The Real and Only Saviour

In this material world, people seek protection in various ways. Some rely on wealth, some on power, some on their intelligence, and others on family and relationships. But history and scripture reveal a simple yet profound truth—none of these can truly save us. No amount of money, political influence, or even knowledge can prevent suffering, old age, disease, and death. However, there is one sure refuge, one true savior—the holy name of the Supreme Lord.

The Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (2.7) states that in times of greatest distress, even the most powerful beings have taken shelter of the Lord’s name. Whether it was Gajendra, Draupadī, Ajamila, or even the residents of Vaikuṇṭha, the holy name alone has saved them. As Kṛṣṇa declares in the Bhagavad-gītā (10.25):

“yajñānāṁ japa-yajño ‘smi”

“Of all sacrifices, I am the chanting of the holy names.”

This means that no ritual, no offering, no austerity is as powerful as sincerely chanting the names of God.

The Proof: Deliverance Through the Holy Name

The Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (2.7.15) describes:

“The leader of the elephants, Gajendra, who was attacked by an alligator and was much aggrieved, sought the shelter of the lotus feet of the Supreme Lord, who delivered him by His disc, which cuts to pieces all sinful reactions. The world is full of dangers, and one should seek the shelter of the holy name.”

Gajendra was the king of elephants, enjoying a luxurious life. But when danger struck, when a crocodile grabbed his leg and refused to let go, he realized that none of his strength, none of his followers, and none of his efforts could save him. In his final moment of desperation, he called out to the Supreme Lord. Just by chanting His name in surrender, Lord Viṣṇu immediately arrived and liberated him.

The lesson is clear—when everything else fails, the holy name remains the only refuge. But why wait for danger to strike? Why not take shelter of the name now, while we have the chance?

Ajamila: Saved by the Accidental Chanting of the Holy Name

Another striking example from the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (6.2) is the story of Ajamila. Although he was once a pious brāhmaṇa, he fell into sinful life, abandoning all dharma and indulging in illicit activities. At the moment of death, when the Yamadūtas (servants of Yamarāja) came to drag him to hell, he helplessly called out “Nārāyaṇa!”—the name of his youngest son.

Yet, because he unknowingly chanted the name of the Lord, the Viṣṇudūtas (messengers of Viṣṇu) appeared and stopped his punishment. Not only was Ajamila saved from hell, but he was also given another chance to perfect his life in Kṛṣṇa consciousness.

This shows the infinite mercy of the Lord’s name. Even if chanted without full understanding, it still has the power to deliver. Imagine the benefit if one chants with full sincerity and devotion!

Draupadī’s Surrender: The Name as the Ultimate Protector

During the Kurukṣetra era, Draupadī, the queen of the Pāṇḍavas, was dragged into the royal assembly and insulted by the wicked Duryodhana and his brothers. When her husbands, the mighty Pāṇḍavas, could not protect her, when all human hope was lost, she cried out:

“He Govinda! He Kṛṣṇa! Please protect me!”

With just these words, Kṛṣṇa immediately appeared in His unseen form and provided unlimited cloth, saving her from humiliation.

Her surrender teaches us an important lesson: When we call upon the Lord sincerely, He will never abandon us. He is always present in His name, ready to protect His devotees.

Chanting the Holy Name: The Only Process for This Age

In the Bṛhan-nāradīya Purāṇa (3.8.126), it is said:

“harer nāma harer nāma harer nāmaiva kevalam kalau nāsty eva nāsty eva nāsty eva gatir anyathā”

“In this age of Kali, there is no other way, no other way, no other way for spiritual realization than chanting the holy name, chanting the holy name, chanting the holy name of the Lord.”

No other process of self-realization is as powerful or as effective as the chanting of Kṛṣṇa’s name. Meditation, temple worship, and sacrifices may be difficult to perform in this age, but simply chanting “Hare Kṛṣṇa, Hare Kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa, Hare Hare / Hare Rāma, Hare Rāma, Rāma Rāma, Hare Hare” is enough to free one from all suffering.

The Lord’s Name is Non-Different from Him

The Padma Purāṇa states:

“nāma cintāmaṇiḥ kṛṣṇaś caitanya-rasa-vigrahaḥ pūrṇaḥ śuddho nitya-mukto ‘bhinnatvān nāma-nāminoḥ”

“The holy name of Kṛṣṇa is transcendentally blissful. It is non-different from Kṛṣṇa Himself, full of all spiritual potency, and completely pure.”

This means that when we chant the name of the Lord, we are directly associating with Him. Just as fire burns regardless of whether one understands it or not, the holy name purifies and liberates whoever chants it, even if they are unaware of its full power.

What Happens If We Neglect the Holy Name?

One may ask, “What if I don’t chant? What if I don’t take shelter in the Lord’s name?”

The answer is simple: Without taking shelter of the holy name, we remain trapped in the cycle of birth and death (saṁsāra). The Bhagavad-gītā (8.6) states:

“yaṁ yaṁ vāpi smaran bhāvaṁ tyajaty ante kalevaram taṁ tam evaiti kaunteya sadā tad-bhāva-bhāvitaḥ”

“Whatever state of being one remembers at the time of death, that state they will attain without fail.”

If we spend our entire life absorbed in material thoughts, in worldly attachments, and in temporary things, at the moment of death we will not remember Kṛṣṇa. This means we will take birth again, forced to suffer in another body.

But if we cultivate the habit of chanting now, if we take shelter of Kṛṣṇa’s name daily, we will be prepared. At the time of death, Kṛṣṇa’s name will be on our lips, and we will go back to Him.

The Holy Name: A Treasure Beyond All Wealth

People spend their lives chasing wealth, prestige, and security. But what security can money buy? Can money protect us from disease, from accidents, from death? The Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (10.14.58) states:

“samāśritā ye pada-pallava-plavaṁ mahat-padaṁ puṇya-yaśo murāreḥ bhavāmbudhir vatsa-padaṁ paraṁ padaṁ padaṁ padaṁ yad vipadāṁ na teṣām”

“For one who has taken shelter of the lotus feet of Kṛṣṇa, the ocean of birth and death becomes as insignificant as the water in a calf’s hoofprint. But for those who have not taken this shelter, there is danger at every step.”

No amount of material security can protect us. Only the Lord’s name can.

Final Call: Take Shelter Now

The Caitanya-caritāmṛta (Antya 7.74) says:

“nāma vinu kali-kāle nāhi āra dharma sarva-mantra-sāra nāma, ei śāstra-marma”

“In this age of Kali, there is no greater religion than chanting the holy name. Of all mantras, the holy name is the essence, and this is the verdict of the scriptures.”

So why wait? Why delay the only thing that can truly save us?

Take shelter of the holy name now. Start chanting every day. Call out sincerely, as Gajendra did, as Draupadī did, as Ajamila did. The Lord’s name is your eternal protector, your eternal savior. Nothing else in this world will remain, but the mercy of the holy name is forever.

Chant Hare Kṛṣṇa and be happy!