“Om Basmayudhaya Vidmahe Raktha Nethraya Deemahi Tanno Jwarahara Prachodayath” is a powerful mantra dedicated to Goddess Indrakshi, a fierce and protective form of the divine feminine. This particular mantra is a Gayatri mantra, a specific type of Vedic hymn known for its potent spiritual energy and transformative power. In this case, it is addressed to Indrakshi as “Jwarahara,” the remover of fevers and diseases. It’s often chanted for healing, protection, and relief from physical and mental ailments.

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.
  • Basmayudhaya: “Basma” means “Ash” and “Ayudhaya” means “weapon”. So it can be translated to “One whose weapon is Ash”. It may be referring to Bhasmasura, whom she killed by tricking him into turning himself to ash. It is also interpreted as “One who is armed with the sacred ash (Vibhuti)” because the sacred ash is believed to possess healing powers and is often used as a protective talisman against diseases and negative energies.
  • 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 Goddess Indrakshi.
  • Raktha Nethraya: This translates to “One with red eyes” or “One with blood-red eyes.” “Raktha” means blood or red, and “Nethraya” means eyes. It describes the fierce and powerful form of the Goddess, whose red eyes symbolize her intense energy and her ability to destroy negativity and disease.
  • Deemahi: This means “We meditate upon” or “We contemplate.” It emphasizes the act of focusing the mind on the Goddess and her divine qualities.
  • Tanno: This means “May that” or “May he/she.” It is a pronoun referring to the deity being invoked, in this case, Indrakshi.
  • Jwarahara: This translates to “Remover of fever” or “Destroyer of fever.” “Jwara” means fever or disease, and “Hara” means remover or destroyer. This epithet highlights Indrakshi’s specific power to heal and protect from illness.
  • Prachodayath: This means “Inspire us,” “Enlighten us,” or “Guide us.” It is a prayer for guidance, inspiration, and enlightenment, asking the Goddess to illuminate the path towards health, well-being, and spiritual growth.

Full Meaning

The mantra “Om Basmayudhaya Vidmahe Raktha Nethraya Deemahi Tanno Jwarahara Prachodayath” is a powerful invocation to Goddess Indrakshi for healing and protection. It can be translated as: “Om, We meditate upon the one who is armed with the sacred ash (or the one who destroyed Bhasmasura), the one with red eyes. May that remover of fever (and all diseases) inspire and enlighten us.” The mantra acknowledges her fierce form and her power to destroy illness, symbolized by her red eyes and her weapon, the sacred ash. It is a prayer for her divine intervention to remove disease, protect from suffering, and guide towards a path of health, well-being, and spiritual awakening.

Benefits

Chanting the Indrakshi Gayatri mantra is believed to bestow numerous benefits, particularly related to health, protection, and spiritual growth:

  • Relief from Fevers and Diseases: This is the primary benefit, as indicated by the epithet “Jwarahara.” The mantra is believed to be particularly effective in alleviating fevers and other illnesses.
  • Protection from Negative Energies: Indrakshi is a powerful protector. Chanting this mantra is said to create a shield of protection against negative energies, evil influences, and harm.
  • Healing on Physical and Mental Levels: The mantra is believed to promote healing not only on the physical level but also on the mental and emotional levels, bringing relief from stress, anxiety, and depression.
  • Increased Immunity: Regular chanting is said to boost the immune system, making the body more resistant to diseases.
  • Destruction of Negative Karma: The mantra is believed to help in the removal of negative karma that may be the root cause of suffering and illness.
  • Courage and Strength: By invoking the fierce energy of Indrakshi, the mantra can instill courage, strength, and determination to overcome challenges.
  • Spiritual Growth: The Gayatri mantra format is known for its spiritual potency. Chanting this mantra can aid in spiritual growth, deepen one’s connection with the divine, and promote inner transformation.
  • Clarity of Mind: The mantra is believed to enhance clarity of thought, improve focus, and promote mental peace.
  • Overall Well-being: Ultimately, the mantra is chanted to promote overall well-being, encompassing physical health, mental peace, and spiritual progress.
  • Removal of fear and anxiety: It is believed to remove all types of fears and blesses one with courage, strength and victory.