Dear Readers & Seekers,
With the abundant blessings of my parents, innumerable acharyas, the divine blessings of the almighty courtesy your continued patronage am glad to inform you that your blog has reached its first milestone of 100th article since it was launched as avdevantimes.blogspot.com in the year 2009. I had lost count of the articles and their content which I used to circulate earlier as word files during the period 2007-08. What had started casually has now metamorphosed in to a century clocked blog, thanks to your encouragement, guidance and patronage. From a countable few now it has reached a circulation of 150+ apart from doing the rounds of certain group ids like US-Brahmins groups thus fanning out to a wider audience. In addition to the above circulation the web portal has reached 10000+ visitors across the globe which can be seen if one visits the blog http://www.avdevantimes.blogspot.com/
Looking back I am surprised to find we have covered varied topics and series like
· Guru Samarpanam - Kanchi paramacharya’s biography, teachings and
miracles.
· Entharo Mahanubavulu – Chronicling numerous divine personalities.
· Sacred Sixty Three - On the divine life history of 63 Nayanmars
· Temple Visit – Specialties of various temples, their legends etc.,
· Bhagavad Gita – Understanding Bhagavad Gita
· Entharo Mahanubavulu – Chronicling numerous divine personalities.
· Sacred Sixty Three - On the divine life history of 63 Nayanmars
· Temple Visit – Specialties of various temples, their legends etc.,
· Bhagavad Gita – Understanding Bhagavad Gita
I have discontinued mundane topics like My experiments in Dining and similar societal stuff as I felt it will in no way add value excepting some calories ! I have also recently started circulating Noble Thoughts for the day for which I have received overwhelming response. I am intend to commence new series of articles based on your inputs. Hence please do share your valuable inputs on the same.
Sometimes I do feel whether I should continue writing as still feel am not a qualified one to write articles about such great personalities and about higher truths. I hereby inform everybody who read my article that I am one among you in terms of learning and experience and not an elevated personality as some of you might think based on articles I present.
To commemorate the occasion of 100th article am glad to present the article “Pibhare Naama Rasam”. Sri Sadha Shiva Brahmenthral has sung “Pibhare Raama Rasam” i.e. drink the nectar of Rama. Similarly I am entreating everyone who reads this article to drink the nectar of “Naama Rasam”. It will certainly be more delicious and everlasting than the culinary Rasams !
The yuga dharma or the method to reach God during the current age as mentioned in Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas etc., is Naama Sankeerthanam. Naama Sankeerthanam means to Hear, Sing and Recollect the Bhagavan Naama or the divine names of the Lord. Even though many are aware of this but it is seldom practiced or adopted as a way of life. Hence a tremulous attempt in this article by covering one hundred short notes exclusively on Bhagavan Naama which will explain the significance and greatness of the divine names of the Lord.
Sometimes I do feel whether I should continue writing as still feel am not a qualified one to write articles about such great personalities and about higher truths. I hereby inform everybody who read my article that I am one among you in terms of learning and experience and not an elevated personality as some of you might think based on articles I present.
To commemorate the occasion of 100th article am glad to present the article “Pibhare Naama Rasam”. Sri Sadha Shiva Brahmenthral has sung “Pibhare Raama Rasam” i.e. drink the nectar of Rama. Similarly I am entreating everyone who reads this article to drink the nectar of “Naama Rasam”. It will certainly be more delicious and everlasting than the culinary Rasams !
The yuga dharma or the method to reach God during the current age as mentioned in Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas etc., is Naama Sankeerthanam. Naama Sankeerthanam means to Hear, Sing and Recollect the Bhagavan Naama or the divine names of the Lord. Even though many are aware of this but it is seldom practiced or adopted as a way of life. Hence a tremulous attempt in this article by covering one hundred short notes exclusively on Bhagavan Naama which will explain the significance and greatness of the divine names of the Lord.
Bhagavan Naama Bhodendra Saraswathi was the Acharya of Kanchi Kama Koti Peetam. He renounced his saintly position and retired to Govindhapuram near Kumbakonam only to establish “Naama Siddantha”. Meaning that the Bhagavan Nama (God’s Divine Name) itself is sufficient to attain Godhead and nothing else needs to be practiced. If a person as high as the Peetathipathi of Kanchi Mutt wanted to renounce his position to exclusively devote time for Nama Siddantha its importance needs no overemphasis.
The Bhagavan Nama Publications in West Mambalam is spreading the divine message through publication of books dedicated to Bhagavan Naama. The Rama Nama Bank (http://www.ramanamabank.org/) is engaged in printing booklets with ample space to write Rama, circulate to interested devotees and collect them and safeguard them in safe vaults. One such safe vault with 1000 Crore Nama is available for darshan at 2/3, Vinayakam Street, West Mambalam, Chennai-33 where their head quarters is located. They have done Nama Prathistha in multiple locations across India criss-crossing the length and breadth of the country only to spread the divine name of RAMA. I strongly urge readers to visit this place once which is equivalent to visiting Ayodhya where one call feel the presence of Rama. You can very much feel the divine presence of Rama here also.
I also pray readers to visit at least once in their lifetime a place called Govindapuram near Kumbakonam where Bhagavan Nama Bhodendral’s Adishtanam is located. You can feel the overpowering vibration of Rama Nama as to this day Bhothenthra Swami continues to chant the divine name. It was Maruthaanallur Sathguru Swamigal who found this place as he heard the divine name of RAMA and felt the place surcharged with divine presence.
I also pray readers to visit at least once in their lifetime a place called Govindapuram near Kumbakonam where Bhagavan Nama Bhodendral’s Adishtanam is located. You can feel the overpowering vibration of Rama Nama as to this day Bhothenthra Swami continues to chant the divine name. It was Maruthaanallur Sathguru Swamigal who found this place as he heard the divine name of RAMA and felt the place surcharged with divine presence.
What I have presented in this article is just a billionth drop from the infinite sea of Bhagavan Naama. If you could start the day thinking of RAMA and end the day thinking of RAMA then we can say we have made a good beginning in Nama Sankeerthan.
Let the Nama gives us the power to read and bless every one of us to reach our Godward destination in our spiritual journey!
The nectar is ready for you to taste, drink and gulp now!
Lets drink to out heart’s content and get inebriated with Rama Naama !
Joyful Drinking . . . .
AV Devan
Chennai
22-4-2011
INVOCATION
Hari Narayana Hari Narayana Hari Narayana Hari Narayana
Hari Narayana Thuritha Nivarana Paramanantha Sathasiva Sankara
Bhakta Jana Priya Pankaja Lochana Vara Narayana Tavatha Soham
Suklam Baratharam Vishnum Sasivarnam Chatur Bujam
Prasanna Vathanam Dhyayet Sarva Vignobha Santhaye
Bhagavan Nama Bhothendra Sridharaar-yaathma Vigraham
Srimad Venkataraamakaya Desikenthram Upaasmahe
Bhagavan Nama Samrajya Lakshmi Sarvasva Vigraham
Srimad Bhodendra Yogeendra Desikendram Upaasmahe
Apara Karuna Sinthum Jnanatham Santha Rupinam
Sri Chandrasekara Gurum Pranamami Muthanvaham
Om Namo Bhagavathe Sri Ramanaya
Arunachala Shiva Arunachala Shiva
Arunachala Shiva Arunachala
Arunachala Shiva Arunachala Shiva
Arunachala Shiva Arunachala
Prahlada Narada Parasara Pundareeka
Vyasa Ambareesa Suka Sownaka Bheema Thaalpyaan
Rukmangatha Arujana Vashista Vibeeshanaatheen
Punyanimaan Parama Bhagavathaan Smarami
Let Vinayaka, Shiva, Hari, Muruga, Ambika, Lakshmi, Surya & Maruti Bless us to read this divine names which is fraught with divine powers!
PIBHARE NAAMA RASAM
1. Dhyaayan Krute Yajan Yajnai Threthaayaam Dwaaparer Archayan
Yadaapnothi Thadhaapnothi Kalau Sankeertha Kesavam
The path to reach God in Krutha Yuga was Meditation (Dhyana). In the age of Threthaa Yuga the prescribed path was performing sacrifices (Yagna). In the age of Dwapara Yuga worshipping the Lord through Pooja (Archana) was the method adopted. Whatever achieved in the earlier age can be obtained in this age of Kali through Singing and Chanting the Holy names of the Lord (Kesava).
2. Harer Nama Harer Nama Harer Namaiva Kevalam
Kalau Nasty Eva Nasty Eva Nasty Eva Gatir Anyatha – (Brhan Naradiya Purana)
The Brhan Naradiya Purana states that in this age of Kali there is no alternative, no alternative but no other alternative except the one and only the Divine Names of the Lord which alone can save us.
3. Kalu Kalmasha Chithaanaam Paapa Dravyopa Jeevinaam
Vidhikriya Viheenaanaam Gathi : Govinda Keerthanam
In this age of Kali where the mind of the people is impure (polluted with Kaama, Krodha, Lobha, Moha, Mada and Mathsarya i.e. mind will be full of lust, anger, greed, egoistic, self-centered, envious feelings etc.,). For their living they earn money through sinful activities. They are bereft of any systematic, religious or pious activities and will be unsystematic in their approach. However even to such persons the path of salvation is Govinda Keerthanam i.e. singing the glories of Govinda.
4. hare krishna hare krishna, krishna krishna hare hare.hare rama hare rama, rama rama hare hare; iti shodashakam namnam, kali-kalmasha-nashanam;natah parataropayah, sarva-vedeshu drishyate. (Kali Santarana Upanishad)
“The sixteen words-Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare; Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare-are especially meant for completely destroying all the contamination of Kali. To save oneself from the contamination of Kali-yuga, there is no alternative in all the Vedas except the chanting of this sixteen-word mantra.
5. Kaler dosha-nidhe rajan astihy eko mahan gunah
Kirtanaad eva krishnasya mukta sangah param vrajet – (Srimad Bhagavatham)
My dear King (Parikshith) Although this age of Kali (Kali Yuga) is full of unlimited faults yet there is one Good Quality. It is that by chanting of the Holy name of Krishna one can be freed from the contamination of Kali-yuga and can attain mukti or liberation.
6. Go Koti Daanam Grahane Khagasya
Prayaga Gangodaka Kalpa Vasah
Yajnayutam Meru Swarna Daanam
Govinda Kirter Na Samam Satamsaih
One may give million cows as charity on the day of an eclipse. One may reside in Prayaga on the banks of Ganga for a Kalpa. One may perform thousands of yajnas and give mount of gold as charity. Still all these cannot be compared with one hundredth particle of singing the glories of Govinda.
7. The divine form and the divine name are not different.
8. Naama Sankeerthanam includes Singing, Hearing and Remembering the divine names of the Lord.
9. There are no restrictions as to the time and space and can be chanted anywhere anytime. There is no concern to chant even if a person is unclean. It is not restricted to any caste/creed.
10. There is no need for a person to get upadesa to chant. He can chant freely without any restrictions.
11. A person who performs the kirtana of Sri Narayana with absorption becomes at once freed from all sins. They fly away from him just like frightened deer who hear the roar of a lion. (Garuda Purana)
12. I offer obeisances to the Supreme Lord, who is known as Anantadeva. Remembering Him and chanting his name immediately dispels all kinds of diseases and miseries completely. (Skanda Purana)
13. Even if one is very sinful, if he constantly chants and sings harinama, his heart becomes pure, he attains the twice-born status and he purifies the whole world. (Brahmanda Purana)
14. When one performs Hari Nama Kirtana, all kinds of diseases go away, all kinds of disturbances are vanished, all kinds of obstacles are destroyed and one attains supreme peace. (Vishnu Purana)
15. Kali cannot cause any impediment even for a moment to those who constantly chant the divine names of Kesava, Govinda, Vasudeva, Jaganmaya etc., (Brhan Naradiya Purana)
16. If a human being helplessly chants just one name of Sri Bhagavan at the time of death, in an afflicted situation or when falling down or slipping, all the bondage of his karma is destroyed and he will obtain the highest goal. But alas due to the influence of Kali yuga people do not worship him. (Srimad Bhagavatham)
17. There is no need to study and teach the Rig, Sama, Yajur Vedas and so on if one perform constant sankirtana of Sri Hari’s name Govinda (Skanda Purana)
18. Kirtana of Sri Vishnu’s names gives all the results obtained by going to millions of tirthas i.e. taking holy dip. Even a dim glimmer of hari nama gives unlimitedly more results than all kinds of sat karma i.e. pious activities. (Skanda Purana)
19. Sankirtana of Sri Vishnu’s name conquers the six senses and the six enemies (kama, krodha etc.,) and is the root of knowledge of the supreme self. (Skanda Purana)
20. All the auspicious qualities derived by performing Charity, Vows, Austerity, Visiting Holy places. All the powers of the devatas, within all kinds of sin removing righteous activities. All the Merit obtained through Rajasuya and Asvamedha sacrifices and in the knowledge of the identity of the self (all these potencies) are vested by Sri Hari within His own names.
21. Even one who has performed sinful activities always and everywhere attains the supreme abode of Vishnu if he performs Nama Sankirtana.
22. Lord Krishna says “when I was far away from Draupadi she called out to me “Ha Govinda!” I am very much indebted to her for her distressed call and I have not been able to relieve me from that debt so far.” (Mahabharatha)
23. Sri Vishnu Smaranam destroys all sins but is attained only after much endeavour. Vishnu Kirtana however is superior because the same benefit is attained by vibrating Sri-Nama upon one’s lips.
24. Naama Sankeerthanam – i.e. louder chanting of the Lord’s name is mainly to taste the nama.
25. Even the reflection of Naama Sankeerthanam will wipe off all the sins and hence the prime objective of chanting of the holy name is not the removal of sins.
26. Since the chanting of the holy name of the Lord will remove all the sins it doesn’t mean that the person can continue to perform sin. Even then the continuous chanting will wipe off the vasanas to commit sins. Will a person consume poison simply because medicines are available to cure it?
27. The person one who has the strong belief on the name of the Lord is considered a noble person.
28. To believe the divine name of the lord is itself a merit for a person.
29. The matured state of bhakti is nothing but Naama Sankeerthanam.
30. If you utter once the divine name of the Lord all the sins are completely wiped off.
31. One who chants the holy name of the Lord in the morning and evening reaches heavenly abode.
32. Upon chanting the bhagavan nama the devotee gets registered in the heart of the Lord and he consider his devotee as part of him and the Lord takes the responsibility of taking care of them.
33. There is no other process which purifies a person when compared to chanting of the holy name.
34. One can achieve peace within upon chanting the holy names of the Lord.
35. If a person utters the divine name of the Lord even unconsciously while falling down or when he gets fractured, when bitten by a snake, when he got injured in the fire or through weapons he will not realize the pain and will be removed from the sufferings.
36. Continuous chanting of the divine names of the Lord completely destroys the sins and elevates them as a noble person.
37. The power of the nama is so great such that one cannot commit sins which is more than the power of the nama.
38. The family, the ancestors and his descendants all of them purified if a person chants the divine names of the Lord.
39. The real sathu is the person one who chants the holy names of the Lord. The good qualities in a person multiplies upon continuous chanting.
40. Bhagavan Nama eradicates even the diseases of a person.
41. Bhagavan Nama removes all the sorrowness of a person.
42. Bhagavan Nama removes all the impediments a person faces towards anything.
43. Evil spirits like Yaksha, Rakshasa, Pisas etc..will run away if a person chants the holy name of the Lord.
44. One can achieve his life’s ambition or meet the purpose of his life by chanting the divine names of the Lord.
45. If a person utters the two letter syllable “Ra ma” he realizes the same benefit of reading the four vedas.
46. The merit of Bhagavan Nama chanting is greater than the merit achieved through visiting many holy places.
47. The merit which will be derived by doing 1000 Vajapeya Yagna can be achieved by a person even if lies in the bed and utters “GOVINDA”.
48. Long life, removal of sorrowness, all the needs required to live in this world and for the next world, state of liberation all the above can be achieved by a person if he utters the divine names of the Lord.
49. The person who chants the divine name of the Lord continuously is a fortuner who is under the direct monitoring of the Supreme Lord.
50. The highest tapas or effort to achieve in this age of Kali is doing Naama Keerthan.
51. The person who chants the Holy name of the Lord is worshipable.
52. While eating, walking, sitting, getting up, speaking if a person chants the divine names of the Lord he needs to be worshipped in this world.
53. Even if we would have heard about the importance of Bhagavan Nama what we have realized about its potency is only a little.
54. The Supreme God establishes the importance of Nama Vaibhavam through the life experience of his devotees.
55. If one sincerely believe the importance of Bhagavan Naama he will not get affected even if opposed by unwanted uttering of an atheist.
56. One who chants the Bhagavan nama does not depend on a wealthy, egoistic, and learned people but at the same time he will not also show aversion against them.
57. Due to associating with devotees who constantly chant the divine names of the Lord the other people get elevated in their life.
58. The ultimate objective of chanting the divine names of the Lord is pure and unalloyed prema bhakthi towards the Lord.
59. One who does not respect Sadhus, One who does not believe in Gods, One who does not give respect to Bhagavathas (devotees), One who shows differentiation in Bhagavan Naama, One who disrespects the Sampradhaya (religious system followed), One who sees caste and creed, One who is differentiates different Murthi or deity, all the above qualities are hindrance towards making the people to chant the divine names of the Lord.
60. Chanting the Bhagavan Naama gives spiritual enlightenment and firm ups one’s devotion towards the Lord.
61. The process of chanting is the easiest method one can follow and can be adopted easily by neophyte devotees.
62. Continuous chanting of the Bhagavan Naama helps one to overcome trouble and danger.
63. Ajamila while on his death bed simply called his son “Narayana”. Even though he had committed all the possible sins he was saved by the Lord for the simple reason of calling the Lords name even unconsciously.
64. The taste of Bhagavan Naama cannot be explained and only to be experienced.
65. The sages takes birth in this age of Kali only to enjoy the bliss of Chanting.
66. The word RAMA is taken from the second letter of Narayana and Namashivaya. Among the various bhagavan naamas the short and easier one to chant is name of “Rama”.
67. All the goodness and wealth will come to us, The pains and the sins will get defaced and wiped off. The tribulation of birth and death will get over all just by uttering the two syllable word Rama in this birth itself. (Kamba Ramayanam)
68. If a person chants “Nama Shivaya” he obtains all the four purusharthas of Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha.
69. One should not discriminate between Hari Nama and Shiva Nama.
70. The duties of person one who chants the divine name is taken care by the divine name itself.
71. Any doshas occurred due to non performance of his duty by a person one who chants bhagavan naama is removed by the bhagavan naama itself.
72. There is nothing more to be achieved for the person one who chants the divine name.
73. All other sadhanas are fraught with faults in Kaliyuga except Naama Keerthanam.
74. Naama Keerthanam is the perfect and ultimate medicine to cure all the diseases.
75. It is a wonder to see people fall despite there is higher taste of Narayana Nama is available to Chant.
76. One should lament as if he had lost his entire wealth if he loses even a moment to think, hear or chant the divine name.
77. Rama says It is Vrata to protect my devotee if he surrenders once to me. From this we can conclude that the even if a person utters the bhagavan nama only once he will get protected by the Lord.
78. If a person chants the Vishnu Sahasranama he derives all the merits.
79. Even if a person could not chant all the thousand names of the Lord even one such divine name will save him and give him all the purushaartas.
80. All the divine names of the Lord has the equal power and if a person chants any one of those he can achieve the desired results.
81. The dull minded, one who has wavering mind, one whose mind is polluted by another all get purified if they think of Hayagriva and achieve mental sharpness.
82. One chant for himself or for others also to derive the desired benefits.
83. All the names of the Lord are equivalent in their potency. Hence one chant any name any time to derive the desired benefit.
84. If a person utters the Name of Shiva unconsciously the sin accumulated over the last seven birth is removed. One should befriend a person who chants the shiva nama. (Brahma Kaivartha Puranam)
85. If a person chants the holy name of the Lord when he gets up in the morning, while bathing, before taking food, during the occupation, before sleep he will be relieved of all sins which he commits knowingly or unknowingly.
86. To derive the benefits of Dharma, to relieve oneself from effects of bad dreams, to achieve ones desire, to remove ones fear, to achieve victory etc., one chant the divine names of the Lord.
87. If a person chants for himself or for someone else also can achieve the desired benefits.
88. The Sage Viswamitra attained the position of Brahmarishi after undergoing severe penance. However Sage Valmiki even though he was a sinner by simply uttering word RAMA he obtained the position of Brahmarishi.
89. Srimad Bhagavatham says the Sage Narada was born as a son of a domestic helper in his previous berth. However due to performance of Nama Keerthanam Narada attained Jnana in his next berth and was called by the Lord himself as “Deva Rishi”.
90. If one thinks he is Brahman (Aham Brahmasmi) and does not perfrom Bhakthi toward the Lord there is a big risk that they may fall from that position any time.
91. The medicine which we consume internally without knowing the significance or importance of it will cure the disease. Similarly the Bhagavan Naama if chanted unknowingly also will cure all our diseases.
92. For the devoted bhakta who had performed Naama Keerthan the Lord who is pleased on his chanting come to him at the time of his death and gives sufficient Jnana and gives Moksha to him.
93. The state of Samadhi which can be achieved by doing meditation can be achieved by doing Naama Keerthan itself.
94. The leftover food of a Bhagavatha i.e. one who sincere in performing Bhagavan Nama Keerthan if consumed by a biggest sinner will not only cure him but also make him pure.
95. Because of performing severe penance in his previous birth only a person can utter at least once in this life time the divine names of the Lord.
96. The tongue which does not chant the holy names of the lord can be compared to the frog which invites his death through unwanted chattering.
97. Through Nama Smaran one can obtain the divine grace of Lord Rama – Sri Bhagavan Nama Bhodendra Saraswathi.
98. Let the Lord Shiva who takes of this universe be in the form of Rama and protect me – Sri Bhagavan Nama Bhodendra Saraswathi.
99. “Anbodu Un Naamam Kel, Anbar Tham Anbarukku
Anban Ayida Arul Arunachala”.
(Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi - Akshara Mana Malai-104)
The devotees of you chanting your name with pure love and their hearts melts upon hearing your name. I want to become the devotees of those devotees and hence grace me Oh Arunachala.
100. One should chant the Holy Name of the Lord and earn merit (Punniyam) for the next world. One may say that most of the time is spent to earn a livelihood and hence unable to find time to Chant. However, if you think through you will realize that we don’t actually spend the whole time towards earning money. How much time do we waste on unnecessary chitchatting, mockery, seeing unwanted things, unwanted commenting on the news appearing in the news papers, T.V. , Chatting on Cellphones, Internet etc etc., Why can’t we channelize those time positively towards Thinking and Chanting of the Holy Name of the Lord? Even if one could not spend exclusive / dedicated time towards that, one can however can chant while on the way to office like while travelling in the Bus, Train etc., Not even a single penny will accompany us when we leave this mortal world. The only value we could carry to the next world is Bhagavan Nama / Divine Name. – Kanchi Periyava Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi.
AV Devan
Chennai
22-4-2011
INVOCATION
Hari Narayana Hari Narayana Hari Narayana Hari Narayana
Hari Narayana Thuritha Nivarana Paramanantha Sathasiva Sankara
Bhakta Jana Priya Pankaja Lochana Vara Narayana Tavatha Soham
Suklam Baratharam Vishnum Sasivarnam Chatur Bujam
Prasanna Vathanam Dhyayet Sarva Vignobha Santhaye
Bhagavan Nama Bhothendra Sridharaar-yaathma Vigraham
Srimad Venkataraamakaya Desikenthram Upaasmahe
Bhagavan Nama Samrajya Lakshmi Sarvasva Vigraham
Srimad Bhodendra Yogeendra Desikendram Upaasmahe
Apara Karuna Sinthum Jnanatham Santha Rupinam
Sri Chandrasekara Gurum Pranamami Muthanvaham
Om Namo Bhagavathe Sri Ramanaya
Arunachala Shiva Arunachala Shiva
Arunachala Shiva Arunachala
Arunachala Shiva Arunachala Shiva
Arunachala Shiva Arunachala
Prahlada Narada Parasara Pundareeka
Vyasa Ambareesa Suka Sownaka Bheema Thaalpyaan
Rukmangatha Arujana Vashista Vibeeshanaatheen
Punyanimaan Parama Bhagavathaan Smarami
Let Vinayaka, Shiva, Hari, Muruga, Ambika, Lakshmi, Surya & Maruti Bless us to read this divine names which is fraught with divine powers!
PIBHARE NAAMA RASAM
1. Dhyaayan Krute Yajan Yajnai Threthaayaam Dwaaparer Archayan
Yadaapnothi Thadhaapnothi Kalau Sankeertha Kesavam
The path to reach God in Krutha Yuga was Meditation (Dhyana). In the age of Threthaa Yuga the prescribed path was performing sacrifices (Yagna). In the age of Dwapara Yuga worshipping the Lord through Pooja (Archana) was the method adopted. Whatever achieved in the earlier age can be obtained in this age of Kali through Singing and Chanting the Holy names of the Lord (Kesava).
2. Harer Nama Harer Nama Harer Namaiva Kevalam
Kalau Nasty Eva Nasty Eva Nasty Eva Gatir Anyatha – (Brhan Naradiya Purana)
The Brhan Naradiya Purana states that in this age of Kali there is no alternative, no alternative but no other alternative except the one and only the Divine Names of the Lord which alone can save us.
3. Kalu Kalmasha Chithaanaam Paapa Dravyopa Jeevinaam
Vidhikriya Viheenaanaam Gathi : Govinda Keerthanam
In this age of Kali where the mind of the people is impure (polluted with Kaama, Krodha, Lobha, Moha, Mada and Mathsarya i.e. mind will be full of lust, anger, greed, egoistic, self-centered, envious feelings etc.,). For their living they earn money through sinful activities. They are bereft of any systematic, religious or pious activities and will be unsystematic in their approach. However even to such persons the path of salvation is Govinda Keerthanam i.e. singing the glories of Govinda.
4. hare krishna hare krishna, krishna krishna hare hare.hare rama hare rama, rama rama hare hare; iti shodashakam namnam, kali-kalmasha-nashanam;natah parataropayah, sarva-vedeshu drishyate. (Kali Santarana Upanishad)
“The sixteen words-Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare; Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare-are especially meant for completely destroying all the contamination of Kali. To save oneself from the contamination of Kali-yuga, there is no alternative in all the Vedas except the chanting of this sixteen-word mantra.
5. Kaler dosha-nidhe rajan astihy eko mahan gunah
Kirtanaad eva krishnasya mukta sangah param vrajet – (Srimad Bhagavatham)
My dear King (Parikshith) Although this age of Kali (Kali Yuga) is full of unlimited faults yet there is one Good Quality. It is that by chanting of the Holy name of Krishna one can be freed from the contamination of Kali-yuga and can attain mukti or liberation.
6. Go Koti Daanam Grahane Khagasya
Prayaga Gangodaka Kalpa Vasah
Yajnayutam Meru Swarna Daanam
Govinda Kirter Na Samam Satamsaih
One may give million cows as charity on the day of an eclipse. One may reside in Prayaga on the banks of Ganga for a Kalpa. One may perform thousands of yajnas and give mount of gold as charity. Still all these cannot be compared with one hundredth particle of singing the glories of Govinda.
7. The divine form and the divine name are not different.
8. Naama Sankeerthanam includes Singing, Hearing and Remembering the divine names of the Lord.
9. There are no restrictions as to the time and space and can be chanted anywhere anytime. There is no concern to chant even if a person is unclean. It is not restricted to any caste/creed.
10. There is no need for a person to get upadesa to chant. He can chant freely without any restrictions.
11. A person who performs the kirtana of Sri Narayana with absorption becomes at once freed from all sins. They fly away from him just like frightened deer who hear the roar of a lion. (Garuda Purana)
12. I offer obeisances to the Supreme Lord, who is known as Anantadeva. Remembering Him and chanting his name immediately dispels all kinds of diseases and miseries completely. (Skanda Purana)
13. Even if one is very sinful, if he constantly chants and sings harinama, his heart becomes pure, he attains the twice-born status and he purifies the whole world. (Brahmanda Purana)
14. When one performs Hari Nama Kirtana, all kinds of diseases go away, all kinds of disturbances are vanished, all kinds of obstacles are destroyed and one attains supreme peace. (Vishnu Purana)
15. Kali cannot cause any impediment even for a moment to those who constantly chant the divine names of Kesava, Govinda, Vasudeva, Jaganmaya etc., (Brhan Naradiya Purana)
16. If a human being helplessly chants just one name of Sri Bhagavan at the time of death, in an afflicted situation or when falling down or slipping, all the bondage of his karma is destroyed and he will obtain the highest goal. But alas due to the influence of Kali yuga people do not worship him. (Srimad Bhagavatham)
17. There is no need to study and teach the Rig, Sama, Yajur Vedas and so on if one perform constant sankirtana of Sri Hari’s name Govinda (Skanda Purana)
18. Kirtana of Sri Vishnu’s names gives all the results obtained by going to millions of tirthas i.e. taking holy dip. Even a dim glimmer of hari nama gives unlimitedly more results than all kinds of sat karma i.e. pious activities. (Skanda Purana)
19. Sankirtana of Sri Vishnu’s name conquers the six senses and the six enemies (kama, krodha etc.,) and is the root of knowledge of the supreme self. (Skanda Purana)
20. All the auspicious qualities derived by performing Charity, Vows, Austerity, Visiting Holy places. All the powers of the devatas, within all kinds of sin removing righteous activities. All the Merit obtained through Rajasuya and Asvamedha sacrifices and in the knowledge of the identity of the self (all these potencies) are vested by Sri Hari within His own names.
21. Even one who has performed sinful activities always and everywhere attains the supreme abode of Vishnu if he performs Nama Sankirtana.
22. Lord Krishna says “when I was far away from Draupadi she called out to me “Ha Govinda!” I am very much indebted to her for her distressed call and I have not been able to relieve me from that debt so far.” (Mahabharatha)
23. Sri Vishnu Smaranam destroys all sins but is attained only after much endeavour. Vishnu Kirtana however is superior because the same benefit is attained by vibrating Sri-Nama upon one’s lips.
24. Naama Sankeerthanam – i.e. louder chanting of the Lord’s name is mainly to taste the nama.
25. Even the reflection of Naama Sankeerthanam will wipe off all the sins and hence the prime objective of chanting of the holy name is not the removal of sins.
26. Since the chanting of the holy name of the Lord will remove all the sins it doesn’t mean that the person can continue to perform sin. Even then the continuous chanting will wipe off the vasanas to commit sins. Will a person consume poison simply because medicines are available to cure it?
27. The person one who has the strong belief on the name of the Lord is considered a noble person.
28. To believe the divine name of the lord is itself a merit for a person.
29. The matured state of bhakti is nothing but Naama Sankeerthanam.
30. If you utter once the divine name of the Lord all the sins are completely wiped off.
31. One who chants the holy name of the Lord in the morning and evening reaches heavenly abode.
32. Upon chanting the bhagavan nama the devotee gets registered in the heart of the Lord and he consider his devotee as part of him and the Lord takes the responsibility of taking care of them.
33. There is no other process which purifies a person when compared to chanting of the holy name.
34. One can achieve peace within upon chanting the holy names of the Lord.
35. If a person utters the divine name of the Lord even unconsciously while falling down or when he gets fractured, when bitten by a snake, when he got injured in the fire or through weapons he will not realize the pain and will be removed from the sufferings.
36. Continuous chanting of the divine names of the Lord completely destroys the sins and elevates them as a noble person.
37. The power of the nama is so great such that one cannot commit sins which is more than the power of the nama.
38. The family, the ancestors and his descendants all of them purified if a person chants the divine names of the Lord.
39. The real sathu is the person one who chants the holy names of the Lord. The good qualities in a person multiplies upon continuous chanting.
40. Bhagavan Nama eradicates even the diseases of a person.
41. Bhagavan Nama removes all the sorrowness of a person.
42. Bhagavan Nama removes all the impediments a person faces towards anything.
43. Evil spirits like Yaksha, Rakshasa, Pisas etc..will run away if a person chants the holy name of the Lord.
44. One can achieve his life’s ambition or meet the purpose of his life by chanting the divine names of the Lord.
45. If a person utters the two letter syllable “Ra ma” he realizes the same benefit of reading the four vedas.
46. The merit of Bhagavan Nama chanting is greater than the merit achieved through visiting many holy places.
47. The merit which will be derived by doing 1000 Vajapeya Yagna can be achieved by a person even if lies in the bed and utters “GOVINDA”.
48. Long life, removal of sorrowness, all the needs required to live in this world and for the next world, state of liberation all the above can be achieved by a person if he utters the divine names of the Lord.
49. The person who chants the divine name of the Lord continuously is a fortuner who is under the direct monitoring of the Supreme Lord.
50. The highest tapas or effort to achieve in this age of Kali is doing Naama Keerthan.
51. The person who chants the Holy name of the Lord is worshipable.
52. While eating, walking, sitting, getting up, speaking if a person chants the divine names of the Lord he needs to be worshipped in this world.
53. Even if we would have heard about the importance of Bhagavan Nama what we have realized about its potency is only a little.
54. The Supreme God establishes the importance of Nama Vaibhavam through the life experience of his devotees.
55. If one sincerely believe the importance of Bhagavan Naama he will not get affected even if opposed by unwanted uttering of an atheist.
56. One who chants the Bhagavan nama does not depend on a wealthy, egoistic, and learned people but at the same time he will not also show aversion against them.
57. Due to associating with devotees who constantly chant the divine names of the Lord the other people get elevated in their life.
58. The ultimate objective of chanting the divine names of the Lord is pure and unalloyed prema bhakthi towards the Lord.
59. One who does not respect Sadhus, One who does not believe in Gods, One who does not give respect to Bhagavathas (devotees), One who shows differentiation in Bhagavan Naama, One who disrespects the Sampradhaya (religious system followed), One who sees caste and creed, One who is differentiates different Murthi or deity, all the above qualities are hindrance towards making the people to chant the divine names of the Lord.
60. Chanting the Bhagavan Naama gives spiritual enlightenment and firm ups one’s devotion towards the Lord.
61. The process of chanting is the easiest method one can follow and can be adopted easily by neophyte devotees.
62. Continuous chanting of the Bhagavan Naama helps one to overcome trouble and danger.
63. Ajamila while on his death bed simply called his son “Narayana”. Even though he had committed all the possible sins he was saved by the Lord for the simple reason of calling the Lords name even unconsciously.
64. The taste of Bhagavan Naama cannot be explained and only to be experienced.
65. The sages takes birth in this age of Kali only to enjoy the bliss of Chanting.
66. The word RAMA is taken from the second letter of Narayana and Namashivaya. Among the various bhagavan naamas the short and easier one to chant is name of “Rama”.
67. All the goodness and wealth will come to us, The pains and the sins will get defaced and wiped off. The tribulation of birth and death will get over all just by uttering the two syllable word Rama in this birth itself. (Kamba Ramayanam)
68. If a person chants “Nama Shivaya” he obtains all the four purusharthas of Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha.
69. One should not discriminate between Hari Nama and Shiva Nama.
70. The duties of person one who chants the divine name is taken care by the divine name itself.
71. Any doshas occurred due to non performance of his duty by a person one who chants bhagavan naama is removed by the bhagavan naama itself.
72. There is nothing more to be achieved for the person one who chants the divine name.
73. All other sadhanas are fraught with faults in Kaliyuga except Naama Keerthanam.
74. Naama Keerthanam is the perfect and ultimate medicine to cure all the diseases.
75. It is a wonder to see people fall despite there is higher taste of Narayana Nama is available to Chant.
76. One should lament as if he had lost his entire wealth if he loses even a moment to think, hear or chant the divine name.
77. Rama says It is Vrata to protect my devotee if he surrenders once to me. From this we can conclude that the even if a person utters the bhagavan nama only once he will get protected by the Lord.
78. If a person chants the Vishnu Sahasranama he derives all the merits.
79. Even if a person could not chant all the thousand names of the Lord even one such divine name will save him and give him all the purushaartas.
80. All the divine names of the Lord has the equal power and if a person chants any one of those he can achieve the desired results.
81. The dull minded, one who has wavering mind, one whose mind is polluted by another all get purified if they think of Hayagriva and achieve mental sharpness.
82. One chant for himself or for others also to derive the desired benefits.
83. All the names of the Lord are equivalent in their potency. Hence one chant any name any time to derive the desired benefit.
84. If a person utters the Name of Shiva unconsciously the sin accumulated over the last seven birth is removed. One should befriend a person who chants the shiva nama. (Brahma Kaivartha Puranam)
85. If a person chants the holy name of the Lord when he gets up in the morning, while bathing, before taking food, during the occupation, before sleep he will be relieved of all sins which he commits knowingly or unknowingly.
86. To derive the benefits of Dharma, to relieve oneself from effects of bad dreams, to achieve ones desire, to remove ones fear, to achieve victory etc., one chant the divine names of the Lord.
87. If a person chants for himself or for someone else also can achieve the desired benefits.
88. The Sage Viswamitra attained the position of Brahmarishi after undergoing severe penance. However Sage Valmiki even though he was a sinner by simply uttering word RAMA he obtained the position of Brahmarishi.
89. Srimad Bhagavatham says the Sage Narada was born as a son of a domestic helper in his previous berth. However due to performance of Nama Keerthanam Narada attained Jnana in his next berth and was called by the Lord himself as “Deva Rishi”.
90. If one thinks he is Brahman (Aham Brahmasmi) and does not perfrom Bhakthi toward the Lord there is a big risk that they may fall from that position any time.
91. The medicine which we consume internally without knowing the significance or importance of it will cure the disease. Similarly the Bhagavan Naama if chanted unknowingly also will cure all our diseases.
92. For the devoted bhakta who had performed Naama Keerthan the Lord who is pleased on his chanting come to him at the time of his death and gives sufficient Jnana and gives Moksha to him.
93. The state of Samadhi which can be achieved by doing meditation can be achieved by doing Naama Keerthan itself.
94. The leftover food of a Bhagavatha i.e. one who sincere in performing Bhagavan Nama Keerthan if consumed by a biggest sinner will not only cure him but also make him pure.
95. Because of performing severe penance in his previous birth only a person can utter at least once in this life time the divine names of the Lord.
96. The tongue which does not chant the holy names of the lord can be compared to the frog which invites his death through unwanted chattering.
97. Through Nama Smaran one can obtain the divine grace of Lord Rama – Sri Bhagavan Nama Bhodendra Saraswathi.
98. Let the Lord Shiva who takes of this universe be in the form of Rama and protect me – Sri Bhagavan Nama Bhodendra Saraswathi.
99. “Anbodu Un Naamam Kel, Anbar Tham Anbarukku
Anban Ayida Arul Arunachala”.
(Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi - Akshara Mana Malai-104)
The devotees of you chanting your name with pure love and their hearts melts upon hearing your name. I want to become the devotees of those devotees and hence grace me Oh Arunachala.
100. One should chant the Holy Name of the Lord and earn merit (Punniyam) for the next world. One may say that most of the time is spent to earn a livelihood and hence unable to find time to Chant. However, if you think through you will realize that we don’t actually spend the whole time towards earning money. How much time do we waste on unnecessary chitchatting, mockery, seeing unwanted things, unwanted commenting on the news appearing in the news papers, T.V. , Chatting on Cellphones, Internet etc etc., Why can’t we channelize those time positively towards Thinking and Chanting of the Holy Name of the Lord? Even if one could not spend exclusive / dedicated time towards that, one can however can chant while on the way to office like while travelling in the Bus, Train etc., Not even a single penny will accompany us when we leave this mortal world. The only value we could carry to the next world is Bhagavan Nama / Divine Name. – Kanchi Periyava Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi.
Acknowledgements
[Major] Sri V. Venkata Narayanan – For making this article tastier by adding the necessary recipes.
Rama Namaa Bank, West Mambalam, Chennai who are doing the yeomen service of spreading the divine names of the Lord.
Bibliography/Reference
Rama Namaa Bank, West Mambalam, Chennai who are doing the yeomen service of spreading the divine names of the Lord.
Bibliography/Reference
The greatness of Naama Sankeerthanam - http://www.ramanuja.org/
Ayiram Nama Kuripugal – Bhagavan Nama Publications, West mambalam.
Bhothendra Amutham – Bothendrarin Ponmozhigal – Bhagavan Nama Publications, West Mambalam.
http://www.nitaivdea.com/
http://www.radhakalyanam.org/
Ayiram Nama Kuripugal – Bhagavan Nama Publications, West mambalam.
Bhothendra Amutham – Bothendrarin Ponmozhigal – Bhagavan Nama Publications, West Mambalam.
http://www.nitaivdea.com/
http://www.radhakalyanam.org/
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