Bhagawanmandiram Sarvauha Saayam Gantavyamanvaham - All devotees should go to Mandir (temple of God) in the evening for Darshan. There he should: Namasankirtanam Karyam Tatrochau Radhikapateha - sing aloud and chant in praise of Radha’s Lord - Shree Krishna. They should sing loudly with the mind affixiated upon the Lord for a duration of two Gadis (48 minutes).
Shatanand in this Shloka pays particular emphasis on Namasankirtan. He explains: Kalau Bhagavanamasankirtansyauva Paramuktisadhanatvain Vidhanaditi Bhavaha - In Kali Yuga, Namasankirtan is the source of the greatest of Muktis (salvation). Indeed it is the best and easiest way to salvation.
Shrimad Bhagwat explains:
Krute Yad Dyayato Vishnum Tretayam Yajto Makhauha |
Dvapare Paricharyayam Kalau Tadrikirtanaat ||
‘That which is obtainable in Satya Yuga by meditation upon God Vishnu, in Treta Yuga by performance of Yagnas and in Dwapara Yuga by service to God, is obtainable in Kali Yuga by merely chanting and singing God’s name and praise.’ Thus it is written: Kalau Keshava Kirtana - ‘God Keshava can be attained in Kali Yuga through Kirtan.’
‘Kali is the age full of sin and immorality, however Kali has one great advantage in that Krishna Kirtan will lead to freedom from the bondage of the material world and achievement of greatness.’
In this way, Kali Yuga is famed for such quality. Varaha Purana says, ‘Those who sing my name in the age of Kali achieve greatness. They have fulfilled all duty and performed great meritous deeds.’ Skanda Purana adds, ‘The fearful black snaked form of Kali is powerless against the resilient fire which roars the name - Govind!’ Thus the effects of Kali Yuga all falter at the bellow of God’s name.
In this way Bruhanaradiya Purana, Padma Purana and Vishnu Dharmotar all resound the fact that those who chant the names of Hari have nothing to fear from Kali’s miseries and hardships. Such people are elevated from mundane life and become free from the sins of life.’
Garuda Purana even says, ‘Those who say “Narayan” once are destined for the path to greatness, what then needs to be said about those who daily chant his name.’
Finally, Narad Panchratra adds, ‘Women should sit in their separate assembly and chant the name Shree Krishna daily. They should not sit together, with males and sing the Lord’s name.’
What more needs to be said about Bhajan, Kirtan and Nama Dhuna! Those that have no interest in these are lost and would find the path to salvation very difficult. Those who find no enjoyment in singing God’s name are pitiful, as they will never be able to enjoy the favour of God. God is immensely pleased when a devotee sings his praise. By singing, one forgets all his worries and stresses - it is a great tonic to make one feel happy. God will always hear your prayers and therefore such act will never fail.
Strict segregation of the sexes must be observed in temples to aid such objective though. This is because the mind can otherwise wander causing lapses in concentration and focus, regardless of who the person is. The sight of a woman is an obstacle when praying to God and therefore such situations must be avoided in their entirety.