नारायणं नमस्कृत्य — Benefits & How to Chant
नारायणं नमस्कृत्य
Complete guide to chanting correctly for maximum benefit
Benefits of Chanting नारायणं नमस्कृत्य
The traditional auspicious opening (mangalacharana) for reciting the Mahabharata, Puranas and sacred texts
Invokes the blessings of Narayana, Nara, Saraswati and Vyasa before any holy undertaking
Removes obstacles and sanctifies the beginning of study, recitation or storytelling
Calls upon Goddess Saraswati for clarity of speech, memory and understanding
Short and easily memorised
ideal to chant before reading any scripture
Establishes the right humble, devotional mood at the start of spiritual learning
How to Chant नारायणं नमस्कृत्य
Instructions
Recite this verse with folded hands before beginning the reading of the Mahabharata, a Purana, the Bhagavata, or any sacred text or storytelling. It is the customary invocation that consecrates the recitation. Chant it once or three times slowly, bowing inwardly to Narayana, Nara, Saraswati and Vyasa, then begin the main text.
Spiritual Significance
It is held that any scripture or sacred story begun with this invocation proceeds without obstacle and bears full fruit, for the reciter has first surrendered the work to Narayana, sought the speech of Saraswati, and bowed to Vyasa, the source of all the Puranas.
Origin & History
Source: Mahabharata (mangalacharana / invocatory verse); also used in the Puranas
Author: Sage Veda Vyasa (traditional attribution)
This benedictory verse stands at the threshold of the Mahabharata, the great epic compiled by Sage Veda Vyasa. Before narrating the vast 'Jaya,' the reciter salutes Narayana and His eternal companion Nara, the goddess of learning Saraswati, and Vyasa himself. By long tradition the same verse is used to open the recitation of Puranas and sacred stories, so that every holy narration begins with remembrance of the divine.