DivineAdda logoDivineAdda
All mantras

Om Namo Narayanaya Mantra: Meaning, Benefits & How to Chant

Lord Vishnu (Narayana) 108 repetitions

ॐ नमो नारायणाय ॥

Om Namo Narayanaya

Learn the eight-syllable Om Namo Narayanaya mantra of Lord Vishnu, with Sanskrit, meaning, traditional benefits and a simple daily chanting method.

Quick facts

Deity
Lord Vishnu (Narayana)
Mantra type
Ashtakshari (8 syllables)
Repetitions
108 (one mala round)
Best day
Thursday, Ekadashi
Best time
Brahma muhurta or evening lamp time
Mala
Tulsi

Meaning of Om Namo Narayanaya

Om is the primordial sound. Namo means "I bow". Narayanaya means "to Narayana", a name of Lord Vishnu that is traditionally understood as the one who is the resting place, or refuge, of all living beings. Together: "I bow to Narayana."

Why it is called the Ashtakshari mantra

The mantra has eight syllables (ashta = eight, akshara = syllable): Om-Na-Mo-Nā-rā-ya-ṇā-ya. It is especially revered in the Vaishnava traditions as a complete surrender to Vishnu.

Traditional benefits

  • Steadies the mind and supports a calm start to the day
  • Traditionally chanted for surrender, protection and inner peace
  • Commonly recited on Thursdays and on Ekadashi

How to chant

  1. Bathe, sit facing east or north, and light a lamp before an image of Vishnu.
  2. Hold a tulsi mala and take three slow breaths.
  3. Chant 108 times, softly and clearly, giving equal weight to each syllable.
  4. Close with a moment of silence and a bow.


Timeline

  1. Brahma muhurta

    Wake, bathe, sit facing east

    Prepare a calm space and light a lamp before an image of Vishnu.

  2. 5 minutes

    Settle the breath

    Take three slow breaths and set a simple intention.

  3. 10–15 minutes

    Chant 108 times

    Move one tulsi bead per repetition at a steady, unhurried pace.

  4. 1 minute

    Close in silence

    Bow, and offer a tulsi leaf or flower if you have one.

Frequently asked questions

Is Om Namo Narayanaya the same as Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya?
They are two different Vishnu mantras. This one has eight syllables and the other has twelve
How many times should I chant it?
108 is the traditional count for one mala round. Even 11 repetitions with focus is meaningful.
Can women and beginners chant it?
Yes. It is a simple mantra open to every devotee.

Sources & further reading

  • Narayana Upanishad

DivineAdda Editorial

Scripture research and editorial team

Last updated 19 September 2026