He is the lord of all accomplishments, long-lived, self-controlled, and master of his senses. When they met, their eyes blossomed with joy, and they greeted each other with deep respect. The best of the gods, seated comfortably and at ease, inquired after each other's supreme well-being. With reverence, one asked, “O Lord, by what means may my subjects remain free from affliction?” The reply came: “This practice destroys all sin, is meritorious, and bestows every happiness. It is the great Brāhmī knowledge, not to be given to just anyone—never to one who is envious, harsh, or driven by desire. This is the most secret teaching, the destroyer of all sins.” Then, the thousand names of Vishnu were revealed—names auspicious and fostering devotion to Vishnu. The hymn began: Om. For this thousand-named hymn of Śrī Viṣṇu, Mārkaṇḍeya is the seer, Viṣṇu is the deity, the meter is Anuṣṭubh, and its recitation fulfills all desires. Vishnu is dark as a rain-laden cloud, noble in character, holding a mountain in his hand, and delighting in the music of the flute. Om. Viśva, Viṣṇu, Hṛṣīkeśa—the soul of all, creator of all beings. He is the god without beginning or end, all-knowing, the origin of all. He is the seed, creator, lord, and master of the universe. Janārdana bears all forms, and is of all universal shapes. He is of many forms and of one form, bearing all forms—Hara. He is the great ocean, the great cloud, the origin of water bubbles. He is Ananta, Vāsuki, Śeṣa, Varāha—the supporter of the earth. Hayagrīva, wide-eyed, horse-eared, horse-formed. Sleepless and sleeping, Nandī, Sunanda, beloved of Nandana. Devoted to Prajāpati, Dakṣa, creator of creation, maker of beings. Vāmana, follower of the left path, performer of left-handed deeds, of vast form. He is the remover of sacrifice, performer of sacrifice, lord of sacrifice, enjoyer of sacrifice, all-pervading. Of fierce radiance and little radiance, witness of deeds, Manu, Yama. Friend of Agni and Vāyu, fire, Varuṇa, lord of aquatic beings. Kubera, wealthy, swift, protector of riches, creator of delights. Master of all herbs, glorious, moon and sun. Blue-throated, bull, Rudra, moon on the forehead, husband of Umā. Worm and insect, hunter and killer of beasts, marked by the deer. Dweller in cremation grounds, eater of flesh, destroyer of the wicked, maker of boons. Commander, giver of armies, Skanda, great time, leader of the hosts. Giver of prosperity and success, tusked, moon on the forehead, elephant-faced. Protector and nourisher of Prahlāda, lord of all the race of demons. Giver of gold, possessor of gold, maker of snow, the snowy mountain. He dwells between realms of light and darkness, perceiver and Lord of the worlds. He is formless yet possesses form, passionate, skilled in dance and song. His teeth shine like the sun, destroyer of Lanka, cause of tumult, bestower of boons. He knows Brahman, grants Brahman, knows all about Brahman, and is born from Brahman. He brings all attachments, is passionate, renounces everything, and moves outside. He is supreme bliss, ancient, sovereign king, and makes others shine. He churned the ocean, is the churner, takes all jewels, and is Hari. He is the creator and remover of obstacles, the destroyer of obstacles, and the leader. Thus, the thousand names of the Lord were revealed, each name a facet of his boundless divinity, each name a path to happiness and liberation.