It is mentioned in the scriptures that Lord Vishnu is the protector of the entire universe and human life, that is, the caretaker of this creation. Among all the deities, the responsibility of protecting the entire universe has been given to Lord Vishnu. Therefore, worshiping and honoring such a Lord, who looks after our entire life, is the supreme duty of human life. There are many sacred hymns and chants to worship Lord Vishnu, but the most powerful among them is the Vishnu Sahasranama, which is also very dear to the protector Lord Vishnu.
Vishnu Sahasranama means the thousand names of Lord Vishnu. By chanting these thousand names, Lord Vishnu is praised. In a way, it is a chanting of 10 malas (rosaries). This includes the praise of Vishnu’s thousand names, and before each name, the word “Om” is uttered, which is considered the primal sound of the universe. Hence, it is a very profound and powerful mantra. Even if Vishnu Sahasranama is chanted without knowing the meanings of the names, one can still gain benefits from it. Bhishma Pitamah believed that chanting or listening to Vishnu Sahasranama can remove sins and fears.
When Bhishma Pitamah was lying on a bed of arrows on the battlefield, taking his last breaths, Lord Krishna came to meet him along with Dharmaraj Yudhishthira. Seeing Lord Krishna, Pitamah bowed to him and recited the Vishnu Sahasranama for the first time, which he had composed himself. Thus, Bhishma Pitamah was the first to chant the Vishnu Sahasranama, and while answering various questions asked by Dharmaraj Yudhishthira, he gave teachings on different mysteries of dharma.
Dharmaraj Yudhishthira asked Pitamah, “O Great One, please tell me — what is the supreme dharma of a human being, and which chant frees a person from the worldly bondage of birth and death?”
Hearing Yudhishthira’s question, Pitamah said, “O Dharmaraj, your question is excellent. Bhishma Pitamah says- ‘Chanting Vishnu Sahasranama peacefully while having the vision of Lord Vishnu is the supreme dharma of a human being.
Although the thousand names of all the deities present in the universe have their own importance, from the perspective of purity and spirituality, the Vishnu Sahasranama holds a special significance. This is because the Vishnu Sahasranama praises the special qualities of Lord Vishnu, and his thousand names describe his thousand virtues. Each name indicates how Lord Vishnu embodies these qualities.
Why should a person chant Vishnu Sahasranama?
Lord Vishnu exists in the entire three worlds by assuming many forms. There is no truth other than Lord Vishnu, no mantra chanting greater than Vishnu, no meditation superior to Lord Vishnu, and no better path in this world than Vishnu; in other words, Lord Vishnu pervades every particle everywhere. The chanting of Vishnu Sahasranama increases spiritual devotion towards the Lord and is a unique ladder to reach heaven after death.
By chanting Vishnu Sahasranama, negative qualities like anger, greed, and jealousy are eradicated from the mind, and the person attains virtues such as wealth, prosperity, fame, forgiveness, patience, wisdom, and glory. With this, nothing inauspicious happens to them in this world or the next.
A person who chants each name of Vishnu Sahasranama while offering Tulsi leaves to Lord Vishnu receives the desired results equivalent to performing millions of yajnas (sacrificial rituals).
According to our scriptures, chanting this mantra with full faith and devotion keeps wealth, happiness, prosperity, and peace in a person’s life. It protects from evil forces and liberates the person from the bondage of birth and death, removing all obstacles in life. At the same time, the person remains under the grace of Lord Vishnu.
Vishnu Sahasranama is also chanted during religious ceremonies and housewarming rituals. However, it is very important to remember that while chanting Vishnu Sahasranama, one should never chant in haste or impatience. If done so, there is no doubt that the chanter will face destruction of life and wealth.
Therefore, a person should ensure that the priest chanting this mantra is qualified. To avoid any negative effects of chanting, it should be performed only by qualified priests or individuals skilled in Vedic rituals.Source URL:https://www.sanatanjyoti.com/anushthan/vishnu-sahastranam–99
