284 - Narration of sacred formulas that are medicinal

Dhanvantari said: 

1. The syllable 'om and others confer longevity, health and heaven. The syllable 'om is the foremost sacred syllable and one becomes immortal by repeating the same. 

2. The gayatri (mantra) is the supreme sacred formula. One gets enjoyment and emancipation by repeating the same. The formula "Om, Salutations to(Lord) Narayana"shall accomplish all things. 

3-6a. (The sacred formula) “Om, Salutations to (Lord) Vasudeva” yields all (things). The formula "Om hrūm, obeisance to (Lord) Vishņu” is the foremost medicine. The celestials and demons became prosperous and free from sickness by (repeating) this (formula). It is benevolent for the beings. The dharma (mantra) is a great remedy—"Virtue, one who does virtuous deeds, and (mantras). “Conferer of prosperity, lord of prosperity, abode of prosperity, bearer of wealth, the abode of wealth, lord of prosperity, the supreme prosperity"--One would obtain prosperity by (the repetition of) these (words). 

6b-7a. "One who loves, bestower of desires, desire, the governor of desires, Hari, happiness, consort of Lakshmi" are the names of (lord) Hari, (whichshould be repeated) for (gaining) pleasures. 

7b-8. "Rāma (one that makes us pleased), Parasurama (the Råma, with the battle-axe), Nrusimha (the man-lion form of lord Vishņu), Vishņu, Trivikrama (the lord that measured three spaces with three strides)" are the names that are to be repeated by those who desire to conquer. One who desires to acquire knowledgeshould repeat daily the name “Purushottama" (foremost among beings). 

9. (The repetition of the name) Damodara (one having a string around the belly, denotes lord Krishņa) would remove bondage. (The repetition of the name) Pushkaråksha (lotus-eyed) would cure eye-discase. (The name) Hrushikeśa (the lord of the sense-organs) would remove fear. This has to be repeated while preparing medicines. 

10-11. The name 'Achyuta' (the changeless one) is an immortal one and confers victory in the battle. One who begins to cross a water-course (should repeat the name) Narasimha (man-lion form of Vishņu). One who desires to have welfare in the east and other directionsshould remember “Chakrin (the bearer of the disc), Gadin (the wielder of the mace), Sårangin (the bearer of the bow), and Khadgin (the bearer of a sword)". (Oneshould repeat) the name 'Narayana' at all times. (The repetition of the name) Nrusimha (man-lion form of Vishņu) would remove all fear. 

12. (The repetition of the name) "Garudaváhana" (one having the eagle on the banner) would remove poison. The name “Vasudeva" (son of Vasudeva) has to be repeated always. Oneshould repeat (the names) 'Ananta' (endless) and "Achyuta' (changeless) while storing grains etc. and while going to slcep. 

13. (Oneshould repeat) 'Nārāyaṇa when getting a bad dream and (the term) Jalaśayin' (one who reposes on the water) when there is outbreak of fire etc. One who desires to gain knowledge (should repeat the name) Hayagriva (one having the neck of a horse, denotes a form of Vishņu). (One who desires) to gain progeny (should repeat the word) Jagatsūti (the progenitor of the universe). (The name) Balabhadra (the elder brother of lord Krishņa) (should be repeated) during acts of valour. This single name accomplishes things.