Japa Yoga

WHAT IS JAPA YOGA?

Japa is the repetition of any mantra or name of the Lord.

Mantra Yoga is an exact science. "Mananat trayate iti mantrah - by the manana (constant thinking or recollection) of which one is protected or is released from the round of births and deaths, is mantra." That is called mantra by the meditation (manana) on which the jiva or the individual soul attains freedom from sin, enjoyment in heaven and final liberation, and by the aid of which it attains in full the fourfold fruit (chaturvarga), i.e., dharma, artha, kama and moksha. A mantra is so called because it is achieved by the mental process. The first syllable of the word mantra comes from root 'man' meaning 'to think' and 'tra' from 'trai' meaning 'to protect' or 'free' from the bondage of samsara or the phenomenal world.

The mantra is a mass of radiant tejas or energy. Mantra awakens supernatural powers. A mantra is divinity. It is divine power or daivi sakti manifesting in a sound body. The mantra itself is devata (deity).

Sounds are vibrations. They give rise to definite forms. Each sound produces a form in the invisible world, and combinations of sound create complicated shapes. Thus repeated singing of the name of the Lord builds up gradually the form of the devata or the special manifestation of the deity whom you seek to worship, and this acts as a focus to concentrate the benign influence of the divine being, which radiating from the centre, penetrates the worshipper.

The repetition of the panchakshara mantra, 'Om Namah Sivaya' produces the form of Lord Siva. The repetition of 'Om Namo Narayanaya,' the ashtakshara mantra of Vishnu, produces the form of Vishnu.

There is the dictum of the Mimamsa philosophers that the gods do not exist apart from the mantras (Mantratmako devah). This really means that when a particular mantra appropriated to a particular god is properly recited, the vibrations so set up create in the higher planes a special form which that God en-souls for the time being.

The sacred mantra or the divine name is a vital symbol of the supreme divinity directly revealed in the innermost depths of divine communion to the sages of Self-realisation in the hoary Vedic and Upanishadic times.

GLORY OF JAPA YOGAIn this Kali Yuga (Iron Age) japa alone is the easy way to the realisation of God.

Japa is the rod in the hands of the blind sadhakas (aspirants) to plod on the road to realisation. Japa is the philosopher's stone or divine elixir that makes one God-like. Through japa alone one can realise God in this life.

Japa is an important anga (limb) of yoga. In the Gita you will find "Yajnanam japa-yajnosmi - Among yajnas, I am japa-yajna."

There is no yoga greater than japa yoga. It can give you all ishta-siddhis (whatever you want), bhakti (devotion) and mukti (liberation).

What a lot of joy the repetition of His name brings! What a lot of power it infuses onto man! How it changes the human nature marvellously! How it exalts a man to the status of divinity! How it destroys old sins, vasanas (mental conditioning), sankalpas (resolves), whims, fancies, depressing moods, sex-impulses and various samskaras (impressions on the mind)!How it brings you face to face with the Lord and makes you realise your oneness with Him (para bhakti - supreme love)!

It is only 'nama-smarana' (thinking of the name), that is free from difficulties and troubles. It is easy, comfort giving and simple. It is therefore said to be the 'head', the 'king' of all sadhanas (means to God-realisation).

Power of Sound and Name
The power of sounds is tremendous. Ideas are generated in the mind by the mere hearing of sounds. Every name has a form corresponding to it. Sabda and artha (word and its meaning) are inseparable. The form related to a name is at once manifested in the mind the moment that name is heard by the ears and transmitted to the mental consciousness. There are names denoting forms that are abhorred and there are names denoting forms that are much desired. Pains and pleasures become the experiences in the mind when it is aware of hateful and delightful objects, respectively, through hearing of them. When anyone suddenly shouts: "Scorpion! Scorpion!" "Snake! Snake!", you at once apprehend the scorpion or the snake and jump in fright. When anyone calls you a "donkey" or an "ass" you are annoyed and you show anger. Why do you do this? Because there is created in your mind the consciousness of your supposed contact or identity with something that you think is very dangerous or far inferior to you. So you get terrified or feel that you are depreciated. That is why you jump in fear when you hear of the presence of a scorpion or a snake near you, and do not tolerate your being addressed as a donkey or an ass. Through anger, you wish to show that you are not a donkey.

When such is the power of the name of an ordinary thing of this world, what a tremendous power should there be in the name of God! God is the completion or the fullness of existence. Hence the name that denotes Him too is full and perfect. Therefore, the power of the name of God is incalculable, for it is the height or the zenith of power. The name of God can achieve anything. There is nothing impossible for it. It is the means to the realisation of God Himself. Even as the name of a thing in this world generates the consciousness of that thing in the mind, the name of God generates God-consciousness in the purified mind and becomes the direct cause of the realisation of the highest perfection, i.e., God, freedom and immortality.


BENEFITS OF JAPA YOGA
The thoughts you create in your mind and the images you form in your daily life help you in making what you are or what you would become. If you constantly think of Lord Krishna, you will become identical with the Lord. You will abide in Him forever. You will become one with the deity you meditate upon.

The repetition of the mantra removes the dirt of the mind such as lust, anger, greed, etc. Just as the mirror acquires the power of reflection when the dirt covering it is removed, even so the mind from which the impurities have been removed acquires the capacity to reflect the higher spiritual truth. Just as soap cleanses the cloth of its impurities, so also the mantra is a spiritual soap cleansing the mind. Just as fire cleanses gold of its impurities, so also mantra cleanses the mind of its impurities.

The recital of a mantra destroys your sins and brings everlasting peace, infinite bliss, prosperity and immortality. There is not the least doubt about this.

Japa checks the force of the thought-current moving towards objects. It forces the mind to move towards God, towards the attainment of eternal bliss.

Constant and prolonged repetition for some months cuts new grooves in the mind and the brain.

During japa all the divine qualities steadily flow into your mind from the Lord, just as oil flows from one vessel to another vessel. Japa transforms the nature of the mind.

Japa changes the mental substance from passion to purity, from rajas to sattva. It calms and strengthens the mind. It makes the mind introspective. It checks the out-going tendencies of the mind. It induces determination and austerity. Eventually it leads to the direct darsana (vision) of God- the Ishta Devata, or tutelary deity- or to God-realisation.

Japa steadies the mind.
Japa destroys birth and death.
Japa scorches samskaras.
Japa annihilates attachment.
Japa induces vairagya (dispassion).
Japa roots out all desires.
Japa makes one fearless.
Japa removes delusion.
Japa develops prema (supreme love for God).
Japa gives health, wealth, strength and long life.
Japa awakens the kundalini.

If you do japa of a mantra 13 crore times, you will have darsana of its adhi-devata (presiding deity) in physical form.

It was by the glory of Rama-nama that the stones floated in water, and the bridge over the sea was built by Sugriva and his companions at Ramesvara. It was Hari-nama that cooled Prahlada, when he was thrown into a conflagration of fire.

A most tremendous transformation begins to take place in the innermost core of the conscience of the initiated or the receiver of the mantra. The initiated is himself unaware of this fact because of the veil of ignorance that still covers him, even as a poor man sleeping soundly in his humble cottage at night, carried silently and deposited upon a royal couch in the emperor's palace, remains completely unaware of his transfer because he is still in deep sleep. The process of initiation links you up directly with the divine being. Initiation or mantra-diksha is at one end of this golden chain and the Lord or the highest transcendental Atmic experience is at the other end of it.

When the mind thinks of the image of the Lord during japa and worship, the mental substance actually assumes the form of the image. This is called samskara (impression). When the act is repeated very often, the samskaras gain strength by repetition and a tendency or habit is formed in the mind. He who entertains thoughts of divinity becomes transformed actually into the divinity itself, by constant thinking and meditation. His bhava or disposition is purified and divinised. The meditator and the meditated, the worshipper and the worshipped, the thinker and the thought, become one and the same. This is samadhi. This is the fruit of worship or upasana or doing japa.

PRACTICE OF JAPA YOGA

Feel his presence everywhere. Strive ceaselessly to fix your mind on the Lord. Try to constantly behold your Beloved in all these forms. Silently repeat His names. Sometimes sing His names. Silently do kirtan. Melt the mind in Him. Rejoice in silence in Him.
If you get up at brahma-muhurta (at 4 a.m.), you will have a clear mind. There is a spiritual influence and mysterious silence in the early morning hours. All saints and yogis practise meditation at this period and send their spiritual vibrations to the whole world. You will be highly benefited by their vibrations if you start your prayer, japa and meditation at this period. You need not exert much. The meditative state of mind will come by itself.

Sing the Lord's name incessantly. Remember the name of the Lord with every incoming and outgoing breath.

It should never be stopped even for a day under any circumstances. It is like food. It is a spiritual food for hungry soul.

May God give you inner strength to control the indriyas (senses) and the mind and to practise japa yoga and worship uninterruptedly! May you have unshakable faith in the miraculous powers and marvelous benefits of japa yoga! May you all realise the glory of nama, the name of God! May you all spread the glory of nama throughout the length and breadth of the land! Victory to Hari and His name! Glory to Hari and His name! May the blessings of Lord Siva, Hari, Rama and Krishna be upon you all!

Repeat any mantra as pure Om or Om Namo Narayanaya, Om Namah Sivaya, Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya, Om Saravanabhavaya Namah, Sita Ram, Sri Ram, Hari Om, or Gayatri, according to your taste or inclination, from 108 to 21,600 times daily.

Now start real sadhana from this minute. I have given below a number of practical hints of great use for your daily sadhana. Note and follow them carefully.

Fixed Hour
The most effective time is early dawn (brahma - muhurta) and dusk, when sattva is predominant. Regularity and being systematic are very essential.

Definite Place
It is highly advantageous to sit in the same place every day. Do not change it now and then.

A Steady Pose
A comfortable asana helps to make the mind also steady, controls rajas (turbulence, passion) and aids concentration.

Face the North or East
This exercises a subtle influence and enhances the efficacy of japa.

A Seat
Deerskin or kusa-mat or a rug should be used. This helps to conserve body-electricity.

Repeat Elevating Prayer
Invoking the aid of the ishta devata (tutelary deity) with appropriate prayer induces proper sattvic bhava.

Clear Articulation
Now start the japa pronouncing the mantra distinctly and without mistakes.

Vigilance and Alert Attitude
This is a very important point. You will be fresh and alert when you commence. After a time the mind will unconsciously begin to wander and drowsiness will overcome you. Keep widely alert throughout.

Japa Mala (Rosary)
Using a mala helps alertness and acts as an incentive to carry on the japa continuously. Resolve to finish a certain minimum number of malas before leaving the seat.

Variety in Japa
This is necessary to sustain interest, avoid fatigue and counteract monotony. Repeat aloud for a time, then hum the mantra and repeat mentally sometimes.

Meditation
Side by side with japa think of the Lord as present before you and picture His entrancing beautiful form. This practice adds tremendously to the efficacy or power of your sadhana.

Concluding Prayer and Rest
This is important. After japa is over, do not immediately leave the place, mix with everyone or plunge into worldly activity. Sit very quietly for about 10 minutes at least, humming some prayer, remembering the Lord or reflecting upon His infinite love. Then, after devout prostration, leave the place and commence your routine duties. Spiritual vibrations will be intact.

Carry on your sadhana with perseverance and tenacity, without break, and realise the glorious goal of life and enjoy the supreme bliss.

Rules for Japa

1. Select any mantra or name of God (preferably that given by your Guru) and repeat it from 108 to 1080 times daily (one to ten malas).
2. Use a rudraksha or tulasi mala of 108 beads.
3. Use only the middle finger and thumb of the right hand for rolling the beads. The index finger is prohibited.
4. Do not allow the mala to hang below the navel. Keep the hand near the heart or the nose.
5. The mala must not be visible to you or others. Cover it with a towel or kerchief, which must be pure and washed daily.
6. Do not cross the meru (crown or head) of the mala while rolling the beads. Turn back when you come up to it.
7. Do mental japa for some time. If the mind wanders, take to labial japa (whispering or muttering) for some time, or loud japa, by rotation, and come back to mental japa again as soon as possible.
8. Take a bath, or wash your hands, feet, face and mouth before sitting for japa in the morning. At other times this is not absolutely necessary. Do japa whenever you have leisure, especially during the sandhyas or the junctions of the day (morning, noon and evening) and before going to bed.
9. Associate the japa with rhythmic breathing or pranayama and meditate on the form of your deity in front. Think of the meaning of the mantra while repeating it.
10. Pronounce each letter of the mantra correctly and distinctly. Do not repeat it too fast or too slow. Increase the speed only when the mind wanders.
11. Observe mouna (silence) and avoid distractions, calls or engagements.
12. Face the east or the north and sit in a separate meditation-room or any good place, such as temple, river-bank, under a banyan tree or a peepul tree, etc.
13. Do not beg of God any worldly objects while doing japa. Feel that your heart is being purified and the mind is becoming steady by the power of the mantra with the grace of God.
14. Keep your Guru-mantra a secret. Never disclose it to anyone.
15. Carry on the current of japa mentally even at other times, in whatever works you may be engaged

Shravan Mas -2008

The Auspicious period of Shravan mas starts from July 19 & will continue till August 16

The Spiritual Importance of the Holy Month of Shravana Shravana month is from 2 to 30 August in 2008
The month of Shravan is the fifth month of the Hindu calender beginning from Chaitra, and is the most auspicious month of the Chaturmas. On Purnima or fullmoon day, or during the course of the month the star 'Shravan' rules the sky, hence the month is called Shravan. This holy month is dedicated to Lord Shiva and contains many religious festivals and ceremonies making this an extremely auspicious month. Many hindus fast for the entire month living on fruit, nuts and milk during day and breaking the fast with a vegetarian meal after sunset. Those unable to fast during this month usually abstain from meat, eggs, tea, coffee and alcohol during this monthThis month is spread out with innumerable religious festivals and ceremonies and almost all the days of this month are auspicious.
Shravan is considered the holiest month of the year. Each Monday of this month, known as Shravana Somvar, is a special day in Shiva temples where the dharanatra hangs over the linga or the idol to bathe it with holy water, day and night. Devotees pile the linga high with Bel leaves and flowers and fast till sunset. The nandadeep (24 hour lamp) burns steadily in the temples.

Lord Shiva and Shravan Mas
The legend says that when the churning of oceans - Samudra Manthan - took place in the month of Shravan, fourteen different types of rubies came out. Thirteen of these were distributed amongst the demons, except Halahal (poison). Lord Shiva drank the Halahal and stored it in his throat. Hence the name Neelkantha (meaning blue throat) is attributed to Shiva. To reduce the strong effect of poison, Lord Shiva wore the crescent moon on his head. All the Gods, thereafter started offering the Ganges water to Lord Shiva to make lessen the effect of poison. Since, this happened in the month of Shravana, since then the Shiva devotees offer the Ganges water in this month. It is considered highly auspicious to wear a rudraksha in Shravan month.

Things to do during Shravan month• Wear Rudraksh, and also use a Rudraksh mala for Japa.• Offer Lord Shiva Bhibhuti and place some on your forehead.• Make offerings of Bel leaves, Panchamrut (milk, yoghurt, clarified butter, honey and jaggery) on Shiva Ling.• Recite Shiv Chalisa and Aarti.• Chant Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra.• Fasting on Mondays. Girls who fast on all Mondays of Shravan get a good husband.

Shravan Somvara Vrat (Monday fasting on Shravan month)One name of Lord Shiva is soma - saha uma. For the Lord Someshvara Who wears the Soma, the Crescent Moon on the matted hair, on the Somavara day (Monday), this festival is observed. Though all Mondays can be observed as vrat there are special mondays when it is much more emphasised to observe like the Shravan Somvar and Karthikai sOmavAr. According to skandha purANa, on the Mondays of the month kArthikai (mid Nov to mid Dec) this vrata is observed. Way of observingAfter taking bath pray to the Auspicious and Graceful Lord Shiva. Anointing the Lord with panchAmRitam and other pleasant substances, hail the Lord offering bilva leaves. During the day don't take any solid food. You can take Milk/ buttermilk/ fruit juice/ fruits . After 6'o clock in the evening pray to Lord Shiva and break your fast and eat normal solid food (avoid onions and garlic) . Your fasting should start from 12 in the midnight and end at in the evening on Monday. It is believed that one who fasts on all Monday of Shravan has all prayers from the heart answered. It is not necessary to undergo rigid practices. Even for this fast, different people may have different practises....e.g. some people may not have buttermilk or some may have specific mantras to be chanted. You can follow whatever gives you peace of mind.

Significance of Shravan Weekdays
Each day in the month of Shravan has a special significance and has its own ritual.

Monday: is the day of Lord Shiva worship.

Tuesday: Gauri is worshipped in every home, by women for the good health of their family. Wednesday: are dedicated to Vithala, a form of Vishnu or Krishna.

Thursday: are also days for worshipping Buddh and Guru.

Friday: every home worships Lakshmi and Tulsi.

Saturday: are for Saturn (Shani). It is also known as Shravan Saturdays, with the object of object of obtaining wealth. These days are known as Sampat Sanivara (wealth Saturdays).

Sundays: are meant worshipping the Sun god. Sun worship was general in the Vedic period and even now it is so. Especially in Shravan, every Sunday the Sun is worshipped without fail. Sun was worshiped on a daily basis in the Vedic period and continues to be now. The 'Chudi' Puja is also performed by married women on Fridays and Sundays through worshiping the Tulsi plant (Holy Basil) by offering the 'chudis' or tiny bouquets of flowers, vermillion and other puja items. The 'chudis' are then offered to elderly married women and their blessings are sought. Women in India take this Holy month of Shravana very seriously and observe it as strictly as their situations allow.

Some of the days of particular significance are outlined below:
Saturn Fast: Begins on the first Saturday of the Shukla paksha of Shravana month. This year- Shravana begins on a Saturday 2 August 2008. Remeber to begin your fasts this day.

Nag-Panchami: Naga-Panchami falls on the fifth day of Shravana and is held in honour of Nagas or snakes. Hindus worship snakes and regard them with the same veneration given to other dieties. The King of serpents Vasuki adorns the neck of Lord Shiva forming a crest over the Lord. This day is dedicated to snakes and they are worshipped with milk and fruits.

Kalkyavatara: The Kalki Avatara falls on Shravan sukla (the light half) sixth. This anticipatory incarnation is also known as Nishkalankavatara (Stainless) and is yet to occur and the month and the day is already foretold. In the Vana Parva of the Mahabharata, the coming Kalki has been hailed as when unrighteousness will leave and righteousness will be established. This day, though not celebrated, is noted for the future emancipation of mankind.

Rishi Panchami: is celebrated on the Shravan full moon and shukla Panchami tithi of the month of Bhadrapada, one day after Ganesha Chathurti. Rishi panchami is the day of atonement. Stars or nakshatras ( not the the planets are worshipped). In Vedic times it was believed that the spirits of certain departed great sages of the earth were believed to inhabit important stars, the most famous being the constellation Ursa Major i.e. the seven brightest stars of the north (The Great Bear). Later, the seers became identified with the stars they inhabited. The seven great sages worshippedon both the Shravana purnima and the Bhadpada Panchami are - Kashyapa, Atri, Bharadvaja, Visvamitra, Gautama, Jamadagni and Vashishta.

Putra-Ekadashi: falls on Shravana shukla Ekadashi ( 11th lunar day of the waxing moon). King Mahijit was sonless due to which all were distressed. The King consulted a learned sage who told him that in his previous birth the King was a merchant and had committed a sin. The sage advised the King to observe a fast on Shravana shukla Ekadashi day by which the sin would be cancelled. The King obeyed the sage and completed the fast and was son blessed with a son. This is an important day to fast if you want progeny.

Hindola : Shukla eleventh to fifteenth in North India. A swing is made and is decorated with flowers. Every night idols of Lord Krishna and Radha are placed on the swing and swung by devotes with dancing and singing of the 'hindola'. This festival is believed to please Lord Krishna and gain his blessings.

Vara Lakshmi Vrata: This is a Vrata which implies the worship of Goddess of Wealth. The Vrata is observed on the Friday immediately preceding the full moon day of the month of Shravan In 2008, it is on Friday 15 August. Maha Lakshmi is the embodiment of prosperity and auspiciousness. It seems the glory of this Vrata is eulogized in the Skanda Purana by Lord Shiva Himself. The worship of Maha Lakshmi is performed by married ladies to obtain good progeny, and for the long life of the husband. Since Mahalakshmi as Vidya Lakshmi bestows divine wisdom also, great prophets have worshipped her for success in their spiritual work.

Govatsa and Bahula: Fall on Shravan Krishna (dark) fourth day when cows and their calves are worshipped. Mainly women offer food to the cows and smear their foreheads with vermillion. Cow's footprints are drawn and worshipped by women.

Janmashtami: This is the birthday of Lord Krishna and falls on the eight day of Shravana Krishna (Waning eighth tithi). The day is celebrated in honour of Lord Krishna, the eighth Divine incarnation of Vishnu. A twenty-four hour fast is observed on this day which is broken only at midnight because Lord Krishna was born at midnight. This is one of the greatest of all Hindu festivals. (See Janmashtami article for more on this story)

Pithori: is a propitiatory festival observed on the Shravana new moon i.e. Amavasya or the last day of Shravana. The seven chief goddesses and the sixty-four yoginis or divine attendants on Goddess Durga are worshipped by married women for gaining progeny and happiness. The name is derived from Pitha (flour), from which the images of the goddess are made and worship. Bhavishottar Purana, Goddess Parvati (the wife of Lord Shiva) advised Devi Saci/Indrani (the wife of Lord Indra) to observe this fast in order to be blessed with sons and good fortune. Pola: On Shravana new moon (amavasya) day the bullocks are worshipped and given rest. The day of this custom vary from district to district. It is chiefly a farmers' festival, held after harvesting of the staple grain of the region, which explains the variation in the date of the festival. The custom consists of bathing the field animals (usually bulls) and anointing them, painting their horns, garlanding them, decorating them and worshiping them by smearing them with vermillion.

The following four festivals all fall on the Full Moon in Shravana Nakshatra: 16 August 2008
Narali Purnima: On full Moon day of Shravan is celebrated by worshipping the ocean with mantras and offerings of coconuts. The name Narali comes from 'naral' which mean coconut, so Narali Purnima mean the full moon on the coconut day. From this day the south-west monsoon is supposed to abate, and fisher-folks resume their trade. According to some throwing of coconuts into the sea is an offering to the "Food-giving goddess of the water" whereas others say the offering is made to Varuna the Vedic God of Ocean.Shravani Purnima: On this day all Brahmins renew their sacred thread which they wear. It is also called Rig-Yaju Shravani as it appears only students of Vedas would renew the cord. But, actually all Brahmins who have been initiated and wear the thread renew it. There is an elaborate ceremony where the family priest begins the function by worshipping Lord Ganesha and lights a sacrificial fire reciting mantras and prayers. Eight supari betelnuts or eight Darbha (sacrificial grass) rings are placed on a tray representing the seven Rishis and Arundhati which are worshipped with flowers etc. Tarpan or libations of water in the name of the departed spirits are offered. Then the old thread is cast off in the sacrificial fire and a new thread with a three-fold twist is worn after reciting the Gayatri Mantra. Lastly follows the worship of Brahma by an offering of rice and flowers in the fire and distributing of gifts to Priests and Brahmins. Pavitraropana: Almost similar to the above, the same day Pavtiras or Ponvates where rings, wristlets or necklets are made from strands of cotton threads of varying lengths, number of twists and knots. These strands or Ponvates are then washed, consecrated with mantras and offered to different Gods like Shiva, Vishnu, the Sun and also the family priest. The best Ponvate is made of nine-strands with one hundred and eight twists and twenty-four knots! Some change their sacred threads or offer the Ponvates on Purnima or on the previous day according to the position of the moon at the constellation in Shravana.Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi Purnima: Is a sentimental of festivals which also falls on Purnima day. A Rakhi or amulet is usually made of silk thread and is tied round the wrist of brothers by their sisters to protect brothers from harm and in return seeking protection from brothers when the sister is in trouble. The Rakhi name derives from the word 'raksha' which means to protect. It symbolizes the abiding and chaste bond of love between the brothers and sisters. Sitala Saptami: Sitala devi (the cool one) is the goddess who is associated with disease particularly smallpox and there are many temples and shrines in her honour. One of the days she is specially worshipped is on Shravana Krishna (Waning seventh tithi), in Gujarat. Sitala devi worship ensures that she accepts the prayers and offerings of widows and of mothers on behalf of their children. During the day of Sitala worship one is supposed to abstain from all hot, or cooked, food and drink. The reason may be to avoid hot thing and is more likely to be the longing for cold water on the part of smallpox patients.

Mahamrityunjaya Mantra

Maha Mrityunjay Mantra
Om Tryamlakam Yajamahe
Sugandhim Pusti - vardhanam !
Urva - rukamiva Bandhanan
Mrtyor - muksheeya Ma - amritat !!

Meaning :

Om. We worship The Three-Eyed Lord Shiva who is naturally fragrant, immensely merciful & and who is the Protector of the devotees. Worshipping him may we be liberated from death for the sake of immortality just as the ripe cucumber easily separtes itself from the binding stalk i.e.By your Grace, Let me be in the state of salvation (Moksha) and be saved from the clutches of fearful death.

The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra is very much a protector from accidents, mishaps and daily calamities in the modern busy life.

Shiva Prarthana :
Om Namastestu Bhagavan
Visvesaraya Mahadevaya
Trayambakaya Tripurantakaya
Trikagni - Kalaya
Kalagni - Rudraya Nil - Kanthaya Mrityunjaya
Sarvesvaraya Sadadhivaya
Sriman Mahadevaya Namah.

Meaning :

Om. I bow down to Lord Shiva, who is the creator and protector of the universe, who is the greatest among gods, who has three eyes, who is the annihilator of all the three worlds, one whose throat is blue, who is the conqueror of death, who is the Lord of all, who is propitious who is possessed of all marks of greatness and who is the greatest among Gods. To him my prostrations.

Explanation :
The mantra is a prayer to Lord Shiva who is addressed as Sankara and Trayambaka. Sankara is sana (blessings) and Kara (the Giver). Trayambaka is the three eyed one (where the third eye signifies the giver of knowledge, which destroys ignorance and releases us from the cycle of death and rebirth).

Namaskar Mantra :

Om Namah Sambhavaya Cha
Mayaobhavaya Cha
Namah Shankaraya Cha
Mayaskaraya Cha
Namah Shivaya Cha
Shivtaraya Cha



Meanging :

O Almighty God. Thou art the supreme source of all worldly and divine pleasures. Thou art the impeller of our physical and spiritual advancement. O supreme Father ! We pay our humble obeisance to Thee.



Shiva Dhun :


Shivo Bhokta, Shiva Bhojya
Shivo Karta, Shivah Karma
Shivah Karanatmakah

Meaning :

Shiva is the experiencer and the highest object of experience. Shiva is the goal of Sadhana. There is nothing apart from Shiva. There is nothing other than Shiva.

Whatever there is, is Shiva. There is nothing, which is not Shiva. There is no place, which is not Shiva. There is no time, which is not Shiva. To be aware of this is to be aware of Shiva.



When to chant :Chanting the Maha Mrityunjay Mantra with sincerity, faith and devotion in Bramha Muhurata is very beneficial. But one can also chant it anytime in a pure environment with great benefit and discover the happiness that's already within.

AUM/OM: Absolute reality. That which encompasses the three states of waking, dreaming, deep sleep, represented by AUM, the three levels of gross, subtle, causal, the three levels of conscious, unconscious, subconscious, and the three universal processes of coming, being, and going. Absolute silence beyond the three levels is the silence after AUM.

Tryambakam: Trya means three. Ambakam means eyes. It means the three eyes of the Absolute, which are the processes of creation, existence, and dissolution, as well as the other triads, which are part of AUM. The three "eyes" means experiencing these three stages and triads at one time, from the higher, all pervasive vantage point of the Absolute.

Yajamahe: We rejoice in meditation on all of this.

Sugandhim: Means fragrance. Like a spreading fragrance, all of this permeates the whole of existence, while at the same time being that existence

Pushtivardhanam: Means that which sustains and nourishes all. Thus, the fragrance that permeates all is the sustainer of all beings, while also the essence of all beings.

Urvarukamiva: Urva means big and powerful. Arukam means disease, like the spiritual diseases of ignorance and untruth, which are like the death of Wisdom or Truth.

Bandhanan: Means bound down, as in bound down to the ignorance and untruth.

Mrityor: Means ignorance and untruth.

Mukshiya: Means liberation from the cycles of physical, mental, and spiritual death.

Maamritat: Means please give me rejuvenating nectar, so as to have this liberation, like the process of severing the cucumber from the creeping vine.

40 day practice

The period of 40 days has been widely recognized as an auspicious period both in the East and the West since ancient times. A traditional way to do an extended mantra practice is to choose a number of repetitions per day, and to do that for 40 days. The mind likes to have a beginning and end to a practice, a sense of completion, such as comes with a 40 day (or longer) practice.

Fixed time per practice session: Mind finds comfort in knowing that it will do the practice of one round of 108 repetitions (or some other number of rounds), and that each round will take a predictable amount of time (18 minutes per round of 108 repetitions).


Same number of rounds: Mind likes the predictability of doing a certain number of rounds done per day. Mind may resist at times, but once it gets started in the practice, mind likes the habit.


Specific number of days: Mind likes the plan of knowing how many days or months a practice will take to complete. This can be very beneficial in stabilizing a noisy mind, which is a common complaint.

What is a mala?
A mala is a set of counting beads with 108 beads. Only 100 are counted, with the other 8 considered an offering to the divine, however you personally hold that. You might choose to do 1, 2, 3, or 4 rounds of 108 mantras per day, counting with a set of mala beads.

By running your own experiment for 40 days, you can decide for yourself whether or not the practice is beneficial.Remember to do your mantra with feeling and awareness.

Extended practice

A noticeable level of mantra siddhi (power of the mantra) is said to come with 125,000 repetitions of a mantra (Such an extended practice is called a purascharna). This is equivalent to 1250 rounds of a mala.


Rounds per day 1 mala 18 min 1250days 42 months
2 malas 36 min 625 days 21 months
3 malas 54 min 417 days 14 months
4 malas 1 hr 12 min 313 days 10 1/2months
5 malas 1 hr 30 min 250 days 8 1/2months
6 malas 1 hr 48 min 209 days 7 months
7 malas 2 hr 6 min 179 days 6 months

Such an extended practice with Maha Mrityunjaya mantra can have a tremendous effect in stabilizing the mind in preparation for advancing in meditation. Such a practice simply must be done personally to understand the benefits. It does take quite a commitment to do this practice every day for such a long period, but it is well worth the effort.

In choosing the level of practice per day, it is important to have stability from one day to the next, and to not skip any days. It is best to choose the level that works for you consistently, rather than changing the number from day to day. For example, if two rounds per day is a good number (34 minutes), then it's better to stay with that amount each and every day, not to do none on one day, but four on the next day.