What is Sankirtan Harinam?
Sankirtan Harinam is the public congregational chanting of the holy names of God, especially the Maha-mantra:
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna
Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama
Rama Rama Hare Hare
This practice is done with musical instruments like mridanga (drum), kartals (cymbals), and often with dancing in the streets or public places. It is both a spiritual practice and a form of outreach or preaching, inviting others to hear and participate in the chanting.
History: Origin from Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
The Sankirtan Harinam of public chanting of God’s holy names was revived and transformed by Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in the early 16th century in Bengal (India) at Nabadwip.
Born in 1486, Lord Chaitanya is believed by His devotees to be an incarnation of Lord Krishna who came in the mood of a devotee to impart love of God by means of the chanting of His holy names.
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s Mission
Lord Chaitanya revealed Harinam Sankirtan as the best spiritual process (yuga-dharma) of this Kali Yuga—the time of quarrel and confusion.
He and His followers—dubbed the Six Goswamis and other devotee-saints—took to the streets, singing the Maha-mantra accompanied by mridangas (drums) and kartals (cymbals), dancing and calling out to all souls
The Maha-mantra: The Heart of Sankirtan
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna
Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama
Rama Rama Hare Hare
This mantra was declared by Mahaprabhu to be the highest means of self-realization and God love in this age.
Why Public Chanting?
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu stressed “nāma-saṅkīrtana”—chanting publicly—as a means to stir people’s latent spiritual consciousness, without caste, creed, gender, or background distinctions. It was groundbreaking in its accessibility, joy, and universal appeal.
A Spiritual Revolution
What started as a grassroots spiritual movement in Bengal soon gained popularity all over India. Now, following the footsteps of Mahaprabhu, His disciples worldwide sing Harinam Sankirtan in urban cities, village areas, and festivals—spreading His message of love and harmony through chanting the divine name.
