Introduction
Both Rama Nama and Shiva Nama are considered as auspicious, but with regard to its simplicity, Rama Nama can be considered as most easy to recite. As per the advice of Rishi Narada, the great Valmiki Bhagavan had recited the Rama Mantra, in backwards, that is, he has recited the Rama Mantra, as Mara, and if we also frequently recite the Mantra ‘Mara’, we could get the sweet name of Rama. Even in note books, writing Rama Nama is very easy, since it contains only four letters, “R A M A”. The great Saint Sri Thyagaraja once had the divine darshan of Lord Rama, since he has recited the “RAMA” mantra for several lakhs of times during his life time!
But if we go through the details from Ramayana, it was mentioned that Lord Rama had worshipped Lord Shiva in the present Rameswaram Temple, and he has worshipped him regularly even during the time of his stay in the forest as well as his stay in his palace. The great Bhakta Prahalada though he was an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu, yet, he used to worship Lord Shiva also at his palace, and also chanted the Shiva Mantra, “OM NAMAH SHIVAYA”. Likewise the pious demons like Vibhishana and Mahabali were also worshipped Lord Shiva in the form of Shiva Lingam at their respective palaces. It is also mentioned in our holy texts, that even Lord Shiva used to chant the Rama Mantra, and he also used to offer prayers to him at his holy abode Mount Kailash.
From these details, we could know about the holiness of our Dear Rama! Our great saints like Kanchi Paramacharya, Bodhendral and Sadashiva Brahmendral, though were strict followers of Shaivism, yet they insisted the people to frequently chant the Rama Mantra, due to its sanctity. Hence, instead of breaking our head about which mantra to chant, whether the Rama Mantra or Shiva Mantra, let us chant the Mantra, in the following manner, in order to get the grace of both Lord Rama and Lord Shiva.
“OM SRI RAMA SHIVAYA NAMAHA”
Sent BY
R.HARISHANKAR
