Name signifies something and it is not a mere fiction. God's name is effective. Repetition of the name is remembrance of what it signifies. Hence its merit.

Nama Article 28th January 2009

Source: Talks with Sri Ramana Maharshi

Talk 526

People give some names to God and say that the name is sacred and that repetitions of the name bestow merit on the individual. Can it be true?

Sri Ramana Maharshi:

Why not? You bear a name to which you answer. But your body was not born with that name written on it, nor did it say to anyone that it bore such and such a name. And yet a name is given to you and you answer to that name, because you have identified yourself with the name. Therefore the name signifies something and it is not a mere fiction.

Similarly, God's name is effective. Repetition of the name is remembrance of what it signifies. Hence its merit.

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

 

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare