Yudhishthira, the eldest of the five Pandavas, was mentally weakened because of the war with the Kauravas. The misery and suffering caused by the war further saddened him. Bhishma, his dear grandfather, was lying on his deathbed. With his passing away, his irreplaceable wisdom, based on the experiences of his long life of virtue, righteousness and devotion, would be lost to the world. Sage Vyasa and Sri Krishna advised Yudhishthira, who himself was an embodiment of righteousness and virtue, to seek the advice of Bhishma on any and all aspects of life on which he had doubts. Yudhishthira did as advised, and a series of dialogues ensued between the two and was witnessed by Lord Krishna Himself, and by other great sages including Vedavyasa. In one of these sessions, Yudhishthira sought Bhishma's advice on the easiest and best means by which mankind can attain lasting happiness, peace of mind, and relief from all bondage and sorrows. This was the setting in which Sri Vishnu Sahasranama Stotram was imparted, with the welfare of future generations in mind, by Bhishma to Yudhishthira.
"Sahasranama" means thousand names. By chanting the Vishnu Sahasramana, we understand the thousand indirect and indicative definitions of the Supreme Lord in terms of the known. There are exactly 1031 names of Lord Vishnu in the "Sahasranama". There are some repititions. Since this is a chant of glory, repetitions are generally accepted. Devotees usually chant daily; if this is not convenient, they perform this at least on their birthdays, on eclipse days and on the day which sun moves from one zodiac to another. This chanting has been prescribed by the shastras to prevent troubles arising from the position of stars, planets, anger of rulers, incurable diseases and enemies. Moreover chanting the Vishnu Sahasranama purifies mind there by letting one gain more inner poise for meditation.
HCCC Youth and Education organizes the Vishnu Saharanama Chanting Class. This class is aimed at chanting, learning and understanding the meaning of Vishnusahasranama. At each class, the first half hour is focused on reciting the slokas and the remaining time is spent in learning and understanding the meaning. This class is targeted for children, youth and adults who are interested in learning the Vishnusahasranama. If you wonder how devotees do a complete parayanam, this class is a great opportunity for you to learn. For more information about the program or to enroll, please contact Mr. Ramanathan at a_ramanathan@hotmail.com or Dr. Kamala Shankar at kshankar27@comcast.net.