Sanskrit Mantras & Sankalpa - Part 2: Sacred Mantras

संस्कृत मन्त्र और संकल्प - भाग २

Welcome to Part 2 of the comprehensive guide on Sanskrit mantras. This part focuses on popular mantras for daily worship, deity-specific invocations, and sacred philosophical statements with complete word-by-word translations.

The Gayatri Mantra - गायत्री मन्त्र

The Most Sacred Universal Mantra

The Gayatri Mantra is considered the most powerful and universal mantra in Hinduism. It is addressed to Savitṛ (the solar deity) and is recited during Sandhyavandanam and daily prayers.

Etymology of Gayatri:

• गायत्री (Gāyatrī) = Derived from गै (gai) meaning “to sing” and त्रै (trai) meaning “to protect”
• Literal meaning: “That which protects the one who sings/chants it”
• Also refers to the Gayatri Chandas (meter) - a vedic meter with 24 syllables (3 lines of 8 syllables each)
• The mantra is both named after and composed in this specific meter

Full Gayatri Mantra:

1
ॐ भूर्भुवः स्वः ।
2
तत्सवितुर्वरेण्यं भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि ।
3
धियो यो नः प्रचोदयात् ॥
4

5
Oṃ Bhūr Bhuvaḥ Svaḥ |
6
Tat Savitur Vareṇyaṃ Bhargo Devasya Dhīmahi |
7
Dhiyo Yo Naḥ Prachodayāt ||

Word-by-Word Breakdown

Line 1: Oṃ Bhūr Bhuvaḥ Svaḥ (Mahāvyāhṛti - Great Utterances)

Translation: “Om, [I meditate on] the three planes: Earth, Atmosphere, and Heaven”

Significance: These three Vyāhṛtis (sacred utterances) represent the three realms of existence and the three states of consciousness (waking, dream, deep sleep).

Line 2: Tat Savitur Vareṇyaṃ Bhargo Devasya Dhīmahi

Translation: “We meditate upon that most excellent radiant light of the divine Savitṛ”

Deeper Meaning: We focus our minds on the supreme brilliance of the divine source (symbolized by the Sun) that illuminates everything.

Line 3: Dhiyo Yo Naḥ Prachodayāt

Translation: “May that [divine light] inspire and illuminate our intellects/minds”

Complete Translation:

“Om! [I meditate on] the three planes of existence. We meditate upon the most excellent radiant glory of the divine Savitṛ (Sun). May that [divine light] inspire and illuminate our minds.”

Alternative Poetic Translation:

“Om! O divine light of the three realms, we meditate on your supreme radiance. May you enlighten our understanding.”

When to Recite Gayatri Mantra

• Sandhyavandanam - Three times daily (dawn, noon, dusk)
• Before study - To invoke clarity and wisdom
• Daily morning prayers - For spiritual awakening
• 108 times - For Gayatri Japa (meditation)
• During Upanayana - Sacred thread ceremony initiation

Benefits: Purifies the mind, enhances intellect, removes ignorance, grants spiritual enlightenment.

Mahāmṛtyunjaya Mantra - महामृत्युञ्जय मन्त्र

The Great Death-Conquering Mantra

The Mahāmṛtyunjaya Mantra is one of the most powerful mantras in Hinduism, addressed to Lord Shiva in his aspect as the conqueror of death. It is chanted for health, healing, longevity, and liberation from fear of death.

Full Mantra:

1
ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम् ।
2
उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान्मृत्योर्मुक्षीय माऽमृतात् ॥
3

4
Oṃ Tryambakaṃ Yajāmahe Sugandhiṃ Puṣṭi-Vardhanam |
5
Urvārukam Iva Bandhanān Mṛtyor Mukṣīya Mā 'mṛtāt ||

Complete Word-by-Word Analysis

Line 1: Oṃ Tryambakaṃ Yajāmahe Sugandhiṃ Puṣṭi-Vardhanam

Translation (Line 1): “Om! We worship the three-eyed one (Shiva), who is fragrant and increases nourishment/health”

Line 2: Urvārukam Iva Bandhanān Mṛtyor Mukṣīya Mā ‘mṛtāt

Translation (Line 2): “Like a cucumber/melon [easily separates] from its vine, may I be liberated from death, [but] not from immortality”

Complete Meaning

Literal Translation:

“Om! We worship the three-eyed Lord Shiva, who is fragrant and increases nourishment. Like a ripe cucumber that effortlessly separates from the vine, may we be liberated from the bondage of death, but not from immortality.”

Deeper Interpretation:

• Three-eyed (Tryambaka): Physical sight + inner vision + divine insight
• Fragrant: Divine presence, spiritual purity
• Nourishment-giver: Provider of health and vitality
• Cucumber simile: Just as a ripe fruit falls naturally from the stem without struggle, may we be freed from death naturally, without pain or fear
• “Not from immortality”: Grant us liberation (moksha), not mere physical death, but spiritual immortality

Purpose:

• Healing from illness
• Protection from untimely death
• Overcoming fear of mortality
• Seeking spiritual liberation

When to Chant:

• During illness or health challenges
• For someone seriously ill
• Daily for longevity and well-being
• 108 times for powerful healing
• During Shivaratri and Mondays (Shiva’s day)

Deity-Specific Gayatri Mantras - देवता गायत्री मन्त्र

The Universal Gayatri Pattern

The Gayatri meter is not limited to Savitṛ. There are Gayatri mantras for almost every deity, following a standard three-part structure.

Universal Structure:

1
ॐ [Deity Name/Attribute] विद्महे
2
[Another Attribute/Form] धीमहि ।
3
तन्नः [Deity Name] प्रचोदयात् ॥
4

5
Oṃ [Deity Name/Attribute] Vidmahe
6
[Another Attribute/Form] Dhīmahi |
7
Tannaḥ [Deity Name] Prachodayāt ||

Three Parts Explained:

Example 1: Kartikeya Gayatri Mantra

Full Mantra:

1
ॐ कार्तिकेयाय विद्महे
2
वल्लि नाथाय धीमहि ।
3
तन्नः स्कन्द प्रचोदयात् ॥
4

5
Oṃ Kārtikeyāya Vidmahe
6
Valli Nāthāya Dhīmahi |
7
Tannaḥ Skanda Prachodayāt ||

Word-by-Word Translation:

Complete Translation:

“Om! We recognize Kartikeya. We meditate upon the Lord of Valli (Goddess Valli’s consort). May that Skanda inspire and enlighten us.”

When to Chant: For courage, wisdom, removal of obstacles, especially on Tuesdays and during Skanda Shashti.

How to Create Gayatri Mantras for Other Deities

Step-by-Step Pattern:

1. Choose the deity’s name and attributes:

• First line: Main name or form (in dative case: -āya for male, -yai for female)
• Second line: Another attribute, consort’s name, or iconic symbol
• Third line: Common name for the prayer request

2. Follow the structure:

1
ॐ [Deity Dative Name] विद्महे
2
[Attribute/Form Dative] धीमहि ।
3
तन्नः [Deity Name Nominative] प्रचोदयात् ॥

Examples for Different Deities:

Ganesha Gayatri:

1
ॐ एकदन्ताय विद्महे
2
वक्रतुण्डाय धीमहि ।
3
तन्नो दन्ती प्रचोदयात् ॥
4

5
Oṃ Ekadantāya Vidmahe
6
Vakratuṇḍāya Dhīmahi |
7
Tanno Dantī Prachodayāt ||

Translation: “Om! We know the one-tusked Ganesha. We meditate upon the curved-trunked one. May that tusked deity inspire us.”

Lakshmi Gayatri:

1
ॐ महालक्ष्म्यै विद्महे
2
विष्णुपत्न्यै धीमहि ।
3
तन्नो लक्ष्मीः प्रचोदयात् ॥
4

5
Oṃ Mahālakṣmyai Vidmahe
6
Viṣṇupatnyai Dhīmahi |
7
Tanno Lakṣmīḥ Prachodayāt ||

Translation: “Om! We know Mahalakshmi. We meditate upon Vishnu’s consort. May that Lakshmi inspire us.”

Saraswati Gayatri:

1
ॐ वाग्देव्यै विद्महे
2
कामराजाय धीमहि ।
3
तन्नः सरस्वती प्रचोदयात् ॥
4

5
Oṃ Vāgdevyai Vidmahe
6
Kāmarājāya Dhīmahi |
7
Tannaḥ Sarasvatī Prachodayāt ||

Translation: “Om! We know the Goddess of Speech. We meditate upon the ruler of desires (arts). May that Saraswati inspire us.”

Hanuman Gayatri:

1
ॐ अञ्जनेयाय विद्महे
2
वायुपुत्राय धीमहि ।
3
तन्नो हनुमत् प्रचोदयात् ॥
4

5
Oṃ Añjaneyāya Vidmahe
6
Vāyuputrāya Dhīmahi |
7
Tanno Hanumat Prachodayāt ||

Translation: “Om! We know Anjaneya. We meditate upon the son of Vayu. May that Hanuman inspire us.”

Venkateshwara Gayatri Mantra

1
ॐ श्री निलयाय विद्महे
2
वेङ्कटेशाय धीमहि ।
3
तन्नो हरि प्रचोदयात् ॥
4

5
Oṃ Śrī Nilayāya Vidmahe
6
Veṅkaṭeśāya Dhīmahi |
7
Tanno Hari Prachodayāt ||

Complete Translation:

“Om! We know the abode of Lakshmi (Lord Venkateshwara). We meditate upon the Lord of Venkata hills. May that Hari inspire and enlighten us.”

When to Chant: For prosperity, devotion to Lord Vishnu, especially on Thursdays, during Venkateshwara puja, and when visiting Tirupati.

Venkateshwara Mantras - वेङ्कटेश्वर मन्त्र

Venkateshwara Sloka

This beautiful sloka is a prayer to Lord Venkateshwara (also known as Balaji, Srinivasa), one of the most revered forms of Lord Vishnu, who resides on the seven hills of Tirumala.

Full Sloka:

1
भव्य वेङ्कटेशाय सप्तशैल निवासिने ।
2
भव्यानन्द विलासाय नमस्तस्मै नमो नमः ॥
3

4
Bhavya Veṅkaṭeśāya saptaśaila nivāsine |
5
Bhavyānanda vilāsāya namastasmai namo namaḥ ||

Complete Word-by-Word Analysis

Complete Meaning

Literal Translation:

“To the magnificent Venkateshwara, who dwells on the seven hills, who sports in auspicious bliss, salutations to Him, salutations, salutations!”

Deeper Interpretation:

• भव्य वेङ्कटेशाय (Bhavya Veṅkaṭeśāya): Addresses the Lord’s magnificent and auspicious form
• सप्तशैल निवासिने (Saptaśaila nivāsine): Refers to Tirumala, the seven hills where Lord Venkateshwara resides in Andhra Pradesh
• भव्यानन्द विलासाय (Bhavyānanda vilāsāya): The Lord who manifests in divine bliss, granting auspiciousness to devotees
• नमस्तस्मै नमो नमः (Namastasmai namo namaḥ): Triple salutation showing supreme reverence

Significance:

• Invokes Lord Venkateshwara, the wish-fulfilling deity
• Acknowledges His abode at Tirumala, one of the holiest pilgrimage sites
• Seeks His divine grace and blessings
• Expresses devotion through repeated prostrations

When to Chant:

• During Venkateshwara puja at home
• Before or after Tirupati pilgrimage
• On Thursdays (Vishnu’s day)
• During Vaikunta Ekadasi
• When seeking prosperity, protection, and spiritual progress

Connection to Tirumala:

The सप्तशैल (Saptaśaila) or seven hills of Tirumala are:

1. Seshadri
2. Neeladri
3. Garudadri
4. Anjanadri
5. Vrishabhadri
6. Narayanadri
7. Venkatadri

Lord Venkateshwara is believed to be Kaliyuga Varada - the deity who readily grants wishes in this age.

Etymology of Varada:

• वरद (Varada) = वर (Vara) + द (Da)
• वर (Vara) = Boon, wish, blessing
• द (Da) = Giver (from दा - dā, to give)
• Complete meaning: “Boon-giver” or “Granter of wishes”
• Lord Venkateshwara as Varada fulfills the desires of sincere devotees

Hanuman Mantras - हनुमान मन्त्र

Popular Hanuman Invocations

1. Hanuman Beeja Mantra:

1
ॐ ऐं ब्रीं हनुमते
2
श्री राम दूताय नमः ॥
3

4
Oṃ Aiṃ Hrīṃ Hanumate
5
Śrī Rāma Dūtāya Namaḥ ||

Translation: “Om Aiṃ Hrīṃ! Salutations to Hanuman, the sacred messenger of Lord Rama.”

When to Chant: For strength, courage, protection from negative energies, especially on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Shiva Mantras - शिव मन्त्र

Karpur Gauram - कर्पूर गौरम्

This beautiful Shiva stotram is chanted during Karpura Aarti (camphor flame offering).

Full Mantra:

1
कर्पूरगौरं करुणावतारं संसारसारं भुजगेन्द्रहारम् ।
2
सदा वसन्तं हृदयारविन्दे भवं भवानीसहितं नमामि ॥
3

4
Karpūra-gauraṃ karuṇā-avatāraṃ saṃsāra-sāraṃ bhujagendra-hāram |
5
Sadā vasantaṃ hṛdayāravinde bhavaṃ bhavānī-sahitaṃ namāmi ||

Word-by-Word Translation:

Complete Translation:

“I bow to Lord Shiva, who is white as camphor, the incarnation of compassion, the essence of the world, who wears the king of serpents as a garland, who always dwells in the lotus of my heart, together with Goddess Bhavani (Parvati).”

When to Chant: During camphor aarti, Shivaratri, Monday worship, at the end of Shiva puja.

Sandhyavandanam - सन्ध्यावन्दनम्

The Three-Times Daily Ritual

Sandhyāvandanam (सन्ध्यावन्दनम्) is the essential daily ritual performed by Dvija (twice-born) castes, especially Brahmins, after receiving the sacred thread (Yajñopavīta) during Upanayana.

Etymology:

• सन्ध्या (Sandhyā) = Junction, twilight (सम् + धा = “bringing together”)
• वन्दनम् (Vandanam) = Worship, salutation

Meaning: “Worship at the junctions of the day”

When is Sandhyavandanam Performed?

Three Times Daily (त्रिकाल सन्ध्या - Trikāla Sandhyā):

Why Three Times?

• Represents the three states of consciousness (waking, dream, deep sleep)
• Honors the Trimurti (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva)
• Marks the three junctions where day meets night

Main Components of Sandhyavandanam

1. Āchamana - Sipping water for purification
2. Prāṇāyāma - Breath control exercises
3. Sankalpa - Declaration of intent
4. Mārjana - Sprinkling water for purification
5. Aghamarṣaṇa - Destruction of sins
6. Gayatri Japa - Reciting Gayatri Mantra (10, 28, or 108 times)
7. Upasthāna - Offering prayers to the Sun
8. Abhivādana - Prostration to elders/teachers

The Gayatri Mantra is the heart of Sandhyavandanam, recited multiple times during each session.

Kṣamā Prārthanā - क्षमा प्रार्थना

Forgiveness Prayer at Puja Conclusion

At the end of every puja, it is traditional to recite a Kṣamā Prārthanā (forgiveness prayer), acknowledging that our worship may have been imperfect.

Full Prayer:

1
आवाहनं न जानामि न जानामि विसर्जनम् ।
2
पूजां चैव न जानामि क्षमस्व परमेश्वर ॥
3

4
मन्त्रहीनं क्रियाहीनं भक्तिहीनं जनार्दन ।
5
यत्पूजितं मया देव परिपूर्णं तदस्तु मे ॥
6

7
Āvāhanaṃ na jānāmi na jānāmi visarjanam |
8
Pūjāṃ caiva na jānāmi kṣamasva parameśvara ||
9

10
Mantra-hīnaṃ kriyā-hīnaṃ bhakti-hīnaṃ janārdana |
11
Yat pūjitaṃ mayā deva paripūrṇaṃ tad astu me ||

Word-by-Word Breakdown

Verse 1: Āvāhanaṃ na jānāmi na jānāmi visarjanam

Translation (Verse 1): “I do not know [the proper method of] invocation, nor do I know [the proper method of] dismissal. I do not know [the proper way of] worship. Please forgive me, O Supreme Lord.”

Verse 2: Mantra-hīnaṃ kriyā-hīnaṃ bhakti-hīnaṃ janārdana

Translation (Verse 2): “O Janardana! Whatever worship I have offered to you, O Lord, [even though it was] lacking in mantras, lacking in proper rituals, and lacking in devotion, may that [worship] become complete and perfect for me.”

Complete Meaning

Full Translation:

“I do not know the proper way to invoke you, nor do I know the proper way to bid you farewell. I do not even know how to worship correctly. O Supreme Lord, please forgive my ignorance.

O Janardana! Whatever worship I have offered you, even though it lacked proper mantras, proper ritual actions, and true devotion, may you graciously accept it and make it complete and perfect.”

Significance:

• Shows humility - acknowledging our imperfections
• Seeks divine grace - God’s acceptance despite our errors
• Universal application - can be said to any deity
• Reminds us that sincere intention matters more than technical perfection

When to Recite:

• At the end of every puja
• After Aarti and Pradakshina
• Before final Namaskara (prostration)

Sacred Mantras for Life Events

Mangalya Dharana - मांगल्य धारण

Mangalya Dharana is the sacred thread (Thali/Mangalsutra) tying ceremony during Hindu weddings.

Mantra Recited During Thali Tying:

1
मङ्गल्यं तन्तुनानेन मम जीवन हेतुना ।
2
कण्ठे बध्नामि सुभगे त्वं जीव शरद: शतम् ॥
3

4
Maṅgalyaṃ tantu-nānena mama jīvana hetunā |
5
Kaṇṭhe badhnāmi subhage tvaṃ jīva śaradaḥ śatam ||

Word-by-Word Translation:

Complete Translation:

“This sacred thread I tie around your neck for the sake of my life and longevity. O blessed one, may you live for a hundred years (autumns).”

Significance:

• मङ्गल्य (Maṅgalya) = The auspicious thread symbolizing marital bond
• Husband ties it, wishing long life for the wife
• शरद: शतम् (Śaradaḥ Śatam) = 100 autumns = 100 years of life together

Tamil Connection: In Tamil, this is called தாலி கட்டுதல் (Tāli Kaṭṭutal) - tying the sacred thread.

Goddess Invocation - देवी आह्वान

Sarva Mangala Māṅgalye

This powerful Devi/Durga mantra is chanted to invoke the Goddess for all auspiciousness.

Full Mantra:

1
सर्वमङ्गलमाङ्गल्ये शिवे सर्वार्थसाधिके ।
2
शरण्ये त्र्यम्बके गौरि नारायणि नमोऽस्तु ते ॥
3

4
Sarva-maṅgala-māṅgalye śive sarvārtha-sādhike |
5
Śaraṇye tryambake gauri nārāyaṇi namo'stu te ||

Word-by-Word Breakdown:

Complete Translation:

“O Goddess, who is the auspiciousness of all that is auspicious! O auspicious one, who accomplishes all purposes and goals! O refuge, O three-eyed Gauri, O Narayani, salutations to you!”

When to Chant:

• During Navaratri
• Before beginning any auspicious work
• When seeking Goddess’s blessings
• During Durga/Devi puja
• For protection and success

Buddhist & Other Traditions

Tisarana - The Three Refuges

Buddhist Triple Refuge (Triratna):

1
बुद्धं शरणं गच्छामि ।
2
धम्मं शरणं गच्छामि ।
3
संघं शरणं गच्छामि ॥
4

5
Buddhaṃ śaraṇaṃ gacchāmi |
6
Dhammaṃ śaraṇaṃ gacchāmi |
7
Saṃghaṃ śaraṇaṃ gacchāmi ||

Word-by-Word Translation:

Translation:

“I take refuge in the Buddha. I take refuge in the Dhamma. I take refuge in the Sangha.”

Significance:

• Core Buddhist declaration
• The Three Jewels (Triratna): Buddha, Dhamma, Sangha
• Recited by all Buddhist practitioners worldwide

Bhoothanatha Stotram

Prayer to Lord Ayyappa/Dharma Shastha:

1
भूतनाथ सदानन्द सर्वभूत दयापर ।
2
रक्ष रक्ष महाबाहो शास्त्रे तुभ्यं नमो नमः ॥
3

4
Bhūthanātha sadānanda sarva-bhūta dayā-para |
5
Rakṣa rakṣa mahā-bāho śāstre tubhyaṃ namo namaḥ ||

Word-by-Word Translation:

Complete Translation:

“O Lord of all beings, ever-blissful one, supremely compassionate towards all creatures! Protect me, protect me, O mighty-armed Dharma Shastha! Salutations, salutations to you!”

Who is Dharma Shastha?

• धर्म शास्ता (Dharma Śāstā) = “Teacher / Controller / Ruler / Governor of Dharma (Righteousness)”
• Refers to Lord Ayyappa (son of Shiva and Mohini/Vishnu)
• Worshipped primarily in Kerala and South India
• Guardian deity at Sabarimala temple
• Represents righteous living and dharmic discipline

When to Chant: During Ayyappa worship, Sabarimala pilgrimage, Makaravilakku festival.

Mahāvākyas - महावाक्य

The Great Philosophical Statements

The Mahāvākyas are profound statements from the Upanishads that reveal the ultimate truth of Advaita Vedanta (non-dualism).

1. Aham Brahmāsmi - अहं ब्रह्मास्मि

Sanskrit:

1
अहं ब्रह्मास्मि
2

3
Ahaṃ Brahmāsmi

Word-by-Word:

Translation: “I am Brahman”

Source: Bṛhadāraṇyaka Upaniṣad (1.4.10)

Meaning:

• Declares the identity of the individual self (Ātman) with the universal Brahman
• Not the ego “I”, but the true Self beyond body and mind
• Core teaching of Advaita Vedanta (non-dualism)
• Realization: “I am not separate from the infinite consciousness”

2. Tat Tvam Asi - तत्त्वमसि

Sanskrit:

1
तत्त्वमसि
2

3
Tat Tvam Asi

Word-by-Word:

Translation: “You are That” / “Thou art That”

Source: Chāndogya Upaniṣad (6.8.7)

Meaning:

• “That” (Tat) = The supreme Brahman, ultimate reality
• “You” (Tvam) = Your true self, Ātman
• Teaching: Your essential nature is identical to the cosmic consciousness
• Given by father Uddālaka to son Śvetaketu in the Upanishad

Context: Most famous Mahavakya, used in spiritual instruction (Guru to disciple).

Other Great Mahāvākyas

3. Prajñānaṃ Brahma (प्रज्ञानं ब्रह्म)

• “Consciousness is Brahman”
• Source: Aitareya Upaniṣad
• Consciousness itself is the ultimate reality

4. Ayam Ātmā Brahma (अयमात्मा ब्रह्म)

• “This Self is Brahman”
• Source: Māṇḍūkya Upaniṣad
• The individual self is none other than Brahman

Bhagavad Gita - Karma Yoga Verse

The Teaching on Selfless Action

This is one of the most famous verses from the Bhagavad Gita (2.47), teaching the principle of Karma Yoga - performing one’s duty without attachment to results.

Full Verse:

1
कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन ।
2
मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि ॥
3

4
Karmaṇye-vādhikāras-te mā phaleṣu kadācana |
5
Mā karma-phala-hetur-bhūr mā te saṅgo'stv-akarmaṇi ||

Complete Word-by-Word Analysis

Line 1: Karmaṇye-vādhikāras-te mā phaleṣu kadācana

Translation (Line 1): “You have a right to perform your prescribed duty only, but never to the fruits [of your actions].”

Line 2: Mā karma-phala-hetur-bhūr mā te saṅgo’stv-akarmaṇi

Translation (Line 2): “Never consider yourself the cause of the results of your activities, and never be attached to not doing your duty.”

Complete Meaning

Full Translation:

“You have the right to perform your prescribed duty, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions. Never consider yourself to be the cause of the results of your activities, and never be attached to inaction (avoiding your duty).”

Deeper Interpretation:

Four Core Teachings:

1. कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते (Your right is to action alone)

   • Focus on doing your duty to the best of your ability
   • Your responsibility is the effort, not the outcome

2. मा फलेषु कदाचन (Never to the fruits)

   • Don’t be attached to success or failure
   • Results are not in your control - cosmic law (karma) determines outcomes

3. मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूः (Don’t be the cause of results)

   • Don’t claim “I did this” with ego
   • Acknowledge that you’re an instrument of divine will

4. मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि (No attachment to inaction)

   • Don’t use “detachment” as an excuse to avoid duty
   • Action is necessary - only attachment to results should be renounced

Practical Application

In Daily Life:

• Student: Study sincerely without obsessing over exam results
• Professional: Work diligently without anxiety about promotion
• Spiritual seeker: Practice without craving enlightenment

Why This Teaching is Revolutionary:

• Removes anxiety about success/failure
• Prevents ego inflation from achievements
• Eliminates laziness disguised as renunciation
• Creates inner peace while remaining active

Context in Bhagavad Gita:

• Spoken by Lord Krishna to Arjuna on the battlefield
• Arjuna was confused about whether to fight (his duty as a warrior)
• Krishna teaches: “Do your duty, leave results to Me”

When to Reflect on This Verse:

• When facing important decisions
• When worried about outcomes
• When tempted to avoid responsibilities
• When ego arises from success
• When depressed by failure

This is the essence of Karma Yoga - the path of selfless action.

Summary & Conclusion

Key Takeaways from Part 2

What We Covered:

1. Universal Mantras:

   • Gayatri Mantra (for wisdom and enlightenment)
   • Mahamrityunjaya Mantra (for health and longevity)

2. Deity-Specific Gayatri Pattern:

   • Structure: Vidmahe + Dhīmahi + Prachodayāt
   • Examples: Kartikeya, Ganesha, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Hanuman

3. Hanuman Mantras:

   • Gayatri form
   • Beeja mantra with Aiṃ Hrīṃ

4. Shiva Mantras:

   • Karpur Gauram (camphor aarti)

5. Daily Practices:

   • Sandhyavandanam (three times daily)
   • Kṣamā Prārthanā (forgiveness at puja end)

6. Life Event Mantras:

   • Mangalya Dharana (wedding thread tying)
   • Sarva Mangala Mangalye (Goddess invocation)

7. Buddhist & Other Traditions:

   • Tisarana (Three Refuges)
   • Bhoothanatha (Ayyappa prayer)

8. Philosophical Wisdom:

   • Mahāvākyas: Aham Brahmāsmi, Tat Tvam Asi
   • Dharma Shastha meaning

How to Use These Mantras

For Daily Practice:

1. Start with Gayatri Mantra - universal for all
2. Add your Ishta Devata Gayatri - personal deity
3. End with Kṣamā Prārthanā - seek forgiveness

For Specific Needs:

• Health: Mahamrityunjaya
• Wisdom: Gayatri, Saraswati Gayatri
• Strength: Hanuman mantras
• Protection: Sarva Mangala Mangalye
• Peace: Shiva mantras

Pronunciation Tips:

• Learn from a qualified teacher or authentic audio
• Focus on clarity over speed
• Understand the meaning for deeper connection
• Regular practice brings the best results

Common Devotional Terms - भक्ति शब्दावली

Essential Sanskrit & Tamil Worship Vocabulary

Understanding these commonly used devotional terms enhances your spiritual practice and helps you participate meaningfully in worship.

Common Phrases in Worship

Sharanam Phrases:

• शरणं गच्छामि (Śaraṇaṃ gacchāmi) = “I take refuge” / “I surrender”
• गोविन्द शरणम् (Govinda Śaraṇam) = “Govinda is my refuge”
• अय्यप्प शरणम् (Ayyappa Śaraṇam) = “Ayyappa is my refuge” (common in South India)

Devotional Exclamations:

• जय (Jaya) = Victory! Hail!
• हर हर महादेव (Hara Hara Mahādeva) = Glory to the great Shiva
• हरे कृष्ण (Hare Kṛṣṇa) = O Lord Krishna
• जय श्री राम (Jaya Śrī Rāma) = Victory to Lord Rama

Closing Prayers:

• शुभम् भवतु (Śubham bhavatu) = “May there be auspiciousness”
• सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः (Sarve bhavantu sukhinaḥ) = “May all beings be happy”
• लोकाः समस्ताः सुखिनो भवन्तु (Lokāḥ samastāḥ sukhino bhavantu) = “May all worlds be happy”

May these sacred mantras guide you on your spiritual journey!

ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः Om Śāntiḥ Śāntiḥ Śāntiḥ “Om, Peace, Peace, Peace”

🙏