1. EVOLUTION OF RAMA NAMA
RAMA nama is the essence of all the Vedas.
Maharishi Vasishta, the Kula Guru of Dasaratha and Ikshvaku dynasty meditated on Rama nama and then after chanting it
named Rama with the same mantra.
RAMA nama has been derived from two important moola mantras Viz.
1) ASHTAKSHARA (Om Na Mo Na Ra Ya Na Ya); and
2) PANCHAKSHARA (Na Ma Shi Va Ya);
The two Jeeva Aksharas Viz, Ra in the Ashtakshara and Ma in the Panchakshara were joined to form the RaMa nama.
Without these two Jeeva Aksharas, the two moola mantras do not convey any meaning nor do they carry any power. After
removing Ma akshara, the Panchakshara becomes “Na Shi Va Ya” which means inauspicious. Similarly when you remove the
Ra akshara from Ashtakshara, it becomes “Na Ya Na Ya” which means one without a way or gathi.
Rama nama is also made up of two Bheeja Aksharas namely, Ra is Agni Bheeja (energises body, mind, and soul) and Ma is
Amruta Bheeja (reinvigorates prana Shakti)
Shankar Subramanian
2. SIGNIFICANCE OF RAMA NAMA
RAMA nama is a Taraka Mantra.
Taraka mantra is one which protects. It is a savior. It helps us to cross the samsara sagara or the ocean of life and
death. (mundane existence)
All mantras are generally recited with a prefix “AUM” or “OM”. It is a Pranava Mantra which represents the Trimurthis viz,
Brahma, Vishnu/Hari, and Maheshwara/Shiva.
For example:- Om Maha Ganapathaye Namah, Om Saravanabhavaya Namah, Om Namashivaya, Om Sakthi,
Om Namo Narayanaya, Om Muruga, and Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya.
But while reciting Rama Nama, there is no need to prefix “Om” to it because it is a taraka mantra by itself.
Anyone chanting the divine Rama nama, thus worships both Shiva and Vishnu at the same time.
Rama is the embodiment of Dharma. (Ramo vigrahavaan dharmah)
Rama means one who is happy. (Ramate iti Raamah)
Rama also means one who makes others happy. (Ramayate iti Raamah)
Shankar Subramanian
3. SIGNIFICANCE OF RAMA NAMA
The word Rama is from the root “Ramu” which means sport. (Ramu Kriidayaam). Thus Rama means sportive. Rama is one
who does his deeds in a sportive nature.
Rama is called as “Sarvabhutasuhrt” which means friend of all beings.
Rama is also called as “Sarvabhutahite ratah” which means well wisher of all.
Lord Shiva in Vishnu Sahasranama says that by chanting Rama Nama thrice (3 times) (Esvara Uvaca: Sri Ramarama
Raameti Rame Raame Manorame Sahasra Nama Tattulyam Rama Nama Varaanane. Sri Ramanama varaanana om nama iti)
one can obtain the benefit of having chanted the 1000 names or namaas of Lord Vishnu. Such is the greatness.
Mathematical Proof for this truth:- Every alphabet has a numerical value. The sanskrit alphabet Ra has a numerical value
of 2 and the Sanskrit alphabet Ma has a numerical value of 5. Thus Rama = 2x5=10; 3 times Rama = 10x10x10= 1000.
Source References:-
1. What is Dharma? By Dr. Ranganji.
2. Sangeetha Upanyasam by Smt. Vishaka Hari.
3. Katha Kutchery by Smt. B. Suchitra.
4. Google Search
Shankar Subramanian
