XXVII NAMASMARAN AND HYMNS Compositions sung or recited with a prayerful attitude are called as hymns. In Sanskrit language these are called "Stotra", "Sookta", "Mantra" and Rucha. In Marathi language there are compositions named as "Owi", "Abhang", "Bhaarud" "Aarati" etc. There are many other varieties of prayers sung or recited by devotees of God all over the world. What is the special significance of namasmaran on the background of these multitudes of hymns (which also serve to remind and boost the feeling of love and devotion to God, i.e. Truth)! The learning and reciting of hymns requires: 1.
Facility of learning, (Many don't get this facility)
2.
Knowledge of the language, (Many fail to get this)
3.
Ability to speak, (Many lack this ability)
4.
Ability to sing, (Many can't sing)
5.
Free time etc. (Laborers occupied physically do not get adequate free time)
It can be appreciated that millions of individuals may not be able to find it practical or feasible to pray, due to one reason or the other. It my be either from those mentioned above or even others. Prayers of every religion are different and group prayers of one religion may create nuisance, antipathy etc. and or may invite opposition, repression also. The aim of the prayer whichever religion it may belong to