Vishnu Sahasranama - Part 10 - 1000 Names - (verses 51-60 ; covers 476 - 571 Names)

Verses 51-55  - Hear Youtube video for practice from 14.29 - 15.14  

Dharmagub (476) Dharmakrid (477) Dharmii (478) Sath (479) Asath (480) Kshara (481) Aksharam (482)

Avigyaataa (483) Sahastraamshur (484) Vidhaataa (485) Kritalakshanaa (486)   - 51

476. Dharmagub - Protector of Dharma

477. Dharmakrid - Practices and makes everyone practice dharma

478. Dharmii - Has dharma as base for all his actions

479. Sath - Immortal existence

480. Asath - Non existence

481. Kshara - Away from evil

482. Aksharam - Unalterable 

483. Avigyaataa - Unmindful (of the mistakes of true devotees)

484. Sahastraamshur - Has knowledge equivalent to thousand rays

485. Vidhaataa - Directs the lives of devotees in the right path

486. Kritalakshanaa - One who marks (moksha-eligible devotees with sangu-chakra stamp)

Gabhastinemih (487) Sattvasthah (488) Simho (489) Bhootamaheshvarah (490)
Aadidevo (491) Mahaadevo (492) Devesho (493) Devabhrid (494) Guruh (495)  - 52

487. Gabhastinemih - Has the chakra which is radiant and has 1000 edges

488. Sattvasthah - One who resides in the hearts of devotees resolutely 

489. Simho - Lion (to enemies)

490. Bhootameheshvarah - Ultimate Lord of all lords

491. Aadidevo - The preliminary God

492. Mahaadevo - The greatest God 

493. Devesho - One who controls all Devas

494. Devabhrid - The supporter of all Devas

495. Guruh - One who instructs the vedic duties to the Devas

Uttaro (496) Gopatir (497) Goptaa (498) Gyaanagamyah (499) Puraatanaah (500)
Shareera bhootabhrid (501) Bhoktaa (502) Kapeendro (503) Bhooridakshinah (504)  - 53

496. Uttaro - The Savior (of Devas from dangers)

497. Gopatir - The master of Vedas, languages and speech 

498. Goptaa - Savior of all vidyas (arts)

499. Gyaanagamyah - One who can be realized by Dhyana 

500. Puraatanaah - One who is ancient

501. Shareera bhootabhrid - One who is the supporter of five elements in the body

502. Bhoktaa - One who enjoys the "Havis" offered to devas and "kavya" offered to pitras 

503. Kapeendro - One who is the lord of devas born as monkeys in Rama avatar
504. Bhooridakshinah - One who himself has performed many yagnas and offered liberal gifts

Somapo (505) Amritapah (506) Somah (507) Purujit (508) Purusattamah (509)Vinayo (510) Jayah (511) Satyasandho (512) Daashaarhah (513) Saatvataam patih (514)  - 54

505. Somapo - One who drinks the pure "soma" offered in yagnas

506. Amritapah - One who drinks the nectar (yagna offerings given to agni will change into nectar)

507. Somah - Nectar himself

508. Purujit - Conquered everyone by many means

509. Purusattamah - Exists immortally in the hearts of devotees

510. Vinayo - One who defeated Asuras like "Maricha"

511. Jayah - The conqueror 

512. Satyasandho - The true promise

513. Daashaarhah - Worthy of gifts

514. Saatvattam patih - The lord of "Saatvataas" (Bagavathas)

Jiivo (515) Vinayitaa (516) Saakshee (517) Mukundo (518) Amitavikramah (519)
Ambhonidhir (520) Anantaatmaa (521) Mahodadhisayo (522) Antakah (523)  - 55

515. Jiivo - One who gives life (to Bagavathas)

516. Vinayitaa - The liberator 

517. Saakshee - The witness (of the improvement in devotees)

518. Mukundo - One who is the giver of "Moksha"

519. Amitavikramah - One who has boundless spirit

520. Ambhonidhir - One who resides under water (referring kurma (crocodile) avatar here)

521. Anantaatmaa - Indefinable soul 

522. Mahodadhisayo - One who rests in "Adisesha" during pralaya

523. Antakah - Brings the world to and end (in the form of Rudra)

Verses 56-60 - Hear Youtube video for practice from 15.14 - 16.00

Ajo (524) Mahaarhah (525) Svaabhaavyo (526) Jitaamitrah (527) Pramodanah (528)Aanando (529) Nandano (530) Nandah (531) Satyadharmaa (532) Trivikramah (533)  - 56

524. Ajo - One who is meditated upon (with the first letter A, in the pranava AUM)

525. Mahaarhah -  One who deserves all the worship offered by devotees

526. Svaabhaavyo - One who is worshiped by devotees

527. Jitaamitrah - One who makes the devotees cross the hurdles of "ego"

528. Pramodanah - One who is happy in seeing the devotees happy

529. Aanando - Eternal bliss, himself 

530. Nandano - One who gives eternal bliss to devotees

531. Nandah - Delightful

532. Satyadharmaa - Performer of true dharma

533. Trivikramah - One who penetrates the three vedas

Maharshhih (534) Kapilaachaaryah (535) Kritagyo (536) Medineepatih (537)
Tripadas (538) Tri dashaa dhyaksho (539) Mahaashringah (540) Kritaantakrit (541)  - 57

534. Maharshhih - Vedic seer

535. Kapilaachaaryah - The great sage, kapilacharya

536. Kritagyo - Remembers the good deeds of beings

537. Medineepatih - The lord of "Medini" (Earth)

538. Tripadas - One who reveals the meaning of  the three "tattvas"

539. Tri dashaa dhyaksho - One who protected the 33 crore devas during pralaya (in the varaha rupa)

540. Mahaashringah - One who has the huge tusk (referring varaha avatar here)

541. Kritaantakrit - One who killed like Yama (defeat of Hiranyaksha is referred here)

Mahaavaraaho (542) Govindah (543) Sushheenah (544) Kanakaangadee (545)
Guhyo (546) Gabhiiro (547) Gahano (548) Guptash (549) Chakra-gadaa dharah (550)  - 58

542. Mahaavaraaho - The great boar

543. Govindah - One who saved "Bhudevi" (earth) and reunited with her again

544. Sushheenah - Possesses good army

545. Kanakaangadee - One who is decorated by gold ornaments

546. Guhyo - One who conceals himself

547. Gabhiiro - One who is mysterious

548. Gahano - One who is deep as an ocean

549. Guptash - One whose leelas are secretly protected 

550. Chakra-gadaa dharah - One who bears the chakra (discus) and gadha (mace) 

Vedhaah (551) Svaango (552) Ajitah (553) Krishhno (554) Dridhah (555) Sankarshhano (556) Achyutah (557)
Varuuno (558) Vaaruno (559) Vrikshah (560) Pushkaraaksho (561) Mahaamanaah (562)  - 59

551. Vedhaah - The provider

552. Svaango - One who has all marks (of a capable emperor)

553. Ajitah - One who is the lord of unconquered "Vaikunta"

554. Krishhno - One who has the dark complexion 

555. Dridhah - Eternally firm form 

556. Sankarshhano - One who blends everything within himself (during samhara)

557. Achyutah - Never slips (from greatness) 

558. Varuuno - One who covers the Earth and Sky

559. Vaaruno - The son of Varuna

560. Vrikshah - Offers shade like a tree

561. Pushkaraaksho - One who protects devotees with his lotus eyes

562. Mahaamanaah - One who has great mind

Bhagavaan (563) Bhagah (564) Aanandii (565) Vanamaali (566) Halaayudhah (567)
Aadityo (568) Jyotiraadityah (569) Sahishhnur (570) Gatisattamah (571)   - 60

563. Bhagavaan - One who is full of error free qualities

564. Bhagah - One who has the 6 attributes (gnana, vairagya, aishwarya, bala, sri and kirti)

565. Aanandii - Blissful

566. Vanamaali - One who wears the "vaijayanthi" garland

567. Halaayudhah -  One who has the plough (for creation)

568. Aadityo - The son of Aditi 

569. Jyotiraadityah - The radiant sun

570. Sahishhnur - One who has enormous patience 

571. Gatisattamah -  One who instructs the path of dharma

Indraprastha Palace - Was That A 3D Marvel????

Today a strange thought struck me. I have always wondered about the Mahabarath and the various hi-tech aspects found in that great epic. I have written about a few in my blog too. Nuclear weapons, test tube baby concept, teleporting are some to name just a few. In that context, I wish to present a new idea about the great "Indraprastha Palace" built by "Mayaasura". He was a great architect of the netherworld. Those who know the epic can very well understand that the stunning architecture of the palace was the cause for Duryodhana's jealousy and it was the root cause of the gambling game and the vigorous war that followed later.

By r Ramanarayanadatta astri (http://archive.org/details/mahabharata01ramauoft)
 [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Indraprastha palace was built with lots of inbuilt illusions. One important illusion was, places which had pools did not look like that and places which had no water resembled vast watery structure. Okay... this may sound crazy for people.... It may also sound like nothing to people who believe that this great epic is nothing but fiction. But for those who believe that this epic is a real history which happened long before, this idea will really bring out a different dimension. Was there a hi-tech architecture technology used?? Let us explore.... 

Here are few modern day restroom designs built with the help of 3D technology. Now that we see these designs, we come to know that it is a possibility. But imagine..... 10-20 years ago, if someone had said this, what would have happened??? we would have laughed... isn't it? Look at this youtube clip.

http://www.decorpuzzle.com/2015/05/3d-bathroom-floor-murals-self-leveling-floors.html  provides awesome designs for restroom floors. You can also google "3D restrooms" and find excellent pictures. In modern days, 3D technology is successfully employed in architecture industry. 

http://www.newslinq.com/bathroom-floor-designs/

After seeing these, can we find a connection between this 3D architecture and the Illusion-embedded Indraprastha Palace?? Recollect the story... why can't the make believe pools be built with such advanced technology? If nuclear weapons and test tube concepts existed during Mahabarath time, why can't advanced technology in architecture??? As told before, for non-believers, this is just a crazy thought. But for believers, I am sure that this will provide better insight.  Thank you all for reading.

References :

http://zeenews.india.com/news/haryana/river-saraswati-is-for-real-found-in-haryana_1591937.html

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/drishtikone/2010/09/astronomical-proof-mahabharata-war-shri-krishna/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahmastra

https://theextinctionprotocol.wordpress.com/2011/07/20/historys-lost-lesson-ancient-nuclear-war-among-indus-valley-civilizations-reexamined/

http://connectsciencetodivinity.blogspot.com/2015/02/mahabaratha-war-were-nuclear-weapons.html

http://www.ancient-origins.net/news-history-archaeology/burnt-remnants-ancient-city-found-001676

Shanti Mantra - Mantra For Peace

The word "Shanti" literally means "peace". Shanti Mantras are prayers for peace. As such, they are meant to calm the mind of the one who recites as well as the environment around. Shanti mantras are found in Upanishads and there are many kinds of Shanti Mantras from different Upanishads. These mantras are generally recited at the beginning and end of religious rituals and discourses. They are also recited before pursuing a new education or a new task. These mantras always end with the phrase "AUM Shanti Shanti Shanti". It is mandatory to tell the word "Shanti" thrice as it has an important hidden meaning. Since Shanti mantras are for peace, it is believed that obstacles from three realms are removed by reciting these mantras....

Though there are many "Shanti" mantras, we are going to explore the one from "Krishna Yajurveda Taittriya Upanishad" today. This is a very simple manta and we would have heard this mantra several times. This mantra is specifically recited in "Gurukul" (schools in olden days) before starting the study of scriptures and in this context, it talks about two people, the Guru and the Disciple. It is meant to create peace and tune the mind before undertaking the study. Let us take a look..

The Mantra :

AUM Sahanaa Vavatu !
Sahanau Bhunakthu !
Saha Viryam Karavaavahai !
Thejasvinau Aditham-asthu Maavid Vishaavahai !
AUM Shanti Shanti Shantih !

The Meaning :

May  Lord protect us !
May Lord nourish us !
May we acquire the capacity and vigor ! (to learn and understand the scriptures)
May our study be brilliant and enlightened ! May we not argue with each other !
AUM Peace Peace Peace !


Though this mantra is recited before staring a new educational venture, we can chant this mantra daily for calming our mind.  We should note that mantras are like secret codes to unlock the potential within us. But most importantly, they have to be chanted with correct pronunciation and modulation because the sound vibrations are the key factor here. Mantras are energy based sounds which tunes both our body and mind and brings out our subtle power. For those who wish to progress spiritually, chanting mantras with unquestionable faith will make the process easier. Thank you all for reading. Let us have peace within us!!!!

Thamboolam - Amazing Medicinal Qualities Hidden Behind This Simple Ritual

Exploring the science behind Sanatan Dharma traditions and rituals have come a long way these days. Gone are the days when we said that all these are mere superstition. Of course, we cannot deny the fact that even now, there are people who say that these are superstitions. But, the awareness to know the reasons behind such rituals have increased among people. Nowadays, they are trying to search for logical answers to their questions regarding spiritual rituals and as long as they get convincing answers, they are happy to take them. The motive of this blog is an attempt in that direction. I try my best to bring out the logical and scientific reasons behind Sanatan Dharma rituals. But the credit for today's topic goes to one of my friends, Rajeswari, who asked me to find out the significance of Thamboolam, that we offer during any pooja, festival or family functions. Thanks to her for suggesting such a wonderful topic,  I am amazed to see the information I got, when I went in search to gather more details about this ritual. Now I see betel leaf from a very different perspective. I am sharing the same with you today......

We offer Thamboolam during many occasions. During a Puja, we offer it to the invoked deity, as a part of Shodasa Upachara. Please click this link to know more about this 16 fold worship :

http://connectsciencetodivinity.blogspot.com/2015/09/invoking-deity-during-puja.html

During marriage and other special occasions, we offer thamboolam to guests. We also offer the same when we host a feast.

Thamboolam basically refers to Betel leaf, nut and lime (chunnambu), when we talk in the context  of food. But during a Puja or when we offer the same to guests during wedding and other special occasions, we also add fruits (bananas), coconut, flowers and turmeric. Let us explore these items individually from spiritual and scientific perspective, as applicable. This will give us a better understanding.

Significance of Betel Leaf :

In India, Betel leaf is associated with Goddess Lakshmi. The center part is considered to be the seat of Lakshmi and hence it is considered a sin to chew the center part. The tip of the betel leaf stands for longevity and the base portion for fame.

Betel leaves are good source of Vitamin B and Carotene. It is packed with anti-oxidants and aids in good digestion. The leaf produces an aromatic volatile oil containing a phenol called chavicol which has powerful antiseptic properties. Betel leaves are given to women after childbirth to increase secretion of milk.  Other traditional uses of betel leaves are given below :

Betel leaf in Ayurveda :

In Ayurveda, the importance of betel leaf has been mentioned in many texts including Chakra Samhita and Sushruta Samhita. In Ayurveda, there are three doshas called vatha, pitha and kapha. Betel leaves pacify Kapha and Vatha dosha while increasing Pitha dosha. These leaves are prescribed for various reasons....

• Enhancing metabolic functions 
• Expelling mucus
• Treating ulcer
• Improving appetite
• Strengthening the heart muscles 
• Reducing inflammation
• Purifying blood
• Treating bronchitis
• Treating bleeding gums

Significance of Betel Nut (Areca Catechu) :

Before proceeding with the uses of Betel Nut, I would like to mention a word of caution. Betel nut should not be taken alone, as it will cause anemia and intoxication. Excessive usage of the same will even result in oral cancer. Careful selection of betel nut should be employed. Unripe nut, much ripened nut, dampened nut, insects laden nuts with holes are to be avoided. Fresh, tender and immature nuts should not be consumed. When properly selected nut is chewed along with betel leaf and lime, it provides many health benefits. It removes Phlegm (Kapham) and relieves constipation. It increases the flow of saliva, strengthens the gums and sweetens the breath. It destroys the germs and cures hemorrhoids. 

Significance of Lime (Chunnambu) :

Lime is a good source for calcium and it is used along with betel leaf and nut. It should not be consumed in excess as it will cause oral ulcers, burning sensation of stomach, diarrhea and vomiting. Lime is obtained from many sources, but the most important among them is from lime stone. It is purified by soaking in lemon juice and then prepared for use. The lime is considered to neutralize the astringent effect of the acid nut. Using the lime stone variety aids in the digestion of food. It strengthens the teeth. Using the pearl lime cures chronic diarrhea, phlegm, worms and diseases of the stomach.

Significance of Coconut :

Coconut is always used in temples as offering and in various pujas. The reason being it has great spiritual significance. Let us explore some of them. We always use seeds to plant trees. But for growing a coconut tree, we need to use the whole coconut. It is pure as it is not tasted by anyone with the seed remaining, It also symbolizes selfless service. Every part of the tree is used in many ways. It even converts the water taken from earth into sweet nutritious water that is beneficial in many ways. Breaking of coconut symbolizes breaking of one's own ego. The three eyes in the coconut represent the three eyes of Lord Shiva. The following links provide a good idea about the spiritual importance of coconut...

http://www.sanskritimagazine.com/rituals_and_practices/importance-and-significance-of-coconut/
http://www.metaphysics-knowledge.com/miscellaneous/coconut-hindu-puja-rituals.html/

Coconut has many health benefits. It helps to lower cholesterol, improve digestion, increase metabolism, fight infections, build cells, kill bacteria any many more. Please go through the following links to know the detailed health benefits of coconut, coconut water and coconut oil.


http://www.coconutresearchcenter.org/
https://www.coconutsecret.com/coconuthealthsecrets2.html
http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/13-evidence-based-medicinal-properties-coconut-oil
http://www.eatingwell.com/nutrition_health/nutrition_news_information/health_benefits_of_coconut_coconut_oil_coconut_milk_coconut_water_coconut_flour

Significance of turmeric :

Turmeric has been used for many thousands of years in India and is known for its antibiotic properties. Spiritually, it is considered very auspicious and denotes purity, fertility and prosperity. Due to its yellow-orange color, it is associated with the Sun. It is also associated with Chakras called energy centers. Yellow is the color of Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura), and Orange is the color of Sacral Chakra (Svadhishthana). Turmeric is widely used in all religious rituals, as it is believed to be the cleanser of the Subtle body.

Health benefits of Turmeric :

The health benefits of turmeric are innumerable. It has always been used in Sidha and Ayurvedic medicine. Even the modern medicine acknowledges the health benefits of turmeric. Take a look at some of the amazing benefits of turmeric.

https://spiritualityhealth.com/articles/turmeric-healing-spice
http://vedicpath.com/Articles/Turmeric.html
http://www.ayurvedacollege.com/articles/students/turmeric
http://www.ayurvedacollege.com/articles/students/turmeric


I hope this article provides good insight about the various ingredients of thamboolam. But the important point to note is that, it has to be consumed in the prescribed way and in prescribed quantities only. Excessive consumption may cause adverse effects overcoming the medicinal qualities. Thank you all for reading.....

References :

http://www.academia.edu/5493884/Effects_of_Consumption_of_Thamboolam_Conventional_Betel_Chewing_in_Traditional_Siddha_Medicine
http://www.thehealthsite.com/diseases-conditions/health-benefits-paan-betel-leaves-po0115/
http://www.researchgate.net/publication/220004932_Antibacterial_Activity_of_Ethanol_Extract_of_Betel_leaf_(Piper_betle_L.)_Against_some_Food_Borne_Pathogens
http://www.chennailivenews.com/Religion/Meaningful%20Hinduism/20101030101021/Significance-of-betel-leaf.aspx
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3892533/

Vishnu Sahasranama - Part 9 - 1000 Names - (verses 41-50 ; covers 375 - 475 Names

Verses 41-45 - Hear youtube video for practice from 12.57 - 13.43  

Udbhavah (375) Kshobhano (376) Devah (377) Shriigarbhah (378) Parameshvarah (379)
Karanam (380) Kaaranam (381) Kartaa (382) Vikartaa (383) Gahano (384) Guhah (385)  - 41

375. Udbhavah - Remover of samsara bondage
376. Kshobhano - One who mixes (prakruthi and jeeva) during creation
377. Devah - Player (one who plays the game of creation and destruction)
378. Shriigarbhah - One who is the cause of (Lakshmi's) womb
379. Parameshvarah - The supreme ruler
380. Karanam - The means for the senses
381. Kaaranam - The cause for the functioning of senses
382. Kartaa - The agent for all happiness and sadness in humans
383. Vikartaa - One who is not changed (touched) by happiness or sadness
384. Gahano - Very deep
385. Guhah - Savior

Vyavasaayo (386) Vyavasthaanah (387) Samsthaanah (388) Sthaanado (389) Dhruvah (390)
Paraardvih (391) Paramaspastah (392) Tushhtah (393) Pushhtah (394) Subhekshanah (395)  - 42

386, Vyavasaayo - One who has resolute mind
387. Vyavasthaanah - The basis for segments of time
388. Samsthaanah - The final end for everything
389. Sthaanado - One who gave the supreme abode to Dhruva
390. Dhruvah - One who is indestructible
391. Paraardvih - One who possesses admirable qualities
392. Paramaspastah - One who explicitly shows his greatness
393. Tushhtah - One who is extremely happy (to be born as Dasaratha's son)
394. Pushhtah - One who is full of noble qualities
395. Subhekshanah - One who has auspicious (mangala) eyes

Raamo (396) Viraamo (397) Viradho maargo (398) Neyo (399) Nayo (400) Anayah (401)
Veerah (402) Shaktimataam shreshtah (403) Dharmo (404) Dharmaviduthamah (405)  - 43

396. Raamo - Delights everyone
397. Viraamo - Makes enemies powerless
398. Viradho maargo - One who shows faultless paths
399. Neyo - One who is obedient to Rishis (In Rama avatar)
400. Nayo - One who protected Rishis (In Rama avatar)
401. Anayah - Cannot be spirited away  (by enemies)
402. Veerah - Valiant (to enemies)
403. Shaktimataam shreshtah - Greater than the powerful Devas
404. Dharmo - One who is Dharma himself
405. Dharmaviduthamah - One who is greater than the dharma conscious Rishis

Vaikunthah (406) Purushhah (407) Praanah (408) Praanadah (409) Pranavah (410) Prithuh (411)
Hiranyagarbhah (412) Shatrughno (413) Vyaapto (414) Vaayur (415) Adhokshajah (416)  - 44

406. Vaikunthah - Removes obstacles of devotees and offers "vaikuntha" for them
407. Purusshah - Purifier of all sins
408. Praanah - Life breath
409. Praanadah - Giver of life
410. Pranavah - The auspicious "AUM"
411. Prithuh - Well known (famous)
412. Hiranyagarbhah - Golden womb
413. Shatrughno - One who helps (devotees) to control their senses
414. Vyaapto - Shows unbiased love to devotees
415. Vaayur - Moves like wind
416. Adhokshajah - Not diminished

Rituh (417) Sudharshanah (418) Kaalah (419) Parameshhthii (420) Parigrahah (421)
Ugrah (422) Samvatsaro (423) Daksho (424) Vishraamo (425) Vishva-dakshinah (426)  - 45

417. Rituh - Seasons
418. Sudharshanah - One who attracts everyone with good darshan
419. Kaalah - Time
420. Parameshhthii - One who dwells in supreme abode (Vaikuntha)
421. Parigrahah - One who accepts everyone
422. Ugrah - Frightening to enemies of dharma
423. Samvatsaro - One who resides with Aadisesha holding weapons (during destruction)
424. Daksho - Quick destroyer (of enemies)
425. Vishraamo - Resting abode to those tired beings
426. Vishva-dakshinah - Lovable. Sincere to all beings irrespective of their good or bad nature

Verses 46-50 - Hear youtube video for practice from 13.43 - 14.29  

Vistaarah (427) Sthaavarah sthaanuh (428) Pramaanam (429) Biijamavyayam (430)
Artho (431) Anarto (432) Mahaakosho (433) Mahabhogo (434) Mahaadhanah (435)  - 46

427. Vistaarah - Spreads out (Krithayuga after destroying kaliyuga)
428. Sthaavarah sthaanuh -  Becomes peaceful after establishing dharma as kalki avatar
429. Pramaanam - The authority of dharma
430. Biijamavyayam - Imperishable (primordial) seed
431. Artho - The goal which devotees always require
432. Anartho - One who is not searched by ill minded people
433. Mahaakosho - One who possesses nine kinds of wealth (Navanidhi)
434. Mahabhogo - One who grants great enjoyment
435. Mahaadhanah - Possesses imperishable wealth

Anirvinnah (436) Sthavishhto (437) Abhoor (438) Dharma-yuupo (439) Mahaa makhah (440)
Nakshatranemir (441) Nakshatree (442) Kshamah (443) Kshaamah (444) Sameehanah (445)  - 47

436. Anirvinnah - Never discouraged (in reforming people)
437. Sthavishhto - Immense
438. Abhoor - One who holds earth and sky
439. Dharma-yuupo - Always united with dharma like how head is united with body
440. Mahaa makhah - Has yagna and sacrifices as his body
441. Nakshatranemir - One who makes stars to revolve in sky
442. Nakshatree -  One who is the cause for the existence of stars
443. Kshamah - Patiently holds the entire universe
444. Kshaamah - One who makes the stars to diminish to only four during pralaya
445. Sameehanah - One who establishes people in their respective dharma after creation

Yagya (446) Ijyo (447) Mahejyashcha (448) Kratuh (449) Satram (450) Sataam gatih (451)
Sarvadarshee (452) Vimuktaatmaa (453) Sarvagyo (454) Gyaanamuttamam (455)  - 48

446. Yagya - He himself is the yagna and its benefits
447. Ijyo - Worshiped in the form of Indra and Devas by those who desire wealth
448. Mahejyashcha - Directly worshiped by devotees who desire him
449. Kratuh - Object of worship in "kratuh"
450. Satram - Object of worship in "Satra yagna"
451. Sataam gatih - The final abode for those who controlled all senses
452. Sarvadarshee - Seer of all dharmas
453. Vimuktaatmaa - Free and liberated soul
454. Sarvagyo - One who knows his indestructible greatness very well
455. Gyaanamuttamam - Passed the greatest knowledge

Suvratah (456) Sumukhah (457) Suukshmah (458) Sugoshaah (459) Sukhadah (460) Suhrit (461)
Manoharo (462) Jita-krodho (463) Viirabaahur (464) Vidaaranah (465)  - 49

456. Suvratah - Good vows
457. Sumukhah - Sweet face
458. Suukshmah - Subtle truth
459. Sugoshaah - One who is praised through the sounds of Upanishads
460. Sukhadah - One who grants everlasting bliss
461. Suhrit - Good hearted
462. Manoharo - Extraordinarily beautiful
463. Jita-krodho - Helps devotees to overcome desire and anger
464. Viirabaahur - Powerful arms
465. Vidaaranah - One who cuts sins (Refers to cutting "Rahu")

Svaapanah (466) Svavasho (467) Vyaapee (468) Naikaatmaa (469) Naikakarmakrit (470)
Vatsaro (471) Vatsalo (472) Vatsee (473) Ratnagarbho (474) Dhaneshvarah (475)  - 50

466. Svaapanah - Lulls to sleep (in Mohini avatar)
467. Svavasho - Felt happy with Devas (in Mohini avatar)
468. Vyaapee - All pervader
469. Naikaatmaa - Many forms
470. Naikakarmakrit - One who does many actions
471. Vatsaro - One who dwells in everyone
472. Vatsalo - Affectionate to those who surrender themselves
473. Vatsee - Has many children (Jivas)
474. Ratnagarbho - One who possess all kinds of Gems (Rathna)
475. Dhaneshvarah - One who immediately grants the desired wealth

Invoking A Deity During Puja

This is festival season. Janmashtami is already over but many more to follow in coming days. For each festival, we perform some kind of Puja. Each Puja is different, but there are few steps which are common for every Puja. In this article, we are going to know about "Shodasa Upachara" which is also called as 16 step worship. All of us perform these steps during Puja but obviously most of us do not know its meaning or what does it talk about. Let us explore more.....

By Saravana Raja R (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/
licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

The puja process is very similar to inviting a guest to our house. When we want a guest to come home, we formally invite them first. Then, when they visit, we allow them to refresh, then offer beverages and food. In olden days, these methods were even more elaborate. Similarly, during Puja, in these 16 steps, we invoke the deity and offer him various Upacharas. Take a look....

I am not including any mantras here because, for each puja, there will be variations in mantras even though these steps are common. 

1. Dhyanam :

This is the first step. Each Puja has a different deity. By telling the respective sloka, we meditate upon the deity with its full form.

2. Aawaahanam :

In this step, we formally invite the deity for the puja, by chanting the respective verse. If the deity is a male God, then we say "Devesa" ; for a female Goddess, we say "Devesi".

2.a. Praana Prathishta :  

We all have idols for puja. In this step, we are giving life to that idol enrgizing). We can say that we are merging the formless God in the physical idol.

3. Aasanam :

The invited guest is here. So what do we do first ? We given them a seat right? That's what we do here. By chanting the mantras, we offer a seat (Aasana) to the deity.

4. Paadhyam :

In our tradition, we always say "Aditi Devo Bhava", which means we treat guests as God. Hence, in olden days, we used to wash the guest's feet with water. Similarly, here, by chanting the sloka, we wash the feet of deity with water.

5. Arghyam :

In this step, by chanting the respective sloka, we offer water to the deity for washing hands.

5.a. Aachamaneeyam :

We always offer water for guests to drink. Likewise, after giving water for washing feet and hands, now we offer water for the deity to drink.

6. Snaanam :

We give the deity a bath by chanting the corresponding mantra. This is a kind of Abisheka and we do it with many things (according to the availability of supplies) like, milk, curd, honey, panchamritha , water, etc.

7. Vasthra :

After a bath, we give the deity clothes (vasthra) to wear. We also offer various ornaments (as per convenience and availability)

8. Yagnopaveetham :

This is when we offer the sacred thread (Poonal) to the deity by chanting the respective sloka.

9. Gandham :

This step involves applying chandan paste to the idol. 

10. Pushpam :

We offer various flowers and garlands to the deity. All these are done for decorating the deity.

11. Dhoopam :

We light the incense sticks and show the same to the deity

12. Deepam :

Usually, God resides in Garbhagraha, a dark place in temples. Hence to make the deity visible to the devotees, deeparathana is done. Similarly, here, after giving the deity a bath, clothes, ornaments, flowers and fragrances to wear and decorate, we highlight the deity by showing deepa to the idol.

13. Naivedhyam :

By chanting mantras, we offer various prasatha that are made specifically for the puja. Typically, we are offering food for the deity (guest) to eat.

14. Thamboolam :

After food, we always offer betel leaves and nuts to guests. This is generally referred as thamboolam. Though it has a lot of spiritual significance, the basic idea is to aid in better digestion. Similarly, after feeding the deity, we offer thamboolam by chanting slokas.

15. Neeraajanam :

This is nothing but Aarthi. We light camphor and show it to the deity with utmost devotion and thereby get the blessings. After this, we do Pradakshina and Namaskar, just to imply that we are surrendering ourselves to the deity.

16.  Mantra Pushpam :

Fianlly, we say this famous Vedic chanting called "Mantra pushpam". For the detailed meaning and text, click the following link.  To get a quick idea, watch this youtube clip.

http://connectsciencetodivinity.blogspot.com/2015/04/mantra-pushpam-chants-from-yajurveda.html

All Five Senses Activated During Puja :

All our five senses are actively engaged during a Puja. Hearing is activated by mantras, slokas and by ringing the puja bell. Smell is activated by incense sticks, flowers, sandal etc. Touch is activated by applying various substances to the idol. Sight is activated by deeparaathana and aarthi. Taste is activated by the food we prepared as prashad. All our five senses are blended together towards one concentrated point. Imagine how fantastic and peaceful, the puja experience will be, if we perform it with full realization of what we are doing... Have a great Puja year ahead.

Vishnu Sahasranama - Part 8 - 1000 Names - (verses 31-40 ; covers 284 - 374 Names

Verses 31-35 : (Hear youtube video for practice from 11.29 - 12.12) 

Amritaamshudbhavo (284)  Bhaanuh (285)  Shashabinduh (286) Sureshvarah (287)
Aushadham (288) Jagatah setuh (289) Satya-dharma-paraakramah (290)  - 31

284. Amritaamshudhavo - Source of moon and its cool nectar like rays

285. Bhaanuh - Source of sun and its bright rays

286. Shashabinduh - Slays enemies effortlessly

287. Sureshvarah - Lord of all Devas

288. Aushadham - The medicine to get rid of samsaaraa

289. Jagatah setuh - The bridge who separate good and evil in this world

290. Satya-dharma-paraakramah -  Who has truthfulness, valor and does righteous deeds

Bhuta-bhavya-bhavan-naathah (291) Pavanah (292) Paavano (293) Analah (294)
Kaamahaa (295) Kaamakrit (296) Kaantah (297)  Kaamah (298) Kaamapradah( 299) Prabuh (300)  - 32

291. Bhuta bhavya bhavan naathah - The supreme head for three kaalaa - past present and future

292. Pavanah - One who goes everywhere, like wind

293. Paavano - Purifier of (Ganga) which purifies everything

294. Analah - Never satisfied of what he offers to his devotees

295. Kaamahaa -  Destroys worldly desires (in them who prays for moksha)

296. Kaamakrit - Gives the desired benefits (to those who pray for benefits)

297. Kaantah - Who attracts others with his charm and beauty

298. Kaamah - Who is desirable by all means

299. Kaamapradah - One who grants whatever the devotees ask him

300. Prabuh - Supreme power with supreme qualities

Yugaadi-krit (301) Yugaavarto (302) Naikamaayo (303) Mahaashanah (304)
Adrishyo (305) Vyaktaruupash (306) Chaa sahasrajid (307)  Aanandajit (308)  - 33

301. Yugaadi krit - One who starts the yugas
302. Yugaavarto - One who makes the yugas revolve in circles again and again

303. Naikamaayo - One who performs many wonders

304. Mahaashanah - One who is capable of eating even the world

305. Adrishyo - One who cannot be seen (by those who do not love him)

306. Vyaktaruupash - One who manifests himself, to devotees when needed

307. Chaa sahasrajid - One who wins the 1000 chatyuryugas over and over

308. Aanandajit - Does this battle and wins endlessly

Ishhto (309) Vishishtah (310) Shishteshtah (311) Shikandii (312) Nahusho (313) Vrishaah (314)
Krodhahaa (315) Krodhakrit (316) Kartaa (317) Vishvabaahur (318) Mahiidharah (319)  - 34

309. Ishhto - Favorite to all

310. Vishishtah - Impartial to all beings

311. Shishteshtah - One who is most desirable by wise people

312. Shikandii - One who has peacock feathers

313. Nahusho -  One who binds all beings

314. Vrishaah - One who showers his blessings to devotees

315. Krodhahaa - Destroyer of anger

316. Krodhakrit - One who creates anger

317. Kartaa -  Slayer (of kaartaveerya)

318. Vishvabaahur - One who has arms that protects the Universe

319. Mahiidharah - One who supports the world by destroying evil beings

Achyutah (320) Prathitah (321) Praanah (322) Praanado (323) Vaasavaanujah (324)
Apaam nidhir (325) Adhishtaanam (326) Apramattah (327) Pratishthitah (328)  - 35

320. Achyutah - One who does not fall down from glory

321. Prathitah - One who has great reputation

322. Praanah - Life breath of every being

323. Praanado - One who gives breath (life) to every being

324. Vaasavaanujah - One who is born as a brother (Vaasava) to Indra

325. Apaam nidhir - One who sustained the milk ocean when it was churned

326. Adhishtaanam - Who supported the mountain Mandara during the process

327. Apramattah - Cautious (in protecting devotees)

328. Pratishthitah -  Self dependent and happy within himself

Verses 36-40 : (Hear youtube video for practice from  - 12.12 - 12.57) 

Skandah (329) Skanda dharoh (330) Dhuryo (331) Varado (332) Vaayuvaahanah (333)Vaasudevo (334) Bhrihad bhaanur (335) Aadidevah (336) Purandharah (337)  - 36

329. Skandah - Drains evil by destroying demons

330. Skanda dharoh - One who supports Lord Skandha (Muruga)

331. Dhuryo - One who carries the whole world

332. Varado - Grants boons to Devas

333. Vaayuvaahanah - One who has wind as his vehicle

334. Vaasudevo - One who dwells in every being

335. Bhrihad bhaanur - One who is as bright as many thousand radiant suns

336. Aadidevah - The first God

337. Purandharah - Destroys the cities of demons

Ashoka (338) Staarana (339) Staarah (340) Shuurah (341) Shaurir (342) Jaaneshvarah (343)
Anukuulah (344) Shaatavartah (345) Padmee (346) Padmanibhekshanah (347)  - 37

338. Ashoka - Destroyer of all sorrows

339. Staarana - The boat which helps crossing all sorrows

340. Staarah - Supreme savior

341. Shuurah - Always wins in his above efforts

342. Shaurir - Son of valiant vasudeva

343. Janeshvarah - Lord of all beings who take birth

344. Anukuulah - Friendly (to devotees)

345. Shaatavartah - One who has hundreds of curls (waves) 

346. Padmee - One who has lotus in his hands

347. Padmanibhekshanah -  One who has lotus like eyes

Padmanaabho (348) Aravindaakshah (349) Padmagarbhah (350) Shariirabhrit (351)
Mahardhi (352) Riddhoh (353) Vridhaatmaa (354) Mahaaksho (355) Garudaadhvajah (356)  - 38

348. Padmanaabho -  Who has navel in his lotus

349. Aravindaakshah - Who has lotus eyes 

350. Padmagarbhah - Who is seated in lotus-heart of his devotees

351. Shariirabhrit - One who protects the body (of devotees)

352. Mahardhi - One who possesses great riches

353. Riddhoh - One who prospers when his devotees prosper

354. Vridhaatmaa - Very ancient

355. Mahaaksho - Who has great eyes

356. Garudaadhvajah - Who has "Garuda" in his flag

Atulah (357) Sharabho (358) Bhiimah (359) Samayagyo (360) Havirharih (361)
Sarvalakshana lakshanyo (362) Lakshmiivaan (363) Samitinjayah (364)  - 39

357. Atulah - Incomparable

358. Sharabho - Destroys those who cross vedic boundaries

359. Bhiimah - One who is daunting for those who disobey his orders

360. Samayagyo - One who knows the time (to protect the devotees)

361. Havirharih - One who is the receiver of "Havir" that is offered during yagna

362. Sarvalakshana lakshanyo - House of all good qualities

363. Lakshmiivaan - Always seen together with Lakshmi

364. Samitinjayah -  Wins in battling confusions and provides clarity

Viksharo (365) Rohito (366) Maargo (367) Hetur (368) Daamodarah (369) Sahah (370)
Mahidharo (371) Mahaabhaago (372) Vegavaan (373) Amitaashanah (374)  - 40

365. Viksharo - His love towards devotees never shrinks

366. Rohito - Has red complexion like a lotus

367. Maargo - The way which is searched by his devotees

368. Hetur - The cause for all the benefits 

369. Daamodarah - Has worlds in his belly

370. Sahah - Shows patience

371. Mahiidharo - Who sustains the heavy world

372. Mahaabhaago - Who is the place of great fortune

373. Vegavaan - swift

374. Amitaashanah -  Wants great quantities of food

Vishnu Sahasranama - Part 7 - 1000 Names (verses 21-30 ; covers 191-283 names)

Verses 21-25 : (Hear youtube video for practice from 9.56 - 10.43)

Mareechir (191) Damano (192) Hamsah (193) Suparno (194) Bhujagottamah (195)
Hiranyanaabhah (196) Sutapaah (197) Padmanaabaah (198) Prajaapatih (199)  - 21

191. Mareechir - The ray of light
192. Damano - One who destroys the heat of samsara with his light
193. Hamsah - (Pure) swan
194. Suparno - One who has beautiful wings (capable to life us from samsara)
195. Bhujagottamah - Lord of all snakes including Adisesha
196. Hiranyanaabhah - One who has golden navel
197. Sutapaah - One who knows about everything
198. Padmanaabaah - One who has eight-petaled lotus in his navel
199. Prajaapatih - Master of everyone including creator (Brahma)

Amrityuh (200) Sarvaadrik (201) Simhaah (202) Sandhaataah (203) Sandhimaan (204) Stiraah (205)
Ajo (206) Durmarshanaah (207) Shaastaa (208) Vishrutaatmaa (209) Suraarihaa (210)  - 22

200. Amrityuh - Enemy for death god ; one who is beyond death
201. Sarvaadrik - Unbiased
202. Simhaah - Lion (Narasimha)
203. Sandhaataah - Unites (all beings) into one
204. Sandhimaan - Be united with (all beings)
205. Stiraah - Firm (with all beings)
206. Ajo - One who is not born
207. Durmarshanaah - One who has majestic powers which cannot be tolerated by enemies
208. Shaastaa - A teacher
209. Vishrutaatmaa - Has wonderful special names
210. Suraarihaa - Slayer of Devas' enemies

Guruh-gurutamo (211) Dhaamaah (212) Satyah (213) Satya-paraakramaah (214)Nimishho (215) A-nimishhah (216) Sragvee (217) Vaachaspatir (218) Udaara-dheeh (219)  - 23

211. Guruh-gurutamo - Guru of all Gurus
212. Dhaamaah - Ultimate abode
213. Satyah - Truth
214. Satya-paraakramaah - One who showed his unfailing valor (to Manu during pralaya)
215. Nimishho - One who closes his eyes for enemies
216. A-nimishhah - One who is always awake for devotees
217. Sragvee - One who has "vaijayanthi" as his garland
218. Vaachaspatir - Lord of speech
219. Udaara-dhee - One who possesses vast knowledge

Agraneer (220) Graamaniih (221) Shriimaan (222) Nyaayo (223) Netaa (224) Samiiranah (225)
Sahasra-muurdhaa (226) Vishvaatmaa (227) Sahasraakshah (228) Sahasrapaat (229)  - 24

220. Agraneer - Leads forward
221. Graamaniih - Leads (to) angels and mukthaas in Vaikunth
222. Shriimaan - Lord of Lakshmi (sri)
223. Nyaayo - Just
224. Netaa -  One who manages the affairs for his devotees
225. Samiiranah - One who plays (with his devotees)
226. Sahasra-muurdhaa - One who has thousand heads
227. Vishvaatmaa - All pervasive
228. Sahasraakshah - One who has thousand eyes
229. Sahasrapaat - One who has thousand feet

Aavartano (230) Nivrittaatmaa (231) Samvritah (232) Sam-pramardhanah (233)
Ahah ssamvartako (234) Vanhir (235) Anilo (236) Dharaniidharah (237)  - 25

230. Aavartano - One who turns the wheel of samsaara
231. Nivrittaatmaa - One who leads to moksha
232. Samvritah - One who remains hidden to those who are covered by agnana
233. Sam-pramardhanah - Dispeller of darkness
234. Ahah ssamvartako - One who regulates the time including day, night, month etc
235. Vanhir - Bearer (of Akaash)
236. Anilo - Vital air needed for life
237. Dharaniidharah - Bearer (of Earth)

Verses 26-30 : (Hear youtube video for practice from 10.43 - 11.29)

Suprasaadah (238) Prasannaatmaa (239) Vishva-dhrig (240) Vishvabhug-vibhuh (241)
Satkartaa (242) Satkritaah (243) Saadhur (244) Jahnur (245) Naaraayano (246) Narah (247)  - 26

238. Suprasaadah - One who grants good favors
239. Prasannaatmaa - One who has clear contended mind
240. Vishva-dhrig - Who creates Universe with utmost love
241. Vishvabhug-vibhuh - One who is the only protector of all
242. Satkartaa - One who honors good people
243. Satkritaah - One who is worshipped by Sadhus including Sabari
244. Saadhur - Does what is needed (including riding a chariot)
245. Jahnur - One who conceals himself to those who have vengeance and jealousy
246. Naaraayano - Supporter of all souls
247. Narah - Imperishable (Also known by the name "Narah" which is an avatar)

Asankhyeyo (248) Aprameyaatmaa (249) Vishishhtah (250) Shishhta-krit (251) Shhuchih (252)
Siddhaartah (253) Siddhasankalpah (254) Siddhidah (255) Siddhisaadanah (256)  - 27

248. Asankhyeyo - One who has innumerable attributes
249. Aprameyaatmaa - One who cannot be measured
250. Vishishhtah - Superior because he is desireless
251. Shishhta-krit - One who makes his devotees pure
252. Shhuchih - One who is pure by all means
253. Siddhaartah - Attained everything
254. Siddhasankalpah - One who is capable of doing everything he thought
255. Siddhidah - One who grants "siddhis" to Yogis
256. Siddhisaadanah - One who makes the "sadhana" process a pleasurable one

Vrishaahee (257) Vrishhabho (258) Vishhnur (259) Vrishhaparvaa (260) Vrishhodarah (261)
Vardhano (262) Vardhamaanashcha (263) Viviktah (264) Shruti-saagarah (265)   - 28

257. Vrishaahee - Auspicious day/ Dharma
258. Vrishhabho - One who is like elixir to those troubled by samsara
259. Visshnur - One who is everywhere
260. Vrishhaparvaa - Dharmic steps (which devotees can climb to attain moksha)
261. Vrishhodarah - Who has a dharmic belly. (accepts the prashad given by devotees with love)
262. Vardhano - Nourishes like a mother
263. Vardhamaanashcha - Makes the devotees grow in spiritual progress and grows along with them
264. Viviktah - One who is unique
265. Shruti-saagarah - Abode for Vedas (like how ocean is abode for rivers)

Shubujo (266) Durdharo (267) Vaagmii (268) Mahendro (269) Vasudo (270) Vasuh (271)
Naika-ruupo (272) Brihad-ruupah (273) Shipivishhtah (274) Prakaashanah (275)  - 29

266. Shubujo - Who has good arms
267. Durdharo - who has irresistible speed
268. Vaagmii - One who talks sweetly (like vedas) ; one who is worshiped by vedas
269. Mahendro - Who has extreme wealth
270. Vasudo - One who grants wealth to those who desire for it
271. Vasuh -  Wealth himself (to the devotees who desire him)
272. Naika-ruupo - One who has infinite forms
273. Brihad-ruupah - Immense forms
274. Shipivishhtah - Pervades as sun-rays
275. Prakaashanah - One who shows his light to devotees

Ojas-tejo-dyutidharah (276) Prakaasha-aatmaa (277) Prataapanah (278)
Riddah (279) Spashhtaaksharo (280) Mantrash (281) Chandraanshur (282) Bhaaskara-dyutih (283)  - 30

276. Ojas-tejo-dyutidharah - One who possess strength, vigor and brilliance
277. Prakaasha-aatmaa - Radiant soul
278. Prataapanah - One who creates heat (to his enemies)
279. Riddah -Full in all aspects
280. Spashhtaaksharo - One who has clear words
281. Mantrash - Mantra
282. Chandraanshur - One who has moon like rays
283. Bhaaskara-dyutih -  One who has sun like brilliance

Vishnu Sahasranama - Part 6 - 1000 Names (verses 11-20 ; covers 96 - 190 names)

Verses 11-15 : (Hear youtube video for practice from 8.24 - 9.11)

Ajah (96) Sarveshvarah (97) Siddhah (98) Siddhih (99) Sarvaadir (100)  Achyuthah (101)
Vrishaa ka pir (102)  Ameyaatmaa (103) Sarva-yoga-vinihssritah (104)  -11

96. Ajah -  Unborn
97. Sarveshvarah - Lord of all lords
98. Siddhah - Fully accomplished
99. Siddhih -  The goal (of the sidhas)
100. Sarvaadir - Origin of all origins
101. Achyuthah - Never fallen from glory
102. Vrishaa ka pir - The one who lifted dharma from the water (Varaaha)
103. Ameyaatmaa - Incomprehensible
104. Sarva-yoga-vinihssritah - Beyond attachment (all yogas)

Vasur (105) Vasumanaah (106) Satyah (107) Samaatmaa (108) Sammitah (109) Samah (110)
Amoghah (111) Pundareekaaksho (112) Vrishhaakarmaa (113) Vrishaakritih (114)  -12

105. Vasur - The in-dweller
106. Vasumanaah - Wealthy mind
107. Saatyah - The truth
108. Samaatmaa - Even mind
109. Sammitah - Truth accepted (by all)
110. Samah - Treats everyone the same
111. Amogah - Not futile (to worship)
112. Pundareekaksho - Lotus eyed
113. Vrishaakarmaa - Action (of dharma)
114. Vrishaakritih - Form (of dharma)

Rudro (115) Bahu-shiraa (116) Babhrur (117) Vishvayonih (118) Shuchi-shravaah (119)
Amritah (120) Shaasvatah-sthaanur (121) Varaaroho (122) Mahaatapaah (123) - 13

115. Rudro - The destroyer of sorrow (Rudra)
116. Bahu-shiraa - Multi-headed
117. Babhrur - Supporter
118. Vishvayonih -  Cause for the Universe
119. Shuchi-shravaah - One who listens to pure words
120. Amritah - Elixer/nectar
121. Shaasvatah-sthaanur - Eternally firm
122. Varaaraho - Supreme ascent
123. Mahaatapaah - Greatest knowledge of all knowledge

Sarvagah (124) Sarvavid (125) Bhannuhr (126) Vishhvak-seno (127) Janaardhanah (128)
Vedo (129) Vedavid (130) Avyango (131) Vedaango (132) Vedavit (133) Kavih (134) - 14

124. Sarvagah - All pervasive
125. Sarvavid - All knower
126. Bhaanuhr - One who shines
127. Vishhvak-seno - Army for (all directions)
128. Janaardhanah -  One who destroys the wicked
129. Vedo - The Vedas
130. Vedavid - The knower of Vedas
131. Avyango - Beyond imperfections
132. Vedaango - One who has Vedas as his body
133. Vedavit - One who is known by the Vedas
134. Kavih - Cognizes beyond ordinary perception

Lokaadhyakshah (135)  Suraadhyaksho (136) Dharmaadhyakshah (137) Kritaa-Kritah (138)
Chaturaatmaa (139) Chaturvyuhas  (140) Chatur-damshtrash (141) Chatur-bhujah (142) -15 

135. Lokaadhyakshah - Lord of all words
136. Suraadhyaksho - Lord of all gods
137. Dharmaadhyakshah - Lord of dharma
138. Kritaa-kritah - The cause and effect
139. Chaturaatmaa - Manifests as (four self)
140. Chaturvyuhas - Four forms
141. Chatur-damstrash - Four teeth
142. Chatur-bhujah - Four arma

Verses 16-20 : (Hear youtube video for practice from 9.11 - 9.56 )

Bharaajishnur (143) Bhojanam (144) Bhoktaa (145) Sahishhnur (146) Jagadaadijah (147)
Anagho (148) Vijayo (149) Jetaa (150) Vishvayonih (151) Punarvasuh (152)  -16

143. Bharaajishnur - Shining brightly
144. Bhojanam - (object) of enjoyment
145. Bhoktaa -  Enjoyer
146. Sahishhnur - One who forgives
147. Jagadaadijah - One who is born before everyone
148. Anagho - One who is not contaminated
149. Vijayo - Victorious
150. Jetaa - One who is the conqueror
151. Vishvayonih - Cause of the Universe
152. Punarvasuh - Lives for ever

Upendro (153) Vaamanah (154) Praamashur (155) Amoghah (156) Shuchir (157) Oorjitah (158)
Ateendrah (159) Samgrahah (160) Sargo(161) Dhritaatmaa (162) Niyamo (163) Yamah (164)-17

153. Upendro - (younger brother of) Indra
154. Vaamanah - Dwarf (Vamana Avatar)
155. Praamashur - Tall
156. Amoghah - (Acts) not purposeless
157. Shuchir - One who is pure
158. Oorjitah - Immense strength
159. Ateendrah - Superior to Indra
160. Samgrahah - Holds (all) together
161. Sargo - Creator of all souls
162. Dhritaatmaa - Supporter of all souls
163. Niyamo - Controller of (all souls)
164. Yamah - Ruler of (all souls)

Vedyo (165) Vaidyah (166) Sadaayogee (167) Veerahaa (168) Maadhavo (169) Madhuh (170)
Ati-indriyo (171) Mahaamaayo (172) Mahotsaaho (173) Mahaabalah (174)  - 18

165. Vedyo - Realizable
166. Vaidyah - Knower of knowledge
167. Sadaayogee - A yogi for ever
168. Veerahaa - One who slays the strong demons
169. Maadhavo - One who is the consort of Lakshmi
170. Madhuh - One who is sweet like honey
171. Ati-indriyo - One who is beyond (the reach of) senses
172. Mahaamaayo - The great maya
173. Mahotsaaho - The great enthusiasm
174. Mahaabalah - The great strength

Mahaabudhir (175) Mahaa-veeryo (176) Mahaa-shakthir (177) Mahaa-dyutih (178)
Anirdeshya-vapuh (179) Shriimaan (180) Ameyaatmaa (181) Mahaadri-dhrik (182)  -19

175. Mahaabudhir - Great knowledge
176. Mahaa-veeryo - Great manliness
177. Mahaa-shakthir - Great energy
178. Mahaa-dyutih - Great splendor
179. Anirdeshya-vapuh - Indescribable body
180. Shriimaan - Respectful
181. Ameyaatmaa - Magnanimous
182. Mahaadri-dhrik - Great (mountain) bearer

Maheshvaaso (183) Mahiibhartaa (184) Shreenivaasah (185) Sataamgatih (186)
Anirudhaah (187) Suraanando (188) Govindo (189) Govidaam-patih (190)  -20

183. Maheshvaaso - Discharger (of) great arrows
184. Mahiibhartaa - Bearer of Earth
185. Shreenivaasah - Abode of Sri (Lakshmi)
186. Sattamgatih - The goal (of the seekers)
187. Anirudhaah - Irresistible
188. Suraanando - Delight (of Gods)
189. Govindo - The receiver of praise
190. Govidaam-patih - Protector (of the Vedas)

Vishnu Sahasranama - Part 5 - 1000 Names (verses 1-10 ; covers 1-95 names)

THE 1000 NAMES

Verses 1-5 : (Hear youtube video for practice from 6.49 - 7.38 )

AUM

Vishvam (1)  Vishnur (2) Vashatkaaro (3)  Bhuta-bhavya-bhavat-prabhuh (4)
Bhutakrit (5) Bhutabhrid (6) Bhaavo (7) Bhutaatma (8) Bhutabhavanah (9)   -  1

1. Vishvam - He who is the Universe
2. Vishnur - He who is all pervasive
3. Vashatkaaro - One who controls
4. Bhuta-bhavya-bhavat-prabhuh - The lord of past, present and future
5. Bhutakrit - One who is the creator of all beings
6. Bhutabhrid - One who sustains all beings
7. Bhaavo - One who always exists
8. Bhutaatma - One who is the soul of all beings
9. Bhutabhavanah - One who is the cause for welfare of all beings

Pootaatmaa (10)  Paramaatmaa (11) cha Mukthaanaam paramaa gatihi (12)
Avyayah (13) Purushah (14) Saakshee (15) Kshetrajno (16) Akshara (17) eva cha - 2

10. Pootaatma - Pure soul
11. Paramaatma - Supreme soul
12. Mukthaanaam paramaa gatihi - The ultimate goal reached by the liberated souls
13. Avyayah - Not liable to change, indestructible
14. Purushah - Dwells in the body
15. Saakshee - The witness
16. Kshetrajno - One who knows (the field)
17. Akshara - Imperishable

Yogo (18) Yoga-vidaam netaa (19) Pradhaana-purusheshvarah (20)
Naarasimha-vapuh (21) Shrimaan (22) Keshavah (23) Purushothamah (24) - 3

18. Yogo - One who is reached by yoga
19. Yoga-vidaam netaa - One who is the leader of those who practice yoga
20. Pradhaana-purusheshvarah - Lord of principal matter and all living beings
21. Naarasimha-vapuh - He who has a man-lion body
22. Shrimaan - One who is with Shri (Lakshmi)
23. Keshavah - One who has long and beautiful hair
24. Purushothamah - One who is the greatest soul

Sarvah (25) Sharvah (26) Shivah (27) Sthaanur (28) Bhutaadir (29) Nidhir-avyayah (30)
Sambhavo (31) Bhaavano (32) Bhartaa (33) Prabhavah (34) Prabhur (35) Eeshvarah (36) - 4

25. Sarvah - He who is everything
26. Sharvah - Auspicious
27. Shivah - Eternally pure
28. Sthaanur - Immovable/fixed
29. Bhutaadir - The source of all beings
30. Nidhir-avyayah - Indestructible treasure
31. Sambhavo - Self manifesting
32. Bhaavano - Producer of all beings
33. Bhartaa - One who governs
34. Prabhavah - Prominent/great/superior
35. Prabhur - All powerful master
36. Eeshvarah - One who is capable of anything

Svayambhoo (37) Shambhur (38) Aadithyah (39) Pushkaraaksho (40) Mahaasvanah (41)
Anaadhi-nidhano (42) Dhaataa (43) Vidhaataa (44) Dhaaturuttamah (45) - 5

37. Svyambhoo - Self existant
38. Shambhur - Cause for happiness
39. Aadithyah - The sun
40. Pushkaraaksho - Lotus-eyed
41. Mahaasvanah - Loud sound (of the Vedas)
42. Anaadhi-nidhano - Without beginning and end
43. Dhaataa - Supports all
44. Vidhaataa - Dispenser of fruits of action
45. Dhaaturuttamah - Superior to the creator (Brahma)

Verses 6-10 : (Hear youtube video for practice from 7.39 - 8.24)

Aprameyo (46) Hrisheekeshah (47) Padmanaabho (48) Amaraprabhuh (49)
Vishwakarmaa (50) Manus (51) Tvashtaa (52) Sthavishthah (53) Sthaviro (54) Dhruvah (55) - 6

46. Aprameyo - Cannot be perceived by senses ; Not cognizable
47. Hrisheekeshah - Controller of senses
48. Padmanaabho - One who has lotus in his navel
49. Amaraprabhuh - The lord of immortals (Gods)
50. Vishwakarmaa - One who does all the activities before and after Brahma
51. Manus - Great thinker ; capable of creating things just be mere thought.
52. Tvashtaa - Chiseler of all forms
53. Sthavishthah - Massive in size
54. Sthaviro - Always in existence
55. Dhruvah - Changeless

Agraahyah (56) Shaasvathah (57) Krishno (58) Lohitaakshah (59) Pratardanah (60)
Prabhootah (61) Trikakub-dhaama (62) Pavitram (63) Mangalamparam (64)  - 7

56. Agraahyah - Beyond grasp/perception
57. Shaasvathah - Eternal
58. Krishno - One who is in state of bliss always
59. Lohitaakshah - One who has red lotus like eyes
60. Pratardanah - One who destroys everything during Pralaya
61. Prabhootah - One who has all within even everything else is destroyed
62. Trikakub-dhaama - Who has the Vaikuntha planet (three times bigger as this material universe)
63. Pavitram - Always pure
64. Mangalamparam - Supreme auspiciousness

Eeshaanah (65) Pranaadhah (66) Praano (67) Jyeshthah (68) Shreshtah (69) Prajaapathi (70)
Hiranya-garbho (71) Bhuu garbho (72) Maadhavo (73) Madhusudhanah (74) - 8

65. Eeshanah - One who rules the Universe
66. Praanadhah - One who gives life
67. Praano - One who is the life, himself
68. Jyeshthah - Older than the oldest
69. Shreshtah - One who is praise worthy
70. Prajaapathi - Lord of ever existent beings
71. Hiranya garbho - The golden womb
72. Bhuu garbho - The Universe womb
73. Madhavo - Concert of Maa (Lakshmi)
74. Madhusudhanah - One who slayed the demon called Madhu

Eeshvaro (75) Vikramee (76) Dhanvee (77) Medhaavee (78) Vikramah (79) Kramah (80)
Anuttamo (81) Duraadharshah (82) Kritagyah (83) Kritir (84) Aatmavaan (85)  - 9

75. Eeshvaro - One who rules without interruptions
76. Vikramee - Brave ; courageous ; capable of doing anything
77. Dhanvee - One who holds the bow called Saarnga
78. Medhaavee - One who knows everything
79. Vikramah - One who takes stride in his Garuda vehicle
80. Kramah - Who is the base of Universe to function in an order
81. Anuttamo - Who is superior, that nothing is more superior than him
82 Duraadharshah - Who is as deep as an ocean that no one can overcome
83. Kritagyah - One who is grateful (to his devotees)
84. Kritir - One who is the cause of virtuous acts
85. Aatmavaan - One who is the owner of all souls

Sureshah (86) Sharanam (87) Sharmaa (88) Vishva-retaah (89) Prajaa-bhavah (90)
Ahah (91) Samvatsaro (92) Vyaalah (93) Pratyayah (94) Sarvadharshanah (95)  - 10

86. Sureshah -  Lord of all gods including Brahma
87. Sharanam - The refuge of all
88. Sharmaa - One who is full of bliss
89. Vishva-retaah - Primordial seed of the Universe
90. Prajaa-bhavah - The origin from whom all beings emerge
91. Ahah - Day ; Remover of ignorance ; The light which removes darkness
92. Samvatsaro - Year ; kaala ; time
93. Vyaalah - One who sends his representatives to his devotees when needed
94. Pratyayah - One who can be relied upon (by his devotees)
95. Sarvadharshanah - One who shows everything (to his devotees)

Vishnu Sahasranama - Part 4 - Dhyanam (verses 1-7)

DHYANAM

Verses 1-3 : (Hear youtube video for practice from 4.34 - 5.46)

Kshirodhan vathpradeshe shuchimani vilasat saikathe mukthikaanam
Malaak lupthaa sanastha spatikamani nibhair mukthikair mandithaangaha
Shubrai rabrai rathabrai rupari virachithair mukthapiyusha varshaii
Aanandhii nah puniiyaadari nalinaagada shankapaanir mukundhaha  - 1

Let Mukuntha, who is seated on the throne arranged with pearl garlands, in the ocean of milk with glittering sand, purify us. Let Mukuntha, whose form is well decorated with pearls and crystals (spatika), bless us.  Let Mukuntha, who enjoys ecstatic bliss on white clouds showering drops of nectar, purify us. Let Mukuntha, who holds lotus, mace and conch in his hands, bless us.

Bhuhpadho yasyanaabhir viyadasura nilaschandra suryocha nethre
Karnaavaasha shirodhyor mukhamapi dahanooyasya vaasdheyamabthihi
Anthastham yasyavishvam suranara khagago bhogi gandharva daithyaihi
Chithram ramramyathe tam tribhuvana vapusham vishnumiisham namaami  - 2

Salutations to lord Vishnu, who has earth in his feet, sky in his navel, wind as his breath and the sun and moon as his eyes. Salutations to lord Vishnu, whose ears are the directions, whose head is the heaven, whose face is the fire and whose abdomen is the ocean. Salutations to lord Vishnu, within whom whole universe rests with its different beings viz. gods, humans, birds, animals, serpents, asuras, gandharvas and daithyas. Salutaions to lord Vishnu, who is the lord of three worlds, who has an admirable and wonderful structure and who is the supreme lord.

"AUM namo bhagavathe vasudevayaa"

Salutations to the supreme god vasudeva

Shaanthaakaaram bhujagasayanam padmanaabam suresham
Vishwaadhaaram gaganasadursham megavarnam shubaangam
Lakshmikantham kamalanayanam yogibhir dhyaanagamyam
Vandhe vishnum bhava-baya-haram sarva lokaika-naatham  - 3

I bow before lord Vishnu, who is the embodiment of peace, who sleeps in the serpent bed, who has lotus in his navel and who is the god of all gods. I bow before lord Vishnu, who is the base for this earth, who resembles the sky, who possesses the color of clouds and who has attractive physical structure. I bow before lord Vishnu, who is the consort of Lakshmi, who has lotus eyes and whom yogis see in their hearts by meditation. I bow before lord Vishnu, who is the destroyer of all fears and who is the controller of all worlds. 

Verses 4-7 : (Hear youtube video for practice from 5.46 - 6.48)

Megashyaamam peethakausheyavaasam srivatsaangam kaushthubhodh bhaasithaangam
Punyopeytham pundareekaayathaaksham vishnum vandhe sarvalokaika naatham - 4

I bow before the lord Vishnu, who is the master of all worlds, who possesses the color of the clouds, who is dressed in yellow silk clothes and who has a mark on his chest which denotes the residing place of Lakshmi. I prostrate before lord Vishnu, whose divine body is decorated with the gorgeous kaustubha gem, who is surrounded by holy people and who has eyes that resemble pretty lotus.

Namah samastha bhutaanam adhibhutaaya bhuubhrithe
Aneka roopa roopaaya vishnave prabavishnave - 5

I worship lord Vishnu who is the beginning of all beings (living) combined, I worship lord Vishnu who manifests himself in many forms and who is radiant, elegant and beautiful.

Sashaanka chakram sakireeda kundalam sapeetha vastram saraseeruhekshanam
sahaaravakshah sthala shobhikausthubham namaami vishnum shirasaachathurbujam - 6

I surrender myself to lord Vishnu, who holds conch and discuss in his hands, who has beautiful crown and earrings, who is dressed in yellow clothes and who has eyes like a lotus. I bow my head before lord Vishnu, who has four hands and whose divine body is beautifully decorated by many ornaments including the kausthubha gem.

Chaayaayaam paarijaathasya hemasimhasanopari aasinamambuda shyama maaya thakshamalankritham
Chandraananam chathurbaahum srivatsangitavakshasam rukmani satyabhaamaabhyam sahitam krishnam asrayei - 7

I take refuge in the holy feet of lord Vishnu, who sits in a golden throne, who is in the shade of paarijaatha tree, who has the color of the clouds and who has long broad eyes. I take refuge in the holy feet of lord Vishnu, who has a face that resembles the moon, who has four hands, whose chest is adorned by srivatsa (residing place of lakshmi) and who is in the company of Rukmani and Satyabhama,