Bhakti Prabhav Mahavir Goswami Maharaj

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Know about hells

How to protect from hells

We have now come to know that men who perform sinful activities and are aggressive against others including animals, birds and insects get punishment in various hells as described above. How to escape from these dreadful hells? Cause of sufferings

Various miseries torture humanity because of three things , 1. Sins (papa), 2. The seed of sin (papa-bij), and 3. Nescience (avidya)

Sins that we have committed are twofold ; (1) Prarabdha and (2) Aprarabdha. When the fruits of sins have matured they are called Prarabdha.; When the fruits of sins are yet to mature (in future) they are known as Aprarabdha.

A person who is fortunate enough to obtain Bhakti is always freed from sinful activities. Even when he attains strong faith which is qualification for gaining Bhakti he abstains from the sinful actions. Sinful impulses, the seed of sin also finds no place in the heart of those who are sanctified by pure devotion. Error regarding the knowledge of one‘s self (Jivatma) is nescience. While making progress towards unalloyed devotion, a jiva is enabled to understand his true nature. It experiences that it is not an entity of the material world nor has it any permanent relationship with its physical and mental cases in which it is prisoner at present. It comes to know that it is an eternal servant of the Supreme Lord. The cause of all our sufferings is due to misidentification, resulting from our averseness to Godhead.

When the light of unalloyed devotion illuminates the dark chambers of our hearts, the root cause of all such sufferings is completely eradicated leaving no room for any further miseries.

In Srimad Bhagavatam ( 11-14-18), Lord Krishna said :-

“Just as a blazing fire reduces every piece of fuel to ashes even so unflinching devotion to Me (God), strikes at the root of all sins.” For those seeking liberation there is nothing more efficacious in cutting the root of sins than chanting the Name and glories of Lord Vishnu.

Utterance of name of Sri Krishna destroys all sins. (ch.ch.adi. 8/24)

A single utterance of the Name of Krishna destroys all sins. If one utters Sri Krishna nama he gets loving devotion.

Name of Narayana is a renowned thief in this world. Just as thieves steal away the wealth hoarded with great difficulty, the mere sound of this Name removes all the hoards of sins accumulated in innumberable births. Sayam pratastatha kratva devdevasya kirtanam I Sarv-pap-vinirmuktah svarg-loke mahiyate ( H. Bhakti villas. 2.11.320)

By performing the kirtan of Name of Lord Krishna , both in the mornings and evenings regularly, one attains the abode of Heaven duly freed from all sins. Those who perform kirtana of name of Hari, go to heaven as their all sins are destroyed by utterance of names of God.

>>verse-center>> Naranam visya-andhanam mamta-kul-chetsam
Ekam eva harernam sarv-pap-vinashnam (H.Bh.Vi. 2-11-326)

Human beings are blind by the influence of sense-objects and have egoistic mind of I and mineness because of which they commit sins. Only way of deliverance from all their sins is the Holy Name of Sri Hari.

Even while on dacoity, if a mortal utters the Name ‘Hari‘ once at least, the way to the womb of his mother is closed to him, i.e., he is saved from the shackles of births and death and he is no more under the jurisdiction of Yamaraj ( God of death).

Just as the blazing fire destroys the entire world, even so, the Name of Sri Govinda when chanted with or without devotion burns away all our sins.

The Name Govind destroys thousands of sins committed, even when It is uttered while calling a person bearing that name. Just as a blazing fire burns down to ashes heaps of grass, even so, the utterance of Sri Hari Nama , destroys all the sins of those who utter His name. (Bhagavatam 6-2-18).

Sinners of all kinds including the slayer of Brahmin, slaughterer of his father and mother, of the cow, the killer of the preceptor, one living on the flesh of dogs, and even a chandal, will certainly be purified by uttering the Name of Sri Hari, as the utterance of Name of Hari destroys all sins. (Bhagavatam 6-13-8).

All sins committed in past and present births and those that may occur in future as well, are soon destroyed by effect of Govinda kirtana. Sarv-roga-apshanam sarva-updrava nashanam I Sarv-duhkh-kshayakaram harinamanu kirtanam II (Brhm vaivart puran 2.11.358)

Chanting of Sri Hari-nama, destroys all diseases and obstacles. This name of Lord Govinda is the best remedy for rooting out of all misfortunes. Continuous chanting of Sri Hari Nama destroys all kinds of sins, removes obstacles and strikes at the very root of distress.

Just as the sun dispels darkness , or a heavy wind drives away formation of clouds, even so Lord Hari manifesting in the hearts of those persons who listen and chant the narrations connected with His glories destroys all their miseries. (Bhagavatam 12-12-47).

By the mere chanting of names of Lord Krishna, cruel beings like Yakshas, demons, ghosts, evil spirits, etc., flee away - Sri Krishna Nama sankirtan is an excellent remedy to destroy all evils.

There is no doubt that Sri Nama sankirtan, even when uttered in times of hunger, thirst, or when tumbling down , is the best course to wipe out all sufferings.

How to get fearlessness from kali? ( Sriola Sanastan Goswami mentioned in Hari bhakti villas . (2-11-365)

While chaning name of Hari there is no fear of the sharp fangs of the evil serpent of Kali. By the conflagation of Govinda –nama, not only sins are burnt but will be also reduced to ashes. In the age of Kali Yuga the chanting of name of God is the best panacea.

In this terrible Kali Yuga, those men who have taken resort to the chanting of Sri Hari-Nama alone, have fulfilled the noble purpose of their life. Kali can do no harm to them.

The age of Kali is dreadful and torturing all. But this danzerous age of Kali is unable to do any harm to those persons who utter daily ‘O Keshav! O Hare! O Govinda! O Vasudev! O Infinite one like the universe! Kali yuga does not torment those who perform the Kirtan of Sri Vasudev .

Name of Hari protects from hell.

Sinners who have thrown into infernal regions in hells are also redeemed. If dwellers of hells utter Name of Hari with devotion get liberation from hell and go to Vaikuntha Loka.

By chanting Names of Lord Hari even worst of sinners who are being tortured for long period in the horrible hell, are completely liberated. Hence for those who are after the attainment of liberation there is no other method so competent as the incessant chanting of Sri Hari nama. People of Kali Yuga would never worship the Supreme Lord Sri Hari . Whose Name even if unconsciously uttered by a man at the threshold of death, bedridden and unable to move the limbs, he attains the highest goal, completely freed from all the sins.

Lord Hari says :-

There is no doubt whatsoever that I definitely pardon crores of offences of the person who utters My Names with implicit faith. Divine Name superior to Vedas

By uttering the two syllables ‘Ha-ri‘ man derives all the benefits arising from the study of all the four Vedas, such Rig, Yajur, Sama, and Atharva. Hence the exponents of sastras emphasize that the effect of uttering name ‘Krishna is far superior to that of the study of Vedas. In Skand puran 2-11-379) it is said:-,

Even each Name of Sri Vishnu is far superior to the study of all the Vedas;’ one Name ‘Rama‘ is equal to one thousands name of Sri Vishnu. And one Name ‘Krishna ‘ is equal to three thousands name of Sri Vishnu. Therefore , three names of Rama are equal to one name of Krishna.

Oh my dear ! Please do not peruse the Rig, Yajur, or Sama Vedas, daily utter ‘Govinda‘, Sri Hari`s name which is worth singing. Divine name better than holy places

Why should one visit Kurukshetra, Kasi, or Pushkar, if on the tip of his tongue always dance the two syllables ‘Ha-ri‘. Those who constantly chant Hari Hari Hari…. for them no necessary to visit the holy places. The effects of constantly chanting the Name ‘Krishna‘ is far superior to that of making crores of pilgrimasges.

Sri Nam sankirtan is far superior to all holy acts:

All holy acts, such as donating a crore of cows on the occasion of the solar eclipse, residing on the banks of Ganges at Prayag (Allahabad), for a Kalpa, performing billion sacrifices, and offering gifts of gold in quantities as large as Sumeru mountain , are not even a part of a hundredth part of what you gain through the Kirtan of Sri Govinda. Name of Govinda is superior to all holy activities. Even performing thousands Vajapeya sacrifice daily, constructing well , starting hospitals are not equal to chanting holy names of Lord Govinda deva. If one actually aims for deliverance, he then should utter the Name ‘Govinda‘.

The constant chanting of the Name ‘Krishna‘ roots out all the evil influence of the six enemies ( Lust, anger, greed, infatuation, pride and prejudice). Even if one utters name of Lord Vishnu in joke or ridicule, he is extremely blessed and fortunate.

Indeed, he is blessed who utters even once the Name ‘Hari‘ which is extremely rare to sinners in this age of Kali! There is no doubt about it.

Sri Hari nama can be practise everywhere and at all times

O Lubdhak! Hear attentively. For chanting Sri Hari-nama, there are not restrictions at all of place and time. There is no objection to utter His Name even with an unclean mouth. For uttering the Name of Hari no consideration of place, time or purity etc. need ever be observed, The Name alone is quite independent and does fulfill all the desires of Its votaries. Name should be uttered always and everywhere. It never depends upon time or place, or purity and impurity of chanter.

One who always commits the worst sins at all times under all circumstances, attains to the Ultimate Goal Vaikuntha by Sri Nama-Sankirtan. Lord Krishna says, O Arjun ! I am unpurchasable by others but become purchased by those who sing My Names and dance and weep for Me.

Whose tongue always utters two letters ‘Ha-ri‘, certainly they have purchased me . The kirtan of Sri Vasudeva is the sublime learning , the highest penance and the supreme truth. Kirtan is most auspicious attainment, earning of the highest wealth (prem) and very purpose of human life. Sri Narada in Nardiya Purana said:-

In the age of Kali Yuga Hari Name , Hari name, Hari Name , only Hari Name, there is no other way, no other way than His Sankirtan, Brahma even if he has thousands mouths, will not be able to describe the transcendenal fruit of the utterance of Hari nama uttered even once.

Who can chant name of God ?

In Hari Bhakti Vilas, Sri Sanatan Goswami has mentioned that Hari Names will manifest themselves on the tongue of the person who has worshipped Sri Vasudev in the past hundreds of births. Lord Hari said in prabhas puran ( H. Bh. vi 2-11-498);

O hero, Arjuna! Amongst all My Names, ‘Krishna‘ is the most important Name. It is the sole atonement for all sins and is also the best rescuer. The word Mochak means the giver or bestower of the highest Mukti, i.e., Sri Krishna Himself. Even crores of the vilest sins of the person are totally destroyed in whose speech the most auspicious ‘Krishna‘ nama exists. Even if somebody chants without faith his sins are not only immediately destroyed but his speech too becomes highly propitious.

He who utters ‘Krishna`, `Krishna` in whatever situation he is, his all sins are destroyed and becomes purified or wherever he may be, attains the Lotus Feet of Sri Krishna in Goloka. Even if one having drunk liquor, day in and day out, utters only `Krishna` `Krishna` becomes absolutely auspicious and pure or even if he drinks liquor day and night , but utters `Krishna` `Krishna` he becomes purified. Having copiously drunk liquor but he has now given up this dirty habit and started uttering `Krishna` `Krishna`. He is pure devotee.

There is no knowledge religious vow, meditation or any other attainment that is equal or superior to the Name of Krishna.

Neither renunciation, control of the mind, nor any meritorious deed nor the highest aspirations equal to or higher than the Name of Krishna.

Name is alone highest Mukti. Name alone is the ultimate end in life. Resort to Name alone yields the highest kind of peace. Resort to the Name alone is abiding welfare.

Resort to the Name is the highest devotion; recourse to the Name alone is the ultimate end of knowledge. Attachment to the Name alone is the highest Love; recollection of the Name alone is the true remembrance.

Name is the root cause of all beings and the Name alone is their Sole Master ; the Name alone is the highest Object of Worship and the Name alone is the highest amongst all Spiritual Masters.

Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu explained harernama sloka in the house of Srivas Pandit, it is given below :

Sri Hari –nama, Hari –Nama and Hari-Nama alone is the Sole Resort ; there is no other , no other , no other way except Sri Hari –Nama in the age of Kali Yuga. In Kali Yuga the primeval Lord prevails verily in the Form of Sri Hari-Nama. Sri Hari Nama is Hari Himself. It is pulsating with kindness. In this sloka `Harernama` the indeclinable `Eva` is used to mean `Hari-Nama` alone and nothing else. If a person, on seeing devotees engrossed in the chanting of the Name, becomes attached to them, he achieves Goloka of Sri Krishna and rejoices in His company. Sri Krishna says, O Partha ! Take the Names with a firm determination, as a person who is saturated with the Name is dear to Me ; O Arjuna! I again implore you to take to the service of the Name.

Ajamil- the resort of all sins, uttering `Narayana` under the semblance of calling his younger son, went to Vaikuntha. How much better would the result be , if it is uttered with implicit faith?

No sinner is capable of committing sins to the extent that a single utterance of the Name of the Lord could destroy. The capacity of the Name to destroy the sins is far greater that the sinners` capacity to commit sins.

But we should keep in our mind that the seed of Sri Krishna Nama never sprouts in the heart of those who commits offences against the Name. According to Padma Purana there are ten offences. These offences will postpone the realization of the fruit of Sri Nama- Sankirtan which is Krishna Prem. Aspirants indulging in such offences will not taste the incomparable Bliss flowing from the Eternal Fount of Sri Krishna Nama. These offences are described below :-

First offence - Speaking ill of Sadhus, publishing false scandals about them, causing harm or injury to their persons or adopting other violent methods , like disrespecting them, speaking harsh and impolite words of them. These activities form an offence against the Name. Chanter of divine Name should avoid all such activities to get fruit of Hari Nama. Lord Hari punish those who act against His devotees.

Second Offence :- To regard Sri Vishnu as absolutely different from His Names , Form, and Qualities etc., form an offence. To treat Lord Vishnu (Krishna) equal to demigods like Shiva etc., or treat Shiva etc., independent of Him, is also an offence. Sri Krishna is the Supreme Godhead, the transcendental autocrat. He is the Prime Cause of all other causes, the God of all gods and the Original of all objects and entities. All other gods are powerful owning to the inspiration they receive from Him They are all delegated with certain powers by Him. Just as even a costly and highly powerful electric bulb is of no use without current from the power-house, even so, deprived of Sri Krishna`s energy, all these gods are powerless entities. Sri Krishna is the Transcendental power-house from Whom all these gods receive inspiration. To treat Him as on a par with other gods who are not independent and who receive strength from Him is an offence against the Holy Name. All Demigods are under influence three modes of Maya whereas Lord Krishna is beyond the three modes of Maya.

Third Offence: Disregarding the Spiritual Preceptor (Gurudeva) is third offence. He who chants Hari Nama at all times is the real preceptor. Such a spiritual master has no other function than the chanting of the Name of Sri Hari. He is the greatest exponent of the Holy Name. The Guru though he appears before us, talks to us in our language, dresses like us, takes food like others and behaves with us like a human being, but he is not an ordinary mortal. He is purely a transcendental personage. One should not speak lie or cheat Gurudeva. We should obey commands of our Gurudeva. The advice of the Guru should be obeyed unconditionally without any discrimination. Discarding the Guru and his words of advice, no disciple can realise the Absolute Truth. The Name of the Lord never manifests on the tongue of one who disregards is Sad-Guru. It is a greatest offence. In order to know more about personality of Gurudeva one should study `Gurudeva over tops disciple` written by Tridandi Swami Bhakti Prabhav Mahavir Maharaj.

For advancement in spiritual life, one must strictly follow the bona -fide instructions of the Sri Gurudeva. As confirmed in the Vedic injunctions , yasya deve para bhaktir yatha deve tatha gurau. One should have equal faith in the God and Gurudeva, who helps the disciple make progress in spiritual life. As soon as the disciple thinks independently, not caring for the instructions of the spiritual master, he is a failure as kGKurudeva becomes dissatisfied ( yasya aprasadan na gatih kuto api). Aditi very strictly followed the instructions of her husband and Spiritual Master, and thus she was successful to get Lord Vamandeva as her son.

Fourth Offence :- Criticism of scriptures is an offence against Holy name. The scriptures are not created by any mortal. They originate directly from the Supreme Lord Himself; accordingly, they are understood by the wise as self-revealed truths. Sri Vyasdeva, one of the Manifestations of the Lord expounded and expanded same for the enlightenment of the ignorant persons.

People who are under the influence of Maya (illusion), have no knowledge about Sri Krishna Hence, Sri Krishna has manifested out of His Mercy, the Vedas and Puranas. From the breath of the Supreme Person, have originated the four Vedas, the great epics, all the Puranas, Upnishads, sloka , sutra etc. Therefore scriptures should not be criticized on any ground.

Fifth Offence: To understand that glory of Divine Name is not true, is also an offence against Holy Name. Less intelligent persons are of opinion that the praises on the efficacy of the Holy Name are simply hyperbolic. But it not true. Glory of Divine Name is true and powerful. One should chant Name of God with firm faith. By chanting the Name of Hari even a patient or a drunkard becomes eternally free and attains the pleasure of Sri Maha Vishnu. Holy Name is identical with Hari. Divine Name has all powers of Lord Hari. There is no difference between Hari and His Names.

Sixth Offence: Most people are given to a belief that Godhead has no Name. They are of opinion that any object with a Name or Form is the production of Maya or imaginary. Their opinion on transcendental objects is totally mistaken. This is an offence. God has numberless names and forms. His all Names, Forms, Qualities, Abode etc., are not imaginary but true.

Seventh Offence: Committing repeatedly sins on the strength of Name is also an offence. After listening to the marvellous Glories of the Divine Name if one continue sinful activities thinking that all sins will be destroyed by chanting Names of God. It is offence to commit sin on the dint of Name. The Divine Name by chanting which Divine Love is achieved should never be used for destroying One`s sins. Sri Gauranga Mahaprabhu while at Navadvip converted two rowdies—Jagai and Madhai into great saints. He got an assurance from them to that effect. He said ;-

“You must not commit any more sins”

>>verse-center>> Jagai—Madhai bale ---ara nare bap II

They said, “We would not do it again”. From then onwards they started chanting Sri Krishna-Nama and became great devotees of Sriman Mahaprabhu and never committed sins on the strength of Names of God.

Eighth offence : Regarding the Holy Name in the same category as that of all other religious practices such as moral duties, religious vows, renunciaton, sacrifice etc., Chanting of Sri Hari nama is direct service of Lord Krishna. Sankirtan should not be compared with other religious practices. It is an offence against Holy Name of God. One utterance of the Name “Krishna” is more beneficial than the performance of even crores of horse –sacrifices. Yamaraj will punish that infidel, who compares a single utterance of ‘Sri Krishna –Name with even crores of horse –sacrifices.

Ninth offence : Imparting the Holy Name to persons who have no faith in and are averse to chanting the Holy Name, is an offence. Those who are irreligious from their very birth, constitutes an offence. The Holy Name should not be imparted to others, out of selfish motive, such as receiving money, earning a name and fame , etc. This would amount to a misuse of the Holy Name. This is a great offence against Holy Name.

Tenth Offence : After listening the excellences of the Name of Lord Hari if one does not have interest for chanting and hearing the same, he commits an offence. There should be no bargaining with the Holy Name for worldly gains. The Name must be uttered for Its own sake. The aspirant should chant the Name in a spirit of self-surrender, invoking at every step the blessings of his Spiritual Master .

These are ten offences against Holy Nama. One should not commit sins as mentioned above. Sri Gauranga Mahaprabhu while in Nabdvipa Dhama, converted two rowdies—Jagai and Madhai into great saints. They committed all types of sins. There were no sins that these two did not commit before their conversion. In a couple of minutes both became ideal devotees. They surrendered unconditionally to Sri Gauranga Mahaprabhu. He got an assurance from them to that effect. Prabhu bale--- tora ara na karis papa.. He said, “You must not commit any more sins”. They replied, Jagai –Madhai bale---ara nare bapa .

We would not commit sins again. From then onwards, they started chanting Sri Krishna` Name and became great devotees of Sriman Mahaprabhu

Constant chanting of the Name is the sole remedy to escape from these offences. In the present age of Kali Yuga Hare Krishna mahamantra is only remedy to escape from sins. In four Yugas there are four Mahamantras to destroy sins and award love for Krishna.

Mahamantra of Kali Yuga

This is mahamantra of Kali Yuga. Chant this mahamantra and be happy. Constantly chanting of mahamantra is the way to protect oneself from hells.

Mahamantra of Dvapara Yuga

Mahamantra of Treta Yuga

Mahamantra of Satya Yuga

>>verse-center Namo –astu nama rupaya namo-astu nam jalpine
Namo –astu nam shuddhaya namo nama –mya cha

I bow down to Him Whose form is the Divine Name, to him who babbles the Name, to him who is purified by the Name and to Him Who is full of Names and to Him Who is saturated with Names.

Sing aloudly, sing aloudly the Name of Lord Krishna in prayers that Name cleans mind`s mirror of sins` layers. There are layers of sins in our heart committed by us in many births. Chanting of Name of Lord Krsihna aloudly removes all layers of sins. Heart become pourified. Chant aloudly , chant aloudly, the Name of Krishna that extinquishes fire and flames of our worldly desires or attachments.

Nine-fold devotion

When analyse various devotional methods mentioned in our Puranans, nine-fold ways of devotion declared in Srimad Bhagavatam, occupy a very high position. Puranas described sixty-four methods of devotional practices. Nine-fold devotion award us love for Sri Krishna. Here we describe ninefold devotional practices taught by Prahlad to his father Hrinyakasyapu, a demon.

1- Sravana ( listening):
Sravana means listening the Names, Divine pastimes, Attributes etc., of the Supreme Lord Sri Krishna. In spiritual life first procedure is to hear Holy Name .On hearing the marvels of the Name, when the mind is purified, the next stage of hearing the topics relating to the Transcendental Form of the Lord is to be followed. If Names, Forms, Qualities, Pastimes and Entourages of the Lord are heard from a genuine Devotion, it is far more effective. Hearing from one who is a disbeliever is not recommended. Here we should keep in my mind that off all kinds of sacred books prescribed for the hearing , the act of listening to Srimad Bhagavata is spoken of as the best. It is composed by the great Krishna Dvapayan Vedavyas, one of the Lord`s Manifestations . It contains the quintessence of all the sastras of the world.

2. Kirtan : Kirtan means chanting aloud the Names, Form, Qualities, Encourage and Lilas of Supreme Lord. After hearing these blissful and auspicious Glories relating to the Divine births and deeds of Sri Krishna manifested in the world, one must chant them honestly. Anyone who has fallen into this stormy ocean of worldliness can get deliverance from it in no time by uttering His Name. Sri Chaitanya said : “Dance and chant in the association of vaishnava devotees the glories of Lord Krishna”. Nacho gao bhakta sange karoh sankirtana

3. Smarana: Remembering the Names, Forms, Qualities and Sportive activities of the Supreme Lord is known as Samarana. . Smarana is five- fold according to the stages of development.

(i) The primary stage of Smarana is recalling to one`s mind the Holy Name, Form, Attributes etc of the Lord.

(ii) Dharana : This is a hard stage. A regular tug -of -war between him on one side and his mind with all its senses on the other side. The mind running mad like a made horse escaping from its keeper is to be restricted from its wanderings. Withdrawing the mind from all its diverse objectives and fixing it in remembering the Lord is the meaning of this state of mental pursuit . It is called Dharana.

(iii) Dhyan : Special concentration of the mind on the Form and activities etc., of the Lord is meant by Dhyana.At this stage striver has succeeded in his attempts to control the mind. He is free from outside distractions and the mad influence of the fickle mind . He can concentrate mind upon the Lord.

(iv) Dhruvanu Smrit: The incessant flow of the mind like a continuous stream of nectar towards the Supreme Lord.

(v) Samadhi : The spontaneous manifestation of the Lord in the heart. This stage of Samadhi is different from the one that is attained by the Gyanis generally known as Brhama-Samadhi. This are five progressive stages of Samarna.

4. Padasevana :: This mode of devotion is the act of seeing, touching, circumambulating the Holy Image and the sacred temple , sacred abodes like Vrindavan Mathura, Jagannatha , Dvarka, Ayodhya,etc.; going on pilgrimages bathing in the holy rivers like the Ganges, Yamuna, etc. Taking shelter in any of the sacred abodes of the Lord or holy temple for whole life., and service of the sacred Tulasi. All these come under the category of Padasevan

5. Archana : Ritualistic worship of the Lord is Archana. Every householder should perform this process. This ultimately leads a devotee to the Lord. Just as watering the root of a tree nourishes its main trunk, branches and twinges, so also the worship of Sri Vishnu results in the satisfaction of all souls including Him. If Sri Krishna is served, all the lesser gods are definitely served. Lord Krishna said in Srimad Bhagavatam (11-27-49), “He who worships Me adopting the regulated processes prescribed by the Vedas and tantra texts, receives from Me rewards in fulfillment of all his desires here and hereafter.”

6. Vandan: Vandan is spoken part of Archana. The sense of extreme humility on hearing the unparalleled Glories of the Lord is the main basis of this method. Vandan means Namaskar. Namaskar indicates the giving up of all types of material ego. Sastanga Namaskar means bowing down to the Lord as a mark of respect and in utter humility,. utilizing all the Indriyas viz,; 1. the arms 2. the legs, 3. the knees, 4. the breast, 5., the head , 6. the eyes, 7. mind , 8. words. One must bow down to the Lord with his heart and soul, with the eyes slightly opened and earnestly feeling and uttering. (Hari Bhakti Vilas 1-8-360). Besides this there is the other method known as the Panchanga Namaskar, which means prostrating oneself before the Lord with 1. the knees, 2. the hands, 3. the head .4. with words, 5. mind dedicated to Him. This is called panchanga dandvat pranama.

7 Dasya: In this method there is sincere feeling that one is the servant of the Lord. A servant of the Lord occupies a position second to none. In all forms of devotion this feeling of rendering service to the Supreme Lord plays the most important role. To attain the position of a servant of Lord needs Herculean efforts.

8. Sakhya : This means friendly relationship form with the Lord. It includes various comforts and timely services of the Lord in a friendly way. Just as a sincere friend in the world, is always eager for the welfare of his companion, so too a genuine devotee of this order, puts all his loving efforts in the interest of the Lord.

9. Atmanivedan: This is complete self-surrender. This consists of surrendering unconditionally one`s body, mind, words, soul and all that one feels as his own to the Lord. A devotee of this order is utterly indifferent to make efforts even for his own purposes but he never abstains from rendering services to the Lord. Even after complete self-surrender, the surrendered soul feels that he is the property of the Lord and has nothing that he can claim as his own. Such a devotee never worries for his daily necessities such as food, clothing, etc. or even medicine during all sorts of illness. Atmanivedan distinguished from Saranagati in respect of certain special characteristics. In a word, Atmanivedan is the fully developed condition of Saranagati.

This is called nine-fold devotion. Amongst the nine-fold ways of devotion, Nama-Sankirtan tops the list. Tar madhye sarv srestha nama- sankirtan. Nir-apradhe nama laile pay prem-dhana . But Nama should be uttered without committing any sins. Nama-Sankirtana should be performed free from all the offences.

The Names of the Supreme Lord Krishna are grouped under two heads :--- 1. Specific, 2. Generic. Specific names are Krishna, Hari, Govinda, Gopal, Nandakishor, Radharamana, Murari, Mukunda, Rama, etc., Sages insists upon the aspirants to call Him by His Specific Names only which attract Him surely and quickly. Generic names are Brahman, Paramatma, Bhagavan, Isvar, Jagadish, Vibhu, Prabhu, Malika, Ananta, Sarvasaktiman, parmesvar etc., These names denote the transcendental power of the Lord. God has no attraction for His Generic Names. Sri Krishna is enamoured and enasnared by His Specific Names only.

Great Shiva said, “One single Name ‘Rama’ is equivalent to the utterance of one thousands other Names of Sri Vishnu. Then again as single utterance of the word ‘Krishna’ once, grandly accomplishes the result for which the sacred thousand names of Sri Vishnu have to be repeated thrice.”

One Rama nama = one thousand names of Vishnu

One Krishna nama = three thousands names of Sri Vishnu.

Utterance of three names of Rama = One name of Sri Krishna (Rama Rama Rama = Krishna)

Supreme Lord Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu gave advice to house-holders :

“Serve Sri Krishna and His devotees and constantly perform the sankirtan of the Name of Sri Krishna . This is teaching of Lord Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu for spiritual benefit.. By the single name of Sri Krishna all your sins are destroyed and it helps the appearance of nine -fold devotion. The name is independent and All powerful. Hence , It does not require the assistance of any other process for the fulfilment of Its Efficacies. It does not even wait for initiation or such other ritualistic.

In the present age of Kali Yuga always chant the following Mahamantra and be happy. This Mahamantra is superior to all other mantras. Devotees should chant with firm faith. Best time for chanting is before sunrise. Chanting this mahamantra is protection from hells and gettimg ever existisng bliss.

(Brahmand Purana , Uttar khand 6/56)

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