Vishnu Sahasranaama

Vishnu Sahasranama means the “Thousand Names of Vishnu.” This narrative is based on the comments of Acharya Shankaracharya. Acharya Sankara reached the feet of his Guru, Sri Govindapaachaarya, and on the bank of Narmada, the Nambootiri-boy from kaaladi got initiated into the secrets of the Mahaavaakyas. Craving for the blessings of his teacher, completing his short intense study Sankara, the inspired missionary, went to Govindapa Acharya. By asking to write an exhaustive commentary (Bhaashya) upon the Vishnu Sahasranaama, Sankara was tested by the teacher. The great task was easily accomplished by Sankara, thus the greatest Hindu missionary of 7th century and the first Upanishadic work came to see the light.

Satisfied with the proficiency of the student, Govindaacharya blessed him and set him on the road of service and action. With Lord Vishnu's blessings and his teacher's grace, a revival movement of the decadent culture of the 7th century Hinduism was inaugurated by Sri Sankara. Since then, Sankara’s commentary have endless appeal to the hearts of all devotees.

Sri Veda Vyaasa had composed the Vishnu Sahasranaama, the work can be found in the great epic work, the Mahaabaarata. At the end of the war, the mighty grandsire of Kuru family, Bheeshma Pitaamaha lying on the bed of arrows, was approached by Yudhisthira the eldest of the Pandavas. Yudhishthira, the righteous, had asked six questions, Bheeshma, the constant devotee of Krishna, calmly answered them all. This is how we find the “Thousand Names of Lord Vishnu” introduced in the immortal classic of the Hindus, the Mahaabaarata.