Seeing the dangers that seem to surround the life of child Krishna, Yasodha and other womenfolk in Vraja perform ceremonies for the child’s protection against all evils. They tie a talisman and chant the divine names of the Lord for the child’s safety. Even as Krishna accepts these rituals that use His own name to protect Him, the truth to be understood is that fear, which frightens all mortal beings, is frightened of the Lord, pointed out Srimati Prema Pandurang in a discourse.
It is generally seen that the Lord’s name is more powerful than the Lord Himself. Draupadi transcends her pitiable and helpless plight in the Kuru court when she calls out to Krishna with single minded faith and courage in her heart. Krishna might have been in Dwaraka, but the unseen grace and power of His name comes to her rescue and this event has come to stay as a historic one in the annals of bhakti.
In the Ramayana, when the Sethu is being built by the Vanaras, each boulder that is picked from the land is sanctified by Rama Nama and then dropped in the ocean. This is how the stones float in the water without sinking. When Garga is entrusted with the task of naming Nandagopa’s child, the sage wonders how one is to name the One who is ‘Nameless’ and also ‘Multi-named.’
The poet saint Bilvamangala hails His names such as Govinda, Damodhara and Madhava. They are not only easy to chant but are also powerful mantras to lead one out of the dangers of samsara.
The poet wonders why people who have the ability to chant fail to do so. Are they so determined and responsible for their own undoing? He urges his tongue to just drink the nectar of these names.
A true bhakta always cherishes the invaluable support of His name in his heart and mind.