Om Namo Narayanaya
We appreciate your support by downloading directly from us and making a donation. This allows us to continue to bring you these beautiful mantra productions, and podcasts plus offering our meditations and chanting sessions on a donation-based experience so everyone can benefit.
A maha-mantra that means:
‘I give my respect to He who is in all things and who has all things inside Him.’
The Revelation of the Secret Mantra
The mantra “Om Namo Narayanaya” is a powerful tool for spiritual growth, accessible to anyone seeking inner peace. This sacred mantra was revealed to the world by Ramanujacharya nearly 1,000 years ago.
Ramanujacharya, a revered saint and philosopher from ancient India, lived from 1017 to 1137 AD. He is celebrated as one of India’s greatest sages for reviving the long-lost wisdom of the Vedas.
In his quest for spiritual enlightenment, Ramanuja sought initiation into a secret mantra from the sage Gosthipurna. However, the guru was initially reluctant to share the mantra with anyone.
Despite approaching Gosthipurna 17 times, Ramanuja faced refusal each time. After these repeated setbacks, he began to doubt his own purity, believing it was the reason for the guru’s denial. Overwhelmed with despair, he shed tears, prompting some onlookers to inform Gosthipurna of his condition. Moved by compassion, the guru decided to reconsider.
When Ramanuja approached him for the 18th time, Gosthipurna spoke kindly, saying, “Only Lord Vishnu knows the greatness of this mantra. Now I see you are pure and devoted to the Lord’s lotus feet. You alone are worthy of receiving it, for anyone who chants this mantra will surely attain liberation at death. It is sacred and must not be uttered by those with material desires, so you must keep it secret.”
Ramanuja accepted these terms, and Gosthipurna initiated him into the 8-syllable mantra. Overcome with joy, Ramanuja’s face radiated spiritual light, and he felt immensely blessed to have received this divine gift.
Spreading the Mantra
After leaving Gosthipurna, Ramanuja joyfully made his way back to Sri Rangam. As he walked, he reflected on the mantra’s potency and felt a deep compassion for all living beings suffering in the material world.
Near the Vishnu temple in Tirukkotiyur, he began to call out to passersby: “Come to Lord Vishnu’s temple, and I will give you a priceless jewel!” Attracted by his sincere voice, a large crowd began to gather, fueled by rumors of a sage who could fulfill their desires.
As the crowd swelled, Ramanuja’s heart filled with joy. Embracing his two disciples, Dasarathi and Kuresa, he climbed the temple tower and addressed the assembly: “You are dearer to me than my own life. I wish to free you from the suffering of this temporary world. Recite this mantra I’ve received, and the Lord’s mercy will be upon you.”
The crowd eagerly responded, urging him to share the mantra. With a powerful voice, Ramanuja declared, “Om namo narayanaya!”
Upon hearing this, Gosthipurna was furious and summoned Ramanuja, threatening to curse him to an eternity in hell. Ramanuja, however, responded that he would gladly accept the curse if it meant saving even one soul. Deeply moved, Gosthipurna fell at Ramanuja’s feet and begged for forgiveness.
You can preview the Mantra here: