Q&A: 12. Most powerful name of the Lord

தமிழில் படிக்க இங்கு செல்லவும். 

Question: Sri. Gopalakrishnan from Hyderabad asks. “Which is the most powerful nama (name of God) and why?” 

Answer: The most powerful name of the Lord the ‘Rama nama‘. As we all know, Lord Narayana incarnated as a mere mortal Rama and showed us the right way of living in this world. Though there are several names of Gods that can be chanted, Rama nama chanting is considered the most significant for the following reasons:

Providing deliverance

Rama nama is the only mantra which is called ‘thaaraka manthra‘. The word ‘thaaraka’ can mean a raft or a deliverer/liberator. As Rama nama is the only one that can help us cross the ocean of worldly desires (‘samsaara sagara‘), it is called thaaraka manthra.

Embodiment of God’s all names

Just by chanting Rama nama, one can gain the benefits of chanting all the 1000 names of the Lord. This is mentioned by Lord Shiva himself to Goddess Parvathi, who asks him what is the easy way to recite all the 1000 names of the Lord. (“sahasra naama thath thulyam rama naama varaanane” – By chanting Rama naama, one can get the benefits of chanting all the 1000 names of the Lord)

Mispronunciations don’t matter

The thief Ratnakara became sage Valmiki and wrote the great epic Ramayana just by chanting Rama nama. Due to the weight of his sins he was unable to chant the name, so sage Naradha taught him to chant ‘mara mara’ and that was adequate to change him into sage Valmiki. (For those who can read Tamil, here is an interesting link).

Friends of all beings

During the course of his life, Lord Rama befriended all kinds of beings and bestowed love on them. This list includes Guha (the head of a tribal group), Jataayu (a vulture), Sugriva (a monkey), Shabari ( an elderly women), Vibhishana (a demon) and even a squirrel. Such is his vow that anyone who comes to him asking for his help will be taken care of. For his righteous behavior, he is called Purushotthama ( ‘supreme among men’).

His name is even superior to Himself!

While constructing the bridge to Lanka, the vanara sena (monkey army) wrote the name of Rama on the stones and threw it in the ocean. Lord Ram was surprised to see the stones floating in water and he decided to throw one himself in the water. To his surprise, the stone sank. Goes on to show that Rama’s name is more powerful than Rama himself. It is for this reason that Lord Hanuman decided to stay back on earth and enjoy chanting his name and not follow his Lord to Vaikuntha.

Rama nama is simple to write

It is one name that is easy to pronounce as well as to write as well. While some people chant the name, there are several who prefer to write it. They prefer to see their prayer efforts in visual medium than in abstract medium like japam or meditation. It is easy for even elderly people to write easily and gain His blessings. We can also make our children write Rama nama which will not only increase their awareness of the supreme but also will have positive side-effects such as improved hand-writing, sticking to a schedule, healthy competition with other children and increased focus! 

Can be chanted in Hanuman temples also

Interestingly it is the only name that can be chanted to please another deity Hanuman. More than prayers directed at him, Lord Hanuman is more pleased when someone chants Rama nama in his presence. Legend has it that when Hanuman landed in Lanka, the chanting by  Vibhishana attracted him towards his residence. Even today, whenever Ramayana is chanted in houses and other holy places, an empty seat is set apart so that Lord Hanuman can sit and listen.  By chanting Rama nama, one can get blessing from both Lord Rama and Lord Hanuman.

Some of the saints who attained greatness by chanting Rama nama are Sri Ramaananda (founder of ‘Ramaanandi Sampradaya), Kabirdas, Samartha Ramadas (philosopher and poet), Thiyagaraja (proponent of Carnatic music) and Bhadrachala Ramadas (Telugu composer of Carnatic music).

Let’s chant the name of the Lord and get showered with His blessings.

Jai Shree Raam!

Click below to view the earlier questions and answers in this series: 

https://thedal.info/category/dharmicqa/