Vishnu Sahasranama (Opening)विष्णु सहस्रनाम
Devoted to Vishnu (Mahavishnu)
Source: Mahabharata, Anushasana Parva, Chapter 149 — taught by Bhishma to Yudhishthira from his bed of arrows
Transliteration
Vishvam Vishnur-vashatkaaro bhoota-bhavya-bhavat-prabhuh | Bhoota-krit bhoota-bhrit bhaavo bhootaatmaa bhoota-bhaavanah | Pootaatmaa paramaatmaa cha muktaanaam paramaa gatih | Avyayah purushah saakshi kshetrajnyo akshara eva cha
Meaning (English)
Vishnu is the Universe itself, the very utterance "Vashat" of the yajna, the Lord of past, present and future. He is the creator of beings, the sustainer of beings, the very being of beings, the soul of beings, the nurturer of beings. He is the pure Self, the supreme Self, the highest goal of the liberated. He is the imperishable Purusha, the witness, the knower of the field, and the indestructible. These are the opening 9 of the 1008 names sung by Bhishma to Yudhishthira on the battlefield.
Benefits (Phal)
Removes fear of death; relieves grave illness when recited 108 days at brahmamuhurta; called the "supreme dharma" by Bhishma himself. Tamil and South Indian families recite it nightly. Adi Shankara wrote a commentary calling it the most concentrated of all Vishnu stotras.
When to Chant
Brahmamuhurta daily; every Ekadashi; Vaikuntha Ekadashi; during serious illness; at home after Satyanarayan puja.
How to Chant
Sit facing east; tulsi mala; full 108 shlokas + phalashruti ~30 minutes; offer tulsi leaf at each "namo namah"; finish with Vishnu Pranama mantra.
Book a pandit for Vishnu Sahasranama (Opening) jaap
Major sankalp (1.25 lakh count or more) traditionally requires a trained pandit. Verified pandits perform on your behalf with full video proof + sankalpa with your gotra/nakshatra.