In this FINAL PART of the Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam series, we will explore the meaning of the PhalaShruti (benefits) of chanting of Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam.
Iteedam Kirtaniyasya Keshavasya Mahatmanah |
NaamNaam Sahasram Divyaanaam Aseshena prakirtitam || (1)
Meaning: Bhishma says, ‘Thus, the thousand divine Namas of Bhagavan Keshava, the Supreme Being, Who is worthy of being praised, have been sung in their entirety’.
Sri Adi Sankara says ‘Iteedam iti anena Namasahasram Anyuna Anatiriktam iti Darshayati Divyanam Apraakritanaam naamnaam Sahasram Prakirtitam iti vadataa Prakarantarenapi Sankhyopapattir darshitaa – The term ‘iteedam’ clearly indicates that the thousand Namas are divine in nature and complete, neither short nor excess of thousand. Also the term ’Prakirtitam’ implies the the fulfilment of the thousand Namas at the end of the shloka.
Sri Sankara further says ‘Prakrame Kim Japan muchyate Jantuh’ iti Japa Shabda upaadaanaat Kirtayet iti anena api trividha Japo lakshyate; Uccha Upaamshu Maanasa Lakshanas trividhah Japah – Both Japa and Kirtana as a form of recitation is mentioned. The significance of this is that Sri Vishnu- Sahasranama can be performed in any of the three forms viz. chanting loudly, whisper to self or by mental contemplation’.
Sri Parasara Bhattar comments that the word ‘kirtaniyasya’ has been chosen to indicate that Bhagavan richly deserves the praise, and by using this word, Bhishma is impressing upon Yudhishtra to begin the recitation of the Namas right awaynstant. The choice of Keshava in this verse is intentional and signifies the all encompassing trinity (Supreme Being). ‘Ka’ means Brahma, ‘A’ means Vishnu and ‘Isa’ means Rudra; hence ‘Kesa’ denotes Trimurthi’s (the three embodiments) who are under His control.
The word ‘Divyanaam’ means ‘divine’ and applied to the Namas signifies that the Namas are worthy of being sung in this world as well as in Sri Vaikuntham. The word ‘Asheshena’ is used to denote that nothing that is significant or important has been left out by Bhishma in his communication to Yudhistra, and everything that needs to be known has been taught.
Ya Idam Shrunuyannityam Yashchapi Parikirtayet
Naashubham Praapnuyaat Kinchit Somutreha cha Maanavah ||2||
Sri Adi Sankara explains that nothing inauspicious or unwelcome will accrue to those in this world or the next, when one hears this daily or recites it. The word ‘Amutra’ meaning in the next world has a special significance pointed out by Sri Sankara ‘Paraloka Praaptasyaapi Yayaati Nahushaadivat Ashubhapraapti abhaavam Suchayitum Amutra ityuktam’ – Yayaati and Nahusha ended up suffering after reaching the higher world, because they committed sins even after reaching there. Such inauspicious instances will not happen to those who chant or listen to this divine Sahasranamam’.
Sri Parasara Bhattar comments that he, who according to his qualification and ability, hears it or meditates on it in his mind, will encounter nothing inauspicious in this world, or hereafter. Note that the benefit is attained by chanting, as well as by listening.
Vedantago Bramhanas Syaat Kshatriyo Vijayee Bhavet |
Vaishyo Dhanasamruddhas Syaat Shudrah Sukham Avapnuyat ||3||
The basic meaning is ‘The Brahmins will get knowledge. The Kshatriyas will get victory. The Vaishyas will get abundant wealth. The Shudras will get peace and happiness chanting these Namas’.
Sri Adi Sankara gives a very elaborate commentary on the meaning of this Shloka. He explains ‘Vedantanam Upanishadam artham Bramha gacchati Avagacchati iti Vedantagah – The one who understands or grasps the meaning of Vedanta or Upanishads is Vedantagah’.
He explains further with reference to the question ‘Kim Japan Muchyate Jantuh Janmasamsaara bandhanaat?’ from the prelude to Vishnu Sahasranamam ‘What sort of meditation helps us to get liberated from the bondage of earthly existence?’ It clearly shows that liberation is not achieved by any sort of action but only by knowledge, wisdom and enlightenment. This is emphasised by the phrase ‘Vedantago Bramhanas Syaat’. Sri Sankara further states ‘Karmanaam tu Antah karana Shuddhidvaarena Mokshahetutvam – Action is an effective tool for liberation by purifying the mind but is not sufficient by itself’.
He quotes a number of Shlokas to further this concept:
- Kashaayapaktih Karmaani Jnaanam tu Pramaa gatih
Kashaaye karmabhih Pakve Tato jnaanam Pravartate
Meaning: Action is able to bring the mind to a state of maturity but liberation is achieved only through Knowledge, after the ground is prepared by action.
- Nityam jnanam Samasadya Naro bandhaat pramuchyate – People get liberated after achieving the eternal knowledge.
- Dharmaat Sukham cha jnanam cha Jnanat Moksho Adhigamyate – Out of righteous conduct, wealth and knowledge emerge and out of knowledge one gets final liberation’.
- In the Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 5 Verse 11) Krishna says ‘Yoginah Karma kurvanti Sangam tyakvaa Atmashuddhaye’ – Yogis resort to action without attachment for purifying their minds.
- Bramha Puranam (129.7) says ‘Karmanaa badhyate Jantuh Vidyaya eva Vimuchyate Tasmaat karma na kurvanti Yatayah Paaradarshinah’ – Action leads to bondage, only knowledge to liberation, hence those who seek liberation refrain from desirous action.
- Garuda Puranam (1.237.6) says ‘Tapasaa Kalmasham Hanti Vidyayaa Amritam Ashnute; Jnaanam Utpadyate Pumsaam Kshayaat Paapasya Karmanah; Yathaadarshatalaprakhye Pashyati Aatmaanam Aatmani’ – One burns away the sins by penance but gains immortality through Knowledge; As the sin goes away Knowledge is generated and starts seeing the Self through the mirror of the self.
Sri Sankara gives further references from the Vedas and Upanishads. Brihadaranyaka Upanishad (4.4.22) says:
Tametam Vedaanuvachanena Bramhanaa vividishanti |
Yajnena daanena tapasa anashakena ||
Meaning: The Bramhins seek to know it through the study of the Vedas, sacrifices, charity and austerity consisting of dispassionate enjoyment of sense-objects.
Veda says the following:
- By performing any homam including the Darvihomam, only the mind is cleansed ‘Yena Kena Yajetaapi vaa Darvihomena anupahatamana eva bhavati’.
- Liberation is achieved only by Knowledge – ‘Jnaanat eva moksho bhavati’.
- Only from Knowledge Liberation and freedom from ties are possible – ‘Jnaadeva tu kaivalyam Praapyate tena muchyate’.
- One who knows the Bramhan attains the highest – ‘Bramhavidyapnoti Param’.
- One who knows the Self is free from misery – ‘Tarati Shokam Aatmavit’.
- If you know the Bramhan you become the Bramhan – ‘Bramha veda Bramhaiva Bhavati’.
- To know the Bramhan you have to become the Bramhan – ‘Bramhaiva San Bramhaapyeti’.
- Knowing him you conquer death and there is no other way for salvation – ‘Tameva Viditvaa atimrityum eti Naanyah Panthaa Vidyate Ayanaaya’.
- One who knows the joy of the Bramhan fears nothing – ‘Anandam Bramhano vidvaan na bibheti kutashchana’.
- If within the human birth, if one attains that knowledge it is great, otherwise it is a great loss – ‘Iha chet Avedeet atha satyam asti na chet ihaavedeen mahatee Vinashtih’.
- Just as it is never possible to roll up the akasa (sky) as a piece of leather (like a Saree) so it is utterly impossible to put an end to miseries of the world without the knowledge of the Lord – ‘Yadaa charmavat Aakaasham Veshtayishyanti Maanavaah; Tadaa Devam Avijnaaya Duhkhasayaanto Bhavishyati’.
- You cannot attain immortality by actions, by progeny or by wealth; You can only do it by renunciation of everything – ‘Na Karmanaa na prajayaa dhanena Tyaagaa Naike Amrutatvam Aanashuh’.
- This state of perfection, which is attained by the real sanyasis, is situated far beyond this world, and is difficult to reach for the ordinary man – ‘Vedaanta Vijnaana Sunishchitaarthaah Sanyaasayogaat Yatayash Shuddhasatvaah; Te Bramhaloke Tu Paraantakaale Paraamrutaah Parimuchyanti Sarve’.
Those Sanyasis, who after realising the actual import of the Vedas, having given up their personal sense enjoyment to be in the service of the Lord, and being completely free from the influence of the material world, will attain liberation from the material world at the end of their lives’.
Sri Parasara Bhattar declares the benefits attained by people of the four varnas, when they chant the Sahasranamam even without necessarily seeking any specific benefit, or following any special discipline etc.
Dharmaarthi Praapnuyaat Dharmam Arthaarthi Chartham Aapnuyaat |
Kaamaan Avaapnuyaat Kaami Prajaarthi Chaapnuyaat Prajaah ||4||
Meaning: The one who desires righteousness (Dharma), will be blessed with that; the one who desires worldly riches will be blessed with wealth; the one who wishes for the pleasures of life, will be bestowed with all pleasures; the one who desires progeny will be blessed with children.
Bhaktimaan Yah sadotthaaya Shucih tad-gata-manasah |
Sahasram Vasudevasya Naamnaam Etat prakeertayet ||5||
Meaning: He (the reciter of the 1000 Namas of the Lord) who is suffering from any disease will be rid of it. He who is in bondage will be liberated. He who is affected by fear will overcome it, and he who is in difficulties will be free of it.
The devotee, pure of mind and persevering with fully focussed attentive meditation should recite these one thousand Namas of Lord Vasudeva’
Sri Parasara Bhattar’s words are – ‘Atha niyama visheshavat japa rupa sankirtane bhaktasya sarva samriddhim Aha’ – One who recites these as Japa or kirtana will attain all kinds of benefits.
Sri Radhakrishna Shastri explains that the stated benefis accrue to those who have single-minded devotion to Vasudeva, meditates on Him constantly, is pure in thought, word and deed, and chants the thousand Namas of Vasudeva as laid down in this Shloka.
- Bhaktimaan – A devotee. Specifically, it refers to the devotee of Vasudeva (Vasudevasya Naamnaam) with single-minded devotion.
- Sada utthaaya – always getting up early in the morning.
- Shucih – The purity referred to is both external and internal. The external purity involves taking a bath etc. The other aspects of purification involved here are the strict observance of nitya karmas as laid down in the Shastras for the devotee, the Varna Ashrama dharmas. Our Acharyas emphasise that any activity undertaken without observing the nitya karmas will end up as a wasted effort.
- tad-gata-manasah – The mind of the devotee should be concentrated on Bhagavan Vasudeva.
- Prakirtayet – kirtana specifically refers to chanting, recitation. The specific benefits that such a devotee will attain are specified in the next three Shlokas.
Yashah Praapnoti Vipulam yaati Praadhaanyameva cha |
Acalaam Shriyam Aapnoti Shreyah Prapnotyanuttamam ||6||
Meaning: He (the reciter of the 1000 Namas of the Lord) becomes endowed with great reputation and becomes the foremost among his kith and kin. He acquires undiminishing wealth in this world, and he also gets unexcelled prosperity in the next (namely, salvation).
Sri Parasara Bhattar has given his interpretation for the above Shlokas in two short sentences:
- anuttamam Shreyah meaning Mukti
- anye abhyudaya visheshaah meaning Salvation as all the other fruits mentioned are fruits of success in this world
Thus, for instance, being rid of fear in this world can be understood as the full confidence that Bhagavan will definitely redeem us from the ocean of Samsara at the end of this birth.
Na Bhayam Kvachit Aapnoti Viryam Tejashcha Vindati |
Bhavatyarogo Dyutimaan Balarupagunanvitah ||7||
Meaning: There is no fear for him (the reciter of the 1000 Namas of the Lord) from any quarters. He acquires valour and power. He is endowed with good health and always shines. He is bestowed endowed with strength, a healthy body, and noble qualities’.
Rogaarto Muchyate Rogaat Baddho Muchyeta Bandhanaat |
Bhayaan Muchyeta Bheetastu Muchyetaapanna Aapadah ||8||
Meaning: He, who recites these 1000 Namas of the Lord, who is suffering from any disease will get over it. He who is in bondage will be relieved of it. He who is affected by fear will become free from it, and he who is in difficulties will become rid of them.
- Rogarto mucyate rogaat – the devotee will be rid of the greatest of diseases, namely attachment to the worldly and materialistic objects of this life, and, above all, the attachment to this body and to all the things associated with the body;
- Bhayaan mucyeta bhItah – the devotee will be rid of the greatest of all fears – the fear of repeated births, the fear of Samsara;
- Yashah praapnoti – the devotee will be known for his single-minded devotion to Vasudeva, as his greatest accomplishment;
- Dyutimaan, tejashca vindati – the tejas of such a devotee will be self-revealing, as we can feel in the presence of our Acharyas.
Durgaanyatitaratyaashu Purushah Purushottamam |
Stuvan Naamasahasrena Nityam Bhaktisamanvitah ||9||
Meaning: The one who, with devotion, praises the Supreme Being (Purushottaman) reciting His thousand Namas daily, surmounts all difficulties very easily.
Vasudevaashrayo Martyo Vasudeva parayanah |
Sarva papa vishuddha atma Yaati Bramha Sanaatanam ||10||
Meaning: Any one, who has taken refuge of Vasudeva with the thought that Vasudeva is the highest goal to be reached, becomes cleansed of all sins and his mind becomes pure. He finally attains the eternal abode of Brahma.
Na Vasudeva Bhaktaanaam Ashubham Vidyate Kvachit |
Janma Mrityu Jaraa Vyaadhi Bhayam Naivo pajaayate ||11||
Meaning: The devotees of Vasudeva need not worry of any inauspicious occurrence anytime. They will not have any fear from transitions like birth, death, old age and disease.
Imam Stavam Adheeyaanah Shraddha bhakti Samanvitah |
Yujyeta atma Sukhah Shanti Shri Dhriti Smriti Kirtibhih ||12||
Meaning: The one who recites this with faith and devotion will attain peace of mind, forbearance, wealth, courage, strong memory and great fame.
Sri Adi Sankara says ‘Shraddha AstikyaBuddhih; Bhaktir Bhajanam Taatparyam; Aatmanah Sukham Aatmasukham; Tena cha Kshaantyaadibhishcha Yujyate – Shraddha means faith in the Lord; Bhakti means dedication and devotion to the Lord; Atmasukham means comfort within oneself; from these qualities one gets forbearance etc. automatically.
Sri Parasara Bhattar comments – niyamavato bhaktasya anushanginim abhyudaya siddhim Aha – For the devotee who recites the Namas in accordance with the scriptural injunctions, there is attainment of prosperity of all kinds that come as a matter of course.
He explains the term Shraddha as sa-gaurava tvara – Eagerness associated with respect. He also comments that bhakti is a result of highly meritorious acts – bhagavati bhaktih mahatah su-kritasya phalam. Thus a true devotee should chant the shlokas with sincere devotion and interest, and should accompany the chanting with other meritorious acts as a way of life. Sri Bhattar further adds that ‘Govinda bhaktyabhyadhikam Sreyashca anyat na vidyate’ – There is no act superior to unflinching devotion to Lord Govinda.
Sri V.V. Ramanujam has used the term anusandhanam (which means inquiry, investigation, scrutiny etc.), in the context of this Shloka. Thus, the difference between the two, is that the first discusses the benefits attained by the Bhakta who chants the Shloka, while the second is about the benefits attained by the Bhakta who delves deep into the meanings etc.
Na Krodho Na Cha Maatsaryam Na Lobho Naashubhaa Matih |
Bhavanti Kritapunyaanaam Bhaktaanaam Purushottame ||13||
Meaning: In the case of the devotees of the great Lord, who have acquired lot of good deeds (in order to be devotees), their mind is completely free from anger, jealousy, greed and evil thoughts.
Sri Adi Sankara gives the comment ‘Na Krodho, Na Lobho, Naashubhaa Matih iti ChakaaraanubandhaRahitena Nakaarena Samastam Padatrayam Krodhodayo Na Bhavanti Maatsaryam cha na Bhavati iti Arthah – In this phrase there is no ‘cha’ attached to Krodhah, Lobhah and Ashubhaa Matih but ‘cha’ is only added to Maatsarya implying that not only anger, lust and evil thoughts are absent in the devotees, but also jealousy is absent’. Since other three generally coexist with jealousy, the absence of jealousy is purely incidental to the absence of the other three and hence the use of ‘cha’ or ‘also’ for jealousy.
Sri Parasara Bhattar comments that as a matter of natural course, these defects by themselves keep away from the devotees of Lord Vasudeva.
Dvauh sa Chandraarka Nakshatram Kham Disho BhurMahodadhih |
Vasudevasya Viryena Vidhrutaani Mahaatmanah ||14||
Meaning: The firmament with the Sky, the Sun, the Moon and the stars embedded in it, all the directions, the Earth and the Ocean – all these are held together in place by the power of the great Bhagavan Sri Vasudeva.
Sri Parasara Bhattar says that there is nothing to doubt about the power and greatness of Bhagavan Sri MahaVishnu, as described in the current Shloka and the next few Shlokas.
SasuraasuraGandharvam Sa yakshoragaRaakshasam |
Jagadvashe Vartatedam Krishnasya Sacharaacharam ||15||
Meaning: This entire world, with all its movable and immovable objects (including the Devas, the Asuras, the Gandharvas, the Yakshas, the Snakes and the Demons), is fully under the total control of Lord Krishna.
Indriyani Mano Buddhih Satvam Tejo Balam Dhritih |
Vasudeva atmakaanyaahuh Kshetram Kshetrajna Eva Cha ||16||
Meaning: The scriptures declare that the sense-organs, mind, intellect, the quality of sattva, shine, strength, firmness, as well as the body and the Individual soul, all of them have Vasudeva as their Atma or Inner Soul.
Sri Parasara Bhattar comments that this state of all things being under the control of Vasudeva is explained as the body-soul relationship between all objects and Bhagavan. This relationship between the individual soul and the Supreme Soul as one of body-soul relationship is a key aspect of the Vishishta Advaita philosophy.
Sarvaagamaanaam Aachaarah Prathamam Parikalpate |
AachaaraPrabhavo Dharmah Dharmasya Prabhurachyutah ||17||
Meaning: All the scriptures declare proper conduct as the first priority in one’s life. Dharma or righteousness springs from right conduct and Achyuta is the foremost upholder of Dharma.
Sri Adi Sankara comments ‘Sarvaagamaanaam Aaacharah-iti anena Avaantara vaakyena Sarva dharmanaam Acharavatah eva Adhikaarah iti Darshayati – By this categorical statement Vyasa makes it very clear that right conduct lies at the root of all Dharma. In other words right conduct is the crystallised outcome of Dharma. Right conduct is the foremost discipline to be observed as noted in all the scriptures.
Rishayah Pitaro Devaah Mahabhutani Dhaatavah |
Jangamajangamam Chedam JaganNarayanodbhavam ||18||
Meaning: All the Sages, the departed ancestors, the Devas, the great elements, their effects, the moving and the non-moving objects that comprise the Universe, all have their origin in Narayana.
Sri Parasara Bhattar notes that anything and anyone that is under the influence and control of Dharma has Bhagavan as their origin: dharmanubandhinAmapi tad udbhavatvam Aha.
Yogo Jnanam Tatha Sankhyam Vidyahs Shilpaadi Karma Ca |
Vedas Shastraani Vijnaanam Etat Sarvam Janardanaat ||19||
Meaning: The science of Yoga, Sankhya, all branches of knowledge, the arts such as sculpture, all Vedas, all scriptures and all sciences were all brought to light by the grace of Lord Janardana.
Eko Vishnur Mahadbhutam PrithagBhutaanyanekashah |
Tri Lokaan Vyapya Bhutatma Bhungte Vishvabhugavyayah ||20||
Meaning: Sri MahaVishnu is One and has an Immense form, yet he divides Himself and exists in all beings in many different ways. He pervades the three worlds and rules over all of them. He enjoys them and consumes them. He himself has no death or decay.
Sri Parasara Bhattar provides a word-by-word meanings and interpretation:
- Ekah – svayam ekah san – Being the Supreme Deity above all else;
- Vyapya – tesham niyama Seshitva Adibhih Atma bhavan – By pervading, by being the Inner Soul of, Controller of, and Master of all beings
- Anekashah prithak bhutani – asa’nkhyeyataya rupa-prakara- parinamaprayojana bhedena prithak ca sthitani mahanti bhutani – The great Elements that are of countless forms, manners, mutations, and utility which are distinct and different from one another.
- Trin lokaan ca – Baddha mukta nityan cetanan – And of the three worlds of souls, namely, the bound souls, Released souls, and Eternal angels.
- Vishva-bhuk – Sarvatha paripalakah – And by being the Sole Protector of everything in all the Worlds.
- Tathapi – Even so,
- Avyayah – tad-doshaih aparamrshtah, punashca para vibhutya – being untouched by the faults of any of the souls of whose He is the antaryami.
- Mahad-bhutam – ava’ng-manasa gocarashca bhavan – His greatness is beyond description, either through words or imagination of the mind, etc.
- Bhunkte – Leela bhoga rasam anubhavati – And He enjoys the pleasure of Divine Sport and Divine Bliss.
Imam Stavam Bhagavato Vishnor Vyasena Kirtitam |
Pathedya Icchet Purushah Shreyah Praaptum Sukhaani Ca ||21||
Meaning: Any person, who wishes to obtain supreme bliss as well as the pleasures of the world, should read this hymn of Bhagavan Vishnu composed by the great Sage Vyasa.
Sri Adi Sankara comments ‘Imam stavam ityaadina Sahasra Shakhajnena Sarvajnena Bhagavata Krishnadvaipayanena Saakshat Narayanena Kritamiti Sarvaireva Arthibhih Saadaram Pathitavyam Sarvaphalasiddhaye iti Darshayati – By the verse beginning with ‘imam stavam’, Bhishma indicates that this hymn is composed by the revered Sage Krishna Dvaipayana (Vyasa), the knower of all things, the knower of the thousand branches of Veda, who is Narayana Himself, and hence this hymn is to be recited by all with faith, in order to achieve all their wants. This shows the greatness of Sahasranamam both in terms of the greatness of the composer and the greatness of the subject.
Sri Parasara Bhattar comments thus: ‘This Shloka sings the praise of Lord Vishnu, One possessed of unlimited greatness. The one who praises him is none other than Sage Veda Vyasa, who has drunk this greatness in full, and who has no dearth of words to describe that greatness. This gem of a hymn has the greatness of the One who is praised as well as the one who is praising Him. This world which is filled with destitution, is eminently deserving to benefit from the chanting of this Hymn, which is capable of redeeming this world from its penury. Thus, everything is perfect about this hymn, the person who is sung, the person who sings, and the beneficiary who is qualified to benefit by singing His praise. Therefore, any person desirous of Supreme Bliss or material pleasures, whoever he may be, can resort to it’.
Sri Parasara Bhattar in giving his summary above are: ‘Stava ratnam’ to describe Sri Vishnu Sahasranama Stotram, ‘maha daridriyam idam jagat’ to describe the deplorable state of this world which is straying from Dharma, ‘nirvishankah sevatam’ — the benefits will be attained without any doubt. The Shloka itself declares that both Shreyas (denoting Moksham), and the lesser pleasures (sukhani ca) are attained by the chanting of this Hymn.
Vishveshvaram Ajam Devam Jagatah Prabhum Avyayam |
Bhajanti Ye Pushkaraaksham Na Te Yaanti Paraabhavam ||22||
Na Te Yaanti Paraabhavam Om Nama Iti ||
Meaning: Bhagavan with Lotus-eyes is the Unborn Supreme Deity, the Ruler of the Universe, as well as the Controller of the Universe. Those who sing His praise will never meet with setback or discomfiture of any kind.
Sri Adi Sankara comments ‘Vishveshvaram Ityaadinaa Vishveshvara Upaasanaat eva Stotaarah Te Dhanyaah Kritaarthaah Kritakrityaa iti Darshayati – This Shloka beginning with Vishveshvaram shows that only by worshiping the Lord of the Universe namely Lord Vishnu, one’s desires are fulfilled and he becomes one who has accomplished everything that is required in one’s life’. In support, he quotes the following two verses from the Garuda Puranam:
Pramaadaat Kurvataam Karma Prachyavetaadhvareshu yat |
Smaranaadeva Tadvishnoh Sampoornam Syaaditi Shrutih ||
Meaning: Any mistake made in rites and sacrifices by carelessness are made good just by meditating on Lord Vishnu.
Sri Sankara further says, ‘Adarena Yatha Stouti Dhanavantam Dhanecchayaa Tathaa chet vishvakartaaram Ko na muchyeta bandhanaat – Just like a man wanting money respectfully pays homage to a rich person, any one who worships Bhagavan will not fail to attain liberation or Moksha’.
Sage Vyasa concludes the Hymn with the oath repeated twice – ‘na te yanti parabhavam, na te yanti parabhavam’ – Never do they meet with any disrespect. Never do they meet with any disrespect.
Sri Parasara Bhattar concludes with the following:
Asmakam atra ca paratranca sarva duhkham
UnmIlya sampadam ashesha vidham vidhaya |
Sri Rangaraja mahishi sa ca Vaishnavanam
Sangaat sukham saha jayena sada kriyaastaam ||
Meaning: May Sri Rangaraja, along with His Consort Sri Ranganayaki, root out all the distress here and hereafter, confer wealth of all kinds on us, and always bless us with happiness, victory and the company of the devoted Sri Vaishnavas.
Padmapatra Vishalaksha Padmanabha Surottama |
Bhaktanaam Anuraktanam Trata Bhava Janardana ||23||
Meaning: Arjuna said ‘Lord Vishnu! Your eyes are large like the lotus leaf. You have a lotus situated in your navel. You are the greatest among the Devas. Please protect your ardent devotees who are deeply engaged in your worship’. While saying this, Arjuna is speaking not just for himself but for all the devotees of the Lord.
Sri Bhagavan Uvaca:
Yo mam namasahasrena Stotum Icchati Pandava |
Soham Ekena Shlokena Stuta Eva Na Samshayah ||24||
Stuta Eva Na Samshaya Om Nama Iti
Meaning: Bhagavan said ‘Arjuna, when someone has the desire to worship me by reciting my thousand Namas, I consider myself worshiped even when he recites the first Shloka, there is no doubt about this.
Sometimes it so happens that the devotee has the sincere wish to recite the Sahasranamam but he is unable to proceed beyond a few shlokas due to some practical constraints. Bhagavan assures the devotee that it is not the quantity but the intent that matters. Even with one shloka, he considers Himself fully worshipped if it is recited with faith and devotion. The phrase ‘Stuta Eva Na Samshayah’ is repeated at the end for greater emphasis.
Vaasanad Vasudevasya Vasitam Bhuvanatrayam |
Sarvabhuta Nivaasosi Vasudeva Namostu te ||25||
Shree Vaasudeva Namostuta Om Nama iti
Meaning: Sage Vyasa said ‘The three worlds have become habitable only because Bhagavan Vasudeva is present there. Salutations to Vasudeva, who is the abode for all beings’. The phrase ‘Sri Vasudeva Namostuta Om Nama Iti’ is repeated at the end for greater emphasis.
Kenopayena Laghuna Vishnor Nama Sahasrakam |
Pathyate Panditair Nityam Shrotum Icchaamyaham Prabho ||26||
Meaning: Goddess Parvati asked Lord Shiva, ‘O’ Lord, is there any simple and quick method by which learned people are able to recite every day the thousand Namas of Lord Vishnu? If so, I want to hear about it.
It is said that Shiva is an ardent devotee of Vishnu and hence Parvati has chosen the right person to ask about the recitation of Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam.
Sri Rama Rama Rameti Rame Raame Manorame |
Sahasranama Tat tulyam Rama Nama Varanane ||27||
Rama Nama Varanana Om Nama iti
Meaning: Lord Shiva replied, ‘O’ beautiful lady, I derive pleasure by always chanting the Rama Nama repeatedly and uttering the Rama Nama even once is equivalent to reciting all the thousand Namas’.
So the simple way to recite the thousand Namas of the Lord is to recite the Rama Nama.
There is another Shloka which says ‘Maanasam Vaachikam Paapam Karmanaa samupaarjitam Sri Rama Smaranena Eva Vyapohati Na Samshayah – Any sin which one might have committed either in thought, or in speech or by action is annulled by simply meditating on the Rama Nama’. The phrase ‘Rama Nama Varanana Om Nama iti’ is for further emphasis.
Sahasranamne Purushaaya Shaashvate
Sahasrakoti Yugadhaarine Namah ||28||
Sahasrakoti Yugadhaarine Nama Om Nama iti
Meaning: This is a prayer from Bramha to Lord Vishnu. Salutations to the endless and immortal One, who has thousands of forms, thousands of feet, thousands of eyes and thousands of arms. Salutations to Him who has thousands of Namas, who is the soul in all beings and who is permanent. Salutations to Him who keeps creating billions of Yugas or time cycles.’
The phrase ‘Sahasrakoti Yugadharine Nama Om’ is recited again for emphasis.
Yatra Yogeshvarah Krishno Yatra Paartho Dhanurdharah |
Tatra Shreer Vijayo Vishnuh Dhruvaa Neetir Matir Mama ||29||
This is a Shloka from the Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 18 Verse 78). This was the statement of Sanjaya to Dhridharashtra at the conclusion of the dialogue between Arjuna and Krishna. This means ‘Where there is Krishna, the Lord of Yogas, and where there is Arjuna, wielder of the bow, there is fortune, victory, prosperity and infallible morality, in my opinion’.
Sanjaya’s final statement in the Gita can be viewed from three standpoints.
- Taken literally, we can see that Sanjaya wanted to very subtly inform Dhridharashtra that the Pandava army would be victorious, and that his sons, the Kauravas, would be vanquished. This was bound to happen because the world’s foremost warrior, Arjuna, and Shri Krishna, the Lord of all Yogas, were on the opposing side of the Kauravas.
- From the standpoint of our duty, we can interpret this Shloka as follows. Regardless of how much time and effort we put into any action, we cannot be assured of success as it depends on a multitude of factors. But it boils down to two things – Own effort and God’s grace. If either aspect is missing, our actions will not be successful. Own effort alone cannot guarantee result, neither can waiting for God’s grace or prasada without any effort from the part of the individual.
- From the absolute standpoint, liberation from bondage, realisation of our true self is not possible purely through self effort. We need to perform our duty selflessly, in a spirit of service to the Lord, without any other selfish object as our goal. Selfless devoted service to God, combined with Lord’s grace, will result in progress and success in the spiritual journey. Without God’s grace, it is not possible.
PhalaShruti 30 and 31
Sri Bhagavan Uvaca:
Ananyas Chintayanto Mam Ye Janaah Paryupasate |
Tesham Nityaabhiyuktanam Yogakshemam Vahamyaham ||30||
Paritranaya Sadhunaam Vinashaya cha Dushkritam |
Dharma Samsthaapanaarthaaya Sambhavami Yuge Yuge ||31||
Meaning: The first Shloka is from the Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 9 Verse 22). This means ‘For those who are constantly engaged in my worship with single minded focus, I carry the what they lack and preserve what they have’.
The implication is that if we devote ourselves wholeheartedly in the pursuit of the Lord, we need not spend any time incessantly worrying about our needs. As long as we perform our duties efficiently and in a spirit of service to the Lord, we will be taken care of. The Lord will not just carry our burden of needs, he will also carry all of our worries as well.
Our entire life comprises two major activities: acquisition and preservation. The early part of our life goes in acquisition of knowledge, wealth, family, position and title. This is denoted by the word ‘Yoga’. The later part of our life is devoted to preservation of what we have acquired. This is ‘kshema’ and the Lord takes care of both these needs if we surrender to Him completely.
The second Shloka is from the Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4 Verse 8. This means ‘In order to protect the virtuous and the destruction of evil, as well as to re-establish Dharma, I reincarnate myself millennium after millennium’.
This implies that God descends into the world in various forms again and again to establish Dharma. Whenever the evil takes the upper hand and the virtuous people suffer Bhagavan appears and restores Dharma by destroying the evil doers and protect the virtuous.
Aartaah Vishannah Shithilaashcha Bhitah
Ghoreshu Cha Vyadhishu Vartamanah
Sankeertya Narayana Shabda Matram
VimuktaDuhkhah Sukhino Bhavantu ||32||
Meaning: This is another summary of the benefits of reciting the Narayana Nama. This means ‘Anyone who is downtrodden, depressed, devastated, fearful or suffering from a dreaded disease will get relief and happiness just by reciting the Nama of Sriman Narayana’.
We should appreciate that there is no instant magic cure for diseases but reciting the Namas of Sriman Narayana grants one immediate peace of mind and composure.
Sri Adi Sankara concludes his commentary on Vishnu Sahasranama with the following verse of his own:
Sahasranama Sambandhi Vyaakhyaa Sarvamukhavaha
Shruti Smriti Nyaaya mula Rachita Hari-padayoh ||
Meaning: This commentary of Vishnu Sahasranamam which brings happiness to all, and which was written consistent with the Shruti, Smriti and Logic is offered at the Lotus feet of Hari’.
Sri Parasara Bhattar’s explains:
Evam svabhavata eva samasta-dvandva- pratidvandvi – sakala Kalyana Gunakaram,
Prapanna parijatam, pundarikaksham, lakshmi-patim,
Bhagavantam bhajamananam sa eva sarvasvam iti, tad-sampado vacam agocarah |
Kutah Samsarika- paribhava-prasangah iti paryaptayati – visveshvaram iti ||
Meaning: Bhagavan Narayana, the Consort of LakshmI and the Lotus-eyed Lord, is by nature opposed to all kinds of unwelcome things, and is full of all auspicious qualities. He is like the celestial Parijata tree for those who have taken refuge in Him. They consider that He alone is their wealth. Therefore the riches and well being of these people are beyond words. This being the case, there is no occasion for them to suffer dishonour or disgrace.”
I would like to conclude this commentary with Sri Thirumangai Azhwar’s Periya Thirumozhi Pasuram (1.1.9):
குலம்தரும் செல்வம் தந்திடும் அடியார் படுதுயராயினவெல்லம்,
நிலந்தரஞ்செய்யும் நீள்விசும்பருளும் அருளொடுபெருநிலமளிக்கும்,
வலந்தரும்மற்றுந்தந்திடும் பெற்ற தாயினு மாயினசெய்யும்,
நலந்தருஞ்சொல்லை நான் கண்டுகொண்டேன் நாராயணாவென்னும்நாமம்.
Meaning: It gives a good life of land, wealth and prosperity, good family. It rages to the ground all travails facing the devotees’. It grants liberation (Moksha) and benign grace. It gives a man strength, and all that there is, with love that exceeds that of a mother’s. It gives pure goodness, I know that Good bestowing Mantra – Narayana is that Nama that bestows all Grace!
The final Shloka as a dedication to the Lord, which is common to all Pujas and prayers:
कायेन वाचा मनसेन्द्रियैर्वा बुद्ध्यात्मना वा प्रकृतेः स्वभावात् ।
करोमि यद्यद् सकलं परस्मै नारायणायेति समर्पयामि ॥
Kaayena Vachaa Mana-Sendriyair Va Budhyaatmana Va Prakruteh Swabhaavaat |
Karomi Yadyad Sakalam Parasmai Narayana Yeti Samarpayaami ||
Meaning: Whatever I do with my body, speech, mind or with other senses of my body, or with my intellect and soul or with my innate natural tendencies, I offer (dedicate) everything to Lord Narayana.
Sarvam Sri Krishnarpanam Astu – Dedicated in all humility to Lord Sri Krishna _/\_
OM NAMO NARAYANAAYA
HARI OM TAT SAT
This Vishnu Sahasranamam series is authored with the help of my friend Shri Balaji.