A starting set of well-loved mantras, each with a plain-language meaning. Add your dad's own favorites, translations, or the way he explains each one — his voice is what will make this page his.
कराग्रे वसते लक्ष्मीः
करमध्ये सरस्वती।
करमूले तु गोविन्दः
प्रभाते करदर्शनम्॥
Kar agrey baste laxmi
Kar madhyme saraswati
Kar mule tu gowinda
Prathey kur darshanam
This is a highly sacred and popular morning verse (prayer) recited immediately upon waking up, while gazing at one's palms. Meaning: Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, resides at the tips of the fingers. Goddess Saraswati, the bestower of learning and knowledge, dwells in the center of the palm. Lord Govinda (Vishnu) resides at the base of the hand (the wrist). Therefore, one should look at one's hands first thing in the morning. The purpose of this prayer is to begin the day with gratitude and the conviction that our hands are the source of our fortune, wealth, knowledge, and actions.
ॐ घृणिः सूर्याय नमः
Om Ghrinih Suryaya Namah
Chant the mantra "Om Suryaya Namah" or "Om Ghrinih Suryaya Namah" while offering water (Arghya) to the Sun God. This practice enhances health, radiance, and self-confidence. Proper method: while offering water, recite the Gayatri Mantra or the Surya Gayatri. Always use a copper vessel, as copper is the metal favored by the Sun. Mix Roli (vermilion), red flowers, unbroken rice grains (Akshat), and a little jaggery into the water. Look at the Sun through the stream of water while offering it, collecting the runoff in a flower pot or separate vessel so it doesn't fall on your feet. Stand facing east and raise the vessel to forehead level, keeping the heel of the right foot slightly raised as you offer the water.
ॐ भूर्भुवः स्वः
तत्सवितुर्वरेण्यं
भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि
धियो यो नः प्रचोदयात्
Om Bhur Bhuvah Swaha
Tat Savitur Varenyam
Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi
Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat
A prayer to the light of the sun as the source of all life, asking that it illuminate our understanding and guide our thoughts.
ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे
सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम्
उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान्
मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात्
Om Tryambakam Yajamahe
Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam
Urvarukamiva Bandhanan
Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat
An appeal to the three-eyed one for release from fear and suffering, and for a gentle passage through life's changes.
ॐ नमः शिवाय
Om Namah Shivaya
A simple bow to the inner self — often repeated slowly as a focus point during meditation.
ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः
Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti
Peace called on three levels — of body, of speech, and of mind — often spoken to close a practice.