Vishnu Sahasranamam is an ancient, divine script written in Sanskrit. Sahasranamam in Sanskrit means 1000 names. Vishnu Sahasranamam is 1000 names on Vishnu.
It is important the way these hymns are recited. As we know sound waves are generated when we recite them, when we pronounce the scripts correctly and in the correct pace, the sound waves follow a rhythmic pattern. This pattern is what gives one the calmness and peace of mind while and after reciting it. If the slokas are recited with correct pronunciations in a proper pace, this itself will be like a Pranayama. Names invoke love and devotion towards Supreme Being.
Vishnu Sahasranamam, is a part of the great epic Mahabharata. The story goes like this: Yudishtra – the eldest of Pandavas after the great war was grieved and tormented and was unwilling to carry on the responsibility enthroned upon him as king. Counsel from his brothers and other learned persons were not enough to remove his doubts and misery. Lord Krishna took Yudishtra to the great warrior Bheeshma to clarify his doubts. Bheeshma was actually in his arrow bed when Krishna brought Yudishtra to ask Bheeshma the following 6 questions. It is with these 6 questions the Vishnu Sahasranama starts:
Who (“kim”) is the greatest (“ekam”) Lord (“daivatam”) in the world (“loke”)?
Who is the one (“ekam”) refuge (“paraayanam”) for all?
By glorifying (“sthuvantah”) whom (“kam”) can man (“manavah”) reach the Auspiciousness (“shubam”) (peace and prosperity)?
By worshiping (“archantah”) whom can a man reach auspiciousness (peace and prosperity)?
What (“ko”) is, in thy opinion, the Greatest Dharma?
By (“kim”) doing japa of what can “creatures” (jantu) go beyond (“mutchyate”) the bonds (“bandhanaath”) of samsara?
Bheeshma answered that whoever brought you in here, is the greatest Lord and he is the one to whom anyone must surrender. He added that meditating on His 1000 names, one can reach the state of bliss or moksha. Having said this, he continued saying the 1000 names of Lord Vishnu. This part of Mahabharat in Shanti parva is called Vishnu Sahasranamam. These names have been provided by different Rishis at different occasions however Sage Vyasa is credited for compiling them.
Though it is called SahasraNaama in fact it contains only 901 distinct sounding names. Eight hundred and fifteen names are repeated once, Seventy-five of these names are repeated twice, nine of these names thrice and two of these names four times. Scholars have given various commentaries on the meaning of these names.
Many lyrical versions of this hymn can be found on Utube.
Savita Tyagi
