I am not a dvija yet. I am wondering whether I can recite the Vishnu Sahasranama stotram of the Anushasana Parva.
If so, can one say the Pranava when it is found in the Stotram?
For example in the Purva Pitika: Om Namo Vishnave Prabhavishnave!
Another one is found before the Nama Section starts: Hari Om!
If not: Why? I thought even a Shudra can chant a Stotram.
Edit: Making question more broad and more rhobust with sources.
Can anyone chant Vishnusahasranama without deeksha?
Two points to this question:
Can Vishnusahasranama be chanted without Deesha or initiation?
Can Shudras or Avarnis or other than Brahmins, Brahmins before Upanayana, chant Vishnusahasranama?
There is conflicting information regarding this:
- Many people to answer this question point out to the phalashruti verse
Vedhaantago Bhramana-Syat
Kshatriyo Vijayee Bhavet
Vaishyo Dhana Samruta-Syat
Shoodhra Sukha-Mavapnuyat
The Brahmin will get knowledge, The kshatriya will get victory, The vaisya will get wealth, The shudra will get pleasures , By reading these. But Shri Adi Shankaracharya in his Vishnusahasranama Bhashya has written this commentry on the verse
The current Shankaracharya of Puri, in this video speaks about this and the amswer seems to be not clear regarding Vishnusahasranama. It seems confusing as to whether he is speaking that we can chant without adding OM, or not. Also we cannot be sure regarding which Sahasranama or Stotra is being spoken about.
But here and here another great Vedanta scholar Shri Bannanje Govindacharya says anyone can read it, but should read it correctly
Renowned astroger K.N.Rao seems to be saying anyone can read, here and here.
I couldn't find much references about initiation.
Is it necessary for chanting or just making sure correct pronunciation is done by referring YouTube videos?
Can a person of any varna, meaning Avarna, Shudras, Dwijas before Upanayana chant this?