Ashtakshari Mantra (Om Namo Narayanaya)

The Ashtakshari Mantra — "Om Namo Narayanaya", the eight-syllable mula mantra of Lord Narayana (Vishnu).

Meaning

A salutation to Narayana — "I bow to Narayana", the supreme refuge who dwells in the hearts and the cosmic waters, the goal and abode of all beings.

Benefits

Chanted for devotion, peace, protection and liberation; the principal Narayana mantra of the Vaishnava tradition, suited to japa and surrender (sharanagati).

The Ashtakshari Mantra (Om Namo Narayanaya) above is given in both Devanagari (Sanskrit) and Roman transliteration so you can read it in whichever script you are comfortable with — switch between the two using the buttons above, share the link, or download a PDF.