1. Maha-Narayana(Yajniki) Upanishad
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Verse १
अथ पुरुषो ह वै नारायणोऽकामयत प्रजाः सृजेयेति ।नारायणात्प्राणो जायते ।मनः सर्वेन्द्रियाणि च ।खं वायुर्ज्योतिरापः पृथिवी विश्वस्य धारिणी।नारायणाद्ब्रह्मा जायते ।नारायणाद्रुद्रो जायते ।नारायणादिन्द्रो जायते ।नारायणात्प्रजापतिः प्रजायते । नारायणादद्वादशादित्या रुद्रा वसवः सर्वाणि छन्दांसि नारायणादेव समुत्पद्यन्ते। नारायणात्प्रवर्तन्ते ।नारायणे प्रलीयन्ते।एतदृवेदशिरोऽधीते ॥
atha puruṣo ha vai nārāyaṇo'kāmayata prajāḥ sṛjeyeti ।nārāyaṇātprāṇo jāyate ।manaḥ sarvendriyāṇi ca ।khaṃ vāyurjyotirāpaḥ pṛthivī viśvasya dhāriṇī।nārāyaṇādbrahmā jāyate ।nārāyaṇādrudro jāyate ।nārāyaṇādindro jāyate ।nārāyaṇātprajāpatiḥ prajāyate । nārāyaṇādadvādaśādityā rudrā vasavaḥ sarvāṇi chandāṃsi nārāyaṇādeva samutpadyante। nārāyaṇātpravartante ।nārāyaṇe pralīyante।etadṛvedaśiro'dhīte ॥
The verse you provided is from the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, a significant text in the Hindu philosophical tradition. Here is a translation of the verse into English: "Then that Person (Purusha), Narayana, desired, 'May I create beings.' From Narayana, arose Prana (life-breath); from Narayana, arose mind and all the senses; from Narayana, arose space, air, light, water, and earth, the sustainer of the universe. From Narayana, arose Brahma; from Narayana, arose Rudra; from Narayana, arose Indra; from Narayana, arose Prajapati (Lord of Creatures). From Narayana arose the twelve Adityas, the Rudras, the Vasus, all the meters (chandas); indeed, all originates from Narayana and dissolves into Narayana. This is the teaching of the Rig Veda." Explanation: * Narayana: This is a name of the Supreme Being in Hinduism, often associated with Vishnu. * Prana: The vital life force that sustains all beings. * Indriya: The senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch). * Aditya: Sun gods. * Rudra: A deity associated with destruction and transformation. * Vasu: A group of eight deities who represent various aspects of nature. * Chandas: Metrical patterns used in Vedic hymns. Key Concepts: * Cosmology: The verse describes the origin of the universe and its components from Narayana, the ultimate source. * Monism: The verse emphasizes the oneness of all existence, stating that everything originates from and dissolves into Narayana. * Creation and Dissolution: The verse depicts a cyclical process of creation and dissolution, highlighting the interconnectedness of all things. Significance: This verse from the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad is considered a foundational statement in Hinduism, explaining the nature of reality, the origin of the universe, and the role of the Supreme Being. It underscores the concept of Brahman (Ultimate Reality), often identified with Narayana, as the source and destination of all creation.
उन पुरुषरूप भगवान् नारायण ने संकल्प किया कि ‘मैं' प्रजा। (जीवो) की सृष्टि करूँ । अतः उन्हीं के द्वारा समस्त जीवों की उत्पत्ति हुई । नारायण से समष्टिगत प्राण का प्रादुर्भाव हुआ। उन्हीं के द्वारा मन और समस्त इन्द्रियाँ उत्पन्न हुई। भगवान् नारायण द्वारा ही आकाश, वायु, तेज, जल एवं सम्पूर्ण जगत् को धारण करने वाली पृथ्वी आदि सभी का प्राकट्य हुआ। भगवान् नारायण से ही ब्रह्मा जी प्रादुर्भूत हुए। नारायण से भगवान् रुद्र उत्पन्न होते हैं। नारायण द्वारा ही देवराज इन्द्र प्रकट हुए। नारायण द्वारा प्रजापति का भी प्रादुर्भाव हुआ। नारायण से ही द्वादश आदित्य उत्पन्न हुए। ग्यारह रुद्र, अष्टवसु एवं सम्पूर्ण छन्द भगवान् नारायण से प्रकट हुए। नारायण द्वारा ही प्रेरणा प्राप्त करके सभी अपने-अपने कार्यों में लग जाते हैं तथा भगवान् नारायण में ही अन्त में विलीन हो जाते हैं। ऐसा ही यह ऋग्वेदीय उपनिषद् का कथन है ॥
Verse २
अथ नित्यो नारायणः ।ब्रह्मा नारायणः ।शिवश्च नारायणः ।शक्रश्च नारायणः ।कालश्च नारायणः ।दिशश्च नारायणः ।विदिशश्च नारायणः ।ऊर्ध्वं च नारायणः ।अधश्च नारायणः ।अन्तर्बहिश्च नारायणः।नारायण एवेदं सर्वं यद्भूतं यच्च भव्यम्। निष्कलंको निरञ्जनो निर्विकल्पो निराख्यातः शुद्धो देव एको नारायणो ने द्वितीयोऽस्ति कश्चित् ।य एवं वेद से विष्णुरेव भवति स विष्णुरेव भवति ।एतद्यजुर्वेदशिरोऽधीते ॥
atha nityo nārāyaṇaḥ ।brahmā nārāyaṇaḥ ।śivaśca nārāyaṇaḥ ।śakraśca nārāyaṇaḥ ।kālaśca nārāyaṇaḥ ।diśaśca nārāyaṇaḥ ।vidiśaśca nārāyaṇaḥ ।ūrdhvaṃ ca nārāyaṇaḥ ।adhaśca nārāyaṇaḥ ।antarbahiśca nārāyaṇaḥ।nārāyaṇa evedaṃ sarvaṃ yadbhūtaṃ yacca bhavyam। niṣkalaṃko nirañjano nirvikalpo nirākhyātaḥ śuddho deva eko nārāyaṇo ne dvitīyo'sti kaścit ।ya evaṃ veda se viṣṇureva bhavati sa viṣṇureva bhavati ।etadyajurvedaśiro'dhīte ॥
Translation of the Sanskrit Verse: And the eternal is Narayana. Brahma is Narayana, Shiva is Narayana, Indra is Narayana, Time is Narayana, Directions are Narayana, Intercardinal Directions are Narayana, Upward is Narayana, Downward is Narayana, Inside and Outside is Narayana. Everything that is, was and will be is Narayana. He is spotless, pure, without impurities, without doubts, without form, and pure. The only God is Narayana, there is no other. He who knows this, becomes Vishnu, he becomes Vishnu. This is taught in the head of the Yajurveda. Explanation: This verse emphasizes the supreme nature of Narayana, a name for Vishnu, as the ultimate reality encompassing everything. It states that Brahma, Shiva, Indra, time, directions, and even the very concepts of "up," "down," "inside," and "outside" are all manifestations of Narayana. The verse goes on to describe Narayana as perfect, pure, and beyond duality. It concludes by stating that knowing this truth leads to becoming Vishnu, highlighting the importance of realizing the divine nature of reality. Key terms: * Narayana: A name for Vishnu, often considered the ultimate reality in Hinduism. * Brahma: The creator god in Hindu mythology. * Shiva: The destroyer god in Hindu mythology. * Indra: The king of the gods in Hindu mythology. * Yajurveda: One of the four Vedas, a collection of ancient Hindu scriptures.
भगवान् नारायण ही नित्य (शाश्वत) हैं। ब्रह्माजी भी नारायण हैं। भगवान् शिव एवं देवराज इन्द्र भी नारायण हैं। काल और दिशाएँ भी नारायण हैं। विदिशायें (दिशाओं के मध्य के कोण) भी नारायण है। ऊर्ध्व भी नारायण और अध; भी नारायण है। अन्तः एवं बाह्य भी नारायण हैं। जो कुछ हो गया और जो कुछ हो रहा है तथा जो होने वाला है, वह सभी कुछ भगवान् नारायण ही हैं। नारायण ही एकमात्र निष्कलंक, निरञ्जन, निर्विकल्प, अनिर्वचनीय और विशुद्ध देव हैं। उनके अतिरिक्त अन्य दूसरा कोई नहीं।जो मनुष्य ऐसा जानता है, वह स्वयं विष्णुमय हो जाता है, वह विष्णु ही हो जाता है, ऐसा ही यजुर्वेदीय उपनिषद् का कथन है ॥
Verse ३
ॐ इत्यग्रे व्याहरेत् ।नम इति पश्चात् ।नारायणायेत्युपरिष्टात्।ॐ इत्येकाक्षरम्।नम इति द्वे अक्षरे।नारायणायेति पञ्चाक्षराणि।एतद्वै नारायणस्याष्टाक्षरं पदम्।यो ह वै नारायणस्याष्टाक्षरं पदमध्येति ।अनपब्रुवः सर्वमायुरेति ।विन्दते प्राजापत्यं रायस्पोषं गौपत्यं ततोऽमृतत्वमश्नुते ततोऽमृतत्वमश्नुत इति। एतत्सामवेदशिरोऽधीते॥
oṃ ityagre vyāharet ।nama iti paścāt ।nārāyaṇāyetyupariṣṭāt।oṃ ityekākṣaram।nama iti dve akṣare।nārāyaṇāyeti pañcākṣarāṇi।etadvai nārāyaṇasyāṣṭākṣaraṃ padam।yo ha vai nārāyaṇasyāṣṭākṣaraṃ padamadhyeti ।anapabruvaḥ sarvamāyureti ।vindate prājāpatyaṃ rāyaspoṣaṃ gaupatyaṃ tato'mṛtatvamaśnute tato'mṛtatvamaśnuta iti। etatsāmavedaśiro'dhīte॥
Translation of the Sanskrit Verse: **"Om" should be uttered in the beginning, "Namah" afterwards, and "Narayanaya" above. "Om" is a single syllable, "Namah" two syllables, and "Narayanaya" five syllables. This is the eight-syllable mantra of Narayana. Whoever recites this eight-syllable mantra of Narayana, without any error, attains longevity, divine wealth, secrecy, and immortality. This is considered the head of the Sama Veda." Explanation: This verse describes the "Ashtakshara Mantra" (eight-syllable mantra) of Lord Narayana. The mantra is made up of three parts: * Om: The universal sound, signifying the divine essence. * Namah: "Salutation" or "obeisance" to the divine. * Narayanaya: The name of Lord Narayana, the supreme being. The verse explains that chanting this mantra with devotion and sincerity brings various benefits, including: * Anpabruvah: Living a long life without any disease or suffering. * Sarvam Ayuh: Living a full, long life. * Prajapatiyam Rayasposham: Obtaining divine wealth and prosperity. * Gaupatyam: Attaining secrecy and knowledge of the divine. * Amritatvam Ashnute: Achieving immortality. The verse concludes by stating that this mantra is considered the head of the Sama Veda, one of the four Vedas. It emphasizes the significance and power of this mantra in Hindu tradition.
सर्वप्रथम आरम्भ में 'ॐ' कार का उच्चारण करे, तदुपरान्त बाद में 'नमः' शब्द का और फिर अन्त में 'नारायण' पद का उच्चारण करे।'ॐ' यह एक अक्षर है।'नम:' ये दो अक्षर हैं और ‘नारायणाय' ये पाँच अक्षर हैं । इस प्रकार यह ‘ॐ नमो नारायणाय' पद भगवान् नारायण के आठ अक्षरों से युक्त मन्त्र है । भगवान् नारायण के इस अष्टाक्षरी मन्त्र का जो भी मनुष्य जप और ध्यान करता है, वह श्रेष्ठतम कीर्ति से युक्त होकर पूर्णायुष्य प्राप्त करता है। उसे जीवों का आधिपत्य, स्त्री-पुत्र एवं धन-धान्यादि की वृद्धि तथा गौ-आदि पशुओं का स्वामित्व भी प्राप्त होता है। तदुपरान्त वह अमृतत्व को प्राप्त हो जाता है, यही सामवेदीय उपनिषद् का प्रतिपादन है ।।
Verse ४
प्रत्यगानन्दं ब्रह्मपुरुषं प्रणवस्वरूपम्।अकार उकारो मकार इति।ता अनेकधा समभवत्तदेतदोमिति ।यमुक्त्वा मुच्यते योगी जन्मसंसारबन्धनात्।ॐ नमो नारायणायेति मन्त्रोपासको वैकुण्ठभुवनं गमिष्यति ।तदिदं पुण्डरीकं विज्ञानघनं तस्मात्तडिदाभमात्रम्।ब्रह्मण्यो देवकीपुत्रो ब्रह्मण्यो मधुसूदनः । ब्रह्मण्यः पुण्डरीकाक्षो ब्रह्मण्यो विष्णुरच्युत इति ।सर्वभूतस्थमेकं वै नारायणं कारणपुरुषमकारणं परं ब्रह्मोम्।एतदथर्वशिरोऽधीते ॥
pratyagānandaṃ brahmapuruṣaṃ praṇavasvarūpam।akāra ukāro makāra iti।tā anekadhā samabhavattadetadomiti ।yamuktvā mucyate yogī janmasaṃsārabandhanāt।oṃ namo nārāyaṇāyeti mantropāsako vaikuṇṭhabhuvanaṃ gamiṣyati ।tadidaṃ puṇḍarīkaṃ vijñānaghanaṃ tasmāttaḍidābhamātram।brahmaṇyo devakīputro brahmaṇyo madhusūdanaḥ । brahmaṇyaḥ puṇḍarīkākṣo brahmaṇyo viṣṇuracyuta iti ।sarvabhūtasthamekaṃ vai nārāyaṇaṃ kāraṇapuruṣamakāraṇaṃ paraṃ brahmom।etadatharvaśiro'dhīte ॥
Translation of the Sanskrit Verse: This verse describes the nature of Brahman, the Supreme Being, and its relationship with the universe. It also praises Vishnu, an avatar of Brahman, and the power of mantra recitation. Here is the translation: * The Self-Luminous Brahman is the Purusha, the embodiment of the Pranava (OM). It is formed by the sounds "A", "U", and "M". From this, countless things have emerged. * By chanting the Pranava (OM), the yogi is liberated from the bonds of birth and rebirth. The one who worships with the mantra "Om Namo Narayanaya" will attain the abode of Vaikuntha (heaven). * This lotus is the essence of knowledge, therefore it is like a flash of lightning. * Brahmanyu, the son of Devaki, is Brahman, Madhusudana (Krishna) is Brahman, the lotus-eyed one is Brahman, Vishnu, Achyuta, all are Brahman. * Narayana, the cause of all beings, is the One, the Uncaused, the Supreme Brahman. This is the essence of the Atharva Veda. Explanation: * Brahman: The ultimate reality, the source of all creation, beyond definition or description. * Purusha: The cosmic being, the masculine principle, the divine consciousness. * Pranava (OM): The sacred syllable, the sound of Brahman, representing the totality of existence. * Vaikuntha: The abode of Vishnu, a celestial realm of bliss. * Lotus: Symbol of purity, enlightenment, and spiritual awakening. * Narayana: One of the names of Vishnu, meaning "the abode of Narayana" (where Narayana resides). * Atharva Veda: One of the four Vedas, focusing on magical rituals, healing, and practical wisdom. This verse emphasizes the unifying nature of Brahman and the power of chanting the sacred mantra "Om Namo Narayanaya" to achieve liberation. It also highlights the importance of knowledge and the divine nature of Vishnu.
‘अ' कार, ‘उ' कार और ‘म' कार मात्राओं से युक्त यह प्रत्यक् (ॐ कार) आनन्दमय, ब्रह्मपुरुष प्रणवस्वरूप है। ये भिन्न-भिन्न हैं, इन मात्राओं के सम्मिलित स्वरूप को ‘ॐ' कहते हैं । इस प्रणवरूप ‘ॐ' कार का जप करके योगी-साधक जन्म-मृत्यु रूपी सांसारिक-बन्धनों से मुक्ति प्राप्त कर लेता है। 'ॐ नमो नारायणाय' इस मन्त्र की साधना करने वाला साधक वैकुण्ठ धाम को जाता है। वह यह वैकुण्ठ धाम पुण्डरीक (हृदय कमल) विज्ञानमय है। इस कारण इसका स्वरूप विद्युत् के सदृश परम प्रकाशस्यरूप है । ब्रह्ममय देवकी नन्दन भगवान् श्रीकृष्ण ब्रह्मण्य अर्थात् ब्राह्मण प्रिय हैं। वे ही मधुसूदन पुण्डरीकाक्ष और वे ही विष्णु एवं अच्युत हैं। प्राणि-मात्र में वे भगवान् नारायण ही निवास करते हैं। वे ही कारण पुरुष होते हुए भी कारण रहित हैं। वे ही परब्रह्म हैं। विद्वज्जन अथर्ववेदीय ॐकार रूपी इस शिरोभाग (सारभाग) का अध्ययन करते हैं ॥
Verse ५
प्रातरधीयानो रात्रिकृतं पापं नाशयति । सायमधीयानो दिवसकृतं पापं नाशयति । तत्सायं-प्रातरधीयानः पापोऽपापो भवति । माध्यंदिनमादित्याभिमुखोऽधीयानः पञ्चमहापातकोपपात-कात्प्रमुच्यते । सर्ववेदपारायणपुण्यं लभते । नारायणसायुज्यमवाप्नोति श्रीमन्नारायणसायुज्यम-वाप्नोति य एवं वेद ॥
prātaradhīyāno rātrikṛtaṃ pāpaṃ nāśayati । sāyamadhīyāno divasakṛtaṃ pāpaṃ nāśayati । tatsāyaṃ-prātaradhīyānaḥ pāpo'pāpo bhavati । mādhyaṃdinamādityābhimukho'dhīyānaḥ pañcamahāpātakopapāta-kātpramucyate । sarvavedapārāyaṇapuṇyaṃ labhate । nārāyaṇasāyujyamavāpnoti śrīmannārāyaṇasāyujyama-vāpnoti ya evaṃ veda ॥
This verse describes the benefits of studying scriptures at different times of the day: * "प्रातरधीयानो रात्रिकृतं पापं नाशयति ।" - One who studies in the morning destroys the sins committed during the night. * "सायमधीयानो दिवसकृतं पापं नाशयति ।" - One who studies in the evening destroys the sins committed during the day. * "तत्सायं-प्रातरधीयानः पापोऽपापो भवति ।" - Thus, one who studies both in the evening and morning becomes free from sin. * "माध्यंदिनमादित्याभिमुखोऽधीयानः पञ्चमहापातकोपपात-कात्प्रमुच्यते ।" - One who studies facing the sun at noon is liberated from the five great sins (panchamahapataka). * "सर्ववेदपारायणपुण्यं लभते ।" - They attain the merit of reciting all the Vedas. * "नारायणसायुज्यमवाप्नोति श्रीमन्नारायणसायुज्यम-वाप्नोति य एवं वेद ॥" - One who knows this (the benefits of studying scriptures) attains the state of being united with Lord Narayana (Vishnu), the Supreme Lord. In essence: The verse highlights the spiritual power of studying scriptures, especially at different times of the day, which leads to liberation from sins, attainment of virtue, and ultimately union with the divine.
इस उपनिषद् का प्रात:काल पाठ करने से रात्रि में किये हुए पाप नष्ट हो जाते हैं। दोनों संध्याओं -प्रातः एवं सायंकाल के समय में इस उपनिषद् का पाठ करने से साधक पूर्व समय (पूर्वजन्म) का भी यदि पापी हो, तो वह पापरहित हो जाता है। मध्याह्न के समय भगवान् भास्कर की ओर अभिमुख होकर पाठ करने से मनुष्य पाँच महापातकों एवं उपपातकों से सदैव के लिए मुक्त हो जाता है। वह चारों वेदों के पाठ का पुण्यलाभ प्राप्त करता है तथा शरीर का परित्याग कर देने पर अन्तकाल में श्री नारायण के सायुज्य पद को प्राप्त कर लेता है। जो ऐसा जानता है, वह भी श्रीमन्नारायण के सायुज्य पद को पा जाता है ॥