Ajamil

Ajamil, in Hindu mythology, was a great sinner. However, he attained salvation because he called the name Narayan, which also happened to be the name of his son, and which is also one of the names of God Vishnu.

It is said at various places in the many sacred texts of Hinduism that a dying person, even if a great sinner, if pronounce the name of god gets liberated. However, it is very difficult to pronounce the name of god at the time of death.

In the Sri Ramcharitmanas, Tulsidas says:

Janam janam muni jatan karahin,
Ram nam mukh nikasat nahin.

(Sages make efforts birth after birth,
But the name Ram does not come out of the mouth)

In the Srimad Bhagvadgita, Arjun asks Krishna, "How is it possible to call out name of the god at the time of death?

But the case of Ajamil was different. Name of his son was Narayan, who he called out while breathing his last. This name gave him liberation.

It is why, Hindus in India has a tradition of giving name to their sons and daughters after the names of gods and goddesses.

Nearby pages
Ajan Coast, Ajanta, Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Ajanta Caves, Ajar