नारायणं नमस्कृत्य — Word-by-Word Meaning
नारायणं नमस्कृत्य
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
नारायणम्
Narayanam
To Lord Narayana (Vishnu), the resting place of all beings
नमस्कृत्य
Namaskritya
Having bowed, having offered salutations
नरम्
Naram
To Nara (the eternal companion of Narayana, the sage)
च एव
Cha eva
And also
नरोत्तमम्
Narottamam
The most excellent among men, the supreme sage
देवीम्
Devim
To the Goddess
सरस्वतीम्
Sarasvatim
Saraswati, goddess of learning and speech
व्यासम्
Vyasam
To Sage Vyasa (compiler of the Vedas and the Mahabharata)
ततः
Tatah
Then, thereafter
जयम्
Jayam
Jaya (the 'Victory' — the original name of the Mahabharata); the sacred narration
उदीरयेत्
Udirayet
One should recite, narrate, or begin
Complete Translation
भगवान् नारायण (विष्णु) को, श्रेष्ठ ऋषि नर को, देवी सरस्वती को तथा महर्षि व्यास को प्रणाम करके — तत्पश्चात् ही पवित्र कथा (जय) का पाठ आरम्भ करना चाहिए।
Origin & History
Source: Mahabharata (mangalacharana / invocatory verse); also used in the Puranas
Author: Sage Veda Vyasa (traditional attribution)
Period: Itihasa-Purana period
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'Narayanam Namaskritya'?▼
It is the famous mangalacharana (auspicious invocatory verse) recited at the beginning of the Mahabharata and many Puranas. It salutes Narayana, the sage Nara, Goddess Saraswati and Sage Vyasa before starting the sacred narration called 'Jaya.'
Why are Nara and Narayana mentioned together?▼
Nara and Narayana are the twin eternal sages, considered partial incarnations of Vishnu, who perform austerities for the welfare of the world. Arjuna and Krishna are regarded as Nara and Narayana in the Mahabharata, which is why both are invoked at its outset.
What does 'Jayam udirayet' mean?▼
'Jaya' (meaning 'Victory') is the original name of the Mahabharata. 'Jayam udirayet' means 'one should then recite the Jaya' — that is, begin the sacred narration after offering these salutations.
When should this verse be chanted?▼
It is chanted at the very beginning of any scriptural reading, recitation, study or katha — especially of the Mahabharata, Bhagavata and Puranas — to invoke divine grace and an auspicious start.
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