Vishnu Sahasranamam
The thousand names of Lord Vishnu — a revered hymn for devotion, mental steadiness, and contemplative daily chanting.
About Vishnu Sahasranamam
Vishnu Sahasranamam (“The Thousand Names of Vishnu”) is one of the most widely chanted Sanskrit hymns in the Hindu tradition. It appears in the Anushasana Parva of the Mahabharata, where the sage Bhishma, lying on his bed of arrows, recites it to Yudhishthira as the highest and easiest path to peace and liberation.
Traditionally attributed to Veda Vyasa, the hymn lists one thousand names of Lord Vishnu, each name describing an aspect of the divine — protector, sustainer, the formless and the manifest. Reciting it slowly, with attention to meaning, is regarded as a complete spiritual practice in itself.
At Stotradhwani, each section is taught with correct pronunciation, word meaning, and guided recitation so learners of any level can build a confident daily practice.
At a glance
- Composer
- Veda Vyasa
- Source
- Mahabharata (Anushasana Parva)
- Verses
- 1,000 names
- Language
- Sanskrit
- Tradition
- Vaishnava
Why devotees chant Vishnu Sahasranamam
- check_circleTraditionally chanted for peace of mind, focus, and emotional steadiness.
- check_circleA devotional practice said to cultivate surrender and contemplation.
- check_circleEach of the thousand names is a short meditation on a quality of the divine.
When to chant: Devotees commonly recite Vishnu Sahasranamam on Fridays, on Ekadashi, and as part of a daily morning practice.
Frequently asked questions
What is Vishnu Sahasranamam?expand_more
Vishnu Sahasranamam is a Sanskrit hymn listing one thousand names of Lord Vishnu. It appears in the Mahabharata, recited by Bhishma to Yudhishthira, and is traditionally attributed to Veda Vyasa.
What are the benefits of chanting Vishnu Sahasranamam?expand_more
It is traditionally chanted for peace of mind, concentration, and devotion. Because each name reflects on a quality of the divine, regular recitation is considered a complete contemplative practice.
How do I start learning Vishnu Sahasranamam?expand_more
Begin with the guided video lessons on this page and the downloadable PDFs in Sanskrit, Tamil, or English. Stotradhwani teaches correct pronunciation and meaning section by section so beginners can follow along.
When is Vishnu Sahasranamam traditionally chanted?expand_more
It is commonly recited on Fridays, on Ekadashi days, and as part of a regular morning practice, though it may be chanted at any time with devotion.