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What is Vishnu Sahastra Namam?

One of the primary gods in Hinduism and the supreme God in Vaishnavism, Lord Vishnu is known by 1,000 different names in the Sanskrit hymn known as the Vishnu Sahastranamam. It is among the most revered and well-known stotras in Hinduism. The Mahabharata epic’s Anushasana Parva contains the Vishnu Sahasranamam. Of the 1,000 names of Vishnu, it is the most well-known. In the Garuda Purana, Padma Purana, and Skanda Purana, there are other versions.

The origins of Vishnu Sahastranamam

Vishnu Sahastranamam was originally written in Sanskrit, Sahastra means thousands, and “Nama” means names.  The Vishnu Sahastranamam was written by Sage Vyasa, who is also known for ancient texts like the Adhyatma Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhagavad Gita, Puranas, and many more ancient scriptures.

The Mahabharata epic contains a section known as the Vishnu Sahastranamam. Yudhishtira, the eldest of the Pancha Pandavas, was unsure of which Dharma was the most important to uphold in life.

He approached Shri Krishna, but unlike Arjuna, the latter did not share the Gita’s wisdom with him. Instead, Krishna led Yudhishtira to Bheeshma Pitamaha, the mighty warrior who had been wounded by Arjuna’s arrows and was lying on the battlefield on his deathbed.

The Vishnu Sahastranamam begins with Yudhishtira’s asking Bheeshma six questions in order to receive advice on all facets of life. This was done on Krishna’s advice. It embodied Bheeshma’s way of life. On the Kurukshetra battlefield, Sage Vyasa and Krishna were witnesses to this moment.

Bheeshma responded by stating that the Supreme Being, who must be worshipped, is whoever gave Yudhishtira life. One could achieve an auspicious state and be freed from sin and bonds by meditating on his name 1,000 times. This section of the Mahabharata is referred to as Vishnu Sahastranamam as Bheeshma continued to recite the 1000 names of Vishnu.

Significance of the Vishnu Sahastranamam

Lord Vishnu, sustains and preserves life. Vishnu provides support for the various types of life that exist on Earth. Many holy verses express devotion to Vishnu. The Vishnu Sahastranamam possesses the greatest power. The Vishnu Sahastranamam contains a list of Vishnu’s thousand names.

The 149th chapter of the ancient Indian epic, the Mahabharata, contains a section titled the Vishnu Sahastranamam, which is part of the Anushasana Parva. There are 108 shlokas in the Vishnu Sahastranamam that use the AnushtupChhandaa poetic metre.

The Vishnu Sahasranama’s advantages

• Chanting without understanding its full significance is advantageous; hearing Vishnu Sahastranamam alone eliminates fears and sins.
• It aids people in overcoming bad karma and curses.
• Chanting brings good fortune and assists with overcoming financial obstacles.
• It aids stress relief and positive thinking in the mind.
• One develops self-confidence and pursues goals with assurance; one regains self-worth and brings harmony into the home; one helps treat illnesses and infertility; and one prevents problems caused by the motion of the planets and stars.
• It fosters an individual’s all-around development and knowledge and creates a barrier of Defence around their mind, body, and soul against enemies and malicious intent.
• It helps us on the journey and cleanses us of current and past-life sins.

Astrological Benefits of Reciting the Vishnu Sahastranamam

• Reading the stotram will assist you in overcoming any fears you may be experiencing or bad dreams you have every night while you sleep.
• The Vishnu Sahastranamam should be read every day by anyone experiencing childlessness in their home.
• Your focus in life is sharpened and your mind is calmed when you chant the Vishnu Sahastranamam.
• You can increase your inner energies, which sharpens your focus even more, by reading every name of Lord Vishnu. It improves your ability to meditate.
• Reading this astrologically can assist in strengthening the Lord Sun if the person’s horoscope chart contains a weak Lord Sun.
• Everyday stotram chanting is recommended for kids who struggle in school or want to increase their capacity for learning.

What time of day should you read The Vishnu Sahastranamam?

Bramha Muhurtam

The time between 3.30 and 5.30 in the morning is known as Brahma muhurtam. It is suitable for reciting the Vishnu Sahastranamam. At this moment, the mind is serene, refreshed, and at peace.

At this time, sattva, or purity, rules both the environment and the mind. Without outside influences or samskaras, the mind is like a blank sheet of paper. You can easily mold the mind to fit your desires and infuse it with divine concepts. It is best to read the stotram first thing in the morning after a bath.

The subsequent best time to recite

The next best time to read it, though, would be between 5:00 and 7:00 pm in the evening if you wish to do so later in the day. You can also chant the stotram before bed.

Conclusion

Fear is banished when the Vishnu Sahastranamam is recited. We gain a higher consciousness that aids in our deeper understanding of God and inspires us to reflect and meditate. When recited with complete devotion and persistence, the Vishnu Sahastranamam bestows a wealth of divine blessings.