Question: I’ve heard three different versions of the end result of Ajamila’s story.
a) Because he chanted Lord Narayana’s name at the time of death, he is liberated; b) He is given another chance to be born again to lead a Krishna Conscious life; c) He is given another chance in the same lifetime to lead a Krishna Conscious life. Which of the above is true? Should not the first one be the correct version, because according to Bhagavad-gita if we chant Krishna’s names at the time of death we will be liberated?
Answer by Romapada Swami: Although Ajamila chanted the name of Lord Narayana, he had not yet attained devotion or knowledge of the Supreme Lord. In other words, he was not situated in pure devotion to Lord Narayana, although he chanted His holy names. He was certainly relieved of all his sins, and of the prosecution by the Yamadutas, by virtue of his chanting. Then he was given another chance, and his devotion having been aroused by the association of the Visnudutas, he went to Haridwar and practiced devotional service thereby perfecting his life. [Remember, the soul of Ajamila was NOT taken from his body by the Yamadutas; thus, Ajamila still had some time left in his elderly body.]
Even unintentional chanting of the Holy name, if done offenselessly, can relieve one of all sins and in that sense is liberating. But, one has to go further and to attain eligibility to go back to Godhead. One has to develop knowledge of, and attachment or devotion to, the Personality of Godhead.
