“Om Ksheera Putraya Vidhmahe Amruta Tatvaya Dheemahi Tanno Somah: Prachodayat” is a powerful Gayatri mantra dedicated to Chandra, the Moon God in Hinduism. As a Gayatri mantra, it follows a specific Vedic meter and is revered for its potent spiritual energy. This mantra invokes Chandra for his blessings of peace, tranquility, emotional balance, intuition, and spiritual growth. It is a profound prayer that seeks to align oneself with the soothing and nurturing energy of the Moon.

Mantra Meaning Breakdown

  • Om: The universal primordial sound, representing the ultimate reality, the divine consciousness that permeates everything. It is the beginning and end of all creation and is often used to start and end mantras.
  • Ksheera Putraya: This translates to “to the son of the Ocean of Milk” or “to the one born from the Milky Ocean.” “Ksheera” means “milk,” and “Putra” means “son.” This epithet refers to the story of Chandra’s birth during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean of milk) in Hindu mythology.
  • Vidmahe: This means “We meditate upon” or “We come to know” or “Let us know.” It signifies the intention to understand and connect with the divine principle represented by Chandra.
  • Amruta Tatvaya: This translates to “to the essence of immortality” or “to the principle of nectar.” “Amruta” means “nectar” or “ambrosia,” the drink of immortality, and “Tatva” means “essence,” “principle,” or “truth.” This phrase refers to Chandra’s association with the divine nectar that bestows immortality and his connection to the eternal, unchanging reality.
  • Dheemahi: This means “We meditate upon” or “We contemplate.” It emphasizes the act of focusing the mind on the deity and their divine qualities.
  • Tanno: This means “May that” or “May he/she.” It is a pronoun referring to the deity being invoked, in this case, Chandra.
  • Somah: This is another name for Chandra, the Moon God. It also refers to the sacred, intoxicating drink used in Vedic rituals, which is associated with the Moon.
  • Prachodayat: This means “Inspire us,” “Enlighten us,” or “Guide us.” It is a prayer for guidance, inspiration, and enlightenment, asking Chandra to illuminate the path towards knowledge, wisdom, and spiritual growth.

Full Meaning

The Chandra Gayatri Mantra “Om Ksheera Putraya Vidhmahe Amruta Tatvaya Dheemahi Tanno Somah: Prachodayat” is a powerful invocation to the Moon God, seeking his blessings and guidance. It can be translated as: “Om, We meditate upon the son of the Ocean of Milk, the essence of immortality. May that Chandra (Soma) inspire and enlighten us.” The mantra is a humble request for Chandra to illuminate the devotee’s mind and intellect with divine knowledge and wisdom. It acknowledges his celestial origin, his connection to the nectar of immortality, and his power to guide his devotees on the path to self-realization. It is a prayer for peace, emotional balance, intuition, and spiritual awakening.

Benefits

Chanting the Chandra Gayatri Mantra is believed to offer numerous spiritual and worldly benefits:

  • Peace and Tranquility: The Moon is associated with calmness and serenity. Chanting this mantra is believed to promote inner peace, tranquility, and emotional balance.
  • Emotional Stability: The mantra is said to help regulate emotions, reduce stress and anxiety, and promote a sense of calm and well-being.
  • Enhanced Intuition: The Moon is linked to intuition and psychic abilities. This mantra is believed to sharpen intuition, enhance inner knowing, and improve one’s ability to perceive subtle energies.
  • Improved Sleep: The Moon is associated with rest and sleep. Chanting this mantra can help to improve sleep quality and alleviate insomnia.
  • Creativity and Imagination: The Moon is linked to creativity and imagination. Chanting this mantra is believed to enhance creative potential and inspire artistic expression.
  • Spiritual Growth: By connecting with Chandra’s energy, the mantra can aid in spiritual growth, deepen devotion, and foster a stronger connection with the divine.
  • Nurturing and Compassion: The Moon represents the motherly, nurturing aspect of the divine. This mantra can help to cultivate compassion, empathy, and a more caring attitude.
  • Physical Health: In Vedic astrology, the Moon is associated with certain bodily fluids and functions. Chanting this mantra is believed to have a positive impact on overall physical health, particularly for issues related to water retention, hormonal imbalances, and the female reproductive system.
  • Balances Lunar Energies: The mantra helps to balance the energy of the Moon in one’s astrological chart, mitigating any negative effects and enhancing the positive ones.
  • Helpful during difficult Moon transits or phases: Chanting this mantra during challenging lunar phases or transits can provide support and help navigate these periods with greater ease.
  • Enhances the quality of meditation and other spiritual practices: The mantra’s calming and introspective energy can deepen meditation and enhance the effectiveness of other spiritual practices.

The Chandra Gayatri Mantra is a powerful tool for harnessing the positive energy of the Moon. To experience its full benefits, it is important to chant the mantra with devotion, focus, and a clear understanding of its meaning. Regular and consistent practice is key to unlocking the mantra’s transformative power. It is often chanted at night, facing the Moon, to honor the lunar deity and harness its energy. As with any powerful mantra, it’s advisable to learn it from a knowledgeable teacher or guru to ensure correct pronunciation and understanding.