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The devotees of the deity Vishnu were called Bhaagavat or Vaishnav. By the 6th century, a few Vaishnav scriptures including Bhaagvat Puraan came into existence, and by about 12th century this started growing fast and by 17th century, it reached at its climax.

Vishnu literally means one who pervades everywhere. He is predominantly Saatwik and is responsible for preservation. To protect Dharm and to punish A-Dharm, he takes incarnations - Matsya (Fish), Koorm (Tortoise), Varaah (Boar), Narasinh (Man-lion), Vaaman (Dwarf), Parashuraam (Axe Man), Shree Raam, Shree Krishn, Buddha and finally He will take Kalki (yet to come) incarnation. Some people add Balaraam also to this list. It may be observed that this tallies with the Darwinian theory of evolution.

The 1,000 names of Vishnu are found at two places - (1) In Padm Puraan, and (2) in Anushaasan Parv of Mahaabhaarat, recited by Bheeshm.
But the one found in the Anushaasan Parv of Mahaabhaarat is more popular. Shree Shankaraachaarya Jee says - "Vishnu Sahastra Naam is easy to practice, yields happiness and several benefits. (Sakal Purushaarth Saadhanam, Sukh Sampadyam Alpa Prayasham, Analpa Phalam). He also says that the Sahastra Naam should be sung along with Bhagavad Geetaa (Geyam Geetaa Naam Sahastram).

In order to impress that God is one, this Sahastra Naam contains names of Shiv, Skand, Ganesh, Soorya, Agni etc Devtaa also. And not only these, but even Rishabh and Vardhamaan etc are also mentioned.

Some fifteen great teachers have written explanatory notes (Bhaashya) on this Stotra. Raamaanujaachaarya says that the names represent different aspects of Almighty and that there is connectivity and continuity in the meanings. Madhwaachaarya Jee asserts that Mahaabhaarat represents the essence of all Shaastra and Bhagavad Geetaa and Vishnu Sahastra Naam are the essence of Mahaabhaarat.

Available At
(1) Ramakrishn Mission sell their own edition of Vishnu Sahasra Naam, which is a good one. One can get it from here --
http://www.advaitaashrama.org/Book/Detail/785
In this edition the commentary is written by Shankaraachaarya

(2) It is available at www.gitapress.com too

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