The “Vishnu Sahasranama” : A thousand names of Lord Vishnu, The God of Preservation.A stotram, in praise of Vishnu. As evident from the name, it is collection of 1000 names of Vishnu, each of which is said to have a specific meaning and significance.
The Vishnu Sahasranamam is believed to have been composed by Sage Vyasa, the author of the Mahabharata. It’s a beautiful and inspiring text that offers a glimpse into the many aspects of Vishnu. It is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about Hinduism and the path to spiritual enlightenment.
Origin: The Vishnu Sahasranama is found in the Anushasana Parva (Book of Instructions) of the Mahabharata, a conversation between Bheeshma and Yudhishthira, the eldest of the Pandavas. Bheeshma imparts this sacred knowledge to Yudhishthira on the battlefield just before the Kurukshetra war.
Legend has it that Bheeshma was a devoted disciple of Lord Vishnu. He had been granted the boon of choosing the time of his own death. He chose to remain alive until the end of the Kurukshetra war. As he lay on a bed of arrows, awaiting his imminent departure from the mortal world, he recited the Vishnu Sahasranama to Yudhishthira.
Significance:
The Vishnu Sahasranamam is significant for a number of reasons. First, it is a comprehensive and authoritative source of information about Lord Vishnu, It describes lord Vishnu’s many attributes and qualities, and provides insights into his nature and role in the universe.
Second, the Vishnu Sahasranamam is a powerful tool for spiritual growth and liberation. Reciting or chanting the Vishnu Sahasranamam is believed to purify the mind and heart, to remove sins and karmas, and to bestow spiritual blessings and enlightenment.
Third, the Vishnu Sahasranamam contains profound philosophical teachings about the nature of the divine, the interconnectedness of all life, and the path to spiritual enlightenment. It serves as a source of spiritual wisdom and guidance for seekers on their journey toward self-realization.