Japa means chanting divine name of God or repeatedly reciting the same powerful mantras. There are several compound words such as Japayoga, Japa sadhana, Japayajna etc. This is most commonly known as Japayajna or simply Japa. Japayajna is sometimes done without any purpose or without desire also. But Japayajna is usually done to achieve a desired result within a least time.
Earning money may be a difficult project work but earning virtue through Japayajna is an easier project than it. It can be practiced individually, within family members or within a group of people together. A garland with 54 (fifty four) beads or 108 (one hundred and eight) beads to keep the counts of repetitions is helpful for the Japa practitioner of Sanatana follower. There are also people, using 100 beads, 33×3+1 chanting for thrice a day. The words Japa or Tapa are colloquial phrases but Tapa is not as easy as Japa since Tapa is penance and not recommended for all.
यज्नानां जपयज्नो ऽस्मि
Meaning of Yajnanam japa yajno asmi: God Krishna had explained his various forms of recognized, special exhibitions or proof of divine perceivable existences. Among the several visible forms, sacrifices or rituals are considered as causes for virtues. Japa, the God’s name chanting or mantra reciting system is the best or divine form, most pleased by God. This narration is available in the twenty fifth verse of the tenth chapter of the Bhagavad Geetha. It is available in Mahabharata. Vyasa Rishi had written it in Sanskrit, for the guidance of all desiring welfare, and recommendable for all, without any restrictions.
There may be various factors influencing Japa., but such factors of Japa need not be observed since these are not mandatory. When one eats sweets, he experiences the sweetness, gets happy feelings, and also gets energy to work actively. Similarly, when one does ‘japa’, chants or repeatedly recites the mantras, he experiences the peaceful comforts of life, gets happy feelings, and also gets rich in life to work actively, shines in the society, advances with his family including his next generation members.
Large quantities of sweets consuming may be harmful for life but large duration of times spent for Japa sadhana or Japayajna never gives negative results for the performer whereas always proves profitable. Even though one does something wrong in the chanting system, in due course of time, the virtues gradually accumulated or acquired leads the person to the right path, rectifying the errors, if any, automatically.
How Japayoga and Mantra Shastra are linked to give the results?
The Japayoga is a bigger word. Mantra shastra (science) is also a subject of higher order. Yoga relates to unity of various items. The systematic mantra learning needs a teacher. Yoga is suitable for Sanyasi or unmarried devotees. The result is name and fame, glorifying the life. It is like doing penance. One can always gain peaceful life by following actions of devotions. But one should be the luckiest to come in contact with this Japa yajna in his life.
What is meant by Nama Japa Mahima?
The repeated chanting of Nama japa provides the doer a kind of stored energy and increases confidence in life. It is the power of concentration that creates miracles. Then the person influences others. He leads a selfless life, lives for the benefits of others. Such miracles are propagated as simply ‘Mahima’ or Nama Japa Mahima.
Whether ‘OM’ is compulsory in Japa?
In Japa, OM is not compulsory. For example, ‘दुं दुर्गायै नमः’ has no OM in it. But one can think of mother Goddess while doing Japa.
Pole star is mapped to the child prince Dhruva, why?
Dhruva was a very small boy but he was able to walk and talk. He was a prince. He had done Dvadashakshari japa or name chanting japa and visualized God Vishnu. It was the real japayajna with high level of concentration. Later prince Dhruva had become the Emperor of this world. Since he had achieved, in a very young age, the motto of this human life, being visualization of God, his name was mapped to the North Pole star in this universe as praised in Indian Puranas. His life is exemplary to one and all, those who seek the method of japayajna and try to get the success in life. Circumstances had lead Dhruva to achieve the permanent star position.
Who is the Guru or teacher of Dhruva?
There is no official or authorized Guru or teacher in the life of Dhruva. But Narada Rishi had instructed him to do Nama japa, or name chanting to see God Vishnu directly.
ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय
This is called as Dvadashakshari mantra. The small boy Dhruva had done japa, repeatedly chanting in Madhuvana and visualized God. Some side story of Dhruva or Dhruvopakhyana is available in some school text books also. But for convincing and abridging the contents, there may not be a mention of Guru or may be just written as his mother had advised him to do so. Anyhow, the Polaris or Pole star on the North Pole of this Earth always bears the name with Dhruva star, similar to the star in the South Pole with Agastya star. These items are mentioned in Bhagavatham and in Indian Astro sciences also.
What is the Mrityunjaya Japa?
त्रयंबकं यजामहे सुगंधिं पुष्टिवर्धनं ।
उर्वारुकमिव बंधनात्मृत्योर्मुच्यीय मामृतात् ॥
The above verse is called as Mrityunjaya mantra. By chanting this mantra, death could be postponed, but death can not be avoided. Death is unavoidable for all. There are two results for this japa, namely removal of the past sins and provisions of the future developments in life. Vishwamitra Rishi is the authority for this.
What are the different types of Gayatri Japas?
ॐ भूर्भुवः सुवः ।
तत् सवितुर्वरेण्यं ।
भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि ।
धियो यो नः प्रछोदयात् ॥
The above verse is called as Gayatri mantra. By chanting this mantra, knowledge could be developed, and sins could be vanished. Virtue is accumulated by this.
There are different types of Gayatri Japa. Gayatri means a verse having 24 letters, called as chandas. Vishvamitra Rishi is the authority for it. It is the most powerful mantra. This mantra japa requires observing certain terms and conditions to get its highest benefits. Consuming alcohol or non-vegetarian food is barred with this. In case if bound to be within unholy circumstances, the person should consume ‘Panchagavya’ and later he can proceed to continue this japa. The initial line is optional and it is called as vyahriti mantra.
There are many types of Gayatri mantras. सवितुर्वरेण्यं means Solar devoted. If three spoons of water are also sacrificed along with this mantra chanting, then it is called as Arghya japa. Other types of Gayatri mantras, based on idol are not so restricted as Solar Gayatri. It is better to seek the help of a teacher for Solar Gayatri or other types of Gayatri japa also.
What is Ashtakshari Japa?
ॐ नमो नारायणाय
The above Sanskrit verse is called as Ashtakshari japa mantra. By chanting this mantra, a person could become a devotee of God Vishnu.
What is Panchakshari Japa?
नमः शिवाय
न मः शि वा य contains 5 letters.
The above Sanskrit verse is called as Panchakshari japa mantra. By chanting this mantra, a person could become a devotee of God Shiva.
What is Shadakshari Japa?
‘ॐ’ नमः शिवाय
This is called Shadakshari Japa having six letters.
What is Dwadashakshari Japa?
Already discussed above but repeated below:
ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय
This is called as Dvadashakshari mantra. By chanting this mantra, a person could become a devotee of God Vishnu. But some people like to be a devotee of Shiva and also do Dvadashakshari mantra japa. For this, such person is advised to chant the Shadakshari mantra Japa, the 12 letters one.
What is the Ekaakshari Japa to get the full blessings of Dakshinamurti?
‘ॐ’, this is called as Ekaakshari mantra. By chanting this mantra, a person could become a devotee of God Shiva. This letter is also called as Pranava.
What is the simple Mantra Japa?
नारायण नारायण नारायण, this is similar to Dvadashakshari mantra. By chanting this mantra, a person could become a devotee of God Vishnu.
What is Ayyappa Sharanamantra Japa?
स्वामिये शरणमय्यप्प
This is called Ayyappa Sharanamantra.
In Kerala, Shabarimala is a pilgrimage center. It is in Pathanamthitta district. Shabari was a devotee of Rama, assigning a name as Dharma Shastavu. She had dedicated her life memorizing Rama in the form of a hunter. Rama visited her when she was very old. After offering fruits to Rama, she slept on that night and happily left her mortal body. One hill is named after her.
There is a story of adopted prince Ayyappa as an incarnation of Rama later. When he had grown up, he had relinquished his prince hood of Pandalam kingdom to his younger brother, went for penance in Shabarimala hill but later always supported his followers directly and indirectly.
God Parashurama had installed many Shastara idols at many places, one such being on Shabarimala hill top also. It is easy to identify Dharma Shastavu idols. Three Shivaling like idols are found together being the divine energies of Hanuman in the left, Lakshmana in the right and Rama in the middle. The Ayyappa divine energy had been recognized in Shabarimala Shastara temple and the king of Pandalam, under the current Pathanamtitta of Kerala had arranged for the periodical worship there.
Devotee visitors observe fast and codes of temple laws during visiting Shabarimala Ayyappa temple. ‘ स्वामिये शरणमय्यप्प’ is chanted repeatedly, loudly by devotees (Swamiye Sharanamayyappa) and it is referred as ‘Ayyappa Sharanamantra Japa’. Garland with offerings, colour codes are mandatory temple items but beads counting is not compulsory. Better to consult a teacher for this. A devotee can visit himself alone also if good in health being optional but observing the temple laws are compulsory.
What is Navagraha Japa composed by Maharshi Vyasa?
There are nine planets around the earth, always moving with respect to the stars background. Human beings are living on this Earth. They are knowingly or unknowingly controlled or influenced by these planets. Life is regulated by the Karma Siddhanta, Mimamsa Science, and Punarjanma laws of the Nature, notified by the positions of these planets. Regarding these matters one separate article is available in this website with the name ‘Graha shanthi homa’. Estimeed readers are requested to browse the same. But here in this article, instead of rituals, japa of nine planets is emphasized.
जपा कुसुम संकाशं काश्यपेयं महाद्युतिं । तमोरिं सर्व पापघ्नं प्रणतो ऽस्मि दिवाकरं ॥ 1
दधि शंख तुषाराभं क्षीरोदार्णव संभवं । नमामि शशिनं सोमं शंभोर्मकुट भूषणं ॥ 2
धरणी गर्भ संभूतं विद्युत्कांति सम प्रभं । कुमारं शक्तिहस्तं तं मंगलं प्रणमाम्यहं ॥ 3
प्रियंगुकलिकाश्यामं रूपेणाप्रतिमं बुधं । सौम्यं सौम्य गुणोपेतं तं बुधं प्रणमाम्यहं ॥ 4
देवानां च ऋषीणां च गुरुं कांचन सन्निभं । बुद्धिभूतं त्रिलोकेशं तं नमामि बृहस्पतिं ॥ 5
हिमकुंद मृणालाभं दैत्यानां परमं गुरुं । सर्व शास्त्र प्रवक्तारं भार्गवं प्रणमाम्यहं ॥ 6
नीलांजन समाभासं रवुपुत्रं यमाग्रजं । छायामार्तांड संभूतं तं नममि शनैश्चरं ॥ 7
अर्धकायं महावीर्यं चन्द्रादित्य विमर्दनं । सिंहिका गर्भसंभूतं तं राहुं प्रणमाम्यहं ॥ 8
फलाशपुष्प संकाशं तारकाग्रह मस्तकं । रौद्रं रौद्रात्मकं घोरं तं केतुं प्रणमाम्यहं ॥ 9
The above verses on nine planets are composed by Vyasa Maharshi for Japa.
What is Rahu Japa?
In the above verses, the eighth one is for Rahu japa, re-written as follows:
अर्धकायं महावीर्यं चन्द्रादित्य विमर्दनं । सिंहिका गर्भसंभूतं तं राहुं प्रणमाम्यहं ॥
But this is for self-doing only. There is another Rahu japa seva, the service is done in some temples before the temple deity. The temple priest repeats the chanting of the Vedic Riks (verses) 108 times and dedicates the same with prayer before the God to remove the obstacles of the devotee. This is a different type of remedial service to remove the sins and to get the desired progress in life.
What is Yoga Japa?
When japa is done with breath control, it is called as Yoga japa. It must be learned through a reputed yogi teacher, but not good for family heads.
What is Sandhya Japa?
During the evening times, the japa is practiced within the holy room in the own residence with garland or without garland, it is called as Sandhya japa. It can be done on the banks of rivers or on the sides of lakes if the places are safe to sit. During day times, people may do sin unknowingly and Sandhya japa nullifies it.
What is Akhanda Japa Yajna?
By forming groups, japa yajna is done as previously decided for the fixed duration. Such rituals bear the desired results within the target period. It is called Akhanda japa yajna and requires advance planning. Sometimes vegetarian food is also supplied during relay type Akhanda japa yajna. Loud speakers are not mandatory.
What are the aids for Japa?
Flowers, garland, silver or copper coins are used as aids for Japa. When books are used, it is called as Parayana Japa. Photos or idols can also be helpful for japa. But using gold coins in doing japa is always prohibited. Simple garland beads are good.
What is the importance of concentration in Japa?
It is the concentration that increases the miracle energy and pushes towards success. Japa is a kind of work that comes under Karma Siddhanta. Therefore the results of japa are guaranteed.
Is there any dress code for Japa?
Dress code is optional for doing Japa.
Is there any food code or system for success in Japa?
Yes. Food is directly linked to japa and it must be had judiciously. Japa can be done before taking food.
What is Tantrika Japa?
श्रीं क्लीं, such pronunciations are called as Tantrika japa. It must be learnt through a teacher who is really well versed in it. In case after sometime the guidance of a teacher is lost, he must do Hanuman japa or Rama japa to fulfill the success of the started endeavor of a particular japa.
जै हनुमान् or जै श्री रां are the remedial pronunciations. Tantrika japa can be stopped after one or two months. Remedial japa can be continued if time and circumstances are in favour to do so.
What is Sahasranama Japa?
Sahasranama japa are of many types. Mainly these are Vishnu Sahasranama and Lalitha Sahasranama. Vishnu Sahasranama japa can be done by anybody and at any convenient time. It is available in book form also and musical background can be helpful for concentration. But Lalitha Sahasranama is done before food and since the words are difficult to understand, it can be done as a reading service to Goddess. Food is to be vegetarian and the reader is to be satisfied with a small fee.
What is the relationship between a Japa and Parayana?
Japa means simply chanting the names and repeating the same for certain time duration. Parayana means reading the book, containing the names and repeating the same for a certain time duration. In the case of Vishnu Sahasranama, it is by hearted and then repeated as japa. Lalitha Sahasranama is read using a book but it can be done by an expert in Sanskrit language, for the same, fee should be paid and vegetarian food must be served to the satisfaction of the reader.
What is the role of coins or beads in Japa?
Coins or beads are tools to help the japa in maintaining concentration.
Whether Nyasa is compulsory for Japa?
For Vedic japas like Gayatri japa, Nyasa is compulsory and it must be learnt through a Guru, say an expert teacher, to monitor the progress.
How many types of Nyasa are there?
Nyasa means keeping in peaceful status safely. Previously, Jain kings kept two securities outside the room, on both sides of the entrance of the rooms. No weapon is required during japa. The hands are given rest, it is called Karanyasa. The heart, head etc. organs are given rest, it is called Hridayadinyasa. The yogi keeps good discipline, ashtanga, it is called as sat+nyasa or sanyasa. It is a higher order japa and called as Dhyana. This is not suitable for family heads.
How Dhyana and Japa are related?
Vedic style of japa is not easy due to concentration requirement. It is Dhyana when thought of about an idol. Doing japa of Dhyana mantra requires an Upadesha.
What is the role of sound or voice in Japa?
Japa can be done silently. But in group, voice may be helpful.
What is Rama Japa?
Chanting “Rama Rama” is Rama japa. This is the easiest form and the best form of doing japa. This can be done without any restrictions.
If some errors are done during the japa, what to do next?
In order to get the higher benefits of the japa, if some errors are done, then the three names are to be chanted thrice, or more as follows:
अच्युताय नमः । अनंताय नमः । गोविंदाय नमः॥
अच्युताय नमः । अनंताय नमः । गोविंदाय नमः॥
अच्युताय नमः । अनंताय नमः । गोविंदाय नमः॥
For Rama japa, this is not applicable.
How a holy location like a temple develops?
आचार्य तपसा आम्नाय जपेन नियमेन च ।
उत्सवेन अन्नदानेन क्षेत्रवृद्धिस्तु पन्चधा ॥
Meaning:
- The persons doing rituals also do penance for many days.
- Shruti or Veda reciting by many people together is called Amnaya japa.
- Observing of codes and laws by devotees.
- Festival celebrations
- On all these occasions, vegetarian food donations for the visiting devotees.
By observing all these five items, a holy location naturally develops with wealth and energy.
What is Krishna Japa?
Chanting “Krishna Krishna” is Krishna japa. This is the easiest form and the best form of doing japa. This can be done without any restrictions.
What is Narayana Japa of Narada?
नारायण नारायण नारायण
This is similar to Dvadashakshari mantra. By chanting this mantra, a person could become a devotee of God Vishnu.
Can we do Narayana japa?
Yes. Anybody can do it if desired to do so.
What is the message of Prahlada Japa?
Prahlada Japa is nothing but Narayana japa. नारायण नारायण नारायण, this is similar to Dvadashakshari mantra. By chanting this mantra a person could become a devotee of God Vishnu.
What is the message of Valmiki on Rama Japa?
Anybody can do Rama japa. It is the message of non-violence and Sanatana dharma. There is no restriction and no adverse effect on doing Rama japa.
What is the message of Tukarama Japa?
Tukarama japa is the same as Rama japa.
What is the message of Ramadasa Japa?
Ramadasa japa is the same as Rama japa. Somebody may tell it as ‘Jai Hanuman’.
What is Pushparchana Japa?
When flowers are used to offer to the idol of God, it is called as Pushparchana japa.
What is the message of Trikalapuja Japa?
If Japa is done three times, in the morning, afternoon and evening before Puja and before taking food, then such practice is called as Trikala puja japa.
What is the message of Rudra Japa?
Rudra is a collection of Vedic verses on Shiva. Rudra chanting is called Rudra japa. Some people pour water on Shivalinga during Rudrajapa (Rudrabhisheka).
What is the message of Dhanvantari Japa?
॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥
Dwadashakshari japa is done to get good health. The same is called as Dhanvantari japa and Vishnu is pleased by it. Dhanvantari Dwadashakshari japa is done to get good health.
What is the message of Rama Taraka mantra Japa?
“Rama Rama” japa is the easiest way for japa chanting. This removes many of the obstacles of the persons trying it so it is powerful as a Vedic mantra. So it is called Taraka mantra. The main message of Rama taraka mantra is to lead a happy life.
What are the japa-related side stories of Ganga River flown from Hamalaya?
Verse 25 under chapter 10 of Bhagavadgeetha in Sanskrit reads as follows:
महर्षीणां भृगुरहं गिरामस्म्येकमक्षरं ।
यज्नानां जपयज्नो ऽस्मि स्थावराणां हिमालयः ॥
Meaning: Amongst Maharshis, I am Brigu. Amongst powerful Mantra verses, I am the single syllable represented by unique letter ॐ (‘OM’). Amongst the Yajnas, I am the Japayajna. Amongst the immovable, biggest stable assets, I am the Everest hill or the Himalaya Mountain.
The words recorded by Vyasa Maharshi would never be broken or go wrong. Bhagavadgeetha was written prior to five thousand years ago. Even then, the name for the Mountain of the north was Himalaya and the height of it was highest recorded in the world. The stability is wonderful. The present context is about Japa and the importance of it is compared with the great Himalaya by the Maharshi Vyasa. Therefore ॐ Pranava Japa is a permanent one.
What permanent message is given in the above verse for the future mankind?
The above message has a permanent feature. It promises towards the continuity of Sanatana Dharma in this world, along with the ever existing nature of Sanskrit. Now two examples could be taken together, for the case study of Sanatana Dharma, and the power of Japa .
Two Emperors (Sagara and Pareekshit) lost their status and life when they had neglected the values or powers of Japa. One of the most ancient stories is about King Sagara and Rishi Kapila. King Sagara had many princes, said as sixty thousands. Sagara had desired to perform one Ashwamedha yaga and left the Yajnashwa or yaga horse to roam freely with some of his sons. As per the protocols, highest seat in the heaven is to be vacated for the next person who successfully performs the rituals of the horse, Ashwamedha yaga, hundred times. So the existing Indra of heaven started feeling uncomfortable and he played tricks against Sagara.
The horse was roaming and reached near the residence of Rishi Kapila. Rishi Kapila is famous for Sankhya Sastra, one of the branches of Indian Science. By performing Japa and Tapa, he got much control over nature, in possession of special powers of Ashta Siddhis, but not interested in heaven. As per terms and conditions of Ashwamedha horse of Sagara, the horse should be always free and should not be tied anywhere until the commencement of the rituals. Without the knowledge of anybody, Indra had managed to tie that horse in the premises of the residence of Kapila. Then there appeared the sons of Sagara as securities for the horse. They tried to enquire about it with Kapila and suspected him. Rishi Kapila had told he was performing his Japa on ‘OM’ silently closing his both eyes and not bothered about their horse. Instead of honouring the Rishi, the sixty thousand sons of Sagara started disturbing the Kapila Rishi. Rishi Kapila had closed his eyes and continued his Japa.
When the king’s people had caused unbearable disturbances to the Rishi, he stopped Japa and opened his eyes but due to the bursting of his energy of Ashta Siddhi, all sixty thousand sons of Sagara had been burnt into ashes. Later Sagara also died. His grandson also could not perform Ashwamedha and all the Sagara princes ended in the tragedy. In the same lien later, king Bhageerata had tried to bring the River Ganga and succeeded in his task finally doing Panchakshari Japa.
Initially, Bhageerata had conducted penance for years to achieve his endeavor, but failed. But later he had done न मः शि वा य japa and then succeeded. All sixty thousand Sagara princes later got ‘Moksha’ by the water of River Ganga and finally the ocean got the name as Sagara. Thus the power of the Japa was proved as very great.
The next story is about king Pareekshit and Shamika Rishi. Shamika Rishi was conducting classes to his pupil and left them in the middle as usual for an interval. Then the Rishi closed his eyes and started his Japa. King Pareekshit had come there for hunting in the forests. He came near Shamika Rishi and desired to speak with him. But the Rishi could not see him and meanwhile the king had put an old dried snake skin on the neck of the Rishi like a garland.
The classmates of the son of the Rishi had observed the mischievous actions of the king Pareekshit and reported to the son of Shamik Rishi. The small boy had felt humiliated to see the snake skin on the neck of his father and cursed, the mischievous performer should die on the end of the seventh day, after one week. The king’s people understood the tragedy and reported to the king. Later the king started repenting for his mistakes.
Shuka Maharshi was the son of Vyasa. He met with Pareekshit. Shuka Maharshi assured Pareekshit to remove his sorrows and told him the Srimad Bhagavata Purana for one week. After hearing the story of Krishna by Pareekshit for seven days, he thought he was safe then and his grievances were removed. But Shuka told him death is unavoidable.
Pareekshit had entered into a floating boat and left the land. When he was in the middle of the Ganga River, he found a lemon like stuff floating on the River and due to his curiosity, he took it in his hand. A small snake was in it and due to pain, it had bitten his hand and later he died. Later Janamejaya, the son of Pareekshit had become the king and populated the great epic Mahabharat, through Vaishampayana Rishi, the junior disciple of Vyasa.
Thus Japa is the powerful tool in Sanatana Dharma. Not only the performer gets the benefit but also the concerned society leads towards the peace and progress.
How does Japa yajna result in the longevity of a person?
Markandeya Rishi had gained longevity by doing Panchakshari japa. The Sanskrit Saptashati Devi Mahatmya had been composed by him and it is available even now.
What is the alternate name for Japa?
The alternate name for the ‘Japa’ is Manasika Puja of Ishta Devata. If Shivalinga is the Ishtadevata, one can worship it like this. One can collect some flowers and silently offer one by one over the Shivalinga, each one while thinking Om Nama Shivaya. At the end of the Manasika Puja, it can be dedicated to God Shiva.
All these activities can be performed silently. By concentrating on the divine idol, the energy accumulates and virtue credit increases. Any idol can be selected and while doing Japa, eyes can be closed to think of the idol. Anantha means endless sky or very big horizon. Even without keeping any idol also, doing japa is always possible. Before ‘Homa’ fire also, japa service is done and offered by the priests.
When was the japa system started by devotees in this world?
In the North Pole, one star in India was mapped to the name of Dhruva, a small child of Uttanapada king. The story of Dhruva is very old but period of Narada Rishi is still primitive. Similarly, in the South Pole, one star in India was mapped to the name of Agastya, a powerful Rishi. He was a South Indian Rishi and a contemporary of Rama but a relative of Ravana. Regarding the life of Agastya, the proof for his existence are available now in Lalitha Sahasranama or Lalitha Trishati. Both of these are Sanskrit narrations but treated as high secrets and the contents are the explanations of Shrichakra. Hence Vyasa had also hidden these two items from his writings and purposefully omitted in Brahmanda Purana.
The Lalitha Sahasranama contains one thousand names of Goddess and it has a secret name as Shodashakshari. Adding with eight more words of Ashta Lakshmi, Lalitha Sahasranama gets in total of one thousand and eight words, arranged in sixty three (63) groups of sixteen (16) secret batches. Similarly, the Lalitha Thrishati contains three hundred names of Goddess and it has a secret name as Panchadashakshari. In this, all are secret words; Lalitha Thrishati has in total of exactly three hundred words, arranged in twenty (20) groups of fifteen (15) secret batches. The Shrichakra is like the hard ware for these verses and the narrative name explanations for 1000 or 300 now available for Japa are like softwares. The result is accumulation of legal wealth and virtues.
The economics branch is the highlight of Mimamsa Science and the gold coins used in Ramayana times are referred as ‘Nishka’ as found in these secrets. This Japa practice is very difficult for the common layman due to the high restrictions and control of food system. Using gold coins, worship of Shrichakra is prohibited. Only Rama japa system was there during Ramayana periods and Hanuman is the proof. Always the “Rama Rama” Japa system has been found easy for the common layman. So Japa was always there.
“KriSito nAsti durbhikSaM, japato nAsti pAtakaM” is a Sanskrit saying about agriculture and doing Japa daily evening. One can use japamala or without any aid also it can be done. ‘कृषितो नास्ति दुर्भिक्षं, जपतो नास्ति पातकं’ is a part of Sanskrit verse available in Manusmriti. This is available in many books.
Meaning: There would not be scarcity of food if grains are well cultivated. The sins would be removed by repeatedly chanting the name of Ishtadevata daily.
What are the differences between Japa and Tapa?
Japa has repetitions. Tapa has also repetitions but it has more strict rules to be followed as penance. The result of Japa influences the family, society and easy to do. It is recommended for all to do japa but tapa is optional. Tapa is not easy and not recommendable for family heads whereas for a ‘Yogi’, tapa is suitable.
What are the three proving support verses or Sanskrit Sastra Pramanas for the all-time success of Japa?
Sastra Pramana means proving support verses. These verses are the all-time truth for the full benefits of Japa for its successful performer. These are the lines of verses available in Bhagavadgeetha, Prasnamargam, Manusmriti or Chanakyaniti. These are already described above but re-written again, for information only.
- ‘यज्नानां जपयज्नो ऽस्मि ‘:
- ‘कृषितो नास्ति दुर्भिक्षं, जपतो नास्ति पातकं’
- आचार्य तपसा आम्नाय जपेन नियमेन च । उत्सवेन अन्नदानेन क्षेत्रवृद्धिस्तु पन्चधा ॥
The meanings are already described above.
How Indian Karma Siddhanta and Japa yajna are mutually related?
Various factors are discussed in the article Karma Siddhanta of this website. Both principles are mutually complementary and co-related. Japa is totally optional. About Karma, there are three types of works, some are not at all optional, and some of them are mixed type. The same subjects are available in Bhagavad Geeta also. Japa belongs to Kamya Karma, done to achieve desires.
जपा कुसुम संकाशं काश्यपेयं महाद्युतिं । तमोरिं सर्व पापघ्नं प्रणतो ऽस्मि दिवाकरं ॥
Meaning: White, like flowers used for doing japa, born in Kashyapa family, having very bright light, enemy of ignorance, remover of all kinds of sins, I had prostrated the daylight provider, Sun.
Veda Vyasa Rishi had composed this verse on Sun. So the Japa was done in times of Vyasa like conducting Puja using flowers daily.
Who were the six most famous japa performers of Vishnu in Indian Puranas?
बलिर्विभीषणो भीष्मः प्रह्लादो नारदो ध्रुवः । षडेते वैष्णवाः प्रोक्ताः स्मरणं पापनाशनं ॥
Meaning: The six most famous japa performers of Vishnu in Indian Puranas were as follows:
- Bali
- Vibheeshana
- Bheeshma
- Prahlada
- Narada
- Dhruva
By simply thinking of these six persons, sins would vanish away.
What is the Likhita Japa? Is it practised now?
The 12 names of Ganesha can be written and distributed as mentioned in Ganesha Purana. Vyasa Rishi had done it. Written form is not recommended nowadays. Printing is available and printed items are more legible now.
How to do the easiest Ganesha japa as recommended in the Ganesha Purana?
गणेश जप द्वादशनाम स्तोस्त्रं (गणेश पुराणोक्तं)
Meaning: Ganesha japa twelve names in praise of Ganesha as in Ganesha Purana.
ॐ प्रणम्य शिरसादेवं गौरीपुत्रं विनायकं । भक्तावासं स्मरेन्नित्यमायुः कामार्थ सिद्धये ॥ १ ॥
प्रथमं वक्रतुण्डं च एकदन्तं द्वितीयकं । तृतीयं कृष्णपिन्ग्गाक्षं गजवक्त्रं चतुर्थकं ॥२॥
लंबोदरं पंचमं चैव षष्टं विकटमेव च । सप्तमं विघ्नराजेन्द्रं धूम्रवर्णं तथाऽष्टमं ॥३॥
नवमं फालचन्द्रं च दशमं तु विनायकं । एकादशं गणपतिं द्वादशं तु गजाननं ॥४॥
द्वादशैतानि नामानि त्रिसंध्यं यः पठेन्नरः। न च विघ्न भयं तस्य सर्व सिद्धि करं प्रभो ॥५॥
विद्यार्थी लभते विद्यां धनार्थी लभते धनं । पुत्रार्थी लभते पुत्रं मोक्षार्थी लभते गतिं ॥६॥
जपेद्गणपतिस्तोत्रं षड्भिर्मासैः फलं लभेत् । संवत्सरेण सिद्धिं च लभते नात्र संशयः ॥७॥
Meaning: The twelve names are Vakratunda, Ekadanta, Krishnapingaksha, Gajavaktra, Lambodara, Vikata, Vighnaraja, Dhoomravarna, Phalachandra, Vinayaka, Ganapathy, and Gajanana. Those who recite all twelve names thrice a day in the morning, evening and afternoon, their obstacles are removed away by the grace of God Ganesha. All his desires would be fulfilled. Students will get their education, desired wealth would be achieved, family life would be happy. On reciting Ganesha japa for six months, the desired results would be obtained and after one year, the results are guaranteed without doubt.
The esteemed readers are requested to test the results by doing Japa on their own Ishtadevata or follow any of the above methodologies.
Whether writing method of Japa is there? Who wrote Ganesh Purana?
Yes. Japa can be done in written form also. But after writing, the papers are to be distributed to the persons who could read them. Usually an educated person must be able to read such illustrations. So such papers are to be distributed to them. The following verse being the eighth verse of the above Sloka is as follows:
अष्ष्त्टेभ्यो भ्राह्मणेभ्यश्च लिखित्वा यः समर्पयेत् । तस्य विद्या भवेत्सर्वा गणेशस्य प्रसादतः ॥८॥
Ganesha Purana is written by Vyasa Maharshi. Vyasa Maharshi had distributed the leaf lets initially to Ganesha himself and the rest seven to the Saptarshis.
What is Japa Abhiyana?
An Abhiyana is a mass mobilization. If it is based on Mala japa or garland beads, linked with reciting the name of desired Gods, then peace, strength along with virtues would be gained for all. Japa abhiyana is best to keep away from sins.
Who had started Japa Abhiyana ?
Swami Vivekananda had started the Japa Abhiyana. It is always continuing.
Devotion to God is considered as a good character of human beings. Let us pray to the holy Gods to always shower blessings upon us.
In future also, readers may expect better articles in this website frequently.
Esteemed readers would get solutions for the problems in their life by browsing this website and obstacles if any will be eliminated by the Ishtadevata ‘Japa’.
Leave a Reply