In Srimad Bhagavatam, Keerthanam or chanting of holy name of Bhagavan is considered to be equal to yagna. As per Hindu religion, Keerthanam is the easiest path to reach god. It purifies our body and soul and helps to release stress and worries. It also raises us closer to Bhagavan.
There are numerous examples in our Puranas that validates Keerthanam which takes devotees nearer to God and salvation. But the practice should be the outcome of a pure heart, and they should not be merely a show.
Among nine forms of bhakti, Keerthanam is considered to be the easiest of all modes of approach to God. The pure form of Keerthanam is when the mind is ever intent upon singing or reciting God’s names and glories and it has no occasion to take interest in things of the world. Day and night the devotee feels the presence of God and thus thins out his ego and thereby becomes pure at heart.
A devotee should peacefully chant the holy name of God by behaving as humbly as he or she can. He or she is expected to be tolerant like a tree offering respects to everyone. A true devotee offers his services to God without expecting any form of honor from anyone. Such qualifications make a devotee to devote his or her time and energy to chant the holy name of God. In this Kali Yuga, people’s lives are generally short-lived, follow certain ill habits, and some are even inclined towards such methods of devotional services that are not genuine. Also, most human beings are disturbed by material conditions which they strive to fulfill without caring if the path they are adopting and following is right or wrong. Under such circumstances, one must practice Keerthanam so that a person can free or limit him/herself from the unwanted pursuit and needs.
The significance of chanting is stressed in the Second Canto, First Chapter, verse 11, of Srimad Bhagavatam in the following way. Sukadeva Gosvami tells Maharaja Parikshit, “O King, constant chanting of the holy name of God after the ways of the great authorities is the doubtless and fearless way of success for all.
Sri Krishna says to Arjuna - 'Anyone who is engaged in chanting My name must be considered to be always associating with Me'.
Keerthanam also cleanses the heart of all sinful impressions and desires. It destroys all kinds of suffering by ending the cycle of birth and death. It awakens the highest bliss. Good fortunes are awakened by Keerthanam. It purifies all forms of selfish desires that are aroused due to pleasure.
By chanting the holy name of the Supreme God, one comes to an irreversible stage of devotion towards Godhead. Then the devotee is fixed in his vow as an eternal servant of God, and he gradually becomes very much attached to a particular name and form of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. (Srimad Bhagavatam Canto 11, Chapter 2; Verse 40)
Keerthanam provides us the inner peace and tranquility. In this Kaliyuga, Keerthanam is the only way to achieve salvation.
Source – excerpts from the article titled ‘Keerthanam – A Path To Reach The Lord’ by Dr. Deepak Nair in the September 2021 issue of Sapthagiri Magazine.