The Narayana Suktam forms the 13th section (anuvaka) of the 10th chapter (prapathaka) of Taittiriya Aranyaka (from the Krishna Yajurveda). The 10th chapter is called Mahānārāyaṇa Upaniṣad. Therefore, Nārāyaṇa Sūktam is part of the Mahanarayana Upanishad.

The term Narayana appears several times in this hymn. However, it is primarily used here to mean the ultimate reality or brahman. Among the meanings of the term Narayana are – the one who dwells in mankind or the goal/final abode of mankind. Accordingly, Narayana is used here to refer to the supreme self (paramātmā) who dwells in the individual (jīvātmā).

The initial verses describe Narayana as omnipresent, omniscient, eternal, etc. The later verses go on to explain that he (Narayana) resides as a subtle flame in a very fine channel, within the heart of the individual. The heart is described as hanging down like a lotus bud. The heart’s position in the body is identified as being below the Adam’s apple and above the navel. It is further explained that this subtle flame (which is the life force within the individual) keeps the whole body warm.

This course focuses on proper pronunciation which includes alpa-prāṇa, mahā-prāṇa, mātrā, balam, Hrasvā, Dīrgha, Pluta, Udātta, Anudātta and others. Even we will go through Bhāṣya and Vyākhyā which are all traditional commentaries.

Led by Dr Vigneshwar Bhat 

September 7 – November 9, 2023 (starting on Krishna Janmashtami)  

10 classes on Thursdays at 9pm IST / 5:30pm CET