किमेकं दैवतं लोके — Benefits & How to Chant
किमेकं दैवतं लोके
Complete guide to chanting correctly for maximum benefit
Benefits of Chanting किमेकं दैवतं लोके
Introduces the Vishnu Sahasranamam
one of the most revered hymns in Hinduism
Bhishma declares chanting Vishnu's names the highest of all dharmas
Reflecting on Yudhishthira's six questions clarifies the goal of spiritual life
Believed to free the devotee from the bondage of birth and death (samsara)
An ideal preface to recite before the full thousand names on Thursdays or Ekadashi
Bestows peace, auspiciousness and steadiness of devotion
How to Chant किमेकं दैवतं लोके
Instructions
Recite this opening dialogue before beginning the Vishnu Sahasranamam, after the usual dhyana verses. Sit facing east, calm the mind, and contemplate Bhishma's teaching that constant, devoted praise of Vishnu is the supreme dharma. It may also be recited alone as a concise reminder of the purpose and power of the thousand names.
Spiritual Significance
It is traditionally held that anyone who hears or recites the Vishnu Sahasranamam, introduced by this very dialogue, is freed from all inauspiciousness and the fear of birth, old age, disease and death. Bhishma himself, the greatest of devotees and a master of dharma, chose to impart this hymn as his final and highest teaching.
Origin & History
Source: Vishnu Sahasranamam (opening dialogue), Mahabharata, Anushasana Parva
Author: Sage Veda Vyasa (as spoken by Bhishma)
After the great Kurukshetra war, the patriarch Bhishma lay mortally wounded on a bed of arrows, awaiting the auspicious time to leave his body. Yudhishthira approached him with questions on the highest truths. In response to 'Who is the one God, and what frees a being from rebirth?', Bhishma taught the Vishnu Sahasranamam, declaring the praise of Vishnu's thousand names to be the supreme dharma. This dialogue forms its invocation.