OM NAMO NARAYANA

Meaning and Significance

Om namo narayanaya is a Sanskrit mantra; having several translations

and consequent interpretations.

It is widely considered to be useful for individuals seeking self-realization

and oneness, which is the goal of yoga. Appearing in the "Sama Veda," it is
said that this mantra and its meaning was revealed to the Vedic seers
through their penances.

One meaning of Om Namo Narayanaya is about acknowledging the

Divine in every individual; for instance; it may be said to any wise or elderly
person as a salutation and respectful greeting, recognizing their innate
knowledge, age seniority and divinity.

The component Om is the cosmic sacred syllable, which encompasses all

of the universe, energy and consciousness; the eternal source-sound-
vibration of creation.

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The component Namo means the same as Namah; to bow or to
bow to; to honor or salute; "All glory be to . . . ."

The componentNarayanaya has more complex roots and interpretations.

It is widely believed that the word has its root from the Sanskrit words;
naara meaning water; and anaya meaning resting place or
shelter. Thus, the word Narayanaya is another name for the
Hindu god, Vishnu, the Supreme God and the preserver of the
universe; whose resting place is water and who is often depicted as
resting on an ocean; in the Hindu art. Lord Vishnu takes various
avatars; whenever the world is threatened with the evil forces; such as
Dashavatar or Dashavatharam. The most prominent of his incarnations (i.e.,
avatars) are Lord Krishna in the epic Mahabharatha and Lord Rama in
the epic Ramayana. The other common names for Lord Vishnu
are Narayana, Jagannath, Vasudeva, Vithoba, and Hari. In Hindu
iconography, Vishnu has always been depicted as having a dark/pale blue
complexion body with four arms. He holds a lotus flower (Padma) in his
lower left hand, Kaumodaki gada (mace) in his lower right
hand, Panchajanya shankha (conch) in his upper left hand and
the Sudarshana Chakra (discus) in his upper right hand.

Finally, and perhaps the most commonly cited explanation is that naara
means human while anaya is the direction or goal. As such,
Narayanaya is the direction taken by a human; which helps humans
toward their ultimate goal of Self-realization. It may also be said that
Narayanaya is the final shelter of all human beings. It may also be
interpreted to signify the ultimate goal or journey of life; which will see the
amalgamation of the atma (soul) with the Paramatma (Almighty).

It is said that the Om Namo Narayanaya mantra should be chanted

with the intention of sending positive vibes to all the people of the world. It
may be used as a chant for peace, health and happiness for all.

"I offer homage to you, O master of all the gods! O Sri Vishnu, O
supremely powerful one, you are the original conscious being.
You are beyond the material qualities, and yet you possess all the
eternal virtues." ~ Traditional Prayer.

"Salutations to Thee, O Master Yogi! Thou art the One who

confers the fruits of striving on all yogis. Bless me, Thy servant
who has no other refuge, that I may have constant and
unswerving attachment for Thy lotus feet." ~ Shrimad

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Bhagavatam

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