Spirituality is Beyond Science

How It Connects You With The Cosmos?

What is a mantra?

The term “mantra” originates from two Sanskrit roots, namely ‘manas’ which signifies the mind, and ‘tra’ which denotes an instrument. Essentially, a mantra functions as a tool of the mind, producing a potent sound or vibration that facilitates deep meditation. In mantra yoga, faith and devotion to the mantra’s deity are crucial elements that unlock its transformative potential.

How does a mantra come into existence?

In a dialogue between Bhagawan Shiva and Maa Parvati, Parvati raised a question about people’s unawareness of their ignorance. She asked, “What can they do?” In response, Shiva emphasized the importance of staying connected to the universal energy, the ultimate source of wisdom. He explained, “For the source possesses all the knowledge that anyone seeks.” Shiva revealed, “The simplest way is to choose any sound from my damaru.” He explained that everything in its current existence originated from those very sounds. Thus, the mantras came into being through the resonance of Shiva’s damru.

Mantras and their nomenclature

According to Agni Purana mantras,
are of different types like – Male, Female & Neuter ( Gender)

1-Mala Mantras,
2- Bija Mantras,
3- Arvak-Mantras
4- Soumya Mantras
5- Agneya Mantras
6- Ari Mantras
7- Siddha Mantras
8- Sadhya Mantras
9-Susiddha Mantras
10- Pranav Mantra.


विंशत्यर्णाधिका मन्त्रा मालामन्त्राः स्मृता द्विज
।। 293.1 ।।

O Brahmin! The mystic formulas containing more than twenty letters are known to be Mala Mantras.


दशाक्षराधिका मन्त्रास्तदर्वाग्वीजसंज्ञिताः ।
वार्द्धक्ये सिद्धिदा ह्येते मालामन्त्रास्तु यौवने
।। 293.2 ।।

The Mystic formulas having more than ten letters ( and less than twenty) are Arvagbija


स्त्रीपुंनपुसकत्वेन त्रिधाः स्युर्मन्त्रजातयः
।। 293.3 ।।

The other formulas belonging to the group of mantras are of three kinds such as feminine , masculine, and neuter.


आग्नेयमन्त्रः सौम्यः
स्यात्प्रायशोऽन्ते नमोऽन्वितः ।
सौम्यमन्त्रस्तथाग्नेयः
फट्‌कारेणान्ततो युतः ।। 293.7 ।।

Mantras are also classified as agneya (fiery) and saumya (pleasing).


वीजाद् द्वित्रिगुणान्मन्त्रान्मालामन्त्रे जपक्रिया ।। 293.24 ।।

The mantras containing letters twice or thrice the bija mantras should be repeated like a Mala Mantra.
” AUM ॐ ” the basic bija mantra is also described, it said that a single letter mantra (Pranava) is to be chanted a million times.

दशलक्षजपादेकवर्णो मन्त्रः प्रसिध्यति ।। 293.23 ।।

A mantra consisting single letter bears fruit after repetition for Ten lakh (a million) times.

How does the mechanism of a mantra operate?

To comprehend this, it is necessary to understand the functioning of the universe and the human mind.
Every utterance and thought we express possesses the potential to impact our lives and the lives of others. Words of encouragement, spoken at the opportune moment, can serve as lifelong inspiration, while unkind and hostile words can leave lasting scars. Even the conversations that transpire within our minds can significantly alter our self-perception and our perception of others.

The universe, too, can be envisioned as a living entity comprised of numerous interconnected components. Each planet functions as a vital element within this expansive cosmic organism. Though seemingly insignificant, every constituent holds importance. Just as removing individual grains of sand gradually depletes a heap, each entity, no matter how minute, contributes to the entirety. Correspondingly, both positive and negative words can impact every individual and aspect of the universe. The inception of the ancient discipline of mantras was not a random occurrence.

Enlightened sages of the past recognized that both the human mind and the universe endure a constant barrage of words, encompassing both positivity and negativity. They understood that by amalgamating specific words together and forming mantras, they could exert influence over our lives and even shape the fabric of the universe itself. Moreover, the energy emanating from mantras is intended to attract the attention of the universal energy, thereby establishing a connection.
Mantra yoga serves as a pathway for strengthening our bond with this cosmic force. The science of mantras posits that by utilizing the appropriate words to train our minds, enhance our focus, and align ourselves with the divinity pervading the universe, we can transcend the negative tendencies that impede our progress. By harnessing the power of mantras, we can overcome obstacles and rise above limitations.
Every mantra encompasses three essential components, known as limbs or “Angas”:

1. Devata:
This refers to the deity who is revered and praised by the mantra.

2. Rishi:
The seer or sage to whom the mantra was originally revealed.

3. Chandah:
The specific meter or poetic structure in which the mantra is composed.