How to Chant Mantras & Benefits of Chanting Mantra

Mantra is a Sanskrit word derived from two words, Man (Manan) and Tra (Trana). Trana means liberation from the worldly ties. Originally originated in the Vedic tradition of India, mantras later become an integral part of the Hindu traditions and later a practice followed within Buddhism, Sikhism and Jainism. Mantras are a powerful combination of words that is believed to reach the deity in the form of sound vibrations. Mantra can be used for self realization, freedom from worries, fulfilling desires, to bring success, peace and happiness. Chanting mantras is a good spiritual discipline and not a superstition.

When mantras are chanted, an appealing effect is felt in the body. Also, the combined effect of sound vibrations can be observed on brain, or on EEG (Electro Encephala Graph). Thus it is called as Music Therapy or Mantra Therapy. There are various kinds of Mantras, out of which Tantrik Mantras and Vedic Mantras are more popular. Tantrik mantras are called as Beeja Mantras and Vedic Mantras are those which are followed under the Vedic system.

How to Chant Mantras

1) The mind should be kept peacefully and should not be distracted.
2) Complete devotion and faith are necessary for chanting mantras.
3) Mantras should be chanted after taking bath, with absolute cleanliness
4) Quiet places are chosen for chanting mantras.
5) Sitting position is best suited for meditation as well as for chanting.
6) The best time is early morning. Even you can do on transition periods such as dawn to sunrise and twilight to sunset.
7) Some people use a rosary of 108 Rudraksha or tulsi (basil) or sandalwood beads for chanting mantras
8) Mantras can be chanted on a daily basis.
9) Mantras should not be used for negative purposes.
10) Veda mantras are to be chanted on the guidance from a guru.

Benefits of Chanting Mantras

Chanting of mantras repeatedly in rhythmic tone with ups and downs, create a melodious effect in the body. This effect can be defined as Neuro-linguistic (NLE) + Psycholinguistic effect (PLE). These effects are caused due to the production and spreading of medicinal chemicals in the brain, which give smoothening and curing effect in the body. Also, listening to mantras lowers blood pressure and normalizes heart beat rate, brain wave pattern, adrenalin level and the cholesterol level. Even the doctors advise the people under high tension to listen to music or mantras. Chanting or listening mantras has become an accepted formula like the yoga and Pranayam practices. Chanting mantras has gentle effect on nervous system and helps relax the muscles and also used to reduce stress.

Mantras of Gods & Goddesses

There are mantras, slokhas, stotras, and Vedic hymns for all gods and goddesses in Hindu religion. There are also different types of Mantras such as Gayatri Mantras, Ashtakams, Chalisas, Pancharatnams, Kavachams, Bhujangams, Ashtottarams (108 Names), and Sahasranamama (108 Names). Here is a list of mantras and stotras of Gods & Goddesses with lyrics and video songs of each mantra / stotra.

9 Navagraha Temples of Tamilnadu

Navagraha Temples in Tamilnadu are the 9 temples dedicated to Navagrahas – the nine celestial planets of Hindu astronomy. These nine Navagraha temples are located near Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu. Each of these Navagraha shrines is situated in a different village, and is dedicated to one of the 9 Navagrahas. That is, the first temple Sooriyanar Kovil is dedicated to Lord Surya, while the second temple Thingaloor Chandra Navagrahastalam is dedicated to Lord Chandra likewise. However, an interesting aspect is that majority of the temples enshrine Lord Shiva as the primary deity.

Among these 9 temples, Suryanar Temple, dedicated to Lord Surya, is the only temple where Lord Surya is worshipped as the principal deity. This temple is dedicated to the Sun God and all the remaining 8 Grahas – Chandra (Moon), Chevvaai or Mangal (Mars), Budhan (Mercury), Guru or Brihaspati (Jupiter), Shukra (Venus), Shani (Saturn), Rahu and Kethu.  Below is the list of 9 temples dedicated to Navagraha Planets.

Navagraha Temples and Their Location 

1) Suriyanar Koil of Sun God   

Suriyanar Temple is dedicated to Hindu Sun God and is situated 3 km from Aduthurai, which is on the Kumbakonam - Mayiladuthurai Road in Tamil Nadu. More Info about Suriyanar Temple here

2) Thingaloor Temple  

Thingaloor Kailasanathar Temple is dedicated to Lord Chandra or Moon God and is situated 1.5 km from Thirupayhanam, on the Kumbakonam - Thiruvayyaru Road. Read more about Thingaloor Chandra Temple here

3) Vaitheeswaran Kovil   

Vaitheeswaran Temple is dedicated to Angaraka (Sewai or Chowa) and is situated 4 km from Mayiladuthurai, on the Chidambaram Road. Read More here

4) Thiruvenkadu Temple   

Thiruvenkadu Swetharanyeswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Budha and is situated 10 km south-east of Sirkali. Read More here

5) Alangudi Temple   

Alangudi Abathsahayeswarar Temple is dedicated to Brihaspati (Guru or Vyazhan or Planet Jupiter) and is about 15 km from Kumbakonam on the way to Needamangalam. Read More about Temple here

6) Kanjanoor Temple   

Kanjanoor Agneeswarar Temple is dedicated to Sukran (Velli or Planet Venus) and is located at an interior village on the Mayiladuthurai - Kathiramangalam Road. Read More here

7) Thirunallar Temple   

Thirunallar Darbaranyeswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shani (Sani or Saturn) and is located 5 km on the way to Peralam - Karaikkal. Read More here

8) Thirunageswaram Temple   

Thirunageswaram Naganathaswamy Temple is dedicated to Lord Rahu and is situated about 7 km from
Kumbakonam - Karaikkal Road. Read More here

9) Keezhperumpallam Temple   

Keezhperumpallam Temple is dedicated to Lord Kethu and is situated near Poompuhar on the Mayiladuthurai - Poompuhar Road. Read More here

12 Jyotirlinga Temples of Shiva in India

Jyotirlinga Temples, also spelled Jyotirling temples or Jyotirlingam temples, are the 12 temples of Shiva where Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of a Jyotirlingam or "the Lingam of Light". These 12 Jyotirlinga Temples or Dwadasa Jyotirlinga shrines are situated on various parts of India. Here is a list of the 12 Jyotirlinga Temples of Shiva in India.

Twelve Jyotir Linga Temples - Dwadasa Jyothirlinga Temples of Shiva

Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple

Somnath Temple in Gujarat is the first among the 12 Jyotirlinga Temples of Shiva. The temple is located at Prabhas Patan or Somnath Patan, 7 km from Veraval in Saurashtra, on the western coast of Gujarat, India. Somnath literally means “The Protector of (the) Moon God” and legend has it that Lord Shiva Dev, pleased by the prayers of the Moon God (Soma), decided to rest in this Lingam till eternity, and thus the name Somnath Temple.

Mallikarjuna Temple in Srisailam

Srisailam Mallikarjuna Temple is the second of the 12 Jyotirlinga Temples of Shiva. Also known as Bhramaramba Mallikarjunaswamy Temple, the shrine is situated at Srisailam in Nallamala Hills, Kurnool district in Andhra Pradesh. This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy (a form of Lord Siva) and Devi Bhramaramba (a form of Goddes Parvathi). Guru Adi Sankaracarya composed one of his famous works the Sivananda Lahari (Shivanandalahari) here.

Mahakaleshwar Temple in Madhya Pradesh

Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple is situated in the historic city of Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh, India. The Shiv Linga at Mahakal is believed to be Swayambhu linga, and the temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingams in India. The idol of Mahakaleshwar faces south, and hence is known as Dakshinamurti or Dakshinamurthy – a form of Shiva as Guru (teacher) of all types of Knowledge, especially the Jnana.

Omkareshwar Temple in Madhya Pradesh

Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple is situated on the banks of Narmada River, in Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh, India. Omkareshwar Temple is located on an island called Mandhata or Shivapuri in the Narmada River. The most interesting feature is that the shaped of the island is in the form of the Hnidu Om (Aum) symbol. There are two Hindu temples here – one is dedicated to Omkareshwar and the second one Amareshwar.

Kedarnath Jyotirlinga Temple Uttarakhand

Kedarnath Jyotirlinga Temple is one of the holiest Lord Shiva temples in India, situated atop the Garhwal Himalayan range near the Mandakini River in Uttarakhand district. Kedarnath Temple is the northernmost among the 12 Jyotirlinga temples of Shiva. Kedarnath forms part of the Char Dham pilgrimage and is open only for six months in a year, starting on the Akshaya Tritiya day and closing on Bhai Bij or Bhai Dooj (October end or November first week).

Bhimashankar Temple in Maharashtra

Bhimashankar Temple is one of the 12 revered Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva. The temple is situated in Bhorgiri village, around 50 km north-west of Khed, in Maharashtra, India. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple is 110 km away from Pune.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Uttar Pradesh

Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most sacred Hindu temples in India, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga Temple is situated on the banks of holy Ganga River in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.

Trimbakeshwar Temple in Maharashtra

Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple or Tryambakeshwar Temple is a famous Jyotirlinga temple situated in Trimbak town in Nashik District of Maharashtra, India. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga Mandir is locates on the banks is the sacred Godavari River.

Vaidyanath Temple in Deogarh

Vaidyanath Temple also known as Baidyanath Temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples in India. The location of Vaidyanath Temple is much debated. Some people claim that the Vaidyanath temple located at Deogarh in Bihar is the Jyothirlinga shrine. While Baba Dham Temple or Baidyanath Dham Temple in Deoghar in the Santhal Parganas division of the state of Jharkhand, India.

Nageshwara Jyotirlinga Temple

Nageshvara Jyotirlinga Temple is regarded as the first Jyotirlinga Temple on the earth. There are 3 popular temples in India, which are regarded as identical to this Jyothirlinga temple. They are the Nageshwara temple situated on the route between Dwarka and Bet Dwarka Island, on the coast of Saurashtra in Gujarat; the Jageshwar temple near Almora in Uttarakhand state and the Nagnath temple in Aundha in Maharashtra state.

Ramanathaswamy Temple in Tamil Nadu

Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple in Tamilnadu is the southernmost of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines of India. The ancient Rameshwar Temple is built in traditional Dravidian architecture and is dedicated to Ramalingeswarar (Lord Shiva). Situated on the in the island of Rameswaram, Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple is believed to be the place where Lord Rama have prayed Lord Shiva to expiate any sins for killing demon king Ravana.

Grishneshwar Temple in Maharashtra

Grishneshwar Temple or Ghushmeshwar Temple is an ancient Hindu pilgrimage site located 11 km from Daulatabad, near Aurangabad in Maharashtra India. This Jyotirlinga Temple of Shiva is near the famous Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in India.

Navaratna Nine Gems in Hindu Astrology

Navaratna is a Sanskrit word which means “nine gems” and is related to the nine planets or Navagraha in Hindu Vedic astrology. The word Nava means ‘nine’ and Ratna means ‘gem’. Each gemstone is related to one Graha among the Navgrahas. Navaratna gemstones are considered auspicious and believed to give good health, prosperity, happiness and peace of mind to those who wear it. It protects against negative energies or malefic effects of planets and strengthens the positive influences of the gems.

Navaratna Gemstones and their Planetary Representations

1) Ruby – Manikkam or Manek – Lord Surya or Sun
2) Pearl – Moti – Lord Chandra or Moon
3) Red Coral – Moonga – Lord Kuja or Planet Mars
4) Emerald – Marakatam or Panna – Lord Budh or Mercury
5) Yellow Sapphire – Pukharaj – Jupiter or Lord Guru
6) Diamond – Heera or Vairam – Venus or Lord Shukra
7) Blue Sapphire – Neelam – Saturn or Lord Shani
8) Hessonite – Gomedh – Lord Rahu
9) Cat’s Eye – Vaiduryam – Lord Ketu

Diamond, ruby, emerald, blue sapphire and pearl are named as Maharatnas as they are considered to be superior to other gem. Usually people wear Navaratnas in the form of rings. The positions of planets keep on changing, accordingly the dasa and mahadasas of the planets. Astrology says that the malefic effects of Planets can be balanced by the effect of beneficial planets when one wears the Navaratna Jewelry.

Navaratna Ornaments

Navaratna Jewelry or Navagraha Jewellery is becoming more and more popular nowadays due to its astrological benefits. Some popular Navaratna ornaments include Navaratna necklaces, Navratna rings, bracelets, anklets, pendants, bangles, armlets and other trinkets. It is necessary that the Navaratna Jewellery should be made of gold or silver. Sri Garuda Purana states that before buying Navratnas or any gem, one has to ensure that the gem stones used in the ornament are good. Also be sure that the ornaments should be worn after cleaning and charging with Navagraha mantras. It is advisable to wear the jewelry before sunrise or any auspicious day at a temple.

Navaratna in Other Languages 

Navaratna is known as Navarathnam in Malayalam, Navarathinam in Tamil, Navarathnalu in Telugu, Nopparatana in standard Thai, Nopparat in Rajasaap (Royal Thai), and Navaratne in Singhalese.

Rudraksha and its Importance

Rudraksha, also spelled Rudraksh or Rudraksham, is regarded as a mystic power bead traditionally used as prayer beads by Hindus. Rudraksha is a red colored berry of the Rudraksha tree. Rudraksha is a Sanskrit word and the combination of the names Rudra (Lord Shiva) and Aksha (Eyes). The name itself tells us about the effect of seed on evil and negative effects where Rudra means terrible and Aksha means eye.

Origin of Rudraksha 

According to Hindu mythology, the religious text of Devi Bhagawat Purana says that there was a demon in the name of Tripurasur. He was very strong and had divine powers. Having these qualities his pride increased and he started disturbing deities and sages. Everybody tried out but no one could defeat this strong asura. All other Lords prayed to Mahadev Shiva to demolish Tripurasur for his immoral actions. Lord Shiva killed Tripurasur with his weapon called Aaghor but the weapon was so dazzling that even Shiva had to close his eyes. When he opened his eyes water ran through his eyes and this felt on the earth. Wherever the tear drops fell Rudraksha trees started to grow up. The fruit that grow on this tree is called Rudraksha.

Properties of Rudraksha

Scientific research says that Rudraksha beads have some electrical and magnetic powers. Researches also say that when there is a difference in the faces seen in Rudrakshas then they have different electromagnetic properties. Rudraksha beads are composed of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen and some trace elements. Rudraksha bead are available in 1 to 108 faces, however currently 2 to 21 faces are only available in common. Single faced Rudraksha seed is rarely available, while some people claim that 22 to 108 faces Rudraksha plants are still found in the foot hills of Himalayas and Mansarovar regions.

How Rudraksha worn affects the Human Body

The electromagnetic properties in Rudraksha have the ability to affect neuro physiology of human beings. The beads also have anti aging factors also. It is proven that Rudraksha seeds impart positive changes in the bioelectrical system of the human body in a life supporting manner.

Effects of Kala Sarpa Yogam

Kalsarpa Yoga or Kala Sarpa Yogam, as per Hindu astrology, is a dreaded yoga found in a person’s horoscope where the person under the influence of this yog leads a very miserable life. ‘Kal’ means ‘Time’ and ‘Sarpa’ means ‘Snake or Serpent’. Kalsarp Yoga is so powerful that it can even cancel out all the good Yogas of your horoscope chart.

How Kalsarpa Yoga is formed

When some stars concentrate at a single particular position in the horoscope it is the conjunction of planets and in astrology it is termed as “yog”. Kalsarpa is formed when Rahu Graha is tainted. When Rahu is in a good position it brings good fortune. Rahu and Lord Ketu are believed to be shadow planets. When all planets are hemmed between Rahu and Ketu Kalsarpa is formed. Lord Rahu and Ketu are placed opposite to each other at 180 degree and they don’t have any solid form and cannot be seen with naked eyes.

The Legend behind Kalsarpa Yoga

Kalsarpa is determined on the basis of the position of Rahu and Ketu in the birth chart. Rahu is considered the head of a snake and Kethu is considered the tail of the snake. Rahu is the North Lunar Mode and Ketu is the South Lunar Mode. Lord Rahu was the son of Sinishka and Hiranya Kashyap. He went into the sea to drink the ‘amrit’ obtained from Samudramathan and when he was about to drink Lord Vishnu disguised as Mohini and cut his head off. Later the north part was called as Rahu and the south part was called Ketu and they were made part of Navagraha.

Effects of Kalsarpa Yoga

• It is said that anybody affected by Kaalsarpa Yoga faces lot of problems including mental restlessness and pessimistic thoughts until the age of 35.
• Some persons with Kala Sarpa Yogam gets addicted to bad habits or involve in illegal activities.
• Few of them get separated from their families and may also be deceived by their relatives.
• Individuals affected by Kalsarpa Yoga often see snakes in their dreams.

Types of Kalsarpa Yoga

According to Vedic Astrology there are many types of Kalsarpa Yoga. However the below mentioned 12 types of Kalsarpa Yoga are most effective.

1. Anant Kalsarpa Yoga
2. Kulik Kalsarpa Yoga
3. Vasuki Kalsarpa Yoga
4. Sankhapal Kalasarpa Yog
5. Padma Kalasarpa Yog
6. Maha Padma Kalasarpa Yoga
7. Takshak Kalsarpa Yoga
8. Karkotak Kalsarpa Yoga
9. Shankachood Kalsarpa Yoga
10. Ghatak Kalsarpa Yoga
11. Vishdhar Kalsarpa Yoga
12. Sheshnag Kalsarpa Yoga

Read More about the 12 Types of Kalsarpa Yoga Here

Kalsarpa Yoga Remedies or Parihara

There are several remedies for Kalsarpa Yoga Dosha. Some of them are

1. Chanting Mahamrityunjaya Mantra
2. Rudra Abhisheka Pooja during Surya Grahan and Chandra Grahan
3. Kalasarpa Yajna
4. Chanting Hanuman Chalisa
5. Wearing Rings after consulting with Astrologer
6. Visiting Rahu Temples and Ketu Temples
7. Kalsarpa Shanti Pooja at Trambakeshwar
8. Kala Sarpa Dosha Yajna at Kalahasthi Temple
9. Kuja - Rahu Sandhi at Ghati Subramanya Temple
10. Sarpa Samskara & Ashlesha Bali at Kukke Subramanya Temple

How to Do Surya Namaskar Steps Mantras

Learn how to do Surya Namaskar, its advantages, Surya Namaskar mantras, and the step by step poses and position of the 12 postures of Sun Salutation. Surya Namaskar, which literally means ‘Salutation to The Sun God’, is a complete meditative technique and one of the popular forms of Hatha Yoga. Surya Namaskar includes Asanas, Pranayama, Mantras and Mudras and practicing this technique daily is beneficial for the health of the individuals. The Pranayama of Surya Namaskar helps for the flow of fresh oxygen into your body and mind and the various body movements stretch all the important organs of the body. Surya Namaskar includes the combination of 12 different postures with a specific breathing pattern which helps to strengthen and unblock the whole system.


How to do Surya Namaskar - Sun Salutation Steps & Postures

Morning is the right time to practice Surya Namaskar as the early morning sunrays are rich source of Vitamin D which is required for strong bones and clear eyesight. You can use a carpet or a small piece of cloth for doing this. There are twelve mantras for each of the twelve postures and these mantras are to be recited for each posture.

Following are the different postures in Surya Namaskar


First Posture – Namaskarasana

You should be in a standing position with palms folded in front of your chest, feet together and toes touching each other. Breathe as usual and recite the mantra.

Mantra - Om Mitrayah Namaha

Advantages - The mind and body turn out to be healthy

Second Posture – Parvatasana

Lift your arms over your head and shoulders, with palms touching each other. The biceps should touch the ears. Inhale and stretch your abdomen to the maximum extent and tilt backwards.

Mantra - Om Ravaye Namah

Advantages - A good exercise for the shoulders and the food pipe (Esophagus). Vision is also enhanced.

Third Posture - Namaskara Hastapadasana

Breathe in deeply and hold the breath. Bend forward without folding the knees and keep the palms on the floor. Touch your knees with the forehead and exhale deeply. Initially, if you are not able to keep the palms on the floor, you can just touch it with the fingers.

Mantra - Om Suryaya Namaha

Advantages -  This exercise is a remedy for belly and digestive ailments. The chest and hands become strong and your body grows to be well balanced. Also, diseases of the feet and fingers are set right.

Fourth Posture - Ekapada Prasaranasana

Breathe in and drag your right leg backward, with the knee and fingers of the foot touching the floor. Press hard the abdomen and belly such that they touch the left leg. Now raise your head as high as possible and look upward. Hold breath and resume in the posture for sometime. 

Mantra - Om Bhanave Namaha

Advantages - As this exercise stretches the small intestine and the seminal vesicles, it is a good remedy for constipation and diseases of the liver. Besides, thinness of the semen and diseases of throat are also corrected.

Fifth Posture - Bhudharasana

Breathe in deeply and hold it. Pull both the legs backwards and keep the thumbs of the feet, ankles and knees touching each other. Keep the head, waist, the back and the elbows in a line and bend forward with the palms on the floor. Your body looks like a bow now.

Mantra - Om Khagaya Namaha

Advantages - This movement helps to relieve from the pains - especially of arms, legs and the knees. It is also good for the abdominal disorders.

Sixth Posture - Ashthanga Pranipatasana

Inhale and hold the breath. Keep the knees on the floor and make the chest and forehead to touch the floor. The palms are to be placed on the side of the chest. Ensure that the abdomen should not touch the floor and drag it.

Mantra - Om Pusane Namaha

Advantages - This exercise makes the arms strong and if ladies perform this Asana before getting pregnant, the child could be prevented from many diseases.

Seventh Position – Bhujangasana

Inhaling the breath, lower your waist and raise your upper body. Now look upwards and keep the arms straight.

Mantra - Om Hiranya-Garbhaya Namaha


Advantages - Apart from toning up the body and the back muscles, this Asana improves eyesight. Disorders related to the reproductive system and the irregularities in female’s menstrual cycle are corrected. Also improves blood circulation.


Eighth Posture – Bhudharasana

This position is the same as that of Bhudharasana, explained in fifth position.

Mantra - Om Marichiye Namaha

Ninth Posture - Ekapada Prasaranasana

Repeat the process of fourth position.


Mantra - Om Adityaya Namaha

Tenth Posture - Namaskara Hastapadasana

The position is same as that of the third one.

Mantra - Om Savitre Namaha

Eleventh Posture – Parvatasana

The procedure is same as that of step two.

Mantra - Om Arkaya Namaha

Twelfth Posture – Namaskarasana

Same as that of first position

Mantra - Om Bhaskaraya Namaha

This full round of Surya Namaskar can be repeated as many times as possible.

“Om Sri Savitra Soorya Narayanaaya Namah”

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