विष्णुसहस्रनाम स्तोत्र (महाभारत अनुशासन पर्व - जगद्गुरु आदि शंकराचार्य भाष्य सानुवाद सटीक)

68 VISHNU SAHASRANAMA
Vya. Vishnu is Sūrya. (Bh. G., 10-21) says : “ I am
the Vishnu among the twelve Ādityas.” He identifies him-
self with these suns.
259. Having Dharma as steps (Vrishaparvā).
They say that those who desire to reach the supreme
abode have to go up through the steps of Dharma (com-
posing its ladder).
260. Having the womb wherein all beings are contained
(Vrishodarah).
i.e., His womb pours down Beings.
Vya. The offerings of the virtuous are in his stomach.
261. The nourisher (Vardhanah).
Vya. The Smriti says : “ We should be protected by
thee, O king, as we are in thy womb.”
262. He who expands (Vardhamānah).
Or the Universe itself.
Vya. He increases his people in everything.
263. The solitary (Viviktah).
Though He thus pervades the Cosmos yet He is
exclusive.
Vya. He distinguishes himself by his supreme
qualities.
264. The ocean of Srutis (Srutisāgarah).
That is, the Srutis rest in him. (Slo. 41)
Vya. The Srutis reveal him. (Bh. G., 15-15.)
265. Of goodly arms (Subhujah).
‘ Goodly ’ in protecting the world.
266. Difficult to be borne (Durdharah). (715)
None can support and bear him who supports even the
earth, etc., that support all; or he whom the Yogins
(desirous of liberation) find it difficult to locate in their
hearts during meditation.

VISHNU SAHASRANAMA 69
267. He from whom proceeds the speech (Vāgmī).
Which pertains to Brahman.
Vya. The saying is : “ He replies intelligently like
Brihaspati.”
268. The great Indra (Mahendrah).
He is the Lord of Lords.
Vya. He is the Lord of splendour, strength, and
prosperity.
269. The giver of wealth (Vasudah).
The Śruti (Br. Up., 6-4-24) says : “ He is the consumer
of food and giver of wealth.”
Vya. He is equal to Kubera in charity.
270. Wealth (Vasuh).
The wealth which he gives to others is himself. Or he
who veils (vas to cover) himself in Māyā. Or as he lives
(vas) in the Ākāśa (ether) alone and nowhere else, he
is named Vasu or Vāyu from the peculiarity of his abode.
The Śruti (Kath. Up., 5-2) says : “ He is Vasu (Vāyu)
dwelling in the atmosphere.”
271. Of many forms (Naikarūpah).
The Śruti (Br., 4-5-19) says : “ The Lord appears mani-
fold by his Māyā.” The Smriti also (Vis. Pr., 2-12) says :
“ He is the luminaries, etc.”
272. Having huge form (Brihadrūpah).
As in his incarnation of Boar, etc.
Vya. Thou hast pervaded the earth and heaven, etc.
(Bh. G., 11-20.)
273. He who is the soul of sacrificial animals (Sipi-
vishtah).
S'ipi : the sacrificial animals, he dwells in them in the
form of sacrifice (Yajna). The Śruti (Tai. Sam., 2-5-5) says :
“ Sacrifice, indeed, is Vishnu.” The sacrificial animals
are called S'ipis, and Vishnu, indeed, resides in them. Or

70 VISHNU SAHASRANAMA
S'ipi : rays, which he permeates. Or “ S'i is water, it being
cool (S'aitya) and fit to rest on (Sete) ; S'ipi means the rays
as they draw and protect the water ; and Vishta is the Lord
of the Cosmos, who resides in these rays.”
274. The illuminator (Prakāśanah).
Of all. (Ślo. 42)
Vya. He reveals his form to his devotees.
275.¹ Possessed of life-energy (Ojah).
Ojas : the vital energy ;
Valour (Tejah).
Tejas : valour and other qualities.
And effulgence (Dyutidharah). (758)
Lord (Bh. G., 7-11 and 10) says : “ Of the energetic, am
I the energy ; I am the light of those that possess light.”
Effulgence : of wisdom.
276. The radiant Self (Prakāśātmā).
Vya. Even by ignorant ones his supreme nature can
easily be known.
277. The burner (Pratāpanah).
Of the cosmos by his manifestations as the Sun, etc.
278. Wealthy (Riddhah). (351)
Being endowed with Dharma, knowledge, dispassion
and the like.
279. Of clear pronunciation (Spashtāksharah).
As he is the syllable Om whose svara or rhythm is
' Udātta ' or high.
Vya. He is the syllable of the Vedas.
280. The Mantrah.
The Rig, Yajus, and Sāman (the three Vedas) ; or as
he is taught by the Mantras.
Vya. He protects those who think (on Him).
¹ Some make this into three names.

VISHNU SAHASRANAMA 71
281. He who is the ray of the moon (Chandrāṁśuḥ).
As he, like the rays of the Moon, brings delight to
those minds that are afflicted by the scorching rays of the
Sun of Saṁsāra.
282. Bright as the Sun (Bhāskaradyutiḥ). (Slo. 43)
Vya. The similarity is on account of overpowering.
283. The source of the moon (Amritāṁśūdbhavaḥ).
When the milky ocean was churned, the Moon rose
therefrom.
Vya. The Śruti (Purusha Sūkta) says : "The moon
came from (his) mind and the sun from his eye."
284. The radiant (Bhānuḥ).
The Śruti (Kaṭh. Up.. 4-15) says : "When he shines."
Vya. The sun depends on him.
285. The moon (Saśabinduḥ).
Nourishing all beings like the Moon. Lord (Bh. G.,
15-13) says : "Having become the watery moon I nourish
all the herbs."
286. Lord of the Suras (Sureśvaraḥ).
Suras : Gods and those that confer good.
287. The medicine (Aushadham.)
For the disease of Saṁsāra.
Vya. The Devas and Devarshis know him as the
medicine for their miseries.
288. The limit of the world (Jagatassetuḥ.)
As he is the means of emancipation (of beings)
of the world; or as he preserves the castes and the
orders of life from going into confusion. The Śruti (Br.
Up., 6-4-22) says : "He is the limit, the upholder of the
worlds, so that they may not fall into ruin."

72 VISHNU SAHASRANAMA
289. Of true Dharma and prowess (Satyadharmaparā-
kramah).
True : unfailing ; Dharma : knowledge and other quali-
ties. (Slo. 44)
290. The Lord of beings past, present, and future.
(Bhūtabhavyabhavannāthah).
The Lord (nātha) ; He is sought (nāth) by all beings,
or he burns them, or he is wished by them, or he rules
them.
291. The purifier (Pavanah).
Lord (Bh. G., 10-31) says : "Of purifiers I am the
wind."
Vya. The mover.
292. He who causes motion (in wind, etc.) (Pāvanah).
The Śruti (Tai. Up., 2-7) says : "From fear of Him the
wind blows."
293. The fire (Analah). (711)
An : Prānas ; La : receives, i.e., Jīva who receives the
Prānas as his Self. The Śruti (Br. Up., 5-8-8) says : "He
is neither smell, nor taste," or he who never (na) knows
enough (ala).
294. The destroyer of desire (Kāmahā).
In those that are desirous of salvation, or he who
destroys the projects of enemies of his devotees.
295. The fulfiller of desires (Kāmakrit).
Of those of Sāttvika nature, or He who is the father of
Kāma, Pradyumna.
296. The Beautiful (Kāntah). (654)
To the superlative degree.
297. He who is desired (Kāmah).
By those that seek after human aspiration.
Vya. As he possesses good qualities, all desire him.

VISHNU SAHASRANAMA 73
298. He who grants (all) desires (Kāmapradah).
To his devotees.
299. The really existent (Prabhuh). (Slo. 45)
Vya. He specially drags the eyes and mind of all by
the beauty of his form.
300. The institutor of Yuga, etc. (Yugādikrit).
Or he who has started the Yugas.
Thus ends the Third Hundred.
THE FOURTH HUNDRED
301. He who brings about the cycle of Yugas
(Yugāvartah).
Such as Krita and the rest, himself being time.
302. Of many illusions (Naikamāyah).
Vya. The Sruti says : The Indra (Brahman) is
praised with his māyās (energies).
303. The great eater (Mahâsanah).
As he consumes everything during Pralaya.
Vya. The Sruti (Kath. Up., 2-24) “To him the Brahmin
and Kshatra classes become food.”
304. The invisible (Adrisyah).
To the intellect and all other senses.
Vya. His history is not to be doubted even in
Pralaya.
305. Having a manifested form (Vyaktarūpah).
In physical embodiment, or being self-radiant, he be-
comes cognisable to Yogins.
10

74 VISHNU SAHASRANAMA
306. The conqueror of thousands (Sahasrajit).
Of Asuras in battle.
Vya. Reclining on water (alone) for the period of one
thousand Yugas, He causes to vanish (the enemies).
307. The conqueror of innumerable beings (Anantajit).
Since he, through his unlimited powers, excelled every
being in war, sports, etc. (Ślo. 46)
Vya. None understands His ends.
308. The pleasant (Ishtah).
Being the highest Bliss. Or He who is worshipped in
the Yajnas (sacrifices).
309. The permeated (Avisishtah).
As Antaryāmin (indweller) in all.
Vya. Even the ignorant ones equally wish (to see Him).
310. Loved by the learned (Sishteṣhtah).
Or He loves the learned. Lord (Bh. G., 7-17) says :
“For, excessively dear am I to the Jnāni, and he is dear to
me” ; or beloved of the wise.
311. The peacock-feathered (Śikhandī).
As Krishna in his aspect of a cowherd boy.
Vya. Śikhanda means the splendour of the supreme
Lord.
312. The deceiver (Nahushah).
Of beings through His Māyā.
313. Dharma (Vrishah).
As he showers all desires he is called Vrisha. The
Mahābhārata (San., 343-58) says : “Vrisha is explained
by the lexico-graphers and likewise known in the world, O
Bhārata, as holy Dharma ; hence know me as Vrisha.”
Vya. He consoles and cools down His tired devotees
with His sweet words.

VISHNU SAHASRANAMA 75
314. Destroyer of anger (Krodhahā).
In good men.
Vya. He pacified the anger of Paraśurāma in connec-
tion with kings at the request of Kaśyapa.
315. The creator or agent of anger (Krodhakrit
kartā). (380)
In wicked men. Agent : of the Universe which is his
creation. The Śruti (Kau. Up., 4-18) says : " He who is
the maker of these persons, whose work is all this, he
verily is the Being to be known." Or the slayer of the
angry ones (Krodhakritkartā) such as the Asuras.
Vya. This refers also to the above incident.
316. With arms on all sides (Viśvabāhuh).
The Śruti (Rig., 10-81-3) says : " Having arms on all
sides." Or as all (viśva) depend on him, he is called
Viśvabāhu.
317. The bearer of the Earth (Mahīdharah). (369)
Or he accepts the worship (mahī). (Ślo. 47)
318. Achyutah.
Unswerving (from his nature) being free from the six
kinds of changes (viz., birth, death, etc.).
319. He who is famous (Prathitah).
On account of the creation and the rest of the
Universe.
320. Prānah.
Being Sūtrātman and as such the life-energy of all
beings. The Śruti (Ai. Ār., 2-2-3) says : " I am, indeed,
Prāna."
321. The life-giver (Prānadah).
Of the Devas ; or he destroys (Da to kill) the life of
Asuras.

76 VISHNU SAHASRANAMA
322. The younger brother of Indra (Vāsavānujah).
As he was born to Kaśyapa by Aditi.
Vya. In the Kūrma incarnation concerning the chur-
ning of the ocean.
323. The ocean (Apām nidhih).
Lord (Bh. G., 10-24) says : " Of lakes I am the ocean."
Vya. This refers also to the previous Kūrma incarna-
tion.
324. The mainstay (Adhishṭhānam).
Of Beings as the material cause of the Universe. Lord
(Bh. Gītā, 9-4) says : " All beings are in me."
325. Never-careless (Apramattah).
In apportioning the fruits of Karma to the recipients.
326. Well-centred (Pratishtitah).
In his own glory. The Śruti (Chchā. Up., 7-24-1) says :
" Where doth that immensity abide, my Lord ? It abideth
in His glory." (Ślo. 48)
327. He who flows (Skandah).
As nectar, or because he dries up (skand to dry up)
everything as Vāyu (wind).
Vya. He dries up the misery of His devotees.
328. The supporter of the path of virtue (Skanda-
dharah).
329. The bearer of the yoke (Dhuryah).
Of creation, etc., of all beings.
330. The granter of boons (Varadah).
Or the objects desired ; or he who distributes money
in sacrifices, being himself the sacrificer. The Śruti (Āpa.
Śrau. Sū., 5-11-4) says : " The cow, indeed, is sacrificial
money to give."
331. The director of the Vāyus (Vāyuvāhanah). (856)
The Vāyus are seven in number, viz., Āvaha, etc.

VISHNU SAHASRANAMA 77
332. Vāsudevah. (695 and 709)
He is called Vasu as he veils (vas or vās to cover) (in
his Māyā). Dèva : is he who sports, wishes to conquer,
conducts, shines, creates, and moves (vide No. 375 infra.).
In the Udyoga Parva of Mahābhārata it is said : “ Like the
sun with his rays, I am covering (vasu) the whole Universe,
and also I am residing (Deva) in all beings ; hence I am
called Vāsudeva.” (Ibid., 70-3). “ As I permeate all beings,
as I exist (in all things) and as I am the origin of gods, I
am known as Vāsudeva.” The Vishnu Purāna (1-2) says :
“ As he resides everywhere, and in all things, he is termed
Vāsudeva. All beings remain in Paramātman, and he, in
all beings, hence the Omnipresent is called Vāsudeva.”
333. Possessed of great rays (Brihadbhānuh).
Mahā. (Udy., 70-4) says : “ He whose great rays are in
the sun, moon and others, and he who illuminates the Uni-
verse through them, is called the possessor of great rays.”
334. The first deity (Ādidevah). (490)
Or Deva : possessor of brilliance and other qualities.
335. The destroyer of the cities (Purandarah).
Of the enemies of the Devas. (Slō. 49)
336. The unafflicted (Asokah).
He is free from the six afflictions, sorrow, etc.
Vya. He is the enemy of the pains of the body, etc.
(Adhyātma).
337. He who enables one to cross (Tāranah).
The ocean of Samsāra.
Vya. He removes the pains concerning the elements
(Adhibhūta).
338. The reliever (Tārah). (968)
Of fears attending conception, birth, old age and death.
Vya. He does remove the pains caused by divine
things. (Adhidaivika).

78 VISHNU SAHASRANAMA
339. The valiant (Sūrah).
340. The son of Sūra (Saurih). (644)
Born of Vāsudeva.
341. Lord of men (Janeśvarah).
The Lord of Beings.
342. The friend (Anukūlah).
Because of his being the Self of all and as none does
anything which is unfavorable to himself.
343. He who incarnates hundreds of times (Satāvartah).
To protect Dharma ; or he who, as Prāna, wends through
the hundred Nādis (nerves).
344. With the lotus in his hands (Padmī).
345. With eyes like lotus (Padmanibhekshanah). (Slo.50)
346. Seated in the pericarp of the lotus (Padmanābhah).
Vya. His navel is like the shape of a lotus.
347. Lotus-eyed (Aravindākshah).
348. Contained in the lotus (Padmagarbhah).
As he is meditated upon in the centre of the lotus of
the heart.
349. Nourisher of bodies (Sarīrabhrit).
Through food and life-energy (Prāna). Or he who
supports all forms through His Māyā.
350. The great manifestation (Maharddhih).
Vya. The Gītā (10-40) says : " There is no end to my
divine manifestations, O conqueror of enemies."
351. The expanse (Riddhah).
Of the Universe.
Vya. He is full of his own power.
352. The ancient Self (Vriddhātmā).
353. The great-eyed (Mahākshah).
Vya. The great Garuda is his vehicle.

VISHNU SAHASRANAMA 79
354. Having Garuda on his banner (Garudadhvajah)
(Slo. 51)
Vya. The name, if repeated, destroys the sins acquired
in crores of births.
355. Incomparable (Atulah).
The Śruti (Sve. Up., 4-19) says : " For him whose
name is the glory of the Universe, there is no likeness."
The Smrti also (Bh. G., 11-43) : " For Thy equal exists not,
whence another superior to Thee in the three worlds ? "
356. The Pratyagātman (Sarabhaḥ).
Sara : bodies so called from their perishable nature
(Sîrya) ; bha : to shine. Hence he who shines in them as
individual soul.
357. The awe-inspiring (Bhîmah). (948)
He whom all fear ; or if the prefix 'a' is added, the
name becomes 'Abhîma' causing no fear to those who
follow the righteous path.
358. The knower of the (six) systems of philosophy
(Samayajnah).
Or he who is well-versed in the methods of creation,
preservation, and destruction ; or whose worship (Yajna)
consists in the worshipper being equal in all beings.
Prahlāda (Vish. Pr., 1-17-90) says : " To be equal in all is
the worship of Achyuta."
359. The receiver of oblations (Havirharih). ¹
Lord (Bh. G., 9-24) says : " I am indeed the enjoyer
and also the Lord of all sacrifices," or He is named Havis,
as he is worshipped through oblations. The Śruti (Purusha
Sūkta) says : " They bound the Purusha as the sacrificial
animal." Hari is he who destroys the sins of men on their
merely thinking of him, or he is so called on account of his
yellow complexion. Vyāsa (Mahā. Sān., 343-39) says : " I
¹ 359 makes 2 names.

80 VISHNU SAHASRANAMA
destroy (Hari) the sins of those who remember me, and
also receive the oblations in sacrifices; my complexion
also is yellowish; hence I am named Hari."
360. Known through all the methods of researches.
(Sarvalakshanalakshanyah).
All methods of proof yield the same result, i.e., Him-
self, as the one reality.
361. The consort of Lakshmi (Lakshmīvān).
As Lakshmi ever resides on his chest.
362. Victorious in battle (Samitinjayah). (Slo. 52)
Vya. He is the destroyer of all pains of the chetanās
(Jivas).
363. Undecaying (Viksharah).
Vya. His love for Lakshmana (his brother) did not
diminish.
364. The red-hued (Rohitah).
It may refer to some of his red-hued forms which he
has assumed at his own will, or to his incarnation as ' fish'.
365. The Path (Mārgah). (397)
He who is sought after by those that desire liberation;
or He through whom the Supreme Bliss is obtained.
366. The cause (Hetuh).
Material and instrumental.
Vya. He is the means of the desired things.
367. Dāmodarah.
He who is known through the mind which is purified
(Udāra) by means of ' Dama ' or self-control and other
qualities. The Mahābhārata says : " They call him ' Dāmo-
dara,' as he is known by means of Dama (control of
the senses) " ; or because he (in his Krishna incarnation)
was tied up by Yaśodā by means of a cord round his waist
to two trees. Brahma Purāna (184-42) says : " She

VISHNU SAHASRANAMA 81
(Yasôda) tied him up fast to the two (trees) with a cord
(Dâma) round his waist (Udara); hence he was named
Dâmodara." According to Vyâsa (Mahâ. Udyo.) " Dâma
means the worlds; and as they are in his womb, the Lord
is named Dâmodara."
Ka. He wears the blissful devotees of his as one does
the flower garlands (Dâma).
368. All-enduring (Sahah).
Or as he supersedes all.
369. The bearer of the Earth (Mahîdharah).
In the shape of mountains. Parâsara (Vis. Pr., 2-12-38)
says : " The forests are Vishnu, also the mountains and the
quarters."
370. The ever-fortunate (Mahâbhâgah).
Or taking any form he likes, he eats the excellent food
that falls to his share, or fortunate in his incarnations.
Vya. He possesses beauty in all his limbs.
371. He who is swift (Vegavân).
The Śruti (Îsa. Up., 4) says : " The unmoving, the one,
he who is swifter than the mind."
372. Of unmeasured appetite (Amitâsanah).
As he consumes the Universe during involution.
(Slo. 53)
Vya. He consumed the unlimited quantity of food
offered to Indra by Gopas. (See Bhâgavata, 10th Book.)
373. The origin (Udbhavah). (790)
Of the Universe as its material cause, or he who is free
from Samsâra.
Vya. Samsâra came to exist from him.
374. The agitator (Kshobhanah).
Of Prakriti (primordial matter) and Purusha (Jivas) at
the time of creation. The Vishnu Purâna (1-2-29) says :
11

82 VISHNU SAHASRANAMA
"The Lord Hari mooted by his will the perishable Prakriti
and the imperishable Purusha, agitates them at the time of
creation."
375. Devah.
Since he sports with creation and the rest, wishes to
conquer the Devas, etc., functions in all Beings, shines as
the Universal Soul, is praised by holy men, and pervades all,
he is named Deva. The Śruti (S've. Up., 6-11) says :
"There is only one Deva."
376. Containing Srī in himself (Srīgarbhah).
As Srī or glory is within him in the shape of the
Universe.
Vya. He is the seat of protection to Srī.
377. The Supreme Lord (Parameśvarah).
Lord (Bh. G., 13-17) says : "The Supreme Lord
remaining the same in all Beings . . ."
Vya. Rama did shine more by receiving Sītā in
marriage. (Rām., I-77-33).
378. The instrument (Karanam).
In the world-evolution.
Vya. He identified himself with the karanas, senses,
mind, etc., in creation.
379. The material cause (Kāraṇam).
Vya. He does all through the instrumentality of the
senses.
380. The doer (Kartā).
He is the instrumental cause and also independent.
381. The creator of the varied (universes) (Vikartā).
Vya. He identifies himself with the happiness and
misery of others.
382. The unknowable (Gahanah).
With regard to his nature, capability or acts.

VISHNU SAHASRANAMA 83
383. The concealed (Guhah).
He whose nature, etc., are concealed in Mayā.
(S'lo. 54)
Vya. He is reclining in the heart (Guha).
384. Resolute (Vyavasāyah).
Being of pure wisdom.
Vya. He is the creator of the Buddhi of resolution.
385. The basis (Vyavasthânah).
Of everything; or the regulator of the Guardians of
the Universe and their respective functions ; of the womb-
born, egg-born and earth-born life ; of the Brāhmana,
Kshattriya, Vaisya and Sūdra castes, and the intermediate
ones ; of the four stages of life, as pupil, householder,
hermit and Sanyāsin, and their duties.
386. The ultimate stage (Samsthānah).
Of the elements during Pralaya ; or he who is the
supreme goal.
387. The conferrer of abode (Sthānadah).
In Dhruva and others according to their Karma.
388. The firm (Dhruvah).
Being imperishable.
Vya. Dhruva attained the state which it is very
difficult for others to reach.
389. The Supreme Manifestation (Parardhih).
Vya. From this name forward Rāma's actions are
referred to.
390. Completely plain (Paramaspashtah).
Being dependent on none for perfection and being
pure wisdom.
Vya. He is plain on account of his showing his
grace to all.

84 VISHNU SAHASRANAMA
391. The contented (Tushtah).
Being Supreme Bliss.
Vya. He is contented with his protection given to the world.
392. The full (Pushtah).
Being omnipresent.
Vya. He is full on account of his qualities.
393. Of auspicious look (Subhekshanah).
In as much as he thereby gives salvation to the spiri-
tually minded, worldly enjoyments to those that desire
them, removes all doubts, breaks all the knots of the
heart, burns up all karma, and roots out Avidyā. The
Śruti (Mun. Up., 2-8) says : “ The knots of the heart are
shattered . . .” (Ślo. 55)
394. Rāmah.
Because in him who is ever blissful the Yogins delight.
The Padma Purāṇa says : “ The name ‘ Rāma ’ stands for
the supreme Brahman being the eternal Bliss and absolute
consciousness in which Yogins revel.” Or Rāma : Śrīrāma,
the Son of Daśaratha, because he assumed that handsome
form (of Rāma) by his wish.
395. The abode of rest (Virāmah).
Of all beings.
Vya. Brahma and others take rest in him.
396. Passionless (Virajah or Viratah).¹
Detached in his enjoyments of objects.
Vya. Even the loss of kingdom did not drag his
supreme wealth (knowledge) (Ram., III, 16, 37).
397. The way (Mārgah).
Knowing which the aspirants attain to immortality.
The Śruti (Tai. Ār., 3-13) says : “ There is no other way
to the abode.”
¹ Some make 396 and 397 one.

VISHNU SAHASRANAMA 85
Ka. The Gita (X, 35) says : I am the Mārgasīrsha,
the month of months.
398. The conductor (Neyah.)
Or because the Jīva is conducted towards Paramātma-
hood through right knowledge.
Vya. He fulfils the request of the Tapasvins.
399. The leader (Nayah).
400. Not conducted by any (Anayah).
There is no other leader to Him.
Thus ends the Fourth Hundred.
─────
FIFTH HUNDRED
401. Valiant (Vīrah). (643 and 658)
Vya. He creates fear in the minds of Rākshasas.
(Rām., III, 39, 14)
402. The chief of those that are endowed with energy
(Saktimatāmsreshtah).
Of Brahmā and others.
403. Dharmah.
As he supports all beings. The Sruti (Kath. Up., 1-21)
says : "This Dharma is subtle" ; or because he is adored
by Dharma.
404. The best of the knowers of Dharma (Dhar-
maviduttamah).
(Mentioned in) the Śrutis and Śmritis (which) are
His expressed commands. (Slo. 56)
Vya. He is the best of all the knowers of Dharma,
Manu, etc.

86 VISHNU SAHASRANAMA
405. Vaikunthah.
He who prevents (men) from going into various paths
(Vikuntha). At the beginning of evolution, he unites
together the elements (Bhûtas) that are distinct from one
another and thus prevents their independent course.
Mahâ. Sânti, 343-51, says : “ I united the earth with
water, ether with air, and air with fire ; hence the name
Vaikuntha to me.”
406. The Person (Purushah).
The etymology of the word Purusha is given thus in
(Br. Up., 3-4-1) : “ Because he as the first (Purva) of all
of them consumed (aushad) by fire all sins, therefore he
is called Purusha ” ; or because he lives (Sayana) in the
city (Puri). The Sruti (Br. Up., 4-5-18) says : “ He is
indeed called Purusha who lives in all the cities.”
407. Prânah.
Refers to Kshetrajna, or to Him who functions (in the
body) as Prâna. The Vishnu Purâna says : “ As breath
He causes motion.”
408. The destroyer of Prâna (Prânadah).
Of Beings during Pralaya, etc.
Vya. Without him even the trees, etc., become dried.
409. Pranavah (or Pranavah=Bending). (957)
That which is praised. The Sruti says : “ Therefore
(the worshipper) praises (Him) by ‘ Om ’ ; or He who is
saluted. Sanatkumâra says : “ As the Vedas salute Him,
He is named Pranava.”
Vya. He causes every one to praise him.
410. He that expanded (Prithuh).
As the Universe.
Vya. He is expanded by his fame.

VISHNU SAHASRANAMA 87
411. Hiranyagarbhah.
Because from his vitality sprang the golden egg, the
birth-place of Hiranyagarbha.
412. The destroyer of enemies (Śatrughnah).
Of the enemies of the gods.
413. The Pervader (Vyâptah).
Of all the effects as the cause.
Vya. He shows his love to all equally whether friend
or enemy.
414. Vâyuh.
As it brings the smell. Lord (Bh. G., 7-9) says : " I
am the agreeable odour in the Earth."
Vya. He himself approaches all the places irres-
pectively.
415. Adhokshajah.
The Udyoga Parva (Mahâ., 71-10) says : " At no time
my vitality flows downward, hence I am named Adhokshaja."
Or Adhah : the Earth ; aksha : heaven ; ja : born, as he was
born as Vairâja in the middle region between the earth
and heaven. (Slo. 57)
416. Seasons (Rituh).
In his aspect as Time.
Vyu. He removes the difficulties of the people by
timely seasons.
417. Of good eyes (Sudarśanah).
Or whose knowledge leads to Nirvâna (salvation) ;
or whose eyes resemble the petals of lotus ; or who is
easily seen by His devotees.
418. The Time (Kâlah).
As He counts everything. (Bh. G., 7-9 & 10-30) says :
" I am the time of counting."
Vya. He is death personified to his enemies.