From temple to temple the same forms of God can be found, although they may differ slightly in appearance. The artists or sculptors carve the forms in their own style, which accounts for variations in the way they look. Yet, the names remain the same. Indeed the name Shiva remains Shiva, regardless of the differences in appearance from murti to murti. Similarly, Vishnu remains Vishnu; and so it is with all names of God throughout the ages.
Indeed, the names of God are “mahaa mantras”. The name of God is superior to the form. Evidence of this statement can be found in scriptures where the repetition of the name brought enlightenment, freedom from struggles and salvation to many devotees. In Ramaayan, Shri Tulsidas explained that Shri Raam Himself liberated a few, but His name liberated countless. Again in Shiva Puraan it is recorded that Upamanyu, a five-year-old child was able to get the “darshan” (appearance) of Lord Shiva by continuous repetition of the “Panchakshara Mantra” that was taught to him by his mother. Child devotees, Dhruv and Prahalad, came face to face with the Divine through repetition of His name.
The question may be asked as to what kind of power lies behind these names of the Divine, these “mahaa mantras”. A breakdown of the word “mantra” may bring some answers. Mantra is comprised of “man” – meaning mind and “tra” – meaning an instrument. A mantra, then, is an instrument of thought.
The names of the various deities are in Sanskrit. Each letter relates to a particular “chakra” or energy centre in the body. By the recitation of the name, different energy centres are activated, from which the energy flows through the 72,000 “nadis” that crisscross the subtle body, awakening the inner force or “shakti” that enables greater awareness of one’s true nature. One may not be aware of these inner movements but the results are clear. Ratnakar was unaware he was repeating the name of Raam, yet, by doing so, he was transformed to Sage Valmiki, “Adikavi”, the foremost of poets.
Continuous repetition of God’s name purifies the mind of the one who repeats it; it also cleanses the environment wherever this is done. Mantras are meant to be practised. They are like seeds that need to be sown, watered and fertilised. The more they are repeated, the more effective they become. Mantras can be recited aloud, softly or in the mind. They can also be written.
As a tool of transformation, mantras are most useful in one’s life. It is one of the nine types of devotion outlined by Shri Raam to Shavari in Ramaayan. To schedule the act of mantra-recitation in one’s daily routine is to become engaged in a practice that will sustain, uplift and purify one’s environment as well as oneself. No doubt, the form of God has inspired many. The name, on the other hand, is a most potent instrument of thought.
It is said that the surest, safest and the easiest means of expiating sins in this age is repetition of the name of the Divine.
