Mantras and StotrasWhat is a mantra?
What a mantra is in Hindu tradition: the word and its roots, Vedic mantras, bija mantras, stotras and japa, and the difference between a mantra, a hymn and a prayer.
The Sanskrit word mantra is often explained from man, to think, and tra, an instrument: an instrument of thought. A mantra is a sound or a phrase that is repeated with attention. In the Vedas the mantras are the verses of the hymns themselves; in later tradition the word also covers short formulas given by a teacher.
Kinds of mantra
- Vedic mantras are verses of the Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda and Atharvaveda, such as the Gayatri.
- Bija mantras are single "seed" syllables, such as "gam" for Ganesha and "om" for the whole.
- Name mantras combine Om, a name and a salutation, such as "Om namah Shivaya" or "Om namo Narayanaya".
- Stotras are longer hymns of praise, such as the Tandava Stotram; they are recited rather than repeated.
- Shanti mantras ask for peace at the start or end of study and ceremonies.
Japa
Japa is the repetition of a mantra, aloud, in a whisper or silently, usually with a rosary (mala) of 108 beads. The tradition describes silent repetition as the most inward form. Teachers say the mantra works through attention and steadiness; there is no scientific evidence for any other effect, and we do not make claims of any.
A mantra from a teacher
Some mantras, in particular longer ones used in a spiritual practice, are given by a teacher in a ceremony (diksha). The ones on this site are widely known and chanted by many; if you want a mantra for your own practice, ask a teacher of your tradition.
The meanings and notes are our own words and not an authorised translation. Mantras belong to living traditions, and families and teachers differ in how they chant and use them; please ask yours. We make no claim that any mantra brings any result.