The Vishnu Sahasranama is a hymn of the thousand names of Lord Vishnu, taught by Bhishma to Yudhishthira in the Anushasana Parva of the Mahabharata. Its core is 108 verses of names, framed by opening prayers, a meditation (dhyanam) and a closing phalashruti on the fruits of recitation. It is traditionally recited in the morning after bathing or at dusk, especially on Thursdays and Ekadashis, and takes about 25 to 30 minutes at a steady pace.
Where does the Vishnu Sahasranama come from?
After the Kurukshetra war, Bhishma lies on his bed of arrows awaiting the auspicious moment to leave his body. Yudhishthira, burdened by the war, comes to him for guidance and asks six questions: who is the one supreme deity, what is the highest refuge, whom should one praise and worship to attain good, what is the greatest dharma, and by chanting what does one gain freedom from the cycle of birth and death. Bhishma answers that the highest path is to chant the thousand names of Vishnu with devotion, and recites them.
The great philosopher Adi Shankaracharya wrote a commentary on the Sahasranama, and his explanations of the names are still the most widely followed.
How the hymn is structured
| Part | What it contains |
|---|---|
| Opening prayers | Nine verses, beginning Shuklambaradharam Vishnum |
| Bhishma's teaching | Yudhishthira's six questions and Bhishma's answer |
| Nyasa | The ritual preparation: the rishi, metre and deity of the hymn |
| Dhyanam | Verses of meditation on Vishnu's form |
| The thousand names | 108 verses, beginning Vishvam Vishnur Vashatkaro |
| Phalashruti | The fruits of recitation, including the Sri Rama Rama Rameti verse |
Some names repeat with different meanings, and some editions count the verses slightly differently, which is why you'll occasionally see 107 instead of 108.
The meaning of the first names
The first verse, vishvam vishnur vashatkaro bhuta-bhavya-bhavat-prabhuh, sets the tone for the whole hymn. Following Shankaracharya:
- Vishvam: he who is the universe itself.
- Vishnuh: he who pervades everything.
- Vashatkarah: he to whom the sacrificial offerings are made.
- Bhuta-bhavya-bhavat-prabhuh: the lord of the past, the future and the present.
- Bhutakrit: the creator of all beings.
- Bhutabhrit: he who sustains all beings.
Chanting with the meanings in mind turns the recitation from sound into contemplation, which is what the hymn intends.
The Sri Rama Rama Rameti verse
In the phalashruti, Parvati asks Shiva for an easy way to gain the merit of reciting all thousand names. Shiva answers with the verse Sri Rama Rama Rameti, Rame Rame Manorame, Sahasranama tat tulyam, Rama nama varanane: chanting the name of Rama three times is equal to the thousand names. Many people recite this verse on its own when time is short.
Traditional benefits
The phalashruti describes the fruits of recitation: freedom from fear, good health, success in one's undertakings, peace of mind, and ultimately liberation. Devotees especially recite it during illness, difficult times, and for the peace of the household. Read these as the tradition's promise to a sincere reciter, not a guaranteed outcome.
How and when to recite it
- When: morning after bathing, or at dusk. Thursdays and Ekadashis are especially auspicious, as are the months of Kartik and Margashirsha.
- How long: about 25 to 30 minutes for the full hymn at a steady pace; 15 to 20 minutes for the 108 verses alone.
- Where: sit facing east or north, before an image of Vishnu, Krishna or Venkateswara, with a lamp lit.
- If you're new: start with the 108 verses using a transliteration, and read the meaning of a few names each day. The full recitation comes with practice.
- You don't need Devanagari. Reciting from a clear Roman transliteration is entirely acceptable.
Recite it with every name explained
Sri Vishnu Sahasranama with Meaning gives you the complete stotram as recited, in 97 pages: the nine opening prayers, Bhishma's teaching with the nyasa, the dhyanam, all 108 verses with every name explained in English (following Shankaracharya's commentary), and all 33 verses of the phalashruti. Large, clear Devanagari and Roman transliteration you can recite from, with the Sanskrit checked against a published edition. Instant PDF, ₹299.
Reciting on Devuthani Ekadashi? See our Devuthani Ekadashi and Tulsi Vivah 2026 guide. And for Venkateswara devotees, our guide to the Venkateswara Suprabhatam.
Frequently asked questions
Who wrote the Vishnu Sahasranama?
It appears in the Anushasana Parva of the Mahabharata, attributed to Vyasa, where Bhishma teaches it to Yudhishthira. Adi Shankaracharya's commentary is the best-known explanation of the names.
How many verses are in the Vishnu Sahasranama?
The thousand names are contained in 108 verses (some editions count 107), with opening prayers, a dhyanam and a phalashruti around them.
How long does it take to recite the Vishnu Sahasranama?
About 25 to 30 minutes for the full hymn, or 15 to 20 minutes for the 108 verses of names alone.
What is the best day to recite the Vishnu Sahasranama?
It can be recited daily. Thursdays and Ekadashis are traditionally the most auspicious.
Can I recite it without knowing Sanskrit?
Yes. Reciting from Roman transliteration with the English meaning alongside is entirely acceptable, and helps you understand what you chant.