Vishnu, the Supreme Being in the Hindu pantheon, is revered by millions worldwide. His name, Vishnu, means "He who pervades everything," and his nature is characterized by omniscience, omnipresence, and omnipotence.
The Vishnu Ashtottara Shatanamavali is a sacred Sanskrit text that contains 108 names of Vishnu. These names are believed to embody his divine qualities and attributes. By chanting or reciting these names, devotees seek to invoke his blessings and gain spiritual enlightenment.
Name | Meaning |
---|---|
1. Vishvam | The universe |
2. Vasudevam | The son of Vasudeva |
3. Vasudeva | The father of Vasudeva |
4. Sankarshanam | The attractor of all things |
5. Pradyumnam | The source of all knowledge |
6. Aniruddham | The irresistible one |
7. Purushottamam | The Supreme Being |
8. Achyutam | The infallible one |
9. Ananta | The endless one |
10. Govindam | The protector of cows |
... | ... |
Complete list of 108 names available in the table below
Chanting or reciting the Vishnu Ashtottara Shatanamavali is believed to have numerous spiritual benefits, including:
Name | Meaning |
---|---|
1. Vishvam | The universe |
2. Vasudevam | The son of Vasudeva |
3. Vasudeva | The father of Vasudeva |
4. Sankarshanam | The attractor of all things |
5. Pradyumnam | The source of all knowledge |
6. Aniruddham | The irresistible one |
7. Purushottamam | The Supreme Being |
8. Achyutam | The infallible one |
9. Ananta | The endless one |
10. Govindam | The protector of cows |
11. Madhusudanam | The vanquisher of Madhu (a demon) |
12. Trivikramam | The one who took three steps |
13. Vamanam | The dwarf |
14. Shridharam | The bearer of Sri (Lakshmi) |
15. Hrishikesham | The Lord of senses |
16. Padmanabham | The one with a lotus navel |
17. Damodaram | The one bound by a rope (by Yashoda) |
18. Kesavam | The one with beautiful hair |
19. Narayanam | The refuge of all beings |
20. Madhavam | The husband of Lakshmi |
... | ... |
Story 1:
Once, a king named Ambarisha was performing a rigorous sacrifice to please Vishnu. During the ritual, a sage named Durvasa became angry and cursed the king to be killed by a demon at the end of the sacrifice. Ambarisha was horrified and pleaded with Vishnu for help. The king began chanting the Vishnu Ashtottara Shatanamavali with unwavering faith. As the demon approached to strike, Vishnu appeared and vanquished it, protecting Ambarisha.
Lesson: The power of unwavering faith and devotion can overcome any obstacle.
Story 2:
A young woman named Rukmani was deeply in love with Lord Krishna, an avatar of Vishnu. However, her father had promised her hand in marriage to a demon named Shishupala. Rukmani sent a message to Krishna, who rushed to her rescue. During the wedding ceremony, Shishupala insulted Krishna 108 times. With each insult, Krishna forgave him, as he had promised to tolerate 100 offenses. However, after the 108th offense, Krishna beheaded Shishupala.
Lesson: Even in the face of adversity, forgiveness and compassion are essential virtues.
Story 3:
A wealthy merchant named Dharmadas was known for his piety and devotion to Vishnu. However, he was also very attached to his wealth. One day, Lord Vishnu tested Dharmadas by disguising himself as a beggar and asking for alms. Dharmadas refused, saying that he only gave to worthy brahmins. The beggar persisted, and Dharmadas finally gave him a small coin. Vishnu then revealed his true form and blessed Dharmadas.
Lesson: True devotion involves detachment from material possessions and compassion for all beings.
**Step 1: ** Purify yourself. Take a bath or cleanse yourself physically and mentally.
Step 2: Find a quiet place. Sit in a comfortable position where you will not be disturbed.
Step 3: Use a mala (optional). If using a mala, hold it in your right hand and begin chanting the names in a clockwise direction.
Step 4: Chant the names with focus and devotion. As you chant, try to understand the meaning of each name and how it relates to Vishnu's attributes.
Step 5: Repeat the names 12 times. Traditionally, the Ashtottara Shatanamavali is chanted in multiples of 12, with 108 repetitions being the most common.
Step 6: Conclude the chanting. Once you have completed the chanting, take a moment to reflect on the experience and offer your gratitude to Vishnu.
Pros:
Cons:
The Vishnu Ashtottara Shatanamavali is a powerful tool for spiritual growth and connection with the divine. By chanting these sacred names with faith and devotion, devotees can experience a deeper connection with Vishnu, gain spiritual purification, and attract his blessings. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or a newcomer to Hindu spirituality, the chanting of the Ashtottara Shatanamavali can bring you numerous benefits on your journey to self-discovery and spiritual enlightenment.
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