Significance of Mahamantra
The Mahamantra, central to Vaishnavism, comprises a verse with sixteen holy names of the Lord and thirty-two syllables. It is a significant chant within the practice of kirtana and emphasizes the power of the Hare Krishna mantra in spiritual awakening. This sacred chant, receiving recommendation from the Lord, cultivates love for God and invokes divine presence, becoming crucial for practitioners seeking enlightenment, especially during Kali-yuga. Overall, the Mahamantra embodies devotion and spiritual liberation through its repeated recitation.
Synonyms: Great mantra, Supreme mantra, Sacred formula, Divine invocation, Mantra, Chant, Incantation, Invocation
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Mahamantra'
The Mahamantra in Hinduism, particularly the Hare Krishna mantra, is a revered chant consisting of sixteen names, crucial for devotion, spiritual awakening, and liberation, especially emphasized in the Kali-yuga as a primary practice.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The great chanting of the holy names, which is emphasized as the primary spiritual practice in Kali-yuga.[1] (2) A significant Vedic chant, specifically the names of the Lord, used for spiritual awakening and connection with the divine.[2] (3) The first syllable of the name Krishna celebrated as a powerful chant.[3] (4) This verse is called the maha-mantra. It contains sixteen holy names of the Lord composed of thirty-two syllables.[4] (5) The great mantra into which the devotees of Shri Caitanya are initiated and which they chant loudly and softly.[5]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) The great sacred mantra that embodies the essence of devotion and invokes love for Krishna.[6] (2) The supreme mantra that is highlighted in the text, associated with the chanting of the name 'Rama' for spiritual liberation.[7] (3) A powerful chant, Hare Krishna, that encapsulates the essence of spiritual practice centered around the Divine Couple.[8] (4) The 'great mantra' composed of the names of Krishna and Rama, believed to invoke divine presence and lead to spiritual liberation.[9] (5) The great mantra which is central to the practice of kirtana and chanting within the bhakti tradition.[10]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) The great mantra consisting of the names of the Divine, which is chanted in a specific sequence to invoke spiritual energy.[11] (2) The great mantra, often associated with Krishna consciousness, noted for its power and significance.[12] (3) A sacred chant consisting of the names of Krishna and Rama, recited by devotees, including during the passing of significant figures.[13]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) A powerful mantra recommended by the Lord for spiritual practice, consisting of the names 'Hare Krishna' and 'Hare Rama'.[14] (2) A powerful mantra consisting of sixteen Names used for chanting, essential for worship in the Kali Age.[15]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The great transcendental sound vibration that one should chant with great loving affection.[16]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) A sacred phrase that Lord Vishvambhara receives from Ishvara Puri, associated with devotion to Lord Krishna.[17]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) A prominent mantra associated with the worship of the Devi, to be reiterated by the disciple.[18] (2) A significant mantra bestowed upon Astika by Shiva, which holds great spiritual power.[19] (3) Seven Koti powerful mantras and Maha Vidyas that worship the Maha Maya Shri Bhagavati.[20]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) A greater mantra that is repeated as part of spiritual practice, leading to divine achievements and qualities.[21] (2) The Great Mantra taught by Brahma that holds the powers to bless its practitioners with spiritual benefits and salvation.[22]
From: Shaiva Upanishads (A Critical Study)
(1) The five letters from the pranava form the five-lettered mahamantra, which is popularly known as the suddha pancakshari mantra.[23]
The concept of Mahamantra in local and regional sources
The Mahamantra signifies a spiritual initiation that Muthuswami received from his guru, Chidambaranatha Yogi, highlighting a profound connection to spiritual engagement and personal transformation within a traditional framework.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A spiritual initiation that Muthuswami received from his guru, Chidambaranatha Yogi, signifying deep spiritual engagement.[24]