In Hinduism, deities are often associated with various attributes, qualities, and forms. Among the prominent deities, Lord Vishnu holds a paramount position as the preserver and sustainer of the universe. The reverence for Lord Vishnu is expressed through various forms of worship, rituals, and hymns. One such revered collection is the “108 Names of Lord Vishnu,” also known as “Sri Vishnu Ashtottara Shatanamavali.” This compilation encapsulates the multifaceted nature of Vishnu and serves as a spiritual journey into his divine essence.
The practice of reciting the 108 names of Lord Vishnu is a deeply ingrained tradition in Hinduism. Each name is not just a mere label but a profound representation of his qualities, roles, and cosmic significance. These names are chanted during religious ceremonies, meditation, and devotional practices, invoking a sense of divine connection and inner peace. Let’s delve into the significance of some of these names and their interpretations:
Of course, here is the list of the 108 names of Lord Vishnu in English along with their serial numbers:
1. Om Vishnu Namah
2. Om Lakshmipati Namah
3. Om Krishna Namah
4. Om Vaikuntha Namah
5. Om Garudadhwaja Namah
6. Om Parabrahmana Namah
7. Om Jagannatha Namah
8. Om Vasudev Namah
9. Om Trivikrama Namah
10. Om Daityantaka Namah
11. Om Madhuri Namah
12. Om Taksharyavahana Namah
13. Om Sanatana Namah
14. Om Narayana Namah
15. Om Padmanabha Namah
16. Om Hrishikesha Namah
17. Om Sudha pradaya Namah
18. Om Madhava Namah
19. Om Pundarikaksa Namah
20. Om Sthitikarta Namah
21. Om Paratpara Namah
22. Om Vanamali Namah
23. Om Yagyarupa Namah
24. Om chakrapanaye Namah
25. Om Gadadhara Namah
26. Om Upendra Namah
27. Om Keshava Namah
28. Om Hamsa Namah
29. Om Samudramanthana Namah
30. Om Hari Namah
31. Om Govinda Namah
32. Om Brahmajanaka Namah
33. Om Kaitbhasurmardana Namah
34. Om Shridhar Namah
35. Om Kamajanak Namah
36. Om Sheshashayini Namah
37. Om Chaturbhuj Namah
38. Om panchajanyadhara Namah
39. Om Shrimat Namah
40. Om Sharngapana Namah
41. Om Janardhana Namah
42. Om Pitambaradhara Namah
43. Om Deva Namah
44. Om Suryachandravilochana Namah
45. Om Matsyadeva Namah
46. Om Kurmatanave Namah
47. Om Krodarupa Namah
48. Om Nrikesari Namah
49. Om Vamana Namah
50. Om Bhargava Namah
51. Om Ramaya Namah
52. Om Bali Namah
53. Om Kalki Namah
54. Om Hayananaa Namah
55. Om Vishwambhara Namah
56. Om Shishumara Namah
57. Om Shrikar Namah
58. Om Kapila Namah
59. Om Dhruva Namah
60. Om Dattareya Namah
61. Om Achyuta Namah
62. Om Ananta Namah
63. Om Mukunda Namah
64. Om Dadhivamana Namah
65. Om Dhanvantari Namah
66. Om Shrinivasa Namah
67. Om Pradyumna Namah
68. Om Purshottama Namah
69. Om Shrivatsa koustubhadhara Namah
70. Om Murarata Namah
71. Om Adhokshaja Namah
72. Om Rishabha Namah
73. Om Mohiniroopadhari Namah
74. Om Sankarshana Namah
75. Om Prithvi Namah
76. Om Kshirabdhishayini Namah
77. Om Bhutatma Namah
78. Om Aniruddha Namah
79. Om Bhaktvatsala Namah
80. Om Nara Namah
81. Om Gajendravarada Namah
82. Om Tridhamne Namah
83. Om Bhutbhavana Namah
84. Om Shwetadwipasuvastavyaya Namah
85. Om Sankadimunidhyeyaya Namah
86. Om Bhagavata Namah
87. Om Shankarapriya Namah
88. Om Neelkanta Namah
89. Om Dharakanta Namah
90. Om Vedatmana Namah
91. Om Badarayana Namah
92. Om Bhagirathi-janmabhumi-padapadma Namah
93. Om Satam-prabhave Namah
94. Om Swabhuve Namah
95. Om Vibhava Namah
96. Om Ghanshyama Namah
97. Om Jagatkaranaya Namah
98. Om Avyaya Namah
99. Om Buddhavatara Namah
100. Om Shantatma Namah
101. Om Lila-manusha-vigraha Namah
102. Om Damodara Namah
103. Om Viradroopa Namah
104. Om Bhootabhavyabhavatprabha Namah
105. Om Adideva Namah
106. Om Devadeva Namah
107. Om Prahladaparipalaka Namah
108. Om Shrimahavishnu Namah
Reciting these names not only pays homage to Lord Vishnu but also offers an opportunity for self-reflection. As we contemplate the diverse attributes of Vishnu, we are reminded of the qualities we can strive for in our own lives – compassion, humility, devotion, and selflessness. The recitation becomes a form of meditation, allowing us to connect with the divine and cultivate these virtues within ourselves.
The number 108 holds a special place in Hindu spirituality. It’s not just a random count but has a cosmic significance. It’s believed to represent the universe’s entirety – with one signifying the individual soul, zero symbolizing the emptiness that connects everything, and eight depicting infinity or eternity. Thus, chanting the 108 names symbolically harmonizes the individual with the universe and invokes a sense of completeness.
In a world filled with distractions and chaos, the practice of reciting the 108 names of Lord Vishnu provides a spiritual anchor. It’s a reminder of the higher principles and values that guide us on our journey through life. Whether one engages in this practice for devotion, meditation, or simply to find solace, it remains a timeless bridge connecting the mortal with the divine.
In essence, the 108 names of Lord Vishnu encapsulate his divine persona and the profound philosophy underlying his existence. They serve as a tapestry of reverence, wisdom, and guidance, offering devotees a path to connect with the eternal and transcend the limitations of the material world.
