Mantras for Worship
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About the TextsWe are providing texts of many popular rituals and mantras used for worship in Sanskrit and English tranliteration. These PDF files were hand-typed by Swamiji. They are in need of editing. There are plans to create printed (book) versions of each of these texts along with translation, explanations, and instructions for use in rituals.
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Request for Donations
This site is maintained by volunteers. Those who have benefited from this information are encouraged to give dakshina (donation). Donations are needed to help publish printed versions of Swamiji's books and to maintain and update this site. Those who are familiar with Sanskrit may wish to donate their time to help update or edit the texts here by contacting info@somamatha.org.
Use of Mantras
Mantras have the power to heal consciousness at the deepest level. They effect the people who hear them and the places where they are practiced. The Vedic mantras have been revealed by the Rishis (Sages) for the benefit of humanity. Men, women, and children of all nationalities, casts, creeds, and social statuses can benefit from the use of mantra, but they must have courage to look within themselves and an intention to help all living beings.
The following text have been created by Swamiji for the benefit of the people. Most of the Vedic rituals are based upon the Āpastamba Sūtra of the Kṛṣṇa Yajurveda, one of the most popular Vedic traditions in South India. Some rituals here have their origins in the Āgamas and other later texts and some are unique to this lineage.
This information is shared with the public for their education and spiritual upliftment. It is asked that the people who benefit from this information spread the blessings of these mantras by sharing them with compassionate, wise, and dharmic (spiritual) souls. Please use this information for the peace of the triloka (three worlds). The Vedas are powerful to heal and uplift all who use them for healing and peace. They are powerful to destroy those who work for selfish gains. They purify the soul by destroying all that is impure. It is very important for the safety of the chanter that chanting be done to offer his selfish tendencies to the Lord. When spiritual practice is done in this way there will be no concern about mistakes or bad effects from mispronunciation etc. When doing a practice of Veda chanting it is important to have a Guru to teach the proper pronunciation and to guide and support the soul through the process of spiritual awakening. The Guru's grace empowers the mantras for the sincere student. He balances and supports the seeker as the shakti of the mantras transforms his consciousness. There are relatively many people who chant many Sanskrit mantras daily; but there are a rare few souls who have realized the Truth of Vedas living within their own hearts. May this page lead the sincere seekers toward the realization of that Truth. Tat Sat, Hari AUM!
Sincere seekers who wish to realize the truth of Vedas are encouraged to contact Swamiji for guidance.
The following text have been created by Swamiji for the benefit of the people. Most of the Vedic rituals are based upon the Āpastamba Sūtra of the Kṛṣṇa Yajurveda, one of the most popular Vedic traditions in South India. Some rituals here have their origins in the Āgamas and other later texts and some are unique to this lineage.
This information is shared with the public for their education and spiritual upliftment. It is asked that the people who benefit from this information spread the blessings of these mantras by sharing them with compassionate, wise, and dharmic (spiritual) souls. Please use this information for the peace of the triloka (three worlds). The Vedas are powerful to heal and uplift all who use them for healing and peace. They are powerful to destroy those who work for selfish gains. They purify the soul by destroying all that is impure. It is very important for the safety of the chanter that chanting be done to offer his selfish tendencies to the Lord. When spiritual practice is done in this way there will be no concern about mistakes or bad effects from mispronunciation etc. When doing a practice of Veda chanting it is important to have a Guru to teach the proper pronunciation and to guide and support the soul through the process of spiritual awakening. The Guru's grace empowers the mantras for the sincere student. He balances and supports the seeker as the shakti of the mantras transforms his consciousness. There are relatively many people who chant many Sanskrit mantras daily; but there are a rare few souls who have realized the Truth of Vedas living within their own hearts. May this page lead the sincere seekers toward the realization of that Truth. Tat Sat, Hari AUM!
Sincere seekers who wish to realize the truth of Vedas are encouraged to contact Swamiji for guidance.
Mantra Texts in Sanskrit and English:
1) Ganapati Puja
Prayer to Lord Ganesha. All are eligible to worship Lord Ganesha, who sits at Muladhara chakra at the base of the spine. He pulls awareness of the seeker out the the lower chakras bellow the spine and prepares him for spiritual awakening. He is easy to access and he is kind to those souls still caught in the world of desire. He does not bring about intense return of karmas for those caught in selfish thought and action as the other Devas can, but balances the seeker and slowly prepares him for knowledge and attainment. His worship prepares us for spiritual awakening and makes us ready to access the other aspects of the Divine. He is Vagishvara, Lord of Speech, and he helps us to learn mantras and rituals. It is traditional to worship Him before any other form of God is invoked.
Ganapati Puja Sanskrit Ganapati Puja English Ganapati Puja Audio
Ganapati Puja Sanskrit Ganapati Puja English Ganapati Puja Audio
2) Gananathamritananda Swami Paduka Puja
Paduka Puja is the worship of the Holy Sandals of the teacher. God is in all things in the world, but He is most viaible to souls bound by karma and maya in the feet of his own Guru (teacher). There is no better way to remain connected (or to deepen) the connection with a teacher than through the simple practice of Pada Puja. Swamiji encourages his shishyas (students) to do a daily Pada Puja. When it is not possible to have regular darshan (sight / blessings) or personal instruction from a teacher, Pada Puja is the best alternative. The teacher is able to guide and bless, help and heal the seeker through the offerings made. A short version of this puja has been provided to help the devotees succeed at daily practice of this important ritual on days that their time is limited.If even the abbreviated ritual is not possible, at least a student can light an oil lamp and offer a flower or a leaf before a photo of the teacher. It is ok to temporarily discontinue puja when sick, injured (especially if bleeding), during monthly menstruation and pregnancy for women, and when traveling.
Pada Puja Sanskrit Pada Puja English
Pada Puja (Short Version) Sanskrit Pada Puja (Short Version) English
Pada Puja Sanskrit Pada Puja English
Pada Puja (Short Version) Sanskrit Pada Puja (Short Version) English
3) Sarva Devata Mantra
This text provides short, simple mantras for Sarva Devata (all the Gods). Veda, Purana, Gayatri, and Mula Mantras are included for various popular forms of God. Though there is one Formless Lord, He manifests in many ways throughout the universe of His creation. People approach Him in different ways according to their individual nature. For these reasons we call Him by various names to invoke different attributes of His Divinity. Each Deva (God) is the embodiment of the Supreme Lord. These mantras are suitable for japa (repetition), puja (worship), or homam (fire ceremony). These mantras are all used for God realization and for healing and helping the world. Each mantra has a specific powerful energy. It is not wise to use such powerful mantras without some understanding of their specific powers and their suitableness for the individual using them. People may wish to seek Swamiji's advise before starting japam of these mantras. To unlock the power of mantra it is important to have mantras diksha (initiation) to empower the practice.
Sarva Devataa Mantram Sanskrit Sarva Devata Mantram English
Sarva Devataa Mantram Sanskrit Sarva Devata Mantram English
4) Sandhya Vandanam
Sandhya Vandanam is the basic daily ritual. It is practiced by all who study (chant) the Veda. These texts are the rituals taught by Swamiji. We are working to update and simplify this text and to add an English translation. This text is based largely upon the Apastamba Sutra of the Kirshna Yajurveda. Traditionally Sandhya must be conducted before any other rites, pujas, or homam may be performed. This ritual purifies people to make them fit for study of other mantras contained in Vedas. Sandhya Vandhanam is centered around the recitations of the sacred Gayatri Mantram. Swamiji encourages women and men and children over the age of 11 of all varnas and nationalities to learn Vedas. Traditionally upanayanam is only performed for men. Swamiji encourages men and women to keep the sandhya times sacred by chanting Gayatri Mantram. Many modern Sampradayas allow women to chant Vedic Mantras, but they prohibit them from saying the Gayatri Mantra. If women are to become fit to study Vedas, they should perform Sandhya Vandanam. Women should be advised of the potential difficulties that such practice may cause for them (including the quickening of karmas and potential difficulty for them to uphold a family life), and encouraged to follow their hearts. Tradition discourages women from chanting Vedas during their monthly cycle because when a person is bleeding there can be some risk of attack by lower astral influences. In this Kali Yuga, many of the more intuitive, brave, kind, pure, and spiritual souls are reincarnating as women. If a person has a deep longing for God realization, they should not be discouraged from seeking God in appropriate ways. In the Vedic times, women were permitted to chant Vedas, and many of the Vedic hymns were revealed by women Rishikas. Anyone who wishes sincerely to seek the Lord should be taught the mystical practices revealed by the Sages for Self -realization.
Sandhya Vandanam is really three rituals conducted at three times each day. The three nitya karmas (daily rituals) are: 1) Pratah sandhya Vandanam, performed in the hours before dawn; 2) Madhyahnikam performed at midday, and 3) Sayam Sandhya Vandanam, performed in the evening just before Sunset. A daily ritual called Brahma Yajnam is performed after Maadhyaahnikam (midday ritual) reciting from the Veda and making offerings to Ancestors, Sages, and God.
Sandhya Vandanam is really three rituals conducted at three times each day. The three nitya karmas (daily rituals) are: 1) Pratah sandhya Vandanam, performed in the hours before dawn; 2) Madhyahnikam performed at midday, and 3) Sayam Sandhya Vandanam, performed in the evening just before Sunset. A daily ritual called Brahma Yajnam is performed after Maadhyaahnikam (midday ritual) reciting from the Veda and making offerings to Ancestors, Sages, and God.
4a) Pratah Sandya Vandanam
Morning Prayers
Pratah Sandhya Vandanam Sanskrit Pratah Sandhya Vandanam English
Pratah Sandhyavandanam Sanskrit (Medium Length) Pratah Sandhyavandanam English (Medium Length)
Pratah Sandhyavandanam Sanskrit (Short) Pratah Sandhyavandaam English (Short)
Pratah Sandhya Vandanam Sanskrit Pratah Sandhya Vandanam English
Pratah Sandhyavandanam Sanskrit (Medium Length) Pratah Sandhyavandanam English (Medium Length)
Pratah Sandhyavandanam Sanskrit (Short) Pratah Sandhyavandaam English (Short)
4b) Madhyanikam
Midday Prayers
Madhyahnikam Sanskrit Madhyahnikam English
Madhyahnikam Sanskrit (Medium Length) Madhyahnikam English (Medium Length)
Madhyahnikam Sanskrit (Short) Madhyahnikam English (Short)
Madhyahnikam Sanskrit Madhyahnikam English
Madhyahnikam Sanskrit (Medium Length) Madhyahnikam English (Medium Length)
Madhyahnikam Sanskrit (Short) Madhyahnikam English (Short)
4c) Brahma Yajnam
4d) Sayam Sandhya Vandanam
Evening Prayers
Sayam Sandhya Vandanam Sanskrit Sayam Sandhya Vandanam English
Sayam Sandhyavandanam Sanskrit (Medium Length) Sayam Sandhyavandanam English (Medium Length)
Sayam Sandhyavandanam Sanskrit (Short) Sayam Sandhyavandanam English (Short)
Sayam Sandhya Vandanam Sanskrit Sayam Sandhya Vandanam English
Sayam Sandhyavandanam Sanskrit (Medium Length) Sayam Sandhyavandanam English (Medium Length)
Sayam Sandhyavandanam Sanskrit (Short) Sayam Sandhyavandanam English (Short)
4e) Gayatri Dhyanam
5) Upakarma
Upakarma is the ritual for changing of the Yajnopavitam (the Sacred Thread). Upakarma is performed annually at a specific time (around Aug-Sept) according to which Veda a person has been initiated to study. In our tradition, we change the thread on the full-moon day of Shravana month. This ritual should be performed whenever the thread must be changed (if it breaks, becomes dirty, or impure). Sometimes one may simply feel it is time to change the thread. This ritual may be conducted any time it is desirable to change the thread.
Upakarma Sanskrit Upakarma English
Upakarma Sanskrit Upakarma English
6) Samida Dhanam
Samidadhanam is a daily fire ceremony conducted by brahmacharins (celibate students), in which samidhas (or twigs from proscribed trees like banyan, shami, udumbara, mango, fig trees, or fruit trees) are offered into the sacred fire. If this ritual is not conducted daily by brahmacharins, it should at least be conducted whenever upakarma is performed. At the time of marriage, the household fire is lit from the father's fire and Agnihotra and Aupasanam are offered instead of Samida Dhanam. Until the time of marriage, this daily fire ritual is performed daily for the peace of the world.
Samidadhanam Sanskrit Samidadhanam English
Samidadhanam Sanskrit Samidadhanam English
7) Aupāsanam - Agnihotra
The most basic Vedic Yajnams (fire ceremonies) are Aupāsanam and Agnihotram. Aupāsanam is a daily household rite (grihya karma) which is offered together by husband and wife. Agnihotra is the basic daily ritual for the benefit of society (shrauta karma). Marriage is a prerequisite for these offerings. Traditionally, those who are not living a grihasta dharma (who are not married) perform Samida Dhanam instead of Agnihotra and Aupasnam. Both offerings are made twice daily, at the time of dawn and dusk into the sacred fire. As of 4/29/2015, we have uploaded an updated text for Agnihotra and Aupāsanam, which more or less adheres to the tradition of the Apastambha Suutra of the Krishna Yajurveda.
Agnihotra / Aupasanam Sanskrit Agnihotra / Aupasana English
Agnihotra / Aupasanam Sanskrit Agnihotra / Aupasana English
8) Veda Suktams
This text includes 54 Vedic hymns popularly used in worship. As far as we know, our English text, contains the largest selection of Vedic hymns available online in English. The Vedas have been revealed for the peace of the world. When Swamiji sought to study Vedas, he was told by priests that he was unfit to study Vedas because he was not born as a Brahmin. Swamiji was quite distraught to not find a teacher and cried and prayed until Goddess Sarasvati appeared before him and taught him Vedas. By the command of Sarasvati Devi Herself Swamiji teaches Vedas for the peace of the world to men, women, and children with faith and devotion. Please donate to help us keep the teachings free and available to the public.
Swamiji teaches that the powerful mantras from the Veda mantras are unparalleled for their ability to alter human consciousness. The Veda Mantras carry a sacred vibration which awakens human consciousness to the direct experience of Divinity. They purify the mind of the person who chants or hears them with bhakti (devotion) and they purify the place where they are chanted. Because the Vedic hymns work from the deepest spiritual levels they can be more powerful than physical means for resolving conflicts for individuals, families, and for the society. The Veda mantras have much more complex form than the newer Purana and Tantra mantras. It requires much more time and effort to learn these hymns. It is most often true that the more work people exert toward a desired end, the better the results will be. Swamiji urges spiritual-minded men, women, and children (regardless of nationality, cast, class, race, etc.) to learn to chant Vedas for the peace of the world. Those who seek guidance toward this goal, may contact Swamiji.
Here is a list of the Veda Mantras contained in this long document.
1 Ganapati Atharvashirsham, 2 subrahmanya mantras 3 rshabha suktam 4 laghu nyaasah5 rudra prashnam (namakam and camakam) 6 purusha suuktam 7 naarayana suktam 8 vinshu suktam 9 shrii suktam 10 bhuu suuktam 11 niilaa suktam 12 durgaa suktam 13 devii suktam 14 sarasvatii suuktam 15 medhaa suuktam 16 raatri suuktam 17 bhaagya suuktam (morning mantras)18 aayushya suktam 19 hiranya garbha suktam 20 vaastu suktam 21 kumbha mantras 22 aapa mantras 23 pavamaana suktam (punyaahavaacanam) 24 kapota suktam 25 dasha dikpaalakaa suktam 26 navagraha suktam 27 nakshatra suktam 28 naasadaasiiya suktam 29 agni suktam 30 prthivii suktam 31 oshadhi suktam 32 pitr suktam 33 mrttika suktam 34 go suktam 35 shraddhaa suuktam 36 vivaaha suktam 37 shiva sankalpaah 38 bhadra suuktam 39 brama suuktam 40 mantra pushpam 41 sannyaasi suuktam 42 catur veda paraayanam 43 aashiirvaada mantraah 44 shivopaasana mantraah 45 sarpa suuktam 46 pancaamrta mantraah 47 pancagavya mantraah 48 madhu suuktam 49 jnaana suuktam 50 netronmiilanam mantras 51 rakshoghna suuktam 52 aghamarshana suktam 53 durvaa suuktam 54 panca shaantaayah and dvaadasha shaanti mantras
We plan to update this text adding others mantras like Yama Suktam, Udaka Shanti Mantras, Raja Suktam, Kapota Suktam, Shakuna Suktam, and many others.
54 Veda Mantras English 54 Veda Mantras Sanskrit
Navagraha Suuktam English and Sanskrit
shanti mantras
Swamiji teaches that the powerful mantras from the Veda mantras are unparalleled for their ability to alter human consciousness. The Veda Mantras carry a sacred vibration which awakens human consciousness to the direct experience of Divinity. They purify the mind of the person who chants or hears them with bhakti (devotion) and they purify the place where they are chanted. Because the Vedic hymns work from the deepest spiritual levels they can be more powerful than physical means for resolving conflicts for individuals, families, and for the society. The Veda mantras have much more complex form than the newer Purana and Tantra mantras. It requires much more time and effort to learn these hymns. It is most often true that the more work people exert toward a desired end, the better the results will be. Swamiji urges spiritual-minded men, women, and children (regardless of nationality, cast, class, race, etc.) to learn to chant Vedas for the peace of the world. Those who seek guidance toward this goal, may contact Swamiji.
Here is a list of the Veda Mantras contained in this long document.
1 Ganapati Atharvashirsham, 2 subrahmanya mantras 3 rshabha suktam 4 laghu nyaasah5 rudra prashnam (namakam and camakam) 6 purusha suuktam 7 naarayana suktam 8 vinshu suktam 9 shrii suktam 10 bhuu suuktam 11 niilaa suktam 12 durgaa suktam 13 devii suktam 14 sarasvatii suuktam 15 medhaa suuktam 16 raatri suuktam 17 bhaagya suuktam (morning mantras)18 aayushya suktam 19 hiranya garbha suktam 20 vaastu suktam 21 kumbha mantras 22 aapa mantras 23 pavamaana suktam (punyaahavaacanam) 24 kapota suktam 25 dasha dikpaalakaa suktam 26 navagraha suktam 27 nakshatra suktam 28 naasadaasiiya suktam 29 agni suktam 30 prthivii suktam 31 oshadhi suktam 32 pitr suktam 33 mrttika suktam 34 go suktam 35 shraddhaa suuktam 36 vivaaha suktam 37 shiva sankalpaah 38 bhadra suuktam 39 brama suuktam 40 mantra pushpam 41 sannyaasi suuktam 42 catur veda paraayanam 43 aashiirvaada mantraah 44 shivopaasana mantraah 45 sarpa suuktam 46 pancaamrta mantraah 47 pancagavya mantraah 48 madhu suuktam 49 jnaana suuktam 50 netronmiilanam mantras 51 rakshoghna suuktam 52 aghamarshana suktam 53 durvaa suuktam 54 panca shaantaayah and dvaadasha shaanti mantras
We plan to update this text adding others mantras like Yama Suktam, Udaka Shanti Mantras, Raja Suktam, Kapota Suktam, Shakuna Suktam, and many others.
54 Veda Mantras English 54 Veda Mantras Sanskrit
Navagraha Suuktam English and Sanskrit
shanti mantras
9) Maha Nyasam
This is the mantra chanted by purohits during elaborate rituals honoring Lord Shiva. Before performing worship with the Rudra Hymn from the Veda, the Shakti of Lord Shiva is installed into the various parts of the body using these mantras. The highest form of worship of Lord Shiva is the Rudra Japam including MahaNyasam. For simpler rituals only the Laghu Nyasam is used (which is at the end of the Maha Nyasam). These mantras are some of the most powerful in the Vedas. We must be very pure to connect with Lord Shiva / Rudra who destroys the ego and all that is impure with in us before he lifts us to peace and transcendent being.
Mahaa Nyaasah Sanskrit Maha-Nyasa English
Mahaa Nyaasah Sanskrit Maha-Nyasa English
10) Pitri Tarpanam
A simple, short home ritual for offerings made to the ancestors. Tarpanam is performed to help the souls of the deceased relatives traveling in the inner realms, and to free the living decedents from family karmas. These offerings can be made by men, women, or children regardless of caste, race, or creed.
Pitri Tarpanam (English and Sanskrit with introduction and instructions)
Pitri Tarpanam (English and Sanskrit with introduction and instructions)
11) Punyahavachanam
Punya-havachanam is the Vedic ritual of purification. Lord Varuna is invoked into a kumbha (water pot) and offerings are made. Then the kumbha (and the water within) is energized by reciting Vedic hymns while touching the kumbha with a bundle of darbha grass. The bless water is then sipped and sprinkled around for blessings. The home, office, or temple can be purified using this ritual. And it is important to purify people before and after major ceremonies like funeral, wedding, upanayanam etc.
Punya Havachanam (Sanskrit and English)
Punya Havachanam (Sanskrit and English)
12) Sanskrit Varna Mala
This is a text in Sanskrit and English for helping people learn the Sanskrit sounds. It is very important when reciting mantras to intone the Sanskrit aksharas (letters) properly. The effects will be different (and can be catastrophic) if the sounds are not said correctly. Speakers of Tamil, Hindi, Telugu and other modern Indian languages should be aware that the Sanskrit sounds are sometimes slightly different than their counter parts in the modern languages. Aspirated letters are stressed more than their are in speach to ensure a clear differentiation. For this reason, Indians are encouraged to look through this sheet. English speekers may find this text useful because it uses English sounds as a reference for describing the Sanskrit sounds. There is no amount of reading that can replace the direct instruction of a teacher when it comes to learning these sounds. This text can help people recall what they have been taught, but can never replace an actual teacher.
Sanskrit Varna Maalaa (Sanskrit Alphabet)
Sanskrit Sounds Pronounciation Key
Audio of Sanskrit Sounds
Veda Svaras
Sanskrit Varna Maalaa (Sanskrit Alphabet)
Sanskrit Sounds Pronounciation Key
Audio of Sanskrit Sounds
Veda Svaras
These Videos describe how to properly make the Sanskrit sounds with reference to English
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A few words about Chanting Mantras
Sanskrit is a phonetic language. It is important to remember that when chanting Sanskrit, every sound is pronounced clearly. It is not possible to chant Sanskrit quietly. The sounds are produced best when it is audible. Chanting should not be too slow or too fast, too quiet or too loud. It is important not to chant in haste. Chanting too quickly as many Temple Priests have begun to, makes it easy to blur or omit letters. It destroys the proper rhythm of the mantras. It is better to chant fewer mantras clearly and with attention when there is little time. Fast chanting also adds an energy of haste and agitation to the effects of the mantras. It is better to chant with attention, peace, and love. When the meter, rhythm, pitch, or sounds are changed due to carelessness, the meaning of the mantras and the results of the chanting will be different. Because the Sanskrit mantras are very powerful to alter consciousness and to effect matter it is possible for one mistake to lead to catastrophic results. This is especially true when mantras are chanted with violent or selfish intentions. Yet is we pray for peace for the world and spiritual realization for ourselves, then God's grace is great to protect from mistakes. For those who seek to hurt or control others in any way through spiritual means, the world is quick to return intense suffering to the sender. This was not the way of the Sages who eught us to see God in everything, including our enemies. If we have enough respect for the Rishis (Sages) to take the time to learn Veda Mantras, we should respect the power of these hymns to alter consciousness and effect the world around us. It is extremely important to make every effort to chant the mantras perfectly for the best effects. When people seek God humbly, they will chant mantras for the peace of the world. As the mantras cause the people's consciousness to expand, they see that their actions effect only themselves. To them, all things that happen are a blessing from the Lord to help perfect themselves. Their overflowing Love for God makes it natural to bless all things they encounter. To them, the Veda Mantras are a true blessing. They honor them and study them with depth and dedication. They aim to perfect their knowledge of Vedas. If we strive hard toward perfection, with faith and humbleness the results will always be good. May the Lord forgive our errors here and help us to continually better these resources provided for the peace of humanity. May the Lord be pleased by this humble offering and bless those who study these mantras with peace, wisdom, and spiritual sight.
