Namasamkirtana

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Painting of a namasamkirtana, Gita Press, Gorakhpur.

The namasamkirtana (

romanized: Nāmajapa) is the Hindu practice of congregational chanting of the names and other sacred expressions associated with a given deity. More commonly practised by members of the Vaishnava tradition, the namasamkirtana is characterised by devotees chanting the names of God in a religious gathering, in an expression of bhakti (devotion) and in a bid to achieve devotional ecstasy. This practice is regarded to have become popularised by the traditions that centred around Chaitanya, Vallabha, and Vithoba.[2] The practice is regarded to be a common form of bhajana.[3]

Description

In Vaishnavism, the chanting of any or all of the names of Vishnu, either with or without the help of a japamala (rosary), is regarded to offer punya (religious merit) to the chanter, and is hence an important part of ritualistic worship.[4] Chanting the names of Vishnu is regarded to be a method of salvation in the Kali Yuga.[5]

According to Gaudiya Vaishnavism, the loud chanting and singing of the name of God is regarded to be conducive to attaining salvation, since it is considered to represent a more expressive love of God and thereby constitutes a greater spiritual experience.[6][7]

The recitation of the names of Vishnu is a central theme of many texts, such as the

Tiruppavai of Andal.[8]

See also

References

  1. ISBN 978-90-04-39188-8
    .
  2. ISBN 978-81-7154-807-1
    .
  3. ISBN 978-81-313-0032-9
    .
  4. ISBN 978-81-7755-873-9
    .
  5. ISBN 978-0-7914-3067-5
    .
  6. ISBN 978-81-208-1261-1
    .
  7. ISBN 978-81-208-1235-2
    .
  8. ISBN 978-0-19-983094-7
    .
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