Mantras
Three mantras Radhikesh returns to again and again, with their meanings. Chant them, keep them, share them.
Maha Mantra
The Maha Mantra, the great mantra, is the most widely chanted mantra in the world. Its sixteen words call on the divine by name: Hare, Krishna, and Rama. In the Vedic tradition it is considered the simplest and most powerful practice of this age, open to anyone, requiring nothing but a voice and a sincere heart. It can be sung, spoken, or repeated quietly, at any time, in any place.
LISTEN
The Maha Mantra, recited in full.
The Mantra
Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare Hare Rama, Hare Rama Rama Rama, Hare Hare
This mantra is the most powerful way to help relieve suffering. By chanting this mantra, you can attain wisdom, purify the heart, and ultimately live a peaceful life.
Call out with all your heart. Call out with love! Call out as a child calls out to their Mother.
So what do these words mean?
Hare! — This name invokes the Lord's compassion and mercy.
Krishna! — This name represents God's unconditional love through your journey of life.
Rama! — The name opens the path of joy in one's heart.
Shani Mantra — Sri Narasimha Stuti
SRI SHANISHCHARA-KRITA SRI NARASIMHA STUTI
The Sri Narasimha Stuti is the prayer composed by Shani Deva himself, Saturn personified, in glorification of Lord Narasimha. It holds a unique place in the tradition: the planet most feared for hardship offering, in his own words, the remedy for it. It is recited especially on Saturdays and during difficult Saturn periods. Radhikesh recommends it to clients navigating Saturn's lessons in their chart.
LISTEN
The Shani Mantra, recited in full.
Everyone is afraid of the malefic planet Sani (Saturn) because generally he is associated with extreme sorrow and suffering. However, Sani deva himself has devised a way of solving this problem by obtaining the blessings of Lord Nrsimha.Shani made an agreement with the Lord that he would never trouble those who recite his Nrsimha Stuti when they are facing troubles related to dvädasa-añstama-païcama (a situation where Sani-käta lasts for 7 1/2 births).
If one recites with devotion Sani’s Sri Nrsimha Stuti, especially on Sanivära (Saturdays) and when Sani graha comes to 12-8-5 Janma Rsi or 10th AL, one will please the Lord who is the Supersoul of Shanaishchara and the Lord will remove all obstacles and suffering and bless His devotee.
sulabho bhakti yuktänämà durdarso dusta cetasäm | ananya gatikänäm ca prabhu bhaktaika-vatsalah Sanaishcara tatra nrsimha-deva cakärämala-citta-vrtih | pranamya sastangam asesa-loka kirita niräjita päda-padmam || 1 |
Lord Nrsimàhadeva is easily accessible to the devotees and punishes those who are evil-minded. He is the saviour for those who are helpless who desire to seek refuge in Him. When the demigods of innumerable planets bow down to His lotus feet, the bright jewels from their crowns are reflected on His toenails which gives the impression that lamps are being waved in front of them. Unto His lotus feet, Sanideva prostrated and prayed (in the court of Brahmä).
Sri Sanir-uväca – yat päda-pankaja-raja paramädharena samsevitam sakala kalmashs räsi-näsam | kalyäna kärakam asesanijänugänam | sa tvam nrsimha mayi dehi krpä-valokam ||2||
Sri Sani said – By the mercy of the dust of Your lotus feet which destroy a multitude of sins, grant infinite auspiciousness to Your devotee who always worships Your lotus feet with devotion. O Lord Nrsimha, please bestow upon me Your merciful side-long glance.
sarvatra cancalatayä sthitayäpi laksmyäh | brahmädi-vandya-padayä stirayänya sevi || pädäravinda-yugalam paramä-dharena | sa tvam nrsimha mayi dehi krpä valokam ||3||
Your lotus feet are worshipped by Goddess Lakshmi, even though She is fickle by nature (chanchala [meaning that She, or wealth, easily moves from one place to another, though She is ever-steady in Her devotion to the Lord]) and by Lord Brahmä and Lord Siva whose feet are worthy of worship with devotion. O Lord Nrsimha, please bestow upon me Your merciful side-long glance.
yad rüpam ägama-Sirah pratipädhyamädhya | ädhyätmikädi paritäpa haram vicintyam || yogésvarair apathagäkhila dosa sanghaih | sa tvam nrsimha mayi dehi krpä-valokam ||4||
By contemplating or meditating upon Your appearance, which is expounded in the Vedas extensively, the best of the saints are liberated from the three-fold miseries and from all misfortunes. O Lord Nrsimha, please bestow upon me Your merciful side-long glance.
prahläda bhakta vacasä harir äviräsa | stambhe hiraëyakasipum ya udhärabhävah || urvau nidhäya udharam nakhärai dadhära | sa tvam nrsimha mayi dehi krpä-valokam ||5||
By the word of His devotee named Prahläda, Lord Hari, who is generous and kind, appeared from a pillar and by placing Hiranyakasipu on His thighs split open his stomach with His nails. O Lord Nrsimha, please bestow upon me Your merciful side-long glance.
yo naija bhaktam analämbudhi bhüdharogra | sringa-prapäta visa dhamti sarisupebhyah | sarvätmakaù parama-käruniko raraksa | sa tvam nrsimha mayi dehi krpä-valokam ||6||
You protected your own devotee Prahläda from a raging fire, the deep ocean, from falling from a tall mountain peak, poison, a mad elephant and the fangs of poisonous serpents. You are omnipresent and supremely generous. O Lord Nrsimha, please bestow upon me Your merciful side-long glance.
yannirvikära para-rüpa vicintanena | yogisvarä visaya sägara vita rägäh || visrämtim äpura-vinäsa vatim paräkhyäm | sa tvam nrsimha mayi dehi krpä-valokam ||7||
By meditating upon He whose great form is devoid of imperfections, the best of the saints attained liberation from the ocean of materialistic attachments and obtained unmitigated salvation. O Lord Nrsimha, please bestow upon me Your merciful side-long glance.
yad rüpam-ugra parimardana bhäva säli | samcintanena sakalägha vinäsa käri | bhüta jvara graha samudbhava bhiti näsam | sa tvam nrsimha mayi dehi krpä-valokam ||8||
By meditating upon He whose form is fearsome, all peace, happiness and prosperity can be obtained, all sins can be obliterated, the fear arising from evil spirits, fevers and unfavorable planetary positions can be removed, O Lord Nrsimha, please bestow upon me Your merciful side-long glance.
yasyottamam yasa umä-patim padma-janma | sakrädi daivata sabhäsu samasta-gitam || saktaiva sarvasa-mala prasamaika daksam | sa tvam nrsimha mayi dehi krpä-valokam ||9||
Your transcendental fame is sung gloriously in all the divine assemblies of Shiva, Brahmä and Indra, etc. and whose power is steadfast in wiping out all impurities, O Lord Nrsimha, please bestow upon me Your merciful side-long glance.
evam srutvä stutim devah saninäm kalpitämà harih | uväca brahma vrndasta sanim tam bhakta-vatsalah ||10||
On listening to the heartfelt prayer composed by Sanideva in the assembly of Lord Brahmä, Lord Hari who is ever compassionate to His devotees, spoke to Sanideva as follows.
Sri nrsimha uväca – prasannoham sane tubhyam | varam varaya sobhanam || yam vänchasi tameva tvam | sarva-loka hitävaham ||11||
Sri Nrsimha said – O Sani, I am pleased with your devotion. What ever you desire that will benefit the world, ask for that kind of boon and I will grant it.
Sri Sanir uväca – nrsimha tvam mayi krpäm kuru deva dayä-nidhe | mad väsaras tava priti- kara syat devatä-pate ||12||
mat krtam tvat param stotram srnvanti ca patanti ca | sarvän käman pürayetäs *tesäm tvam loka-bhävanah ||13||
SrI Sanideva replied – O Lord Nrsimha, O reservoir of compassion, please be kind to me. O Lord of all gods, let my week-day (Saturday) be Your favorite day. O Purifier of all the worlds, may You fulfill the desires of all those who listen to or read this great prayer to You composed by me.”
Sri nrsimha uväca – tataivästu saneham vai rakso-bhuvana samsthitah | bhakta kämän pürayisye tvam mamaika vacah srinu || tvat kritam mat param stotram yah patecchrinu yäccha yah | dvädasastama janmastäd bhayam mästu tasya vai ||14||
Sri Nrsimha said – O Sani, let it be so! By virtue of My being the universal protector (raksobhuvana), I fulfill the desires of all My devotees. Please listen to My words – let there be no fear of the twelfth and eighth birth positions (and implicitly any unfavorable birth positions) and consequent troubles from you for any one who reads or listens to this prayer to Me composed by you.
Sani naraharim devam tateti pratyuväca ha tatah parama-samtusto jayeti munayovadan ||15||
Then Sanideva replied to Lord Narahari that he would follow the Lord’s instructions. Then the joyful saints and sages present there (in Brahma’s assembly) responded with cries of, ‘jaya, jaya!’”.
Sri krsna uväca – itam sanaiscarasyäta nrsimha deva | samvädam etat stavanam ca mänavah || srinoti yahù srävayate ca bhaktyä sarvänyäbhistäni ca vindate dhruvam ||16||
Sri Krishna told Dharmaräja, “Whoever listens to or recites this conversation between Sanideva and Lord Nrisimha in the form of this prayer of devotion will definitely have all desires fulfilled and will always rejoice.”
iti Sri bhavisyottara puräne raksobhuvana mahätme sri Sanaiscara krta Sri nrsimha stuti sampürnam
Thus ends the prayers offered from the Bhavisyoattara Purana to the universal protector Sri Nrisimha by the great soul Sani.
Hanuman Chalisa
The Hanuman Chalisa is a forty-verse prayer to Lord Hanuman, composed by the poet-saint Goswami Tulsidas in the sixteenth century. Chalisa comes from chālīs, the Hindi word for forty. It is among the most beloved prayers in the world, recited daily by millions for strength, protection, and courage, traditionally in the morning, and especially on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Each verse appears below with its translation.
LISTEN
The Hanuman Chalisa, recited in full.
|| DOHA || Opening Doha
Shri Guru Charan Saroj Raj, Nij manu Mukuru Sudhaari।
Barnau Raghubar Bimal Jasu, Jo Daayeku Phal Chaari॥
Translation - After cleansing the mirror of my mind with the pollen dust from the Lotus-feet of Divine Guru, I describe the unblemished glory of Lord Rama, which bestows four fruits of righteousness (Dharma), wealth (Artha), pleasure (Kama) and liberation (Moksha).
Buddhiheen Tanu Jaanike, Sumirau Pavan-Kumaar।
Bal Buddhi Vidya Dehu Mohi, Harahu Kalesh Bikaar॥
Translation - Knowing my body to be devoid of intelligence, I remember Hanuman, the son of Vayu. Give me strength, intelligence and knowledge, cure my bodily ailments and mental imperfections.
|| CHAUPAI ||
Jai Hanuman Gyaan Gun Sagar। Jai Kapis Teehun Lok Ujagar॥ ॥1॥
Translation - Victory to Hanuman who is the ocean of wisdom and virtues, Victory to the king of monkeys who is illuminating three worlds.
Ram Doot Atulit Bal Dhama। Anjani-Putra Pavansut Nama॥ ॥2॥
Translation - You are the messenger of Rama (to Sita), You are the abode of incomparable power. You are also called by the names of 'Anjani Putra' (Son of Anjana) and 'Pavana Suta' (son of wind god).
Kanchan varan Biraaj Subesa। Kaanan Kundal Kunchit Kesa॥ ॥3॥
Translation - You are golden colored, you are shining in your beautiful attire. You have beautiful earrings in your ear and curly hairs.
Haath Bajra Aau Dhwaja Biraje। Kaandhe Moonj Janeu Saaje॥ ॥4॥
Translation - Vajrayudha (mace) and flag are shining in your hand. Sacred thread made of Munja grass adorns your shoulder.
Sankar Suvan Kesarinandan। Tej Prataap Maha Jag Bandan॥ ॥5॥
Translation - O partial incarnation of Lord Shiva, giver of joy to king Kesari. Your great majesty is revered by the whole world.
vidyavan Guni Ati Chatur। Ram Kaaj Karibe Ko Aatur॥ ॥6॥
Translation - O one learned in all Vidyas, one full of virtues, very clever. You are always eager to do Rama's tasks.
Prabhu Charitra Sunibe Ko Rasiya। Ram Lakhan Sita Man Basiya॥ ॥7॥
Translation - You delight in listening to the acts of Rama (Ramayana). Lord Rama, Lakshmana and Sita reside in your heart.
Sukshma Roop Dhari Siyahin Dikhawa। Vikat Roop Dhari Lanka Jarawa॥ ॥8॥
Translation - Assuming the extremely minute form you appeared to Sita. Assuming the gigantic form you burnt down the Lanka.
Bheem Roop Dhari Asur Sanghare। Ramchandra Ke Kaaj Sanware॥ ॥9॥
Translation - Assuming a terrible form you slayed demons. You carried out all the tasks of Rama.
Laaye Sanjivan Lakhan Jiyaaye। Shri Raghubeer Harashi Ur Laaye॥ ॥10॥
Translation - You brought the Sanjivini, the life saving herb from Dronagiri in the Himalayas, to save Lakshmana's Life. Lord Rama cheerfully embraced you with his heart full of joy.
Raghupati Keenhi Bahut Badai। Tum Mum Priya Bharat-hi sam Bhai॥ ॥11॥
Translation - Lord Rama praised you very much saying "You are dear to me like my brother Bharata".
Sahas Badan Tumharo yash Gaave। Us kahi Shripati kanth lagave॥ ॥12॥
Translation - Thousands of living beings are chanting hymns of your glories; saying thus, Shri Ram warmly hugged him.
Sankadik Brahmadi Muneesa। Narad Sarad Sahit Ahisa॥ ॥13॥
Translation - When prophets like Sanka, even the Sage like Lord Brahma the great hermit Narad himself, Goddess Saraswati and Adishesha.
Yam Kuber Digpal Jahan Te। Kavi kovid kahi sake kahan te॥ ॥14॥
Translation - Yama (god of death), Kubera (god of wealth), Digpalas (the guardian deities), poets and scholars have not been able to describe Your glories in full.
Tum Upkaar Sugreevhin Kinha। Ram Milaaye Rajpad Dinha॥ ॥15॥
Translation - You did Sugriva a great favor by introducing him to Rama and bestowing on him the kingdom of Kishkindha.
Tumhro Mantra Vibhishan Maana। Lankeswar Bhaye Sab Jag Jana॥ ॥16॥
Translation - Vibhishana accepted your suggestion. He became the king of Lanka because of your advice, the whole world knows it.
Yug sahastra jojan par Bhanu। Lilyo Taahi Madhur Phal Jaanu॥ ॥17॥
Translation - You flew towards the sun who is thousands of years of Yojanas away, thinking of him as a sweet fruit.
Prabhu Mudrika Meli Mukh Maahi। Jaldhi Langhi Gaye Achraj Nahi॥ ॥18॥
Translation - Putting the ring of Rama in your mouth, you jumped and flew over the ocean to Lanka, there is no surprise in that.
Durgam Kaaj Jagat Ke Jete। Sugam Anugraha Tumhre Tete॥ ॥19॥
Translation - All the difficult tasks in the world become easy if there is your grace.
Ram dware tum rakhvare। Hoat Na Aagya Binu Paisare॥ ॥20॥
Translation - You are the doorkeeper and protector of the door to Rama's court. Without your permission nobody can enter Rama's abode.
Sab Sukh Lahai Tumhari Sarna। Tum Rakshak Kahu Ko Darna॥ ॥21॥
Translation - Once in your refuge, a Sadhaka obtains all the pleasures. You are the protector, and there is nothing to be afraid of.
Aapan Tej Samharo Aapai। Teeno Lok Haank Te kanpai॥ ॥22॥
Translation - You alone are befitted to carry your own splendid valour. All the three worlds (entire universe) tremble at your thunderous call.
Bhoot Pisaach Nikat Nahi Aavai। Mahavir Jab Naam Sunavai॥ ॥23॥
Translation - All the ghosts, demons and evil forces keep away, with the sheer mention of your great name, O'Mahavira.
Naasai Rog Harai Sab Peera। Japat Nirantar Hanumat Beera॥ ॥24॥
Translation - All diseases, pain and suffering disappear on reciting Shri Hanuman's holy name regularly.
Sankat se Hanuman chudavai। Man Karam Vachan dyan jo lavai॥ ॥25॥
Translation - Hanuman will release those from troubles who meditate upon him in their mind, actions and words.
Sab Par Ram Tapasvi Raja। Tin Ke Kaj Sakal Tum Saaja॥ ॥26॥
Translation - All who hail, worship and have faith in Shri Rama as the supreme Lord and the king of penance. You make all their difficult tasks very easy.
Aur Manorath Jo Koi Lavai। Sohi amit jeevan phal pavai॥ ॥27॥
Translation - Whosoever comes to you for fulfilment of any desire with faith and sincerity, he alone will secure the imperishable fruit of human life.
Charon Jug Partaap Tumhara। Hai Prasiddh Jagat Ujiyara॥ ॥28॥
Translation - Your glory is for all the four Yugas, Your greatness is very famous throughout the world, and illuminates the world.
Sadhu Sant ke tum Rakhware। Asur Nikandan Ram Dulhare॥ ॥29॥
Translation - You are the guardian of saints and good people. You killed demons and you are dear to Rama.
Asht Siddhi Nau Nidhi Ke Dhata। Us var deen Janki mata॥ ॥30॥
Translation - Mother Sita granted you a boon to become the bestower of eight Siddhis (supernatural powers) and nine Nidhis (divine treasures).
Ram Rasayan Tumhare Pasa। Sada Raho Raghupati Ke Dasa॥ ॥31॥
Translation - You have sweet devotion to Rama. May you always be a devotee of Lord Rama.
Tumhre Bhajan Ram Ko Pavai। Janam Janam Ke Dukh Bisravai॥ ॥32॥
Translation - Through hymns sung in devotion to you, one can find Shri Rama and become free from sufferings of several births.
Anth kaal Raghuvir pur jayee। Jahan Janam Hari-Bhakt Kahayee॥ ॥33॥
Translation - If at the time of death one enters the divine abode of Shri Rama, thereafter in all future births he is born as the Lord's devotee.
Aur Devta Chit na dharehi। Hanumanth se sarve sukh karehi॥ ॥34॥
Translation - Not contemplating on other gods, gets all his happiness from Hanuman by serving Him.
Sankat Kate Mite Sab Peera। Jo Sumirai Hanumat Balbira॥ ॥35॥
Translation - Pain will be removed, all afflictions will be gone for whoever remembers Hanuman the mighty brave one.
Jai Jai Jai Hanuman Gosahin। Kripa Karahu Gurudev Ki Nahin॥ ॥36॥
Translation - Victory to you O master of the senses. Show mercy on us like a Guru does.
Jo Sat Baar Paath Kar Koi। Chutehi Bandhi Maha sukh Hoyi॥ ॥37॥
Translation - One who recites Chalisa one hundred times, becomes free from the bondage of life and death and enjoys the highest bliss at last.
Jo Yeh Padhe Hanuman Chalisa। Hoye Siddhi Sakhi Gaurisa॥ ॥38॥
Translation - All those who recite Hanuman Chalisa (the forty Chaupais) regularly are sure to be benedicted. Such is the evidence of no less a witness as Lord Shiva.
Tulsidas Sada Harichera। Kije Naath Hridaya Mein Dera॥ ॥39॥
Translation - Tulsidas is always a devotee of Hari. O Lord, make my heart your abode.
|| DOHA || Closing Doha
Pavantanaye Sankat Haran, Mangal Murti Roop।
Ram Lakhan Sita Sahit, Hridaya Basahu Soor Bhoop॥
Translation - O Son of wind god, remover of difficulties, one with an auspicious form. With Rama, Lakshmana and Sita reside in our hearts. Oh! King of Gods.
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