This is the hymn itself: one hundred and eight verses in the anushtup metre, strung together with nothing but names. It begins Vishvam Vishnur vashatkaro bhuta-bhavya-bhavat-prabhuh: he is the universe, the all-pervader, the one invoked in sacrifice, lord of past, future and present. The names that follow speak of his nature as the Paramatma and the witness, of his work as creator, sustainer and destroyer, and of his avatars and deeds: Narasimha, Vamana, Rama, Keshava, Madhava, Govinda, Vasudeva, Narayana. Many names are given more than once, each time with a different meaning. The final verse is a prayer of protection: may the wearer of the forest garland, bearer of mace, bow, conch, discus and sword, Shriman Narayana Vishnu Vasudeva, protect us.
Vishvam, He who is the universe itself; Vishnu, the all-pervading; Vashatkara, He for whom the call 'vashat' is made at the yajna; Bhuta-bhavya-bhavat-prabhu, Lord of past, future and present; Bhutakrit, creator of beings; Bhutabhrit, their sustainer; Bhava, pure existence; Bhutatma, the Self of all beings; Bhutabhavana, He who brings beings forth and nourishes them.
पूतात्मा परमात्मा च मुक्तानां परमा गतिः । अव्ययः पुरुषः साक्षी क्षेत्रज्ञोऽक्षर एव च
pūtātmā paramātmā ca muktānāṃ paramā gatiḥ | avyayaḥ puruṣaḥ sākṣī kṣetrajño'kṣara eva ca
Putatma, He whose nature is pure; Paramatma, the Supreme Self; Muktanam parama gati, the highest goal of the liberated; Avyaya, the changeless; Purusha, who dwells in the body; Sakshi, the witness; Kshetrajna, the knower of the field, the body; Akshara, the imperishable.
Yoga, He who is reached through yoga; Yogavidam neta, the guide of those who know yoga; Pradhana-purusheshvara, Lord of prakriti and of the souls; Narasimha-vapu, who took the form of man and lion; Shriman, ever with Shri, Lakshmi; Keshava, of beautiful hair, or Lord of Brahma and Shiva; Purushottama, the highest of all beings.
Sarva, He who is all; Sharva, who dissolves all at pralaya; Shiva, the auspicious; Sthanu, the immovable; Bhutadi, the source of the elements; Nidhir avyaya, the imperishable treasure; Sambhava, who appears by His own will; Bhavana, who gives each being its fruit; Bharta, the upholder; Prabhava, the origin; Prabhu, the almighty; Ishvara, the ruler.
Svayambhu, the self-existent; Shambhu, who brings happiness; Aditya, the golden being in the sun; Pushkaraksha, lotus-eyed; Mahasvana, whose voice is the great sound of the Veda; Anadi-nidhana, without beginning or end; Dhata, the supporter; Vidhata, who ordains the fruit of action; Dhatur uttama, higher than every support, even Brahma.
Aprameya, beyond all measure of proof; Hrishikesha, master of the senses; Padmanabha, from whose navel the lotus springs; Amaraprabhu, Lord of the devas; Vishvakarma, maker of the universe; Manu, the thinker; Tvashta, who shapes all forms; Sthavishtha, the vastest; Sthavira, the ancient; Dhruva, the unchanging.
Agrahya, beyond the grasp of the senses and mind; Shashvata, the eternal; Krishna, existence and bliss, the dark-hued one; Lohitaksha, red-eyed; Pratardana, destroyer at pralaya; Prabhuta, full of every power; Trikakub-dhama, the support of the three regions; Pavitram, the purifier; Mangalam param, the highest auspiciousness.
Ishana, the ruler of all; Pranada, giver of life; Prana, life itself; Jyeshtha, the eldest; Shreshtha, the most excellent; Prajapati, Lord of all creatures; Hiranyagarbha, the golden womb of creation; Bhugarbha, who holds the earth within Him; Madhava, consort of Ma, Lakshmi; Madhusudana, slayer of the asura Madhu.
Ishvara, the all-powerful; Vikrami, the valiant; Dhanvi, bearer of the bow Sharnga; Medhavi, of vast understanding; Vikrama, who strode across the worlds; Krama, the all-pervading step; Anuttama, unsurpassed; Duradharsha, whom none can overpower; Kritajna, who remembers every good deed; Kriti, action itself; Atmavan, established in His own glory.
Suresha, Lord of the devas; Sharanam, the refuge; Sharma, supreme bliss; Vishvareta, the seed of the universe; Prajabhava, from whom all beings arise; Aha, bright as day; Samvatsara, who is time in the form of the year; Vyala, who cannot be held, like a serpent; Pratyaya, pure awareness; Sarvadarshana, whose eyes are everywhere.
Aja, the unborn; Sarveshvara, Lord of all; Siddha, ever perfect; Siddhi, the fulfilment of all striving; Sarvadi, the beginning of all; Achyuta, who never falls from His nature; Vrishakapi, dharma in the form of the boar who lifted the earth; Ameyatma, of immeasurable being; Sarvayoga-vinihsrita, free of every bond, known through every path.
Vasu, who dwells in all and in whom all dwell; Vasumana, of generous mind; Satya, the Truth; Samatma, equal toward all; Asammita, beyond all measure; Sama, ever the same; Amogha, whose worship never goes fruitless; Pundarikaksha, lotus-eyed, seen in the lotus of the heart; Vrishakarma, whose acts are dharma; Vrishakriti, whose form is dharma.
Rudra, who makes beings weep at dissolution; Bahushira, of countless heads; Babhru, who bears the worlds; Vishvayoni, the womb of the universe; Shuchishrava, whose names are pure to hear; Amrita, the deathless; Shashvata-sthanu, eternal and unmoving; Vararoha, the highest ascent, from which none returns; Mahatapa, of great tapas, great knowledge.
Sarvaga, present everywhere; Sarvavid-bhanu, all-knowing and radiant; Vishvaksena, before whom the asura hosts scatter; Janardana, who punishes the wicked, to whom the people pray; Veda, the Veda itself; Vedavid, knower of the Veda; Avyanga, perfect in every limb; Vedanga, whose limbs are the Vedas; Vedavit, who reflects on the Veda; Kavi, the all-seeing seer.
Lokadhyaksha, overseer of the worlds; Suradhyaksha, overseer of the devas; Dharmadhyaksha, who sees every deed of dharma and adharma; Kritakrita, both effect and cause; Chaturatma, fourfold in creation, preservation and dissolution; Chaturvyuha, of the four vyuhas, Vasudeva, Sankarshana, Pradyumna, Aniruddha; Chaturdamshtra, four-tusked, as Narasimha; Chaturbhuja, four-armed.
Bhrajishnu, pure radiance; Bhojanam, the food that is enjoyed, prakriti; Bhokta, its enjoyer; Sahishnu, who bears and overcomes; Jagadadija, first-born at the beginning of the world; Anagha, sinless; Vijaya, victorious; Jeta, the conqueror of all; Vishvayoni, source of the universe; Punarvasu, who dwells again and again in every body.
Upendra, the younger brother of Indra; Vamana, the dwarf who came to Bali; Pramshu, who grew tall enough to span the worlds; Amogha, whose acts never fail; Shuchi, the pure; Urjita, of great strength; Atindra, surpassing Indra; Sangraha, who draws all in at pralaya; Sarga, creation itself; Dhritatma, steadfast in Himself; Niyama, who appoints each to his task; Yama, the inner controller.
Vedya, the one to be known; Vaidya, knower of all learning; Sadayogi, ever in yoga; Viraha, slayer of mighty asuras; Madhava, Lord of true knowledge; Madhu, sweet as honey; Atindriya, beyond the senses; Mahamaya, master of great maya; Mahotsaha, of great zeal; Mahabala, of great strength.
Mahabuddhi, of supreme intellect; Mahavirya, of great power; Mahashakti, of great might; Mahadyuti, of great splendour; Anirdeshya-vapu, whose form cannot be described; Shriman, full of glory; Ameyatma, of boundless being; Mahadridhrik, who held up the great mountains, Mandara and Govardhana.
Maheshvasa, the great archer; Mahibharta, upholder of the earth; Shrinivasa, abode of Lakshmi; Satam gati, the refuge of the good; Aniruddha, whom none can obstruct; Surananda, joy of the devas; Govinda, who rescued the earth and is praised by the Vedas; Govidam pati, Lord of those who know the Veda.
Marichi, radiance among the radiant; Damana, who restrains the wicked; Hamsa, the swan who frees from fear of samsara; Suparna, of beautiful wings, the Vedas; Bhujagottama, best of serpents, Adishesha; Hiranyanabha, of golden navel; Sutapa, of great tapas; Padmanabha, lotus-naveled; Prajapati, father of all beings.
Amrityu, beyond death; Sarvadrik, who sees all; Simha, the lion who destroys sin; Sandhata, who joins beings to the fruit of their acts; Sandhiman, who also enjoys those fruits; Sthira, ever steady; Aja, the unborn, who moves in all hearts; Durmarshana, unbearable to asuras; Shasta, the teacher through the Shastra; Vishrutatma, of renowned being; Surariha, slayer of the foes of the devas.
Guru, the teacher of all knowledge; Gurutama, the teacher even of Brahma; Dhama, the supreme abode and light; Satya, the Truth; Satyaparakrama, whose valour never fails; Nimisha, whose eyes are closed in yoga-sleep; Animisha, ever watchful; Sragvi, wearing the Vaijayanti garland; Vachaspati, Lord of speech; Udaradhi, of noble understanding.
Agrani, who leads seekers to the highest; Gramani, leader of all beings; Shriman, radiant; Nyaya, the very principle of right reasoning; Neta, the guide; Samirana, who moves all as the life-breath; Sahasramurdha, thousand-headed; Vishvatma, the Self of the universe; Sahasraksha, thousand-eyed; Sahasrapat, thousand-footed.
Avartana, who turns the wheel of samsara; Nivrittatma, whose Self is free from worldly bonds; Samvrita, veiled by ignorance from the unwise; Sampramardana, crusher of the wicked; Aha-samvartaka, who brings on the day as the sun; Vahni, fire that carries the offering; Anila, the wind, life-breath; Dharanidhara, upholder of the earth.
Suprasada, of abundant grace; Prasannatma, ever serene; Vishvadhrik, who holds the universe; Vishvabhuk, who sustains and enjoys it; Vibhu, manifold and all-pervading; Satkarta, who honours the good; Satkrita, honoured by the honourable; Sadhu, who acts by righteousness; Jahnu, who withdraws beings at pralaya; Narayana, the refuge of all beings; Nara, the eternal guide.
Asankhyeya, beyond all number of names and forms; Aprameyatma, of immeasurable nature; Vishishta, the most excellent; Shishtakrit, who commands and protects the good; Shuchi, the pure; Siddhartha, whose every aim is fulfilled; Siddhasankalpa, whose every resolve comes true; Siddhida, giver of fulfilment; Siddhisadhana, the means to that fulfilment.
Vrishahi, the day of dharma, Lord of all yajnas; Vrishabha, who showers every wish; Vishnu, who pervades all; Vrishaparva, whose steps lead up to dharma; Vrishodara, in whose belly all beings rest; Vardhana, who makes beings grow; Vardhamana, who grows as the world; Vivikta, ever apart from all; Shrutisagara, the ocean into which all the Vedas flow.
Subhuja, of beautiful arms that protect the world; Durdhara, whom no one can hold; Vagmi, the eloquent, source of the Veda; Mahendra, the great Lord, Lord even of Indra; Vasuda, giver of wealth; Vasu, wealth itself; Naikarupa, of many forms; Brihadrupa, of vast form, as Varaha; Shipivishta, who dwells in the rays of light, or in the yajna; Prakashana, who illumines all.
Ojas-tejo-dyutidhara, bearer of vigour, valour and splendour; Prakashatma, whose nature is light; Pratapana, who warms the world as the sun; Riddha, rich in dharma, knowledge and detachment; Spashtakshara, whose sound is the clear syllable Om; Mantra, the Vedic mantra itself; Chandramshu, cooling like moonbeams; Bhaskara-dyuti, brilliant as the sun.
Amritamshudbhava, from whom the moon arose at the churning of the ocean; Bhanu, the shining one; Shashabindu, the moon who nourishes the plants; Sureshvara, Lord of the devas; Aushadham, the medicine for the disease of samsara; Jagatah setu, the bridge across the world's ocean; Satya-dharma-parakrama, whose dharma and valour are true.
Bhuta-bhavya-bhavan-natha, Lord of past, future and present; Pavana, the purifying wind; Pāvana, who makes pure; Anala, fire, who is never satisfied in giving; Kamaha, who destroys the desires of seekers; Kamakrit, who fulfils the wishes of devotees; Kanta, the beautiful; Kama, the one desired by all; Kamaprada, giver of what is desired; Prabhu, the Lord.
Yugadikrit, who begins the yugas; Yugavarta, who turns the cycle of yugas; Naikamaya, of many mayas; Mahashana, the great devourer at pralaya; Adrishya, invisible; Vyaktarupa, manifest in form; Sahasrajit, victor over thousands of asuras; Anantajit, of endless victory.
Ishta, dear to all, worshipped in yajna; Avishishta, the indwelling one, alike in all; Shishteshta, beloved of the wise; Shikhandi, crowned with the peacock feather; Nahusha, who binds beings with maya; Vrisha, dharma itself; Krodhaha, who removes anger; Krodhakrit-karta, who acts against those who act in anger; Vishvabahu, whose arms are everywhere; Mahidhara, upholder of the earth.
Achyuta, who never swerves; Prathita, renowned; Prana, the life-breath; Pranada, giver of strength; Vasavanuja, younger brother of Indra, as Vamana; Apam nidhi, the ocean, treasure-house of waters; Adhishthana, the substratum of all; Apramatta, never careless in rewarding deeds; Pratishthita, established in His own glory.
Skanda, who flows as nectar; Skandadhara, upholder of the path of dharma; Dhurya, who bears the burden of all beings; Varada, giver of boons; Vayuvahana, who moves even the wind; Vasudeva, in whom all dwell, the divine son of Vasudeva; Brihadbhanu, of vast radiance; Adideva, the first Deva; Purandara, destroyer of the cities of the asuras.
Ashoka, free of sorrow; Tarana, who carries beings across samsara; Tara, the saviour; Shura, the valiant; Shauri, grandson of Shura, Krishna; Janeshvara, Lord of all people; Anukula, ever favourable; Shatavarta, who came again and again in many avataras; Padmi, holding the lotus; Padmanibhekshana, whose eyes are like the lotus.
Padmanabha, lotus-naveled; Aravindaksha, lotus-eyed; Padmagarbha, worshipped in the lotus of the heart; Sharirabhrit, who sustains all bodies; Maharddhi, of great glory; Riddha, who has become the whole world; Vriddhatma, the ancient Self; Mahaksha, of great eyes; Garudadhvaja, whose banner bears Garuda.
Atula, beyond compare; Sharabha, who shines as the Self in bodies; Bhima, the awesome; Samayajna, who knows the right time for every act; Havirhari, who receives the oblation and takes away sins; Sarva-lakshana-lakshanya, known by every valid means; Lakshmivan, with Lakshmi ever on His breast; Samitinjaya, victor in battle.
Vikshara, the imperishable; Rohita, who took the red form of the fish; Marga, the path to liberation; Hetu, the cause; Damodara, bound at the waist by Yashoda's rope, known by a self-controlled mind; Saha, who bears all; Mahidhara, who holds the earth; Mahabhaga, the most blessed; Vegavan, the swift; Amitashana, who consumes all at pralaya.
Udbhava, the source from which all arises; Kshobhana, who stirs prakriti and purusha at creation; Deva, the shining one at play; Shrigarbha, in whom all glory rests; Parameshvara, the Supreme Lord; Karanam, the instrument of creation; Karanam, its cause; Karta, the doer; Vikarta, maker of the world's variety; Gahana, the unfathomable; Guha, who hides by His maya.
Vyavasaya, pure resolve, knowledge itself; Vyavasthana, in whom the order of all things rests; Samsthana, the final resting place; Sthanada, who gives each his due place, as to Dhruva; Dhruva, the unchanging; Pararddhi, of supreme glory; Paramaspashta, most clearly manifest; Tushta, ever content; Pushta, ever full; Shubhekshana, whose glance is auspicious.
Rama, in whom yogis delight; Virama, in whom all comes to rest; Viraja, free of passion; Marga, the way; Neya, who lets Himself be led by devotees; Naya, the leader; Anaya, who has no leader over Him; Vira, the hero; Shaktimatam shreshtha, mightiest of the mighty; Dharma, dharma itself; Dharmavid-uttama, highest of those who know dharma.
Vaikuntha, who unites the elements in creation and holds them; Purusha, the indwelling Self; Prana, the life-breath; Pranada, giver of life; Pranava, Om itself; Prithu, the vast; Hiranyagarbha, the golden womb; Shatrughna, slayer of the foes of the devas; Vyapta, the all-filling; Vayu, the wind; Adhokshaja, beyond the reach of the senses.
Ritu, time in the form of the seasons; Sudarshana, of auspicious vision, holder of the Sudarshana chakra; Kala, time that counts all; Parameshthi, who abides in the highest glory of the heart; Parigraha, who receives all offerings; Ugra, the fierce; Samvatsara, the year; Daksha, the skilful; Vishrama, rest for those weary of samsara; Vishvadakshina, most able in all things.
Vistara, in whom the worlds spread out; Sthavara-sthanu, firm and unmoving, in whom the firm abide; Pramanam, the measure of all knowledge; Bijam avyayam, the imperishable seed; Artha, the goal sought by all; Anartha, who seeks nothing, being complete; Mahakosha, covered by the great sheaths; Mahabhoga, of great enjoyment; Mahadhana, of great wealth.
Anirvinna, never weary or discontent; Sthavishtha, the vast cosmic form; Abhu, the unborn; Dharmayupa, the sacrificial post to which all dharma is bound; Mahamakha, the great yajna; Nakshatranemi, the centre round which the stars wheel; Nakshatri, the moon among the stars; Kshama, the able, the patient; Kshama, who remains when all has wasted away; Samihana, who wills creation and the welfare of all.
Yajna, the yajna itself; Ijya, the one to be worshipped; Mahejya, most worthy of worship; Kratu, the sacrifice with the sacrificial post; Satram, the long sacrificial session, protector of the good; Satam gati, refuge of the good; Sarvadarshi, the all-seeing; Vimuktatma, the ever-free Self; Sarvajna, the all-knowing; Jnanam uttamam, the highest knowledge.
Suvrata, of excellent vows, who never forsakes the one who seeks refuge; Sumukha, of gracious face; Sukshma, the subtle; Sughosha, whose voice is the Veda; Sukhada, giver of happiness; Suhrit, the friend of all without cause; Manohara, who captivates the mind; Jitakrodha, who has conquered anger; Virabahu, of mighty arms; Vidarana, who tears apart the wicked.
Svapana, who lulls beings into the sleep of maya; Svavasha, dependent on none; Vyapi, all-pervading; Naikatma, who takes many forms; Naikakarmakrit, doer of countless deeds; Vatsara, in whom all dwell; Vatsala, tender to His devotees; Vatsi, protector of the calves, of all children; Ratnagarbha, the ocean holding jewels; Dhaneshvara, Lord of wealth.
Dharmagup, protector of dharma; Dharmakrit, who practises dharma to set the example; Dharmi, upholder of dharma; Sat, the real; Asat, the unmanifest; Ksharam, the perishable; Aksharam, the imperishable; Avijnata, beyond the limited knower; Sahasramshu, the thousand-rayed sun; Vidhata, the great supporter; Kritalakshana, who gave the marks of the Shastras, or who bears the Shrivatsa mark.
Gabhastinemi, at the centre of the wheel of rays, as the sun; Sattvastha, abiding in sattva; Simha, the lion, Narasimha; Bhuta-maheshvara, the great Lord of all beings; Adideva, the first Deva; Mahadeva, the great Deva, who has given up all for the glory of the Self; Devesha, Lord of the devas; Devabhrid-guru, the teacher even of Indra, sustainer of the devas.
Uttara, who lifts beings out of samsara; Gopati, Lord of the cows, of the earth; Gopta, the protector; Jnanagamya, reached through knowledge; Puratana, the most ancient; Sharira-bhuta-bhrit, who sustains the elements that make the body; Bhokta, the enjoyer; Kapindra, Lord of the monkeys, as Shri Rama; Bhuridakshina, who gives abundant gifts at yajnas.
Somapa, who drinks the soma at yajnas; Amritapa, who drinks the nectar of His own bliss; Soma, the moon who nourishes the plants; Purujit, conqueror of many; Purusattama, the greatest of the great; Vinaya, who disciplines the wicked; Jaya, the victorious; Satyasandha, true to every promise; Dasharha, born in the Dasharha clan, worthy of offerings; Satvatam pati, Lord of the Satvatas, His devotees.
Jiva, who as the knower dwells in living bodies; Vinayita, who trains and guides His people; Sakshi, the witness of all; Mukunda, giver of liberation; Amitavikrama, of measureless strides; Ambhonidhi, abode of the waters; Anantatma, the infinite Self; Mahodadhishaya, who rests on the great ocean; Antaka, who brings all things to their end.
Aja, the unborn; Maharha, worthy of the highest worship; Svabhavya, ever established in His own nature; Jitamitra, who has conquered all foes; Pramodana, ever joyful; Ananda, bliss itself; Nandana, who gladdens others; Nanda, full of every delight; Satyadharma, whose dharma is truth; Trivikrama, who covered the three worlds in three strides.
Maharshi Kapilacharya, the great sage Kapila, teacher of Sankhya; Kritajna, who knows all that is done and remembers every offering; Medinipati, lord of the earth; Tripada, who took three steps; Tridashadhyaksha, overseer of the gods; Mahashringa, the great-horned Matsya who towed the boat at the deluge; Kritantakrit, who ends even Death.
Mahavaraha, the great Boar who lifted the earth; Govinda, known through the Vedas and rescuer of the earth; Sushena, with a splendid army of attendants; Kanakangadi, wearing golden armlets; Guhya, the secret one of the Upanishads; Gabhira, unfathomable; Gahana, hard to penetrate; Gupta, hidden from speech and mind; Chakragadadhara, bearer of the discus and mace.
Vedha, the creator; Svanga, who is Himself the means of His work; Ajita, never conquered; Krishna, dark in hue and all-attracting; Dridha, firm; Sankarshana Achyuta, who draws all into Himself and never falls from His state; Varuna, who withdraws the sun's rays at dusk; Varuna, son of Varuna; Vriksha, steady as a tree; Pushkaraksha, lotus-eyed; Mahamana, great of mind.
Bhagavan, possessed of the six glories; Bhagaha, who withdraws that glory at pralaya; Anandi, full of bliss; Vanamali, wearing the forest garland; Halayudha, armed with the plough as Balarama; Aditya, born of Aditi as Vamana; Jyotiraditya, the light within the sun; Sahishnu, who endures all; Gatisattama, the highest refuge.
Sudhanva, bearer of the fine bow Sharnga; Khandaparashu, whose axe cuts down foes, as Parashurama; Daruna, terrible to the wicked; Dravinaprada, giver of wealth; Divahsprik, who touches the sky; Sarvadrik, who sees all; Vyasa, who divided the Veda; Vachaspati, lord of speech; Ayonija, not born of a womb.
Trisama, praised by the three Samans; Samaga, singer of the Sama; Sama, the Sama Veda itself; Nirvana, the final peace; Bheshaja, the medicine for the disease of samsara; Bhishak, the healer; Sannyasakrit, who ordained sannyasa; Shama, inner calm; Shanta, the tranquil; Nishtha, in whom all rests at pralaya; Shanti, peace; Parayana, the supreme goal.
Shubhanga, of beautiful form; Shantida, giver of peace; Srashta, the creator; Kumuda, who delights in the earth; Kuvaleshaya, who lies upon the waters; Gohita, friend of cows; Gopati, lord of the earth and of cattle; Gopta, the protector; Vrishabhaksha, whose eyes shower blessings; Vrishapriya, who loves dharma.
Anivarti, who never turns back from battle or from dharma; Nivrittatma, whose self is withdrawn from sense objects; Sankshepta, who contracts the cosmos at pralaya; Kshemakrit, who brings welfare; Shiva, the auspicious; Shrivatsavaksha, bearing the Shrivatsa mark on His chest; Shrivasa, abode of Shri Lakshmi; Shripati, her lord; Shrimatam Vara, best among the glorious.
Shrida, giver of prosperity; Shrisha, lord of Shri; Shrinivasa, dwelling in the virtuous; Shrinidhi, treasure of all glory; Shrivibhavana, who apportions prosperity by deeds; Shridhara, who holds Shri on His chest; Shrikara, who grants prosperity to devotees; Shreya, the highest good; Shriman, glorious; Lokatrayashraya, refuge of the three worlds.
Svaksha, of lovely eyes; Svanga, of lovely limbs; Shatananda, of a hundredfold bliss; Nandi, supreme bliss; Jyotirganeshvara, lord of the hosts of lights; Vijitatma, who has mastered the mind; Avidheyatma, whom none can command; Satkirti, of true fame; Chhinnasamshaya, free of every doubt.
Udirna, exalted above all beings; Sarvatashchakshu, with eyes everywhere; Anisha, who has no lord above Him; Shashvatasthira, eternal and unchanging; Bhushaya, who lay on the bare ground on the way to Lanka; Bhushana, who adorns the earth with His avataras; Bhuti, all glory; Vishoka, beyond sorrow; Shokanashana, who destroys the sorrow of devotees.
Archishman, radiant, giving light to sun and moon; Archita, worshipped in all the worlds; Kumbha, the vessel in whom all is held; Vishuddhatma, of pure Self; Vishodhana, who purifies by remembrance; Aniruddha, whom none can obstruct; Apratiratha, without a rival; Pradyumna, of great wealth and splendour; Amitavikrama, of measureless valour.
Kalaneminiha, slayer of the asura Kalanemi; Vira, the valiant; Shauri, born in the line of Shura; Shurajaneshvara, lord of heroes; Trilokatma, the Self of the three worlds; Trilokesha, their ruler; Keshava, of beautiful hair, in whom Brahma and Shiva abide; Keshiha, slayer of the demon Keshi; Hari, who takes away sin and samsara.
Kamadeva, desired by all who seek the four aims of life; Kamapala, who guards what is desired; Kami, whose every wish is fulfilled; Kanta, of enchanting form; Kritagama, author of the Shastras; Anirdeshyavapu, whose form cannot be described; Vishnu, the all-pervading; Vira, the valiant; Ananta, the endless; Dhananjaya, Arjuna, His own glory, who won wealth by conquest.
Brahmanya, friend of tapas, the Vedas and the brahmanas; Brahmakrit, creator of Brahman's forms; Brahma, the creator himself; Brahma, the Absolute; Brahmavivardhana, who makes tapas and Veda flourish; Brahmavit, knower of the Veda; Brahmana, who teaches it as a brahmana; Brahmi, in whom all of Brahman's parts reside; Brahmajna, who knows the Vedas as His own Self; Brahmanapriya, dear to the brahmanas.
Mahakrama, of great strides; Mahakarma, of mighty deeds; Mahateja, of great splendour; Mahoraga, the great serpent Vasuki; Mahakratu, the great sacrifice; Mahayajva, the great sacrificer who sets the example; Mahayajna, the great yajna of japa; Mahahavi, the great oblation in which the cosmos is offered into Brahman.
Stavya, worthy of praise; Stavapriya, pleased by praise; Stotra, the hymn itself; Stuti, the act of praising; Stota, the one who praises; Ranapriya, who delights in battle against evil; Purna, complete; Purayita, who fulfils the wishes of others; Punya, holy; Punyakirti, whose fame purifies; Anamaya, free of all ailment.
Manojava, swift as thought; Tirthakara, maker of the Shastras that are fords to liberation; Vasureta, whose seed is gold; Vasuprada, giver of wealth; Vasuprada again, giver of the highest wealth, liberation; Vasudeva, son of Vasudeva; Vasu, who dwells in all; Vasumana, whose mind dwells equally in all; Havi, the oblation itself.
Sadgati, the goal of the good; Satkriti, of noble deeds; Satta, pure existence; Sadbhuti, the true being that shines unbroken; Satparayana, the highest refuge of the wise; Shurasena, with a heroic army; Yadushreshtha, best of the Yadus; Sannivasa, abode of the wise; Suyamuna, around whom the Yamuna and its gopas gathered.
Bhutavasa, in whom all beings dwell; Vasudeva, who covers the world with His maya; Sarvasunilaya, the resting place of all life breaths; Anala, whose power and wealth never reach an end; Darpaha, who humbles the arrogant; Darpada, who gives right pride to the righteous; Dripta, full of His own bliss; Durdhara, hard to hold in the mind; Aparajita, never defeated.
Vishvamurti, whose body is the universe; Mahamurti, of vast form; Diptamurti, of shining form; Amurtiman, without a body born of karma; Anekamurti, who takes many forms as avataras; Avyakta, unmanifest; Shatamurti, of a hundred forms; Shatanana, of a hundred faces.
Eka, the One without a second; Naika, the many through maya; Sava, the Soma sacrifice; Ka, bliss; Kim, the one to be inquired into; Yat, that from which all arises; Tat, That which is spread out; Padam Anuttamam, the unsurpassed goal; Lokabandhu, kinsman of the worlds; Lokanatha, their lord; Madhava, consort of Lakshmi; Bhaktavatsala, tender to His devotees.
Suvarnavarna, of golden hue; Hemanga, with limbs like gold; Varanga, of graceful limbs; Chandanangadi, adorned with sandal paste and armlets; Viraha, slayer of mighty asuras; Vishama, without equal; Shunya, empty of all qualities; Ghritashi, free of every craving; Achala, unmoving; Chala, moving as the wind.
Amani, without pride in what is not the Self; Manada, who gives honour to others; Manya, worthy of honour; Lokasvami, master of the worlds; Trilokadhrik, upholder of the three worlds; Sumedha, of excellent wisdom; Medhaja, born of the sacrifice; Dhanya, blessed and fulfilled; Satyamedha, whose understanding is true; Dharadhara, who bears the earth.
Tejovrisha, who rains down light as the sun; Dyutidhara, bearer of radiance; Sarvashastrabhritam Vara, best of all who bear weapons; Pragraha, who receives the flowers offered by devotees; Nigraha, who restrains all; Vyagra, ever intent on fulfilling devotees' wishes; Naikashringa, of many horns, the four of Dharma; Gadagraja, elder brother of Gada.
Chaturmurti, of four forms; Chaturbahu, four-armed; Chaturvyuha, manifest as the four vyuhas, Vasudeva, Sankarshana, Pradyumna and Aniruddha; Chaturgati, goal of the four ashramas and varnas; Chaturatma, of fourfold mind; Chaturbhava, source of the four aims of life; Chaturvedavit, knower of the four Vedas; Ekapat, one quarter of whom is the universe.
Samavarta, who turns the wheel of samsara; Anivrittatma, never turned away from anything, being everywhere; Durjaya, hard to conquer; Duratikrama, whose command none can transgress; Durlabha, hard to attain without devotion; Durgama, hard to reach; Durga, hard to approach past obstacles; Duravasa, hard to bring into the heart; Durariha, slayer of the wicked.
Shubhanga, worshipped through the auspicious limbs of yoga; Lokasaranga, who takes in what is best in all the worlds; Sutantu, who holds the vast web of the cosmos; Tantuvardhana, who expands and withdraws that web; Indrakarma, whose deeds are like Indra's; Mahakarma, whose works are the great elements; Kritakarma, who has done all that is to be done; Kritagama, who brought forth the Vedas.
Udbhava, source of all and above birth; Sundara, beautiful; Sunda, compassionate; Ratnanabha, with a navel lovely as a jewel; Sulochana, of beautiful eyes; Arka, worthy of worship even by the great; Vajasana, giver of food; Shringi, the Matsya with a horn; Jayanta, the victor; Sarvavijjayi, the all-knowing conqueror of inner foes.
Suvarnabindu, golden of limb, or the Pranava with its bindu; Akshobhya, never disturbed; Sarvavagishvareshvara, lord of all lords of speech; Mahahrada, the great lake of bliss in which yogis bathe; Mahagarta, the great abyss of maya; Mahabhuta, the great being beyond time; Mahanidhi, the great treasure house in which all rests.
Kumuda, who gladdens the earth by lifting its burden; Kundara, giver of pure fruits; Kunda, fair as the jasmine; Parjanya, who rains blessings like a cloud; Pavana, the purifier; Anila, ever awake; Amritamsha, who drinks the nectar of His own bliss; Amritavapu, of deathless body; Sarvajna, all-knowing; Sarvatomukha, facing every direction.
Sulabha, easily reached through devotion, with even a leaf or a flower; Suvrata, of holy vows; Siddha, ever perfect; Shatrujit, conqueror of foes; Shatrutapana, who scorches the enemies of the devas; Nyagrodha, the banyan who stands above all; Udumbara, the fig, above the sky; Ashvattha, the peepal tree of samsara; Chanurandhranishudana, slayer of Chanura of the Andhra people.
Sahasrarchi, of a thousand rays; Saptajihva, Agni with seven tongues of flame; Saptaidha, of seven kinds of fuel; Saptavahana, the sun drawn by seven horses; Amurti, without form; Anagha, sinless; Achintya, beyond thought; Bhayakrit, who brings fear to those on the wrong path; Bhayanashana, who removes the fear of the righteous.
Anu, subtlest of the subtle; Brihat, the vast; Krisha, slender; Sthula, gross, as the Self of all; Gunabhrit, who bears the gunas; Nirguna, beyond the gunas; Mahan, the great; Adhrita, upheld by none; Svadhrita, upheld by Himself; Svasya, of beautiful face, from whom the Vedas came; Pragvamsha, of the most ancient line; Vamshavardhana, who makes the family line grow.
Bharabhrit, who bears the weight of the world as Ananta; Kathita, proclaimed by the Vedas; Yogi, attained through yoga; Yogisha, lord of yogis; Sarvakamada, giver of all wishes; Ashrama, the place of rest for those wandering in samsara; Shramana, who pains the undiscerning; Kshama, who wastes all beings at pralaya; Suparna, the tree of samsara with the Vedas for leaves; Vayuvahana, who makes the winds move.
Dhanurdhara, bearer of the bow as Shri Rama; Dhanurveda, knower of the science of archery; Danda, the rod of chastisement; Damayita, who restrains the wicked; Dama, self-restraint itself; Aparajita, never defeated; Sarvasaha, who endures all; Niyanta, who sets every being to its duty; Aniyama, under no one's rule; Ayama, beyond the reach of death.
Sattvavan, full of valour and strength; Sattvika, established in sattva; Satya, the truth; Satyadharmaparayana, devoted to truth and dharma; Abhipraya, the one whom seekers long for; Priyarha, worthy of every dear offering; Arha, worthy of worship; Priyakrit, who does what is dear to devotees; Pritivardhana, who increases their joy.
Vihayasagati, whose path is the sky; Jyoti, self-luminous; Suruchi, of lovely radiance; Hutabhuk, who eats the oblations; Vibhu, all-pervading; Ravi, the sun who draws up the waters; Virochana, shining in many ways; Surya, who brings forth all; Savita, begetter of the world; Ravilochana, whose eye is the sun.
Ananta, without end; Hutabhuk, receiver of offerings; Bhokta, the enjoyer; Sukhada, giver of happiness and liberation; Naikaja, born many times for dharma; Agraja, the first-born, Hiranyagarbha; Anirvinna, never weary or dejected; Sadamarshi, ever forbearing to the good; Lokadhishthana, the ground on which the worlds stand; Adbhuta, the wonderful.
Sanat, the ancient one, Time itself; Sanatanatama, most ancient of all; Kapila, the tawny sage; Kapi, the sun who drinks the waters; Avyaya, the imperishable in whom all dissolves; Svastida, giver of welfare; Svastikrit, who brings it about; Svasti, auspiciousness itself; Svastibhuk, who enjoys and guards it; Svastidakshina, skilled in bestowing good.
Araudra, free of fierce passion; Kundali, wearing makara-shaped earrings, or Shesha with his coils; Chakri, bearer of the Sudarshana; Vikrami, the valiant whose stride is unmatched; Urjitashasana, whose command is mighty; Shabdatiga, beyond words; Shabdasaha, whom all the Vedas declare; Shishira, cooling like winter for those scorched by sorrow; Sharvarikara, maker of the night of ignorance for the worldly and of the world for the wise.
Akrura, never cruel; Peshala, gentle and lovely in act, word and thought; Daksha, swift and capable; Dakshina, generous; Kshaminam Vara, best of the forbearing; Vidvattama, wisest of the wise; Vitabhaya, free from fear; Punyashravanakirtana, hearing and singing whose glory brings merit.
Uttarana, who carries beings across the ocean of samsara; Dushkritiha, destroyer of evil deeds; Punya, who makes holy; Duhsvapnanashana, who dispels bad dreams; Viraha, who frees beings from the many paths of samsara; Rakshana, the protector; Santa, the righteous in whom He shows Himself; Jivana, who gives life as prana; Paryavasthita, who abides everywhere.
Anantarupa, of endless forms; Anantashri, of endless power; Jitamanyu, who has conquered anger; Bhayapaha, remover of fear; Chaturashra, just, giving each his due; Gabhiratma, of unfathomable nature; Vidisha, who gives varied fruits; Vyadisha, who directs all beings; Disha, who points the way through the Vedas.
Anadi, without beginning; Bhurbhuva, the support of the earth; Lakshmi, the glory of the world; Suvira, of splendid valour; Ruchirangada, wearing bright armlets; Janana, who gives birth to beings; Janajanmadi, the root of their birth; Bhima, terrible to the wicked; Bhimaparakrama, of awesome might.
Adharanilaya, the support of the supports, the elements; Adhata, upheld by none; Pushpahasa, who unfolds as the world like a flower opening; Prajagara, ever awake; Urdhvaga, above all; Satpathachara, who walks the path of the good; Pranada, giver of life; Pranava, the sacred syllable Om; Pana, who gives each the due fruit of action.
Pramana, pure consciousness, the measure of all knowing; Prananilaya, in whom the life breaths rest; Pranabhrit, who sustains the pranas as food; Pranajivana, who keeps beings alive through breath; Tattva, the reality; Tattvavit, knower of that reality; Ekatma, the one Self; Janmamrityujaratiga, beyond birth, death and old age.
Bhurbhuvahsvastaru, the tree whose essence is the three vyahritis, Bhuh, Bhuvah and Svah; Tara, who carries beings across; Savita, father of all; Prapitamaha, great-grandsire, father even of Brahma; Yajna, the sacrifice itself; Yajnapati, lord of sacrifice; Yajva, the sacrificer; Yajnanga, whose limbs are the parts of sacrifice, as Varaha; Yajnavahana, who carries the sacrifice to its fruit.
यज्ञभृद् यज्ञकृद् यज्ञी यज्ञभुक् यज्ञसाधनः । यज्ञान्तकृद् यज्ञगुह्यमन्नमन्नाद एव च
yajñabhṛd yajñakṛd yajñī yajñabhuk yajñasādhanaḥ | yajñāntakṛd yajñaguhyamannamannāda eva ca
Yajnabhrit, who upholds the sacrifice; Yajnakrit, who instituted it; Yajni, the principal to whom it is offered; Yajnabhuk, who enjoys it; Yajnasadhana, attained through sacrifice; Yajnantakrit, who brings it to completion and fruit; Yajnaguhya, the secret of sacrifice, offered without desire; Anna, the food; Annada, the eater of food.
Atmayoni, Himself the source of all; Svayamjata, self-born; Vaikhana, who dug the earth as Varaha to slay Hiranyaksha; Samagayana, singer of the Sama chants; Devakinandana, the son of Devaki; Srashta, the creator; Kshitisha, lord of the earth; Papanashana, destroyer of sin.
Shankhabhrit, bearer of the conch Panchajanya; Nandaki, holder of the sword Nandaka; Chakri, wielder of the discus; Sharngadhanva, bearer of the bow Sharnga; Gadadhara, holder of the mace Kaumodaki; Rathangapani, with the chariot wheel in hand; Akshobhya, never shaken; Sarvapraharanayudha, armed with every weapon. Om, salutations to Him who bears every weapon.
vanamālī gadī śārṅgī śaṅkhī cakrī ca nandakī | śrīmān nārāyaṇo viṣṇurvāsudevo'bhirakṣatu śrīvāsudevo'bhirakṣatu oṃ nama iti |
May Shriman Narayana, Vishnu, Vasudeva, who wears the forest garland and bears the mace, the bow Sharnga, the conch, the discus and the sword Nandaka, protect us on every side. May Shri Vasudeva protect us. Om, salutations to Him.
Text source: Wikisource · CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikisource transcription of a public-domain text)