The Gayatri mantra

Om bhur bhuvah swaha

Tat savitur varenyam

Bhargo devasya dhimahi

Dhiyo yo nah prachodayat

We meditate on the divine light of the sun of spiritual consciousness. May it illuminate our minds like the shining sunlight dispels darkness.

The first mention of this mantra is found in the Rigveda scripture (3.62.10). The knowledge contained in the Vedas was transmitted to people by ancient sages (Rishis) for preservation and transmission to the future generations. It was orally passed from Guru to disciple for many generations, and finally it was written down.

Vishvamitra, a Sapta Rishi, was the first to utter the Gayatri mantra and comprehend its true meaning as a result of continued asceticism and extensive meditative practices, and thus use all its power and spiritual strength.

"Markandeya Purana" (chapter 45) says:

“And for the sacrifices he fashioned from his front mouth the Gayatri, and the trca strophe, the tri-vrt hymn of praise, the rathantara samans, and the agnistoma verses. And he created from his right mouth the yajur hymns, the tristubh metre, sacred hymns, and the fifteen hymns of praise, and the brhat-suman and the uktha verses.  He fashioned from his hindmost mouth the saman hymns, the metre jagati, and the fifteen hymns of praise, the vairupa saman, and the atiratra verse. He created from his left month the twenty one Atharva hymn, and the aptor-yaman sacrificial verse, the anustubh metre, and the viraj metre.”

Originally, the Gayatri existed as subtle energy in the form of cosmic vibrations, like God Brahma Himself. The word "Gayatri" consists of two roots: "Gayate" ("song") and "Trayate" ("protection"). So together, it is a "protective song" – a defending and preserving mantra sound.

The Gayatri is not an ordinary mantra – it is a reference standard, a divine formula. It has given rise to a whole class of gayatri mantras that are dedicated to various deities. All of these mantras retain the verse size of the Gayatri and have twenty four syllables.

Mahamrityunjaya Mantra

Om Tryayambakam Yajamahe

Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam

Urvarukamiva Bandhanan

Mrityor Mukshya Maamritat

Om! I worship the three-eyed Lord Shiva, the fragrant one, the one who brings good, who breaks the bonds of birth and death. May He free us from death and make us immortal!

The Mahamritayunjaya, also known as the Sanjivani Mantra, is one of the oldest mantras of the Vedic age – it is thousands of years old. It is part of the seventh book (Mandala) of the Rigveda.

The Mahamritayunjaya mantra is associated with the name of Markandeya, the sage whose teachings are set forth in the Markandeya Purana. Markandeya was destined to die at the age of sixteen, but thanks to his sincere love and devotion to God Shiva, he received this incredibly powerful mantra and was able to avoid death.

The Mahamrityunjaya mantra is known as the mantra that conquers death. The power of this mantra is immense. It is life-giving and healing. It protects against incurable diseases, accidents of all kinds, and various unfavorable influences from both outside and inside. When chanted with sincerity and faith, it promotes purification of the subtle bodies and the material body, and rejuvenation of the latter. It has been called the Great Mantra, the one that bestows long life, peace, stability, prosperity, contentment, and even immortality.

The puranas tell the story of the sage Shukracharya, the teacher of the Asuras (demons), who received this mantra from Lord Shiva as a reward for his ascesis. With the Gayatri, he also obtained its power and siddhi, which made him capable of bringing the dead back to life.

Asatoma Mantra

Asatoma sat gamaya

Tamasoma jyotir gamaya

Mrityorma amritam gamaya

Om shantihi, shantihi, shantihi

Lead me from the unreal to the real,

Lead me from darkness to light,

Lead me from death to immortality.

May peace be, may peace be, may peace be.

The Asatoma mantra is an ancient Vedic mantra of peace, truth, light, and serenity. It is mentioned in the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad (Chapter 1, Brahmana 3, Verse 28). The call to peace and light is the natural call of every human being, regardless of birthplace, language, or faith. It is the eternal craving of the soul everywhere and at all times.

"This is the best prayer, the prayer for light, truth, and immortality. The disciple's most important prayer must be aimed to remove his ignorance. His goal is to reach the truth and free himself from the trap of nonreality. The goal of the believer is to realize one’s inherent, true nature."

Swami Sivananda

“This prayer is the essence of the spiritual path. In other words, it indicates how one can attain immortality. A human being perceives the world as something separate from himself and does not realize that everything in it is transient, including his own body. The objective world, or Prakriti, or the Nature, is Asat (which is changeable, non-true). Therefore, as the first step, man must renounce this world and practice impassivity towards it.

Having realized that all objects of the material world will finally become ashes, one must renounce this world (Asat). Just as it is impossible to attain a higher position in life or a higher status without abandoning one's former job or social position, it is also impossible to attain the truth (Sat) without abandoning the Untruth (Asat).

The second line suggests that those immersed in tamas, or the darkness of ignorance, need to see Jyoti, the Light of Wisdom. Everyone must know that their own self is Paramatma. One's desires and attachments are like water that prevents the Light of Truth from being lit. The light that is lit, or Jyoti, proclaims that one's soul is a spark of the divine fire. Awareness of this truth constitutes the second step.

Tasting Amrita, or the immortality nectar, by means of spiritual practice, is the third and final step.”

Satya Sai Baba

Bhagavan Dattatreya's Gayatri Mantra

Dattatreyaya vidmahe

Atriputraya dhimahi

Tanno datta prachodayat.

May we know Dattatreya,

May we meditate on the son of Atri,

And may Datta guide us.

He who faithfully repeats this mantra and incessantly meditates upon this eternal God of the Gods, becoming firmly convinced of the oneness of his “I” and Dattatreya, will be free from all kleshas and bondages, and will attain perfect bliss.

Dattatreya mantra

Om dram Dattatreyaya namaha

Once the Creator Brahma, while abiding in Satya Loka, His own universal heavenly realm, asked Lord Narayana about the efficacy of the Taraka Mantra, and Lord Narayana said the following: "Always be mindful of me and my glory and be in union with me, thinking: "I am Datta, the Supreme Lord." Those who meditate like this, will not find themselves seized by the sansara.”

After appropriate meditation on Lord Vishnu as Narayana and Dattatreya, Brahma said: "Indeed, Brahman alone, who is infinite and matchless, remains at the end after the negation of all else."

Dattatreya's mantra is the eight-syllable mantra "Dram" ("Draam") with the addition of the syllables "da", "ttaa", "tre", "yaa", "yaa", "na", "mah". In this mantra, the word "Dattatreya" refers to the true (original) Bliss of Consciousness, and the word "Namah" refers to the fully manifested bliss. The mantra’s measure: Gayatri. The Rishi who wrote this mantra is Sadashiva. The preeminent deity is Dattatreya.

“Dattatreyaya” is the inner, potential part of the mantra, and, thus, its bija. "Namah" is the shakti, the effective force of the mantra.” ("Dattatreya Upanishad”)

He who faithfully repeats this mantra and incessantly meditates upon this eternal God of the Gods, becoming firmly convinced of the oneness of his “I” and Dattatreya, will be free from all kleshas and bondages and attain perfect bliss.

Bhagavan Vasudeva's mantra

Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya

I offer my respectful obeisances to Lord Vasudeva.

The Bhagavan Vasudeva's mantra is a dvadasha akshara mantra (consisting of twelve syllables). It saw the light before the formation of the four major Vaishnava sampradayas. This mantra is regarded as the main mantra of the deity Vishnu, as is seen from the Bhagavata Purana and the Vishnu Purana. It serves to open the Divine Consciousness, to purify and strengthen the mind, and to develop the divine love.

It is literally translated from Sanskrit as “I offer my respectful obeisances to Lord Vāsudeva”. Vāsudeva is a name of Krishna, a descendant of the great Vasu dynasty, a son of Vasudeva. Also, "Vāsudeva" translates as "Pure Consciousness".

A profound philosophical translation: "Om, this is the name of someone within me who perceives the oneness of all things."

Word-by-word translation: "Om" is the primal principle of Being; "Namo" is "I welcome, I offer, I am open"; "Bhagavate" is "divinity"; "Vasudevaya" is the individual aspect of God.

Narayana’s Mantra

Om Namo Narayana

I worship Narayana, the one who has made the hearts of all human beings his abode.

Narayana is a name of Vishnu, the one who sustains life in the universe. Narayana means “One in Whom living beings find refuge". Narayana as Bhagavan is the Eternal Principle, the earth and the heavens, the sides of the world, the higher and lower worlds, the past and the future. Everything is sustained by Him and everything merges with Him.

The eight syllable (Ashtakshara) mantra is dedicated to Narayana. Its recitation is prescribed by the Pancharatra. In Vaishnavism, it is a key mantra of God Vishnu. As the Tamil tradition has it, Vishnu-Tirumal whispered this mantra in the ear of the alvar Tirumangai, so in Tamil it is called "Tiru-mantra".

One of the meanings of the mantra is: "I humbly surrender myself to the sacred name of the divine Narayana, Who abides in all living things as the pulsation of life, as the silent sound".

It is stated that one who recites this mantra becomes happy and attains tranquility, all kinds of happiness, and the peace of mind.

Ganesha’s Mantra

Vakratunda Mahakaya

Suryakoti Samaprabha

Nirvignam Kuru Me Deva

Sarva Kaariyeshu Sarvada

O, He Who is bending His trunk, vast-bodied, the One Who surpasses the light of millions of suns by His radiance! Please remove obstacles, oh God, in all my endeavors!

Ganesha is the deity of wisdom. "Ga" in his name means buddhi (the spiritual mind), "Na" means vijñana (wisdom). There are many mantras and prayers addressed to the deity Ganesha, but the most complete and powerful is the mantra beginning with "Vakratunda mahakaya". The main purpose of this mantra is to grant success to the devotee and to remove all obstacles in his or her path. For this reason, this mantra is the starting point for all rituals, ceremonies, prayers, and new projects. Any new work, undertaking, or event usually begin with an invocation of Lord Ganesha and a request for His help in achieving success.

Shanti Mantra

Om! Sarvesham svasthir bhavatu

Sarvesham shantir bhavatu

Sarvesham purnam bhavatu

Sarvesham mangalam bhavatu

Sarve bhavantu sukhinaha

Sarve santu niramayaha

Sarve bhadrani pashyantu

Ma kashchid duhkha bhag bhavet

Om! May there be good to all,

May peace be to all,

May satisfaction be with all,

May prosperity be with all.

May all be happy,

May all be healthy,

Let there be respect for one another,

May no one suffer.

The Shanti Mantra is the pacification mantra of the Bhrihadaranyaka Upanishad (each Upanishad has its own pacification mantra). "Shanti" means "peace, serenity". This is a key mantra used for the achievement of peace of mind and soul.

The full version of this mantra is called Dhyanantara Prarthana. There is also a short version, which is limited to five lines. The Garuda Purana (3.35.51) gives a slightly different alternative of the Shanti Mantra:

Sarvesham mangalam bhuyat, sarve santu niramayah

Sarve bhadrani pashayantu, ma kashchid duhkha-bhag-bhavet

Also the wish "I wish everyone happiness" is found in the Bhagavata Purana (7.4.25):

Sarvesham bhadram astu vah.

Also, the Shanti Mantra can be included in other mantras (e.g., the Saturn Mantra) or salutations to Hindu deities (in particular, to the goddess Shanti).

The text of this mantra appears on the coat of arms of the Indian state Goa:

Sarve bhavantu sukhinaha, sarve santu niramayaha

Sarve bhadrani pashyantu, ma kashchid dukkha bhag bhavet.

The Shanti is a Vedic mantra that carries the Upanishads’ message of the unity of the entire universe and the oneness of all living beings. God, or Absolute Consciousness, is the absolute goodness. We must find this goodness within ourselves, as it is our own nature, and communicate it to our surroundings.

The Shanti Mantra helps quiet the mind and dissolve the ego, our egocentric perception of the world and of ourselves in it. When we wish good for others, this good comes into our lives. Thus, broken connections are restored and the divine energy of blessing enters every living being. Peace, serenity, happiness, and balance reign on all levels. The Shanti mantra can remove obstacles, both external and internal, and harmonize the external environment.

In the Bhajan Mandala practice, this mantra is performed before the meditation on the four infinite states of Brahma, thus attracting the energy of the four infinite ones and preparing for the four Brahma Viharas.

Everyday mantras

Six types of Upasana mantras

There are six basic types of mantras used in deity worship:

1. Dhyana mantras are used in meditation to invoke in the mind a deity’s transcendental form, his or her loka (abode), manifestations, and lilas (plays).

2. Bija (seed) mantras are used for particular meditations and for purification of objects used in Puja.

3. Mula mantras, or root mantras ("mula" means "root"), are the essence of a deity. They are recited when addressing a deity and offering him or her an object of worship.

4. Stuti, Stavas, and Stotras are prayers recited before, during, or after a worship. They glorify the name, form, qualities, and lilas of God or a deity.

5. Pranama mantras are prayers recited while offering prostrations to God, the Deity, the Tree of Refuge, and the Guru, at the beginning and end of a worship.

6. The Gayatri mantras are vedic mantras used in the worship of God or Ishtadevata. These mantras awake the three principles – Sambandha (the initial basis or connection), Abhideya (the path), and Prayojana (the fruit).

Mantra for offering prostrations (Pranama Mantra)

A fragment of a Swami Vishnudevananda Giri’s satsang:

Seeker: Guru, you were telling us about the complete and partial prostrations (Shashtanga and Panchanga Pranams). Do we have to recite any mantra during a pranam?

Reply: Of course, pranams should always be accompanied with a certain mantra. Such mantra is called the Pranama Mantra, i.e. the one recited during prostrations. There are six types of mantras used in Upasana, and the Pranama Mantra is one of them. The pranams are usually done at the beginning and end of an Upasana ritual. During a pranam, the Pranama Mantra can be recited one or multiple times.

Seeker: How can I be initiated into this Pranama Mantra?

Reply: through a transmission from me personally or from my monk disciple, immediately after the Creed acceptance ceremony. If you have passed the Creed and Refuge acceptance ceremony (not just an online one, and also not the general Sanatana Dharma Creed acceptance ceremony, where the Pranama Mantra is not recited, because one does not have a guru yet), then you will receive a natural blessing to recite the Pranama Mantra when performing your pranams to your guru. From now on, this mantra should be recited whenever you prostrate, or when in temples, during all bhajans and rituals, and while meditating on the image and bhava of your guru.

When offering pranams in our tradition, one should recite the Pranama Mantra to the root guru, then to Paramguru Brahmananda, and then to one’s Deity. After a while (six months to several years), when the Pranama Mantra has strengthened your connection with the guru, you may ask for the Diksha.

Brahman Pranama Mantra

Pranama mantras are prayers recited while offering pranams to the Absolute, God, one’s Deity, the Tree of Refuge, and the Guru at the beginning and end of a worship.

While the recitation of the Guru Pranama Mantra requires the inly acceptance of the guru and the blessing of the guru for such recitation (as it is recited in anticipation of the Diksha), the Pranama Mantra can be recited to the Absolute, or Brahman, by anyone, even if one has no guru.

When doing a Shashtanga or Panchanga pranam, or when bowing in a temple or before the deities, one should greet Brahman as the Supreme Source of being, at the beginning and end of a ritual or sadhana, with this prayer:

OM NAMASTE PARAMAMBRAHMA

NAMASTE PARAMAMAATMANE

NIRGUNAYA NAMASTUBHYAM

SADRUUPAAYA NAMO NAMAH

I bow to the supreme Brahman, I bow to the supreme Soul, I bow to Him Who is above all qualities, I bow again and again to Him Who exists forever.

Pranama Mantra to Swami Vishnudevananda Giri and Guru Brahmananda

"One should bow with exceptional devotion for increased longevity and health. Then the mantra, with the Pranava at its beginning and end, should be recited.

Through the power of the Guru Mantra (Pranava Mantra), one will attain Vag Siddhi by incessantly reciting it one hundred and eight or one thousand and eight times. Having carried out the offerings, one should perform a pranam with a vag bhava bija. One should perform the bowing rule with joy.” (“Rudrayamala tantra”)

Om... (the text is not provided)

Om! I honor the blessed Lord, the Lord of absolute bliss, Swami Vishnudevananda Giri.

This mantra is performed in the morning as part of the Pratah Krtiya ritual, and as a Pranama Mantra for bowing. Those who have passed the Creed acceptance ceremony may recite this mantra as a Pranama Mantra for at least six months before their Diksha. After the Diksha, it is recited as part of the morning ritual as the Pranama Mantra at the Sutra and Bhajan Mandala when the first and last bows are made, together with the Pranama 

Mantras to Svami Brahmananda and Brahman

Om... (the text is not provided)

Om! I honor the blessed Lord, the Lord of absolute bliss, Shri Shiva Prabhakara Svami Brahmananda.

The Pranama Mantra helps establish relationships and a bond between the guru and the disciple. While repeating the Pranama Mantra, the disciple is meant to increasingly feel the protection of his guru and the Tree of Refuge.

The Pranama Mantra is a description of the guru, a sound image of him. Any Seva that a disciple performs is done on behalf of his spiritual master. The disciple begins with a bow to the Guru, mentally placing himself on the head the Guru’s lotus feet. The mantra is said to be the Guru himself in his sonic form, and the guru is believed to be a form of Shiva in the Guru Tattva aspect.

When the spiritual master is not near, the Pranama Mantra permits to bow to his image in our minds. Sound vibrations generate images in our mind – thus, the Pranama Mantra aims to make the image of the spiritual teacher visible in a sadhu's mind. One must be initiated into this mantra by the guru or his experienced authorized disciple. One also needs to have a good understanding of the Pranama Mantra's meaning, its translation into our language, its visualizing practice. Otherwise, the image will not manifest.

If everything is done correctly, without aparadhas (violations), then, when reciting the Pranam Mantra, the spiritual teacher should become closer. All pranama mantras should be recited with understanding of their meaning and with commitment of feelings.

Palms holification mantra 

The palm holification mantra is a morning mantra recited for blessing and sanctifying of our activities. It is performed immediately upon awakening. This mantra is a prarthana (prayer) to the images of the deities dwelling in the palms of our hands. It is a form of a brief puja, a way to purify actions and awaken mindfulness. This mantra can also be recited in Russian.

The Palm Mantra is recited as soon as you wake up.

KARAGRE VASATE LAKSHMYIM KARAMADHYE SARASVATI

KARAMUTE TU STHITO BRAHMA PRABHATE KARA DARSHANAM

Devi Lakshmi dwells at the top of the palms, Devi Sarasvati dwells in the middle of the palms, and Goddess Gauri (Durga Mata) dwells at the base of the palms, so early in the morning one should look at one’s hands and meditate on them.

This mantra is important because in our palms, all the major deities can be found (vidyas and grahas). We awaken them in the body by sanctifying the hands, and, with the hands, we sanctify our karma indriyas and daytime body energy.

Mantra for morning greetings of the deities and planets to harmonize the planets and sanctify the day

This mantra is recited as soon as one wakes up.

BRAHMA MURARI STRIPURANTAKARI

BHANUH SHASHI

BHUMISUTO BUDHASHCHA

GURUSHCHA SHUKRAH SHANIRAHUKETAVA

KURVANTU SARVE MAMA SUPRABHATAM

May Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, the Sun, the Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Rahu, and Ketu, may all the heaven-dwellers make the morning bountiful for me.

This is a mantra that blesses the beginning of a day. It should be recited immediately upon awakening. This mantra neutralizes the unfavorable astrological influences of the planets.

Goddess Earth worshiping mantra

In Sanatana Dharma, the Earth is a goddess, a living super-intelligent being. By reciting this mantra in the morning, we show respect to her and seek her protection and support. This mantra is recited when one gets out of bed and touches the ground with a foot. The foot to touch the ground should be the one corresponding to the active svara (the svara with the freely breathing nostril is regarded as active). If one finds it hard to identify the active svara, then the right foot should be selected.

The Goddess Earth worshiping mantra sanctifies and makes auspicious the basis of life and all the elements.

OM PRIYADATTAYE BHUVE NAMAH

Oh Earth, giver of all that is beneficial to me, I bow before you.

There is another Goddess Earth mantra:

SAMUDRA VASANE DEVI, PARVATA STANA MANDALE

VISHNUPATNI NAMASTUBHYAM,

PAADA SPARSHAM KSHAMASVA ME

O Goddess, whose dress is the ocean and whose breasts are the mountains, O consort of Vishnu, I bow before you and touch your foot - be merciful to me!

Ablution (Snan) Mantra

OM APAVITRAH PAVITRO VA

SARVAVASTHAM GATO 'PI VA

YAH SMARET PUNDARIKAKSHAM

SA BAHYA ABHYANTARAH SHUCHIHI

SHRI VISHNU SHRI VISHNU SHRI VISHNU

Whether pure or impure, having gone through all kinds of situations of conditioned life, one is instantly purified by remembering the lotus eyes of Lord Vishnu.

Ablution rules

A bath is to be taken after: sleeping for more than one hour; shaving; trimming nails; hair washing and combing; having sex; emptying the bowels; visiting a crematorium or cemetery; touching a corpse; vomiting; touching a menstruating or recently delivered woman, a naked body, or a sinner. Bringing the appropriate sanitary effect, the ablution restores balance of the the body’s subtle functions that get upset by adverse influences.

Ablution rules:

– use clear water;

– comb your hair, shave, cut your hair and nails, empty your bowels, wash the floors and so forth before ablutions;

– thoroughly brush your teeth after sleep and meals;

– do not urinate while bathing;

– wash your lower body with the left hand;

– Snan Mantra recitation is advisable during ablutions;

– having finished an ablution, wipe yourself dry with a clean cloth (a cloth that has been previously used for this purpose and not washed after that is considered unclean by high standards), then rinse the cloth  off;

– after washing, do not apply oil to your body;

– put on clean clothes;

– after dressing, perform Achamana.

Women do not need to wash their head during their daily ablutions. However, they should perform a full ablution after their periods. For purification after their periods, women perform an ablution on the fourth day. However, if a woman’s period lasts more than three days, she should wait until the last day.

Ablutions are not necessary after taking prasad – just rinse your mouth, hands, and feet, and change into clean clothes. A complete ablution is not necessary after urination – just wash the lower body, mouth, and hands (with soap), and change into clean clothes.

Do not eat less than two hours prior to worshiping at the altar – there is a risk of offending the deity by burping. Do not interrupt the upasana ceremony or worshiping of the deities due to the needs of the body. If, however, the worship is interrupted, ask the deities for forgiveness after continuing it.

Mental ablution

OM APAVITRAH PAVITRO VA

SARVAVASTHAM GATO 'PI VA

YAH SMARET PUNDARIKAKSHAM

SA BAHYA ABHYANTARAH SHUCHIHI

SHRI VISHNU SHRI VISHNU SHRI VISHNU

"Whether one is pure or impure, whether one has gone through all the stages and patterns of life or not, if one remembers the lotus-colored Shri Bhagavan, one is considered pure both outside and inside.”

Bhagavata Purana, 6.8.4-6

The Manasika snana (mental ablution) is the Vishnu's purifying mantra. Manu states that the Manasika snana is best of all the ablutions. The remembrance of Vishnu is the most powerful means of eliminating all kinds of profanations.

Peace mantras

Shanti mantra (Conciliating Mantra) i

LOKA SAMASTAH SUKHINO BHAVANTU

LOKA SAMASTAH SUKHINO BHAVANTU

LOKA SAMASTAH SUKHINO BHAVANTU

OM SHANTIHI, SHANTIHI, SHANTIHI

O Lord! May the whole world be happy!

O Lord! May the whole world be happy!

O Lord! May the whole world be happy!

Om, may peace be, may peace be, may peace be.

Shanti mantra (Conciliating Mantra) ii

Om! SARVESHAM SVASTIR BHAVATU

SARVESHAM SHANTIR BHAVATU

SARVESHAM PURNAM BHAVATU

SARVESHAM MANGALAM BHAVATU

Om! May there be good to all,

May peace be with all,

May satisfaction be with all,

May prosperity be with all.

Om! SARVE BHAVANTU SUKHINAHA

SARVE SANTU NIRAMAYAHA

SARVE BHADRANI PASHYANTU

MA KASHCHID DUHKHA BHAG BHAVET

OM! SHANTIH! SHANTIH! SHANTIH!

Om! May all be happy,

May all be healthy,

Let there be respect for one another,

May no one suffer.

Om, may peace be, may peace be, may peace be.

Mangalam Mantra

SARVA MANGALAM

BHUMI MANGALAM

UDAKA MANGALAM

AGNI MANGALAM

VAYU MANGALAM

GAGANA MANGALAM

SURYA MANGALAM

CHANDRA MANGALAM

JAGAT MANGALAM

JIVA MANGALAM

DEHA MANGALAM

MANO MANGALAM

ATMA MANGALAM

SARVA MANGALAM

BHAVATU BHAVATU BHAVATU

OM SHANTIHI, SHANTIHI, SHANTIHI

May there be peace on Earth, water, fire and air, on the Sun, Moon and planet, in all living beings, in the body, mind and heart. May peace be everywhere and in everyone. So be it, so be it.

Mantra of the seven holy rivers (Sapta Sindhu) for water sanctification

The seven sacred rivers are invoked when sanctifying water.

OM GANGE CHA YAMUNE CHAIVA

GODAVARI SARASVATI

NARMADE SINDHU KAVERI

JALE 'SMIN SANNIDHIM KURU

Om! Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Sarasvati, Narmada, Sindhu, and Kaveri! Make this water your abode.

This mantra should be recited three times, after which the water is considered purified and can be offered to the deities and used for washing. Such water may be prepared daily for the deities as part of the sadhana. This mantra mentions the seven sacred rivers of India, which are invoked for water sanctification: Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Sarasvati, Narmada, Sindhu, and Kaveri.

The water can be used for various needs:

– for Achamana (poured into a vessel or patra);

– for cleansing the mouth before the Mantra sadhana;

– for Prakshana – sprinkling water over a room, object, or puja place.

Sometimes this mantra is used before or during ablutions, with washing not only oneself, but also the murti of the deity worshiped in a puja. The seven rivers are seven celestial streams incessantly descending from the solar sphere. The Sun is the source of not only the heat, light, and radiation, but also prana. The Sun provides vitality to the human beings.

In the yogic terms, these streams are called rivers; they are living streams of prana. They come only if  deliberately addressed. In the Ayurveda, these streams are associated with the main Nadis, the channels of life energy. If someone drinks water blessed with this mantra, one’s basic life energy channels will be activated and harmonized. This mantra purifies the aura, making it luminous, radiant, and intense.

Food Sanctification Mantra

ANNAM BRAHMA RASO VISHNUHU

BHOKTO DEVO MAHESHWARAH

OM PRANAYA SVAHA

OM APANAYA SWAHA

OM VYANAYA SWAHA

OM UDANAYA SVAHA

OM SAMANAYA SVAHA

Food is Brahma, taste is Vishnu, the one enjoying food is Maheshwara. Om, homage to prana. Om, homage to apana. Om, homage to vyana. Om, homage to udana. Om, homage to samana.

Asana sanctification mantra (Asanopaveshana)

The Asana sanctification mantra is crucial, because a good, clean asana bestows purification and siddhi. In view of this, an asana is the place you sit on, where you meditate, do pranayama, or recite mantra – that is, where you perform your spiritual practice.

Put a small vessel (patra) filled with clear water beside you for the Achamana. Put some water in your right palm and sprinkle it on the asana, saying the mantra:

OM PRITHVI! TVAYA DHRTA LOKA DEVI! TVAM VISHNUNA DHRTA

TVAM CHA DHARAYA MAM NITYAM PAVITRAM KURU CHASANAM

Oh Mother Earth, you support the worlds, and, Oh Goddess, you yourself are supported by Lord Vishnu. So please support me daily, and please make this asana clean.

While reciting this mantra, the worshiper should touch the ground with the little finger of his right hand.

The Great mantra of Goddess Lakshmi

OM HRIM SHRIM LAKSHMI BHYO NAMAHA

I call for (OM) the auspicious energy of the flamy Sun (HRIM) and the attractive power of the aquatic Moon (SHRIM) to attract the energy of Goddess Lakshmi (LAKSHMI), Who originates all abundance, wealth, and the flow of happiness (BHYO). To Her I salute (NAMAHA).

Recitation of this mantra brings the blessings of Mother Lakshmi in the form of peace, prosperity, and harmony.

The protective mantra of the nine forms of Durga (Sri Nava Durga Raksha Mantra)

OM SHAILPUTRI MAYA RAKSHA KARO

OM JAG JANANI DEVI RAKSHA KARO

OM NAV DURGA NAMAHA

OM JAG JANANI NAMAHA

OM BRAHMACHARINI MAYA RAKSHA KARO

OM BHAVATARANI DEVI RAKSHA KARO

OM NAV DURGA NAMAHA

OM JAG JANANI NAMAHA

OM CHANDRAGHANTA CHANDI RAKSHA CARO

OM BHAIYAHARINI MAYA RAKSHA KARO

OM NAV DURGA NAMAHA

OM JAG JANANI NAMAHA

OM KUSHMANDA TUM HAI RAKSHA CARO

OM SHAKTIRUPA MAYA RAKSHA KARO

OM NAV DURGA NAMAHA

OM JAG JANANI NAMAHA

OM SKANDA MATA MAYA RAKSHA KARO

OM JAGADAMBA JANANI RAKSHA KARO

OM NAV DURGA NAMAHA

OM JAG JANANI NAMAHA

OM KATYAYANI MAYA RAKSHA CARO

OM PAPANASINI AMBE RAKSHA CARO

OM NAV DURGA NAMAHA

OM JAG JANANI NAMAHA

OM KALARATRI KALI RAKSHA KARO

OM SUKHADATI MAYA RAKSHA CARO

OM NAV DURGA NAMAHA

OM JAG JANANI NAMAHA

OM MAHAGAURI MAYA RAKSHA CARO

OM BHAKTIDATI RAKSHA KARO

OM NAV DURGA NAMAHA

OM JAG JANANI NAMAHA

OM SIDDHIDATRI MAYA RAKSHA CARO

OM NAV DURGA DEVI RAKSHA KARO

OM NAV DURGA NAMAHA

OM JAG JANANI NAMAHA

Om, Shailaputri, the daughter of the mountains, please protect me!

Om, the Goddess Who is the mother of the whole universe, protect me!

Om, Brahmacharini who observes strict austerities, please protect me!

Om, Mother Who gives a helping hand in crossing the ocean of sufferings, protect me!

Om, Chandi, Who is adorned with the young Moon, please protect me!

Om, Goddess who removes all fears, protect me!

Om, Kushmanda, the creator of the universe, please protect me!

Om, Mother who has the form of Shakti (energy), protect me!

Om, Skandamata, Mother of the skilled warrior Karttikeya, please protect me!

Om, Divine Mother Who is the source of life, protect me!

Om, Katyayani, daughter of the sage Katyayan, please protect me!

Om, Mother Who burns away all sins, protect me!

Om, Kalaratri-Kali, who destroys the darkness of ignorance, please protect me!

Om, Goddess who blesses with happiness, protect me!

Om, Maha Gauri, who emanates the purest radiance, please protect me!

Om, Mother Who bestows steadfast devotion (Bhakti), protect me!

Om, Siddhidatri who bestows superpowers, please protect me!

Om, Goddess Who has nine forms, protect me!

Durga Gayatri i

OM GIRIJAYEYA VIDMAHE

SHIVA PRIYAYE DHIMAHI

TANNO DURGA  PRACHODAYAT

Durga is a goddess who destroys evil. Durga Gayatri is a protective mantra for gaining strength, confidence, and victory over negative energies and obstacles. This mantra is meant to be used to overcome obstacles and gain victory over attacking enemies. It helps fight disease, poverty, suffering, injustice, and bad habits. It also helps overcome addictions, laziness, delusions, envy, jealousy, depression, and eliminate other inner deficiencies.

Durga Gayatri ii

OM KATYAYNAYE VIDMAHE

KANYAKUMARYE DHIMAHI

TANNO DURGAA PRACHODAYAT

Durga’s protective mantras

OM SHRI DURGAYAYE NAMAHA

Om, homage to Durga!

OM DURGAM DEVIM SHARANAMAHAM PRAPADYE

I take refuge at the lotus feet of Goddess Durga. DUM – Bija. DA – Durga. U – protection. NADA – Mother of the universe. BINDU - dissipates sorrow; action; prayer; vitality and will increase.

This mantra dispels bad influences, protects against dark forces, and removes obstacles.

Narasimha’s protective mantra

HRIM KSHRAUM HRIM

KSA – Narasimha. R – Brahma. HRIM – Bhuvaneshvari bija, Maya bija. Endows with leadership abilities and power. H – Shiva. R – Prakriti. I – Mahamaya. Nada – Mother of the universe. Bindu – dissipates sorrow.

The Narasimha mantra establishes a protective field, fills with strength, health, vitality, and enlightenment.

Sleep (Nidra) Mantra

This mantra is recited before sleep for protection and purification of dreams. Goddess Svapneshvari is visualized and dhyana is performed on her image.

OM SHRI SVAPNESHVARI NAMAHA

Om! I honor Svapneshvari.