All of us know Namaha नमः)” is used in Mantras and Slokas.

People try to translate this into a Single word and the results are disappointing if one understands the import of the word Namah a(नमः)”

Mantras are the Sound energies captured by the Rishis from Ether and as such they are not meant to be translated for Sound can not be translated.

How does one translate Laughter or the cry of a Child?

Misplaced enthusiasm results in bizarre translations.

In Tamil, Namaha नमः)” is translated as ‘Potri’ போற்றி.

Translated into English , this means ‘I Praise!”

Translation of Tamil Mantras like Tiruppukazh will result in the same absurdity.

Mahamantras are to be used and chanted in the Language in which they have been presented by ancient Seers.

They are not words but mystically locked Sounds by the Devata, Adhi Devatha and the Rishi of the Mantra.

To prevent elements from disturbing the concentration one performs Anganyaasa, Karanyaasa and Dikh Bandhana.

Now what does the word Namaha mean?

It means ‘It is not Mine’

If you observe in any Puja or Homa ,after you perform Ahuti, you say ‘Ithanna mama’-this is not mine.

The whole Universe is His.

Whatever we do is His and because of Him.

So in the real sense we do not have anything.

So, after oblations, we declare what ever we have done is “Not Mine’

Compare ‘Kayena Vaca Manasendrirarva Buddyaathmanaath Prakruthe swapaath’-

Whatever I have performed, by senses and intellect are not by Me but being forced to do so by Prakriti’

Therefore I relinquish all these actions and the results thereof to the One Beyond, Sriman Narayana.

This is attitude even worshiping.

There is an interesting explanation on these lines of Adi Shankaracharya’s Soundaryalahari Palasrthi sloka.

I shall post on this later.

नमः

More authentic and spiritual explanation is found in Taittriya Upanishad.

‘Tham Nama Ithi Upaaseetha

Namyanthesmai Kaamaa:

When one worships saying and feeling that it is not Mine, the Objects of Desires throng to him and be ready to do his bidding.

is the height of Karma, Gnana and Bhakti Yoga.

Tag: meaning of namaha