The Kali-Santarana Upanishad (The Liberation through the Chant of the Divine Name)

 The Kali-Santarana Upanishad  (The Liberation through the Chant of the Divine Name)

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare; Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare. These sixteen words are destructive of the evil effects of Kali Yuga.


The Kali-Santarana Upanishad is, one of 14 Vaisnava Upanishads attached to the Krishna Yajurveda, a conversation between Brahma the creator and sage Narada. The origins and dating of this Upanishad are uncertain but it is believed to have been composed between 800-200 BC. The text reveals the mantra which is a collection of 16 names. This mantra, presented in two lines, contains the words Hare, Rama, and Krishna. Brahma said that by way of chanting the name of the supreme deity Narayana, all the tribulations of Kali yuga will be washed away.

The Upanishad unveils the transformative power of chanting the divine power. It emphasizes the significance of devotion, surrender, and the repetition of the divine mantra in attaining liberation (moksha). Sage Narada approached Brahma and requested him to enlighten him on the path he should follow to alleviate the detrimental effects of the Kali Yuga. Brahma said that by way of taking the name of the supreme deity Narayana, all the tribulations of Kali yuga will be washed away. These sixteen names to be chanted are as: “Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare, Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare. Chanting of the sixteen words mantra is asserted by the text to be constantly done by sage Narada, who with his musical instrument tanpura has been doing it for ages. Apart from this Upanishad, chanting of this mantra has also been prescribed in Puranas such as the Brahmananda Purana, the Agni Purana, and so forth.

The Upanishad also states that in the Kali Yuga, Narada was the creator or Kali-Karaka of all conflicts or undesirable acts. However, Narada who is the arbitrator of the laws of karma (all deeds) himself approaches Brahma seeking redress to all the ills of this epoch. It is also stated in the Upanishad that Narada roamed around the world holding a lute in his hand to adjust the laws of harmony as a result of a curse by Daksha. The sixteen mantras that Narada was advised to recite by Brahma relate to jiva the immortal soul which has sixteen kalas. There are no rules and regulations to chant this maha-mantra (great mantra). It should be chanted always irrespective of whether one is in a pure or impure condition.

The Upanishad emphasizes the importance of surrendering to the divine will and placing complete faith in the Goddess. Devotees are encouraged to surrender their ego and desires, fostering a sense of humility and trust in the divine. Through its teachings on surrender, faith, and liberation, it offers seekers a pathway to spiritual emancipation and union with the divine. As an integral part of the Upanishadic tradition, this sacred scripture continues to inspire and guide individuals on their spiritual journey, fostering a deeper connection with the divine mother and the eternal truth that resides within.

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