I’ve been meaning to introduce a mantra here at Good Stars Jyotish for a while now – and what better mantra to start with than this one.
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya
This Krishna (Vishnu) mantra is one of the best out there for soothing mental anxiety and quieting the mind to make room for spiritual insight and a sense of connection. Definitely something many of us could use these days…
Before we move on to the mantra itself, let’s take a brief look at Vishnu/Krishna and what he stands for.
Vishnu and Krishna
Vishnu is part of the Trimurti concept that represents the three principal forms or aspects of the divine cosmic power. These include Brahma (the creator), Shiva (the destroyer/transformer) and Vishnu (the preserver/sustainer).
Vishnu is believed to incarnate on Earth whenever dharma (righteousness) is threatened and adharma (unrighteousness) prevails. Each incarnation serves specific purposes, such as restoring balance and teaching important lessons.
One of his most well-known and beloved avatars (i.e., incarnation) of Vishnu is Krishna. He exemplified righteous conduct (dharma), love (prema) and devotion (bhakti) through his actions and teachings.
The mantra
Here’s a breakdown of its meaning and pronunciation:
Meaning:
Om: A sacred syllable representing the ultimate reality, consciousness, or Atman. It is the primordial sound and the essence of the universe.
Namo: A salutation or bowing in reverence. It means "I bow" or "I offer my respects."
Bhagavate: Refers to the divine or the supreme being. It can be interpreted as "unto the blessed one" or "to the Lord."
Vasudevaya: Refers to Lord Krishna, who is the son of Vasudeva. It can be interpreted as "to Vasudeva's son" or "to Lord Krishna."
Together, the mantra can be translated as "Om, I bow to Lord Vasudeva (Krishna)," or more elaborately, "Om, I offer my respects to the divine Lord Krishna."
However, Vasudevaya has an even deeper meaning: it means the “light in all beings.” This ties into the Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family) principle, that teaches the importance of compassion, universal kinship and cultural inclusivity.
Beyond the words themselves, it is the vibrations of this (or any) mantra that make it powerful.
Pronunciation:
The mantra is pronounced as follows:
Om: [Ommmm]
Namo: [Nah-mo]
Bhagavate: [Bha-ga-va-TEY]
Vasudevaya: [VA-su-deh-VA-YA]
I also provide a breakdown of the pronunciation in the recording above.
Benefits of the mantra
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya:
cleanses both the mind and heart of negativity
reduces stress and soothes a restless mind
calms the nervous system and brings a sense of peace
instills a sense of oneness and connection to the divine
heightens mental focus and clarity
promotes psychological well-being by reducing anxiety and depression
helps lead one towards the path of spiritual liberation
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya as a Jyotish remedy
In Vedic astrology, Krishna is associated with the moon.
Therefore, this mantra is particularly effective as a remedy for the moon. This is particularly the case when the moon is in the 12th house (as this is a 12-syllable mantra) or the 8th house, which is a particularly challenging house for the moon to be in.
It could also be a good choice if the moon has difficult aspects, is conjunct a malefic planet (i.e., Saturn, Mars, Rahu or Ketu), or in the 6th house.
Moon issues in a person’s chart can:
bring a sense of isolation and disconnection
make a person overly sensitive and vulnerable
cause anxiety and depression and/or obsessive thoughts
create a restless, unquiet mind
speak to difficulties with mother or mother figures
In addition to the moon, this mantra is also effective as remediation for Mercury, as it improves focus.
FAQ about mantra recitation
When should I chant this mantra?
You can chant this mantra at any time, although the best time to do so would be in the morning after bathing. Thursdays are a particularly good time as this is the day associated with Vishnu.
How many times should I chant the mantra?
The standard for mantra recitation is 108 times. However, you don’t have to recite it that many times, particularly if you are new to mantras. One of the divisors of 108 would also work well (e.g., 3, 12, 18, 27, 54). It’s also perfectly fine if you just listen at first.
If using this mantra for specific remediation purposes (e.g., moon in the 12th house with Saturn), a more intensive practice would be required for it to deliver effective results.
Should I chant the mantra out loud?
The rule of thumb for any mantra is to first chant the mantra out loud until you feel comfortable with the pronunciation, then chant it quietly (like a whisper). When you’re ready, chant it silently. This is the most potent practice, as the vibrations are completely contained within your body.
Where should I chant this mantra?
If chanting out loud or for a longer practice, choose a quiet place and sit upright. If chanting silently or just now and then, you can chant this mantra anywhere you like.
Is this mantra safe?
Yes, this mantra is completely safe and can be chanted by anyone regardless of their background or spiritual practice.
Do I need to use prayer beads for recitation?
No, but it can be helpful if you are reciting over a longer period. If you choose to do so, use Tulsi beads, which are associated with Vishnu.
Where can I find a recording of this mantra?
This post includes a recording where I chant the mantra 108 times. Feel free to listen or chant along. Otherwise, you’ll also find many recordings on YouTube.
If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.
Michelle R. Dean is a Vedic astrologer and writer based in Berlin. To find out more about Michelle or book a Vedic astrology consultation, swing by here.
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya