Mantra

Definition

A mantra is a sacred sound-formula, or word of power, that Jyotish uses to propitiate (make peace with) the planets and adjust their forces, working directly on the mind. Modern authors group several forms: a planet's name (nama) mantra such as Om Suryaya Namaha, and its single-syllable seed (bija) mantra such as Om Sum, each planet being held to have its own bija. Mantras sit among the safer, propitiatory remedies, alongside yantras, pujas and homas.

In Tradition

Across the modern Jyotish literature, a mantra is read as a sound that asks for correct pronunciation and intonation, not devotion alone. Narasimha Rao holds that both devotion and accurate pronunciation matter, and Raj Kumar lists correctly understanding and pronouncing the mantra's meaning as one of its two essential parts. The sources also agree that each planet carries its own seed (bija) mantra, used as a remedial measure.

In Practice

A jyotishi (Vedic astrologer) prescribes reciting a mantra (japa) as an upaya, a remedy, for an afflicted planet or period. Frawley and deFouw & Svoboda hold that a planet's bija mantra can build that planet's energy in the person reciting it, though deFouw & Svoboda caution that you should first establish the planet needs strengthening, receive the correct mantra at an initiation, and begin at a suitable muhurta (chosen moment). Cole suggests a beginner start with a simpler nama-mantra (Aum + name + namah, e.g. Aum Chandraya namah), which needs no teacher's initiation, before the Vedic hymns. The Brihat Parasara Hora Sastra prescribes the Mrityunjaya Japa, recitation of Lord Shiva's death-conquering mantra, during inauspicious antardasas threatened by a Maraka, Saturn, Mars or Rahu, often with a charitable gift. Raman notes a well-placed fifth lord can confer Mantrasiddhi, mastery of mantra, in its Dasa.

Historical Origin

The death-averting Mrityunjaya mantra is attested in the classical Brihat Parasara Hora Sastra (in Kapoor's translation), prescribed within its dasa, Sankranti, Abhukta Mula and Jyeshtha Gandanta remedial rites. The wider doctrine of planetary mantras is elaborated by modern authors including Frawley, deFouw & Svoboda, Raman, Larsen, Cole, Raj Kumar and Narasimha Rao.

Further Reading

• Frawley, The Astrology of the Seers
• Kapoor, Brihat Parasara Hora Sastra
• Raman, How to Judge a Horoscope (Volume One)
• Larsen, Jyotisa Fundamentals
• deFouw & Svoboda, Light on Life
• Raj Kumar, Role of Nakshatras in Astrology
• Cole, Science of Light Vol I
• Narasimha Rao, Vedic Astrology: An Integrated Approach