Vishnu's One Thousand Names

The sages said:

1-2. О Suta, О good one, live long. You, of a kind heart, have told us the wonderful dialogue which took place between Narada and Jshiva.O preceptor, tell us who are listening devoutly, how the noble Narada heard the importance of the lord’s names.

Suta said:

3-5. О best brahmanas, all you sages, listen. I am telling an old account, having heard which devotion to Krspa enhances. Once Narada, quite calm, went to see his father to the peak of (the mountain) Meru which was resorted to by siddhas and caranas. О brahmanas, Narada, the best sage, having saluted Brahma, the lord of the worlds, who was seated there, said to him:

Narada said:

6-8. О lord of the universe, О master, tell me how much power there is in the name of him, and of what kind is the greatness of the name of the noble one, who, the lord of the universe, is actually Naraya^a Hari, the highest soul, HeshIkesa, united with all beings. All foolish men, being deluded by illusion, do not at all know lord Vishshu in this Kali age which is worthless.

Brahma said:

9-22. О child, please listen, how in this Kali age wor­ship is especially to be done by reciting (his) names. The recollection of Vishflu, the conqueror, with an effort, is seen to purify untold sins, and it destroys sins. Knowing every­thing (else) to be false, a man who recites and mutters Vishflu’s names, is freed from all sins, and goes to Vishflu’s highest position. There is no doubt that those men who always utter the two letters Ha-ri become free just by uttering them. All expiations consist in remembering Кгда repeatedly. A man who remembers Krishna in the morning, at night and at mid-day, etc. instantly reaches Narayapa, the destroyer of sins. When just by remembering Vish#u all the suffering perishes, he attains salvation; he obtains heaven due to his reciting Vishnu’s name. A man should know that it is an eternal (state for him) whose mind is (engaged) in muttering his names, sacrifices and (his) worship, and the state continues for (the periods of) fourteen Indras. What a great disparity is there between going to heaven which is characterised by returning (i.e. by rebirth), and muttering the names of Vispu, the excellent seed (i.e. source) of salvation? That mouth is a great holy place where Praci Sarasvati filling the eddy (as it were) with the words Namo Narayarfaya (salutation to Narayaija) appears. Therefore, the best man, by remembering Vishnu day and night, and with his sins in the Kali age destroyed, does not go to hell. О you of the best vow, I have told (you) the truth and the truth (only). Merely by uttering (Vishnu’s) name a man is free from a great sin. There is no doubt that even that candala who mutters ‘Rama, Rama, Rama’ has his mind purified. Or he who mutters and recites ‘Krishna, Krishna, Krishna’, has merely by the utterance of that name, visited all holy places like Kurukshetra, Kasi, Gaya and Dvarika.

23-29a. О brahmana, he who always mutters or recites ‘Nfsimha’ with joy, abandons this world and rejoices near Vishnu. A devotee of Vishnu is freed from a great sin in the Kali age. A man obtains by repeating the names of Vishnu in the Kali age, what he obtains by meditation in the Kjta age, by performing sacrifices in the Treta age, and by worshipping Vishnu in the Dvapara age. Realising this men are plunged into Vishnu, the soul of the world. With all their sins destroyed they go to the highest position of Vishnu. Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Nfsimha, Vamana, so also (Parasu-)rama, Rama, Kyspa, Buddha, and after him is said to be (the incarnation of) Kalki. These ten are said to be (Vishnu’s) ten incarnations on the earth. Merely by (uttering) their names, (even) the killer of a brahmana is always purified. He, by reciting, muttering, meditating upon Vishnu’s name in any manner, is freed. There is no doubt that he would be Vishnu himself.

Suta said:

29b-36a. Hearing this Narada was greatly amazed. He then said to his father: “O best god, why is it said: ‘There are thousands of gods; there are thousands of Rudras. There are hundreds of manes, so also yaksas and kinnaras. So also goblins, evil spirits, fiends, and those that belong to the species of deities. The greatness of their name is not heard or seen, as I have heard about the greatness of Vispu’s name. There is no doubt that merely by uttering his name, one is freed.’ О god, what is the use of visiting the holy places or wandering over the earth? By (merely) hearing the greatness of his names, one would obtain salvation. That mouth is a great holy place, that mouth is a sacred place, in which the words ‘Rama Rama’ are (found). That mouth fulfils all desires. О you of a good vow, which are the names of him (i.e. of Vispu) that should be recited? О grandsire, tell me all that in detail.”

Brahma said:

36b-44. This Vishnu always pervades (everything), is the ancient, highest soul. He has no beginning or end. He is glorious, the soul of beings, the creator of beings. May this Vishnu, from whom I am born, always protect (you). This one is the death of death. He is my ancestor. He is imperishable, has lotus-like eyes, and is an intelligent, immutable (great) person. Vishnu always lies on Sesha. He has a thousand heads. He is a great lord. He occupies all beings and he, Vishflu, is actually of the form of the universe. This Vishou is the enemy of Kaitabha, is the creator; (this) god is the lord of the world. О best man, I do not know his name, and (about) his family (also). О dear one, though I am the propounder of the Vedas, I never know (this). Therefore, О divine sage, go there where the lord of the universe is. О best sage, he will tell you the entire truth. He, the lord of Kailasa, is alone the ever-prosperous person. He is the best among all the devotees of Vish^u. He is greater than the great. (This) lord of Uma has five faces, and he destroys all miseries. He is the lord of the universe; hsh is the master of everything; he always loves his devotees. О best among the gods, go there; (that best god) will tell you everything.

45-55. Hearing the words of his father, Narada proceeded to go there, to the abode (of Shiva) on Kailasa, where that god, the granter of well-being, always stays, to learn the importance of Vispu’s names. There Narada saw the god honoured by deities, seated on the peak of Kailasa, the god of gods, the pre­ceptor of the world, having five faces, ten arms, and having the trident in his hand, having a skull, having a staff with a skull at the top, 1 holding a sharp spear and a sword, holding the trident, fearful, granting boons, and having the bull (i.e. Nandin) as his vehicle, with his body (smeared) with ash, having charm due to serpents, and having the (crescent-)moon on his head, resembling a dark cloud, and having the lustre of a crore of suns, and sporting there. (Prostrating himself) like a staff he (i.e. Narada) saluted the lord of gods. Seeing him, the great god, the best among the devotees of Vishnu, and with his eyes dilated due to amazement, said to the best brahmana (i.e. Narada): “O best among divine sages, why have you come here? ”

Narada said:

О god, some time I had approached Brahma. There I heard about the excellent greatness of Vishnu. It was told there to me by Brahma, О best of gods. I heard from Brahma’s mouth how much the power of the names of him (i.e. Vishnu) is. Then I first asked about the thousand names of Vispu. Then Brahma said to me: “O Narada, I do not know (them). This great Rudra knows (them). He will tell you all.” Being very much amazed, I have come to you.

56-67a. In this terrible Kali age men are short-lived. They are engaged in impious acts. And they do not have faith in (Vispu’s) name. Similarly brahmanas are heretics and always engrossed in impious acts. They are void of (i.e. do not perform) the Sandhya (prayer), have fallen from vows, are wicked, and of dirty figures. As are the brahmanas, so are also the k? atriyas and so also vaisyas. So also are shudras and others, but not Vispu’s devotees. О lord, the Shudras are out of the fold of the twice-born in the Kali age. They do not know what is righteous, what is unrighteous, and what is beneficial and what is not.

Realising this, О master, I have approached you. And I have also heard the importance of (Vishrju’s) names from Brahma’s mouth. You are the god of all gods, and are always my lord. You are the enemy of Tripura, the universal soul and the creator, again and again. Favour me, and narrate the thousand names of Vishnu, which produces good fortune of men, and always pro­duces great devotion in them. It gives Brahman (the Supreme Spirit or the Vedas) to the brahmanas. It gives victory to the ksatriyas. It gives wealth to vaisyas and always gives happiness to shudras. О Mahesvara, I desire to hear it from you. Among all the devotees of Kesava (i.e. Vishnu) you are the (most) cap­able. О you of a good vow, favour me, and tell it to me if it is not a secret. It is very pure. It is always full of all holy places. Therefore, I desire to hear it. О lord, О master of the universe, (please) tell it.

Hearing the words of Narada, (Shiva) had his eyes dilated with wonder. He was horripilated while recollecting Vishrm’s names.

1. KhatvSfiga-A club or staff with a skull at the top considered as the weapon of Shiva and carried by ascetics and yogins.

The lord said'.

67b-68. These thousand names of Vishnu are to be kept secret. Hearing these, О child, a man would never have a miser­able position. Sometime in the past Parvati said to me:

Parvati said:

69-71. О lord of Kailasa, О lord of gods, О you who are endowed with great prosperity, tell me truly what you are muttering. How is it that your body is always smeared with ash, you wear the hide (of an antelope)? How are you having matted hair? О master of the universe, О lord, tell it (to me). You are the god of all gods; you are the superintendent of all rites. You are the lord, О master of the universe, О lord of the universe, О lord of the world.

Mahadeva said:

72-75a. Thus, О brahmana, I was repeatedly asked by Parvati. Then I told everything especially to her. О Narada, listen. I shall tell (you) what I told Parvati, and by which the lord, giving salvation, will be undoubtedly pleased. He is actually my father, and always my brother. I am always his devotee; and he is always my lord. Therefore, I shall tell (it) to you. Listen to me who am telling (it).

Suta said:

75b-83. О brahmarias, having thus spoken to Narada, he told him the thousand names of Vishflu, which he had formerly told to Parvati. (Thus) they are received by Narada on the Kailasa (mountain). Sometime, by chance, he came from Kailasa to the very wonderful holy place called Naimishara^ya. All the sages residing there, seeing Narada, the best sage, honoured the noble Narada. Those best brahmarias, Vishshu’s devotees, seeing Narada to have come, had their eyes dilated due to amazement. They showered flowers on him. They offered him water for (washing) his feet, offered him respectful offering, so also waved light before him, offered him fruits and roots and prostrated on the ground like a staff. And they said: “O great sage, we are blessed, since in this region we have had your pre­sence which is pure and which destroys sins. О lord of gods, by your favour we have heard the Purauas. О brahmaija, in what way would all (one’s) sins perish? How is salvation obtained without giving (gifts), without austerities, without (visiting) holy places, without penance and sacrifices, without (giving) gifts, with­out meditations, and without curbing the senses, and without (studying) the groups of sacred texts? ”

Narada said:

84. Uma, having saluted (her) dear (lord), the god of gods, the preceptor of the world, i.e. Mahadeva, seated on the peak of Kailasa (mountain) asked him:

Parvati said:

85-88. О highest god, you are the omniscient great lord, revered by all. Even gods like Indra and Siirya very much adore you. All, having worshipped you, the giver of boons, obtain desired success. You are without birth and death. You are self-born, and are all-powerful. О lord, you, having the quarters as your garment (i.e. naked), the destroyer of Madana, what do you always meditate upon? Why do you having matted hair and dusty with ash, practise penance? О lord of gods, what are you muttering? I have a great curiosity (to know it). If I deserve your favour, then tell me (about) that good vow.

Mahadem said:

89-109. I have not told this to anyone. It is to be kept secret by me. But О good one, I shall tell (to you since) you are devoted (to me) and dear to me. О goddess, formerly, in the Satya-yuga all had pure minds; and knowing Vishnu alone to be the lord of all gods, they worshipped him (alone). О dear one, they got great prosperity in this world and in the next. They who were indeed determined, secured that position which all gods and sages sufferingpain, did not obtain. Even after having heard from my mouth, gods led by Vishnu, did not, through Vedas and various Puranic doctrines, understand for certain what the truth is, or which the highest position is, as their minds were confused. О dear one, by means of gold, jewels etc. equal to their weight (given to a brahmana as a gift), by means of sacrifices like the horse-sacrifice, and by means of bathing at holy places like Varanasi or Prayaga, so also by means of offering graddhas to their dead ancestors at Gaya etc., by means of Vedic recitals and mutterings, severe austeritiets, restraints and checks, by means of kindness etc., by means of serving the preceptors (and elders), by means of duties of the castes and stages of life that are to be observed, so also by means of knowledge, meditation etc. duly practised during crores of existences, they do not reach Vishnu, the god of all gods, the supreme bliss. Even all religious men do not reach that position which those mortals who with all their thoughts and having no other course resort to that ancient ‘best person’ Vishshu, who even enjoy themselves, who do not have knowledge or detachment, who are without celibacy etc., who have given up all (other) religious acts, but who mutter only Vishshu’s names, happily reach, О you who subdue your enemies. That Vishflu should always be remem­bered. He should never be forgotten. All sacred injunctions and prohibitions are his commandments. Nevertheless all gods like Brahma and all innocent sages have, by means of (utter­ing fearlessly) Vishiju’s names, reached the position that was desired by them. I desiring greater than this, and being blessed, did not accept worship offered to me, but properly propitiated Visiju. Then the lord of the world, to whom his devotees are dear, was actually pleased, and he, Kesava, worshipped these as his portions. He, full of pity (worshipped) deities, manes, brahmanas with oblations offered to gods and dead ancestors. Since then in the three worlds with the mobile and the immobile all gods like Brahma are worshipped by the favour of the holder of the Sarngabow. He also said to me: “You would be superior to and more venerable than me. О Sambhu, I shall also propitiate you and will always receive a boon from you. Being born in the ages like Dvapara and among men in the Kali age make the people averse to me with the sacred texts prepared by you. So also censure me so that the world become better and better. I shall produce this delusion which will delude people. You too, О mighty-armed Rudra, produce sacred texts that would delude people. О you of great arms, produce (the texts) that are false and spurious. Manifest thyself and keep me hidden.”

110-116. Then having saluted the highest lord, I said: “How would the sin of the murder of thousand brahmanas perish? Even after hundreds of crores of kalpas you cannot be forgotten. So I vied (with you). О Vishnu, how would I be pure? Therefore, О Govinda, tell me the expiation you desire.” Then the lord, being pleased, told the truth about himself, by which, О daughter of the (Himalaya) mountain, I became superior to him. Everyday I adore him with penance, I eulogise him and think of him. Vi^u alone is the highest one. Knowledge about him is the means of salvation. This is the verdict of the sacred texts. Anything other than that causes delusion. All that is said like: ‘salvation is attained without knowledge’, ‘my equivalence with Vishshu’, ‘knowledge is obtained by visiting holy places’, ‘my superiority over Vishou\ or ‘identity of devotees like me with Vishriu’, leads to delusion (only and) to nothing else, О chaste lady. Due to that my greatness has become matchless, and I am honoured by the world, О Parvati.

Parvati said:

117. Then О Shankara, О master, О lord of gods, tell me how I would be the ruler of all and matchless like you.

Mahadeva said:

118-139. О dear one, you have asked well. I shall tell you the principal names of lord Vishnu, which would bring about salvation from the three worlds. Of this hymn called Vishnusahasranama (‘the thousand names of Visruf) Shri Mahadeva is the poet; the metre is anushtubh; the seed (the cause) is Hrim; the power is Srlm; the pin is Klim. Its application is in the mutter­ing of the names for the attainment of the four goals, viz. moral merit, sensual enjoyments, worldly prosperity and salva­tion: ‘Om, we know Vasudeva. We think of (that) supreme Brahman; so that Vishnu should urge us (on).’ When the various assignments of (the parts of) the body, hands would be recited duly, the fruit of that is crorefold. There is no doubt about it. He (should touch his) heart (saying), ‘Shri Vasudeva is the highest Brahman’. He (should touch his) head (saying), ‘(He) is the original source’. He (should touch) the tuft of hair on his head (saying), ‘(He) is Mahavaraha’. He (should utter) the mystical syllable ‘Hum-HQm’ (saying), ‘He is the banner (i.e. the scion) of the solar dynasty’. He (should touch) his eyes (saying), ‘Infancy causing wonder to the world by means of the desired sports of Brahma etc.’ He (should touch) the astra, (saying), ‘Yathartha-khantfita-ase^a.’ Saying, “Salutation to Narayaiia the noble ‘man’, ” he should have the nyasa every­where. fiWe think of the supreme Brahman, of a pure, good, abode. Om, hram, hrim, hrum, hraim, hrom, hrah; Klim to Krishna, to Vishshu. Hrim to Rama. We think of him, so that the god will urge us on. Ksraum, we know Nfsimha. Shrim, we think of Shrikafltha, so that Vishflu should prompt us. Om, we think of Devaki’s son, Vasudeva, so that that Krshiia should urge us on. Om, hram, hrim, hrum, hraim, hraum, hrah. Klim, svaha (i.e. offering) to Krishna, Govinda, dear to the cowherdesses.’ Reciting this hymn he should mutter (prayers in honour of) the immut­able Vishflu, Shrinivasa and the lord of the world. The wise one should recite the hymn (in honour) of him. Om, Vasudeva is the highest Brahman, he is the highest soul, he is greater than the great. He is a great lustre, a great light, the great first principle, the highest position. He (is) great Shiva, the great (object) to be pondered over. He is the highest knowledge and the bes|recourse. He is the highest truth, the highest bliss, the highest joy and rise. He is greater than the Invisible; he is the highest sky; he is the highest prosperity, the highest lord; he is full, immutable, admitting no alternative, and without a prop. He is unstained, free from fear, unsmeared, unrestrained. He is qualityless; he is whole; has no end; is fearless; is inconceivable; and is fit for the weak. He is beyond the scope of the senses; he is immeasurable; unlimited; he has no lord; has no desire; is immutable and indestructible. He is omniscient; omnipresent; he is everything; he gives everything; and creates everything. He is the ruler of all; he sees everything; he is adorable to all; and observes all things. He is all-powerful; has all the vigour; is the soul of all; and has faces on all sides. He stays everywhere; has all forms; is the source of all; and removes the misery of all. He has all the wealth; he is auspicious on all sides; he is the cause of all causes. He excels all; he is the head of all, is the lord of all gods. He is shadvimsaka (the twenty-sixth principle? ); is Maha Vishnu; a great secret; and a great ruler. He is always lofty; always diligent; he is always joy; he is ancient. He is the lord of illusion; the lord of abstract meditation; lord of beatitude; and self-born. He is beyond birth, death and old age. He is beyond time and has gone beyond the worldly existence. He is full. He is truth; he is of a pure and enlightened nature. He is always full of intelligence. Abstract meditation is dear to him. He can be known by abstract meditation. He alone frees (the beings) from the bonds of the worldly existence. He is the ancient soul, he is inwardly the spirit. He is Purushottama (highest person). He is to be known from the Upanisads. He is difficult to be known. He is free from the three kinds of miseries.1 Knowledge of the Vedas is his resort. He is without a beginning. He is self-illu­mined and the master of himself. He can be approached by all. He is neutral. He is Omkara. He is equal on all sides. He is the fourth state of the soul (i.e. Brahman). He is beyond dark­ness. He is the supreme soul. He has touched everything. He is beyond the scope of speech or mind. He is Samkarshapa. He drags everything (unto him); he is death. He is fearful to all. He cannot be overcome. He has a wonderful gait. He is Maha Rudra; he is unconquerable. He is the root cause (of the Vorld). He is joy. He is Pradyumna. He deludes everyone. His divine power is great. He is the only place of happiness. He is desired by all. His pastimes are unending. He subjugates all beings. He is Aniruddha. He is the life of all. He is Hrishikesha. He is the lord of the mind. The guileless are dear to him. He is Brahman. He directs everything. He is the lord of the life of Brahma. He supports all beings. He is the lord of the body. He is the soul. He is the origin. He is the lord. He is the Supreme Being. He holds all the threads (of the conduct of the universe). He is the internal soul. He has three abodes. He is the internal witness (i.e. the soul). He has three constituents (viz. sattva, rajas and tamas). He is the lord. He is known by meditating saints. He is Padmanabha (having a lotus arising from his navel). He lies on Shesha. He is the lord of Lakshmi.

1. Tdpatraya — The three kinds of torments: caused by the mind (Adhyfttmika), caused by fate (Adhidaivika), and caused by animals (Adhibhautika).

140-155. His lotus-like feet are always served by Lakshmi. He always has Shri (i.e. Lakshmi or affluence). He is the abode of Shri. Shri (i.e. Lakshmi) always rests on his chest. He is the treasure of Shri. He is Srldhara (i.e. possesses Shri). He is Hari (i.e. Vishnu). He controls Shri. He is steady. He gives wealth. He is Vishnu (literally, one who enters). He has his abode in the Milky Ocean. His chest shines with the Kaustubha (gem). He is Madhava (the husband of Ma, i.e. Lakshml). He removes the afflictions of the world. On his chest is the (mark of) Shrivatsa. He is the abode of unbounded auspicious qualities. He wears a yellow garment. He is the lord of the world. He is the father of the world. He is the kinsman of the world. He is the supporter of the world. He is the treasure of the world. He is the only one of a sparkling vigour in the world. He is not an egotist. He is full of all wonders. He has accomplished all objects. He is entertained by all. His exertion is never unfailing. Brahma, Shiva are his excellent consciousness. He is Shiva’s grand-father. He is Brahma’s father. He is the superior lord of Indra and others. He is dear to all gods. He is the image of all gods. He is excel­lent. He is the only resort of all gods. He is the only deity of all gods. He enjoys the sacrifice. He is the creator of the sacrifice. He is the protector of the sacrifice. He is the (chief) man (i.e. deity) of the sacrifice. He wears the garland of wood-flowers.

He is dear to brahmanas. He alone honours brahmanas. He is the family-deity of brahmanas. He is the destroyer of the demons. He destroys all the wicked. He is the only protector of all good men. He is the only belly of the seven worlds. He is the only ornament of the seven worlds. He is the creator, the sustainer and the destroyer (of the world). He holds the disc. His bow is Sariiga. He holds a mace. He holds a conch. He has the Nandaka (sword). He has a lotus in his hand. Garu^a is his vehicle. His body cannot be pointed out. He is adored by all. He purifies the three worlds. His fame is endless. His virility is boundless. He is all-auspicious. He resembles crores of suns. He is unconquerable like crores of Yamas. He is the creator of the world like crores of Mayas. He is very powerful like crores of winds. He delights the world like crores of moons. He is a great god like crores of Sambhus. His loveliness is like that of crores of Cupids. He is inaccessible and a destroyer of crores of enemies. He is deep like crores of oceans. He has the appella­tions of crores of holy places. He is rich like crores of Kuberas. He has amorous pleasures like those of crores of Indras. He is steady like crores of Himalayas. His body contains crores of universes. He destroys sins like crores of horse-sacrifices. He is adorable like crores of sacrifices. He is the cause of satisfaction like crores of (i.e. very large quantity of) nectar. He grants desired objects like crores of desire-yielding cows. His form is of crores of Vedic lores. He is 3ipivishta (i.e. is pervaded by rays). He is Sucisravas (literally, of pure ears or hearing).

156-168. He supports the universe. His feet are like a holy place. Hearing and talking about him is meritorious. He is the first god. He is the conqueror of the world. He is the killer of Kalanemi. He is Vaikuijtha. His greatness is infinite. He is the great joy of the masters of abstract meditation. He is always content. He is of bright thoughts. He is fearless. He is the destroyer of Naraka. He is the only refuge of the poor and the helpless. He alone removes all calamities. He is always capable of favouring the world. He is kind. He is the resort of the good. He is the master of abstract meditation. He is ever grown. He is free from increase and decrease. He has controlled his senses. He is Visvaretas (i.e. Brahma). He is the lord of hun­dreds of the lords of created beings. His feet are worshipped by Indra and Brahma. His lustre surpasses that of Shiva and Brahma. The Sun and the Moon are his eyes. He enjoys everything. He has mastered everything. He has controlled illusion. He has controlled the universe. He is ViSvaksena (i.e. he, on seeing whom even the mighty army of gods retreats and scatters away). He is the best of gods. He is the lord of all bliss. He is adorned with divine, invaluable ornaments. He is characterised by all (good) characteristics. He has destroyed the pride of all demons. He is the all-in-all of all gods, and the leader of all deities. He is the armour of all gods. He is the crest-jewel of all gods. He is the fortress of all gods. He is the adamantine (protective) cage of all that have resorted to him. He is called ‘the remover of the fear of all’. He is Vishtarasravas (i.e. of beautiful and efficient ears). He is the supreme ruler. He is the end of the good of all. He has killed (his) enemies. He gives (one) a position in heaven. He is the lord of the life of all deities. He appoints the brahmanas etc. His life is longer by a parardha than that of Brahma and Shiva. He is older than Brahma. He is a child. He is the supreme Being. He is Virat (i.e. the first progeny of Brahma). He is dependent on his devotees. He is fit to be praised. He accomplishes the object of (i.e. to be had by means of) a hymn. He obliges others. He knows what is fit to be done. He has always given up acts for his self-interest. He is always glad. He is always auspicious. He is always calm. He is always propitious. He is always dear. He is always content. He is always nourished. He is always adored.

169-188. He is always pure. He is the best among those that purify. He is (to be) concealed by the Vedas. He is Vfsakapi. He has a thousand names. He is the three yugas. He has four forms. He has four arms. He is the lord of the past, future and present. He is the ancestor of great men. He is Narayana (i.e. having the water as his abode). His hair is like the munja grass. He has spread out by means of all abstract meditation. He is the essence of the Vedas. He is the essence of sacrifices. He is the essence of Samans. He is the treasure of penance. He is a Sadhya (i.e. a celestial being). He is the highest. He is an ancient sage. He is solely devoted to steadiness and calmness. He is the destroyer of Shiva’s trident. He is the only giver of boons to Shiva. He is the ‘man’. He is Krishna. He is Hari. He is delighted in righteousness. Righteousness is his life. He is the first agent. He is all-truth. He removes the pride of all womengems. He has conquered Madana for all the three times. He is the chief of the sages who produced Urvasi. He is the first poet. He is Hayagriva. He is the lord of all the masters of speech. He is full of all gods, Brahma, and Guru, and the lord of the goddess of speech. He is the source of endless lores. He is the destroyer of the root-ignorance. He knows and gives everything. He destroys the dullness of the world. He is the killer of (the demon) Madhu. He is the master of many crores of hymns. He alone has mastered the Vedas. He is the first learned (being). He is the author of the Vedas. He is the soul of the Vedas. He is the ocean of the holy texts. He has snatched the Vedas (from the demons) for Brahma. He is the land of birth (i.e. the source) of all worldly knowledge. He is the king of lores. He is the form of knowledge. He is the ocean of knowledge. His intelli­gence is uninterrupted. He is the fish-god (i.e. the Matsyavatara). He has large horns. Being the seed of the world, he looks out. He has easily occupied the entire ocean. He is the propoun­der of the four Vedas. He is the first tortoise (i.e. the Kiirmavatara). He is the prop of everything. He has made the burden of the world (as light) as grass. He has made a stream of gods immortal. He is the cause of the production of ambrosia. He is the support of the soul. He is the support of the earth. He is not a portion of the sacrifice. He holds the earth. He destroyed Hiranyaksha. He is the lord of the earth. He has fashioned sraddha etc. He removes the fear of all dead ancestors. He is the life of all the dead ancestors. He alone enjoys the oblations offered to gods and dead ancestors; and he alone gives the fruit of the oblations offered to gods and to dead ancestors. The ocean is concealed in his bristles. He has agitated the entire ocean. He is the great Boar (incarnation). He is the destroyer of those who (try to) destroy the sacrifices. He is the refuge of those who perform sacrifices. He is iShri Nfsimha (incarnation). He is a divine lion. He destroys all undesired things and miseries. He is the only hero of a wonderful might. He alone destroys (evil) forces and charms. His lustre is unbearable (even) to Brahma etc. He, the foremost in ending a yuga, is extremely fearful. His nails are (sharper) than crores of thunderbolts. He has a form which is unbearable for the world to see. He is the lord of the group of the great(divine) mothers. He is endowed with incon­ceivable and unfailing power. He is the destroyer of all (lemons. He is the destroyer of Hiraijyakasipu. He is Death. He is the lord of Samkarsani. He is unbearable even for Yama’s vehicle. He destroys all fears. He puts an end to all obstacles. He is the giver (of all kinds) of prosperity. He fulfils all (desires). He is the destroyer of all sins. He is called Siddhimantradhika (i.e. superior to a hymn giving prosperity). He is the lord of Bhairava (i.e. Shiva). He removes the affliction of Shiva. He is inaccessible to crores of Deaths. He is called Daityagarbhasravin (i.e. one tearing asunder the demon-embryos). He roars like the bursting universe.

189-198. He protects everyone that just remembers him. He has a wonderful form. He is great Vishnu. He has a body with celibacy as the head. He is the ornament of the upper part of the bodies of the regents of the quarters. He has a string of twelve suns on his head. His anklet is just one head of Rudra. He is the protector of Parvati possessed by the Yoginis (her attendants). He threatens Bhairava. He is the lord of the host of heroes. He is very fierce. He is the enemy of the ecliptic1. He is the death of Sambara. He is lord of anger. He is the devourer of the wicked (troubling) the retinue of Rudra and Candi. He is not (at all) agitated by any one. He is the death of death. He keeps off* Kala, the Death. He destroys all incurable diseases. He softens all evil Planets. He destroys the pride of crores of the chiefs of (diva’s) attendants. He is unbearable to every Indra. He is difficult to be looked at by gods and demons. He is terrible, causing fear to the world. He protects (beings) from all miseries. He devours the devourer of the world. He is Shiva. He is the cat in the form of the sky, the devourer of the rat in the form of Kala (Time or Death). His staff-like arms hold endless weapons. He is Nrsimha. He is the conqueror of Virabhadra. He is the lord of the secret bevy of witches. He is the eater of the flesh of Indra’s enemy. He is Rudra. He is Naraya^a. He is the vechicle of Shankara in the form of a goat. He is the protector of Shiva in the form of a goat. He enjoys a thousand wicked powers.

1. Apama — ecliptic (the sun’s apparent orbit).

He is dear to Tulasi (or Tulasi is dear to him). He is a hero. He is the giver of all desired objects to the Vamacara (devotees of Shiva). He is Mahashiva. He has Shiva (i.e. Parvati) mounted upon him. He is having a bird. He is the master of the disc. He gives a divine and attractive form to Indra. He gives good fortune to Parvati. He is the treasure of illusion. He removes the fear due to illusion. He is full of the lustre of Brahman (or of Vedas). He is full of the glory of Brahman (or of Vedas). He is full of triad (of the Vedas).

199-212. He is Subrahmapya. He is Vamana, the destroyer of Bali. He is Upendra, the remover of Diti’s grief. He is the King. He is Vishnu. He is the ornament of Kasyapa’s family. He is the giver of his kingdom to Bali. He is the giver of food to all gods and brahmanas. He is Acyuta (i.e. Imperishable). His strides are wide. The holy places are at his feet. He stays at Tripada (i.e. in heaven). He is Trivikrama (i.e. Vishnu in his dwarf incarnation). His feet are in the sky. He has purified the three worlds with the water (flowing) from his feet. His feet are fit to be saluted by Brahma, Shiva etc. He runs quickly with the feet of Dharma. His expanse is inconceivable and wonderful. He is a very strong universal tree. He has cut the upper part of Rahu’s head. He took off the head of Bhrigu’s wife. He is afraid of sins. He is always meritorious. He always cuts off the hope of the demons. He has fulfilled the desires of all gods. He has descended (i.e. has had his incarnations) only for the (good of) the universe. He has always concealed his soul by means of his illusion. He is always the desire-yielding gem for his devotees. He, the sinless one and the giver of boons, has given kingdoms to kings like Kartavirya. His unlimited acts are fit to be praised by all. He is Dattatreya. He is the lord of sages. He is always in close contact with the highest power. He delights in abstract meditation. He is always furious. He has removed the lustre of all the enemies of Indra. He drinks the best nectar. He is the gem of an embryo of Anasuya. He gives enjoyments and salva­tion. He is the sun to the family of Jamadagni. He produced wonderful power in Repuka. He is unstained by (the sin of) matricide. He is the conqueror of Skanda. He gives a kingdom (even) to a brahmana. He puts an end to all bodies. He destroys the pride of heroes. He is the conqueror of Kartavirya.

He is the giver of (the earth consisting) of seven islands. He gives glory to diva’s worshipper. He is Bhima. HeiSParasurama. He is a good preceptor and the enjoyer of everything. He is the encyclopedia of all auspicious knowledge. He is Bhishmacarya. He is Agni’s deity. He is the preceptor of Бгоцасагуа. He has a bow that conquers the universe. He is the conqueror of Yama. He is a matchless form of penance. The present of (i.e. received by) him is celibacy only. He is the greatest Manu. He is a bridge for the good (to cross the mundane existence). He is great. He is a bull. He is Virat. He is the first King. He is the father of the earth. He is the only one who has milked (i.e. taken) out all gems. He is great. He is exceptionally dili­gent from the beginning of his existence. He is Speech. He is Wealth. He is Fame. He is self-chosen. He gives courage to the world. He is the greatest among the sovereign emperors. He holds a unique weapon.

213-218. He is to be secured by sages like Sanaka and increases devotion for the lord. He is the author of the duties of the castes and the stages of life. He is a speaker. He is a pro­pounder. He is the banner (i.e. the scion) of the solar dynasty i.e. Rama, a descendant of Raghu, and the ocean of virtues, (so also) the descendant of Kakutstha, the king of heroes (or the heroic king), the king, and the leader in the kingly duties. He always has an independent abode. He accepts all auspicious things. He sees only auspicious things. He is a gem among men. He is the sea. He is the superintendent of Dharma. He is a great treasure. He is the abode of all the greatest. He has the vitality of the host of the truths of all sacred texts. The world is under his control. He is Dasaratha’s son. He is a king, the resort of all gems. He has produced all modes of conduct. He observes all ways of conduct. He destroys all sins. He is superior to Indra. He is beyond metaphysical and profane knowledge. He is the ocean of forgiveness. He is liked by all excellent, eminent people. He is not perturbed by joy or sorrow. He gave up his empire at the behest of his father. He is not afraid of the rise of his rivals. He gave wealth to the country of Guha. He wears matted hair in emulation of Shiva. He got the mountain of gems from Chitrakuta. He is the lord of the world. He moves in the forest.

219-228. He performs a sacrifice as he likes. All his missiles are infallible. He destroyed the eyes of the son of the lord of gods. He is the lunar month of PaushaJ having the days like Brahma and Indra. He is the killer of Marica, and the destroyer of Viradha. He purified the entire Dan^akarapya that was harmed by the curse of Brahma. He alone is the holder of the only arrow that killed fourteen thousand fierce demons. He is the enemy of Khara. He is the killer of Trisiras. He is the killer of Dusana. He is Janardana. He performed the last ceremonies of Jatayus, and helped him obtain heaven. He is the king of the hymn which is the all-in-all of Agastya. He scattered away the great heap of the bones of Dundubhi with the end of his sportive bow. He destroyed the demon in the nether world dragging and striking him with a saptatala (tree). He is the giver of the king­dom to Sugriva. He grants fearlessness with a large mind. He takes up thf form of all the monkeys with Hanumat and Rudra as the chief lords. He agitated the ocean with one arrow, along with the serpents and the demons. He dried and parched the ocean with the tip of just one arrow along with mlecchas. For­merly he built a wonderful bridge over the sea. He is the treasure of glory. He accomplishes what is impossible to be accomplish­ed. He is dexterous in pulling upwards Lanka along with its root. He cut off the family of Ravaija, haughty due to a curse, and a cause of poignant grief to the world. He killed Ravaija’s son. He cut off* (i.e. killed) Prahasta. He pierced (i.e. killed) Kumbhakarna. He is the killer of the pierced ones. He is the only one to cut off Ravafla’s head. He has given a kingdom free from fear to Indra. He cuts off (the difference between) what is heavenly and unheavenly. He removes the non-Indra-hood of Indra. He removes the godhead of the demons. He destroys unrighteous­ness. He is praised by many. He, the enemy of Ravaija, gave the kingdom (of Lanka) to Bibhisapa by means of just being saluted.

229-243. He brought back to life his entire army that was dead by the shower of nectar. He is the only supporter, just by (means of) his name (being uttered), of gods and brahmagas. He is honoured by all gods. He loves Sati offered by the host of Brahma, Siirya, Indra, Rudra etc. He is the all-rulpr of the kingdom of Ayodhya. He is charming to all the beings. He favours and punishes like a master. He loves only the good whether low or high. He shows (ways of) justice to those who belong to his side and others. He accomplishes more with a small object. He is the protector of him who behaved improperly under the pretext of a hunter. He does all equal (i.e. impartial) things. He is a free soul due to the superiority of Parvati. He is not abandoned by his dear ones. He is the conqueror of Madana’s enemy. He is actually the father of Indra etc. in the guise of Kusha and Lava. He is never conquered. He is the lord of Kosala. His arms are like those of a hero. He abandoned his brothers for truth. He shook the bright globe of the earth by taking an aim with his arrow. He made the deities possessed of a guardian by his proximity desired by Brahma and others. He has the host of all beings like the cabalas, who have reached Brahma’s world. He himself led donkeys and horses. For a long time he protected Ayodhya. He is Sumitra’s son, Lakshmana, who was ac­companied by Rama and who killed Indrajit. He (i.e. Bharata) a devotee of Vishnu, was delighted with the kingdom on getting the sandals of Rama’s feet. He is Bharata who killed a crore of the unbearable gandharvas. He is Shatrughna, the destroyer of Lavana. He is the lord of physicians. He is the master of the herbs (mentioned) in Ayurveda. He always has the rays of nectar (or he always produces nectar). He is Dnanvantari. He is sacrifice. He uplifts the world. He kills SQrya’s enemy. He supports the gods. He is the lord of Dakshina (south, or the fee given to a brahmaria). He is dear to brahmanas. With his head cut, he is the sun, the lord of those who give good fortune. He gives everything. His form is unhurt, though with the head cut off with a missile(? ). He is the fire of the name of Vajapeya etc. He is intent upon following the practices laid down in the Veda. He is the lord of the Sveta Dvlpa. He is the propounder of the Samkhya (system). He is the lord of all accomplishments. He has destroyed the darkness of delusion by the knowledge mani­fested in the universe. He is the son of Devahutl. He is Siddha. He is Kapila and the son of Kardama. He is the master of abstract meditation. He reduced to ash Sagara’s sons, due to his meditation being disturbed (by them). He is Dfaarma. He is the lord of virtue. He is the lord of Surabhi. He is meditated upon by a pure soul. He is Shiva. He obtained stability only after burning Tripura, and carries the chariot of the universe. He is won over by his devotee Sambhu. He is like a well of nectar to the demons. He is penance.

244-264. He is the universe with the great deluge, and the second king of all serpents. He is god shesha. He has a thousand eyes. He has a thousand mouths, heads and arms. He has joined with the drop-like gems of his hood the ocean, the clouds and the earth. He produces death like fire and Rudra. He has a pestle as his missile. He has a plough as his weapon. He has put on dark-blue garments. He looks charming with the spirituous liquor. He removes the blemishes of the speech and the body. He is discontent. He knocked down Ravana by merely casting a glance at him. He restrained Bali. He is fierce. He is Balarama. He is the killer of Pralamba. He is the killer of Mustika. He is the killer of Dvivida. He is Bala(-rama) who dragged Yamuna. He is the husband of Revati. Due to the lassitude in former devotion he is the elder brother of Acyuta (i.e. Vishnu). He is the son of Kasyapa and Aditi, called Devaki and Vasudeva. He is (Krishna) the descendant ofVrsni. He is the greatest among the Satvatas. He is Sauri. He is the perpetuator of the Yadu family. He is of the form of a man. He is the Supreme Brahman. He is Savyasacin (i.e. Arjuna). He is the giver of boons. His grace is desired by Brahma etc. and his childhood is a wonder to the world. He killed Piitana. He broke Sakata, Yamala and Arjuna. He is the enemy of Vatasura. He is the killer of Kesin. He is the enemy of Dhenuka. He is the lord of cows. He is Damodara. He is the god of the cowherds. He is the giver of joy to Yasoda. He crushed Kaliya. He is dear to all the cowherds and cowherdesses. He easily held the Govardhana (mountain). He is Govinda. He is a joy to Gokula. He is the destroyer of Arishta. He is the giver of salvation to the cowherdesses mad with lust. He instantly kills him who hurts the earth. He crushed Carmra. He is Kamsa’s enemy. He is the great one who put Ugrasena on the throne. He made the earth characterised by auspiciousness. He put an end to Jarasandha’s power (or army). He threw and broke Jarasandha. He gave glory to Bhlmasena. He gave (back making it alive) Sandipani’s child. He is the conqueror of Kalantaka and others. He is the emancipator of all hellish beings. He is the conqueror of crores of all kings. He is the husband of Rukmini. He punished Rukmi. He killed Naraka. He is loved by all beautiful women. He is the enemy of Mura. He is Garuda-bannered. He, the lord of all, all alone conquered Rudra, Arka (the Sun), Maruts and others. He removed the pride of the lord of gods. He has adorned the earth with the desire-yielding trees. He is the conqueror of the crores of attendants (of Shiva) like Nandin, pierced along with Bana’s arms. He easily conquered Shiva. He is worshipped by Shiva only. He is the giver of victory of Arjuna from a total fall, for lndra. He has cut off the head of Kasiraja. He is the only one who crushed Rudra’s power. He, the lord of the universe, casts a favourable glance. He troubled the son of Kasiraja. He broke the pledge of Sambhu. He is the leader who totally burnt Kasiraja. He is the killer of the crores of the attendants of the lord of Kast. He honours brahmanas instructing the world. He is subjugated by bevies of young women. Formerly he granted a boon to Shiva. He is the only giver of stability to Shankara. He worships Shiva, his portion. He is the lord of the vow of lucky maidens. He, in the form of Kjsna, is the killer of Shiva’s enemies. He has the body of MahaLakshmi. He is the protector of Gauri. He is the killer of Vaidala Vjtra. His lustre alone is Mucukunda. He did a desired thing for Kaiayavana. He is the lord of Yamuna. He is a brahmana’s son led near and devoted.

265-278. He brought down to the earth Indra’s splendour for his poor devotee Shridaman. He is the only one giving salva­tion to the wicked Sisupala. He is the lord of Dvaraka. He fashioned the crores of treasures at Dvaraka to be reached by (everyone up to) a cajidala. He alone gave, as he willed, salva­tion to his principal devotees Akrura and Uddhava. He turned the ocean into a well of nectar while sporting (there) with children and women. He gave life to Parikshit who while in the womb was burnt by Brahma’s missile. He led the daughter of the ЬгаЬтаца devoted to him. He removed Arjuna’s pride. He seized all Kauravas like Bhishma with a mysterious figure. He duly cut off all the divine missiles and removed Arjuna’s delu­sion. He removed the fear of the gods and the earth under the guise of a curse to be conceived. He is the enemy of old age and physical diseases, and gives a good condition (to Ms devotee). He gives everything that is desired merely when he is remember­ed. He is god Madana, the lord of Rati. He is Manmatha, and the destroyer of Sambara. He is bodyless (i.e. Madana). He con­quered Gauri’s lord (i.e. Shiva). He is the husband of Rati, and is always desired. His arrows are made of flowers. He is Smara (i.e. Madana) who vanquishes everyone. He is dear to Kamesvarl (i.e. Rati). He is Usa’s lord. He is ViSvaketu (i.e. Aniruddha). He is proud everywhere. He is a superior ‘man’. He has four souls. He has four modes. He is the author of the four ages. He is the only universal soul of all the four Vedas. He is in crores the portion of everything that is excellent. He is the ancient sage Vyasa, the author of a thousand branches (Vedic knowledge). He is the creator (i.e. the author) of theMahabharata. Heis the lord of poets. He is Badarayana. He is Krishna Dvaipayana (i.e. Vyasa) who is the only teacher of all the (four) goals (of human life). He is the author of the Vedanta. He alone has mani­fested Brahman. He is the cause of the Риги race. He is Buddha (literally, enlightened). He has won over through meditation the god of all gods. He is without a weapon. He has conquered the world. He is Shridhara. He deludes the wicked. He has outcast the demons from the Vedic (fold). He has preserved the mean­ing of the Vedas and the sacred texts. He is the son of Suddhodana(i.e. heis Buddha). Heis seen and shown. He gives happiness. He is the lord of the assembly. He shows favour to alias they deserve it. He is all void. He gives all that is desired. He has four crores of various principles. He is the lord who has gone beyond intelligence. He is the lord showing the path of the Veda to the heretics. He is the preserver of the texts sacred to the heretics.

279-293. He is Kalki. He is the child of Vispu’s glory. He ends the Kali age. He kills all the wicked mlecchas. He has fashioned all the distinguished brahmaijas. He propounds the truth. He removes the prolonged hunger of gods and brahma^as. He is Asvavaradirevanta(7). He destroys the bad condition of the earth. He instantly gives unending glory to the earth. He knows all the ways of life that have perished. Due to his con­tact with unending gold he is the only brahmafla with entire gold. He is the only ruler of the world that cannot be controlled. He is adorable to the world. He is the banner of victory. He is the lord of the principle of soul. He is the best ^oer. He is Brahma. He is (Shiva) the lord of Uma. He is the best lord. He is the first among the lords of beings. He is Marici. He is a leader like Janaka. He is Kasyapa. He is the chief lord of gods. He is Prahlada, the king of demons. He is the Moon, the lord of stars. He is the Sun, best in lustre. He is Shukra, the lord of the wise. He is the chief of great sages, i.e. Bhrigu. He is Vishnu, the chief among the Suns. He is Bali, and the Supreme Being. He is Vayu. He is pure fire. He is the greatest. He is iShankara, the chief of the Rudras, and the preceptor. He is the wisest one. He is the chief gandharva, Chitraratha. He is the excellent Indestructible (one). He is the first caste. By means of power she is Gauri, the first lady. He is the best blessing. He is Narada, the chief divine sage. He is the chief Pan^ava, Arjuna. He is the chief discussion and discourse. He is Pavana (Wind). He is the lord of Pavana. He is Varuija, the lord of the aquatic animals. He is the best of the sacred places on the Ganga. He plays with dice, the principal among tricks. He is food, the excellent medicine. He is Sudarsana, the best among the missiles. He is the thunderbolt, the best weapon. He is Uccaihsravas, the lord of horses; Airavata, the lord of elephants. He is the lord of those having a wife like Arundhati. He is Asvattha, the chief among trees. He is metaphysical knowledge, the chief among the lores. He is Om, the best of the sacred texts of the Vedic hymns. He is Meru, the chief of the mountains. He is the month of Margaftrsa, the first among the months. He is the best of times. He is the soul, accomplished in ancient times, of a day etc. He is Kapila. He is the master of Sama Veda. He is Garuda, the first among the birds. He is the desire-yielding cow. He is the best friend, removing affliction. He is the desire-yielding gem. He is the best preceptor. He is the mother. He is the most kind father. He is the lion, the lord of beasts. He is Vasuki, the lord of serpents, and the king, best among men. He is brahтаца, the chief of the castes. He is the mind, best due to com­passion. Repeated salutation (to him). These are the thousand names of Vasudeva, Vishnu. It (i.e. Viwusahasranama) puts an end to all faults.

294-312. It very much enhances devotion. It is an inexhau­stible means of the worlds like those of Brahma? and the only means to heaven. It is the only staircase to Vishjju world. It des­troys all griefs. It gives all pleasures. It instantly gives the highest salvation. It fully purifies the dirt of the mind like lust and anger. It gives peace. It purifies even men with great sins. It gives all the desired fruits to all beings. It removes all obstacles. It destroys all evils. It destroys terrible pain. It destroys acute poverty. It removes the three debts. It is a secret. It gives wealth, grains and glory. It gives all affluence. It gives all (kinds of) success. It gives all kinds of auspiciousness. It gives the fruit of a crorc of (visits to) holy places, sacri­fices, austerities, gifts and vows. It puts an end to the dullness of the world. It is the promoter of all lores. It gives a kingdom to those who are deprived of their kingdom. It removes all the diseases of the sick persons. It gives a son to the barren women. It gives life to those whose (span of) life is dimi­nished. It destroys the (ill effect of) being possessed by ghosts and of poison. It destroys the oppression caused by a Planet. It is auspicious. It is meritorious. It enhances (the span of) life by means of being listened to, being recited and being muttered. The religious merit of him (is as much) as all the Vedas with the Vedangas, crores of hymns, the Puraiias, sacred texts, Smrtis (would give) when heard and recited. О dear one, if a man mutters or recites a letter, a verse or a line every day, then all one’s desired objects are soon achieved. Then (what would be obtained by listening to or reciting) the entire (text)? Such certainty is not seen in all (other) acts. О good one, this is to be secretly preserved by you and is to be recited only for your own interest. It is not to be given to a non-devotee of Vishflu, whose mind is overcome with doubts, who lacks devotion and faith and who looks upon Vishnu as an ordinary (deity). It should be given to the son, to a disciple, to a friend with a desire of their good. Those of a dull intellect will not grasp it without my favour. It gives instant fruit in the Kali age. Narada will take it to the community in (the various) kalpas, by which the misery of unfortunate persons will come to an end. In the Aryavarta it will live with two or three devotees of Vishiju. There is no better abode than Vi? ttu. There is no greater penance than Vishshu. There is no greater religious merit than Vishtiu. There is no hymn that does not pertain to Vishtiu. There is no greater truth than Vishnu. There is no greater sacrifice than Vishnu. There is no greater meditation than Vishnu. There is no better recourse than Vishnu. For him who has devotion to Vishnu, what is the use of many hymns, and very extensive sacred texts and thou­sands of Vajapeya sacrifices? Vishnu is full of all sacred places. The lord is full of all sacred texts. Vishnu is full of all sacrifices. I am telling the truth and the truth (only). I have told (you) this which is the full essence of everything up to Brahman.

Parvati said:

313-330. I am lucky. I am favoured. I am blessed, О lord of the world, since I heard from you this hymn, this secret which is very difficult to be secured. Oh! how very painful it is that the fools suffer in the mundane existence, when Vishnu, the destroyer of all miseries and the lord of gods is present (everywhere), and due to dedication to whom Shiva is seen by people to be naked, having matted hair, with his body smeared with ash and an ascetic. Which (other) god is there who is superior to (Vishnu) the lord of Lakshmi and the enemy of Madhu? Which bet­ter position is there than that Vishriu, that principle which is every day thought of by you the lord of abstract meditation? Whom, ignoring him, do the fools, proud of their knowledge, worship? О lord, you have for a long time deprived me, that you have not manifested to methis lord, having the divine powers like you. Oh, Visiju, the lord of all, the best among all excellent gods, the first preceptor of you, is looked upon as an ordinary god! The great­ness of the great is that they worship those who deserve worship. Those having forgiveness ignore even those who have become their enemies without any cause. I too, in my childhood saw my father’s starving subjects. Unable to nourish them due to diffi­culty they were supported after having propitiated Lakshmi. Gods like you, Indra and others with kind-hearted friends and kinsmen shine, due to the subjects in whose proximity she stays. Without her where can godhead remain? Where can glory and possessions remain? All living beings live in anguish. Without her there can be no righteousness, no worldly desires, no (satis­faction of) lust. (Then) salvation too is (far) away. How can the hungry and the unfortunate ones have concentration through abstract meditation? He who controls Lakshmi, *is alone the essence of the worldly existence, and the only leader of the entire world. Shankara even abandoned her. He, the magnanim­ous one, is full with humility, purity, handsomeness, wealth, of uprightness and valour surpassing that of all (others). Who can equal that Visiju, god of gods, without whose partial incarna­tion all this world gets dissolved? But the deluded ones call this to be a fault. He has no birth, no death. Nor has he any desired object to be obtained. But, О lord due to my mind attached to lust etc., due to my having been one with you, due to an error, if I am unable to recite every day these thousand names of Visiju, then tell me, О bull-bannered god, that name, by which I shall get that fruit (obtained by the recital of Vishnu’s thousand names).

Mahadeva said:

331. О you beautiful one, О you charming one, (recite) ‘Rama, Rama, Rama’. The thousand names are equal to that.*

 

CHAPTER SEVENTYTWO

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