Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya

ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय

Om Namo Bhagavate Vāsudevāya

The Mantra and Its Meaning

This is one of the most popular Hindu mantras and the most important mantra in Vaishnavism. It is called the Dvadasakshari Mantra, meaning the 'twelve-syllable' mantra.

Om: The primeval sound of the universe.
Namo: Salutations or I bow down.
Bhagavate: To the one who is divine, God Himself.
Vāsudevāya: To Vāsudeva, meaning 'the son of Vasudeva,' which refers to Lord Krishna. It also means 'the one who resides in all beings.'

Full Meaning: I bow down to the Lord who resides in the hearts of all.

Deity and Origin

This mantra is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his avatar Lord Krishna. Its origins are ancient, prominently mentioned in the Srimad Bhagavatam. It is believed to have been given by the sage Narada to Dhruva to help him achieve his goal of seeing the Lord.

Story Behind the Mantra

Young Prince Dhruva was deeply hurt by the words of his stepmother and sought to achieve a kingdom greater than his father's. On the advice of the sage Narada, he went to the forest and began chanting this mantra with intense devotion. Pleased by his unwavering penance, Lord Vishnu appeared before him, blessed him, and created a special celestial body for him, the Pole Star (Dhruva Nakshatra), which would remain fixed in the sky forever.

Who Should Chant This Mantra?

This mantra can be chanted by anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. It is a universal prayer for anyone seeking peace, spiritual growth, and the grace of Lord Vishnu.

How and When to Chant

Time: It can be chanted at any time, though early morning (Brahma Muhurta) is considered most auspicious.
Preparation: A clean body and a calm mind are recommended. Facing east while chanting is a common practice.
Method: It is typically chanted 108 times using a Tulsi or Rudraksha mala. The focus should be on the sound and meaning, allowing the divine vibrations to permeate the consciousness.

Benefits and Advantages

Spiritual Liberation: It is known as the Mukti (liberation) mantra, which helps the soul attain freedom from the cycle of birth and death.
Peace and Harmony: Regular chanting brings inner peace, calms the mind, and reduces stress and anxiety.
Divine Protection: It creates a protective shield around the chanter, warding off negative energies and evil forces.
Fulfillment of Desires: Chanting with sincere devotion is believed to fulfill righteous desires and lead to overall prosperity.
No Disadvantages: There are no disadvantages to chanting this powerful and benevolent mantra.