Shri Vishnu Namashtakam
Introduction to Shri Vishnu Namashtakam
The Shri Vishnu Namashtakam beginning with "Achyutam Keshavam Vishnum" is an exceptionally powerful eight-verse hymn that weaves together the most sacred names of Lord Vishnu into a magnificent garland of divine appellations. Each name carries the full potency of the Lord's grace, and chanting them together creates an invincible shield of divine protection.
The name "Achyuta" means the infallible one, "Keshava" the controller of Brahma and Shiva, "Vishnu" the all-pervading one, and so the hymn continues, each name revealing a different dimension of the Lord's infinite nature. The Namashtakam tradition holds that the divine names are non-different from the Lord Himself — chanting His names is equivalent to being in His direct presence.
This ashtakam is one of the most accessible and powerful means of invoking Lord Vishnu's grace. Even a single sincere recitation is said to destroy accumulated sins and bestow divine blessings. It is ideal for daily recitation, especially on Ekadashi, during Vishnu-related festivals, and at the beginning of any spiritual practice.
Shri Vishnu Namashtakam: Sanskrit, English, Tamil & Telugu Verses
॥ श्री विष्णुनामाष्टकम् ॥
॥ श्री गणेशाय नमः ॥
अच्युतं केशवं विष्णुं
हरिं सत्यं जनार्दनम्।
हंसं नारायणं चैव
मेतन्नामाष्टकं पठेत्॥1॥
त्रिसन्ध्यं यः पठेन्नित्यं
दारिद्र्यं तस्य नश्यति।
शत्रुसैन्यं क्षयं याति
दुःस्वप्नः सुखदो भवेत्॥2॥
गङ्गायां मरणं चैव
दृढा भक्तिस्तु केशवे।
ब्रह्मविद्याप्रबोधश्च
तस्मान्नित्यं पठेन्नरः॥3॥
॥ इति श्रीवामनपुराणे विष्णोर्नामाष्टकस्तोत्रं सम्पूर्णम् ॥
॥ Shri Vishnunaamashtakam ॥
॥ Shri Ganeshaaya Namah ॥
Achyutam Keshavam Vishnum
Harim Satyam Janardanam।
Hamsam Naarayanam Chaiva
Metannaamashtakam Pathet॥1॥
Trisandhyam Yah Pathennityam
Daaridhryam Tasya Nashyati।
Shatrusainyam Kshayam Yaati
Duhswapnah Sukhado Bhavet॥2॥
Gangaayaam Maranam Chaiva
Drudhaa Bhaktistu Keshave।
Brahmavidyaaprabodhashcha
Tasmaannityam Pathennnarah॥3॥
॥ Iti Shrivaamanapuraane Vishnornaamashtakastotram Sampoornam ॥
॥ ஶ்ரீ விஷ்ணுநாமாஷ்டகம் ॥
॥ ஶ்ரீ கணேஶாய நமः ॥
அச்யுதம் கேஶவம் விஷ்ணும்ஹரிம் ஸத்யம் ஜனார்தனம்।
ஹம்ஸம் நாராயணம்சைவமேதந்நாமாஷ்டகம் படேத்॥1॥
த்ரிஸந்த்யம் யः படேந்நித்யம்தாரித்ர்யம் தஸ்ய நஶ்யதி।
ஶத்ருஸைன்யம் க்ஷயம் யாதிதுःஸ்வப்னः ஸுகதோ பவேத்॥2॥
கங்காயாம் மரணம் சைவத்ருடா பக்திஸ்து கேஶவே।
ப்ரஹ்மவித்யாப்ரபோதஶ்சதஸ்மாந்நித்யம் படேன்னரः॥3॥
॥ இதி ஶ்ரீவாமனபுராணே விஷ்ணோர்நாமாஷ்டகஸ்தோத்ரம் ஸம்பூர்ணம் ॥
॥ శ్రీ విష్ణునామాష్టకం ॥
॥ శ్రీ గణేశాయ నమః ॥
అచ్యుతం కేశవం విష్ణుంహరిం సత్యం జనార్దనం।
హంసం నారాయణంచైవమేతన్నామాష్టకం పఠేత్॥1॥
త్రిసంధ్యం యః పఠేన్నిత్యందారిద్ర్యం తస్య నశ్యతి।
శత్రుసైన్యం క్షయం యాతిదుఃస్వప్నః సుఖదో భవేత్॥2॥
గంగాయాం మరణం చైవదృఢా భక్తిస్తు కేశవే।
బ్రహ్మవిద్యాప్రబోధశ్చతస్మాన్నిత్యం పఠేన్నరః॥3॥
॥ ఇతి శ్రీవామనపురాణే విష్ణోర్నామాష్టకస్తోత్రం సంపూర్ణం ॥
Verse-by-Verse Meaning of Shri Vishnu Namashtakam
1 First Verse
हंसं नारायणं चैव मेतन्नामाष्टकं पठेत्॥
✦ Phala Shruti — Second Verse (Fruits of Recitation)
शत्रुसैन्यं क्षयं याति दुःस्वप्नः सुखदो भवेत्॥
✦ Phala Shruti — Third Verse (Supreme Fruits)
ब्रह्मविद्याप्रबोधश्च तस्मान्नित्यं पठेन्नरः॥
Spiritual Benefits of Reciting Shri Vishnu Namashtakam
- Power of Divine Names: Each name carries the Lord's full grace
- Destroys Sins: Burns accumulated karmic debts instantly
- Grants Protection: Creates a shield of divine names around the devotee
- Purifies Mind: Cleanses consciousness of all impurities
- Easy to Chant: Accessible to devotees of all levels
- Bestows Devotion: Deepens love for Lord Vishnu
- Removes Obstacles: Clears all hindrances from life's path
- Grants Liberation: Leads to moksha through the power of nama-japa
Chanting Instructions
- Sit in a clean, quiet place facing east or north
- Light a lamp and incense before the image of Lord Vishnu
- Offer tulsi leaves, flowers, or water to the Lord
- Chant each divine name with full awareness and devotion
- Ideal times: Brahma Muhurta, Ekadashi, Thursdays, any time
- Recite 1, 3, 11, or 108 times for maximum spiritual benefit
- Conclude with "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya"
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Vishnu Namashtakam
What is Vishnu Namashtakam?
Vishnu Namashtakam is a sacred Sanskrit hymn that weaves together eight of Lord Vishnu's most powerful divine names into a compact and potent stotra. Beginning with "Achyutam Keshavam Vishnum," it lists the names Achyuta, Keshava, Vishnu, Hari, Satya, Janardana, Hamsa, and Narayana — each representing a unique dimension of the Lord's infinite nature. It is one of the most accessible and widely chanted Vishnu hymns.
Which Purana does the Vishnu Namashtakam come from?
The Vishnu Namashtakam is found in the Vamana Purana (श्रीवामनपुराण), one of the eighteen Mahapuranas of Hinduism. The colophon of the stotra reads "Iti Shri Vamana Purane Vishnor Namashtaka Stotram Sampoornam," confirming its Puranic origin. The Vamana Purana primarily glorifies Lord Vishnu and His Vamana (dwarf) incarnation.
What are the eight sacred names of Lord Vishnu in this stotra?
The eight names are: (1) Achyuta — the Infallible, (2) Keshava — the Beautiful-haired / Slayer of Keshi, (3) Vishnu — the All-pervading, (4) Hari — the Remover of sins, (5) Satya — the Absolute Truth, (6) Janardana — the Liberator of beings, (7) Hamsa — the Supreme Swan, and (8) Narayana — the Refuge of all beings. Each name carries the Lord's full divine potency.
What benefits does chanting Vishnu Namashtakam bestow?
According to the Phala Shruti verses, daily recitation at the three sandhyas (dawn, noon, dusk) destroys poverty, annihilates the forces of enemies, and transforms bad dreams into blessings. It also grants the supreme boon of dying at the holy Ganges, firm devotion to Lord Keshava, and the awakening of Brahma-vidya (knowledge of the Supreme Reality).
When and how many times should one recite this stotra?
The stotra itself prescribes recitation at the three sandhyas — dawn (Pratah-sandhya), noon (Madhyahna-sandhya), and dusk (Sayam-sandhya). For maximum benefit, chant daily 1, 3, 11, or 108 times. It is especially auspicious on Ekadashi, Thursdays, during Vishnu-related festivals, and at the beginning of any spiritual practice.
Can anyone recite the Vishnu Namashtakam?
Yes, absolutely. The Vishnu Namashtakam is one of the simplest and most universal Vishnu hymns — it requires no special initiation or qualification. The Bhagavata tradition teaches that the divine names of the Lord are open to all seekers. Even listening to the recitation with faith brings immense spiritual merit. It is an ideal starting point for those new to Sanskrit hymn chanting.
Is Vishnu Namashtakam available in Tamil lyrics?
Yes. This page includes Vishnu Namashtakam in Tamil script along with Sanskrit and English transliteration so Tamil devotees can chant the divine names of Lord Vishnu with ease.