Srimad Bhagavatam — Panchama Skandha, Shloka 11
The Glories of Lord Ananta (Śeṣa/Saṅkarṣaṇa) and the Cosmic Foundation Beneath Pātāla
यन्नाम श्रुतमनुकीर्तयेदकस्मा- दार्तो वा यदि पतित: प्रलम्भनाद्वा । हन्त्यंह: सपदि नृणामशेषमन्यं कं शेषाद्भगवत आश्रयेन्मुमुक्षु: ॥ ११ ॥
yan-nāma śrutam anukīrtayed akasmād ārto vā yadi patitaḥ pralambhanād vā hanty aṁhaḥ sapadi nṛṇām aśeṣam anyaṁ kaṁ śeṣād bhagavata āśrayen mumukṣuḥ
Anyone who chants the Lord’s holy name after hearing it from a bona fide spiritual master—though distressed or fallen—is purified at once. Even if the name is spoken in jest or by chance, the chanter and all who hear are freed from every sin; therefore, for one seeking liberation, who else is there to take shelter of but Bhagavān Śeṣa?
FAQs
This verse states that merely hearing and then uttering the Lord’s name—even suddenly, in distress, after falling, or even in jest—can destroy sins immediately and completely.
In this chapter, Śukadeva describes the supremacy and devotional greatness of Bhagavān Ananta/Śeṣa; here he concludes that a mumukṣu should take shelter of Him because His name eradicates sin and grants the path to liberation.
Make hearing and chanting God’s names a daily habit—especially in stress—trusting that sincere remembrance purifies the mind and life, and redirects one toward liberation-centered living.