A mantra is a word, sound, or phrase that is repeated frequently as part of a remedial/spiritual practice. It is a tool for focusing the mind and achieving a higher state of clarity.
The word “mantra” is derived from two Sanskrit words: “manas,” which means “mind,” and “trayate,” which means “to protect or liberate.” Therefore, a mantra is a tool that protects and liberates the mind from unnecessary thoughts, excessive inner verbalisation and emotions, and helps the practitioner to connect with the inner self.
Repeating a mantra can have a calming effect on the mind and body, and can lead to a state of deep relaxation and inner peace. The vibrations and sounds produced by the repetition of a mantra can also have a healing effect on the body and mind.
Examples of commonly used mantras include “Om,” “Om Namah Shivaya,” and “*Om Bhur Bhuvaḥ Svaḥ, Tat Savitur Vareṇyaṃ, Bhargo Devasya Dhīmahi, Dhiyo Yo Naḥ Prachodayāt,” among many others.
In Vedic astrology, each planet is associated with a specific mantra that is believed to have a remedial effect on the planet and its associated aspects of life. The mantras for the nine planets (navagrahas) are:
- Sun (Surya): “ॐ ह्रां ह्रीं ह्रौं सः सूर्याय नमः” (Om Hram Hreem Hroum Sah Suryaya Namah)
- Moon (Chandra): “ॐ श्रां श्रीं श्रौं सः चंद्रमसे नमः” (Om Shram Shreem Shroum Sah Chandramase Namah)
- Mars (Mangala): “ॐ क्रां क्रीं क्रौं सः भौमाय नमः” (Om Kraum Kreem Kraum Sah Bhaumaya Namah)
- Mercury (Budha): “ॐ ब्रां ब्रीं ब्रौं सः बुधाय नमः” (Om Bram Breem Broum Sah Budhaya Namah)
- Jupiter (Guru): “ॐ ग्रां ग्रीं ग्रौं सः गुरवे नमः” (Om Gram Greem Groum Sah Gurave Namah)
- Venus (Shukra): “ॐ द्रां द्रीं द्रौं सः शुक्राय नमः” (Om Draam Dreem Droum Sah Shukraya Namah)
- Saturn (Shani): “ॐ प्रां प्रीं प्रौं सः शनैश्चराय नमः” (Om Pram Preem Praum Sah Shanishcharaya Namah)
- Rahu: “ॐ भ्रां भ्रीं भ्रों सः राहवे नमः” (Om Bhram Bhreem Bhroum Sah Rahave Namah)
- Ketu: “ॐ स्त्रां स्त्रीं स्त्रों सः केतवे नमः” (Om Stram Streem Stroum Sah Ketave Namah)
The common remedial practice involves chanting of these mantras during specific planetary periods, on particular weekdays associated with the planets, or during specific astrological transits to enhance the positive effects of the planets and mitigate negative influences. However, it is important to note that these mantras should be chanted with good intention, and not with the sole purpose of gaining material benefits or manipulating the planetary energies for unethical gains.
Mantras are about sound and sound can be converted into music by using suitable tune/raag & rhythm. In this form its potency can be increased and it becomes music healing.
*This particular mantra is called Gayatri Mantra. The Gayatri Mantra which is dedicated to the Sun God (Savitur) is believed to have the power to purify the mind and to prepare the practitioner towards spiritual enlightenment. In Devanagari script, it is written as, “ॐ भूर्भुवः स्वः तत्सवितुर्वरेण्यं भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि धियो यो नः प्रचोदयात्॥”.