What is a Mantra?
A mantra is a combination of Sanskrit syllables whose sound vibration is believed to carry a specific energy. Mantras were revealed to the rishis through deep meditation for the wellbeing of the world, and many are chanted daily in Hindu homes from childhood.
Chanting with devotion, concentration and an understanding of the meaning is considered essential — the benefit comes from both the sound and the focused intention behind it. Vedic astrology recommends graha mantras to strengthen a weak planet or reduce the difficult effects of an afflicted one.
The Nine Beej Mantras
| Planet | Beej Mantra | Japa Count |
|---|
| Sun (Surya) | Om Hraam Hreem Hraum Sah Suryaya Namah | 7,000 |
| Moon (Chandra) | Om Shraam Shreem Shraum Sah Chandraya Namah | 11,000 |
| Mars (Mangal) | Om Kraam Kreem Kraum Sah Bhaumaya Namah | 10,000 |
| Mercury (Budh) | Om Braam Breem Braum Sah Budhaya Namah | 9,000 |
| Jupiter (Guru) | Om Graam Greem Graum Sah Gurave Namah | 19,000 |
| Venus (Shukra) | Om Draam Dreem Draum Sah Shukraya Namah | 16,000 |
| Saturn (Shani) | Om Praam Preem Praum Sah Shanaischaraya Namah | 23,000 |
| Rahu | Om Bhraam Bhreem Bhraum Sah Rahave Namah | 18,000 |
| Ketu | Om Sraam Sreem Sraum Sah Ketave Namah | 17,000 |
The japa count is traditionally completed over a fixed period (for example 40 days), usually starting on the planet's day.
How to Chant a Graha Mantra
- Choose a quiet, clean place and a regular time, ideally in the morning
- Begin on the day ruled by the planet (for example, Sunday for the Sun, Saturday for Saturn)
- Use a rudraksha or tulsi mala of 108 beads to keep count
- Chant with a calm mind and clear pronunciation, understanding what you are chanting
- Maintain the same routine until the traditional count is complete
How Mantras Help
Each planet is associated with particular areas of life. Strengthening Mercury, for example, is traditionally recommended for sharper thinking in study and business; the Sun mantra for confidence, vitality, the relationship with one's father and dealings with government or superiors.
Mantras are supportive, spiritual practices. For health concerns always consult a qualified doctor, and for choosing remedies consult an astrologer who has studied your full chart.
Which planet needs strengthening?Find the weak and strong planets in your chart with a free Vedic horoscope.
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