Mantras | Simmain

Mantras and Chants

Chanting has been an important part of most traditions for thousands of years. The chants incorporated in this section are mostly from the Vedic tradition of India. The chants are in the ancient Sanskrit language. Most of the chants are centered around specific mantras or sounds which have a known positive effect on your physiology.

Everything in creation is, at its deepest level, sound or vibration.Sound is a very powerful tool for restoring balance and harmony in our mind-body system. Certain sounds also help us manifest the circumstances and surroundings necessary to support our spiritual growth. In Vedic tradition, most chants are directed towards a particular deity, These deities can be viewed as external Gods and Goddesses but more importantly they represent archetypal energies that we each have, lying dormant within us waiting to be awakened. When we listen to these chants, we enliven these energies in our lives.

You may listen to these chants sitting quietly with eyes open or closed, or while engaged in simple activities(like cooking food) of the day. Ideally it is recommended to learn the chants. Most chants are more powerful when practiced silently, with the attention drawn inwards. Although it's fine to chant aloud if you prefer to do so. However, most chants are more powerful when practiced silently, with the attention drawn inwards. You may practice or listen to any of the chants immediately before or after your regular meditation practice or at any other convenient time of the day.

It is recommended to repeat any chant at least three times but you may continue for as many times as is comfortable for you. If you wish to enliven certain energies, you might make a commitment to listen to or practice a certain chant for a set number of repetitions, for a set number of days. Ideally, a mala or string of beads containing the required number of beads is used to keep count of the repetitions.

GANESHA MANTRA

OM SRI MAHA GANAPATAYE NAMAHA

Prostrations to the great Lord Ganesha

Ganapati is another name for Ganesha who is symbolized as elephant-headed God. Ganesha represents strength and fortitude. Ganesha chants enliven the archetypal energy to help us remove any obstacles in our lives, awaken inner wisdom, bringing success in all areas of our life

SHIVA MANTRA

OM NAMAH SHIVAYA

Prostrations to Lord Shiva

Shiva presides over the destructive energies which break up the universe at the end of each age. This is the process of the old making way for the new. Shiva’s energy destroys the lower nature making way for positive growth. As “the first meditator” Shiva brings us archetypal energies of Pure potentiality, Pure silence, and Infinite possibilities.This mantra may be chanted anytime or used silently for meditation.

KRISHNA MANTRA

OM NAMO BHAGAVATE VASUDEVAYA

Prostrations to the Lord God, Vasudeva

Vasudeva is another name for Lord Krishna. Krishna is one of the most loved of all deities. He is the source of the BHAGAVAD GITA, one of the most popular Eastern religious texts. This mantra invigorates the energy of playfulness, friendliness and joyfulness.

DURGA MANTRA

OM SRI DURGAYAI NAMAH

Prostrations to Mother Durga

Durga represents the motherhood aspect of God. She is the force, or Shakti, through which Divinity manifests.Durga is power. She is the protector and benefactor. Durga invokes the archetypal energy of power, protection, beauty, and removal of ignorance.

LAKSHMI MANTRA

OM SHRI MAHA LAKSHMYAI NAMAH

Prostrations to the great Mother Lakshmi

Lakshmi is a bountiful provider. She aids in the preservation of the three worlds by bestowing wealth and abundance of material and spiritual nature. She invokes the archetypal energy of abundance, beauty, and generosity.

SARASWATI MANTRA

OM AIM SARASWATYAI NAMAH

Prostrations to Mother Saraswati

Saraswati is the source of all learning. She is involved with the creation of new ideas and things. She invokes the archetypal energy of wisdom, knowledge,peace, gentleness, and pure speech.

PRAYER FOR ENLIGHTENMENT

OM ASATO MA SADGAMAYA

TAMASO MA JYOTIRGAMAYA

MRITYOR MA AMRITAM GAMAYA

OM SHANTI SHANTI SHANTIHI

From untruth lead us to truth,From darkness lead us to light, From death lead us to immortality.Peace, peace, eternal peace.

This prayer from the Yajur Veda can be used at the end of a meditation or Satsang session.

MAHA MRITYUNJAYA MANTRA

OM TRYAMBAKAM YAJAMAHE

SUGANDHIM PUSHTI VARDHANAM

URVARUKAMIVA BANDHANAT

MRITYOR MUKSHIYA MAMRTAT

We worship the three-eyed Lord Shiva who is full of sweet fragrance and nourishes human-beings. May he liberate me from bondage, as the cucumber is severed from the vine.

This is a powerful Shiva’s mantra chanted for health, longevity, and overcoming fear of death. It removes diseases, prevents accidents, and bestows liberation. It should be repeated daily.

GAYATRI MANTRA

OM BHUR BHUVA SWAHA

TAT SAVITUR VARENYAM

BHARGO DEVASYA DHIMAHI

DHIYO YO NAH PRACHODAYAT

We meditate on Ishwara’s glory, Who has created the universe, Who is fit to be worshiped, Who is the embodiment of Knowledge and Light, Who is the remover of all sins and ignorance. May He enlighten us.

Gayatri Mantra is for Enlightenment. Gayatri Mantra is the supreme mantra of the Vedas. This mantra purifies the mind; destroys pain, sin & ignorance; brings liberation; and bestows health, beauty, strength, vitality, power, intelligence, and magnetic aura. It is preferred to chant the Gayatri Mantra at dawn, mid-day, and dusk but can be chanted at any other time. Once learned, it is best to chant it silently.

Geeta Verses

Bhagavad Gita is the discourse between Lord Krishna and Arjuna. It consists of the teaching by Lord Krishna in the form of Shlokas or verses that changed Arjuna’s perspective of life. Although Gita is centuries old, its knowledge and logic are relevant today as well, thus, making it a timeless guide.
Bhagavad Gita shlokas can help us find the right path and make the right choices in difficult times. They guide us to find inner peace, purpose, and true success in life.
Understanding the shlokas from Bhagavad Gita gives us deep insights into the whys and hows of daily life. By reading Bhagavad Gita regularly, you will become calmer, happier, and more content.
I have shared below a few verses from Bhagvan Gita that are close to my heart.