Ekadashi
The eleventh lunar day is observed by many devotees with worship, remembrance and different forms of fasting. Practice varies by health, family and tradition.
REMEMBRANCE · स्मरण
Words to return to. Days to remember.
Explore names of Lord Vishnu, begin with familiar mantras, understand key festivals and read scripture with its tradition and commentary in view.
NAMES · नामावली
Names to contemplate.
Twelve familiar names of Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna, with brief introductory meanings. Names often carry several interpretations across texts and traditions.
This is a curated introduction, not a complete recitation text. For a full traditional text, see the Vishnu Sahasranama ↗ and learn pronunciation from a qualified teacher.
A READING SHELF
Recitations, with their sources.
These links open complete texts in their own editions. We have not copied another site’s transliteration, translation or recording.
01 / MANTRAS
Begin with attention.
There is no need to rush through a count. Read the words, learn a pronunciation from someone in your tradition if you can, and give your attention to their meaning.
ॐ नमो नारायणाय
Om Namo Narayanaya
A salutation to Narayana. It is widely used for remembrance of Lord Vishnu. The rendering here is an introductory gloss, not a substitute for traditional instruction.
ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya
A salutation to Bhagavan Vasudeva. This mantra appears in the devotional life of many Vaishnava communities; the name Vasudeva is especially associated with Krishna.
02 / FESTIVALS
The year in devotion.
Festival dates depend on location, lunar calculations and tradition. For a date in your city, consult a location-aware calendar and confirm with your temple.
Vaikuntha Ekadashi
Especially prominent in South Indian temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this observance draws devotees to worship and remembrance of Vaikuntha. Temple arrangements can be extensive.
Janmashtami
Lord Krishna's birth is celebrated through night worship, singing, reading and offerings in many communities. Local calendars may distinguish different observance days.
Rama Navami
Celebrates the birth of Lord Rama. Readings from the Ramayana and temple processions are among the many regional ways it is observed.
Narasimha Jayanti
Remembers the Narasimha appearance and the protection of Prahlada. Read the story in Bhagavata Purana Book 7 alongside local temple practice.
03 / SCRIPTURES
Read the source. Notice the lens.
Translations and commentaries reflect particular traditions. Compare interpretations with care, and distinguish a text's narrative from later explanation.
Bhagavad Gita ↗A dialogue in the Mahabharata on action, knowledge, devotion and difficult choice. IIT Kanpur's Gita Supersite offers multiple commentarial views.Bhagavata Purana ↗A central source for the stories here. Vedabase presents an ISKCON / Gaudiya Vaishnava translation and commentary; its chapter navigation is useful for close reading.Vishnu Purana ↗Cosmology, lineages and accounts of Lord Vishnu. Read with attention to the edition and translator named on the source page.