Chapter 284 - Narration of sacred formulas that are medicinal (mantra-rūpa-auṣadha)

[Sanskrit text for this chapter is available]

Dhanvantari said:

1. The syllable ‘oṃ’ and others confer longevity, health and heaven. The syllable ‘oṃ’ is the foremost sacred syllable and one becomes immortal by repeating the same.

2. The gāyatrī (mantra) is the supreme sacred formula. One gets enjoyment and emancipation by repeating the same. The formula “Oṃ, Salutations to (Lord) Nārāyaṇa” shall accomplish all things.

3-6a. (The sacred formula) “Oṃ, Salutations to (Lord) Vāsudeva” yields all (things). The formula “Oṃ hrūṃ, obeisance to (Lord) Viṣṇu” is the foremost medicine [i.e., mantra-auṣadha—mantroyañcauṣadhaṃ]. The celestials and demons became prosperous and free from sickness by (repeating) this (formula). It is benevolent for the beings. The dharma (mantra) is a great remedy—“Virtue, one who does virtuous deeds, and virtuous.” One becomes free from blemishes with these dharma (mantras). “Conferer of prosperity, lord of prosperity, abode of prosperity, bearer of wealth, the abode of wealth, lord of prosperity, the supreme prosperity”—One would obtain prosperity by (the repetition of) these (words).

6b-7a. “One who loves, bestower of desires, desire, the governor of desires, Hari, happiness, consort of Lakṣmi” are the names of (lord) Hari, (which should be repeated) for (gaining) pleasures.

7b-8. “Rāma (one that makes us pleased), Paraśurāma (the Rāma, with the battle-axe), Nṛsiṃha (the man-lion form of lord Viṣṇu), Viṣṇu, Trivikrama (the lord that measured three spaces with three strides)” are the names that are to be repeated by those who desire to conquer. One who desires to acquire knowledge should repeat daily the name “Puruṣottama” (foremost among beings).

9. (The repetition of the name) Dāmodara (one having a string around the belly, denotes lord Kṛṣṇa) would remove bondage. (The repetition of the name) Puṣkarākṣa (lotus-eyed) would cure eye-disease. (The name) Hṛṣīkeśa (the lord of the sense-organs) would remove fear. This has to be repeated while preparing medicines.

10-11. The name ‘Acyuta’ (the changeless one) is an immortal one and confers victory in the battle. One who begins to cross a water-course (should repeat the name) Narasiṃha (man-lion form of Viṣṇu). One who desires to have welfare in the east and other directions should remember “Cakrin (the bearer of the disc), Gadin (the wielder of the mace), Śārṅgin (the bearer of the bow), and Khaḍgin (the bearer of a sword)”. (One should repeat) the name ‘Nārāyaṇa’ at all times. (The repetition of the name) Nṛsiṃha (man-lion form of Viṣṇu) would remove all fear.

12. (The repetition of the name) “Garuḍavāhana” (one having the eagle on the banner) would remove poison. The name “Vāsudeva” (son of Vasudeva) has to be repeated always. One should repeat (the names) ‘Ananta’ (endless) and ‘Acyuta’ (changeless) while storing grains etc. and while going to sleep.

13. (One should repeat) ‘Nārāyaṇa’ when getting a bad dream and (the term) ‘Jalaśāyin’ (one who reposes on the water) when there is outbreak of fire etc. One who desires to gain knowledge (should repeat the name) Hayagrīva (one having the neck of a horse, denotes a form of Viṣṇu). (One who desires) to gain progeny (should repeat the word) Jagatsūti (the progenitor of the universe). (The name) Balabhadra (the elder brother of lord Kṛṣṇa) (should be repeated) during acts of valour. This single name accomplishes things.