Chant god's name in bed? Premananda Maharaj clarifies devotees' doubt

Vrindavan (The Uttam Hindu): Devotees often have many questions and doubts regarding the devotion of God and chanting of His name. The biggest confusion is regarding purity and place, whether the name of God can be taken everywhere and in every situation? People are especially confused about chanting the name while lying on the bed or in places like the toilet. To remove this dilemma, a video of Vrindavan's famous saint Premananda Maharaj is rapidly going viral on social media, in which he has given a very simple and accurate solution to this doubt of the devotees by citing the scriptures.

Chanting the name can be done even in an impure state

In a viral video, a female devotee asks Premanand Maharaj whether it is appropriate to chant God's name while sitting on a bed. Maharaj Ji answered this question clearly, stating that chanting God's name can be done at any time and in any place. He explained that according to the scriptures, there is no prohibition on remembering God even in the toilet or in any impure state. To prove his point, he cited the verse from the scriptures, "Apothetrah pavitro va sarvavasthaam gato'pi va. Yah smret pundarikaaksham sa bahyabhyantarah shuchih." Explaining its meaning, he said that whether a person is pure or impure, one who remembers God becomes pure both internally and externally. In other words, chanting the name is itself a process of purification.

There is a difference between Guru Mantra and chanting the name, know the rules

Premananda Maharaj also explained a very important distinction to devotees. He clarified that there is a difference between the rules of general 'naam japa' (such as Ram, Krishna, Hari) and the 'Guru Mantra' received at initiation. While naam japa can be performed anywhere, the Guru Mantra requires adherence to decorum. Maharaj Ji explained that the Guru Mantra should not be chanted while sitting on a bed where the householder's dharma (husband-wife relationship) is observed. Similarly, chanting the Guru Mantra is prohibited in the toilet or other impure places.

Chanting the name brings spiritual purification

At the end of the video, Premananda Maharaj concluded by saying that chanting God's name transcends all these rules and cannot be bound by any restrictions. The purpose of chanting is to purify the soul, so it can be done in any state. Whether you are walking, in bed, or in the toilet, there is no sin in chanting God's name. His video is being widely liked by people on social media and is resolving their dilemmas on the path of devotion.