The name Rama has two syllables, ‘Ra’ and ‘ma’. These two powerful syllables are derived from the names of Vishnu and Siva. The syllable ‘Ra’ comes from the Ashtakshari (eight syllabled) Mantra ‘Om Namo Narayanaya’. It is the life-breath of the Ashtakshari Mantra. Similarly, ‘ma’ is the very soul of the Panchakshari (five lettered) Mantra ‘Om Namah Sivaya’.
The Astakshari Mantra ‘Om Namo Narayanaya’ and the Panchakshari Mantra ‘Om Namah Sivaya’ become meaningless when ‘ra’ and ‘ma’ are respectively removed from the words of these Mantras. Without ‘ra’ the Ashtakshari Mantra becomes ‘Om Namo Nayanaya’ which is meaningless. In the same way, the Panchakshari Mantra without ‘ma’ becomes ‘Om Nah Sivaya’ which is inauspicious.The Name Rama is the life-breath of both the Vaisanavites and Saivites.
