विश्वं विष्णुर्वषट्कारः — Word-by-Word Meaning
विश्वं विष्णुर्वषट्कारः
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
विश्वम्
Vishvam
The Universe — He who is the universe itself
विष्णुः
Vishnuh
The All-Pervading One who enters everywhere
वषट्कारः
Vashatkarah
He who is invoked by the 'Vashat' call in every sacrifice
भूतभव्यभवत्प्रभुः
Bhuta-bhavya-bhavat-prabhuh
Lord of the past, the future and the present
भूतकृत्
Bhutakrit
The creator of all beings
भूतभृत्
Bhutabhrit
The sustainer of all beings
भावः
Bhavah
Pure existence; He who becomes all
भूतात्मा
Bhutatma
The innermost Self of all beings
भूतभावनः
Bhutabhavanah
He who nourishes and brings forth all beings
हरिः ॐ
Harih Om
The auspicious invocation 'Hari is Om' that begins the recitation
Complete Translation
हरिः ॐ। वे विश्व (समस्त जगत्) हैं; सर्वव्यापी विष्णु हैं; यज्ञ में वषट्कार द्वारा आहूत हैं; भूत, भविष्य और वर्तमान के प्रभु हैं। वे भूतों के रचयिता (भूतकृत्), भूतों के धारक (भूतभृत्), शुद्ध भाव (अस्तित्व), समस्त भूतों की आत्मा (भूतात्मा) और भूतों का पोषण करने वाले (भूतभावन) हैं।
Origin & History
Source: Vishnu Sahasranama, first naama verse (Mahabharata, Anushasana Parva)
Author: Sage Veda Vyasa; spoken by Bhishma to Yudhishthira
Period: Itihasa period (traditionally Dvapara Yuga)
The Vishnu Sahasranama appears in the Anushasana Parva of the Mahabharata, where Bhishma, lying on the bed of arrows, answers Yudhishthira's question — who is the one supreme refuge? — by reciting the thousand names of Vishnu. After the preliminary salutations and meditation verses, the names themselves begin here, with 'Vishvam Vishnur Vashatkaro', naming the Lord as the universe and the all-pervading reality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first name in the Vishnu Sahasranama?▼
The very first name is 'Vishvam' — 'the Universe', meaning the Lord who is the universe itself. It is followed immediately by 'Vishnu' (the all-pervading) and 'Vashatkara', opening the thousand names of the Lord.
Why does it begin with 'Hari Om'?▼
'Hari Om' is the traditional auspicious invocation chanted before the names. 'Hari' is a name of Vishnu and 'Om' is the supreme sound (Pranava); together they sanctify the beginning of the Sahasranama recitation.
What do these opening names mean?▼
They declare the Lord to be the universe (Vishvam), the all-pervading (Vishnu), the one invoked in sacrifice (Vashatkara), and the Lord of past, present and future, who creates, sustains, indwells and nourishes all beings.
Can I chant just this verse?▼
Yes. While the full Sahasranama has a thousand names, chanting this first verse with devotion is a beautiful way to begin a practice or to invoke Vishnu when time is short.
Ready to start chanting?
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