Introduction
Two hundred years ago Bhagwan Swaminarayan told one of His paramhansas,
Shatanand Muni, to write a stotra (verses) that, on chanting, would
protect His devotees from evil influences, fear and obstacles. Thereafter,
Shatanand Muni described Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s glory and virtues
in 108 names. Each name refers to the power and qualities of Bhagwan
Swaminarayan. His work is known as the Janmangal Stotra or Janmangal
Namavali. The Janmangal Namavali is the essence of 1008 names of Bhagwan
Swaminarayan called Sarvamangal Stotra, also written by Shatanand
Muni.
Purpose of Chanting
Shatanand Muni mentions that besides dissolving personal fears and problems
the chanting of Janmangal Namavali will also help an aspirant realise
dharma (morality), arth (wealth), kam (desires) and moksha (liberation)
in life. Whosoever devotionally chants or listens to the Janmangal Namavali
will be absolved of all sins. An aspirant also achieves his wishes by
chanting the Janmangal Namavali with devotion and glory ten times each
day.
Brahmaswarup Shastriji Maharaj and Brahmaswarup Yogiji Maharaj prescribed
the chanting of Janmangal Namavali for the accomplishment of any task.
Today, Pramukh Swami Maharaj chants the Janmangal Namavali at the end
of his daily puja for the happiness and spiritual progress of sadhus
and devotees and for peace in the world. On Swamishri’s instructions
the Janmangal Namavali is chanted during the weekly satsang assemblies
by hundreds of thousands of devotees throughout the world for the completion
and opening ceremony function of Akshrdham.
Method of Chanting
Sit cross-legged on the floor and meditate upon Bhagwan Swaminarayan
who is seated on a divine throne in Akshardham. His divine form has
been worshipped by Aksharbrahma Gunatitanand Swami and countless muktas
of Akshardham. Chant each name while remembering the divine form of
Bhagwan Swaminarayan. When one member of the family or a devotee in
an assembly chants the names then the rest should chant namah with their
eyes closed.
Some Meaning of Names
Each name refers to Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s virtues. The name,
‘Shri Krishnãya’ was given by Markandey Muni to Bhagwan
Swaminarayan after His birth. ‘Shri’ means one who is full
of infinite redemptory qualities and ‘Krishna’ means one
who has a dark, attractive complexion.
Another name is ‘Shri Vãsudevãya’, where ‘Vãsu’
means atma and ‘dev’ means Paramatma or Parabrahma who is
the controller or ruler. So, Bhagwan Swaminarayan, adorned with infinite
virtues, is the ruler of atma.
In the name ‘Narnãrãyanãya’, ‘Nar’
refers to one who is a part of Akshar and ‘Nãrãyan’
refers to Paramatma (God).
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