Narayana
Narayana (नारायण) or Narayan in many contemporary vernaculars, is a common Indian name. It originates as a Sanskrit name for Vishnu.
Sacred uses Narayana is another name for Vishnu or the Hindu name for God and appears as the 245th name in the Vishnu sahasranama. The book, Sri Ramanuja, His Life, Religion, and Philosophy, published by Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai, India, states that the name "Narayana" means, "He who is the dwelling place, i.e., the source, support and dissolving ground of all Jivas or souls, including inert matter." One of the most famous mantras, "Om Namo Narayana" is chanted by Hindus. This mantra, along with Om Namah Shivāya, and the Gayatri mantra are the most sacred prayers by Hindus. A verse that confers the Devas' subordinate status comes from the Vishnu sahasranama, whose concluding verses state: "The Rishis (great sages), ancestors, the Devas, the great elements, in fact, all things moving and unmoving constituting this universe have originated from Narayana." (i.e., Vishnu.) This verse, if proof was necessary, is enough show that the Devas are subordinate to Vishnu or God.
Secular uses
Among the many people with the name Narayan are the novelist R.K. Narayan, the political activist Jayaprakash Narayan, the singer Udit Narayan, and the Fijian stateswoman Irene Jai Narayan. Prithvi Narayan Shah founded the kingdom of Nepal.
External links http://www.dvaita.org/shaastra/gita/gita_sara/gs-007.html (only one God in Hinduism, #56 and see Shri Krishna is the supreme God; #57.) http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/1148/k8.html (name of Narayana even at the time of death can save a great sinner, Ajamila) Name of Narayana even at the time of death can save a great sinner, Ajamila. http://www.srivaishnavan.com/ans_secrets.html (See Answer #14.)
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