Mangala Mantra – Oṃ svasti prajābhyaḥ paripālayantāṁ

SVASTI PRAJĀBHYAḤ PARIPĀLAYANTĀM

Mangala Mantra

Oṃ

svasti prajābhyaḥ paripālayantāṁ

nyāyena mārgeṇa mahīṁ mahīśāḥ

go-brāhmaṇebhyaḥ śubham astu nityaṁ

lokāḥ samastāḥ sukhino bhavantu

oṃ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ

OM

Let prosperity be glorified, let rulers, (administrators) rule the world with law and justice let divinity and erudition be protected let all beings be happy and prosperous.

 

1. History of “Svasti Prajābhyaḥ Paripālayantām”

• Scriptural Source:

  This is a Vedic śānti mantra, found in the Ṛgveda (10.191.4) and repeated in the Atharva Veda (19.62) and other later texts.

• Context:

  • Recited in yajñas, temple rituals, and public gatherings as a prayer for universal peace, good governance, and collective welfare.

  • Often used at the conclusion of rituals, community functions, and even in modern parliaments/assemblies in India.

• Philosophical Foundation:

  • Reflects the Vedic vision of sarvabhūta hitam – well-being for all beings.

  • Emphasizes not only individual spiritual welfare but also social order, protection by rulers, abundance of crops, and prosperity of cattle – i.e., total harmony of society and nature.

 

2. Text, Etymology & Meaning

Word-by-Word Breakdown

• Svasti – Auspiciousness, well-being.

• Prajābhyaḥ – For the people, citizens.

• Paripālayantām – May (the rulers) protect, safeguard.

• Nyāyena – By justice, righteousness.

• Mārgeṇa – By the right path, dharmic way.

• Mahīm – The earth, kingdom.

• Mahīśāḥ – Kings, rulers, protectors.

• Go-brāhmaṇebhyaḥ – For cows and Brahmins (symbolic: cattle = ecology, food security; Brahmins = knowledge bearers).

• Śubham astu nityam – May there be goodness forever.

• Lokāḥ samastāḥ sukhino bhavantu – May all worlds/all beings be happy.

Simplified Meaning

“May the rulers protect the people with justice. May the earth be governed along the path of righteousness. May there be perpetual welfare for cows, the learned, and society. May all beings in all the worlds be happy.”

 

3. Benefits of the Mantra

4. a) Spiritual

• Expands awareness from personal peace to universal harmony.

• Aligns the chanter with dharma (justice, truth, order).

• Invokes the cosmic principle of ṛta (universal law).

1. b) Psychological

• Cultivates altruism, compassion, and collective responsibility.

• Reduces selfish tendencies by including the welfare of society and nature.

• Brings a sense of hope and security.

1. c) Social & Practical

• Strengthens social cohesion, reminding leaders of their dharmic duty.

• Inspires environmental awareness (protection of cows/ecology).

• Encourages ethical governance and justice.

4. Contraindications / Precautions

• No contraindications – it is a universal peace prayer.

• Should not be misunderstood literally as only about “kings and Brahmins”:

  • Mahīśāḥ = leaders, administrators, government.

  • Go-brāhmaṇa = ecology (cows, agriculture) + knowledge systems (education, wisdom).

• Must be chanted with inclusive spirit, not sectarian limitation.

5. Science of the Mantra

6. a) Neuroscience & Physiology

• Chanting produces rhythmic breathing → activates parasympathetic nervous system, reduces stress.

• Repetition of svasti and śubham generates positive affirmations for collective well-being.

1. b) Psychology & Sociology

• Similar to loving-kindness meditation (Metta bhāvanā) – shown in psychology to increase compassion, reduce hostility, and promote altruistic behavior.

• Collective recitation reinforces unity and group identity.

1. c) Governance & Social Science

• Ancient Indian recognition that society thrives when:

  1. Rulers act with justice.

  2. Ecology and food security are preserved.

  3. Education and wisdom are respected.

• Modern parallel: sustainable governance, environmental balance, and educational advancement.

1. d) Environmental Science Parallel

• “Go-brāhmaṇa” symbolizes both biodiversity and knowledge systems – two pillars of sustainable civilization.

 

Summary:
The mantra “Svasti Prajābhyaḥ Paripālayantām” is a Vedic peace and welfare invocation. Its etymology highlights auspiciousness, justice, ecological protection, and happiness of all beings. It brings spiritual expansion, psychological calm, social unity, and environmental responsibility. It has no contraindications, provided it is understood inclusively. Modern science affirms its value in stress reduction, altruism, governance ethics, and sustainability consciousness.