The bells resounded, the cymbals clanged and the chanting culminated to an all time high.  What seemed like a din to an untrained ear suddenly ended leaving behind a vacant and a calm mind.  Even after the blessed offering (maha Prasad) was distributed in the main sanctum (maha mandapam) of the temple,  the human feet dragged and  failed to walk out of the outer sanctum after the chanting was over.  Looking straight ahead the clear vision of the deity softly illuminated by an oil lamp seemed clearly visible. Could the resonant sound of these monosyllables termed as mantras have such a vibrant effect on one’s being and mind? What are mantras?

A mantra is a formula comprising of words and sounds which possess magical or divine power.  No single definition adequately expresses the significance of mantra chanting and the composition of a mantra.  However, it is considered to be a verbal instrument which possesses power harnessed from divine energy.  A mantra is often referred to as a word or formula that produces mental energy which is capable of crystallizing the mind to one-pointed concentration.  The term ‘mantra-shakti’ denotes the magical power or energy possessed by words when they are brought together in a powerful formula for which the mantra is designed.   The Vedas are ancient Hindu scriptures of which the Rigveda makes a reference to mantra-chanting for invoking the gods to achieve success in battles, avert drought, and grant of a long life. Another section of the Vedas, the Atharvaveda refers to the use of mantras for ensuring escape from danger and difficulty and granting fulfillment of all needs.  The Atharvaveda mantras serve to expel the demons of fear and disease from the human mind.  Mantras were used to bewitch enemies and stimulate love in lovers.  For whatever purpose a mantra is designed, it is believed that each mantra is composed of six parts.  A mantra is associated with an emancipated sage or a ‘rishi’ who on self-realization, through revelation, gave the mantras to others for self-emancipation.  The sage who designs the mantra is the seer of the mantra.   Every mantra has a meter and a presiding deity as well as a

seed or a monosyllable known as the ‘bija’ .  The ‘bija’ is power- packed to give the mantra its special power.  The seed of the mantra is the essence of the mantra.  Every mantra has its own ‘Shakti’ or power or energy which can be unplugged like a pin.  The pin or ‘killaka’ of the mantra automatically unplugs releasing the mantra ‘chaitanya’ or the latent power hidden in the mantra.  Unplugging of the mantra is achieved by constant and prolonged repetition of the mantra.  

Suddenly, the latent power of the mantra is released after the completion of the minimum number of repetitions.  The devotee then begins to experience the effectiveness of the mantra or can even get the revelation of the deity when this pin is unplugged.  Repetition of a mantra or prayer either verbally or mentally accompanied by meditation on one’s chosen deity is known as ‘japa’.  Practice of ‘japa’ with a mantra purifies the mind, gives peace of mind, increases concentration and diverts the mind from unwholesome thoughts.   ‘Mantra japa’ promotes relaxation, exhilarates,  refreshes and cleanses the mind  The ‘rishis’ who gave the mantra to the world, added a meter which governed the inflection of the voice, a ‘devata’ or a supernatural being, a higher or lower being as its informing power.  The bija or the seed is a significant word or series of words that gives it special power.  The bija is the sound that harmonizes with the keynote of the individual using it and varies with individuals.   It expresses the essence of the mantra.  The Shakti is the energy of the mantra, the vibration forms set up by its sounds.  All mantras have their own power and potency.  A mantra is a constant appellation to the Divine.   The efficacy of the mantra in the post Vedic times was not dependent on its meaning but rather on the subjective effect of the exacting mental discipline involved in its correct utterance and the accompanying mode of breathing.  Till date, in almost all religions, chanting of God’s name or praise in some form or another is still practiced.  The divine powers that accompany certain words and supplement an individual with power of forbearance in trying times is the magic of mantras.

(The author, a freelance writer, has completed her Bachelors in Yogashastra. This article has already been published on the website’www.scienceofsoul.com’)