MANTRAS
Brahma Mantra
Lord Brahma is the originator and the generator of the mankind. Brahma represents the universal mind, as creation is the work of the mind and the intellect. Lord Brahma is considered as the “Brahm”, the Supreme God. Students, teachers and scholars worship the creator to seek the blessings of God in acquiring knowledge. People meditate upon Lord Brahma to attain peace of mind. Brahma Mantra forms the part of meditation on the lord. Mantra of Hindu God Brahma is as follows:
“Om Namo Rajo Jushei Sristau Sthithou Sattwa Mayayacha Tamo Mayaya Sam-Harinei Vishwarupaya Vedhasei Om Brahmanyei Namaha”
Meaning: Brahma is the creator of the universe. He created the universe with his three nature qualities, positive, negative and dormant. Brahma represents Om, the eternal bliss. Brahma is the supreme god, who brought all things to form. I bow to that divine god Brahma.
Durga Mantra
Durga (Shakti / Devi) is one of the most popular goddesses among the Hindu people. Devi represents strength, morality, power and protection. Goddess Durga is the divine mother, who protects people from evil forces of selfishness, jealousy, hatred, anger and ego. Durga Devi Mantras form the part of prayers offered to the goddess. Mantras for Maa Durga are as follows:
Na Mantram No Yantram Tadapi Cha Na Jane Stutimaho Na Chavhanam Dhyanam Tadapi Cha Na Jane Stutikathah I Na Jane Mudraste Tadapi Cha Na Jane Vilapanam Param Jane Matastvadanusaranam Kleshaharanam II
Meaning: O Maa Durga! I don't know any prayer or any magical summons to invoke you. Neither I know any mantra and have no idea how to meditate on you. I don't know your story or glory as well. I neither know your various postures nor am I given to crying in distress. The only thing I know is that seeking shelter under your protection and following your command will definitely end all sufferings.
Vidheragyanen Dravinavirhenalasataya Vidheyashakyatvattva Charanyorya Chyutirbhut I Tadetat Kshantavyam Janani Sakaloddharini Shive Kuputro Jayet Kwachidapi Kumata Na Bhavti II
Meaning: O Durga, assure salvation to all troubled, I don't know how to worship you. I don't have resources or temperament since I am nasty by nature. I don't have special knowledge to conduct your worship as well. In rendering service to you if, I have made any mistakes or errors, forgive me Mother because there could be a bad son but never a bad mother.
Prithivyam Putraste Janani Vahavaha Santi Saralah Param Tesham Madhye Viralataraloaham Tava Sutah I Madi Yoayam Tyagah Samuchitamidam No Taya Shive Kuputro Kwachidapi Kumata Na Bhavati II
Meaning: O Maa Durga, this earth has many of your naïve sons, but I am the most fickle among them. There would be hardly any one like me. Yet, O Shive! Rejecting me like this is not proper in this world, as there could be a bad son but never a bad mother.
Jaganmatarmatastava Charanseva Na Rachita Na Va Duttam Devi Dravinamapi Bhooyastava Maya I Tathapi Tvam Sneham Mayi Nirupam Yatprakurushe Kuputro Jayet Kwachidapi Kumata Na Bhavati II
Meaning: O Mother of the World! I have never rendered any service to you. I never offered money to you. Yet, you bless me always for the reason that in this world there could be a bad son but never a bad mother.
Parittyakta Deva Vividhavidhisewa Kulataya Maya Panchasheeteradhikamapneete Tu Vayasi I Idani Chenmatastava Yadi Kripa Napi Bhavata Niralambo Lambodar Janani Kam Yami Sharanam II
Meaning: O Parvati, mother of Lord Ganesha, I had been busy restlessly. But now, I have stopped worshipping other gods as I cannot worship them ritually. Therefore, I don't even expect any help from them. In such a condition I am absolutely helpless. From whom I seek shelter? I have no hope from any other god except you.
Shwapako Jalpako Bhavti Madhupako Magira Niratanko Ranko Viharati Chiram Kotikanakaih I Tavaparne Karne Vishati Manvarne Phalamidam Janah Ko Janeete Janani Japaneeyam Japvidhhau II
Meaning: O Maa Aparna! One word of your holy prayer that falls in the ear of a foolish rascal is sufficient to make him utter sweet speech like an experienced scholar. With your blessing, a pauper then becomes rich owning millions of gold coins and enjoying life with all its joys till ripe old age. When listening to one word can work such wonders, who can presume the reward obtained by those, who continuously chant your name with full custom of worship.
Chitabhasmalepo Garalamashanam Dikpatdharo Jatadhari Kanthe Bhujagapati Hari Paushupatih I Kapali Bhootesho Bhajati Jagdeeshai Ka Padavin Bhavani Tvatpanigrahan Paripati Phal Midam II
Meaning: O Durga Bhavani! The one, who keeps his body smeared with the ashes of the dead-bodies; who takes poison for food, who remains naked; who has matted hair on head and the serpent king Vasuki surrounding his neck; who has a cupal like container in his hands. If such a Bhootnath, Lord Shiva (Pashupati-Lord of Animals) is crowned with a title of Jagdeesh, then what is the reason behind it? How did he gain such importance? The clear evidence is your marriage with him.
Na Mokshasyakancha Bhavavibhavavancha Cha Na Mey Na Vigyanapeksha Shashimukh Sukheccha Na Punah I Atastvan Sanyache Janani Jananam Yatu Mum Vai Mridani Rudrani Shiv-Shiv Bhavaneeti Japatah II
Meaning: O Maa Durga, with face of moon's elegance, I don't crave for Salvation or for material possessions. I don't even hope to get any expertise in sciences. I don't long for pleasure as well. My only request to you is to permit me to pass my entire life chanting
"Mridani Rudrani Shiva-Shiva Bhavani". Naradhitasi Vidhina Vividhopachareh Kim Rukshachintak Pareirna Kritam Vachobhib I Shayme Tvameva Yadi Kinchan Maiyyanathe Dhatse Kripamuchitalam Param Tavaiva II
Meaning: O Maa Shyama! I never worshipped you with complete rituals or lots of offerings. I was always occupied in harsh words, which crime did my speech not commit? Yet, if you care for this shelter less orphan on your own, this is eligible only for you. Only a kind hearted mother like you can give refuge to such a bad son, as I am.
Aapatsu Magnah Smaranam Tvadeeyam Karomi Durge Karunarna Veshi I Naitaccha Thatvam Mum Methah Kshudhartrisharta Jananim Smaranti II
Meaning: O Compassionate Goddess Durga! If I remember you after falling in trouble and not before, please do not treat me like a dishonest rogue for the reason that all children yell for mother when they are troubled. Jagdamb Vichitramatra Kim Paripoorna Karunaasti Chenmayi I Aparadha Parampara Param Na Hi Mata Samupekshate Sutam II Meaning: O Mother of the World! If you still show your kindness towards me should not cause any surprise for the reason, if a son has bent on committing sin after sin, still his mother does not abandon him. Matsamah Palaki Nasti Papaghni Twatsama Na Hi I Evam Gyatva Mahadevi Yatha Yogyam Tatha Kuru II Meaning: O Maa Durga! I am the greatest sinner and you are the greatest sin-destroyer. Considering this fact in mind, kindly do whatever you think proper.
Hanuman Mantra
Lord Hanuman is considered to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva. Shri Hanuman is the epitome of sincere devotion and dedication, being a great disciple of Lord Rama. Sri Hanuman is a celibate god, who represents strength, divinity, courage and devotion. Hanuman is worshipped by people to attain knowledge, wisdom, strength and valor. Lord Hanuman Mantra becomes part of prayers offered to the lord. Shri Hanuman Mantra or Mantra of God Hanuman is as follows:
"Maarutatulyavegam Jitendriyam Buddhimataam Varistham, Vaataatmajam Vaanarayoothmukhyam Sriramdootam Saranam Prapadhye"
Meaning: Lord Hanuman is the messenger of Lord Rama. His pace is as rapid as the wind and as quick as the mind. Hanuman has constrained his sense organs. He is the most intelligent among the intelligent ones. Hanuman is the son of Vayu (Pawan) and the chief of the monkey tribe. We surrender ourselves to Lord Hanuman. Chanting of this mantra with a sincere heart provides courage and wisdom.
Kali Mantra
Maha Kali is the fiercest form of Shakti or Durga, in the Hindu religion. Goddess Kali is the destroyer of evil. But Kali is also a compassionate mother who loves her sincere children. Kali is usually worshipped by tantriks to achieve "siddhis". Kali is the slayer of ego as well. Maha Kali Mantra forms part of the prayers offered to the goddess. Goddess Kali Mantra or Mantras for Maa Kali are given below:
"Atha Kalimantraye Sadyovaksiddhiprapyivan Aravitairyah Sarvestam Prapnuvanti Jana Bhuvih"
"Savaruhaammahabhimaghoradanshtram Hasanmukhim Chaturbhujamkhadagmundavarabhayakaram Shivam Mundamaladharamdevi Lolajihvandigambaram Evam Sanchintayetkalim Shamasanalayavsinim"
"Kreem Kreem Kreem Hreem Hreem Hoom Hoom Dakshine Kalike Kreem Kreem Kreem Hreem Hreem Hoom Hoom Swaha"
Ram Mantra
Lord Ram (Rama) is regarded as the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Rama is the symbol of courtesy and virtue, a man of values and morals. Hindu God Ram is also known as Maryada Purushottama, which means the perfect man.
Sri Ram is an example of idealism; he has been the ideal man, the ideal son, the ideal brother and the ideal husband. The God took birth on this earth with the aim to eradicate the wicked forces of the age.
Ram Naam (Name of Ram) in itself is a divine mantra or prayer.
It is believed that chanting the name "Ram" helps one to attain salvation. Mantra of Shri Ram forms the part of prayers offered to the lord.
Lord Rama Mantra / Ram Mantra is as follows:
"Shri Ram, Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram"
Ram is the source of each and every thing. The name "Ram" suggests divinity and brings joy to life. The name "Ram" helps to achieve mukti from this material world.
Shanti Mantras
The Shanti Mantras are prayers for peace, in the Hindu Mythology. Shanti Mantras are also known as "Peace Mantras".
Shanti Mantras form the part of Upanishads.
These mantras are believed to cool the mind of reciter and the surroundings. Reciting these mantras at the beginning of any task is considered to remove its obstacles. Shanti Mantras always end with three words of "Shanti" which suggests "Peace". The reason behind speaking three times "Shanti" is to cool the surroundings and remove obstacles in three realms namely; "Physical" or Adhi-Bhautika, "Devine" or Adhi-Daivika and "Internal" or Adhyaatmika. These are called "Tapa-Traya" or three classes of troubles. When Shanti Mantras are recited, obstacles from these realms are believed to be pacified. Various Shanti Mantras from different Upanishads are as follows: From Brihadaranyaka Upanishad and Ishavasya Upanishad:
"Om Poornamadah Poornamidam Poornat Poornamudachyate, Poornasya Poornamaadaya Poornamevavashishyate, Om Shantih, Shantih, Shantih"
Meaning: The literal meaning of this mantra is: "That is Absolute, This is Absolute, Absolute arises out of Absolute, If Absolute is taken away from Absolute, Absolute remains OM Peace, Peace, Peace".
"Om Asato Maa Sadgamaya, Tamaso Maa Jyotir Gamaya, Mrityor Maa Amritam Gamaya, Om Shantih, Shantih, Shantih"
Meaning: The accurate sense of this mantra is: "OM lead me from unreal to real, lead me from darkness to light, lead me from death to immortality OM Peace, Peace, Peace".
From Taittiriya Upanishad:
"Om Sham No Mitra Sham Varunah Sham No Bhavatvaryamaa, Sham Na Indro Brihaspatih Sham No Vishnururukramah, Namo Brahmane Namaste Vaayo Tvameva Pratyaksham, Brahmaasi Tvaameva Pratyaksham Brahma Vadishyaami, Rtam Vadishyaami Satyam Vadishyaami, Tanmaamavatu Tadvaktaaramavatu Avatu Maam Avatu Vaktaaram, Om Shantih Shantih Shantih"
Meaning: This Mantra implies: "OM. May Mitra do good to us, may Varuna do good to us, may Aryama do good to us, may Indra do good to us, may Brihaspati do good to us, and may Vishnu who has vast coverage do good to us. We Salute Lord Brahma and Lord Vayu, the only visible Brahman. We say right, we say truth, may it protect us and may it protect teacher. OM Peace, Peace and Peace" From Taittiriya Upanishad, Katha Upanishad and Shvetashvatara Upanishad:
"Om Sahanaa Vavatu Sahanau Bhunaktu Saha Veeryam Karavaavahai Tejasvi Naavadheetamastu Maa Vidvishaavahai Om Shantih Shantih Shantih"
Meaning: The literal meaning of this mantra is: "OM. Let all of us protect each other together, may all of us enjoy together, may all of us work together and let our study become radiant. Let there be no hatred between us, OM Peace, Peace, Peace" From Kena Upanishad and Chandogya Upanishad:
"Om Aapyaayantu Mamaangaani Vaak Praanashchakshuh Shrotramatho Balamindriyaani Cha Sarvaani Sarvam Brahmopanishadam Maaham Brahma Niraakuryaam Maa Maa Brahma Niraakarod Niraakaranamastva Niraakaranam Me Astu Tadaatmani Nirate Ya Upanishatsu Dharmaaste Mayi Santu Te Mayi Santu Om Shantih, Shantih, Shantih"
Meaning: The Mantra implies: "OM. May our organs, speech, Prana, eyes and ears be nourished. May all our senses become strong. Upanishad says all that the World is Brahman. We don't reject Brahman, may Brahma not reject me. Let there be no rejection, let there be no rejection at all in us, let us concentrate on ourselves, all those ways of righteous living told in Upanishads be in us! Be in us, OM Peace, Peace and Peace". From Aitareya Upanishad:
"Om Vaang Me Manasi Pratishthitaa Mano Me Vaachi Pratishthitam Aaveeraaveerma Edhi Vedasya Ma Aanisthah Shrutam Me Maa Prahaaseer Anenaadheetena Ahoraatraan Samdadhaami Ritam Vadishyaami Satyam Vadishyaami Tanmaamavatu Tadvaktaaramavatu Avatu Maam Avatu Vaktaaram Avatu Vaktaaram Om Shantih, Shantih, Shantih"
Meaning: The accurate meaning of this mantra is: "OM. Let our speech be established in our mind, and our mind be established in our speech. Let Brahman reveal itself to us and may we understand the truths of the Vedas. Let not what we have studied leave us. Let all of us spend both day and night in study. We say right, we say truth and may it protect us. May truth protect teacher. OM Peace, Peace, Peace". From Mundaka Upanishad, Mandukya Upanishad and Prashna Upanishad:
"Om Bhadram Karnebhih Shrunuyaama Devaah Bhadram Pashyemaakshabhiryajatraah Sthirairangaistushtuvaamsastanoobhih Vyashema Devahitam Yadaayuh Swasti Na Indro Vridhashravaah Swasti Nah Pooshaa Vishwavedaah Swasti Nastaarkshyo Arishtanemih Swasti No Brihaspatir Dadhaatu Om Shantih, Shantih, Shantih"
Meaning: The literal meaning of this mantra is: "OM. O Gods! Let us hear promising things from our ears. O respectful Gods! Let us see propitious things from our eyes, let our organs and body be stable, healthy and strong. Let us do what is pleasing to gods in the life span allotted to us. May Indra, inscribed in the scriptures do well to us, May Pushan who is knower of world do good to us and May Trakshya who devastates enemies do good to us! May Brihaspati do well to us! OM Peace, Peace, Peace".
Surya Namaskar Mantra
Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) is a form of worshiping God by meditating on the Sun, the energy provider. Surya Namaskar is useful in achieving concentration. Surya Namaskara is always performed in the open air, facing the Sun, at sunrise. Surya Namaskar is not just a physical exercise. For each of the postures, there is a particular breathing pattern to be followed. With each posture, a particular mantra - name of the sun is chanted. Surya Namaskar Mantras or Mantras for Surya Namaskara are given below:
Om Mitraaya Namah Om Ravaye Namah Om Sooryaya Namah Om Bhaanave Namah Om Khagaaya Namah Om Pooshne Namah Om Hiranya Garbhaaya Namah Om Mareechaye Namah Om Aadityaaya Namah Om Savitre Namah Om Arkaaya Namah Om Bhaaskaraya Namah Om Sri Savitra Soorya Narayanaaya Namah
Dhanwantari Mantra
Lord Dhanwantari is regarded as the god of ayurvedic medicine (Ayurveda) in the Hindu religion. People pray to Dhanvantari, asking him for improved or good health for themselves and for others. Dhanvantri Mantra forms the part of prayers offered to the lord. Mantra of Dhanwantari with its meaning is as follows:
"Om Namo Bhagavate Maha Sudharshana Vasudevaya Dhanvantaraye; Amrutha Kalasa Hasthaaya Sarva Bhaya Vinasaya Sarva Roka Nivaranaya Thri Lokya Pathaye Thri Lokya Nithaye Sri Maha Vishnu Swarupa Sri Dhanvantri Swarupa Sri Sri Sri Aoushata Chakra Narayana Swaha"
Meaning: We pray to the God, who is known as Sudarshana Vasudev Dhanvantari. He holds the Kalasha full of nectar of immortality. Lord Dhanvantri removes all fears and removes all diseases. He is the well wisher and the preserver of the three worlds. Dhanvantari is like Lord Vishnu, empowered to heal the Jiva souls. We bow to the Lord of Ayurveda.
Ganesh Mantra
Lord Ganesha is the lord of beginnings, as per the Hindu mythology. Shri Ganesh is the remover of obstacles. Hindu God Ganesha represents wisdom, intellect and knowledge. God Ganesha is the most worshipped God of the Hindu religion. People worship Ganesha before starting any work to ensure hassle-free work. Apart from this, Ganesha is also adored by people, to bless them with right direction and stability of mind. Lord Ganesha Mantra forms the part of prayers offered to the lord. Ganesh Mantra is as follows:
"Om Parvati Putaaye, Hara Hara Hara Mahadev Gajaananam Bhoota Ganaadhi Sevitam Kapitta Jamboophaala Saara Bhakshitam Umaasutam Shoka Vinaasha Kaaranam Namaami Vighneswara Paada Pankajam"
Meaning: Lord Ganesha is the Supreme Being with an elephant head. Ganesha is always attended by the group of his followers (Ganas). He loves to eat wood-apple and rose-apple fruits (Kapitta, Jamboophala). Ganpati is the son of Goddess Uma (Parvati). Ganesha is the destroyer of all misery and pain. We salute to the lotus feet God.
Hare Krishna Mantra
Hare Krishna Mantra is considered as the mahamantra (Ultimate prayer) of Kaliyuga (The Dark Age). Kaliyuga refers to the present era of machine, where truth and morality are at their lowest level. It is believed that by repeating this mantra with faith and devotion, one can achieve salvation and peace of mind. Hare Rama Hare Krishna Mantra is as follows:
"Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare"
Meaning: Krishna takes away all grief, troubles and weaknesses. May god bless us with all the happiness. Both, Lord Rama and Lord Krishna are the incarnations of Lord Vishnu, the preserver. Vishnu is the supreme reality and both of his incarnations are ultimate. They have attained the de-facto status. Chanting of these names, in itself, is considered auspicious. These names of God and the Hare Krishna Mantra are derived from ancient Indian texts of knowledge called Vedas.
Kuber Mantra
Kuber is regarded as the god of wealth, in Hindu mythology. Lord Kubera is also known as the god of yakshas (savage beings). Kubera is always remembered with the goddess of fortune, Lakshmi. Chanting of Kuber Mantra blesses the worshipper with money and prosperity by drawing new avenues and sources of income and wealth. Mantra of Kubera helps to increase the flow of funds and the ability to accumulate wealth. Kubera Mantra is as follows:
"Om Yakshyaya Kuberaya Vaishravanaaya Dhanadhanyadi Padayeh Dhana-Dhanya Samreeddhing Me Dehi Dapaya Swaha"
Meaning: Kubera, the lord of yakshas, bless us with wealth and prosperity. One, who worships lord Kubera and Lakshmi, can never fall short of money and material comforts. The special puja of Kubera is performed on Dusshera, Dhan triyodasi and Deepawali, asking for prosperity and his blessings.
Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra
Mahamrityunjaya Mantra is a great mantra dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is called Maha Mritunjaya Mantra because it is a great death-conquering mantra. Sometimes it is also known as Mrita-Sanjivani Mantra. The Maha Mrityunjaya mantra is hailed by the sages as the heart of the Veda. This mantra holds the highest place along with the Gayatri Mantra among the many mantras used for contemplation and meditation. It is believed that to overcome the fear of death, Lord Shiva himself gave humanity the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra. This mantra restores health, happiness and brings calmness in the period of death. When courage is blocked, it rises up to overcome obstacles. The Maha Mritunjaya Mantra is as follows:
"Aum Trayambakam Yajaamahey Sugandhim Pushti Vardhanam Urvaarukamiva Bandhanaath Mrutyor Muksheeya Maamritaat"
Meaning: Lord Shiva is the three eyed god. Shiva is always perfumed. He fosters all the creatures of the Universe. Lord Shiva releases from death for the sake of immortality, as cucumber detaches its bondage of the vine. We worship Lord Shiva to liberate us from death. This mantra is really powerful and even regarded as a life saving prayer.
Saraswati Mantra
Saraswati is the goddess of arts, music, knowledge, and wisdom in the Hindu religion. Goddess Sarasvati is said to possess the powers of speech, wisdom and learning. Sarsvati is regarded as the dispeller of chaos and confusion. Saraswati Mantra is an important mantra of the Hindus that is recited for higher knowledge and wisdom. In India, people pray to her for guidance and knowledge. Maa Sarasvati Mantra is as follows:
"Yaa Kundendu Tushaara Haaradhavalaa, Yaa Shubhravastraavritha Yaa Veenavara Dandamanditakara, Yaa Shwetha Padmaasana Yaa Brahmaachyutha Shankara Prabhritibhir Devaisadaa Vanditha Saa Maam Paatu Saraswati Bhagavatee Nihshesha Jaadyaapaha"
Meaning: Goddess Saraswati is fair and beautiful like the jasmine-colored moon. Her white garland resembles the icy dew drops. She is decked in pure white attire. A white lotus serves as the throne of Maa Saraswati, on whose arm rests Veena. We pray Maha Saraswati, who is surrounded and respected by the Gods to bestow her blessings on us. May the goddess remove our lethargy and brighten our life with light of knowledge.
Shiva Mantra
Lord Shiva or Siva is considered as the destroyer of the world. Shiv is one of the most popular Gods of the Hindu religion. Shiva is one of the complex gods who is rudra as well as kind-hearted, simultaneously. Mantra of Hindu God Shiva forms the part of prayers offered to the lord. Shiv or Shiva Mantras are as follows:
"Vande Deva Umaa Pathim Suragurum Vande Jagat Kaaranam Vande Pannaga Bhooshanam Mruga Dharam Vande Pashoonam Pathim Vande Soorya Shashanka Vahni Nayanam Vande Mukunda Priyam Vande Bhakta Jana Ashrayam Cha Varadam Vande Shiva Shankaram"
Meaning: Lord Shiva is the consort of Uma (Parvati). Shiva is the divine Guru, the source of the universe. Lord Shiva is decked with snake and wears tiger skin. He is the Lord of all creatures. The three eyes of the lord represent the Sun, Moon and Fire. Shiva is near to Lord Vishnu. Lord Shiva protects all of his devotees. He is the benefactor of boons. We surrender ourselves again and again to Lord Shiva.
"Mrutyunjayaaya Rudraaya Neelakantaaya Shambhave Amriteshaaya Sarvaaya Mahadevaaya Te Namaha"
Meaning: Lord Mahadeva (Shiva) has conquered death. He is the destructive force of the universe. He has a blue neck and he gives happiness to all. We pray to the kind-hearted lord, Shiv-Shambhu.
"Gauri Vallabha Kaamaarey Kaala Koota Vishaasana Maam Uddhhare Padambhoje Tripura Agnyata Kaantaka"
Meaning: Lord Kaamaarey (another name for Lord Shiva) protects us from the evil. He is the consort of Gauri, the mother goddess. He drank the "Kaala Koota" poison (which was the outcome of the ocean churning). He is the destroyer of the three cities. We seek protection at the feet of Lord Shiva.
Vishnu Mantra
Lord Vishnu is considered as the preserver of the universe as per the Hindu Mythology. It is believed that Vishnu is an eternal and universal spirit associated with the primeval waters that pervaded before the creation of the universe. Vishnu Mantra forms the part of prayers offered to the lord. Sri Vishnu Mantra is as follows:
"Shaantaakaaram Bhujagashayanam Padmanaabham Suresham Vishwaadhaaram Gaganasadrasham Meghavarnam Shubhaangam Lakshmikaantam Kamalanayanam Yogibhirdhyaanagamyam Vande Vishnum Bhavabhayaharam Sarvalokaikanaatham"
Meaning: Lord Vishnu is the preserver and protector of the Universe. He is always quiet and rests on the great serpent bed. The lotus of the creative power springs from the navel of Lord Vishnu. He is the Ultimate Power, who supports the entire universe. The divine Lord Vishnu is all-pervading as the sky and dark like the clouds. Vishnu, the lotus-eyed one, is the Lord of Lakshmi. The ascetics (yogis) observe Lord Vishnu through meditation. Lord Vishnu is the destroyer of the fear of Samsar. We surrender to such great lord.