Keshava Namas of Lord Vishnu, chanted during Achamanam (with Meaning)

There are 24 names that are usually mentioned as “Keshava Namas” in Sanskrit languages. They are used and praised in all pujas plus refer to the Hindu god Vishnu.

The 24 Keshava Namas are as follows according to the Hindu religious scholars and pundits.

1. One who is the total combined form of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Siva or the one who takes many forms is known as Keshava.
2. One who is the final refuge of Nara or Jiva is known as Narayana
3. Pathi of Lakshmi is known as Madhava
4. One who is attainable by Vedic chanting is known as Govinda
5. One who pervades everywhere is known as Vishnu
6. Destroyer of Madhu, the demon(Destroyer of Tamoguna) is known as    Madhusudhana
7. One who measured the universe in three footsteps is known as Trivikrama
8. One who gives as per one’s punya karma is known as Vamana
9. One who sustains Lakshmi is known as Sridhar
10. One who rules the senses is known as Hrishikesha
11. One who has the lotus in his navel is known as Padmanabha
12. One who has the universe as his abode is known as Damodara
13. Vasudeva – One who resides (Vasu) in all living beings and in turn all living beings reside (Vasu) in him, One who is the Lord of Chitta (Subconscious mind), Foremost & Supreme amongst the four fold manifestation (Chatur-Vyuha) of Lord Vishnu (i.e. Vasudeva, Sankarshana, Pradyumna, Aniruddha)
14. Sankarshana – One who has both the powers of attraction and repulsion, Another name of Ananta Shesha (who is a part of Lord Vishnu) upon whom rests Lord Vishnu within the universe atKsheera Sagara, One who is the Lord of Ahamkara (Individual Ego), Second amongst the four fold manifestation (Chatur-Vyuha) of Lord Vishnu (i.e. Vasudeva, Sankarshana, Pradyumna, Aniruddha)
15. Pradyumna – One who is most wealthy, One who is most lovable, One who is the Lord of Buddhi (Intellect), Third amongst the four fold manifestation (Chatur-Vyuha) of Lord Vishnu (i.e. Vasudeva, Sankarshana, Pradyumna, Aniruddha)
16. Aniruddha – One who is uncontrollable & unstoppable, One who is the Lord of Manas (Mind), Fourth amongst the four fold manifestation (Chatur-Vyuha) of Lord Vishnu (i.e. Vasudeva, Sankarshana, Pradyumna, Aniruddha)
17. Purushottama – One who is the Supreme Purusha (Purusha + Uttama = Purushottama) or Supreme God, One who is the Supreme Purusha beyond the Kshara (Destroyable i.e. Prakṛti) and Akshara (Undestroyable i.e. Atman)
18. Adhokshaja – One who has eternal knowledge, One who is beyond knowledge acquired through the senses
19. Narasimha – One who took half lion-half man incarnation to protect his devotee Prahlada and to kill demon Hiranyakashipu
20. Achyuta – One who never loses his inherent nature and powers (i.e. One who is infallible)
21. Janardana – One who is protector of his devotees and destroyer of their enemies, One who is to be worshiped to get the wishes fulfilled (i.e. to be liberated from cycle of births and deaths)
22. Upendra – One who appeared as a younger brother of Indra in Vamana avatara
23. Hari – One who takes away (all the illusions, attachments, desires, pains & material existence of his devotees and destroys their material bondage i.e. gives them Moksha)
24. Krishna – One with most beautiful dark blue (water filled cloud) complexion, One who is attractive, one who enchants, One who took Krishna Avatara

Each and every Keshava Namas has religious and social importance in the Hindu religion and among the Hindu devotees who mentions it with great devotion and dedication in pujas and rituals. Hindus regard Keshava Namas in high esteem in the religious matters too.