Take the dosha quiz

P E R SO NA L G R O W TH

9 Powerful Mantras in Sanskrit and

Gurmukhi

Intention Meditation Personal Growth Spirituality Yoga

Lena Schmidt

February 7, 2020

Have you ever gotten a song stuck in your head? You know how it repeats again and again? If
you are going to have something repeating in your mind, it may as well be something that
you have chosen intentionally. And how about saying something over and over again that
has a positive message? Repeating ancient mantras out loud, silently in your mind, or as part
of a mala meditation can be a powerful addition to your daily well-being practices.

Some of the most powerful mantras are in Sanskrit, an Indo-Aryan language that dates back
to approximately 1,500–200 BCE. Sanskrit is one of the oldest languages in the world and is
the language of many of India’s spiritual texts, including the Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur
Veda, and Atharva Veda. Other powerful mantras are in Gurmukhi, which is the script used
to write the Punjabi language in India. Gurmukhi, which means “from the mouth of the
guru,” was standardized by Sri Guru Angad Sahib Ji, a Sikh spiritual leader, in the 16th
century. Gurmukhi is also the language of the sacred literature of the Sikhs.

Though it would be valuable and inspiring to study with devoted Sanskrit and Gurmukhi
scholars, it may not be feasible or likely for you to do. In the absence of such guidance, you
can rest on the assurance that part of the magic of these ancient languages is that their
power does not depend on you being able to pronounce the words perfectly or read the
original form; the power is in the intention behind the words and your own interpretation
and experience of the sounds.

Weaving Mantras into Your Daily Spiritual

Practice
There are a variety of ways to create a personal mantra practice that is uniquely yours. A
traditional practice is to chant a mantra. Vocal vibrations are powerful healing tools.
Chanting, singing, and humming, especially with a group, have been scientifically shown to
calm the nervous system, improve mood and regulate stress responses, and positively
change the brain.

Your mantra practice could also include silently repeating a mantra during meditation,
mindfully writing or drawing a mantra in its original language, writing out the translations
that speak to your heart, or listening to recordings of mantra chants. In fact, listening to the
tones and vibrations of the chants can be as powerful as singing them. You can easily find
online sources of video and audio recordings of Sanskrit and Gurmukhi mantra chants
played at various tempos and performed in different musical styles.

Y b i b l i th i i t t t l t i
You can begin by exploring these nine ancient mantras to calm your nervous system, raise
your energetic vibration, and honor the teachings of Eastern spiritual wisdom.

1. Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo

I bow to the Creative Wisdom. I bow to the Divine Teacher Within.

Known as the Adi Mantra, this Gurmukhi mantra is traditionally sung or chanted to invoke
divine wisdom before a Kundalini Yoga practice. It is commonly translated in English as I
bow to the Creative Wisdom, I bow to the Divine Teacher within. This mantra was important in
the teachings of Yogi Bhajan, an Indian spiritual teacher who brought the practice of
Kundalini Yoga to the West. It is used to tune in to the self-knowledge within. You can also
use this mantra when you feel confused or alone and want to connect to the infinite wisdom
of your true self or spirit.

2. Om Eim Saraswati Namaha Om

We call in Saraswati, the goddess of creativity and language.

This Sanskrit mantra invokes the goddess Saraswati, the powerful Hindu incarnation of
Shakti energy in the form of creativity, language, wisdom, knowledge, art, and music. Its
English translation is We call in Saraswati, the goddess of creativity and language. The sound Eim
(pronounced I’m) is the bija (seed) mantra for Saraswati; within that one sound is all that
Saraswati represents. Invoke Saraswati by chanting this mantra before beginning any new
creative endeavor and to enliven your studious side.

3. Ad Guray Namay, Jugad Guray Namay, Sad Guray Nameh, Siri Guru Devay Nameh
I bow to the Primal Wisdom,

I bow to the Wisdom through the ages,

I bow to the True Wisdom,

I bow to the Great Divine Wisdom.

Known as the Mangala Charan Mantra, this Gurmukhi mantra is chanted for protection in
all aspects of life. It is also used with the intention to gain clarity and open to guidance from
one’s highest self. In Kundalini yoga classes, students often chant this mantra after tuning in
with the Adi Mantra. It can be translated in English as I bow to the Primal Wisdom, I bow to the
Wisdom through the ages, I bow to the True Wisdom, I bow to the Great Divine Wisdom. This is a
helpful mantra to chant for protection and harmony before driving a car, embarking on any
new journey, or as you begin your yoga practice.

4. Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu

May all beings everywhere be happy and free.

This is a beautiful Sanskrit mantra that offers a blessing of compassion and kindness to all
beings. Its translation is simple: May all beings everywhere be happy and free. Sometimes
called the Lokah Mantra, it is truly an offering of loving-kindness to all beings, animals and
humans alike. You may chant or sing this mantra as a prayer for your loved ones, your
community, and the entire world, including yourself. This is a commonly chanted mantra in
hatha yoga classes and is a simple chant to teach to children.

5. Ek Ong Kar Sat Nam Siri Wha (He) Guru

There is one Creator whose name is Truth.

Great is the ecstasy of that Supreme Wisdom!

Known as the Adi Shakti Mantra, this mantra is considered to be powerful for awakening
the kundalini and experiencing a state of bliss. According to Kundalini teacher Guru
Rattana, “Ek means ‘One, the essence of all,’ ‘Ong’ is the primal vibration from which all
creativity flows, ‘Kar’ is creation, ‘Sat’ truth, ‘Nam’ name, ‘Siri’ great, ‘Wha’ ecstasy, and
‘Guru’ is wisdom. Taken together it means, There is one Creator whose name is Truth. Great is
the ecstasy of that Supreme Wisdom!” You can use this mantra to develop your intuition and
experience higher states of consciousness.

6. Om Gam Ganapati Namaha

We call in Ganesha, the remover of obstacles.

This mantra invokes the Hindu deity Ganesha, the beloved elephant-headed trickster
known as the remover of obstacles and master of knowledge. The English translation of this
mantra is We call in Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. The sound Gam (sounds like gum) is the
bija mantra for Ganesha; within that one sound is all that Ganesha represents. Invoke
Ganesha to clear your path when you feel stuck or creatively blocked, when you need a
change of perspective, or when life feels especially challenging and you’re not sure why.

7. Om Sahana Vavatu Saha Nau Bhunaktu Saha Viiryam Karavaavahai Tejasvi Nau
Adhiitam Astu Maa Vidvissaavahai Om Shanti Shanti Shanti
Om, may the Divine protect both teacher and student.

Let us be nourished and protected.

May we work together with great energy.

May our studies be effective.

May we never hate or fight one another.

Om Peace, Peace, Peace.

This Sanskrit mantra was traditionally chanted as a prayer before studying sacred Vedic
texts, with the intention of creating harmony among the students and teacher, as well as
cultivating a sense of enthusiasm and joy in learning. Today it is often chanted before or
after yoga asana classes. You can chant this mantra before meals, at the start of a spiritual
gathering, or when you gather with others to study or practice yoga.
8. Om Mani Padme Hum
I Bow to the Jewel at the Lotus Flower of the Heart.

This is a Buddhist mantra in the ancient Sanskrit language. It beckons you to honor your
deepest truth and accept yourself with compassion. There are multiple translations,
including I Bow to the Jewel at the Lotus Flower of the Heart. The Dalai Lama has noted, “It is
very good to recite the mantra Om mani padme hum, but while you are doing it, you should be
thinking on its meaning, for the meaning of the six syllables is great and vast.” This mantra is
said to purify the mind, calm fears, and cultivate inner wisdom. Use the Om Mani Padme Hum
mantra when you need clarity, calm, or a dose of intentional self-compassion.

9. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti

Om Peace Peace Peace

This Sanskrit mantra is an invocation of peace that can be chanted as its own or as an
addition to any other mantra. It simply means Om Peace Peace Peace. Om is understood as
the universal vibration or the sound of all energy. You can chant this mantra before or after a
yoga session, at the beginning and end of the day, or as a wish for well-being as you take
leave of friends. When you chant this mantra, once or repeatedly, you are sending out
offerings of peace to the world and to yourself.

If you are interested in deepening your knowledge of the power of these classic mantras, it is
valuable to read the original written texts and poems (such as the Vedas and the
Upanishads) that contain these mantras. It is also helpful to read different translations of
these sacred texts so that you can gain a depth and breadth of perspective on the ancient
teachings.

Whether you put on a recording while you meditate, join in with a chant in a yoga class, or
hum a sacred mantra to calm your nerves before a presentation, the ancient Sanskrit and
Gurmukhi mantras are a powerful way to focus your intentions. As you weave them into
your daily spiritual practice, you will notice their benefits expand in your life.
*Editor’s Note: The information in this article is intended for your educational use only and is not a
substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your
physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical
condition and before undertaking any diet, supplement, fitness, or other health programs.

Download the Chopra App and keep a positive outlook on life. Personalized practices and
guided meditations are available to you now.

Related Articles

P E R SO NA L G R O W TH P E R SO NA L G R O W TH P E R SO NA L G R O W TH

Gleanings from the Rest in The Arms of Explore and Restore:

Bhagavad Gita: Life Love The Path of Self-
Lessons for Peace ... Discovery and
Roger Gabriel
Conne...
Dr. Suhas Kshirsagar
 Read More Read More The Editors at
Chopra.com

Read More
01/02

Bring balance to your

Enter your email address
inbox
We’ll send you content you’ll want to read—and
Get weekly wisdom
put to use.

By submitting, I consent to Chopra, and its affiliates

contacting me by email at the address provided
and/or by telephone at the number provided (by live,
automated, or prerecorded phone calls or text
messages) about its products and services.

SHOP EDUC AT I ON
Guided Meditations All Certifications

Renew & Restore Detox Kit Online Courses

Chopra Ayurvedic Body Oil Collection Find a Teacher

Chopra: Meditation & Well-being App

Jyotish Vedic Astrology

RETR E AT S ARTI C L E S

Chopra Health Retreat All Articles

Explore and Restore Meditation

Ayurveda

Mind-Body Health

Nutrition & Recipes

Yoga

Personal Growth

ABOU T U S

Mission

Explore the Science

In The News

Careers

Contact Us

DeepakChopra.com

FAQ
COPYRIGHT 2023, CHOP RA PRIVACY POLICY TERMS OF SERVICE CONTACT INFORMATION