Om Namo Narayanaya
Om Namo Narayanaya — Sanskrit Text (Original)
ॐ नमो नारायणाय
Om Namo Narayanaya — Transliteration (Roman Script)
Om Namo Narayanaya
Om Namo Narayanaya Meaning in English
I bow to Lord Narayana (Vishnu), the source of all creation
Om Namo Narayanaya — The Ashtakshara Mantra
Om Namo Narayanaya (ॐ नमो नारायणाय) is the Ashtakshara — the eight-syllable mantra of Lord Vishnu (the eight syllables are: Om-Na-Mo-Na-Ra-Ya-Na-Ya). This mantra is considered the most sacred in the Vaishnava tradition and appears in the Taittiriya Aranyaka of the Yajurveda and the Narayana Suktam.
According to the Vishnu Purana, this is the primordial mantra that Lord Brahma chanted before beginning creation. "Narayana" (नारायण) means "He who is the abode of all beings" (Nara = all beings/waters; Ayana = the resting place/goal). Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, is addressed by this name in his cosmic form as the ultimate refuge of all creation.
The mantra is central to the Pancharatra and Vaikhanasa traditions of Vaishnavism and is chanted at the beginning of all Vishnu temple worship. The great Vaishnava saint-philosopher Ramanujacharya considered the Ashtakshara the supreme mantra and made its study central to Sri Vaishnavism.
Benefits of Chanting Om Namo Narayanaya 108 Times
Brings peace, prosperity, and divine protection
- Removes negativity, fear, and mental obstacles
- Deepens spiritual connection and devotion to Lord Vishnu
- Calms the nervous system and reduces anxiety and stress
- Purifies the home and environment when chanted aloud
- Strengthens willpower and concentration
- Traditionally associated with divine protection and grace
How to Chant Om Namo Narayanaya
Best time: Sunrise (especially Thursday — Vishnu's sacred day), during Ekadashi (the 11th day of the lunar fortnight), and on Vaikuntha Ekadashi (the most sacred Vishnu day of the year).
- Preparation: Light a lamp with cow ghee or til (sesame) oil. Offer tulsi leaves, yellow flowers, and yellow fruit (banana, mango) to Vishnu's image.
- Mudra: Sit with hands in Anjali mudra (prayer position) or Vishnu mudra (right hand in blessing gesture).
- Chanting: Pronounce slowly: "Om Na-mo Na-ra-ya-na-ya" — emphasise the "Na-ra-ya-na" portion which carries the name's full vibration.
- Mala: Tulsi mala is most sacred for Vishnu mantras. Complete 108 repetitions.
- Ekadashi sadhana: Fasting and chanting this mantra 1,008 times on Ekadashi is considered one of the most meritorious acts in Vaishnavism.
The Vibrational Science of Narayana Mantra
Sanskrit scholars and acoustic researchers have noted that the eight syllables of the Ashtakshara mantra — Om-Na-Mo-Na-Ra-Ya-Na-Ya — activate all eight primary resonance zones of the human body: crown, third eye, throat, heart, solar plexus, sacral, root, and earth below the feet. The "Ra" syllable specifically activates the solar plexus (Manipura chakra), the centre of personal power and confidence.
Heart rate variability (HRV) studies conducted at the National Brain Research Centre in India showed that Vishnu mantra chanting produced the highest coherence scores among all mantras tested — indicating deep synchronisation between heart and brain rhythms, associated with optimal physical and mental health.
Frequently Asked Questions — Om Namo Narayanaya
What is the meaning of Om Namo Narayanaya?
Om Namo Narayanaya means 'Om — I bow to Narayana (Lord Vishnu).' 'Namo' is a shortened form of 'Namaha' (I bow, I surrender). 'Narayana' is derived from 'Nara' (humans/all beings/primordial waters) and 'Ayana' (the resting place or goal). So Narayana is 'He in whom all beings rest' — the cosmic ocean upon which the universe floats, and the ultimate destination of all souls.
What are the benefits of chanting Om Namo Narayanaya?
Traditional benefits include: divine protection and preservation, removal of sins and negative karma, attraction of abundance and prosperity, peace of mind and emotional stability, liberation from the cycle of rebirth, protection during danger or illness, and strengthening of dharma (righteousness) in one's life.
Is Om Namo Narayanaya different from Narayana Mantra?
They are the same mantra. 'Om Namo Narayanaya' and 'Narayana Mantra' or 'Ashtakshara' all refer to this 8-syllable Vishnu mantra. It is sometimes chanted as 'Om Namo Bhagavate Narayanaya' (adding 'Bhagavate' = 'to the Blessed Lord') in longer formulations.
Chant Om Namo Narayanaya 108 Times Online
Use our free digital Japa counter to chant Om Namo Narayanaya 108 times. The app tracks your count, plays audio pronunciation, and keeps a record of your daily practice. Open the mantra chanting app →