ॐ नमो नारायणाय (अष्टाक्षर मंत्र)

Every Sanskrit word explained in English

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Word-by-Word Breakdown

ॐ

The Pranava, the primordial sound that is Brahman itself; the praṇava bīja of the mantra

नमः

Namah

I bow; salutations; surrender of the ego — 'not mine'

नारायणाय

Narayanaya

To Narayana — the Supreme Lord Vishnu; literally 'the resting place (ayana) of all beings (nara)' and 'He who dwells upon the cosmic waters (nara)'

नार

Nara

The waters / the collective of living beings (souls)

अयन

Ayana

Resting place, abode, refuge, the goal

अष्टाक्षर

Ashtakshara

'Eight-syllabled' — the name of this mantra (Om-Na-Mo-Na-Ra-Ya-Na-Ya), the foremost mantra of Lord Vishnu

ॐ इत्यग्रे व्याहरेत्

Om ity-agre vyaharet

'One should utter Om at the beginning' — the opening injunction of the Narayana Upanishad on how to pronounce the mantra

नम इति पश्चात्

Nama iti pashchat

'Then (utter) Namah afterward'

नारायणायेत्युपरिष्टात्

Narayanaya ity-uparishtat

'Then (utter) Narayanaya at the end' — thus completing the sacred eight-syllabled mantra

Complete Translation

ॐ, मैं भगवान नारायण को प्रेमपूर्वक प्रणाम एवं समर्पण करता हूँ — जो परम पुरुष हैं, समस्त प्राणियों के आश्रय, धाम तथा परम गति हैं, और जो जल (कारण-सलिल) पर शयन करते एवं सर्वत्र व्याप्त हैं।

Origin & History

Source: Vedic and Vaishnava tradition; the Ashtakshara is glorified in the Narayana Upanishad and the Pancharatra and Sri Vaishnava Agamas

Author: Eternal (apaurusheya) Vedic mantra

Period: Vedic / ancient

Om Namo Narayanaya is revered as the very essence of the Vedas and is praised in the Narayana Upanishad, which declares that one who recites it crosses beyond death and attains immortality. In the Sri Vaishnava tradition it is one of the three sacred mantras (rahasya-traya), embodying complete surrender (prapatti) to Lord Narayana. The sage Narada and countless seers are said to have attained the highest realisation through its constant repetition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Ashtakshara mantra?▼

'Ashtakshara' means 'eight-syllabled'. It refers to 'Om Namo Narayanaya' (Om-Na-Mo-Na-Ra-Ya-Na-Ya), the most celebrated mantra of Lord Vishnu in the Narayana form. It is one of the principal mantras of the Vaishnava and especially the Sri Vaishnava tradition.

What does 'Om Namo Narayanaya' mean?▼

It means 'Om, I bow to Narayana.' The name Narayana means both 'the refuge and final abode of all beings (nara)' and 'He who rests upon the cosmic waters'. The mantra is thus a prayer of complete surrender to the Supreme Lord who pervades all and is the goal of all souls.

What are the benefits of chanting it?▼

It is chanted for peace of mind, protection, purification and spiritual liberation (moksha). It cultivates surrender and constant remembrance of God, and is considered powerful enough to be a complete spiritual practice in itself when repeated with devotion.

How should this mantra be chanted?▼

It can be chanted aloud, whispered or repeated silently. Sit calmly, ideally in the early morning, and repeat it on a tulsi mala 108 times, or carry it inwardly with the breath throughout the day. Sincerity and steady remembrance matter most.

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