Bhishma Ekadasi is an auspicious occasion,observed on Shukla Ekadashi of Magh (Jan-Feb) month.It is the birth day of "Shri Vishnu Sahasra Nama Sthothram".This stotra was revealed to Pandavas by Bhishma Pitamaha ,while he was on 'Sharashaiyya' (on the bed of arrows) after the Mahabharatha war.

Bhishma had great experiences of life and hence the Pandavas approached Bhishma Pitamaha,to learn from him the higher principles of life and wisdom.Bhishma revealed "Vishnu Sahasranama Stotra" to Pandavas,on Magha Suddha Ekadasi day,when Lord Krishna was present.

Pitamaha exclaimed that Shri.Vishnu is Lord of all Lords and praying Him with all 1000 names is all one can ever do to become more dear to Him which itself leads to salvation.Reciting it regularly or even listening to it is also a great achievement, that empowers one with the strength to overcome all the difficulties and get on to the right path of Salvation.

It is strongly beleived that he who chants "Shri Vshnu Saharanama Stotra" three times a day,regularly,is freed from all worries and gets moksha.Many scholars have written bhashyam on Vishnu saharanamam.which are Sankara bhasyam, and Ramanuja bhashyam while other bhashyam also exists.

On this day,in most of the temples,"Vishnu saharanama stotra" chanting continues for 24 four hours, with archana every hour or two.The Lord Vishnu is the essense of everything. He is panchanga- tithi, vaara, nakshatra, yoga and karana.He is time, space, and causation. He is the one who controls maya.

It is well known fact that, during the end rights of all poojas,only god Visnu is worshipped who gives moksha,which is his decision.We need to be Vishnumay,which is possible only when we get drowned ourself into the ocean of his "Sahasra Nama".One can also continuously listen to the audio CD of "Vishnu Sahasra Nama".