Vishnu Shatanama Stotram – Introduction

The Vishnu Shatanama Stotram is a revered hymn that encapsulates the divine attributes and various forms of Lord Vishnu, serving as a powerful invocation for devotees seeking spiritual elevation and liberation. Shatanama means hundred names. The stotra, composed by Sri Veda Vyasa, comprises fifteen verses using 100 names of Lord Vishnu, which are a series of praises dedicated to Lord Vishnu, highlighting his multifaceted nature as the preserver and protector of the universe. Names such as Vāsudeva, Hṛṣīkeśa, and Kṛṣṇa underscore Vishnu’s roles and characteristics, illustrating his qualities of wisdom, compassion, and omnipresence.

Sri Vishnu Shatanama Stotram – Word by Word Meaning

śrī gaṇeśāya namaḥ
Salutations to Lord Ganesha.

śrī (śrī) – Respected
gaṇeśāya (gaṇeśāya) – To Ganesha
namaḥ (namaḥ) – Salutations

nārada uvāca
Narada speaks:

nārada (nārada) – Narada
uvāca (uvāca) – Spoke

oṃ vāsudevaṃ hṛṣīkeśaṃ vāmanaṃ jalaśāyinam
Om, I worship Vāsudeva, Hṛṣīkeśa, Vāmana, the one who lies on water.

oṃ (oṁ) – Om; the sacred sound and spiritual symbol.
vāsudevaṃ (vāsudevaṁ) – Vāsudeva; a name for Lord Krishna, signifying him as the son of Vasudeva.
hṛṣīkeśaṃ (hṛṣīkeśaṁ) – Hṛṣīkeśa; a name for Vishnu, meaning “Lord of the senses.”
vāmanaṃ (vāmanaṁ) – Vāmana; the dwarf incarnation of Vishnu, symbolizing humility and wisdom.
jalaśāyinam (jalaśāyinaṁ) – The one who lies on water; refers to Vishnu’s form resting on the cosmic waters, indicating his role in creation.

janārdanaṃ hari kṛṣṇaṃ śrīvakṣaṃ garuḍadhvajam .. 1..
Janārdana, Hari, Kṛṣṇa, and the one with a beautiful chest, Garuḍadhvaja.

janārdanaṃ (janārdanaṁ) – Janārdana; a name for Vishnu, meaning “the one who helps people.”
hari (hari) – Hari; a common name for Vishnu, signifying “the remover of sins.”
kṛṣṇaṃ (kṛṣṇaṁ) – Kṛṣṇa; the eighth avatar of Vishnu, known for his divine playfulness and teachings.
śrīvakṣaṃ (śrīvakṣaṁ) – The one with a beautiful chest; refers to Vishnu’s divine form, adorned with wealth and beauty.
garuḍadhvajam (garuḍadhvajam) – Garuḍadhvaja; the one who has Garuda as his emblem, symbolizing strength and speed.

vārāhaṃ puṇḍarīkākṣaṃ nṛsiṃhaṃ narakāntakam
I worship Vārāha, Pundarīkākṣa, Nṛsiṃha, the destroyer of hell.

vārāhaṃ (vārāhaṁ) – Vārāha; refers to Lord Vishnu’s incarnation as a boar, who rescued the Earth (Pṛthvī) from the demon Hiranyaksha.
puṇḍarīkākṣaṃ (puṇḍarīkākṣaṁ) – Pundarīkākṣa; means “lotus-eyed,” a name that signifies Lord Vishnu’s beautiful eyes that resemble lotuses, symbolizing purity and divine vision.
nṛsiṃhaṃ (nṛsiṁhaṁ) – Nṛsiṃha; the man-lion incarnation of Vishnu who appeared to protect his devotee Prahlada and to destroy the demon Hiranyakashipu.
narakāntakam (narakāntakaṁ) – The destroyer of hell; signifies Vishnu’s ability to free souls from the torments of hell.

avyaktaṃ śāśvataṃ viṣṇumanantamajamavyayam .. 2..
The unmanifest, the eternal Vishnu, the infinite, the unborn, and the imperishable.

avyaktaṃ (avyaktaṁ) – The unmanifest; representing the aspect of divinity that is beyond form and perception.
śāśvataṃ (śāśvataṁ) – The eternal; emphasizing Vishnu’s timeless and everlasting nature.
viṣṇum (viṣṇum) – Vishnu; the preserver and protector of the universe.
anantam (anantaṁ) – The infinite; highlighting Vishnu’s boundless nature.
ajam (ajam) – The unborn; indicating that Vishnu has no origin and is beyond birth and death.
avyayam (avyayaṁ) – The imperishable; reinforcing that Vishnu’s essence is eternal and unchanging.

nārāyaṇaṃ gadādhyakṣaṃ govindaṃ kīrtibhājanam
I worship Nārāyaṇa, the wielder of the mace, Govinda, the one who is the recipient of fame.

nārāyaṇaṃ (nārāyaṇaṁ) – Nārāyaṇa; a principal name of Lord Vishnu, signifying him as the refuge of all beings and the protector of the universe.
gadādhyakṣaṃ (gadādhyakṣaṁ) – The wielder of the mace; refers to Vishnu as the one who holds the gada (mace), symbolizing strength and authority.
govindaṃ (govindaṁ) – Govinda; another name for Lord Krishna, meaning “the one who gives pleasure to the cows” or “the protector of the earth.”
kīrtibhājanam (kīrtibhājanaṁ) – The recipient of fame; indicates that Lord Vishnu is worthy of praise and glory.

govardhanoddharaṃ devaṃ bhūdharaṃ bhuvaneśvaram .. 3..
The deity who lifted Govardhana, the Lord of the Earth, and the Lord of all beings.

govardhanoddharaṃ (govardhanoddharaṁ) – The deity who lifted Govardhana; referring to Krishna lifting the Govardhana Hill to protect the villagers from Indra’s wrath.
devaṃ (devaṁ) – The deity; a term for God or divine being.
bhūdharaṃ (bhūdharaṁ) – The Lord of the Earth; signifying Vishnu’s authority over the Earth.
bhuvaneśvaram (bhuvaneśvaram) – The Lord of all beings; indicating that Vishnu is the supreme ruler of all worlds and beings.

vettāraṃ yajñapuruṣaṃ yajñeśaṃ yajñavāhakam
I worship the one who is the knower of sacrifices, the supreme being of sacrifices, the one who carries the sacrificial implements.

vettāraṃ (vettāraṁ) – The knower of sacrifices; signifies Lord Vishnu’s understanding and mastery of the sacrificial rites.
yajñapuruṣaṃ (yajñapuruṣaṁ) – The supreme being of sacrifices; refers to Vishnu as the divine essence of all sacrifices.
yajñeśaṃ (yajñeśaṁ) – The lord of sacrifices; indicates Vishnu’s authority over all sacrificial rituals.
yajñavāhakam (yajñavāhakaṁ) – The one who carries the sacrificial implements; highlights Vishnu’s role in supporting and sustaining the sacrificial activities.

cakrapāṇiṃ gadāpāṇiṃ śaṅkhapāṇiṃ narottamam .. 4..
The wielder of the discus, the wielder of the mace, and the one who holds the conch, the best among men.

cakrapāṇiṃ (cakrapāṇiṁ) – The wielder of the discus; refers to Vishnu’s weapon, the Sudarshana Chakra, symbolizing protection and the removal of obstacles.
gadāpāṇiṃ (gadāpāṇiṁ) – The wielder of the mace; signifies strength and the protective aspect of Vishnu.
śaṅkhapāṇiṃ (śaṅkhapāṇiṁ) – The one who holds the conch; represents the call to dharma and the dissemination of sacred sound.
narottamam (narottamam) – The best among men; a title reflecting Vishnu’s supreme qualities and virtues among all beings.

vaikuṇṭhaṃ duṣṭadamanaṃ bhūgarbhaṃ pītavāsasam
I worship Vaikuṇṭha, the one who destroys the wicked, the one who is the essence of the Earth, the one dressed in yellow garments.

vaikuṇṭhaṃ (vaikuṇṭhaṁ) – Vaikuṇṭha; refers to the celestial abode of Lord Vishnu, representing ultimate bliss and liberation.
duṣṭadamanaṃ (duṣṭadamanaṁ) – The one who destroys the wicked; signifies Vishnu’s role as the protector who eliminates evil.
bhūgarbhaṃ (bhūgarbhaṁ) – The one who is the essence of the Earth; indicates Vishnu’s immanence in the material world and his connection to all beings.
pītavāsasam (pītavāsasaṁ) – The one dressed in yellow garments; symbolizes purity, auspiciousness, and divine presence.

trivikramaṃ trikālajñaṃ trimūrtiṃ nandikeśvaram .. 5..
Trivikrama, the knower of past, present, and future, the Trinity, and Nandikeśvara.

trivikramaṃ (trivikramaṁ) – Trivikrama; refers to Lord Vishnu’s incarnation as Vamana, who measured the three worlds in three steps.
trikālajñaṃ (trikālajñaṁ) – The knower of past, present, and future; indicates Vishnu’s omniscience and awareness of all time.
trimūrtiṃ (trimūrtiṁ) – The Trinity; signifies the three aspects of divinity represented by Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
nandikeśvaram (nandikeśvaram) – Nandikeśvara; often associated with Lord Shiva, but in this context refers to Vishnu’s relationship with all divine aspects.

rāmaṃ rāmaṃ hayagrīvaṃ bhīmaṃ raudraṃ bhavodbhavam
I worship Rāma, Rāma, Hayagrīva, Bhīma, the fierce one, the one who emerges from the ocean of existence.

rāmaṃ (rāmaṁ) – Rāma; refers to Lord Rama, an incarnation of Vishnu known for his righteousness and valor.
rāmaṃ (rāmaṁ) – Rāma; repeated to emphasize the significance of devotion to Lord Rama.
hayagrīvaṃ (hayagrīvaṁ) – Hayagrīva; the horse-headed incarnation of Vishnu who symbolizes knowledge and wisdom.
bhīmaṃ (bhīmaṁ) – Bhīma; often refers to the strong and valiant, emphasizing the strength of Vishnu.
raudraṃ (raudraṁ) – The fierce one; signifies Vishnu’s aspect that destroys evil and protects righteousness.
bhavodbhavam (bhavodbhavam) – The one who emerges from the ocean of existence; indicates Vishnu’s role in creation and sustenance of life.

śrīpatiṃ śrīdharaṃ śrīśaṃ maṅgalaṃ maṅgalāyudham .. 6..
The Lord of wealth, the bearer of prosperity, the auspicious one, and the one who wields auspicious weapons.

śrīpatiṃ (śrīpatiṁ) – The Lord of wealth; signifies Vishnu as the provider of abundance and prosperity.
śrīdharaṃ (śrīdharaṁ) – The bearer of prosperity; emphasizes Vishnu’s role in nurturing and sustaining wealth.
śrīśaṃ (śrīśaṁ) – The auspicious one; highlights Vishnu’s nature as a bringer of good fortune.
maṅgalaṃ (maṅgalaṁ) – The auspicious one; reinforces the theme of positivity and blessings associated with Vishnu.
maṅgalāyudham (maṅgalāyudham) – The one who wields auspicious weapons; signifies Vishnu’s readiness to protect and uphold dharma.

dāmodaraṃ damopetaṃ keśavaṃ keśisūdanam
I worship Dāmodara, the one bound by love, the one with beautiful hair, the slayer of the Kesi demon.

dāmodaraṃ (dāmodaraṁ) – Dāmodara; refers to Lord Krishna, who was tied with a rope by his mother, symbolizing his playful nature.
damopetaṃ (damopetaṁ) – The one bound by love; signifies his loving and endearing personality.
keśavaṃ (keśavaṁ) – Keśava; one of the names of Vishnu, meaning “the one with beautiful hair.”
keśisūdanam (keśisūdanaṁ) – The slayer of the Kesi demon; refers to Krishna’s victory over the demon Kesi, showcasing his strength and heroism.

vareṇyaṃ varadaṃ viṣṇumānandaṃ vasudevajam .. 7..
The one who is most excellent, the granter of boons, the Vishnu who brings bliss, and the son of Vasudeva.

vareṇyaṃ (vareṇyaṁ) – The most excellent; indicates Vishnu’s supreme qualities and virtues.
varadaṃ (varadaṁ) – The granter of boons; emphasizes Vishnu’s role as the bestower of blessings and favors.
viṣṇumānandaṃ (viṣṇumānandaṁ) – The Vishnu who brings bliss; highlights the joy and happiness associated with worshipping Vishnu.
vasudevajam (vasudevajam) – The son of Vasudeva; signifies Krishna as the divine child of Vasudeva and Devaki, highlighting his human incarnation.

hiraṇyaretasaṃ dīptaṃ purāṇaṃ puruṣottamam
I worship Hiraṇyaretas, the resplendent one, the ancient, the supreme person.

hiraṇyaretasaṃ (hiraṇyaretasaṁ) – Hiraṇyaretas; signifies Lord Vishnu’s radiant and glorious nature.
dīptaṃ (dīptaṁ) – The resplendent one; indicates the divine brilliance and splendor of Vishnu.
purāṇaṃ (purāṇaṁ) – The ancient; emphasizes Vishnu’s timeless and eternal existence.
puruṣottamam (puruṣottamaṁ) – The supreme person; highlights Vishnu as the highest being among all creatures.

sakalaṃ niṣkalaṃ śuddhaṃ nirguṇaṃ guṇaśāśvatam .. 8..
The all-encompassing, the formless, the pure, the attribute-less, and the one who possesses eternal qualities.

sakalaṃ (sakalaṁ) – The all-encompassing; refers to Vishnu’s ability to contain and transcend all aspects of creation.
niṣkalaṃ (niṣkalaṁ) – The formless; signifies that Vishnu transcends all physical forms.
śuddhaṃ (śuddhaṁ) – The pure; emphasizes Vishnu’s purity and divine essence.
nirguṇaṃ (nirguṇaṁ) – The attribute-less; indicates that Vishnu is beyond all qualities and imperfections.
guṇaśāśvatam (guṇaśāśvatam) – The one who possesses eternal qualities; signifies that while he transcends qualities, he is also the source of all eternal attributes.

hiraṇyatanusaṅkāśaṃ sūryāyutasamaprabham
I worship Hiraṇyatanū, the one resembling gold, with a radiance equal to that of thousands of suns.

hiraṇyatanusaṅkāśaṃ (hiraṇyatanusaṅkāśaṁ) – Hiraṇyatanū; refers to Lord Vishnu as one with a golden complexion, symbolizing purity and divine beauty.
sūryāyutasamaprabham (sūryāyutasamaprabham) – With a radiance equal to that of thousands of suns; indicates Vishnu’s brilliant and dazzling effulgence.

meghaśyāmaṃ caturbāhuṃ kuśalaṃ kamalekṣaṇam .. 9..
Of dark-blue complexion, with four arms, skilled, and with lotus-like eyes.

meghaśyāmaṃ (meghaśyāmaṁ) – Of dark-blue complexion; emphasizes Vishnu’s divine hue, often associated with rain clouds, representing richness and fertility.
caturbāhuṃ (caturbāhuṁ) – With four arms; signifies Vishnu’s omnipotence and ability to protect his devotees from all directions.
kuśalaṃ (kuśalaṁ) – Skilled; indicates Vishnu’s expertise and capability in performing divine tasks.
kamalekṣaṇam (kamalekṣaṇam) – With lotus-like eyes; symbolizes purity, beauty, and divine perception.

jyotīrūpamarūpaṃ ca svarūpaṃ rūpasaṃsthitam
I worship the one who is the form of light, the formless, the one whose essence is established in forms.

jyotīrūpamarūpaṃ (jyotīrūpamarūpaṁ) – The form of light; signifies that Vishnu embodies the purest form of divine energy and illumination.
ca (ca) – And; connects the attributes.
svarūpaṃ (svarūpaṁ) – The formless; indicates that Vishnu transcends physical forms and is beyond all limitations.
rūpasaṃsthitam (rūpasaṁsthitam) – The one whose essence is established in forms; emphasizes that while formless, Vishnu also manifests in various forms for the sake of devotees.

sarvajñaṃ sarvarūpasthaṃ sarveśaṃ sarvatomukham .. 10..
The all-knowing, the one who exists in all forms, the Lord of all, and the one with faces in all directions.

sarvajñaṃ (sarvajñaṁ) – The all-knowing; highlights Vishnu’s omniscience and wisdom.
sarvarūpasthaṃ (sarvarūpasthaṁ) – The one who exists in all forms; signifies that Vishnu pervades all creation and embodies various manifestations.
sarveśaṃ (sarveśaṁ) – The Lord of all; emphasizes Vishnu’s supreme authority over the universe.
sarvatomukham (sarvatomukham) – The one with faces in all directions; represents Vishnu’s omnipresence and ability to protect and oversee all realms.

jñānaṃ kūṭasthamacalaṃ jñānadaṃ paramaṃ prabhum
I worship the knowledge that is stable and unchanging, the giver of wisdom, the supreme Lord.

jñānaṃ (jñānaṁ) – Knowledge; refers to the supreme knowledge that leads to liberation and enlightenment.
kūṭasthamacalaṃ (kūṭastham acalaṁ) – The stable and unchanging; emphasizes that this knowledge is eternal and constant, unaffected by time or circumstance.
jñānadaṃ (jñānadaṁ) – The giver of wisdom; indicates that Vishnu imparts true understanding and insight to his devotees.
paramaṃ (paramaṁ) – The supreme; highlights Vishnu’s ultimate status in the hierarchy of existence.
prabhum (prabhuṁ) – Lord; denotes Vishnu’s role as the divine master and protector.

yogīśaṃ yoganiṣṇātaṃ yoginaṃ yogarūpiṇam .. 11..
The master of yogis, the one accomplished in yoga, and the embodiment of yoga for all yogis.

yogīśaṃ (yogīśaṁ) – The master of yogis; signifies Vishnu as the ultimate guide and teacher of yoga.
yoganiṣṇātaṃ (yoganiṣṇātaṁ) – The one accomplished in yoga; indicates Vishnu’s mastery and perfection in spiritual practices.
yoginaṃ (yoginaṁ) – For all yogis; emphasizes that Vishnu is accessible and beneficial to all who seek spiritual growth.
yogarūpiṇam (yogarūpiṇaṁ) – The embodiment of yoga; denotes that Vishnu represents the essence of all yogic practices and principles.

īśvaraṃ sarvabhūtānāṃ vande bhūtamayaṃ prabhum
I worship the Lord of all beings, the master of all creation.

īśvaraṃ (īśvaraṁ) – The Lord; refers to Vishnu as the supreme ruler and master of the universe.
sarvabhūtānāṃ (sarvabhūtānāṁ) – Of all beings; emphasizes that Vishnu governs all forms of life and existence.
vande (vande) – I worship; a term expressing reverence and devotion.
bhūtamayaṃ (bhūtamayaṁ) – The master of all creation; signifies Vishnu’s role as the source and sustainer of all beings.
prabhum (prabhuṁ) – Lord; denoting Vishnu’s position as the divine authority.

iti nāmaśataṃ divyaṃ vaiṣṇavaṃ khalu pāpaham .. 12..
This divine hundred names is indeed a powerful remedy for sins.

iti (iti) – Thus; indicates the conclusion of the previous statements.
nāmaśataṃ (nāmaśataṁ) – The hundred names; refers to the names of Vishnu recited in the stotra.
divyaṃ (divyaṁ) – Divine; signifies the sacred and holy nature of these names.
vaiṣṇavaṃ (vaiṣṇavaṁ) – Pertaining to Vishnu; indicates the devotional aspect related to Lord Vishnu.
khalu (khalu) – Indeed; an emphasis on the truth of the following statement.
pāpaham (pāpaham) – A remedy for sins; denotes that chanting these names can cleanse one of sins and impurities.

vyāsena kathitaṃ pūrvaṃ sarvapāpapraṇāśanam
This was narrated by Vyasa in ancient times, as the destroyer of all sins.

vyāsena (vyāsena) – By Vyasa; refers to the great sage Vyasa, the compiler of the Vedas and Puranas.
kathitaṃ (kathitaṁ) – Narrated; indicates that this stotra has been told or explained.
pūrvaṃ (pūrvaṁ) – In ancient times; signifies that this teaching is traditional and has been passed down through generations.
sarvapāpapraṇāśanam (sarvapāpapraṇāśanam) – The destroyer of all sins; emphasizes that reciting this stotra helps eliminate all sinful actions and their consequences.

yaḥ paṭhetprātarutthāya sa bhavedvaiṣṇavo naraḥ .. 13..
Whoever recites it upon rising in the morning will indeed become a devotee of Vishnu.

yaḥ (yaḥ) – Whoever; indicates any person who performs the following action.
paṭhet (paṭhet) – Recites; signifies the act of chanting or reading.
prātarutthāya (prātarutthāya) – Upon rising in the morning; emphasizes the auspicious time for recitation.
sa (sa) – He; referring to the individual who recites.
bhaved (bhaved) – Will become; indicates the result of the action.
vaiṣṇavo (vaiṣṇavaḥ) – A devotee of Vishnu; signifies the transformation into a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu.
naraḥ (naraḥ) – Person; refers to any human being.

sarvapāpaviśuddhātmā viṣṇusāyujyamāpnuyāt
A soul purified from all sins will attain union with Vishnu.

sarvapāpaviśuddhātmā (sarvapāpaviśuddhātmā) – A soul purified from all sins; indicates that a person who has cleansed themselves of all sinful actions is being referenced.
viṣṇusāyujyam (viṣṇusāyujyam) – Union with Vishnu; signifies the ultimate goal of achieving oneness with the divine.
āpnuyāt (āpnuyāt) – Will attain; suggests the result or achievement of the action.

cāndrāyaṇasahasrāṇi kanyādānaśatāni ca .. 14..
One who performs thousands of Chandrayana sacrifices and gives away hundreds of daughters is not as great as he.

cāndrāyaṇasahasrāṇi (cāndrāyaṇasahasrāṇi) – Thousands of Chandrayana sacrifices; refers to the rigorous lunar-based vows and rituals performed as acts of devotion.
kanyādānaśatāni (kanyādānaśatāni) – Hundreds of daughters given away; signifies the act of giving away daughters in marriage as a significant noble deed in tradition.
ca (ca) – And; connects the actions.

gavāṃ lakṣasahasrāṇi muktibhāgī bhavennaraḥ
A person who recites this will attain the merit of giving away a hundred thousand cows.

gavāṃ (gavāṁ) – Of cows; refers to the significance of cows in Vedic tradition as symbols of wealth and purity.
lakṣasahasrāṇi (lakṣasahasrāṇi) – A hundred thousand; indicates a large quantity, emphasizing the immense merit.
muktibhāgī (muktibhāgī) – A share in liberation; signifies the connection to spiritual liberation or moksha.
bhavennaraḥ (bhavennaraḥ) – Will become a person; emphasizes that such a devotee attains great spiritual merit and transformation.

aśvamedhāyutaṃ puṇyaṃ phalaṃ prāpnoti mānavaḥ .. 15..
And will share in the benefits of performing ten thousand Ashvamedha sacrifices.

aśvamedhāyutaṃ (aśvamedhāyutaṁ) – Ten thousand Ashvamedha sacrifices; refers to the great Vedic sacrifice involving the consecration of a horse, signifying immense merit.
puṇyaṃ (puṇyaṁ) – Meritorious; indicates the virtuous nature of these actions.
phalaṃ (phalaṁ) – Fruits or results; refers to the rewards gained from these acts.
prāpnoti (prāpnoti) – Attains; signifies the achievement of spiritual rewards.
mānavaḥ (mānavaḥ) – A person; refers to any human being who performs the recitation.

iti śrīviṣṇupurāṇe viṣṇuśatanāmastotraṃ sampūrṇam
Thus ends the Vishnu Shatanama Stotra as narrated in the Vishnu Purana.

iti (iti) – Thus; indicates the conclusion of the preceding statements.
śrīviṣṇupurāṇe (śrīviṣṇupurāṇe) – In the Vishnu Purana; refers to the sacred text from which this stotra is derived.
viṣṇuśatanāmastotraṃ (viṣṇuśatanāmastotraṁ) – The Vishnu Shatanama Stotra; indicates the specific hymn being referenced.
sampūrṇam (sampūrṇam) – Complete; signifies the fulfillment and entirety of the stotra.