Vishnu Stotram

|| Shri Vishnu Stotram || || Dhyana Shlokah || Shantakaram bhujagashayanam padmanabham suresham Vishvadharam gaganasadrisham meghavarnam shubhangam | Lakshmikantam kamalanayanam yogibhir dhyanagamyam Vande vishnum bhavabhayaharam sarvalokaikantham || || Shri Vishnu Ashtakam || Shri Vishnum jagatam natham mahalakshmipathim prabhum | Vande sarvarthasiddhyartham padmanabham sanatanam || 1 || Narayanam namaskritya naram chaiva narottamam | Devim sarasvatim vyasam tato jayam udirayet || 2 || Sashankha chakram sakirita kundalam Sapita vastram sarasiruhe kshanam | Sahara vakshah sthala kaustubha shriyam Namami vishnum shirasa chaturbhujam || 3 || Chaturbhujam kundalinam vanamalinam | Shrivatsa vaksham shankha chakra dharinam | Nilambudabham karunardra mikshanam | Vande mukundam bhavabandha mochanam || 4 || Pitambaram karavirajita shankha chakram Gambhira nabhi nalina yata lochanadhyam | Shrivatsa lakshana dharam vanamalinam cha Vishnum bhaje bhuvana palana tatparam || 5 || Kshirodamadhye vimale cha padme Sheshopari sthapita divyamurtim | Lakshmidaram kamalapatranetram Vande harim jagadadhisham ajam || 6 || Anadimadhyantavihinam ekam Vibhum chidananda kala vilasam | Bhaktapriyam sarva sukha pradataram Pranamya vishnum pranato'smi nityam || 7 || Svargapavargaphaldam suravaditanghrim Krishnam param purusham adyam ajam cha dhiram | Govindam achyutam anantam aparam isham Vande param paramadhama sanatanam cha || 8 || || Phalashrutih || Idam stotram mahapunyam vishnoh paramadaivatam | Yah pathet pratarutthaya sarvapapaih pramuchyate || Duhsvapnanashanam chaiva susvapnaphaladayakam | Shatrunashakaram chaiva vishnorauryushyavardhanam || || Iti Shri Vishnu Stotram Sampurnam ||

|| Meditation Verse || I bow to Lord Vishnu, who has a peaceful form, who reclines on the serpent Shesha, who has a lotus in his navel, who is the lord of the gods, who is the support of the universe, who is as vast as the sky, who has the color of clouds, who has auspicious limbs, who is the beloved of Lakshmi, who has lotus-like eyes, who is attainable by yogis through meditation, who removes the fear of worldly existence, and who is the sole lord of all worlds. || Vishnu Ashtakam || Verse 1: I bow to Lord Vishnu, the eternal Padmanabha, lord of the worlds, husband of Mahalakshmi, the supreme master, for the fulfillment of all purposes. Verse 2: Having saluted Narayana, Nara the best among men, Goddess Saraswati, and Vyasa, one should then proclaim victory. Verse 3: I bow my head to Lord Vishnu with four arms, who bears the conch and discus, who wears crown and earrings, who is dressed in yellow garments, who has lotus-like eyes, and whose chest is adorned with necklace and the splendor of the Kaustubha gem. Verse 4: I bow to Mukunda, the liberator from worldly bondage, who has four arms, who wears earrings, who is adorned with forest garlands, who bears the Shrivatsa mark on his chest, who holds the conch and discus, who is like a blue cloud, and whose eyes are moist with compassion. Verse 5: I worship Lord Vishnu who wears yellow garments, whose hands are adorned with conch and discus, who has a deep navel, who has large lotus-like eyes, who bears the Shrivatsa mark, who wears the forest garland, and who is devoted to protecting the world. Verse 6: I bow to Lord Hari, the unborn lord of the universe, who has a divine form established upon Shesha in the midst of the Ocean of Milk on a pure lotus, who holds Lakshmi, and who has eyes like lotus petals. Verse 7: Having bowed to Lord Vishnu, who is without beginning, middle, or end, who is one, all-pervading, the play of consciousness-bliss, beloved of devotees, and the bestower of all happiness, I always remain bowing. Verse 8: I bow to the Supreme, the eternal supreme abode - Krishna, the supreme person, the primordial, unborn, steadfast one, Govinda, Achyuta, Ananta, the infinite Lord, whose feet are worshipped by the gods, who bestows the fruit of heaven and liberation. || Phala Shruti || This is the most meritorious stotra of Lord Vishnu, the supreme deity. One who recites this upon waking in the morning is freed from all sins. It destroys bad dreams, grants the fruits of good dreams, destroys enemies, and increases lifespan.

The Sri Vishnu Stotram is a sacred hymn dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the Preserver in the Hindu Trinity (Trimurti). This stotra includes the famous "Shantakaram Bhujagashayanam" meditation verse and the Vishnu Ashtakam (eight verses). Lord Vishnu reclines on the serpent Shesha in the Ocean of Milk (Kshira Sagara), with Goddess Lakshmi as his divine consort. From his navel emerged Lord Brahma who created the universe. The name "Vishnu" means "all-pervading" - one who is present everywhere. His primary names include Narayana (dwelling in waters/hearts), Hari (remover of sins), Govinda (protector of cows/senses), Madhava (lord of knowledge), Keshava (one with beautiful hair), Achyuta (infallible), Mukunda (liberator), and Padmanabha (lotus-naveled). He holds the conch (Panchajanya), discus (Sudarshana), mace (Kaumodaki), and lotus. His vehicle is Garuda, the divine eagle.

Benefits of reciting Sri Vishnu Stotram: 1. Destruction of all sins - All accumulated sins are cleansed 2. Removal of nightmares - Bad dreams are eliminated 3. Fruition of good dreams - Auspicious dreams manifest 4. Destruction of enemies - Enemies and obstacles are overcome 5. Increase in lifespan - Longevity is enhanced 6. Fulfillment of all desires - All righteous wishes are granted 7. Freedom from worldly fear - Liberation from the cycle of birth and death 8. Attainment of liberation - Ultimate moksha is achieved 9. Peace and prosperity - Household harmony and abundance 10. Protection from calamities - Shield against all dangers 11. Mental peace - Relief from anxiety and stress 12. Spiritual progress - Growth in devotion and wisdom Recitation on Ekadashi, Purnima, and Vishnu-related festivals is especially beneficial. Best practices: - Recite after morning bath facing east - Light a lamp before Lord Vishnu's image - Offer Tulsi leaves during worship - Maintain vegetarian diet on recitation days