The Vishnu Sahasranama

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Shri Vishnu Sahasranama Stotram · the hymn of the thousand names of Vishnu

Bhishma the grandsire recited it to Yudhishthira. Gathered into the Mahabharata by the sage Veda Vyasa.

If you keep only one line, keep this one.

The universe itself, Vishnu, the sacred vashat-call, the Lord of past, present, and future, the maker of all beings, the sustainer of all beings, the self within them all.

Vishnu Sahasranama, the first nine names

↓ Plain Sanskrit text (PDF · 588 KB)

The Vishnu Sahasranama Stotra, the thousand names of Lord Vishnu.

It belongs to the Anushasana Parva of the Mahabharata, chapter one hundred forty-nine. The war at Kurukshetra was over. Bhishma the grandsire lay on his bed of arrows, waiting for the sun to turn north, because he held the boon of choosing his own hour of death. After so much slaughter, Yudhishthira’s mind was heavy with grief and doubt.

At that moment Bhishma gave his grandson this gift of a thousand names, all of one God. His answer to Yudhishthira’s questions comes down to a single thread, that the son of Vasudeva stands highest of all, and that praising him is the greatest dharma.

Adi Shankaracharya wrote a commentary on it. Even today the hymn sounds through homes and temples at dawn and dusk.

Below come the nyasa, the meditation, the thousand names in one hundred and eight clusters, and at the end the phalashruti and the epilogue. Each cluster is told in plain language, so that each name can be felt as it is read.

Prologue

Yudhishthira’s question and Bhishma’s answer

The recitation opens with an auspicious meditation. White robes, a complexion like the moon, four arms, a serene face, holding this form of Vishnu in the mind, the seeker first asks for all obstacles to be stilled, then takes refuge in Vishvaksena, lord of the hundreds of attendants who include Ganesha.

Next comes homage to the sage Vyasa, who gathered this hymn into the Mahabharata. Great-grandson of Vasishtha, grandson of Shakti, son of Parashara, father of Shukadeva, the sinless treasury of austerity, Vyasa is bowed to again and again as a form of Vishnu himself, for there is no difference between the form of Vyasa and the form of Vishnu.

Then the form of Vishnu himself is called to mind. Free of change, pure, eternal, forever one in form, that supreme self whose mere remembrance cuts the bondage of birth and death, and with a bow to that all-pervading, all-conquering Lord the prelude is complete.

Now the thread of the story opens. Vaishampayana tells us that even after hearing all the dharmas and the sacred tales, Yudhishthira’s mind had not grown calm, and he put to Bhishma, son of Shantanu, the same root questions once more. Who is the one deity in this world, who the one supreme refuge, by praising whom does a person win the highest good, which dharma is the greatest of all dharmas, and whose repetition frees a creature from the round of birth and death.

Bhishma’s answer is plain. The person who praises the thousand names of the Lord of the world, the God of gods, the infinite Purushottama, stays forever awake. Worshiping, meditating on, and bowing to that imperishable Person with devotion, the one who praises the beginningless and endless Vishnu every day crosses beyond all sorrows.

On a bed of arrows, Bhishma teaches the thousand names — **Bhishma and Yudhishthira**

Bhishma counts out his glory. He loves the brahmanas, he knows every dharma, he raises the renown of the worlds, he is the birthplace of all beings. This is Bhishma’s firm conclusion, that the highest dharma of all dharmas is for a person to worship the lotus-eyed Shri Hari every day, with devotion, through hymns of praise.

Then he points toward that supreme reality. The highest radiance, the highest austerity, the highest Brahman, the final refuge, the purest of the pure and the most auspicious of all that is auspicious, the deity even of the deities, the imperishable father of all beings, the one from whom all creatures are born at the dawn of an age and into whom they return at its close. Bhishma tells Yudhishthira to hear the thousand names of that Vishnu, lord of the world, names that destroy sin and fear.

These names are not invented. Sung by the rishis, they carry meaning, each one born from some quality or play of Vishnu. The seer of this thousand-name hymn is Veda Vyasa himself, its meter is anushtup, and its deity is Krishna, the son of Devaki. After naming the seed, the power, and the heart-mantra, Bhishma says the recitation is undertaken for peace of mind, and he closes by bowing to Vishnu, Jishnu, Mahavishnu, Prabhavishnu, and Purushottama.

Nyasa

The declaration of seer, meter, and deity

Before the recitation comes the declaration of nyasa. The seeker calls to mind the seer, Bhagavan Vedavyasa; the meter, anushtup; and the deity, Shri Mahavishnu, the supreme self, Shriman Narayana. Then he sets names drawn from the hymn itself in their places: Amritamshudbhava Bhanu as the seed, Devakinandana Srashta as the power, Udbhava Kshobhana Deva as the highest mantra, Shankhabhrit Nandaki Chakri as the pin that fastens it, Sharngadhanva Gadadhara as the weapon, Rathangapani Akshobhya as the eye, Trisama Samaga Sama as the armor, Anandam Parabrahma as the source, Ritu Sudarshana Kala as the binding of the directions, and Shri Vishvarupa as the meditation. This whole dedication is offered for the love of Shri Mahavishnu.

Dhyana

The meditation verses

Now comes the moment of meditation, where the form enters the mind before the words do. The first picture is of the ocean of milk, sands studded with jewels, a seat of pearls, clouds raining nectar overhead, and Mukunda, joy itself, holding conch, discus, mace, and lotus.

The second meditation is of the universal form. His feet are the earth, his navel the sky, his breath the wind, his eyes the sun and moon, his ears the directions, his head the heavens, and his mouth the fire. Within him the whole universe abides, with its gods and humans and serpents and gandharvas. That Vishnu, whose body is the three worlds, becomes the object of meditation.

All the worlds within one body — **The vision of the universal form**

Then comes the most familiar form, the one sung in house after house. Serene in nature, reclining on the serpent Shesha, lotus-naveled, cloud-colored, beloved of Lakshmi, lotus-eyed, known only within the hearts of yogis, remover of the fear of worldly existence, Vishnu the lord of all worlds. The meditation verses that follow adorn that same form further, dark as a raincloud, robed in yellow silk, marked with the Shrivatsa and bright with the Kaustubha gem; they bow to him as the first being among all beings and the upholder of the earth, Vishnu the mighty, whose forms are beyond counting; they show him four-armed, bearing conch and discus, with diadem and earrings, yellow-robed and lotus-eyed, and at the last the form of Krishna seated in the shade of the parijata tree with Rukmini and Satyabhama.

Vishnu reclining on the serpent Shesha — **Narayana reclining on Shesha**

The Thousand Names

One hundred and eight verses · the thousand names of Vishnu

Now the thousandfold stream begins to flow. The very first name says everything. This whole universe is one with Vishnu. He is the Lord of past, present, and future, he is the creation, he is its keeping, he is the inmost self of all. The names that follow open this single truth from many angles, the pure self, the supreme self, the highest goal of the liberated, the imperishable, the witness of all, the knower of the field, the changeless syllable.

1 Vishvam, the whole universe · 2 Vishnu, the all-pervader · 3 Vashatkara, invoked with the cry vashat · 4 Bhutabhavyabhavatprabhu, lord of past, future, and present · 5 Bhutakrit, creator of all beings · 6 Bhutabhrit, sustainer of all beings · 7 Bhava, existence itself · 8 Bhutatma, the self of all beings · 9 Bhutabhavana, origin and nurturer of beings

Story / Illustration

Vishvam According to Shankaracharya, this name, formed from the root vish, declares that the whole universe arises from him, stands within him, and returns into him at dissolution, so that Vishnu is one with this cosmic form. The very first name points to the oneness of cause and effect, the way a pot made of clay is no different in substance from the clay itself.

10 Putatma, the self ever pure · 11 Paramatma, the supreme self · 12 Muktanam parama gati, highest goal of the freed · 13 Avyaya, the one who never decays · 14 Purusha, the indweller of the body · 15 Sakshi, the witness of all · 16 Kshetrajna, knower of the field · 17 Akshara, the imperishable

18 Yoga, reached through yoga · 19 Yogavidam neta, guide of those who know yoga · 20 Pradhanapurusheshvara, lord of matter and spirit · 21 Narasimhavapu, the one in man-lion form · 22 Shriman, with Lakshmi ever at his chest · 23 Keshava, the one with beautiful hair · 24 Purushottama, highest of all persons

Story / Illustration

Narayana The word nara means water, or the whole gathering of living beings, and ayana means dwelling and refuge. Narayana is the one who is the resting place of all beings, and whose own resting place is those very waters. This is the form shown reclining on Shesha upon the single ocean of the dissolution.

Here the names hold creation, preservation, and dissolution in a single hand. Sarva, Shiva, Sthanu, Sambhava, Bharta, Svayambhu, Dhata, Vidhata, the one who appears of himself and from whom all is fashioned. Hrishikesha is master of the senses, from the lotus of Padmanabha’s navel the creation springs, and Madhava-Madhusudana, though the husband of Lakshmi, is the slayer of the asuras.

25 Sarva, all that is · 26 Sharva, dissolver of all creatures · 27 Shiva, the pure, the auspicious · 28 Sthanu, the immovable · 29 Bhutadi, first cause of all beings · 30 Nidhir avyaya, the changeless resting place · 31 Sambhava, born of his own will · 32 Bhavana, bestower of fruits on all · 33 Bharta, ground and sustainer of all · 34 Prabhava, the source of all things · 35 Prabhu, the all-capable master · 36 Ishvara, the lord by his own nature

37 Svayambhu, the self-existent · 38 Shambhu, the bringer of happiness · 39 Aditya, the golden being in the sun · 40 Pushkaraksha, the lotus-eyed · 41 Mahasvana, whose mighty voice is Veda · 42 Anadinidhana, without birth or end · 43 Dhata, who supports all things · 44 Vidhata, ordainer of actions and results · 45 Dhatur uttama, the highest element, consciousness

46 Aprameya, beyond all means of knowing · 47 Hrishikesha, master of the senses · 48 Padmanabha, the lotus-naveled · 49 Amaraprabhu, lord of the immortals · 50 Vishvakarma, maker of the universe · 51 Manu, the one who contemplates · 52 Tvashta, who thins all at dissolution · 53 Sthavishtha, the most immense · 54 Sthaviro dhruva, the ancient, the steadfast

55 Agrahya, beyond the grasp of senses · 56 Shashvata, the eternal · 57 Krishna, being and bliss together · 58 Lohitaksha, the red-eyed · 59 Pratardana, the slayer at world’s end · 60 Prabhuta, rich in every excellence · 61 Trikakubdhama, support of the three regions · 62 Pavitram, the purifier · 63 Mangalam param, the supreme auspiciousness

64 Ishana, the ruler of all · 65 Pranada, the giver of breath · 66 Prana, the indwelling life · 67 Jyeshtha, the eldest · 68 Shreshtha, the most praiseworthy · 69 Prajapati, lord of all creatures · 70 Hiranyagarbha, the golden womb · 71 Bhugarbha, who holds the earth within · 72 Madhava, husband of Lakshmi · 73 Madhusudana, slayer of the demon Madhu

The next wave is of valor and knowledge. Ishvara, Vikrami, Dhanvi, Medhavi, Anuttama, Duradharsha, the one greater than whom there is none and whom none can defeat. With them come Kritajna, who knows every deed of every creature, and Atmavan, who rests in his own glory. And set among these are gentle names too, Sharana, Sharma, Achyuta, joining compassion to power.

74 Ishvara, the omnipotent · 75 Vikrami, the valiant one · 76 Dhanvi, the bearer of the bow · 77 Medhavi, who holds all learning in mind · 78 Vikrama, who strode across the worlds · 79 Krama, who moves and sets moving · 80 Anuttama, with none higher · 81 Duradharsha, the unassailable · 82 Kritajna, knower of all deeds · 83 Kriti, the ground of all effort · 84 Atmavan, who rests in himself alone

Story / Illustration

Yajna names Performer of the sacrifice, enjoyer of the sacrifice, limb of the sacrifice, means of the sacrifice, protector of the sacrifice. Names tied to yajna return again and again through the thousand. Shankaracharya reads them all one way, that the presiding power of the sacrifice, its ordinance, its fruit, and the sacrifice itself, all of it is Vishnu. The Gita too says that yajna is born of Brahman and rests in Brahman.

85 Suresha, lord of the gods · 86 Sharanam, the refuge · 87 Sharma, supreme bliss · 88 Vishvareta, seed of the universe · 89 Prajabhava, source of all beings · 90 Ahah, the day, radiant light · 91 Samvatsara, the year, as time · 92 Vyala, elusive as a serpent · 93 Pratyaya, consciousness itself · 94 Sarvadarshana, the all-seeing

95 Aja, the unborn · 96 Sarveshvara, the lord of everything · 97 Siddha, the ever-perfect · 98 Siddhi, fulfillment itself · 99 Sarvadi, the origin of all · 100 Achyuta, never slipping from his nature · 101 Vrishakapi, dharma embodied as the boar · 102 Ameyatma, the infinite self · 103 Sarvayogavinihsrita, free of every bond

104 Vasu, in whom all things dwell · 105 Vasumana, of noble mind · 106 Satya, the true reality · 107 Samatma, equal toward all · 108 Asammita, beyond all measure · 109 Sama, the same at all times · 110 Amogha, whose worship never fails · 111 Pundarikaksha, who pervades the heart-lotus · 112 Vrishakarma, whose deeds are dharma · 113 Vrishakriti, embodied to uphold dharma

Here time itself turns in the Lord’s hand. Ritu, Sudarshana, Kala, the one who counts and destroys all, yet stands beyond time himself. Vistara, the imperishable seed, Mahakosha, Mahadhana, the undying seed from which the creation springs and the endless wealth of which he is master.

114 Rudra, who makes creatures weep · 115 Bahushira, the many-headed · 116 Babhru, who carries the worlds · 117 Vishvayoni, womb of the universe · 118 Shuchishrava, whose names are pure to hear · 119 Amrita, the deathless · 120 Shashvatasthanu, eternal and immovable · 121 Vararoha, the supreme destination · 122 Mahatapa, whose austerity is vast knowledge

Story / Illustration

Sudarshana-chakra The Sudarshana discus spinning in Vishnu’s hand is the emblem of his power to destroy, and tradition takes it for the very form of time. Further on, the hymn gives ritu sudarshanah kalah, season, Sudarshana, and time, all of them names of Vishnu. The one who stands beyond the wheel of time is Vishnu himself.

Time itself spinning in the Lord's hand — **The Sudarshana discus**

123 Sarvaga, the all-reaching · 124 Sarvavidbhanu, all-knowing and radiant · 125 Vishvaksena, before whom armies scatter · 126 Janardana, scourge of the wicked · 127 Veda, the Veda itself · 128 Vedavit, knower of the Veda · 129 Avyanga, flawless, lacking nothing · 130 Vedanga, whose limbs are the Vedas · 131 Vedavit, who reflects on the Vedas · 132 Kavi, the all-seeing seer

133 Lokadhyaksha, overseer of the worlds · 134 Suradhyaksha, overseer of the gods · 135 Dharmadhyaksha, witness of merit and demerit · 136 Kritakrita, both effect and cause · 137 Chaturatma, the fourfold self · 138 Chaturvyuha, of four emanations · 139 Chaturdamshtra, the four-tusked · 140 Chaturbhuja, the four-armed

141 Bhrajishnu, pure radiance · 142 Bhojanam, the object of enjoyment · 143 Bhokta, the enjoyer · 144 Sahishnu, the conqueror of foes · 145 Jagadadija, born first at creation · 146 Anagha, the sinless · 147 Vijaya, the victorious · 148 Jeta, who surpasses all · 149 Vishvayoni, the world and its source · 150 Punarvasu, who dwells in body after body

151 Upendra, Indra’s superior, as Vamana · 152 Vamana, the dwarf · 153 Pramshu, the towering one · 154 Amogha, whose every deed bears fruit · 155 Shuchi, who purifies the devotee · 156 Urjita, of boundless strength · 157 Atindra, surpassing Indra · 158 Sangraha, who gathers all at dissolution · 159 Sarga, creation itself · 160 Dhritatma, steadfast in himself · 161 Niyama, the appointer of duties · 162 Yama, the inner controller

163 Vedya, the one to be known · 164 Vaidya, knower of all learning · 165 Sadayogi, ever in yoga · 166 Viraha, slayer of mighty demons · 167 Madhava, lord of true knowledge · 168 Madhu, sweet as honey · 169 Atindriya, beyond the senses · 170 Mahamaya, master of great maya · 171 Mahotsaha, of great zeal · 172 Mahabala, of great strength

Then the word maha rings out again and again, as though every quality had been drawn to its farthest limit. Mahabuddhi, Mahavirya, Mahashakti, Mahadyuti, the one whose form cannot be told by saying it is like this, and who lifts up even Mount Mandara and Govardhana. Shrinivasa, the refuge of the good, Surananda, Govinda, majesty and shelter strung on a single garland of names.

Devas and asuras churn the milk ocean with Mount Mandara and the serpent Vasuki, the four-armed Vishnu above and Lakshmi rising on her lotus from the waves. — **The churning of the ocean**

173 Mahabuddhi, of great intellect · 174 Mahavirya, of great potency · 175 Mahashakti, of great power · 176 Mahadyuti, of great splendor · 177 Anirdeshyavapu, whose form defies description · 178 Shriman, endowed with divine glory · 179 Ameyatma, whose understanding is beyond measure · 180 Mahadridhrik, bearer of the great mountain

181 Maheshvasa, wielder of the great bow · 182 Mahibharta, who bore up the sunken earth · 183 Shrinivasa, abode of Lakshmi · 184 Satam gati, refuge of the good · 185 Aniruddha, the unobstructed · 186 Surananda, delight of the gods · 187 Govinda, who recovered the earth · 188 Govidam pati, lord of the knowers of speech

The cowherd who plays the flute of awakening — **Govinda**

Story / Illustration

Anadi-nidhana The hymn recalls again and again a Vishnu who has neither beginning nor end. No birth, no death, no decay. The one who was before the creation began and who will remain after the dissolution, he alone is the eternal truth. Shankaracharya calls this the imperishable nature of Brahman.

Here glimpses of the avatars and forms arrive. Hamsa, Suparna, Bhujagottama in the form of Shesha, Hiranyanabha. Amrityu, who has no death, Simha, who destroys sins, the guru who gives knowledge even to Brahma. Nimisha and Animisha stand together, eyes closed in the sleep of yoga and a gaze that never sleeps, two moods of one Lord.

189 Marichi, radiance of the radiant · 190 Damana, tamer of the wayward · 191 Hamsa, the self who ends fear · 192 Suparna, of beautiful wings · 193 Bhujagottama, best of serpents · 194 Hiranyanabha, of golden navel · 195 Sutapa, the ascetic of Badari · 196 Padmanabha, at the heart-lotus’s center · 197 Prajapati, father of all beings

198 Amrityu, beyond death · 199 Sarvadrik, seer of all · 200 Simha, the lion who destroys · 201 Sandhata, who links acts to fruits · 202 Sandhiman, the experiencer of fruits · 203 Sthira, the ever-constant · 204 Aja, who goes everywhere, casting out · 205 Durmarshana, unbearable to his foes · 206 Shasta, the teacher through scripture · 207 Vishrutatma, of renowned nature · 208 Surariha, slayer of the gods’ foes

209 Guru, teacher of all knowledge · 210 Gurutama, teacher of the teachers · 211 Dhama, the supreme light · 212 Satya, truthful in word and deed · 213 Satyaparakrama, of unfailing valor · 214 Nimisha, with eyes closed in yoga-sleep · 215 Animisha, the ever-wakeful · 216 Sragvi, garlanded with Vaijayanti · 217 Vachaspatir udaradhi, lord of speech, vast in wisdom

218 Agrani, who leads to the highest · 219 Gramani, leader of the multitudes · 220 Shriman, of surpassing beauty · 221 Nyaya, the reasoning that reaches truth · 222 Neta, who runs the world machine · 223 Samirana, who moves beings as breath · 224 Sahasramurdha, the thousand-headed · 225 Vishvatma, self of the universe · 226 Sahasraksha, the thousand-eyed · 227 Sahasrapat, the thousand-footed

228 Avartana, who turns the wheel of samsara · 229 Nivrittatma, self withdrawn from bondage · 230 Samvrita, hidden from the ignorant · 231 Sampramardana, who crushes all as death · 232 Ahah samvartaka, the sun who turns the days · 233 Vahni, fire that carries offerings · 234 Anila, the beginningless wind · 235 Dharanidhara, holder of the earth

In this wave the Lord’s gracious and gentle face appears. Suprasada, Prasannatma, Sadhu, Satkarta, the one who grows easily pleased even with those who wrong him. Narayana and Nara come here, the refuge of the waters and of all living beings, and the Person who carries all to the highest state. Siddhartha, Siddhasankalpa, Siddhida, the one whose every intention is fulfilled.

236 Suprasada, of abundant grace · 237 Prasannatma, of serene mind · 238 Vishvadhrik, upholder of the universe · 239 Vishvabhuk, who enjoys and guards all · 240 Vibhu, manifest in many forms · 241 Satkarta, who honors the good · 242 Satkrita, honored by the honorable · 243 Sadhu, the righteous one · 244 Jahnu, who casts off beings at dissolution · 245 Narayana, abode of all beings · 246 Nara, the eternal leader

247 Asankhyeya, beyond number, name and form · 248 Aprameyatma, whose essence is beyond proof · 249 Vishishta, the most excellent · 250 Shishtakrit, who commands and guards the good · 251 Shuchi, the spotless · 252 Siddhartha, whose every aim is fulfilled · 253 Siddhasankalpa, whose resolve always succeeds · 254 Siddhida, giver of success · 255 Siddhisadhana, the means to success

256 Vrishahi, performer of the dharma rite · 257 Vrishabha, showerer of blessings · 258 Vishnu, who strides through all space · 259 Vrishaparva, the stairway of dharma · 260 Vrishodara, showering beings from within · 261 Vardhana, who nurtures growth · 262 Vardhamana, who grows as the world · 263 Vivikta, ever apart, untouched · 264 Shrutisagara, ocean of the scriptures

Now the names of splendor and light blaze. Mahendra, Vasuda, Brihadrupa, Prakashatma, Pratapana, bearers of vigor, radiance, and glow. In Amritanshudbhava lies the memory of the churning of the ocean, from which the moon with its nectar-rays arose, and Jagatah Setu is the bridge that carries one across the ocean of worldly existence.

265 Subhuja, of beautiful arms · 266 Durdhara, hard for yogis to hold · 267 Vagmi, from whom Vedic speech flows · 268 Mahendra, the great Indra, lord of lords · 269 Vasuda, giver of wealth · 270 Vasu, himself the wealth given · 271 Naikarupa, of many forms · 272 Brihadrupa, of immense form · 273 Shipivishta, who dwells in the rays · 274 Prakashana, the illuminator

275 Ojastejodyutidhara, holder of vigor, fire, splendor · 276 Prakashatma, of luminous nature · 277 Pratapana, who scorches as the sun · 278 Riddha, abundant in all virtues · 279 Spashtakshara, whose clear syllable is Om · 280 Mantra, the sacred word itself · 281 Chandramshu, cool as moonbeams · 282 Bhaskaradyuti, bright as the sun

283 Amritamshudbhava, from whom the moon arose · 284 Bhanu, the shining one · 285 Shashabindu, who nourishes as the moon · 286 Sureshvara, lord of all givers of good · 287 Aushadham, the cure for worldly sorrow · 288 Jagatah setu, the bridge across the world · 289 Satyadharmaparakrama, true in virtue and valor

In this current both desire and time bow to the Lord. Pavana, Pavana, Kamaha and Kamaprada stand together, the one who wipes out craving and also fulfills desire that keeps to dharma. Yugadikrit and Yugavarta turn the wheel of the ages, and Anantajit conquers all, everywhere, always.

290 Bhutabhavyabhavannatha, whom beings of all times entreat · 291 Pavana, the purifying wind · 292 Pavana, who sets all things moving · 293 Anala, whose powers know no limit · 294 Kamaha, destroyer of desire in seekers · 295 Kamakrit, fulfiller of desires · 296 Kanta, the beautiful · 297 Kama, the desired goal · 298 Kamaprada, bestower of what is sought · 299 Prabhu, the surpassing one

300 Yugadikrit, founder of the ages · 301 Yugavarta, who turns the cycle of ages · 302 Naikamaya, of manifold maya · 303 Mahashana, the great devourer · 304 Adrishya, the invisible · 305 Vyaktarupa, manifest in gross form · 306 Sahasrajit, victor over thousands · 307 Anantajit, the endlessly victorious

308 Ishta, the beloved · 309 Avishishta, the one without distinction · 310 Shishteshta, dear to the wise · 311 Shikhandi, with peacock-feather crest · 312 Nahusha, who binds by maya · 313 Vrisha, dharma itself · 314 Krodhaha, destroyer of anger · 315 Krodhakritkarta, cutter-down of the wrathful · 316 Vishvabahu, whose arms are everywhere · 317 Mahidhara, the earth’s mainstay

Story / Illustration

Nahusha Nahusha was a king who rose to the seat of Indra, but in his pride he insulted the seven great seers, and under their curse he became a serpent. During the Pandavas’ years in the forest, Yudhishthira answered his questions on dharma and freed him from that birth. In the thousand names this name speaks of the reach of Vishnu, by which living beings are drawn toward him.

Here the avatar-stories hide inside the names. Vasavanuja, in the form of Vamana, is the younger brother of Indra. Skandadhara, Varada, Vasudeva, Adideva, Purandara. Ashoka, who takes away grief, Tarana, who carries one across. Between Padmanabha and Garudadhvaja, that one Lord keeps flashing through his many forms.

318 Achyuta, free of the six changes · 319 Prathita, renowned through creation · 320 Prana, the vital breath that sustains · 321 Pranada, who gives and takes life · 322 Vasavanuja, younger brother of Indra · 323 Apamnidhi, treasure-house of the waters · 324 Adhishthanam, the ground of all · 325 Apramatta, the ever-vigilant · 326 Pratishthita, established in his own greatness

Story / Illustration

Achyuta Achyuta means the one who never falls from his own nature, who never slips. Shankaracharya says Vishnu never suffers any decline in his being, his power, or his character. This same name comes from Arjuna’s own mouth in the Bhagavad Gita.

327 Skanda, flowing forth as nectar · 328 Skandadhara, upholder of the righteous path · 329 Dhurya, who bears the burden of all · 330 Varada, granter of boons · 331 Vayuvahana, who moves the winds · 332 Vasudeva, dwelling in all, home of all · 333 Brihadbhanu, of vast radiance · 334 Adideva, the first of gods · 335 Purandara, destroyer of the demons’ cities

The Lord who dwells in all hearts with infinite compassion — **Vasudeva**

336 Ashoka, free from all sorrow · 337 Tarana, who carries beings across · 338 Tara, the savior from fear · 339 Shura, the hero · 340 Shauri, the descendant of Shura · 341 Janeshvara, lord of all beings · 342 Anukula, friendly to every being · 343 Shatavarta, of a hundred descents · 344 Padmi, holding the lotus · 345 Padmanibhekshana, with eyes like lotuses

346 Padmanabha, seated within the lotus pericarp · 347 Aravindaksha, the lotus-eyed · 348 Padmagarbha, worshiped within the heart lotus · 349 Sharirabhrit, who sustains all bodies · 350 Maharddhi, of vast splendor · 351 Riddha, grown into the whole universe · 352 Vriddhatma, the ancient self · 353 Mahaksha, the great-eyed · 354 Garudadhvaja, with Garuda on his banner

Now the names turn toward battle and sacrifice. Atula, Bhima, Samitinjaya, forever victorious in war. The name Damodara recalls the cord of Yashoda, and Hetu is the cause from which the whole world was made. Udbhava, Kshobhana, Karana, Karta, Vikarta, the one who stirs primal nature and shapes this wondrous creation.

355 Atula, beyond all comparison · 356 Sharabha, shining within every body · 357 Bhima, the one who inspires awe · 358 Samayajna, knower of the cosmic times · 359 Havirhari, Hari who receives the oblation · 360 Sarvalakshanalakshanya, reached through every valid proof · 361 Lakshmivan, in whom Lakshmi dwells · 362 Samitinjaya, victor in battle

363 Vikshara, free of all decay · 364 Rohita, assuming red forms at will · 365 Marga, the one seekers search for · 366 Hetu, the cause of all · 367 Damodara, reached by self-restraint · 368 Saha, who bears all things · 369 Mahidhara, upholder of the earth · 370 Mahabhaga, of supreme fortune · 371 Vegavan, the swift one · 372 Amitashana, devourer of all at dissolution

Love alone could bind the Lord — **Damodara**

373 Udbhava, the origin of the world · 374 Kshobhana, who stirs nature and spirit · 375 Deva, the playful shining one · 376 Shrigarbha, holding all glory within · 377 Parameshvara, the supreme lord · 378 Karanam, the instrument of creation · 379 Karanam, the cause of the world · 380 Karta, the independent doer · 381 Vikarta, maker of manifold worlds · 382 Gahana, hard to fathom · 383 Guha, hidden by his own maya

Story / Illustration

Damodara Dama means a cord, udara means the belly. Mother Yashoda tried to tie the child Krishna to the grinding mortar, but every rope fell short. In the end Krishna let himself be bound. Shankaracharya reads the name another way as well, that those who are known through dama, through restraint of the senses and through giving, are Damodara.

In this wave steadiness and the essence of Rama appear. Vyavasthana, Samsthana, Dhruva, on whom the whole order of creation rests. Rama is the one in whom the yogis take unending delight, and Virama is the final rest of all motion. Vaikuntha, Pranava, Adhokshaja, beyond the grasp of the senses and yet worthy of worship as the form of Om.

384 Vyavasaya, pure resolved awareness · 385 Vyavasthana, in whom all order rests · 386 Samsthana, the final resting place · 387 Sthanada, giver of stations, as to Dhruva · 388 Dhruva, the unchanging · 389 Pararddhi, of supreme splendor · 390 Paramaspashta, supremely evident · 391 Tushta, wholly content · 392 Pushta, complete in fullness · 393 Shubhekshana, of auspicious glance

394 Rama, in whom yogis delight · 395 Virama, where all beings come to rest · 396 Viraja, free from passion · 397 Marga, the road to immortality · 398 Neya, reached through right knowledge · 399 Naya, the leader · 400 Anaya, who has no leader · 401 Vira, the heroic one · 402 Shaktimatam shreshtha, foremost among the mighty · 403 Dharma, upholder of all beings · 404 Dharmaviduttama, greatest knower of dharma

405 Vaikuntha, who joined the scattered elements · 406 Purusha, who existed before all · 407 Prana, the life force within all · 408 Pranada, who withdraws life at dissolution · 409 Pranava, the one praised with Om · 410 Prithu, the expansive one · 411 Hiranyagarbha, the cosmic golden womb · 412 Shatrughna, destroyer of enemies · 413 Vyapta, pervading all effects · 414 Vayu, the one who carries fragrance · 415 Adhokshaja, who never falls from his nature

416 Ritu, time as the seasons · 417 Sudarshana, whose sight grants liberation · 418 Kala, time that measures all · 419 Parameshthi, abiding in the heart’s supreme space · 420 Parigraha, who receives every offering · 421 Ugra, the fierce one · 422 Samvatsara, the year in which all dwell · 423 Daksha, the able and swift · 424 Vishrama, the place of rest · 425 Vishvadakshina, most skillful in all things

426 Vistara, in whom the worlds unfold · 427 Sthavarasthanu, firm, bearing all firm things · 428 Pramanam, consciousness, the measure of knowing · 429 Bijam avyayam, the imperishable seed · 430 Artha, sought by all · 431 Anartha, who needs nothing further · 432 Mahakosha, veiled by great sheaths · 433 Mahabhoga, whose enjoyment is bliss · 434 Mahadhana, of immense wealth

Now a whole string of yajna-names arrives. Dharmayupa, Mahamakha, Yajna, Ijya, Mahejya, Kratu, Satra, the presiding power of the sacrifice, its ordinance, its fruit, and the sacrifice itself, all one Lord. With them come Sarvadarshi, Vimuktatma, Sarvajna, and the form of highest knowledge, telling us that action and knowledge meet here.

435 Anirvinna, never dejected, wanting nothing · 436 Sthavishtha, the vast cosmic form · 437 Abhu, free of birth · 438 Dharmayupa, the sacrificial post of dharma · 439 Mahamakha, the great offering · 440 Nakshatranemi, hub of the starry wheel · 441 Nakshatri, lord of stars as the moon · 442 Kshama, capable in all things · 443 Kshama, who remains as all wastes away · 444 Samihana, eager to create

445 Yajna, the sacrifice itself · 446 Ijya, worthy of worship · 447 Mahejya, most worthy of worship · 448 Kratu, the rite with a sacrificial post · 449 Satram, protector of the good · 450 Satam gati, the refuge of the good · 451 Sarvadarshi, who sees all · 452 Vimuktatma, the ever-free self · 453 Sarvajna, the all-knowing · 454 Jnanam uttamam, the supreme knowledge

In this current the Lord’s gentle, friendly face speaks out. Sumukha, Sukhada, Suhrit, Manohara, the true friend who does good with no hope of return. Then Svapana, Svavasha, Vyapi, Naikatma, the one who lulls living beings to sleep with maya and remains wholly free himself. Vatsala, Vatsi, Ratnagarbha, the father who cherishes all as his own children.

455 Suvrata, of perfect vows · 456 Sumukha, of lovely face · 457 Sukshma, the subtle one · 458 Sughosha, of beautiful sound · 459 Sukhada, giver of happiness · 460 Suhrit, the friend who helps freely · 461 Manohara, who captivates the mind · 462 Jitakrodha, who has conquered anger · 463 Virabahu, of mighty arms · 464 Vidarana, who tears apart the wicked

465 Svapana, who lulls beings into maya’s sleep · 466 Svavasha, ruled by none but himself · 467 Vyapi, pervading like space · 468 Naikatma, manifold in self · 469 Naikakarmakrit, of countless deeds · 470 Vatsara, the abode of all · 471 Vatsala, affectionate to devotees · 472 Vatsi, whose children are all beings · 473 Ratnagarbha, bearing jewels like the ocean · 474 Dhaneshvara, lord of wealth

Here the mystery of dharma and of the real and the unreal opens. Dharmagup, Dharmakrit, Dharmi, the one who guards dharma and also lives it. The real and the unreal, the perishable and the imperishable, both pairs fold into a single reality. Adideva, Mahadeva, Devesha, the God even of the gods and the guru of Indra himself.

475 Dharmagup, guardian of dharma · 476 Dharmakrit, who acts by dharma · 477 Dharmi, upholder of dharma · 478 Sat, being, the true · 479 Asat, the lower, manifest Brahman · 480 Ksharam, the perishable · 481 Aksharam, the imperishable Brahman · 482 Avijnata, beyond the limited knower · 483 Sahasramshu, of a thousand rays · 484 Vidhata, supporter of all supporters · 485 Kritalakshana, who made the sacred texts

486 Gabhastinemi, hub of the wheel of rays · 487 Sattvastha, abiding in pure sattva · 488 Simha, lion in strength · 489 Bhutamaheshvara, great lord of beings · 490 Adideva, the primal deity · 491 Mahadeva, great god of self-knowledge · 492 Devesha, ruler over the gods · 493 Devabhridguru, teacher of Indra, the gods’ ruler

494 Uttara, who lifts beings from rebirth · 495 Gopati, lord of the cows · 496 Gopta, protector of all beings · 497 Jnanagamya, reached through knowledge · 498 Puratana, the ancient one · 499 Sharirabhutabhrit, sustainer of the body’s elements · 500 Bhokta, the enjoyer · 501 Kapindra, lord of the monkeys · 502 Bhuridakshina, of lavish sacrificial gifts

In this wave the form of Krishna and Mukunda rises. Somapa, Amritapa, Mukunda, Amitavikrama, the one who drinks his own nectar of joy and grants liberation. Satyasandha, Dasharha, Satvatam Pati, lord of the Yadava line, true to his word. Anantatma and Mahodadhishaya, that infinite self who reclines upon the ocean of milk.

503 Somapa, who drinks the Soma · 504 Amritapa, who drinks the nectar of bliss · 505 Soma, the moon nourishing plants · 506 Purujit, conqueror of many · 507 Purusattama, all-pervading and the best · 508 Vinaya, who disciplines the wicked · 509 Jaya, victory itself · 510 Satyasandha, true to his resolve · 511 Dasharha, of the Dasharha clan · 512 Satvatam pati, lord of the Satvatas

513 Jiva, the life within beings · 514 Vinayita sakshi, witness to every creature’s humility · 515 Mukunda, giver of liberation · 516 Amitavikrama, of measureless strides · 517 Ambhonidhi, abode of the waters · 518 Anantatma, the endless self · 519 Mahodadhishaya, who reclines on the great ocean · 520 Antaka, who brings all to an end

Then joy and avatar come side by side. Ananda, Nandana, Nanda, the one who is joy itself and gladdens all. Trivikrama measures the three worlds in three strides. Kapilacharya is the founder of Sankhya. Mahashringa, in the form of the fish, is the guardian of the Vedas. Kritantakrit brings even time and death to their end.

Vishnu as Matsya, the great fish, guiding the boat that carries the sages and the Vedas through the waters of the deluge — **The Matsya avatar**

521 Aja, the unborn one · 522 Maharha, worthy of the highest worship · 523 Svabhavya, ever established in his nature · 524 Jitamitra, conqueror of inner and outer foes · 525 Pramodana, who gladdens meditators · 526 Ananda, bliss itself · 527 Nandana, who gives delight · 528 Nanda, free of all paltry pleasures · 529 Satyadharma, of true virtues · 530 Trivikrama, who spanned the three worlds

531 Maharshi kapilacharya, Kapila, the great sage and teacher · 532 Kritajna, the made world and its knower · 533 Medinipati, husband of Medini, the earth · 534 Tripada, who took three strides · 535 Tridashadhyaksha, witness of waking, dream, sleep · 536 Mahashringa, the great-horned fish · 537 Kritantakrit, who ends death itself

Here Varaha and the hidden truth meet. Mahavaraha lifts the earth to safety, Govinda is lord of the cows and of the speech of the Vedas, and Chakragadadhara bears the Sudarshana discus and the Kaumodaki mace. Guhya, Gabhira, Gahana, Gupta, the secret hidden in the Upanishads that is hard to enter. Vedha, Ajita, Krishna, Sankarshana, the Achyuta who draws all into himself at the dissolution.

538 Mahavaraha, the great boar · 539 Govinda, known through Vedic speech · 540 Sushena, with a splendid host · 541 Kanakangadi, wearing golden armlets · 542 Guhya, hidden, known through Upanishads · 543 Gabhira, the profound · 544 Gahana, hard to enter · 545 Gupta, beyond speech and mind · 546 Chakragadadhara, bearer of discus and mace

The boar rescues Bhudevi from the cosmic waters — **The Varaha avatar**

Story / Illustration

Trivikrama From the generous Bali, Vishnu in the form of Vamana asked for three paces of ground. The moment Bali agreed, Vamana took on his colossal form. With one stride he measured the earth, with the second the heavens, and for the third stride Bali offered his own head. Because he measured the three worlds in three strides, he is called Trivikrama.

The colossal Trivikrama, one foot on the earth, sets the third stride on the bowed head of King Bali, who kneels with joined palms as the gods watch from palaces in the clouds. — **Trivikrama · Vamana**

547 Vedha, the ordainer · 548 Svanga, his own means of action · 549 Ajita, the unconquered · 550 Krishna, Krishna Dvaipayana Vyasa · 551 Dridha, the steadfast · 552 Sankarshana achyuta, Sankarshana, who never falls · 553 Varuna, the setting sun drawing in rays · 554 Varuna, son of Varuna, Vasishtha · 555 Vriksha, firm as a tree · 556 Pushkaraksha, shining in the heart lotus · 557 Mahamana, of great mind and heart

Story / Illustration

Maha-varaha Hiranyaksha had dragged the earth down into the nether waters. Vishnu took the form of the boar, lifted the earth on his tusks and set it back above the waters, and killed Hiranyaksha. As the boar of sacrifice, this avatar is the emblem of the earth’s rescue.

In this current the word Bhagavan arrives in its full sense: the one who holds all six bhagas, sovereignty, valor, fame, Shri, knowledge, and dispassion, in their entirety. Vanamali, Halayudha, Aditya, Jyotiraditya: the forest garland, the plow Balarama bears as his weapon, Vamana born of Aditi, and the light that dwells in the sun’s disc, all threaded onto a single garland of names. Sudhanva bears the bow Sharnga, Khandaparashu is the form of Parashurama with his axe, and Ayonija comes into the world of his own accord, born from no womb.

558 Bhagavan, possessed of the six glories · 559 Bhagaha, who withdraws glory at dissolution · 560 Anandi, of blissful nature · 561 Vanamali, wearing the forest garland · 562 Halayudha, with the plow as weapon · 563 Aditya, Vamana, son of Aditi · 564 Jyotiraditya, the light in the sun’s orb · 565 Sahishnu, who endures all · 566 Gatisattama, the best refuge

Story / Illustration

Krishna Shankaracharya reads the name Krishna as the very form of being, consciousness, and bliss, since krish speaks of existence and na of bliss. In a second reading, which he draws from the Mahabharata, the name is given for the dark hue of his body, and that dark-hued Krishna is the form best known in meditation.

567 Sudhanva, with the fine bow Sharnga · 568 Khandaparashu, wielder of the cleaving axe · 569 Daruna, stern to the wicked · 570 Dravinaprada, bestower of riches · 571 Divasprik, who touches the sky · 572 Sarvadrigvyasa, the all-seeing Vyasa · 573 Vachaspatir ayonija, unborn lord of speech

Now come the names of peace and of healing. Trisama and Samaga, the chant of the Sama Veda, then Nirvana, Bheshaja, Bhishak: the physician who spoke the Gita and with it cured the long sickness of worldly existence. Sannyasakrit, Shama, Shanta, Nishtha, Shanti, Parayanam: one shloka holds the whole stairway, from a mind that has gone quiet to the final rest. Shubhanga, Shantida, Gopati, Gopta: the one who gives his devotees peace and keeps the world safe.

574 Trisama, praised by three Saman chants · 575 Samaga, singer of the Saman · 576 Sama, the Sama Veda · 577 Nirvanam, the end of all sorrow · 578 Bheshajam, the remedy for rebirth · 579 Bhishak, the healer · 580 Sannyasakrit, founder of renunciation · 581 Shama, who teaches calm · 582 Shanta, the peaceful · 583 Nishtha, in whom all things rest · 584 Shanti, peace itself · 585 Parayanam, the highest goal

586 Shubhanga, of beautiful form · 587 Shantida, giver of peace · 588 Srashta, the creator · 589 Kumuda, who delights in the earth · 590 Kuvaleshaya, who lies on the waters · 591 Gohita, friend of the cows · 592 Gopati, lord of the earth · 593 Gopta, guardian of the world · 594 Vrishabhaksha, whose eyes rain every wish · 595 Vrishapriya, who loves dharma

Here the radiance of Shri, of Lakshmi, floods the verses. Shrivatsavaksha, Shrivasa, Shripati, Shrida, Shrisha, Shrinivasa, Shridhara: name after name declares that Lakshmi lives with him always. Beside them stand Kshemakrit, who guards what his devotees have gained, and Shiva, who purifies all who so much as call his name.

596 Anivarti, who never turns back · 597 Nivrittatma, whose mind turns from sense objects · 598 Sankshepta, who contracts the universe · 599 Kshemakrit, who secures welfare · 600 Shiva, purifying all who speak his name · 601 Shrivatsavaksha, with Shrivatsa on his chest · 602 Shrivasa, in whose breast Shri dwells · 603 Shripati, chosen consort of Lakshmi · 604 Shrimatam vara, first among those rich in Veda

605 Shrida, giver of fortune · 606 Shrisha, master of all fortune · 607 Shrinivasa, ever dwelling with the fortunate · 608 Shrinidhi, treasure of all glory · 609 Shrivibhavana, who apportions fortune to all · 610 Shridhara, who holds Lakshmi on his chest · 611 Shrikara, who makes devotees glorious · 612 Shreya, the highest good · 613 Shriman, possessed of splendor · 614 Lokatrayashraya, refuge of the three worlds

In this wave beauty and fearlessness meet. Svaksha and Svanga, lovely of eye and of limb, and Chhinnasamshaya, who cuts through the doubts of those who come to him. Udirna, Shashvatasthira, Vishoka, Shokanashana: free of sorrow himself, he lifts the sorrow of others. Archishman and Vishuddhatma, radiant and pure of self; then Aniruddha and Pradyumna, two forms of the fourfold vyuha, with Apratiratha, who has no rival, between them.

615 Svaksha, with beautiful eyes · 616 Svanga, of graceful limbs · 617 Shatananda, of hundredfold bliss · 618 Nandi, joy in its fullness · 619 Jyotirganeshvara, lord of the luminaries · 620 Vijitatma, who has conquered the mind · 621 Avidheyatma, whose self obeys no one · 622 Satkirti, of true renown · 623 Chhinnasamshaya, free of all doubt

624 Udirna, higher than all beings · 625 Sarvatashchakshu, with eyes everywhere · 626 Anisha, who has no lord above · 627 Shashvatasthira, eternal and unchanging · 628 Bhushaya, who lay upon the ground · 629 Bhushana, who adorns the earth · 630 Bhuti, source of all prosperity · 631 Vishoka, beyond grief · 632 Shokanashana, destroyer of sorrow

633 Archishman, of brilliant rays · 634 Archita, worshiped by all · 635 Kumbha, the vessel holding all · 636 Vishuddhatma, of utterly pure self · 637 Vishodhana, who purifies · 638 Aniruddha, fourth of the four vyuha forms · 639 Apratiratha, without a rival · 640 Pradyumna, of splendid wealth · 641 Amitavikrama, of measureless prowess

Then the slaying of demons and the glory of the names arrive together. Kalanemi falls and Keshi falls, Trilokatma and Trilokesha span the three worlds, and Hari carries off worldly existence together with its cause. Kamadeva is the one sought by all who pursue the four aims of life, Kamapala fulfills their desires, and Dhananjaya is Arjuna, who won great wealth in his campaigns. A dense string of names for Brahman follows, Brahmanya, Brahmakrit, Brahma, Brahmavit, Brahmajna, declaring that tapas, the Veda, and Brahman itself all rest in him.

642 Kalaneminiha, slayer of Kalanemi · 643 Vira, the brave warrior · 644 Shauri, Krishna, of Shura’s lineage · 645 Shurajaneshvara, lord of the valiant · 646 Trilokatma, soul of the three worlds · 647 Trilokesha, lord of the three worlds · 648 Keshava, whose rays are his hair · 649 Keshiha, slayer of the demon Keshi · 650 Hari, remover of worldly bondage

651 Kamadeva, sought by all who desire · 652 Kamapala, guardian of desires fulfilled · 653 Kami, whose desires are fulfilled · 654 Kanta, the lovely one · 655 Kritagama, author of the scriptures · 656 Anirdeshyavapu, of indescribable form · 657 Vishnu, pervading earth and sky · 658 Vira, the mighty one · 659 Ananta, the endless · 660 Dhananjaya, winner of wealth, as Arjuna

Story / Illustration

Keshava and Keshiha The Sahasranama gives Keshava and Keshiha as two separate names. Shankaracharya explains Keshava as the one with beautiful hair, or as the master of ka, a, and isha, the three powers Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva; at this second occurrence he adds the lord of the keshas, the rays that light the sun and every luminary. Keshiha is the one who killed Keshi, the asura sent by Kamsa in the shape of a horse to destroy the young Krishna in Vraja.

661 Brahmanya, devoted to the sacred · 662 Brahmakrit, who practices austerity · 663 Brahma, the creator Brahma · 664 Brahma, the absolute Brahman · 665 Brahmavivardhana, who increases austerity · 666 Brahmavit, knower of the Vedas’ meaning · 667 Brahmana, who teaches as a brahmin · 668 Brahmi, in whom Brahman’s parts abide · 669 Brahmajna, who knows the Vedas as himself · 670 Brahmanapriya, beloved of brahmins

In this current maha thunders once more. Mahakrama, Mahateja, Mahoraga, Mahakratu, Mahayajna, Mahahavi, both valor and sacrifice at their utmost. Then praise itself becomes a name, Stavya, Stavapriya, Stotra, Stuti, Stota, the one who praises, the object of praise, and the act of praising, all of it he. Purna, Punya, Punyakirti, Anamaya, the one who is himself full and makes all others full.

671 Mahakrama, of mighty strides · 672 Mahakarma, of great deeds · 673 Mahateja, of great brilliance · 674 Mahoraga, the great serpent · 675 Mahakratu, the supreme sacrificial rite · 676 Mahayajva, great performer of sacrifices · 677 Mahayajna, the sacrifice of japa · 678 Mahahavi, the great oblation itself

679 Stavya, the one worthy of praise · 680 Stavapriya, the one who loves hymns · 681 Stotram, the hymn itself · 682 Stuti, the act of praise · 683 Stota, the one who praises · 684 Ranapriya, the one who delights in battle · 685 Purna, the complete one · 686 Purayita, the fulfiller of wishes · 687 Punya, the one who makes pure · 688 Punyakirti, the one of holy fame · 689 Anamaya, the one free of illness

Now the emphasis falls on the nature of Vasudeva. Vasudeva, Vasu, Bhutavasa, Sarvasunilaya, the dwelling place of all beings and all life-breaths. Sadgati, Satta, Yadushreshtha, Suyamuna, Krishna the best of the Yadavas who played on the banks of the Yamuna. Darpaha and Darpada stand together, breaking pride and granting rightful honor to those steadfast in dharma.

690 Manojava, swift as the mind · 691 Tirthakara, founder of the paths of learning · 692 Vasureta, the one of golden seed · 693 Vasuprada, the giver of wealth · 694 Vasuprada, the giver of liberation · 695 Vasudeva, the son of Vasudeva · 696 Vasu, the one in whom all dwell · 697 Vasumana, whose mind rests in all alike · 698 Havi, the sacrificial offering

699 Sadgati, the goal of the good · 700 Satkriti, the one of good deeds · 701 Satta, pure existence · 702 Sadbhuti, true being, richly manifest · 703 Satparayana, the refuge of the wise · 704 Shurasena, the one with a heroic army · 705 Yadushreshtha, the best of the Yadus · 706 Sannivasa, the abode of the wise · 707 Suyamuna, attended by the Yamuna’s people

708 Bhutavasa, the dwelling of all beings · 709 Vasudeva, the god who veils all · 710 Sarvasunilaya, the resting place of all life · 711 Anala, the one without limit · 712 Darpaha, the destroyer of pride · 713 Darpada, giver of rightful pride · 714 Dripta, the one rapt in his bliss · 715 Durdhara, the one hard to hold · 716 Aparajita, never defeated

In this wave the mystery of the one and the many opens. Vishvamurti, Anekamurti, Shatamurti, and still Amurtiman, the one who takes on countless forms yet has no body born of karma. Eka, Naika, Tat, Yat, the highest state, the one without a second who appears as many through maya. Lokabandhu, Lokanatha, Bhaktavatsala, the well-wishing kinsman of all worlds and tender toward the devoted.

717 Vishvamurti, whose body is the universe · 718 Mahamurti, the one of vast form · 719 Diptamurti, the one of radiant form · 720 Amurtiman, the one with no karmic body · 721 Anekamurti, the one of many forms · 722 Avyakta, the unmanifest · 723 Shatamurti, the one of a hundred forms · 724 Shatanana, the hundred-faced one

725 Eka, the one alone · 726 Naika, the many, through maya · 727 Sava, the Soma sacrifice · 728 Ka, bliss, the syllable ka · 729 Kim, the one all inquiry seeks · 730 Yat, that which exists of itself · 731 Tat, the one that extends all · 732 Padam anuttamam, the unsurpassed goal · 733 Lokabandhu, kinsman of the worlds · 734 Lokanatha, lord of the worlds · 735 Madhava, born in the Madhu clan · 736 Bhaktavatsala, the one tender toward devotees

Here form and the formless come side by side. Suvarnavarna, Hemanga, Varanga, Chandanangadi, adorned with the sheen of gold and the fragrance of sandal. Then Vishama, Shunya, Achala and Chala, the one without a second, without qualities, unmoving, and yet moving as the wind. Amani, Manada, Manya, free of pride and yet worthy of all worship.

737 Suvarnavarna, the one of golden hue · 738 Hemanga, the one with a golden body · 739 Varanga, the one with excellent limbs · 740 Chandanangadi, adorned with delightful armlets · 741 Viraha, slayer of demon warriors · 742 Vishama, the one without equal · 743 Shunya, the one empty of attributes · 744 Ghritashi, the one beyond all wishes · 745 Achala, the unmoving one · 746 Chala, the moving one, as wind

747 Amani, the one without pride · 748 Manada, the giver of honor · 749 Manya, the one worthy of honor · 750 Lokasvami, master of the worlds · 751 Trilokadhrik, bearer of the three worlds · 752 Sumedha, the one of fine intellect · 753 Medhaja, born of the sacrifice · 754 Dhanya, the blessed one · 755 Satyamedha, the one of true intellect · 756 Dharadhara, bearer of the earth

In this current the weapons and the fourfold forms rise. The best of all who bear arms, Pragraha and Nigraha, the reins and the destroyer both. Chaturmurti, Chaturbahu, Chaturvyuha, Chaturgati, the four states of waking, dream, deep sleep, and the fourth, and the four arrays in one Person. Samavarta, Durjaya, Durlabha, Durgama, Durga, easy to reach through devotion alone and beyond the reach of pride.

757 Tejovrisha, the one who showers radiance · 758 Dyutidhara, the bearer of splendor · 759 Sarvashastrabhritam vara, best of all armed warriors · 760 Pragraha, the one who reins the senses · 761 Nigraha, the one who restrains all · 762 Vyagra, the one who has no end · 763 Naikashringa, the many-horned one · 764 Gadagraja, elder brother of Gada

765 Chaturmurti, the one of four forms · 766 Chaturbahu, the four-armed one · 767 Chaturvyuha, the one of four emanations · 768 Chaturgati, refuge of the four life stages · 769 Chaturatma, the fourfold inner self · 770 Chaturbhava, source of life’s four aims · 771 Chaturvedavit, knower of the four Vedas · 772 Ekapat, whose one quarter is all beings

773 Samavarta, turner of the wheel of births · 774 Anivrittatma, the self present everywhere · 775 Durjaya, the unconquerable · 776 Duratikrama, the one none can disobey · 777 Durlabha, the one hard to attain · 778 Durgama, the one hard to know · 779 Durga, the one hard to approach · 780 Duravasa, hard to keep in the heart · 781 Durariha, slayer of the wicked

Story / Illustration

Chatur-vyuha In the Pancharatra tradition, Vishnu is held to have four arrays, Vasudeva, Sankarshana, Pradyumna, and Aniruddha. For the varied work of creation, preservation, and dissolution, one supreme self appears in these four forms. This is why he is called Chaturatma and Chaturvyuha.

Now comes the wave of the thread of creation and of beauty. Sutantu and Tantuvardhana weave and gather up this spreading thread of the world. Indrakarma, Mahakarma, Kritakarma, the one with no duty left undone. Udbhava, Sundara, Ratnanabha, Sulochana, joined with the highest beauty and compassion. Mahahrada, Mahanidhi, the fathomless pool of the highest bliss in which all beings rest as treasure.

782 Shubhanga, the one of auspicious form · 783 Lokasaranga, who draws the worlds’ essence · 784 Sutantu, holder of the vast web · 785 Tantuvardhana, the one who expands the web · 786 Indrakarma, the one whose deeds match Indra’s · 787 Mahakarma, the one of great deeds · 788 Kritakarma, the one whose work is done · 789 Kritagama, author of the scriptures

790 Udbhava, born at his own will · 791 Sundara, the beautiful one · 792 Sunda, the compassionate one · 793 Ratnanabha, the one with a jewel-like navel · 794 Sulochana, the one with lovely eyes · 795 Arka, adored even by the gods · 796 Vajasana, the giver of food · 797 Shringi, the horned fish avatar · 798 Jayanta, the one who brings victory · 799 Sarvavijjayi, the knower who conquers all

800 Suvarnabindu, the golden-limbed one · 801 Akshobhya, the unshakable · 802 Sarvavagishvareshvara, lord of the lords of speech · 803 Mahahrada, the great lake of bliss · 804 Mahagarta, the great unfathomable deep · 805 Mahabhuta, the great being beyond time · 806 Mahanidhi, the great treasure house

In this current the forms of nature become the Lord. Parjanya cools all heat like a raincloud, Pavana makes all pure, Amritavapu has a body of the nature of nectar. Sulabha and Siddha stand together, ever-perfect and easily found through devotion. Nyagrodha, Udumbara, Ashvattha, the banyan, the cluster fig, and the peepal are his names too, and so is the Krishna who killed Chanura.

807 Kumuda, the one who gladdens the earth · 808 Kundara, giver of jasmine-pure rewards · 809 Kunda, fair as the jasmine flower · 810 Parjanya, the rain cloud · 811 Pavana, purifier by remembrance · 812 Anila, the ever-awakened one · 813 Amritasha, enjoyer of immortal nectar · 814 Amritavapu, the one of deathless body · 815 Sarvajna, the all-knowing · 816 Sarvatomukha, the one facing every way

817 Sulabha, the one easily reached · 818 Suvrata, the one of sacred vows · 819 Siddha, the perfect one · 820 Shatrujit, victor over the gods’ enemies · 821 Shatrutapana, the scourge of enemies · 822 Nyagrodha, the banyan above all · 823 Udumbara, the one above the heavens · 824 Ashvattha, the world-tree that never stays · 825 Chanurandhranishudana, destroyer of Chanura the Andhra

Now the sevenfold forms of fire and sun resound. Sahasrarchi, Saptajihva, Saptaidha, Saptavahana, the radiance of a thousand rays and seven horses. Bhayakrit and Bhayanashana stand together, terror to the unrighteous and safety to the good. Then Anu and Brihat, the slender and the vast, Gunabhrit and Nirguna, one reality seen whole in its own opposing pairs.

826 Sahasrarchi, the one of a thousand rays · 827 Saptajihva, the seven-tongued fire · 828 Saptaidha, the one of seven flames · 829 Saptavahana, the one drawn by seven horses · 830 Amurti, the formless one · 831 Anagha, the sinless one · 832 Achintya, the unthinkable · 833 Bhayakrit, the one who causes fear · 834 Bhayanashana, the one who ends fear

Story / Illustration

Nyagrodha, Udumbara, Ashvattha The banyan, the cluster fig, and the peepal are all names of Vishnu. Shankaracharya says Nyagrodha is the one who stays above and covers all with maya, Udumbara is the one higher even than the sky, and Ashvattha is the one who is the tree of this impermanent world. The ashvattha of the Gita, with its roots above and branches below, names this very world-tree.

835 Anu, the subtlest one · 836 Brihat, the vast one · 837 Krisha, the slender one · 838 Sthula, the massive one · 839 Gunabhrit, the bearer of the qualities · 840 Nirguna, the one beyond qualities · 841 Mahan, the great one · 842 Adhrita, the one held by none · 843 Svadhrita, the one held by himself · 844 Svasya, the one of radiant face · 845 Pragvamsha, of the most ancient line · 846 Vamshavardhana, the one who grows the lineage

In this wave yoga and rest meet. Yogi, Yogisha, Sarvakamada, master of all yogis and giver of every desire. Ashrama is the resting place where creatures worn out on the road of worldly existence pause. Dhanurdhara, Damayita, Dama, Aparajita, the unconquered one who bears the bow in the form of Rama and subdues the wicked.

847 Bharabhrit, bearer of the world’s weight · 848 Kathita, the one spoken of everywhere · 849 Yogi, the one ever in union · 850 Yogisha, lord of yogis · 851 Sarvakamada, giver of every wish · 852 Ashrama, the resting place for all · 853 Shramana, the one who wearies the undiscerning · 854 Kshama, the one who wastes all away · 855 Suparna, the tree of fine leaves · 856 Vayuvahana, the mover of the winds

857 Dhanurdhara, the great archer · 858 Dhanurveda, knower of archery · 859 Danda, the rod of punishment · 860 Damayita, the one who disciplines · 861 Dama, the discipline itself · 862 Aparajita, the one never defeated · 863 Sarvasaha, the one equal to every task · 864 Niyanta, the controller · 865 Aniyama, the one beyond all control · 866 Ayama, the one beyond death

Here the stream of truth and love flows. Sattvavan, Sattvika, Satya, Satyadharmaparayana, in whom both strength and truth are complete. Priyakrit and Pritivardhana do what pleases the devoted and deepen their love. Then the many names of the sun, Ravi, Virochana, Surya, Savita, Ravilochana, one of whose eyes is the sun itself.

867 Sattvavan, the one full of strength · 868 Sattvika, the one rooted in sattva · 869 Satya, the true one · 870 Satyadharmaparayana, devoted to truth and dharma · 871 Abhipraya, the one all seekers aim for · 872 Priyarha, the one worthy of dear gifts · 873 Arha, the one worthy of worship · 874 Priyakrit, doer of what pleases · 875 Pritivardhana, the one who deepens love

876 Vihayasagati, whose abode is the sky · 877 Jyoti, the self-luminous light · 878 Suruchi, the one of lovely radiance · 879 Hutabhuk, enjoyer of fire offerings · 880 Vibhu, the all-pervading lord · 881 Ravi, the sun drawing up waters · 882 Virochana, the one shining in many ways · 883 Surya, the sun who brings forth wealth · 884 Savita, who brings forth all beings · 885 Ravilochana, whose eye is the sun

In this current infinity and wonder appear. Ananta, Lokadhishthana, Adbhuta, the wondrous form that is the ground of all worlds. Sanatanatama and Avyaya, older than Brahma and imperishable. Then the string of well-being names, Svastida, Svastikrit, Svasti, Svastibhuk, the one who is welfare itself and works the welfare of all.

886 Ananta, the endless one · 887 Hutabhuk, protector of what is offered · 888 Bhokta, the enjoyer of nature · 889 Sukhada, giver of happiness · 890 Naikaja, the one born many times · 891 Agraja, the first-born · 892 Anirvinna, the one never weary · 893 Sadamarshi, ever forbearing toward the good · 894 Lokadhishthanam, the ground of the worlds · 895 Adbhuta, the wondrous one

896 Sanat, the ancient one, time itself · 897 Sanatanatama, the most ancient of all · 898 Kapila, the tawny one · 899 Kapi, the sun who drinks water · 900 Avyaya, the imperishable (Shankara reads Apyaya, the one into whom all dissolves) · 901 Svastida, giver of well-being · 902 Svastikrit, the one who works well-being · 903 Svasti, auspiciousness itself · 904 Svastibhuk, the one who enjoys auspiciousness · 905 Svastidakshina, the one swift to bless

Now comes the wave of coolness and fearlessness. Araudra is free of liking and loathing, Shishira cools the beings scorched by the three fires, Shabdatiga lies beyond the reach of speech. Akrura, Peshala, Daksha, free of cruelty, gentle, and skilled. Vitabhaya and Punyashravanakirtana, wholly fearless, whose very hearing and telling make one pure.

906 Araudra, the one free of wrath · 907 Kundali, the one with shining earrings · 908 Chakri, the wielder of the discus · 909 Vikrami, the one of daring stride · 910 Urjitashasana, the one of mighty command · 911 Shabdatiga, the one beyond words · 912 Shabdasaha, the one the Vedas point toward · 913 Shishira, cool as the winter season · 914 Sharvarikara, the maker of night

Story / Illustration

Kapila The sage Kapila is held to be the founder of the Sankhya philosophy and is called an avatar of Vishnu. As Kapila did austerities in the nether world, the sons of Sagara came upon him in search of their sacrificial horse and hurled accusations, and by his mere glance they were burned to ash. It was for their liberation that Bhagiratha brought the Ganga down to earth.

915 Akrura, the one without cruelty · 916 Peshala, lovely in deed, word, and form · 917 Daksha, the skilled one · 918 Dakshina, the one who moves through all · 919 Kshaminam vara, the most patient of the patient · 920 Vidvattama, the wisest of the wise · 921 Vitabhaya, the one free of fear · 922 Punyashravanakirtana, the one whose story purifies hearers

In this current the mood is of rescue and protection. Uttarana, Dushkritiha, Duhsvapnanashana, the one who carries across the ocean of worldly existence and wipes out even bad dreams. Rakshana, Santa, Jivana, Paryavasthita, pervading all and guarding the world. Anantarupa, Anantashri, Jitamanyu, Bhayapaha, of endless form and endless splendor, victor over anger, destroyer of fear.

923 Uttarana, the one who lifts beings across · 924 Dushkritiha, the destroyer of wrongdoing · 925 Punya, the one who confers merit · 926 Duhsvapnanashana, dispeller of evil dreams · 927 Viraha, ender of worldly wanderings · 928 Rakshana, the protector · 929 Santa, present in the saintly · 930 Jivana, the life of all beings · 931 Paryavasthita, the one present everywhere

932 Anantarupa, the one of endless forms · 933 Anantashri, the one of boundless powers · 934 Jitamanyu, the conqueror of anger · 935 Bhayapaha, remover of worldly dread · 936 Chaturashra, the one who deals fairly · 937 Gabhiratma, the one of unfathomable depth · 938 Vidisha, the one who gives varied fruits · 939 Vyadisha, the one who commands all · 940 Disha, the teacher through the Vedas

Here the names of ground and life-breath grow dense. Anadi, Adharanilaya, Adhata, the ground even of all grounds, whom no one governs. Pranada, Pranava, Pramana, Prananilaya, Pranabhrit, Pranajivana, the one who quickens all through the vital breaths. Tattva, Tattvavid, Ekatma, Janmamrityujaratiga, that one and only self who is beyond birth, death, and old age.

941 Anadi, the beginningless · 942 Bhurbhuva, ground of the earth · 943 Lakshmi, the glory of the earth · 944 Suvira, the one of many splendid paths · 945 Ruchirangada, the one with gleaming armlets · 946 Janana, the begetter of beings · 947 Janajanmadi, the root of every birth · 948 Bhima, the awesome one · 949 Bhimaparakrama, the one of awesome valor

950 Adharanilaya, the ground of all supports · 951 Adhata, the one needing no support · 952 Pushpahasa, who blossoms as the universe · 953 Prajagara, the one keeping watch · 954 Urdhvaga, the one above all · 955 Satpathachara, who walks the good path · 956 Pranada, the giver of life · 957 Pranava, the one hailed as Om · 958 Pana, the one who repays all deeds

959 Pramanam, self-luminous knowledge itself · 960 Prananilaya, the resting place of breath · 961 Pranabhrit, the sustainer of life breath · 962 Pranajivana, the one who keeps beings alive · 963 Tattvam, the reality · 964 Tattvavit, the knower of reality · 965 Ekatma, the one Self · 966 Janmamrityujaratiga, beyond birth, death, and age

Now, near the close, comes the densest string of yajna-names. Yajna, Yajnapati, Yajva, Yajnanga, Yajnavahana, Yajnabhrit, Yajnakrit, Yajnabhuk, Yajnasadhana, Yajnantakrit, Yajnaguhyam, the lord of the sacrifice, its means, its fruit, and its secret, all of it he. Anna and Annada stand together, the one who is himself the food to be eaten and the eater.

967 Bhurbhuvahsvastaru, the tree of the three worlds · 968 Tara, the savior from birth and death · 969 Savita, father of the whole world · 970 Prapitamaha, the great-grandfather of all · 971 Yajna, the sacrifice itself · 972 Yajnapati, lord of sacrifice · 973 Yajva, the one who performs sacrifice · 974 Yajnanga, the one whose limbs are sacrifice · 975 Yajnavahana, the one who carries sacrifices onward

976 Yajnabhrit, the upholder of sacrifice · 977 Yajnakrit, the maker of sacrifice · 978 Yajni, of whom every rite is a part · 979 Yajnabhuk, enjoyer of sacrifice · 980 Yajnasadhana, the one sacrifice leads to · 981 Yajnantakrit, the one who completes the sacrifice · 982 Yajnaguhyam, the secret of sacrifice · 983 Annam, the food · 984 Annada, the eater of food

Then the recitation rests on the form of Krishna. Atmayoni and Svayanjata, who appears from his own cause. Devakinandana, Srashta, Papanashana, the son of Devaki whose remembrance destroys sins. Then comes the count of weapons, Shankabhrit, Nandaki, Chakri, Sharngadhanva, Gadadhara, Rathangapani, the conch, the sword, the discus, the bow, and the mace, all of them in his hands.

985 Atmayoni, who is his own source · 986 Svayanjata, the one born of himself · 987 Vaikhana, the one who dug the earth · 988 Samagayana, the singer of the Sama hymns · 989 Devakinandana, the son of Devaki · 990 Srashta, the creator · 991 Kshitisha, ruler of the earth · 992 Papanashana, the destroyer of sin

993 Shankhabhrit, bearer of the conch · 994 Nandaki, wielder of the sword Nandaka · 995 Chakri, bearer of the Sudarshana discus · 996 Sharngadhanva, armed with the Sharnga bow · 997 Gadadhara, the one bearing the mace · 998 Rathangapani, with the wheel in hand · 999 Akshobhya, the one none can disturb · 1000 Sarvapraharanayudha, the one bearing every weapon

And at the last comes the resolving verse that completes the thousand names. Vanamali, Gadi, Sharngi, Shankhi, Chakri, Nandaki, bearing all five weapons and the Vaijayanti garland, may the glorious Narayana, Vishnu, Vasudeva guard us on every side. Here the thousand names return to their original refuge, Vasudeva.

Bearing the garland of forest flowers, the mace, the Sharnga bow, the conch, the discus, and the sword Nandaka, may Shriman Narayana Vishnu Vasudeva protect us.

The Fruits of Recitation and the Epilogue

The fruit of the recitation, the closing dialogue, and the glory of the name of Rama

A young ascetic tells a circle of seated sages the glory of the thousand names, with four-armed Vishnu shining in the clouds above — **The glory of the thousand names**

Now Bhishma himself tells the fruit. He has recited the thousand divine names of the great Keshava, leaving nothing out. No misfortune touches the one who hears or chants them every day, in this world or the next. The brahmana gains the knowledge of Vedanta, the kshatriya gains victory, the vaishya gains prosperity, the shudra gains happiness, and whoever seeks a particular aim of life attains it.

Then comes the daily round of the constant reciter and its fruit. The devotee who rises at dawn, purifies himself, gathers his mind, and recites this thousand-name hymn of Vasudeva gains vast fame, preeminence, unshakable fortune, and the highest good. Fear does not touch him, he grows free of disease, radiant, and rich in virtue. The sick are freed from sickness, the bound from bondage, the frightened from fear, and those caught in calamity from calamity.