Lord Vishnu, the preserver and the protector among the sacred Hindu trinity, is revered as one of the most powerful and compassionate deities. He is known by countless names, each reflecting a unique aspect of his divine nature.
Devotees across the world chant different names of Lord Vishnu to honor his timeless avatars, his heroic deeds, and his unwavering role in maintaining cosmic harmony.
So, in this blog, we will take a look at 108 names of Lord Vishnu (also known as Ashtottara Shatanamavali) while understanding the meaning behind them along with their mantras.
Who is Lord Vishnu?
A key deity in Hinduism, especially in Vaishnavism, Lord Vishnu is regarded as the universe's guardian within the Hindu Trinity (Trimurti), which also includes Shiva and Brahma.
When evil forces threaten dharma, he is believed to uphold equilibrium and restore order, often appearing as different incarnations (or avatars) to achieve this. He is often portrayed resting peacefully on the cosmic serpent Sheshnag while holding a symbolic object in each of his four hands: a conch, discus, lotus, and mace. Each of these items represents a deeper spiritual truth.
108 Names of Lord Vishnu
|
Sr. No. |
Names of Lord Vishnu |
Meaning |
Mantra |
|
1 |
Vishnu |
One who is supreme |
ॐ विष्णवे नमः। (Om Vishnave Namah) |
|
2 |
Lakshmipati |
Husband of Goddess Laxmi |
ॐ लक्ष्मीपतये नमः। (Om Lakshmipataye Namah) |
|
3 |
Krishna |
All-attractive |
ॐ कृष्णाय नमः। (Om Krishnaya Nama) |
|
4 |
Vaikunthaya |
One who resides in Vaikhuntha |
ॐ वैकुण्ठाय नमः। (Om Vaikunthaya Namah) |
|
5 |
Garudadhvaja |
Garuda-bannered deity |
ॐ गरुडध्वजाय नमः। (Om Garudadhwajaya Namah) |
|
6 |
Parabrahmane |
Supreme godhead |
ॐ परब्रह्मणे नमः। (Om Parabrahmane Namah) |
|
7 |
Jagannath |
One who is the God of the whole universe |
ॐ जगन्नाथाय नमः। (Om Jagannathaya Namah) |
|
8 |
Vasudeva |
One who resides in everything |
ॐ वासुदेवाय नमः। (Om Vasudevaya Namah) |
|
9 |
Trivikram |
One who is victorious in the three realms |
ॐ त्रिविक्रमाय नमः। (Om Trivikramaya Namah) |
|
10 |
Daityantaka |
One who annihilates the demons. |
ॐ दैत्यान्तकाय नमः। (Om Daityantakaya Namah) |
|
11 |
Madhuripu |
Enemy of Madhu |
ॐ मधुरिपवे नमः। (Om Madhuripave Namah) |
|
12 |
Tarkshyavahana |
One who is the rider of Tarkshya, or Garuda |
ॐ तार्क्ष्यवाहनाय नमः। Om (Tarkshyavahanaya Namah) |
|
13 |
Sanatana |
One who is eternal |
ॐ सनातनाय नमः। (Om Sanatanaya Namah) |
|
14 |
Narayan |
One who is the foundation of all men |
ॐ नारायणाय नमः। (Om Narayanaya Namah) |
|
15 |
Padmanabha |
One with lotus in his navel |
ॐ पद्मनाभाय नमः। (Om Padmanabhaya Namah) |
|
16 |
Hrishikeshaya |
Lord of the senses |
ॐ हृषीकेशाय नमः। (Om Hrishikeshaya Namah) |
|
17 |
Sudhaprad |
One who is the bestower of nectar |
ॐ सुधाप्रदाय नमः। (Om Sudhapradaya Namah) |
|
18 |
Madhav |
One who is sweet like honey |
ॐ माधवाय नमः। (Om Madhavaya Namah) |
|
19 |
Pundarikaksh |
One who possess eyes like lotus |
ॐ पुण्डरीकाक्षाय नमः (Om Pundarikakshaya Namah) |
|
20 |
Sthitikarta |
One who maintains the entire universe |
ॐ स्थितिकर्त्रे नमः। (Om Sthitikarta Namah) |
|
21 |
Paratpara |
Supreme among the supreme |
ॐ परात्पराय नमः। (Om Paratparaya Namah) |
|
22 |
Vanamali |
One who wears a garland of forest flowers |
ॐ वनमालिने नमः। (Om Vanamaline Namah) |
|
23 |
Yajnarupa |
One who is as pure and divine as Yajna |
ॐ यज्ञरूपाय नमः। (Om Yajnarupaya Namah) |
|
24 |
Chakrapani |
One who holds the divine discus |
ॐ चक्रपाणये नमः। (Om Chakrapanaye Namah) |
|
25 |
Gadadhara |
One who wields the mace |
ॐ गदाधराय नमः। (Om Gadadharaya Namah) |
|
26 |
Upendra |
One who is the brother of Indra |
ॐ उपेन्द्राय नमः। (Om Upendraya Namah) |
|
27 |
Keshava |
One who has beautiful long hair |
ॐ केशवाय नमः। (Om Keshavaya Namah) |
|
28 |
Hansa |
One who rides hansa (swan) |
ॐ हंसाय नमः। (Om Hamsaya Namah) |
|
29 |
Samudramathana |
One who churns the ocean |
ॐ समुद्रमथनाय नमः। Om (Samudramathanaya Namah) |
|
30 |
Hari |
One who removes all obstacles |
ॐ हरये नमः। (Om Haraye Namah) |
|
31 |
Govinda |
One who protects to cows |
ॐ गोविन्दाय नमः। (Om Govindaya Namah) |
|
32 |
Brahmajanaka |
One who made Lord Brahma emerge |
ॐ ब्रह्मजनकाय नमः। (Om Brahmajanakaya Namah) |
|
33 |
Kaitabhasuramardana |
One who defeated the Kaitabha named demon |
ॐ कैटभासुरमर्दनाय नमः। (Om Kaitabhasuramardanaya Namah) |
|
34 |
Shridhara |
One who possess fortune |
ॐ श्रीधराय नमः। (Om Shridharaya Namah) |
|
35 |
Kamajanaka |
One who is the granter of wishes |
ॐ कामजनकाय नमः। (Om Kamajanakaya Namah) |
|
36 |
Sheshashayi |
One who rests on the Seshnaag |
ॐ शेषशायिने नमः। (Om Sheshashayine Namah) |
|
37 |
Chaturbhuja |
One who bears four arms |
(ॐ चतुर्भुजाय नमः। Om Chaturbhujaya Namah) |
|
38 |
Panchajanyadhara |
One who holds the Panchajanya conch |
ॐ पाञ्चजन्यधराय नमः।(Om Panchajanyadharaya Namah) |
|
39 |
Shriman |
One who is virtuous |
ॐ श्रीमते नमः। (Om Shrimate Namah) |
|
40 |
Sarangapani |
One who has bow in his hand |
ॐ शार्ङ्गपाणये नमः। (Om Sharngapanaye Namah) |
|
41 |
Janardana |
One who is the helper of all |
ॐ जनार्दनाय नमः। Om Janardanaya Namah। |
|
42 |
Pitambaradhara |
One who is the wearer of yellow clothes |
ॐ पीताम्बरधराय नमः (Om Pitambaradharaya Namah) |
|
43 |
Deva |
One who is the divine being |
ॐ पीताम्बरधराय नमः (Om Pitambaradharaya Namah) |
|
44 |
Suryachandravilochana |
One who has the sun and the moon as eyes |
ॐ सूर्यचन्द्रविलोचनाय नमः। (Om Suryachandravilochanaya Namah) |
|
45 |
Matsyarupa |
One who has the form of a fish |
ॐ मत्स्यरूपाय नमः। (Om Matsyarupaya Namah) |
|
46 |
Kurmatanu |
One with the form of a Tortoise |
ॐ कूर्मतनवे नमः। (Om Kurmatanave Namah) |
|
47 |
Krodarupa |
One in the form of wrath |
ॐ क्रोडरूपाय नमः। (Om Krodarupaya Namah) |
|
48 |
Nrikesari |
One with the form of a lion |
ॐ नृकेसरिणे नमः। (Om Nrikesarine Namah) |
|
49 |
Vamana |
One who is short in stature, meaning Vamana, an avatar of Lord Vishnu |
ॐ वामनाय नमः। Om Vamanaya Namah। |
|
50 |
Bhargava |
Another name for Lord Parshuram, an avatar of Lord Vishnu |
ॐ भार्गवाय नमः। (Om Bhargavaya Namah) |
|
51 |
Rama |
An avatar of Lord Vishnu |
ॐ रामाय नमः। (Om Ramaya Namah) |
|
52 |
Bali |
One who is unmatched in power |
ॐ बलिने नमः। (Om Baline Namah) |
|
53 |
Kalki |
Bhagwan Kalki, an avatar of Lord Vishnu |
ॐ कल्किने नमः। (Om Kalkine Namah) |
|
54 |
Hayanana |
One who is Horse-faced, meaning Hayagriva, an avatar of Vishnu with a horse's head |
ॐ हयाननाय नमः। (Om Hayananaya Namah) |
|
55 |
Vishwambhara |
One who protects the whole universe |
ॐ विश्वम्भराय नमः। (Om Vishwambharaya Namah) |
|
56 |
Shishumara |
One in the form of a dolphin |
ॐ शिशुमाराय नमः। (Om Shishumaraya Namah) |
|
57 |
Shrikara |
One who is the provider of wealth |
ॐ श्रीकराय नमः। (Om Shrikaraya Namah) |
|
58 |
Kapila |
One who came in the form of a great sage, Kapil |
ॐ कपिलाय नमः। (Om Kapilaya Namah) |
|
59 |
Dhruva |
One who is fixed or constant |
ॐ ध्रुवाय नमः। (Om Dhruvaya Namah) |
|
60 |
Dattatreya |
One who is the teacher of the universe |
ॐ दत्तत्रेयाय नमः। (Om Dattatreyaya Namah) |
|
61 |
Achyuta |
One who is imperishable and indestructible |
ॐ अच्युताय नमः। (Om Achyutaya Namah) |
|
62 |
Ananta |
One who is infinite |
ॐ अनन्ताय नमः। (Om Anantaya Namah) |
|
63 |
Mukunda |
One who is the provider of freedom |
ॐ मुकुन्दाय नमः। (Om Mukundaya Namah) |
|
64 |
Dadhivamana |
Dwarf who used curd, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu |
ॐ दधिवामनाय नमः। (Om Dadhivamanaya Namah) |
|
65 |
Dhanvantari |
One with the form of a divine physician |
ॐ धन्वन्तरये नमः। (Om Dhanvantaraye Namah) |
|
66 |
Shrinivasa |
The place where Goddess Laxmi resides |
ॐ श्रीनिवासाय नमः। (Om Shrinivasaya Namah) |
|
67 |
Pradyumna |
Son of Krishna, a form of Lord Vishnu |
ॐ प्रद्युम्नाय नमः। (Om Pradyumnaya Namah) |
|
68 |
Purushottama |
One who is the supreme person |
ॐ पुरुषोत्तमाय नमः। (Om Purushottamaya Namah) |
|
69 |
Shrivatsakaustubhadhara |
One who is the bearer of Srivatsa and Kaustubha, i.e, divine mark and jewelry |
ॐ श्रीवत्सकौस्तुभधराय नमः। (Om Shrivatsakaustubhadharaya Namah) |
|
70 |
Murarati |
One who is the vanquisher of all the demons |
ॐ मुरारातये नमः। (Om Murarataye Namah) |
|
71 |
Adhokshaja |
One who is beyond sense of perception |
ॐ अधोक्षजाय नमः। (Om Adhokshajaya Namah) |
|
72 |
Rishabha |
Bhagwan Rishabh, who was an avatar of Lord Vishnu |
ॐ ऋषभाय नमः। (Om Rishabhaya Namah) |
|
73 |
Mohinirupadhari |
One who assumed the form of Mohini |
ॐ मोहिनीरूपधारिणे नमः। (Om Mohinirupadharine Namah) |
|
74 |
Sankarshana |
Name of Balarama, brother of Lord Krishna and an avatar of Lord Vishnu |
ॐ सङ्कर्षणाय नमः। (Om Sankarshanaya Namah) |
|
75 |
Prthave |
The broad one |
ॐ पृथवे नमः। (Om Prithave Namah) |
|
76 |
Kshirabdhishayi |
One who rests on the ocean of milk |
ॐ क्षीराब्धिशायिने नमः। (Om Kshirabdhishayine Namah) |
|
77 |
Bhutatma |
One who is present in all living beings |
ॐ भूतात्मने नमः। (Om Bhutatmane Namah) |
|
78 |
Aniruddha |
One who is unobstructed, and unstoppable |
ॐ अनिरुद्धाय नमः। (Om Aniruddhaya Namah) |
|
79 |
Bhaktavatsala |
One who is caring and affectionate to his devotees |
ॐ भक्तवत्सलाय नमः। (Om Bhaktavatsalaya Namah) |
|
80 |
Naraya |
One who is the refuge of humanity |
ॐ नराय नमः। (Om Naraya Namah) |
|
81 |
Gajendravarada |
One who blessed Gajendra, the Elephant King |
ॐ गजेन्द्रवरदाय नमः। (Om Gajendravaradaya Namah) |
|
82 |
Tridhama |
One who is the ruler of three abodes |
ॐ त्रिधाम्ने नमः। (Om Tridhamne Namah) |
|
83 |
Bhutabhavana |
One who is the creator and nurturer of all beings |
ॐ भूतभावनाय नमः। Om Bhutabhavanaya Namah। |
|
84 |
Shwetadwipasuvastavya |
One who resides in svetadvipa, the realm of purity and eternal bliss |
ॐ श्वेतद्वीपसुवास्तव्याय नमः। (Om Shwetadwipasuvastavyaya Namah) |
|
85 |
Sankadimunidhyeya |
One who is meditated upon by sages like Sanaka |
ॐ सनकादिमुनिध्येयाय नमः। (Om Sankadimunidhyeyaya Namah) |
|
86 |
Bhagwan |
One who is the supreme-being |
ॐ भगवते नमः। (Om Bhagavate Namah) |
|
87 |
Shankarapriya |
One who is loved by the God Shankara |
ॐ शङ्करप्रियाय नमः। (Om Shankarapriyaya Namah) |
|
88 |
Nilakanta |
One who is blue-throated |
ॐ नीलकान्ताय नमः। (Om Nilakantaya Namah) |
|
89 |
Dharakanta |
Protector & preserver of the world |
ॐ धराकान्ताय नमः। (Om Dharakantaya Namah) |
|
90 |
Vedatma |
One who embodies the essence of Vedas |
ॐ वेदात्मने नमः। (Om Vedatmane Namah) |
|
91 |
Badarayana |
Another name for Sage Vyasa, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu |
ॐ बादरायणाय नमः। (Om Badarayanaya Namah) |
|
92 |
Bhagirathijanmabhumipadapadma |
One with the lotus feet on the birthplace of the Ganges |
ॐ भागीरथीजन्मभूमिपादपद्माय नमः। (Om Bhagirathijanmabhumipadapadmaya Namah) |
|
93 |
Satam Prabhu |
One who is the lord of hundreds |
ॐ सतां प्रभवे नमः। (Om Satam Prabhave Namah) |
|
94 |
Swabhu |
One who is self-existent |
ॐ स्वभुवे नमः। (Om Swabhuve Namah) |
|
95 |
Vibhu |
One who is all-pervading |
ॐ विभवे नमः। (Om Vibhave Namah) |
|
96 |
Ghanashyama |
Another name of Lord Krishna, an avatar of Lord Vishnu |
ॐ घनश्यामाय नमः। (Om Ghanashyamaya Namah) |
|
97 |
Jagatkarana |
One who is the cause of all the creation |
ॐ जगत्कारणाय नमः। (Om Jagatkaranaya Namah) |
|
98 |
Avyayaya |
One who is imperishable |
ॐ अव्ययाय नमः। (Om Avyayaya Namah) |
|
99 |
Buddhavatara |
Bhagwan Buddha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu |
ॐ बुद्धावताराय नमः। (Om Buddhavataraya Namah) |
|
100 |
Shantatma |
One who is boundlessly peaceful soul |
ॐ शान्तात्मने नमः। (Om Shantatmane Namah) |
|
101 |
Lilamanushavigraha |
One who takes on a human form for divine play (lila) |
ॐ लीलामानुषविग्रहाय नमः। (Om Lilamanushavigrahaya Namah) |
|
102 |
Damodara |
One with a rope around his waist |
ॐ दामोदराय नमः। (Om Damodaraya Namah) |
|
103 |
Viradrupa |
One with the cosmic form |
ॐ विराड्रूपाय नमः। (Om Viradrupaya Namah) |
|
104 |
Bhutabhavyabhavatprabhu |
The spirit who is in the past, present, and future |
ॐ भूतभव्यभवत्प्रभवे नमः। (Om Bhutabhavyabhavatprabhave Namah) |
|
105 |
Adideva |
One who is the primeval deity |
ॐ आदिदेवाय नमः। (Om Adidevaya Namah) |
|
106 |
Devadeva |
One who is the lord of all the lords |
ॐ देवदेवाय नमः। (Om Devadevaya Namah) |
|
107 |
Prahladaparipalaka |
One who protected Prahlada |
ॐ प्रह्लादपरिपालकाय नमः। (Om Prahladaparipalakaya Namah) |
|
108 |
Shrimahavishnu |
The great Vishnu |
ॐ श्रीमहाविष्णवे नमः। (Om Shrimahavishnave Namah) |
The Benefits of Chanting Names of Lord Vishnu
Chanting names of Lord Vishnu, particularly Vishnu Ashtottara Shatanamavali, is considered extremely auspicious and powerful. It is associated with bringing both mental as well as physical benefits.
-
It can help overcome the negative planetary influences.
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It can help in spiritual growth and attain the knowledge of the Atma (conscience).
-
It can overcome financial difficulties and bring good luck.
-
It can calm the mind, provide mental focus, and reduce stress and anxiety.
-
It can invoke divine blessings and bring prosperity in life.
Conclusion
Lord Vishnu is the ultimate source of divine power, the protector and the preserver of the universe. No matter which names you remember him by, if you invoke his blessings with devotion, he will surely illuminate the path to spiritual awakening and eternal bliss.
So, chant these names of Lord Vishnu and celebrate the divine energy that maintains the cosmos.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What are the names of Vishnu's 10 avatar?
A. Here are the names of Lord Vishnu’s 10 avatar:
-
Matsya – The fish (saved the Vedas from a great flood)
-
Kurma – The tortoise (helped in the churning of the ocean)
-
Varaha – The boar (rescued the Earth from the demon Hiranyaksha)
-
Narasimha – The half-man, half-lion (destroyed the demon Hiranyakashipu)
-
Vamana – The dwarf (subdued the demon king Bali)
-
Parashurama – The warrior with an axe (destroyed corrupt Kshatriyas)
-
Rama – The prince of Ayodhya (hero of the Ramayana)
-
Krishna – The divine cowherd and statesman (central figure in the Mahabharata)
-
Balarama (or sometimes Buddha) – Krishna’s elder brother or the enlightened one
-
Kalki – The future avatar, yet to appear, who will end the age of darkness (Kali Yuga)
Q. Why does Vishnu have 108 names?
A. The number 108 is considered sacred in Hindu tradition and symbolizes completeness and spiritual fulfillment. Each of the 108 names of Vishnu represents a different attribute, quality, or divine act of the deity, helping devotees to understand and connect with his many facets.
Q. What is the benefit of chanting 108 names of Vishnu?
A. Chanting the 108 names of Vishnu, also known as the "Vishnu Ashtottara Shatanamavali," is believed to purify the mind, cultivate inner peace, and bring divine blessings. It strengthens one's devotion (bhakti), aligns the mind with positive energies, and helps in overcoming difficulties. Regular recitation is said to bring spiritual protection, enhance mental clarity, and promote overall well-being.
Q. What are the 24 names of Lord Vishnu?
A. The 24 names of Lord Vishnu, often referred to during ritualistic worship and archana (prayer offerings), are a shorter list emphasizing some of his most revered qualities. These names are:
-
Keshava
-
Narayana
-
Madhava
-
Govinda
-
Vishnu
-
Madhusudana
-
Trivikrama
-
Vamana
-
Shridhara
-
Hrishikesha
-
Padmanabha
-
Damodara
-
Sankarshana
-
Vasudeva
-
Pradyumna
-
Aniruddha
-
Purushottama
-
Adhokshaja
-
Narasimha
-
Achyuta
-
Janardana
-
Upendra
-
Hari
-
Sri Krishna
These names are frequently chanted in prayers, especially during Vishnu-related festivals and rituals.
