Glories of Hare Krishna Maha Mantra – An excerpt from Srila Jagadananda Pandita’s ‘Sri Prema Vivarta‘
Why chant Hare Krishna? What are the Glories of Hare Krishna Maha Mantra? – Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu quotes from the scriptures to explain the glories of chanting the Holy name of Krishna.
Diseases, Anxieties & Calamities
The Fear of terrible diseases or the fear of being punished by the King is driven away by chanting the Holy Name of Narayana.
mahavyadhi-samach-chhanno
raja-vadhopapiditah
narayaneti sankirtya
niratanko bhaven narah
(Vahni Purana)
–
Living beings who are troubled with terrible diseases or oppressed by kings grow fearless by chanting the Holy Name of Narayana.
All kinds of diseases, sufferings, along with troubles and calamities are destroyed by chanting the Holy Name of Lord Hari.
sarva-roga-upasamanam sarvopadrava-nasanam
santidam sarva aristanam harer nama anukirtanam
(Brhad Vishnu Purana)
–
Chanting the Holy Name of the Supreme Lord Hari heals all diseases, ends all troubles and subdues all disasters.
Just as the mighty wind scatters the clouds, and the rising sun certainly dissipates the darkness – similarly the Holy Name of the Lord drives away the calamities that torment the living beings on the strength of its potency. These are the words of Vyasadeva.
sankirtyamano bhagavan anantah
srutanubhavo vyasanam hi pumsam
pravisya cittam vidhunoty asesam
yatha tamo ’rko ’bhram ivati vatah
(Srimad Bhagavatm, 12.12.48)
–
When a living entity chants about the Infinite Supreme Personality of Godhead, or hears about His prowess, the Lord enters their hearts and cleanses away their misfortunes, just as the sun dispels the darkness or as a powerful wind scatters the clouds.
One who is in agony, disturbed, disheartened, fearful or afflicted with a terrible disease and cannot see any hope – if such a person engages in the congregational chanting of the Holy Names of ‘Hari’ or ‘Narayana’, then he certainly becomes free from grief and experiences bliss.
arta visannah sithilas ca bhita
ghoresu cha vyadhisu vartamanah
samkirtya narayana-sabdam ekam
vimukta-duhkhah sukhino bhavanti
(Vishnu Dharma Purana)
–
Those who are in agony, disturbed, disheartened, fearful or afflicted with a terrible disease, become free from grief and experience bliss if they chant the holy Name of Narayana even once (Shuddha Nama – pure offenseless chanting).
Monsters, Demons, evil spirits , etc
Lord Vishnu is infinitely powerful and by simply chanting His name and glories, one can drive away monsters, demons, evil spirits, ghosts, disembodied souls, witches, and other similar beings, putting an end to all of his sufferings.The chanting of the Holy Names of Lord Hari (Krishna) destroys all inauspiciousness and dangers such as hunger, thirst, confusion and so on.The valor of the Holy name never unveils itself wherever there is any uncertainty regarding the Holy name’s potency. The grace of the holy name of the Supreme Lord Hari can only be attained by the faithful and not by the skeptical. This is an esoteric mystery which the devotees should certainly be aware of.
kirtanad deva-devasya Vishnor amita-tejasah
yaksa-rakshasa-vetala bhuta-preta-vinayakah
dakinyo vidravanti sma ye tathanye ca himsakah
sarvanartha-haram tasya nama-sankirtanam smrtam
nama-sankirtanam kritva ksuttrt praskhalitadishu
viyogam sighram apnoti sarvanarthair na samsayah
(Vishnu Dharma Purana)
–
Lord Vishnu is infinitely powerful and by simply chanting His name and glories, one can drive away monsters, demons, evil spirits, ghosts, disembodied souls, witches, and other similar beings, putting an end to all of his sufferings.
The chanting of the Holy Names of Lord Hari (Krishna) destroys all inauspiciousness and dangers such as hunger, thirst, confusion and so on. There is no doubt about this.
O devotees! Listen with faith! Do not be perturbed observing the sharp teeth of the poisonous serpent of Kali Yuga. The raging fire of Krishna’s Holy Name shall set ablaze the teeth of this serpent.
kali-kala-kusarpasya
tiksna-damstrasya ma bhayam
govinda-nama-danena
dagdho yasyati bhasmatam
(Skanda Purana)
–
Do not be perturbed observing the sharp teeth of the poisonous serpent of Kali Yuga.The raging fire of Govinda’s Holy Name shall reduce it to ashes.
Reverses the effects of Kali Yuga
In this dark age of Kali, sincere devotees should give up all other shelters and take exclusive shelter of the Holy Name of Lord Hari. Chanting the Holy Names of ’Hari’, ‘Keshava’, ‘Govinda’, ‘Vasudeva’, ‘Jagan-Maya’ fulfills one’s heart with great bliss.One who chants the Holy Name of the Supreme Lord with unflinching faith is not affected by the reverses of Kali Yuga and his heart stays eternally pure.
harinama-para ye ca ghore kali-yuge narah
te eva krtakrtyasca na kalir badhate hi tan
hare keshava govinda vasudeva jaganmaya
itirayanti ye nityam na hi tan badhate kalih
(Brhan Naradiya Purana)
–
Living beings who devote themselves to the chanting of the Holy Names of the Supreme Lord Hari are not affected by the reverses of Kali Yuga. Chanting the Holy Names ’Hari’, ‘Keshava’, ‘Govinda’, ‘Vasudeva’, ‘Jagan-Maya’ ,one overcomes the hindrances posed by Kali Yuga.
One who resides in hell and chants the holy Names ‘Hari’ and ‘Krishna’ attains devotion unto the Supreme Lord (Sri Krishna) and proceeds to the Supreme spiritual abode.
yatha yatha harer nama kirtayanti sma narakah
tatha tatha harau bhaktim ucvahanto divam yayuh
(Nrsimha purana)
–
The devotion unto the Supreme Lord arises wherever the holy Names of Lord Hari are chanted in hell and the residents of hell (who chant the holy Name of Lord Hari) proceed to the divine abode of the Supreme Lord.
Freedom from material Bondage
Only the chanting of the Lord’s Holy Name can destroy the reaction to sins that are yet to fructify. Pursuing a path of Karma (fruitive activities) or Jnana (speculative knowledge) can never yield the same results. Without chanting the Holy Name of Lord Hari, one is never released from the bondage of Karma (Fruitive activity). Hence other processes can never favor one with this liberation that frees one from any further attachments to Karma or contaminations from the material modes of passion and ignorance. Chanting the Holy Name renders one free from illusion (Maya).
natah param karma-nibandha-krntanam
mumuksatam tirtha padanukirtanat
na yat punah karmasu sajjate mano
rajas-tamobhyam kalilam tato nyatha
(Srimad Bhagavatam, 6.2.46)
–
Therefore one who desires freedom from material bondage should adopt the process of chanting the holy Name and glories of Supreme Personality of Godhead, at whose feet stand all the holy places. One cannot derive the proper benefit from other methods because even after following such methods one takes to fruitive activities again, unable to control his mind, which gets contaminated by the material qualities of passion and ignorance.
So if a dying, distressed, collapsing or faltering person somehow helplessly calls out the holy Name of ‘Krishna’, then he becomes delivered from the bondages of Karma (fruitive activities) which the living beings in this age of Kali do not attain by any other means.
yan-namadheyam mriyamana aturah
patan skhalan va vivaso grnan puman
vimukta-karmargala uttamam gatim
prapnoti yaksyanti na tam kalau janah
(Srimad Bhagavatam, 12.3.44)
–
Even if a dying, distressed, collapsing or faltering person somehow helplessly calls out the holy Name of ‘Krishna’, then he gets delivered from the bondages of Karma (fruitive activities) and achieves the Supreme destination. Yet people in this Kali Yuga do not worship the Supreme Lord.
If one chants the Holy Name of the Supreme Lord with faith and without duplicity, then Lord Krishna excuses millions of their offenses. One who does not believe in this statement, however, is very unfortunate and does not get delivered.
mama namani loke ’smin sraddhaya yas tu kirtayet
tasyaparadha-kotistu ksamamy evam na samsayah
(Vishnu Yamala)
–
(Lord Krishna says) If one chants My Holy Name with faith, I excuse millions of his offenses. Of this there is no doubt.
The faults concerning chanting Mantras, following appropriate procedures, time and place are all eradicated by the congregational chanting of the Holy Names of the Supreme Lord, thereby rendering endless satisfaction.
Chanting the Holy Name is the foremost of all auspicious activities. Taking shelter of the Holy Name, all the other auspicious pursuits certainly become successful.
mantratas tantratas chhidram desa-kalarha-vastutah
sarvam karoti nischidram anusankirtanam tava
(Srimad Bhagavatam, 8.23.16)
–
The faults while chanting the mantras, observing the regulative principles, and discrepancies regarding time, place, person, paraphernalia are all eradicated when Your Lordship’s holy name is chanted.
The Holy name and the Four Vedas
The Holy Name of the Supreme Lord is superior to all the Vedas. One who doubts this never attains any good fortune.
‘Pranava’ or ‘Om’ is another Name of Krishna, and it is from this sound, spoken first by Brahma, that the Vedas had originated. Essentially these two (Krishna’s name and the Vedas) have no distinction. Hence one who constantly chants the Holy names of Lord Hari has already recited the Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharva Vedas.
rig-vedo hi yajur-vedah sama-vedo py atharvanah
adhitas tena yenoktam haririty akshara dvayam
(Vishnu Dharma Purana)
–
Those who have chanted the two syllables ‘Ha-ri’ have certainly studied the Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharva Vedas.
What is the use of studying the Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharva Veda? Just chant the holy name of ‘Govinda’.
ma richo ma yajustata ma sama pathha kinchana
govindeti harer nama geyam gayasva nityasah
(Skanda Purana)
–
Do not recite the Rig, Yajur, Sama or Atharva Veda. Just chant the holy name of Lord ‘Govinda’ incessantly.
Every Name of Lord Vishnu is superior to all the Vedas. Know that the name ‘Rama’ is superior to a thousand names of Lord Vishnu.
vishnor ekaika-namapi
sarva-vedadhikam matam
tadrk-nama-sahasrena
‘Rama’-nama-samamsmrtam
(Padma Purana)
–
Every single name of ‘Vishnu’ is superior to all the Vedas. The Name ‘Rama’ is superior to a thousand names of Vishnu.
The result which is achieved by chanting a thousand names of ‘Vishnu’ three times is the same that is attained by chanting the Holy Name of Krishna just once.
“Krishna Krishna Krishna Krishna Krishna Krishna Krishna he!” .O devotees! Incessantly chant this Holy name.
‘Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare’
Chanting these sixteen Holy Names ensures that all spiritual obligations are satisfied. One who chants them is bestowed with all perfections in spiritual life.
sahasra-namnam punyanam triravrttya tu yat phalam
ekavrttya tu krsnasya namaikam tat prayachchhati
(Brahmanda Purana)
–
The result which is achieved by chanting a thousand names of ‘Vishnu’ three times is the same that is attained by chanting the Holy Name of Krishna just once.
What is the need to labor visiting the holy places of pilgrimage? Incessantly chanting ‘Hare Krishna’ will award you with all the spiritual benefits.What is the need of touring Kurukshetra, Kashi or Pushkara for one whose tongue is always blessed with the Holy Name of Lord Hari?
kuruksetrena kim tasya kim kasya puskarena va
jihvagre vasati yasya harir ity aksara-dvayam
(Skanda purana)
–
What is the need of touring Kurukshetra, Kashi or Pushkara for one whose tongue is always blessed with the two syllables ‘Ha-ri’?
What one cannot obtain after touring millions and billions of holy places is achieved simply by chanting the holy names of Lord Hari.
tirtha-koti-sahasrani tirtha-koti-satani ca
tani sarvany avapnoti vishnor namanukirtanat
(Vamana Purana)
–
What one cannot obtain after touring millions and billions of holy places is achieved simply by chanting the holy names of Lord Vishnu.
Sitting at Kurukshetra, Visvamitra Muni once said, ’I have heard the names of various holy places of pilgrimage in this world. But none of them are even one-millionth as potent as chanting the Holy Name of Lord Hari’. This statement is of utmost value.
visrutani bahunyeva tirthani bahudhani ca
koty amsena na tulyani nama-kirtanato hareh
(Visvamitra Samhita)
–
None of the renowned holy places of this world are even one-millionth as potent as chanting the Holy Name of Lord Hari.
What is the need for studying the voluminous Vedas and its corollaries? And why do people care to visit so many holy places of pilgrimage? One who aspires to get delivered from this material world should constantly chant ‘Govinda’ ‘Govinda’.
kintata vedagama sastra-vistarais
tirthair anekair api kim prayojanam
yady atmano vanchasi mukti-karanam
govinda govinda iti sphuratam rata
(Laghu Bhagavata)
–
My child, What is the need for studying the voluminous Vedas and its corollaries? And what is the need of so many holy sites of pilgrimage? One who aspires to get delivered from this material world should constantly chant ‘Govinda’ ‘Govinda’.
Chanting the Holy Name of the Supreme Lord is superior to performing all other pious activities. If you have faith in this conclusion then all your other prescribed duties are automatically taken care of.The actions of donating millions of cows during solar eclipses, staying at sacred Prayag for a Kalpa (1 Kalpa equals billions of years comprising a cycle of 4 yugas), observing strict religious rites in the month of Magha, offering countless sacrifices or even donating Mount Sumeru’s worth of Gold in charity does not add up to even one-hundredth the value of chanting the Lord’s Holy Name.
go-koti-danam grahane khhagasya
prayaga-gangodaka-kalpa-vasah
yajnayutam meru-suvarna-danam
govinda-kirterna samam satamsaih
(Laghu Bhagavatah)
–
The actions of donating millions of cows during solar eclipses, staying at sacred Prayag by the Ganges for a Kalpa (billions of years comprising a cycle of the 4 yugas), offering countless sacrifices or donating Mount Sumeru’s worth of Gold in charity does not compare to even one-hundredth the value of chanting the Lord Govinda’s Holy Name.
The scriptures state that public welfare works, no matter how numerous or extensive, are after all mundane activities.The Holy Name of Lord Hari easily grants one liberation from this material world. Fruitive activities are trivial when compared to the Holy Name of the Lord.
istapurtani karmani subahuni kritany api
bhava hetuni tany-eva harer nama tu muktidaam
(Baudhayana samhita)
–
Public welfare works, numerous or extensive, are after all mundane activities.The Holy Name of Lord Hari easily grants one liberation from this material world.
What hope do you have from Sankhya Yoga (path of deductive philosophical speculation) or Astanga Yoga (eightfold mystic yoga) processes? If you are searching for liberation then chant the holy name of Govinda incessantly.
Mukti (liberation) is, in fact, an insignificant outcome compared to the results one can achieve by chanting the Holy Name. Even one who chants the Holy Name indifferently attains liberation.
kim karishyati sankhyena kim yogair nara nayaka
muktim-ichchhasi rajendra kuru govinda-kirtanam
(Garuda Purana)
–
O King, What will you do with Sankhya Yoga (path of deductive philosophical speculation) or Astanga Yoga (eightfold mystic yoga) processes? If you are searching for liberation then incessantly chant the holy name of Govinda.
Even an outcast, should be deemed the best of the brahmanas, if the Holy Name of Krishna dances on the tip of his tongue. Such a person must have performed severe austerities, bathed at all the holy places, studied all the Vedic scriptures, and has thereby grown principled with spiritual intent. On the strength of the above practices, such a fortunate soul is now able to constantly and ecstatically chant the Holy Name of Lord Hari with his tongue.
aho bata svapaco to gariyan
yaj jihvagre vartate nama tubhyam
tepus tapas te juhuvuh sasnur arya
brahmanuchur nama grnanti ye te
(Srimad Bhagavat, 3.33.7)
–
Oh, how glorious! Even an outcast on whose tongue appears Your holy name is worshipable! Persons who chant the holy name of Your Lordship must have performed severe austerities, fire sacrifices and achieved all the good manners of the Aryans. To chant Your holy name, they must have bathed at holy sites of pilgrimage, studied all the Vedic scriptures and fulfilled everything needed.
The Vedic literatures and its corollaries proclaim that the Hare Krishna Mahamantra (Harinama Mahamantra) is the bestower of all benedictions.
The Holy Name of Lord Hari destroys the six enemies namely lust, anger, greed, madness, pride, envy, subdues passion and enables the execution of pure devotional service.
etat sar-varga-haranam ripu-nigrahanam param
adhyatma-mulam etad dhi vishnor namanukirtanam
(Skanda Purana)
–
The Holy Name of Lord Vishnu destroys the six enemies namely lust, anger, greed, madness, pride, envy, subdues passion and enables the execution of pure devotional service.
Therefore, the enlightened person who is actually advanced in knowledge and who is aware of the qualities of Kali Yuga, appreciates and admires this age as in this age one can attain the highest (spiritual) benedictions simply by chanting the Holy Name of the Supreme Lord.
kalim sabhajayanty arya gunajna sara-bhaginah
yatra sankirtanenaiva sarvah svarthohbhilabhyate
(Srimad Bhagavatam, 11.5.36)
–
Therefore, the enlightened person who is actually advanced in knowledge and who is aware of the qualities of Kali Yuga, appreciates and admires this age as in this age one can attain the highest benedictions simply by chanting the Holy Name of the Supreme Lord.
The Holy Name of the Supreme Lord is all-powerful and is equal to Lord Krishna in all respects. Lord Krishna has invested all of His potencies within His holy name.Lord Krishna has drawn His powers present within the practice of charity, religious rituals, austerity, visiting holy sites of pilgrimages, Karma-Kanda rituals for the demigods, rajasuya yajna, asvamedha yajna, knowledge of self-realization and has invested them in His Holy Name.
dana-vrata-tapas-tirtha-kshetradinam ca yah sthitah
saktayo deva-mahatam sarva-papah-harah subhah
rajasuyasvamedhanam jnanam adhyatma-vastunah
akrsiya harina sarvah sthapitah svesu namasu
(Skanda Purana)
–
The Lord has drawn all of His purifying power invested within the practice of charity, religious rituals, austerity, visiting holy sites of pilgrimages, Karma-Kanda rituals that are offered unto the demigods, rajasuya yajna, asvamedha yajna, knowledge of self-realization and has infused them into His Names.
Lord Krishna, the master of the demigods, possesses inconceivable potencies. Whichever Name of Krishna, you are most attached to shall grant you your desired ends. The Holy Name is all-powerful and you shall attain everything owing to its power.
sarvartha sakti yuktasya devadevasya chakrinaah
yach-chabhiruchitam nama tat sarvarthesu yojayet
(Brahmanda Purana)
–
Chant the Holy Name of all-powerful Krishna, the carrier of Chakra, that you are most attached to and it shall grant you your desired ends.
By chanting Lord Hriskesa’s (Krishna) Holy Name the entire world turns blissful. Being attached to the Lord, the hearts of living beings become joyful and satisfied. The demons grow afraid and flee, while the perfected souls forever offer their respectful obeisances unto His feet.
Lord Krishna and His Holy Names are non-different. The influence of the Holy Name is befitting and it does not lack in anything.
sthane hrisikesha tava prakirtya
jagat prahrsyaty anurajyate cha
raksamsi bhitani diso dravanti
sarve namasyanti ca siddha-sanghah
(Bhagavat Gita, 11.36)
–
O Hrisikesha (Krishna), the world turns blissful upon hearing Your name and thus everyone becomes attached to You. Although the perfected beings offer You their respectful homages, the demons grow afraid, and they flee in all directions. All this is rightly done.
The consideration of class or caste is of no consequence with regards to chanting the Holy Name of the Supreme Lord. There is no need for one to undergo the purificatory rites of Brahmanical initiation in order to chant the Holy Name.
One who always chants the Holy Names of ‘Narayana’ ‘Jagannatha’ ‘Vasudeva’ Janardhan’ is to be respected as a worshipable spiritual master (Guru).
One who incessantly chants the Holy Name of Krishna while sleeping, dreaming, walking or sitting is worshipable in all respects.
Narayana Jagannatha Vasudeva Janardhana
itirayanti ye nityam te vai sarvatra vanditah
svapan bhunjan vrajams-tisthan-uttisthams ca vadams tatha
ye vadanti harer nama tebhyo nityam namo namah
(Brhan Naradiya Purana)
–
Those who always chant the Holy Names of ‘Narayana’ ‘Jagannatha’ ‘Vasudeva’ Janardhan’ are worshipped everywhere. I offer my repeated obeisances unto those who incessantly chant the Holy Name of Lord Hari while dreaming, eating, walking, sitting, standing or talking.
Whether one is a woman, a shudra (low caste), an outcast or others – if that person chants the Holy Name of Lord Krishna, then such a person is to be worshiped as a Guru (spiritual master).
stri sudrah pukkaso vapi ye chanye papayonayah
kirtayanti harim bhaktya tebhyo piha namo namah
(Narayana Vyuha stava)
–
I offer my repeated obeisances unto those who chant the Holy Name of the Supreme Lord with devotion – whether they be women, shudras (low caste), outcasts or others.
A person who is shelterless, a staunch materialist, harmful for others, sinful and completely devoid of austerity, knowledge or renunciation – even if such a person chants the Holy Name of the Supreme Lord, then he attains an exalted destination which the other religious pious men do not.
ananyagatayo martya bhoginopi parantapah
jnana-vairagya-rahita brahmacharyadi-varjitah
sarva-dharmejhhita vishnor nama-matraika-jalpakah
sukhena yam gatim yanti na tam sarve pi dharmikah
(Padma Purana)
–
A person who is shelterless, a staunch materialist, harmful for others, sinful and completely devoid of austerity, knowledge or renunciation, irreligious – even if such a person chants the Holy Name of Vishnu, then he immediately attains an exalted destination which the other religious pious men do not.
The considerations of time and place do not apply when it comes to chanting the Holy Name of the Supreme Lord. Also, one is not forbidden to chant if he is unclean or contaminated.
na desa-niyamastasmin na kaala-niyamas tatha
nochchhisthhadau nisedho sti sri harer-namni lubdhaka
(Vishnu Dharma)
–
O Hunter ! The considerations of time and place do not apply when it comes to chanting the Holy Name of the Supreme Lord. Also, one is not forbidden to chant if he is unclean or contaminated.
Chant the Holy names of Krishna always and at all places. The Holy Name is supremely purifying. Do not be bothered about rules and regulations governing external cleanliness.
chakrayudhasya namani sada sarvatra kirtayet
nasaucham kirtane tasya sa pavitrakaro yatah
(Skanda Purana)
–
Chant the Holy names of Lord Krishna,the carrier of the chakra, always and at all places. The Holy Name is supremely purifying. So do not be bothered about rules and regulations governing external cleanliness.
There are rules regarding an appropriate time when it comes to performing sacrifices (yajna), charity (dana), bathing at holy places or chanting of Vedic hymns. But considerations of proper and improper time when it comes to chanting the Holy Name and glories of Lord Krishna is a grave mistake.
There are no rules concerning place or time when it comes to chanting the Holy name of Lord Krishna. Everyone should chant the Holy name and glories of Lord Krishna at all times.
na desa-niyamo rajan na kala-niyamas tatha
vidyate natra sandeho vishnor namanukirtane
kalosti dane yajne ca snane kalo sti sajjape
vishnu-sankirtane kalo nasty atra prithivi-tale
(Vaishnava Chintamani)
–
O, King! There are no rules concerning place or time when it comes to chanting the Holy Name of Lord Vishnu. Of this, there is no doubt. There are rules regarding an appropriate time when it comes to performing sacrifices (yajna), charity (dana), bathing at holy places or chanting of Vedic hymns. But there are no such considerations of proper and improper time on this earth when it comes to chanting the Holy Name of Lord Vishnu.
For a Yogi (ascetic) who is indifferent to the world and craves for fearlessness, the Holy Name of the Supreme Lord is the only means for him to attain so.
etan nirvidyamananam ichchhatam akuto-bhayam
yoginam nripa nirnitam harer namanukirtanam
(Srimad Bhagavatam, 2.1.11)
–
O King, constant chanting of the holy name of the Lord is prescribed for those who are indifferent to the world and crave for total fearlessness.
Other than the Holy Name of the Supreme Lord, nothing else grants liberation so easily to the living entity. The Holy Name is its only shelter in these three worlds and it is its only hope of deliverance.
One who chants the two syllables ‘Ha-ri’ even once, is bound to attain liberation.
sakrid-uchcharitam yena harir ity akshara-dvayam
baddhah parikaras tena mokshaya gamanam prati
(Skanda Purana)
–
Those who chant the two syllables ‘Ha-ri’ even once, are bound to attain liberation.
One who wins over his sleep and cries out the Name of ‘Narayana’, be it even once, grows pure at heart and proceeds on the path to deliverance.
sakrid uchcharayed yastu narayanam atandritah
suddhantahkarano bhutva nirvanam adhigachchhati
(Padma Purana)
–
One who wins over his laziness and cries out the Name of ‘Narayana’ even once, grows pure at heart and attains liberation.
A person entangled in this mundane world who cries out ‘Hare Hare’ out of helplessness attains immediate liberation. Fear personified fears the Holy Name of the Lord.
apannah samsritim ghhoram yannama vivaso grinaan
tatah sadyo vimuchyeta yad bibheti svayam bhayam
(Srimad Bhagavatam, 1.1.14)
–
A person who is entangled in the intricate webs of birth and death can be delivered immediately by even unconsciously chanting the holy name of the Supreme Lord (Krishna), which is feared by fear personified.
At the time of death, one who helplessly chants the Lord’s Names, incarnations or pastimes, is absolved of his sins accumulated over several lifetimes. He attains the lotus feet of the Supreme Lord Hari and engages in His devotional service.
yasyavatara-guna-karma-vidambanani
namani ye suvigame vivasa grinanti
te neka-janma-samalam sahasaiva hitva
samyanty apavritam ritam tam ajam prapadye
(Srimad Bhagavatam, 3.9.15)
–
Let me take shelter of the lotus feet of Him whose incarnations, qualities and pastimes are mysterious imitations of mundane affairs. One who chants His Holy Names, even unconsciously, at the time of his death, is certainly absolved of his accrued sins of many lifetimes and attains Him and engages in His devotional service.
Those who chant the Holy Name of Krishna, the subduer of the ill-effects of Kali Yuga, while walking, sitting, dreaming, eating, sleeping or speaking, be it even neglectfully, they realize their true spiritual identity and proceed towards the Supreme spiritual abode of Vaikuntha fearlessly.
vrajamstisthan svapannasnan svasan vakya-prapurane
nama-sankirtanam vishor helaya kali-mardhanam
kritva svarupatam yati bhakti-yuktah param vrajet
(Linga Purana)
–
Those who chant the Holy Name of Vishnu, the subduer of the ill-effects of Kali Yuga, while walking, sitting, dreaming, eating, breathing or speaking, be it even neglectfully, they realize their true spiritual identity, attain devotion and proceed towards the Supreme spiritual abode fearlessly.
Krishna loves and showers His grace upon those who somehow or other chant His holy Name.
Even a bewitched drunkard, lying in a diseased state, who calls out the Holy Names of Lord Hari, finds liberation within the grasp of his fingers.
vasudevasya sankirtya surapo vyadhitopi va
mukto jayeta niyatam mahavishnu prasidati
(Varaha Purana)
–
By chanting the Holy Name of Vasudeva even a drunkard, lying in a diseased state, pleases Mahavishnu and attains liberation.
Chanting the Holy Names of Lord Hari is the ultimate objective of life. The Kashi-Khanda states that it is the most sought after auspiciousness and the greatest treasure of one’s life. The Padma Purana also affirms the same at various places.
idameva hi mangalyam etad eva dhanarjanam
jivitasya phalanchaitad yad damodara-kirtanam
(Skanda purana)
–
Chanting the Holy Name and the glories of Lord Damodara is the ultimate auspiciousness, true wealth, and the greatest fruit of life.
Chanting the Lord’s Holy Name is the greatest of all auspicious activities and the ultimate spiritual fruit originating from the Vedas.
A human being who chants the Holy Name of Lord Krishna, faithfully or neglectfully, attains salvation. This is sung throughout the Vedas.
madhura-madhuram-etan-mangalam mangalanam
sakala-nigama-valli-sat-phalam chit-svarupam
sakrid api parigitam sraddhhaya helaya va
bhrigu-vara nara-matram tarayet Krishna-nama
(Prabhasa Khanda)
–
The Holy Name of Krishna, which is the sweetest of the sweet, the most auspicious of all the other auspicious things, the ultimate spiritual fruit originating from the Vedic Vines, delivers a living being when it is chanted even once, be it faithfully or indifferently.
The Chanting of the Lord’s Holy Name is the most excellent of the various practices of devotion observed across the different Vedic scriptures.
In the process of Astanga Yoga, remembrance of Lord Vishnu is practiced undergoing a lot of troubles. However, simply moving one’s lips and chanting His Holy Name is the best form of glorification and remembrance of the Supreme Lord.
aghachhit smaranam vishnor bahvayasena sadhyate
osthha-spandana-matrena kirtanantu tato varam
(Vaishnavi Chintamani)
–
Remembrance of Lord Vishnu, that eradicates one’s sins, is practiced undergoing a lot of troubles. However, simply moving the lips and chanting His Name is the best form of glorification and remembrance of the Supreme Lord.
If one takes initiation and worships the deity form of the Lord for hundreds of lifetimes, then the Holy Name of Lord Hari manifests on his tongue. He is able to then chant incessantly.
yena janma-sataih purvam vasudevah samarcitah
tan-mukhe hari-namani sada tisthhanti bharata
(Vaishnava Chintamani)
–
O, King! If one worships the deity form of Vasudeva for hundreds of previous lifetimes, then the Holy Names of Lord Hari always appear on his tongue.
What one could obtain in Satya-Yuga by executing severe penances and austerities for thousands of years, by offering sacrifices (yajna) in Treta Yuga, by worshipping the deities in Dvapara Yuga can be attained simply by chanting Lord Hai’s Holy Names in Kali Yuga.
dhyayan krite yajan yajnais
tretayam dvapare rachayan
yadapnoti tad apnoti
kalau sankirtya kesavam
(Vishnu Purana)
–
What one could obtain in Satya-Yuga by meditation, by offering sacrifices (yajna) in Treta Yuga, by worshipping the deities in Dvapara Yuga can be attained by chanting Lord Keshava’s Holy Names in Kali Yuga.
In this age of Kali, a Maha-Bhagavat (advanced devotee of the Lord) is one who chants the Holy Names of Lord Hari in this material world.
mahabhagavata nityam kalau kurvanti kirtanam
(Skanda Purana)
–
In this age of Kali, a Maha-Bhagavat (advanced devotee of the Lord) is one who chants the Holy Names of Lord Hari incessantly.
The results attained by chanting Lord Hari’s transcendental Holy names just a few times cannot sufficiently be described even by the likes of Brahma, Shiva or Lord Ananta Sesa.
The Scriptures sing that the glories of chanting the Lord’s Holy Name are the most amazing. One who chants the holy name of the Lord immediately attains the Supreme spiritual abode.
sakrid uchcharayanty eva harer nama cidatmakam
phhalam nasya kshamo vaktum sahasra-vadano vidhih
namochcharana-mahatmyam sruyate mahad adbhutam
yad uchcharana-matrena naro yayat parama padam
(Brhan Naradiya Purana)
–
The results attained by chanting Lord Hari’s transcendental Holy names just a few times cannot sufficiently be described even by the likes of Brahma or Ananta Sesa even with His thousands of mouths.We have heard that the glories of chanting the Lord’s Holy Name are the most amazing. One who chants the holy name of the Lord immediately attains the Supreme spiritual abode.
Lord Krishna said to Arjuna, ‘Listen Arjuna! Let me tell you something. The living beings chant My Holy Name either faithfully or indifferently. But whenever they do so, their action remains forever imprinted upon My heart. There is no religious rite, no equivalent knowledge, no meditation, no equivalent attainment, no renunciation, no equivalent strength, no pious act or shelter that ever compares to my Holy Name. The Vedas do not have sufficient strength to describe the power of My Holy Name.
Chanting my Holy Name is the highest form of liberation and the sole refuge. It is the greatest peace and the most coveted stability. Chanting My Holy Name is the highest form of devotion and the most divine intent. It is the highest Love and the best form of remembrance. The Holy Name is the origin of the Living entity and is his master. The Holy Name is his most worshipable Lord and his spiritual guide.
sradha-ya helaya nama ratanti mama jantavah
tesam nama sada partha vartate hridaye mama
na namaa sadrisam jnanam na nama sadrisam vratam
na nama sadrisam dhyanam na nama sadrisam phalam
na nama-sadrisas tyago na nama sadrisah samah
na nama sadrisam punyam na nama sadrisi gatih
namaiva parama muktir namaiva parama gatih
namaiva parama shantir namaiva parama sthitih
namaiva parama bhaktir namaiva parama mati
namaiva parama pritir namaiva parama smriti
namaiva karanam jantor-namaiva prabhur eva ca
namaiva paramaradhyo namaiva paramo guru
(Adi Purana)
–
‘Listen Arjuna! Let me tell you something. The living beings chant My Holy Name either faithfully or indifferently. But whenever they do so, their action remains forever imprinted upon My heart. There is no religious rite, no equivalent knowledge, no meditation, no equivalent attainment, no renunciation, no equivalent strength, no pious act or shelter that ever compares to my Holy Name.
Chanting my Holy Name is the highest form of liberation and the sole refuge. It is the greatest peace and the most coveted stability. Chanting My Holy Name is the highest form of devotion and the most powerful intent. It is the highest Love and the best form of remembrance. The Holy Name is the origin of the Living entity and is his master. The Holy Name is his most worshipable Lord and his spiritual guide.
There is no limit to the glories of the Lord’s Holy Names. Even if a candala, the lowest of mankind, hears them, he immediately gets delivered.
yan-nama-sakrichhravanaat
pukkasopi vimuchyate samsarat
(Srimad Bhagavatam, 6.16.44)
–
Even if a candala, the lowest of mankind, hears the Holy name of the Lord even once, he immediately gets delivered from his material existence.
One who chants the Holy Name of Lord Krishna either consciously or unconsciously in this age of Kali attains a form like that of Krishna’s. This is ordained by Krishna Himself.
Krishna Krishneti Krishneti svapana jagrada vrajams tatha
yo jalpati kalau nityam krishna-rupi bhaveddhi sah
(Varaha Purana)
–
One who chants the Holy Name of Lord Krishna in this age of Kali, while dreaming, being awakened or while walking attains a form like that of Krishna’s.
One who Chants Krishna’s Holy Name and constantly remembers the Lord staying in this material world, is just like a lotus that sprouts out of water. Such a person can deliver even the residents of hell.
Krishna Krishneti Krishneti yo mam smarati nityasah
jalam-bhittva yatha padmam narakaduddharamy-aham
(Nrsimha Purana)
–
(Krishna says) ‘One who chants ‘Krishna ! Krishna ! Krishna !’ and constantly remembers Me is just like a lotus that sprouts out of water. Such a person can deliver even the residents of hell’.
The Holy name of Krishna is the foremost refuge of a living entity that counteracts innumerable sins and delivers the living being from his sins.
namnam mukhyataram nama krishna-khyam me parantapa
prayaschitta-mase-sanam papanam mochakam param
(Prabhasa Purana)
–
(Krishna says) Among all my Holy Names, the Name ‘Krishna’ is the foremost. It counteracts innumerable sins and delivers the living being from his sins.
The Holy Name is a transcendental touchstone, Krishna Himself and a spiritually cognizant being. The Holy Name is complete, pure, eternally liberated. The Holy Name and the possessor of the Name are non-different.
nama chintamanih Krishnas-chaitanya-rasa-vigraha
purna suddho nitya-mukto-bhinnatvan nama-namino
(Padma Purana)
–
The Holy Name is a transcendental touchstone, Krishna Himself and a spiritually blissful being. The Holy Name is complete, pure, eternally liberated. The Holy Name and the possessor of the Name are non-different.
One who knows about Vishnu’s Holy Name and understands His endless power, establishes himself in transcendental knowledge, and prays to Vishnu for clear intent and pure desires.
Om asya jananto nama cid-vivaktan
mahaste Vishno sumatim bhajamahe om tat sat
(Rig Veda, 1.156.3)
–
O Vishnu! Knowing about your transcendental Holy Name and understanding Your endless power, we pray to You for clear intent and pure desires.
(Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu thus concluded His glorification of Lord Krishna’s Holy Name)
Then Krishnadasa folded his palms and said, ‘O Lord, I have one request.
I have never heard before such an incredible glorification of the Holy Name. But why are the same kind of results not achieved everywhere by chanting the Holy name?’
Lord Chaitanya replied, “Respect and conviction are the basis of everything. Some do not obtain the desired results (from chanting) due to their lack of faith”.
The Lord added ,”The Holy Name is the Supreme Lord Himself. Residing as the supersoul in everyone’s heart, He awards results proportionate to one’s faith. One who lacks full conviction on the glories of the Lord’s Holy Names, does not achieve the desired results and instead suffers from offenses. Such people abandon their faith and consider the glories of the Holy name to be exaggerations. As a result they do not achieve any results. They fall down to hell and suffer.
arthavadam harer namni sambhavayati yo narah
sa-paapisthho manusyanam niraye patanti sphutam
(Katyayani Samhita)
–
Those offenders within the human society who consider the glories of the Holy Name to be exaggerations, certainly descend to hell.
yannama-kirtana-phalam vividhan nisamya
na sradhadhati manute yadutarthavadam
yo manusas tam iha duhkhacaye kshipami
Samsara-ghora-vividharti-nipidiitangam
(Brahma Samhita)
–
(The Supreme Lord said) ‘Those humans who lack full conviction upon the glories of the Lord’s Holy Names, despite hearing about its glories, and consider the glories of the Holy Name to be mere exaggerations – I subject them to the dark, dangerous material world, subjecting them to multiple kinds of agony’ “.
