OṂ BHADRAṂ KARṆEBHIḤ ŚṚṆUYĀMA DEVĀḤ
Vedic Mantras
oṃ bhadraṃ karṇebhiḥ śṛṇuyāma devāḥ
bhadraṃ paśyemākṣabhir yajatrāḥ
sthirair aṅgais tuṣṭuvāṃsas tanūbhiḥ
vyaśema devahitam yadāyuḥ
svasti na indro vṛddhaśravāḥ
svasti naḥ pūṣā viśvavedāḥ
svasti nas tārkṣyo ariṣṭanemiḥ
svasti no bṛhaspatir dadhātu
oṃ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ
Om! O gods, may we hear auspicious words with the ears;
While engaged in yagnas,
May we see auspicious things with the eyes;
While praising the gods with steady limbs,
May we enjoy a life that is beneficial to the gods.
May Indra of ancient fame be auspicious to us;
May the supremely rich (or all-knowing) Pusa (god of the earth) Be propitious to us;
May Garuda, the destroyer of evil, Be well disposed towards us;
May Brihaspati ensure our welfare. Om! Peace! Peace! Peace!
History
This mantra is the opening verse of the Śānti Mantra from the Ṛgveda (1.89.1).
It is traditionally recited at the beginning of Vedic rituals, yajñas, and spiritual gatherings to invoke auspiciousness and divine guidance.
The purpose is to create a harmonious atmosphere, removing obstacles, and inviting the gods (Devas) to bless the practice.
This mantra has been preserved in Vedic tradition for millennia, often used in chanting sessions, meditation, and learning contexts.
Text & Etymology
Word Breakdown:
Oṃ – Primordial sound; represents the universe, consciousness, and cosmic vibration.
Bhadraṃ – Auspicious, beneficial, protective, harmonious.
Karṇebhiḥ – With ears; meaning “with attention or attentively.”
Śṛṇuyāma – Let us listen, hear, or perceive.
Devāḥ – O gods, divine beings, or celestial intelligences.
Simplified Meaning:
“Oṃ, may we listen attentively, O Devas, to that which is auspicious and beneficial.”
The full Śānti Mantra continues with prayers for peace, wisdom, and well-being, but this line is the invocation.
Benefits
a) Spiritual
Aligns the practitioner with divine guidance and auspiciousness.
Cultivates receptivity to knowledge, wisdom, and higher consciousness.
Creates an energetic space conducive to meditation, learning, and ritual practice.
b) Psychological
Encourages focused attention and attentive listening.
Reduces distraction, enhancing learning and concentration.
Promotes a sense of protection and well-being, reducing stress.
c) Practical / Ritual
Opens Vedic chants, yajñas, and pujas with harmonious intention.
Invites collective alignment and cooperation in group spiritual practice.
Contraindications / Precautions
No physical contraindications.
Must be recited with respect and attention.
Should not be chanted mechanically without understanding, as its power lies in intention and mindful listening.
Science of the Mantra
a) Neuroscience
Chanting or listening to mantras synchronizes brain hemispheres, improves focus and attention, and lowers cortisol levels.
Sound vibrations of Oṃ stimulate vagus nerve, inducing parasympathetic activation and calmness.
b) Psychology
Repeating auspicious phrases primes the mind for positive expectation and receptivity.
Attentive listening, as invoked by the mantra, engages active mindfulness networks, improving cognitive control and learning.
c) Social Science
Group recitation creates synchrony in breathing and heart rate, fostering unity and social cohesion.
Sets a ritual tone that enhances cooperation, attentiveness, and collective intention.
d) Energy Science (Yoga)
“Bhadraṃ” vibration promotes subtle energy alignment, fostering protective and harmonious prāṇic flow.
Listening attentively (karṇebhiḥ śṛṇuyāma) engages inner awareness, enhancing receptivity to inner and outer guidance.