24 Names of Lord Vishnu
Exploring the 24 Names of Lord Vishnu: Significance and Symbolism , Below are the 24 Names of Sri Krishna or Vishnu that are popular as Keshava Namas or The 24 Names of Lord Vishnu.
No | Name | Mantra | 24 Names in Telugu |
1 | Keshava | Om Keshavaaya namaha | ఓం కేశవాయ నమః |
2 | Narayana | Om Naaraayanaaya namaha | ఓం నారాయణాయ నమః |
3 | Madhava | Om Maadhavaaya namaha | ఓం మాధవాయ నమః |
4 | Govinda | Om Govindaaya namaha | ఓం గోవిందాయ నమః |
5 | Vishnu | Om Vishnave namaha | ఓం విష్ణవే నమః |
6 | Madhusudana | Om Madhusoodhanaaya namaha | ఓం మధుసూధనాయ నమః |
7 | Trivikrama | Om Trivikramaaya namaha | ఓం త్రివిక్రమాయ నమః |
8 | Vamana | Om Vaamanaaya namaha | ఓం వామనాయ నమః |
9 | Shridhara | Om Sriidharaaya namaha | ఓం శ్రీధరాయ నమః |
10 | Hrishikesha | Om Hrusheekeshaaya namaha | ఓం హృషీకేశాయ నమః |
11 | Padmanabha | Om Padmanaabhaaya namaha | ఓం పద్మనాభాయ నమః |
12 | Damodara | Om Daamodaraaya namaha | ఓం దామోదరాయ నమః |
13 | Sankarshana | Om Sankarshnaaya namaha | ఓం సంకర్ష్ణాయ నమః |
14 | Vasudeva | Om Vaasudevaaya namaha | ఓం వాసుదేవాయ నమః |
15 | Pradyumna | Om Pradyumnaaya namaha | ఓం ప్రద్యుమ్నాయ నమః |
16 | Aniruddha | Om Aniruddhaaya namaha | ఓం అనిరుద్ధాయ నమః |
17 | Purushottama | Om Purushottamaaya namaha | ఓం పురుషోత్తమాయ నమః |
18 | Adhokshaja | Om Adhokshajaaya namaha | ఓం అధోక్షజాయ నమః |
19 | Narasimha | Om Naarasimhaaya namaha | ఓం నరసింహాయ నమః |
20 | Achchyuta | Om Achyutaaya namaha | ఓం అచ్యుతాయ నమః |
21 | Janardana | Om Janaardhanaaya namaha | ఓం జనార్దనాయ నమః |
22 | Upendra | Om Upendraaya namaha | ఓం ఉపేంద్రాయ నమః |
23 | Hari | Om Haraye namaha | ఓం హరయే నమః |
24 | Krishna | Om Srikrishnaaya namaha | ఓం శ్రీకృష్ణాయ నమః |
Table of Contents
24 Names of Lord Vishnu
In Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu is revered as the preserver and protector of the universe within the trinity of Brahma (creator), Vishnu (preserver), and Shiva (destroyer). Vishnu is depicted as having various avatars (incarnations) to restore cosmic order and uphold righteousness whenever it is threatened. One of the profound ways devotees connect with Vishnu is through chanting his names, which hold deep spiritual significance and symbolism in Hindu tradition.
1. Vishnu Sahasranama and Its Significance
The Vishnu Sahasranama, literally meaning “thousand names of Vishnu,” is a prominent hymn dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is found in the ancient Indian scripture Mahabharata and is chanted by devotees to invoke the blessings and qualities of Vishnu. Each of the thousand names encapsulates a unique attribute or aspect of Vishnu, emphasizing his omnipotence, benevolence, and cosmic role.
Within the Vishnu Sahasranama, the 24 names of Lord Vishnu stand out as they highlight specific qualities and roles of Vishnu that are particularly revered by devotees.
Meaning and Significance of Each Name
Each name of Lord Vishnu holds deep philosophical, symbolic, and mythological significance:
- Kesava symbolizes beauty and grace.
- Narayana represents the ultimate refuge for all beings.
- Madhava signifies prosperity and bliss.
- Govinda reflects compassion and protection.
- Vishnu underscores omnipresence and omnipotence.
- Madhusudana highlights the destruction of evil.
- Trivikrama symbolizes transcendence over limitations.
- Vamana embodies humility and righteousness.
- Sridhara signifies sustenance and prosperity.
- Hrishikesha denotes mastery over the senses.
- Padmanabha symbolizes cosmic creation.
- Damodara reflects playfulness and charm.
- Sankarshana signifies strength and agriculture.
- Vasudeva represents indwelling divinity.
- Pradyumna embodies love and purity.
- Aniruddha reflects invincibility and presence.
- Purushottama signifies supreme reality.
- Adhokshaja represents divine mystery.
- Narasimha symbolizes courage and protection.
- Achyuta denotes steadfastness and reliability.
- Janardana reflects benevolence and blessings.
- Upendra signifies surpassing authority.
- Hari represents enlightenment and knowledge.
- Sri Krishna embodies teachings and devotion.
Cultural Impact and Reverence
The 24 names of Lord Vishnu have left an indelible mark on Hindu culture, influencing various aspects of religious and social life:
- Art and Literature: Vishnu’s names have inspired countless works of art, literature, music, and dance throughout history. Depictions of Vishnu’s incarnations and his divine attributes adorn temples and manuscripts across India and beyond.
- Religious Rituals: Chanting Vishnu Sahasranama is a central part of many religious ceremonies, festivals, and daily worship practices among Hindus worldwide. It strengthens communal bonds and fosters a sense of spiritual unity.
- Philosophical Discourses: Scholars and spiritual leaders frequently expound upon the meanings of Vishnu’s names in discourses and theological debates, enriching the understanding of devotees and seekers alike.
- Social Impact: The values embodied in Vishnu’s names, such as righteousness (dharma), compassion, and justice, have guided societal norms and ethics in Hindu communities for centuries.
The 24 names of Lord Vishnu encompass profound spiritual, philosophical, and cultural significance within Hinduism. Each name illuminates different facets of Vishnu’s divine persona, offering devotees pathways to deeper understanding, devotion, and spiritual growth. Whether recited individually or as part of the Vishnu Sahasranama, these names continue to inspire reverence, reflection, and a sense of awe among millions worldwide, reaffirming Vishnu’s timeless presence as the protector and preserver of the universe.
Why are there specifically 24 names of Lord Vishnu in the Vishnu Sahasranama?
The Vishnu Sahasranama originally consists of 1000 names of Vishnu. The 24 names discussed here are a selection that highlights Vishnu’s key attributes, incarnations, and roles in maintaining cosmic order.
How should one chant Vishnu’s names for maximum spiritual benefit?
Chanting Vishnu’s names with sincerity, devotion, and understanding of their meanings is considered beneficial. Regular chanting, especially during auspicious occasions or daily prayers, is recommended.
Are the names of Vishnu interchangeable with those of other Hindu deities?
While Vishnu’s names are specific to his divine qualities and incarnations, similar attributes may be found in other deities within the Hindu pantheon. Each deity’s names reflect their unique roles and attributes.
What is the significance of reciting Vishnu Sahasranama?
Reciting Vishnu Sahasranama is believed to bestow spiritual blessings, protect devotees from harm, and purify the mind and soul. It is a form of devotional practice that fosters a deeper connection with Vishnu.
How can one apply the teachings from Vishnu’s names in everyday life?
Reflecting on Vishnu’s names can inspire virtues such as compassion, humility, courage, and righteousness in daily interactions and decision-making. Applying these principles promotes personal growth and spiritual well-being.