The Power of the Name
Nāma-japa ('repetition of the Name') is a foundational devotional practice. The nāma of Bhagavān is held to be non-different from Bhagavān Himself — reciting 'Nārāyaṇa', 'Kṛṣṇa', or 'Rāma' is not merely symbolic but a direct invocation of the divine presence.
Forms of Practice
Japa may be performed aloud (vācika), in a whisper (upāṃśu), or purely mentally (mānasa). For initiated Śrī Vaiṣṇavas, the Tirumantram ('Om Namo Nārāyaṇāya', Aṣṭākṣara) and the Dvaya are the preeminent mantras for japa.
Relation to the Āzhvārs
The Āzhvārs' poetry is itself understood as the highest nāma-saṅkīrtana — the glorification of the divine name through song. Daily recitation of the Divya Prabandham (prabandha-anusandhānam) is considered equivalent to, or superior to, other forms of japa for Śrī Vaiṣṇava practitioners.