What is the "Vishnu Shodasha Naam" and why should it be chanted?
The Vishnu Shodasha Nama comprises 16 names of Lord Mahavishnu, who established Dharma in all four ages.
This mantra protects human life from birth to death, from the bondage of the life cycle, from social, physical, and family disasters.
Vishnu Shodasha Naam with meaning
"Auṣadhe cintayet viṣṇuṃ bhojane ca janārdanam"
While taking medicine, remember Shri Vishnu, who sustains, nourishes, and nurtures the universe. While eating, remember Janardan (Shri Krishna, who removes people's sufferings).
"śayane padmanābhaṃ ca vivāhe ca prajāpatim"
While sleeping, remember Padmanabha, who has a lotus in his navel, and at the time of marriage, remember Prajapati, the creator of the universe.
"yuddhe cakradharaṃ devaṃ pravāse ca trivikramam"
During a war, remember Chakradhar (chakra means a weapon, and the Chakradhar incarnation holds it); during a journey, remember Trivikrama (one who crossed the entire universe in three steps).
"nārāyaṇaṃ tanutyāge śrīdharaṃ priyasaṅgame"
At the time of death, remember Narayana; at the time of the union of husband and wife, remember Sridhar (husband of Goddess Lakshmi).
"duḥ svapne smara govindaṃ saṅkaṭe madhusūdanam"
If you have bad dreams, remember Govind, the head of the cowshed or cows – Sri Krishna. In times of trouble, remember Madhusudan (the one who killed the demon Madhu).
"kānane nārasiṅhaṃ ca pāvake jalaśāyinam"
In times of danger in the forest, remember Narasimha (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, whose body was half human and half lion); in times of danger from fire, remember jalaśāyinam (who lives in the ocean).
"jalamadhye vārāhaṃ ca gamane vāmanaṃ caiva"
If you fear drowning, remember Varaha, the boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu. And when crossing the river, remember Vamana, the dwarf incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
"parvate raghunandanaṃ sakala kāryeśu mādhavam"
In times of crisis on the mountain, remember Raghunandan, an incarnation of Sri Vishnu, like Shri Ram. When doing any work, remember Madhav (sweet as honey).
