THE POWER OF MANTRAS & SHLOKAS

MANTRAS & SHLOKAS

Sound is incredibly powerful - and when sound carries meaning, as in the case of Mantras and Shlokas, the effect is simply magical and intensely uplifting.

There is a saying in Sanskrit - "Strotram kasya naa tusht-te" It means that who is there in the world who does not get pleased
by a prayer or a salutation. The power of Mantras and Shlokas has been acknowledged since time immemorial.

THE POWER OF MANTRAS

Vakratunda Mahakaya Surya-koti Samaprabha; Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva Sarva-Karyeshu Sarvada

(O Elephant faced Ganesha, the Almighty One, thy effulgence is equal to millions of Suns. I pray thee for removal of all impediments in the path of my auspicious deeds).

A Mantra can consist of a powerful word or a combination of words and can be used for self realization, for freedom from worries, to fulfill one's desires, to ward off the effects of malefic planets, to bring you success, peace and contentment - the range is truly vast. You can choose for yourself.

MANTRAS FOR FULFILLMENT OF DESIRES AND LEADING TOWARDS ENLIGHTENMENT

Namaste Devi Gayatri Savitri Tripadakshare;
Ajare Amare Matas Trahi Mam Bhava-Sagarat

(O three-lettered (A, U, M) goddess, inspiring Gayatri, never aging and immortal, O Mother, protect me from the ocean of re-birth, salutation to thee).

CHANTING MANTRAS

Mantras must be chanted or recited with unwavering devotion and motivation. Chanting them as a matter-of-course deprives them of power and is practically useless from the point of view of conscious growth, evolution and effect.

How To Sit: Sitting in position which maximizes the total effect of mantras is desirable.

According to the ancient systems, the lotus posture is the best asana for meditation and for mantras. Other asanas (postures) which are recommended in order of effect for meditation or the practice of mantras are:

1. Padma Asana

2. Vaira Asana

3. Siddha Asana or Vajra Asana.

Once you have decided upon the asana for a particular mantra, you must use the same mantra for the duration of the chanting. You can sit on the earth ( as distinct from floor), on a deer skin, a tiger skin, a wooden platform, a cotton or plant fibre mat. Synthetic materials should not be used.

Where To Chant: Mantras should be chanted in a quiet place. Once a place has been chosen, it should become permanent for all practical purposes.

The Best Time To Chant: The best time for chanting mantras is the Brahmamahurta ( 4 a.m.). Other good times are the transition periods i.e. when night is turning into day ( dawn and sunrise), when day is turning into night (twilight and sunset). You can also choose the time before going to bed. Having chosen your time, you should be regular about the hours and duration of your chanting.

Position To Chant: If chanting mantras during the day time, you should sit facing the north or the east. If chanting mantras during the night, you should sit facing the north.

The Rosary : Generally, a mala or rosary of 108 Rudraksha or tulsi (basil) or sandalwood beads is used when chanting mantras.

According to ancient texts, the following beads can be used for chanting specific mantras :

1. For obtaining wealth : Rosary of coral beads

2. For begetting children : Rosary of Putrajiva beads

3. For fulfillment of desires : Rosary of crystals

Preferably, your rosary should not be visible to others when you are using it. Covering your hand with a cloth or a specially made covering is a common practice. With the rosary hanging over the middle, ring and index finger of the right hand, the thumb and middle finger are generally used to roll the beads. You must not cross the ' head' of the rosary when rolling the beads and must revert to the head after completing a rosary.

How Often To Chant: The number of times a mantra has to be chanted is usually specified. Normally, it is considered auspicious to chant a mantra 11 times, or 108 times or in multiples of 108. Once you have fixed upon the number, you can increase it but cannot decrease it.

Once you start reciting the Mantras, continue it without a break. Here are different mantras for propitiating different planets.

FOR JUPITER

Hreem Devanaam Cha : Risheenam Cha :
Gurum Kanchana Sannibham
Buddh Bhutam Trilokesham
Tam Namami Brihaspatim.
(To be chanted 19000 times)

FOR SATURN

Nilanjan Samabhasam
Ravi Putram Yamagrajam
Chaya Maanda Sambhutam Tam
Namami Sanaischaram
(To be chanted 23000 times)

FOR MARS

Dharani Garbha Sambhutam
Vidyut Kanti Samaprabha
Kumaram Sakti Hastam Ca
Mangalam Pranamamy Aham
(To be chanted 11000 times)

FOR VENUS

Hima Kunda Mrnaladhnam
Daityanam Paramam Gurum
Sarva Sastra Pravaktaram
Bhargavam Pranamamy Aham
(To be chanted 16000 times)

FOR THE SUN

Om Bhaskaraya Vidmahe
Divakaraya Dhimahi
Tanno Surah Prachodayat
( To be chanted 11 times daily)

FOR THE MOON

Dadhi Sankha Tusaabham
Kstrodarnava Sambhavam
Namami Sasinam Somam Sambhor
Mukuta Bhushanam
(To be chanted 11000 times within 27 days)

FOR MERCURY

Priyangava Gulikasyam
Rupena Pratimambudam
Saumyan Saumya Gunopetam Tam
Budham Pranamamy Aham
(To be chanted 4000 times)

FOR RAHU

Ardha Kayam Mahm Viryam
Candraditya Vimardanam
Simhika Garbha Sambhutam Tam
Rahum Pranamamy Aham
(To be chanted 18000 times)

FOR KETU

Palasa Puspa Sankasam
Taraka Graha Mastakam
Raudram Raudratmakam Ghoram Tam
Ketum Pranamamy Aham
(To be chanted 18000 times)