Namastrotra

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Namastrotras : the praises of names of DEVI. The recitation of Names

of DEVI is one of the most popular because it is considered as one of

the most efficacious way of invoking the DEVI.. Most often the

recitation consists of one hundred and eight ( 108 ), three hundred (

300 ), one thousand ( 1000 ) or one thousand and eight ( 1008 ).

These names may be recited aloud, repeated inaudibly, mentally

repeated or sung in groups as in Namakirtana.

 

It is being said that we are now in the kaliyuga, where in a

person's

life span is limited to a hundred ( sometimes less ) or so. So it is

not practical to have many spiritual practices which require long

term commitment and also costly rituals.

 

The recitation of the names of DEVI is a simple, personal and

intimate ritual which can be performed by anyone who wants to be

close to DEVI. Usually as one chants the names of DEVI, one

contemplated the DEVI and identifies with all the aspects of DEVI.

 

In the Vedas, the power of words has always played an important role.

In tantric practices, the frequent use of mantras as a potent

protections or gaining access to DEVI, and the knowledge of names

makes one powerful. Names help one understands facts and events.

 

In Atharvaveda "As long as the former earth remains nameless it

cannot be identified so as to become an object of knowledge". All

empirical knowledge is based on knowing words and their meanings

because without this one could never relate to what was learned nor

could one ever convey this knowledge to another person.

 

Recitation the names of DEVI can also be considered as mantras

especially when one add the Aum and followed by Namah. By performing

the repetition of mantras, one strengthens one association with the

DEVI and gradually becomes intimate with them.

 

The Names too acts as an interpreter between the material and the

immaterial forces of DEVI. The name therefore acts like a linking

reference point between DEVI in her form aspect ( Saguna ) and

nirguna ( formless aspect). In the scriptures, DEVI is often called

the Nameless or Anaman but it is not the same as when we used such

terms as "birthless", "formless" or

`actionless" It does not mean

that DEVI has no name but that HER name is not like the common names

that we have in the phenomenal world. These names possesses a

spiritual significant.

 

The names given in the praises are the important ones but DEVI cannot

be fully described by any number of names as SHE is nameless and

limitless.

 

Therefore by reciting the names of DEVI one is

1. become more familiar with DEVI

2. protected by HER

3. received blessings and experience DEVI in her saguna form

4. have the direction of transcendent DEVI in her nirguna aspect.

 

The recitation of names is nothing new. Its has its historical

antecedent in the Vedas.

a. Rg Veda : Agni's name being mentioned eight times in the

first stanzas.

b. Bhagavad Gita : instead of repeating the name of Krishna or

Aruja repeatedly, their epithets are being used. Thereby emphasizing

their diverse and accomplished abilities.

c. Brahmana Purana : Lalitha Sahasranama

d. Srimad Devi Bhagavatam : Sri Gayatri Sahasranama

 

In Chinnamasta Sahasaranama, a practitioners is assured happiness,

knowledge and the attaintment of great siddis through reciting her

names, without puja and without meditation.

 

In Lalita Sahasaranama it is said that whomever recite the thousand

names will be free from evil, all accumulated sins will be destroyed.

One will achieved prosperity and whatever one desires. The reciter

too will be free of all sufferings and achieved liberation.

 

Nevertheless it is important to note that by reciting the names alone

is not enough to attain Moksa. In Vishnu Sahasranama it comments

that "one should not think that by merely reciting salvation is

insured, because it is by knowledge alone that one attain Moksa"

 

Consistent with Tantric viewpoint, an individual's power and

understanding are needed to attained liberation, and one cannot rely

soley on the grace of DEVI. The recitation of names therefore, is an

effective means of reaching the threshold of liberation that is

having the knowledge of Brahman.