According to Vaishnavas, Vishnu, the supreme god, has infinite names. 24 of these names of the Lord are present in a group called ‘Chaturvimsati Kesava Namas’.
Etymology
Kesava Namas refers to the 24 names of Lord Vishnu, the first of which is Kesava. They are often referred to as Chaturvimsati Namas.
Background
The 24 forms of Vishnu seem to have been conceived in the Mahabharatha. His roopa and forms are first mentioned in Agni Purana, the Rūpamaṇḍana and the Aparājitapṛcchā. Apart from these they are also mentioned in Vaishnava puranas such as Bhagavata Purana and Vishnu Purana. The Kesava namas were thus well established during the ancient period of Hinduism.
Usage
The Kesava Namas are the most sacred names for Vaishnavites, and are recited and praised at the beginning of all Vaisnav Vedic pujas.
The Achamana is a ritual where the namas are used while simultaneously touching the numerous parts of the body to purify them.
The names form an important part of bhakti devotion with bhaktas like Purandara Dasa having sung many devotional songs in praise of them.
Archanas to Lord Vishnu are incomplete without at least a single recitation of the namas.
Iconography
The 24 Names of Vishnu are all represented as standing and holding 4 of his emblems the chakra, shankha, gadaa, padma
The twenty-four varieties of standing Viṣhṇu images symbolize his different visible forms. The only distinguishing point or difference between these images is merely the order of the emblems held by the four hands, each variety deserving of a separate description. Saint vadiraja tirtha has composed which helps us to remember the order of emblems and the corresponding form of the lord. :File:Chaturvimshati Kesava Roop.jpeg
For Devas, Manushyas, and Dhanavas, he provides sristi, stiti, and laya and he is above this.
In all the three worlds, has over powered the three states:
a. AdhyAtma- Concerning the SELF ; b. Adhibhuta- Concerning five elements pR^ithvi, appu, tEjas, AkAsha & vAyu ; c. Adhidaiva: Concerning divine deities.
Vamana means sundara, dwarf, handsome among all those beautiful
Supplier of things born out of His desire
He is the one who pushed Bali to patala loka
Vamana teaches us that arrogance and pride should be abandoned if any advancement in life is to be made, and that wealth should never be taken for granted since it can so easily be taken away
Lakshmi’s Name
Color of Lord
Tattvas
Vrushaakapi
Rising Sun
Roopa
Shridhara
Main Article Sridhara
Order of Emblems : Chakra,Gada,Shanka, Padma
One who has Sri/Lakshmi in his heart. He who supports goddess Lakshmi
Sridhara means:‘Dhah’ denotes bearing; ‘Rah’ stands for giving blissful joy
The Lord has no need for deriving joy from any external being or source, since he is ‘svaramana’ and ‘ApatakAma’;
It is Sri instead who derives joy by being seated on His chest, without ever becoming a ’cause’ or ‘source’ for the Lord to experience joy.
610th Nama of Vishnu in vishnusahastranama
As per the chatur vyuha concept.. sridhara have emanated from vyuha aniruddha
One who has the lotus in his navel which is the birthplace of Brahma the creator deity of 14 worlds within the universe, one whose navel is as beautiful as lotus flower
One whose nabhi is extremely deep
48th Nama of Vishnu in vishnusahastranama
As per the chatur vyuha concept.. padmanabha have emanated from vyuha aniruddha
letter of gayatri mantra "de"
lord of the Ashwija month
in achanmana.. he is indicated by touching both the thighs
One who was tied with a cord around his waist in Krishna avatara by his mother Yasoda
One who has entire universe as his abode
one who removes all the difficulties of those who have complete control over senses
As per the chatur vyuha concept.. Damodara have emanated from vyuha aniruddha
letter of gayatri mantra "va"
lord of the kartika month
in achanmana.. he is indicated by touching forehead
Lakshmi’s Name
Color of Lord
Tattvas
Indira
Red
Paani
Sankarshana
One who has both the powers of attraction and repulsion, Another name of Ananta Shesha upon whom rests Lord Vishnu within the universe at Ksheera Sagara, One who is the Lord of Ahamkara, Second amongst the fourfold manifestation of Lord Vishnu
Vasudeva
One who resides in all living beings and in turn all living beings reside in him, One who is the Lord of Chitta, Foremost & Supreme amongst the fourfold manifestation of Lord Vishnu
Pradyumna
One who is most wealthy, One who is most lovable, One who is the Lord of Buddhi, Third amongst the fourfold manifestation of Lord Vishnu
Aniruddha
One who is uncontrollable & unstoppable, One who is the Lord of Manas, Fourth amongst the fourfold manifestation of Lord Vishnu
Purushottama
One who is the Supreme Purusha or Supreme God, One who is the Supreme Purusha beyond the Kshara and Akshara
Adhokshaja
One who has eternal knowledge, One who is beyond knowledge acquired through the senses
One with most beautiful dark blue complexion, One who is attractive, one who enchants, One who took Krishna Avatara, One who is always in a state of Bliss
