM Naikashringaaya Namaha
OM Gadagrijaaya Namaha
OM Chathurmurthaye Namaha
OM Chathurbahive Namaha
OM Chathuvyuhaaya Namaha
OM Chathurgathaye Namaha
OM Chathuraatmane Namaha
OM Chathurbhaavaaya Namaha
OM Chathurvedavidhe Namaha
OM Ekapade Namaha
OM Samaavarthaaya Namaha
OM Nivrutthaatmane Namaha
OM Dhurjyaaya Namaha
OM Dhurathikramaaya Namaha
OM Dhurlabhaaya Namaha
OM Durgamaaya Namaha
OM Durgaaya Namaha
OM Duraavaasaaya Namaha
OM Duraarigne Namaha
OM Shubhaangaaya Namaha
OM Lokasaaraangaaya Namaha
OM Sutantave Namaha
OM Thanthuvardhanaaya Namaha
OM Indrakarmane Namaha
OM Mahakarmane Namaha
OM Krithakarmane Namaha
OM Krithaagamaaya Namaha
OM Udhbhavaaya Namaha
OM Sundaraaya Namaha
OM Sundhaaya Namaha
OM Ratnanaabhaaya Namaha
OM Sulochanaaya Namaha
OM Arkaaya Namaha
OM Vaajasanaaya Namaha
OM Shringane Namaha
OM Jayanthaaya Namaha
OM Sarvavijjaine Namaha
OM Suvarnabindave Namaha
OM Akshobhyaaya Namaha
OM Sarvavaagheeshwareshwaraaya Namaha
OM Mahaahrudaaya Namaha
OM Mahagarthaaya Namaha
OM Mahabhuthaaya Namaha
OM Mahanidhaye Namaha
OM Kumudaaya Namaha
OM Kundaraaya Namaha
OM Kundaaya Namaha
OM Purjanyaaya Namaha
OM Paavanaaya Namaha
OM Anilaaya Namaha
OM Amruthaanshaaya Namaha
OM Amruthavapushe Namaha
OM Sarvagnaaya Namaha
OM Sarvathomukhaaya Namaha
OM Sulabhaaya Namaha
OM Suvrathaaya Namaha
OM Siddhaaya Namaha
OM Shathrujite Namaha
OM Shathrutaapnaaya Namaha
OM Nyagrodhaaya Namaha
OM Udumbraaya Namaha
OM Ashwatthaaya Namaha
OM Chaanuraandranishudanaaya Namaha
OM Sahasthraarchishe Namaha
OM Sapthajeevaaya Namaha
OM Sapthedhase Namaha
OM Sapthavaahanaaya Namaha
OM Amrurthaye Namaha
OM Anaghaaya Namaha
OM Achintyaaya Namaha
OM Bhayakrihthe Namaha
OM Bhayanaashanaaya Namaha
OM Anave Namaha
OM Brihathe Namaha
OM Krishaaya Namaha
OM Stholaaya Namaha
OM Grinabhruthe Namaha
OM Nirgunaaya Namaha
OM Mahathe Namaha
OM Adhrathaaya Namaha
OM Swadhrathaaya Namaha
OM Swaasyaaya Namaha
OM Praagvanshaaya Namaha
OM Vanshvardhanaya Namaha
OM Bhaarabhrithe Namaha
OM Kathithaaya Namaha
OM Yogine Namaha
OM Yogeeshaaya Namaha
OM Sarvakaamadaaya Namaha
OM Aashramaaya Namaha
OM Shramanaaya Namaha
OM Kshaamaaya Namaha
OM Suparnaaya Namaha
OM Vaayuvaahanaaya Namaha
OM Dhanurdharaaya Namaha
OM Dhanurvedaaya Namaha
OM Dhandaaya Namaha
OM Dhamayithre Namaha
OM Dhamaaya Namaha
OM Aparaajitaaya Namaha
OM Sarvasahaaya Namaha
OM Aniyanthre Namaha
OM Aniyamaaya Namaha
OM Ayamaaya Namaha
OM Sattvavathe Namaha
OM Sattvikaaya Namaha
OM Sathyaaya Namaha
OM Sathyadharmaparaayanaaya Namaha
OM Abhipraayaaya Namaha
OM Priyaarahaaya Namaha
OM Arahaaya Namaha
OM Prahikrihthe Namaha
OM Preetivardhanaaya Namaha
OM Vihaayasagathaaye Namaha
OM Jyothishe Namaha
OM Suruchaye Namaha
OM Huthabhuje Namaha
OM Vibhave Namaha
OM Ravaye Namaha
OM Virochanaaya Namaha
OM Sooryaaya Namaha
OM Savithre Namaha
OM Ravilochanaaya Namaha
OM Ananthaaya Namaha
OM Huthabhuje Namaha
OM Bhokthre Namaha
OM Sukhdaaya Namaha
OM Naikajaaya Namaha
OM Agrajaaya Namaha
OM Anirvinnaaya Namaha
OM Sadamarshine Namaha
OM Lokaadhishtaanaaya Namaha
OM Adhbhuthaaya Namaha
OM Sanaath Namaha
OM Sanaathanathamaaya Namaha
OM Kapilaaya Namaha
OM Kapaye Namaha
OM Apyayaaya Namaha
OM Swasthidaaya Namaha
OM Swasthikrihthe Namaha
OM Swasthibhuje Namaha
OM Swasthidhakshinaaya Namaha
OM Aroudhraaya Namaha
OM Kundaline Namaha
OM Chakrine Namaha
OM Vikramine Namaha
OM Uoorjithashaasanaaya Namaha
OM Shabdaathigaaya Namaha
OM Shabdasahaaya Namaha
OM Shishiraaya Namaha
OM Sharvarikaraaya Namaha
OM Akrooraaya Namaha
OM Peshlaaya Namaha
OM Dhakshaaya Namaha
OM Dakshinaaya Namaha
OM Kshaminaa Varaaya Namaha
OM Viduttamaaya Namaha
OM Veethabhayaaya Namaha
OM Punya Shravanakeerthanaaya Namaha
OM Uttaaranaaya Namaha
OM Dushkrithigne Namaha
OM Punyaaya Namaha
OM Duswapnanaashanaaya Namaha
OM Veeragne Namaha
OM Rakshanaaya Namaha
OM Sadbhayo Namaha
OM Jeevanaaya Namaha
OM Paryavasthithaaya Namaha
OM Anantharoopaaya Namaha
OM Ananthashriye Namaha
OM Jitamanyave Namaha
OM Bhayaapahaaya Namaha
OM Chatursthraaya Namaha
OM Gabeeraatmane Namaha
OM Videeshaaya Namaha
OM Vyaadhishaaya Namaha
OM Dishaaya Namaha
OM Anaadaye Namaha
OM Bhurbhuvaaya Namaha
OM Lakshmye Namaha
OM Suviraaya Namaha
OM Ruchiraangdaaya Namaha
OM Jananaaya Namaha
OM Janajanmaadaye Namaha
OM Bheemaya Namaha
OM Bheemaparaakramaaya Namaha
OM Aadhaarnilayaaya Namaha
OM Adhaathre Namaha
OM Pushpahaasaaya Namaha
OM Prajaagaraaya Namaha
OM Oordhvagaaya Namaha
OM Satpathaachaaraaya Namaha
OM Praanadaaya Namaha
OM Pranavaaya Namaha
OM Pranaaya Namaha
OM Pramaanaaya Namaha
OM Praananilayaaya Namaha
OM Praanabhrihthe Namaha
OM Praanajeevanaaya Namaha
OM Tattvaaya Namaha
OM Tattvavidhe Namaha
OM Ekaatmane Namaha
OM Janma mruthyu jaraathigaaya Namaha
OM Bhoorbhuva swastharave Namaha
OM Taaraaya Namaha
OM Savithre Namaha
OM Prapithaamahaaya Namaha
OM Yagnaaya Namaha
OM Yagnapathaye Namaha
OM Yajvane Namaha
OM Yagnaangaaya Namaha
OM Yagnavaahaanaaya Namaha
OM Yagnabrihthe Namaha
OM Yagnakrihthe Namaha
OM Yagnine Namaha
OM Yagnabhuje Namaha
OM Yagnasaadhanaaya Namaha
OM Yagnaanthakrihthe Namaha
OM Yagnaguhyaaya Namaha
OM Annaaya Namaha
OM Annaadaaya Namaha
OM Aatmayonaye Namaha
OM Swayamjaataaya Namaha
OM Vaikhaanaaya Namaha
OM Saamagaayanaaya Namaha
OM Devaki Nandanaaya Namaha
OM Sthraste Namaha
OM Kshithishaaya Namaha
OM Paapanaashanaaya Namaha
OM Samkhabrihthe Namaha
OM Nandakine Namaha
OM Chakrine Namaha
OM Saaranga Dhanvane Namaha
OM Gadhaadharaaya Namaha
OM Rathaangapaanaye Namaha
OM Akshobhyaaya Namaha
OM Sarvapraharanaayudhaaya Namaha
Thus end the thousand names of Vishnu.
The above is the expanded way of reciting the Sahasranama, where each name is individually chanted and respects are paid to the Lord. 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 Shlokas in Sanskrit. The Sahasranama (Apart from the initial and concluding prayers (Not given here, yet)) has a total of 108 shlokas. For example, the first shloka is:
Om Vishvam Vishnurvashatkaaro Bhootbhavyabhavatprabhuh Bhootkrid Bhootbhridbhaavo Bhootaatma Bhootbhavanah
Notice the aggregation of several words and the omission of their intervening spaces. For example, the last word of the first line of this Shloka: Bhootbhavyabhavatprabhuh
corresponds to
OM Bhoota Bhavya Bhavat Prabhave Namaha of the expanded version.
This joining-together of words is a common feature of Sanskrit and is called Sandhi. It makes the shlokas compact and easier to remember, which was necessary in ancient India since the religious scriptures were seldom written down and were memorised by Brahmins, or the priest class. This collection of memorised knowledge was passed by word-of-mouth from Guru to disciple. In ancient times, or even a century ago, many Hindus in learned families daily recited the Sahasranama, or a similar set of prayer Shlokas of their chosen deity. (Such a collection of Shlokas which are used for recital purposes is generally called a Stotra (Both 't's have soft pronunciation.)) Now, however, with increasing Westernization, the rituals are reducing in amount, and becoming more mechanical and devoid of feeling. Though a very significant number of Hindu households still have daily prayer/worship sessions (Called a Puja. In ancient Vedic times, it was also called a Shankaracharya's commentary on the Sahasranama:
Sanskrit & English: Sri Vishnu Sahasranama; Sri Ramakrishna Math, 16, Ramakrishna Math Road, Chennai 600004, India (Math is pronounced 'Madh', the dh is the voiceless hard palatal aspirate, somewhat like the intermediate sound in road-hog. Math is the Hindu equivalent of a monastery. Chennai was earlier called Madras.)
Sanskrit & Hindi: Sri Vishnu Sahasranama, Gitapress, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh 273005, India
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