Introduction to Vishnu Sahasranama

In my humble efforts to know the meanings of Mantras,  I have started the section "Mantras and Meanings" in this blog.  When I thought of adding "Vishnu Sahasranama" in this section, the first notion came to my mind was "Who am I to write about this"? There are quite a few reasons for such thinking. On the first hand, I am not a person who is well-versed in Sanskrit; second : this is a lengthy sloka and it will be tough to learn the full meaning in one day and last, there are many translations already available with word by word meanings. Yet, something drives me to post it today and here I am. But let me brief few points beforehand :

• Instead of proceeding with the sloka directly, we will first start with some introductions for better understanding.
• Since this is a lengthy sloka, I am planning to add 5 paragraphs or verses each time for making it easy to understand. As such, this is not a complete blog post, but will be updated as and when and I will notify you when it is done.
• As always, I will be including many web links from where I compiled the information.
• The Manthras are given in English and split up for easy reading. Please do not expect perfect sanskrit way of writing. The numbering of the verses are also given by me only for easy learning and might not match with the numbers in the original sloka.
• I will be very happy if readers share their thoughts and knowledge. It is a collective effort and the ultimate aim is to learn this sloka with its meaning.
• I pray to Shri Maha Vishnu to give me the motivation and determination to complete this post fully and also to enlighten all of us in this journey. 

Vishnu Sahasranamam - A brief overview :

As most of you know, the term "sahasra" in Sanskrit, means 1000. Vishnu Sahasranama literally means the 1000 names of Vishnu . It is found in the "Anushasana parva" of the epic Mahabaratha which continues the theme of "Shanthi Parva". "Anushasana" can be referred as "Book of instructions" of Book of precepts". It has 2 sub parvas and 168 chapters. Bhishma, in his death bed, is surrounded by great sages Vasishta, Maithreya, Sanathkumara, Valmiki, Kapila and Narada and also by the Pandavas. Yudishtra asks for a counsel for which Bhishma gives answers. It includes duties of the King, officials of a kingdom and men and women. It also includes the importance of cows, their importance to household's food security, agriculture and wealth. Chapter 149 of this Anushasana parva recites "Vishnu Sahasranama" and in the list of 1000 names of Vishnu are the names of Shiva, Sharva, Sthanu, Ishana and Rudra.

By Ramanarayanadatta astri (http://archive.org/details/mahabharata
06ramauoft) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anushasana_Parva

The glory of Vishnu Sahasranama is disclosed by the following quote :

Adi Sankaracharya in Bhaja Govindam - Verse 27 :

"Geyam gita nama sahasram dhyeam sripathi rupamajasram
neyam sajjana sange chittham deyam dinajanaya ca vittam"

"Let your mouth chant Bhagavad Gita and Sahasranama everyday,  Let your heart be filled with Vishnu swaroopam, Let your mind be led towards the company of good (satsang) and let your wealth be distributed to the needy".

http://www.avgsatsang.org/hhsvs/pdf/BhajaGovindam_verse27.pdf


"Vishnu Sahasranama" in the divine voice of M.S.Subbulakshmi :


I have included below, the youtube video of "Vishnu Sahasranama" in order to make it easy for us to practice the sloka step by step when we learn the meanings.