Discover the beauty and meaning behind the Sanyasa Suktam hymn – ‘Na Karmana Na Prajaya’ also known as the ‘Purna Kumbha Mantra’, from the Rigveda, one of the oldest and most sacred texts of Hinduism. This mantra is chanted as a way of honoring the Sanyasi, who has renounced the material world and dedicated their lives to spiritual pursuits.
The Purna Kumbha (Kalasha) tradition is a powerful symbol of divinity, purity, and grace, signifying the completeness of life. The Sanyasi is welcomed to Jnana yagnas or to our homes with a Purna Kumbha, flower garland or bouquet, and the chanting of the four verses of the Purna Kumbha Mantra, from ‘na karmana na prajaya’ to ‘yah parah sah mahesvarah’.
Chanting the mantra ‘na karmana na prajaya’ during the Sanyasi’s arrival is a way of expressing respect, gratitude, and reverence for their spiritual path and teachings. It recognizes the importance of their path, and teachings and creates a positive and spiritual atmosphere to enhance their blessings.
Na Karmana Na Prajaya – Purna Kumbha Mantra – Lyrics with Meaning
Na karmana na prajaya dhanena
tyagenaike amrtatvam anasuh
parena nakam nihitam guhayam
vibhrajate yad yatayo visanti
Vedāntavijñānasuniścitārthāḥ
sannyāsayogādyatayaḥ śuddhasattvāḥ |
Te brahmalokeṣu parāntakāle
parāmr̥tāḥ parimucyati sarve
Dahraṃ vipāpaṃ parameśmabhūtaṃ
yatpuṇḍarīkaṃ puramadhyasaggastham
tatrāpi dahraṃ gaganaṃ viśokastasmin
yadantastadupāsitavyam
Yovedādau svaraḥ prokto
vedānte ca pratiṣṭhitaḥ
tasya prakṛtilīnasya yaḥ
paraḥ sa maheśvaraḥ
The Sanyasa Sukta begins with the words “Na karmana na prajaya dhanena tyagenaike amrtatvamanasuh,”
In this sloka, the emphasis is on the idea of renunciation as a means to achieve immortality in Hinduism. The sloka suggests that neither actions (Na karmana) nor wealth nor progeny (na prajaya dhanena) can lead to immortality (amrtatva), but only through renunciation (tyagenaike) can one attain it. The term “anasuh” indicates that this renunciation should be selfless and not motivated by any selfish desires.
The sloka emphasizes the importance of letting go of attachment to worldly things and focusing on spiritual pursuits. Overall, the sloka highlights the idea that true spiritual growth and liberation require a renunciation of the material world and a focus on selfless action.
parena nakam nihitam guhayam vibhrajate yad yatayo visanti |
In this sloka, the focus is on the concept of the inner self, which is believed to be the ultimate reality in Hinduism. The sloka suggests that what ascetics enter into during their spiritual practices is something that is deep within the cave of the heart and is pervaded by this supreme reality.
The term”parena nakam nihitam ” indicates the deep location of this reality which is superior to even svarga and Brahma lokas, while “guhayam” refers to the cave of the heart which is present in our inner self and which is self-effulgent “vibhrajate”, when the seeker delves deeper they attain yatayo visanti – which means that they connect with that supreme all-pervading Brahman.
The sloka emphasizes the idea that true spiritual growth and union with the ultimate reality require looking inward and discovering the truth that is within oneself.
Vedāntavijñānasuniścitārthāḥ sannyāsayogādyatayaḥ śuddhasattvāḥ | Te brahmalokeṣu parāntakāle, parāmr̥tāḥ parimucyati sarve |
Vedāntavijñānasuniścitārthāḥ sannyāsayogādyatayaḥ śuddhasattvāḥ | This sloka describes the qualities and characteristics of a spiritually enlightened person who has attained a deep understanding of Hindu philosophy and practices a spiritual way of life.
He who has mastered the knowledge of Vedanta (Vedāntavijñānasuniścitārthāḥ) and is established in the understanding of Brahman, who practices renunciation and yoga (sannyāsayogādyatayaḥ), and whose mind is pure and unwavering (suddhasattvah).
Te brahmalokeṣu parāntakāle, parāmr̥tāḥ parimucyati sarve |
The second part of the sloka emphasizes the importance of spiritual knowledge in Hinduism and suggests that it is the key to achieving liberation and attaining immortality in the abode of Brahman.
At the time of death, those who have attained the knowledge of Brahman are liberated and attain immortality in the abode of Brahman.
Together, the sloka highlights the idea that spiritual knowledge, combined with a pure and unwavering mind and the practice of renunciation and yoga, is the path to liberation and ultimate union with Brahman. which is considered the ultimate destination for the soul. The sloka emphasizes the importance of spiritual knowledge in Hinduism and suggests that it is the key to achieving liberation and attaining immortality.
Dahraṃ vipāpaṃ parameśmabhūtaṃ | yatpuṇḍarīkaṃ puramadhyasaggastham | tatrāpi dahraṃ gaganaṃ viśokastasmin |yadantastadupāsitavyam
Dahraṃ vipāpaṃ parameśmabhūtaṃ –The supreme being (Parameshwara), the ultimate reality which is our true nature is small, subtle (dahraṃ) and free from impurities (Viipapaṃ). This nature of reality is not always apparent or easy to understand but rather requires a deeper level of contemplation and understanding to be fully realized.
In other words, the sloka is describing the true nature of the self as being small yet all-pervading, formless yet eternal, and pure without any impurities or blemishes. It suggests that the true nature of the self is beyond the limitations of the physical body and the material world, and is instead a transcendental, divine reality that is infinite and unchanging.
yatpuṇḍarīkaṃ puramadhyasaggastham | The lotus flower (Puṇḍarīkaṃ) is often used as a symbol of spiritual enlightenment in Indian culture, and this sloka suggests that the true essence of the divine is hidden within the material world (puramadhyasaggastham), just as the lotus is rooted in the mud but rises above it to reveal its beauty. The divine can be found in unexpected places and that one must look beyond surface appearances to discover the deeper truth.
Tatrāpi dahraṃ gaganaṃ viśokastasmin | yadantastadupāsitavyam This sloka suggests that even amid the vast expanse of the universe, there is (tatrāpi ) a small (dahraṃ) and sacred space (gaganaṃ) that is free from grief and suffering (viśoka). This space is a symbol of the innermost self or soul, which is pure and free from the troubles of the material world. The sloka emphasizes the importance of recognizing and worshipping (Upāsitavyam) this inner self (YadAntaḥ), which is the source of peace and happiness.
Overall, the sloka reminds us to look beyond the external world and to turn inward to discover our true nature which is free from all hurt, guilt, and sorrow. That nature of the divine essence, the Paramesvara, should be meditated upon.
yovedādau svaraḥ prokto| vedānte ca pratiṣṭhitaḥ |
tasya prakṛtilīnasya yaḥ | paraḥ sa maheśvaraḥ
Whoever revealed the knowledge of sound (svara) at the beginning of creation, (yovedādau svaraḥ prokto) and who established it in the Vedas (vedānte ca pratiṣṭhitaḥ); He is the supreme Lord (paraḥ sa aheśvaraḥ), who, having created this universe, remains hidden in it, the entire prakruthi resolves into it (tasya prakṛtilīnasya yaḥ)
In this sloka, the focus is on the creator of the universe, who is referred to as “Mahesvara” or the supreme Lord, para Brahman. The sloka suggests that this creator revealed the knowledge of sound and established it in the Vedas, which are considered sacred texts in Hinduism. The creator is believed to be present in the universe but remains hidden from view.
Overall, the Sanyasa Suktam hymn is a beautiful and powerful expression of the importance of renunciation, spiritual knowledge, and selfless action in achieving true liberation and union with the ultimate reality.
Chanting this mantra is believed to have several benefits, including:
Benefits of Chanting Na Karmana Na Prajaya
- Liberation from karma: Chanting this mantra is believed to help in reducing the effects of negative karma and ultimately achieving liberation.
- Reducing anxiety: Chanting this mantra reminds us that our identity is not defined by our actions or possessions, but by knowing our true nature, the eternal pure consciousness, the Brahman. Knowing and claiming that I am this true nature helps in calming the mind and reducing anxiety.
- Spiritual growth: The mantra helps in shifting the focus from external accomplishments to inner growth and spiritual evolution. It helps in cultivating detachment and developing a deeper understanding of the Self.
- Removing obstacles: Chanting this mantra is believed to remove obstacles and difficulties in life. It helps in developing a positive attitude and attracting positive energy.
Overall, chanting the Sanskrit mantra “Na Karmana Na Prajaya” can personally help in achieving spiritual growth, reducing anxiety, and removing obstacles in life.
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Yes I personally practice this Mantra Sanyasa Suktam and I really feel it’s energies into my day to day life, its bringing positivity to me and I can see changes in me of how I see this world from then and now.
I would like to thank these two Students from Veda Vidyalaya who made me learn this Whole Sanyas Suktam in an easy manner.