Benefits of Chanting Sanskrit Mantras

Posted On February 10, 2024

Last updated on May 31st, 2024 at 05:06 am

When Sanskrit is taught, it has to be learnt by rote. The sound is important, not the meaning. –

Sadhguru

Sanskrit is an ancient language of India and the base language from which several words from many other languages have been derived. Sanskrit serves as the language of Hindu scriptures, scientific texts and poetic compositions like mantras, shlokas, and stotras. Sages and saints have made use of Sanskrit to transmit their teachings across generations.

Throughout the ages, people have been chanting Sanskrit mantras for various reasons—some as a form of meditation, others to express their devotion towards a particular deity, and many to gain spiritual benefits. Here is a look at the incredible benefits of this practice.

Mantras are believed to be highly effective in their ability to influence and resonate with specific energies. Mantras come in various types, each activating specific energies in different body parts. Even modern science supports the Vedic science behind mantras, acknowledging the power of sound vibrations on the human brain.

Chanting mantras isn’t simply uttering words; it’s about becoming the essence of the mantra itself. It requires practice, concentration and faith in one’s guru and initiation.

Hidden Benefits of Chanting Mantras

The practice of chanting involves the repetition of a certain phrase with utmost concentration, which in turn has a meditative effect.

The vibrations created by Sanskrit shlokas are known to help you experience a sense of calm. Their sound reduces the release of stress hormones like cortisol.

Chanting Sanskrit mantras is said to help reduce stress, lower blood pressure and help you stay happy and calm. A daily practice of chanting certain mantras can give you internal strength and enhance your overall well-being.

Chanting of Sanskrit shlokas, when combined with the understanding of their meaning, can help you develop compassion and empathy, and give you mental peace.

With frequent or daily chanting of Sanskrit mantras, they are retained in memory, which in turn helps in boosting memory.

The process of understanding the meaning of these mantras improves cognitive function.

The practice of understanding and chanting mantras introduces you to a new language and learning new languages helps in brain development and increases neuroplasticity.

The pronunciation of Sanskrit words requires certain movements of the tongue which improves speech abilities and pronunciation skills.

Aum chanting is popularly used to raise self-awareness and attain inner peace. Research says that the chanting of Aum affects the vagus nerve in a way that gives you clarity of thought.

In a certain study, those who practice chanting Sanskrit mantras have been found to have more grey matter across their cerebral hemispheres and increased cortical thickness.

The vibrations generated through the recital of certain Sanskrit shlokas are known to trigger the hypothalamus which, in turn, improves the functioning of various body organs.

Spiritually speaking, chanting mantras can help kindle the light within you and raise your alertness and awareness of the self.

Sanskrit Shlokas Examples and Their Powerful Effects

Some Sanskrit shlokas are said to have a specific effect on your physical or emotional well-being. Here are some examples.

Nirvana Shatakam, composed by Adi Shankaracharya, consists of six verses in Sanskrit. It explores the formless nature of the true Self. Chanting Nirvana Shatakam can promote inner peace, reducing anxiety and fostering identification with Shiva.

If you’re interested in learning the Nirvana Shatakam from Project Sanskriti Alumni, you can do so through their platform.

The recital of the Ramraksha strotra is said to help you get rid of fears and serve as a protective shield during difficult times.

Chanting the Gayatri mantra generates pressure on the tongue, lips, palate and vocal cord in such a way that the hypothalamus function improves, in turn boosting immunity and other bodily functions.

Reciting the mantra Om Gan Ganapataye Namaha is believed to help remove obstacles from your path and lead you towards success.

Chanting of Om Shanti Shanti Shantihi is the means to invoke peace into your life.

Om sarve bhavantu sukhinah, sarve santu niramayah, is a prayer which seeks peace and harmony for everyone. By reciting this mantra you are wishing good for everyone, and thus expressing a broad perspective of looking at the world.

A mantra like Samudra vasane devi, which is traditionally chanted before starting your day, is a way to ask for forgiveness to the Earth for touching her with your feet.

The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra holds immense significance in Hinduism. It is revered for its powerful nature and is often recited in times of distress, illness, or during spiritual practices to seek the blessings and protection of Lord Shiva.

Indian classical music is an evolution of the fundamental process of Nada Yoga. It has the power to make one transcend human limitations and arrive at an ultimate possibility. – Sadhguru

Mantras, being energy-based sounds, create physical vibrations that align with the spiritual energy of the chant. Mantra chanting focuses more on sound than meaning, as it directly connects with the essence of existence. This principle forms the foundation of mantra yoga, also called nada yoga.

Nada Yoga – allows you to utter the sounds that create an inner atmosphere of joy, making it a natural way to be.

– Isha foundation

This exemplifies how shlokas and mantras help imbibe in you, good values like humility, empathy, gratitude, forgiveness and love, which means the fostering of good values is another important benefit of chanting Sanskrit mantras.

Thus, you can see that chanting Sanskrit mantras has physical, emotional and spiritual benefits. So include the ones you like, in your daily routine and see the positive change they bring about in you.

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