Saturday, November 13, 2010

Mantras

Gayatri Mantra

Aum bhoor bhuwah swaha,

Tat savitur varenyam

Bhargo devasaya dheemahi

Dhiyo yo naha prachodayat.

Meaning:

O God! Thou art the Giver of Life,

Remover of pain and sorrow,

The Bestower of happiness,

Oh! Creator of the Universe,

May we receive thy supreme sin-destroying light,

May Thou guide our intellect in the right direction.

May the Almighty God illuminate our intellect to lead us along the righteous path. The mantra is also a prayer to the "giver of light and life" - the sun (savitur).

Significance:

This Gayatri mantra (the mother of the vedas), is the foremost mantra in Hinduism and Hindu beliefs, inspires wisdom.

The sages selected and arranged the words of Gayatri Mantra, so that they not only convey meaning but also create specific power of righteous wisdom through their utterance. The ideal times for chanting this mantra are three times a day - at dawn, mid-day, and at dusk (the three sandhyas). The maximum benefit of chanting the mantra is said to be obtained by chanting it 108 times. However, one may chant it for 3, 9, or 18 times when pressed for time. The syllables of the mantra are said to positively affect all the chakras or energy centers in the human body - hence, proper pronunciation and enunciation are very important.

Effects:

Chanting of Gayatri Mantra removes all obstacles in our path. It increases wisdom, spiritual growth and development. The teachings and powers incorporated in the Gayatri Mantra fulfill this purpose.

Sri Sathya Sai Baba teaches that the Gayatri Mantra "will protect you from harm wherever you are, make your intellect shine, improve your power of speech, and dispel the darkness of ignorance (Dhiyoyonah prachodayaath)".


Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra

Om tryambhakam yajaamahe

Sugandhim pushtivardhanam

Uravaruka miva bandhanaa

Mrythyor mukshee ya maamara thaayaath

Meaning:

We worship the three eyed lord – Shiva, who nourishes and spreads the fragrances in our lives.

May he free us from the shackles of sorrow, change and death – effortlessly; like the fall of the ripe cucumber from its stem.

Significance:

The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra is regarded as a healing and moksha mantra. It is addressed to Shiva and considered as one of the most potent Sanskrit Mantras.

It is suggested that, this mantra gets more powerful, when it is chanted after chanting the Gayatri mantra.

Effects:

The chanting of this mantra is believed to bring in strong healing powers. It is also believed that, this mantra removes fear of death, cures incurable diseases, removes accidents, bestows long life and, helps to achieve liberation the cycle of birth and death.


Saraswati Mantra

Saraswati namasthubhyam

Varade kaamaroopini.

Vidyaarambham karishyaami

Siddhir bhavatu me sadaa.

Meaning:

O Goddess Sarsawati, the giver of Boons and fulfiller of wishes.

I prostrate to You before starting my studies.

May You fulfill me!

Significance:

This mantra is generally for students.