Vishnu Sahasranama greatness – The Hindu

When we encounter difficulties, sorrow, or an unsteady mind, it is essential to seek the advice of elders and pious men. The wisdom of noble men serves as a guiding authority. What they say is a solemn declaration, and they will never misguide us, always showing only the good path.

To illustrate the value of wise counsel in troubled times, Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy described in a discourse that when Yudhishthira was in deep sorrow and trembling with fear after the Mahabharata war, Lord Krishna took him to the grand sire Bhishma to seek his advice. Bhishma’s devotion towards Lord Krishna was as deep as the river Ganga, and his heart was pure. He recited Sri Vishnu Sahasranama and cleared Yudhishthira’s doubts through “Hitopadesa.”

The significance of divine names becomes clear through such examples. “Devo Nama Sahasraanaam”: “The names of God are infinite.” An apostle says, “Perayiram Udaya Emperuman,” who has about a thousand names. Andal declares, “Namam Aayiram etha nindra Narayana,” who has more than a thousand divine names. All the seers like Sri Sankaracharya, Sri Madhwacharya, and Sri Parasara Bhattar wrote commentaries for the Vishnu Sahasranama, affirming its greatness.

Poet Bhatta Bhanar, in his work “Kathambari,” highlights the greatness of Vishnu Sahasranama. He recounts how a king summoned various pandits to chant Sahasranama during his wife’s childbirth, so that both the child and mother would be safe, and the child would hear the divine names at birth.

The essence of the entire Mahabharata is encapsulated in Vishnu Sahasranama. Sage Veda Vyasa has highlighted its greatness. All the sages, seers, and rishis came to hear the Sahasranama recited by Bhishma. The doctrine of surrender, as in Srimad Bhagavad Gita, is also emphasised, making it simple to follow. With all this in mind, those who recite this will derive all good things in their lives.