In the Hindu religious universe, there are as many as 33 crore gods and goddesses. But there is a hierarchy in heaven by which there are 3 major divinities who form the Trimurti comprising Brahma, the Creator, Vishnu, the Preserver, and Shiva, the Destroyer.
Vishnu’s task is to preserve and protect the Universe from threats and dangers. From time to time, he incarnates on earth when it faces the threat of evil forces represented by various Asuras or demons. The demons unleash chaos and pose a challenge to the rule of Dharma or righteousness. But Vishnu destroys the demons and restores order and balance, thereby maintaining the status quo.
Many stories, hymns, and festivals are based on Vishnu and his avatars. They talk about his power, compassion, and glory.
Some of his popular avatars are Krishna, Rama, Narasimha, Vamana, etc.
The Power of Mantras
Mantras are words, sounds, or phrases that can create certain vibrations in the atmosphere. Most Mantras are of a positive nature and, when repeatedly chanted, can lead to positive changes in our lives. Such transformations can be physical, emotional, and spiritual. Many people chant Mantras to manifest their desires. Others chant them to achieve greater focus, boost concentration, and de-stress. Whatever the purpose, it has been scientifically proved that Mantras can benefit us in many ways.
Here are 10 powerful Vishnu Mantras that can help you invoke Vishnu’s blessings for peace, happiness, and prosperity in life.
Mukti Mantra
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya।।
When translated, this antra means, “I bow to the Lord who resides in the hearts of everyone”. The Mantra generates compassion, as it reminds the chanter that God is present in every living being. It fills one with love towards all and removes obstacles from one’s life.
Vishnu Shantakaram Mantra
Shantakaram Bhujagashayanam Padmanabham Suresham
Vishvadharam Gaganasadrisham Meghavarnam Shubhangam।
Lakshmikantam Kamalanayanam Yogibhirdhyanagamyam
Vande Vishnum Bhavabhayaharam Sarvalokaikanatham।।
The Mantra means, “I bow to Lord Vishnu who preserves and protects the universe, who is pacific, who lies on the divine serpent, from whose navel arises the Lotus with the power of creation, who is the Supreme Being, who holds the entire universe, who is all-pervading as the sky, who is dark like clouds and has a magnificent form. Lakshmi’s Lord, one with lotus eye, who is perceived through meditation by the Yogis, I salute you, Lord Vishnu, who removes the fear of worldly existence and who is the Lord of all worlds”.
Chanting this Mantra regularly makes a person fearless, as it helps to bring one out of worldly affairs and its fears.
Shri Vishnu Mantra
Tvameva Maataa Ca Pitaa Tvameva Tvameva Bandhush-Ca Sakhaa Tvam-Eva
Tvameva Viidyaa Dravinnam Tvam-Eva Tvameva Sarvam Mama Deva Deva।।
The Mantra means, “O Lord, you are my father and mother; you are also my friend and brother, my wealth and education itself; I see my hopes and salvation in you”.
Chant this Mantra when you are facing problems and need guidance. The ancient sages believed that reciting this Mantra can improve one’s concentration and help invoke Vishnu’s guidance in all aspects of life.
Moola Vishnu Mantra
Om Namo Narayanaya।।
The Mantra means, “I bow before the Almighty”. It is a salutation to Vishnu. The Mantra supposedly has the power to help one attain Vaikuntha in the afterlife. However, Vaikuntha also means ‘to be without desires,’ so one can use this Mantra to free oneself from materialistic attachments and fears.
Vishnu Sloka
Kaayena Vaacaa Manase[a-I]ndriyair-Vaa
Buddhy[i]-Aatmanaa Vaa Prakrteh Svabhaavaat |
Karomi Yad-Yat-Sakalam Parasmai
Naaraayannayeti Samarpayaami ||
This Sloka occurs in the Bhagavad Gita and Mukundamala. The Mukundamala version differs slightly from the Gita version. The Mantra above is from Mukundamala. It means, “Whatever I do with my body, speech, mind or sense organs, whatever I do with my intellect, feelings of heart or unconsciously through the natural tendencies of my mind, Whatever I do, I do all for others, I surrender them all at the lotus feet of Sri Narayana”. Chanting this Mantra is believed to liberate one from karmic deeds performed consciously or unconsciously and help one attain enlightenment. By chanting it regularly, one can become free of stress and guilt.
Vishnu Mangalam Mantra
Mangalam Bhagwan Vishnuh, Mangalam Garunadhwajah।
Mangalam Pundari Kakshah, Mangalaya Tano Harih॥
The Mantra means, “All auspiciousness to Lord Vishnu, all auspiciousness to one who has Garuda as His flag. All auspiciousness to one who has eyes like lotus flowers, and auspiciousness to Hari. This Mantra is chanted to invoke Vishnu’s blessings when carrying out auspicious activities like Pooja, marriage, Aarati, etc.
Purana Mantra
Om Apavitrah Pavitro Vaa Sarva-Avasthaam Gato-[A]pi Vaa |
Yah Smaret–Punnddariikaakssam Sa Baahya–Abhyantarah Shucih ||
This Vishnu Mantra occurs in many Puranas, and it is one of the main Vishnu Mantras. The Mantra means, ‘Om, if one is Apavitra (impure) or Pavitra (pure), or even in all other conditions, one who remembers Pundarikaksha (Vishnu), shall be pure outwardly as well as inwardly’. Chanting this Mantra frees one from sins. It frees us from bondage and liberates us from emotional connections that cause sorrow in life.
Vishnu Gayatri Mantra
Om Shri Vishnave Cha Vidmahe Vasudevaya Dhimahi।
Tanno Vishnuh Prachodayat॥
This Vishnu Mantra means, “Om, Let me meditate on Lord Vishnu;h, Lord Vasudeva, give me higher intellect; And let Lord Vishnu illuminate my mind”. Like other Gayatri Mantras, this Mantra is believed to remove fears and bring one to reality.
Sashankhachakram
Sa-Shangkha-Cakram Sa-Kiriitta-Kunnddalam Sa-Piita-Vastram Sarasiiruhe[a-Ii]kssannam।
Sa-Haara-Vakssas-Sthala-Shobhi-Kaustubham Namaami Vissnnum Shirasaa Catur-Bhujam ||
The Mantra means,” Salutations to Sri Vishnu, who is holding the conch and chakra, and who is adorned with diadem and earrings; with yellow garments and lotus-like eyes. Whose chest is adorned with a garland with the Kaustubha gem; four-armed form of Sri Vishnu and bow my head before him”. Bhakti or devotion is essential for self-awareness. Chanting this Mantra helps develop quick reflexes and boosts concentration.
Vishnu Mantra
Megha-Shyaamam Piita-Kausheya-Vaasam Shriivatsa-Angkam Kaustubho[a-U]dbhaasita-Anggam |
Punnyo[(a-U)]petam Punnddariika-[A]ayata-Akssam Vissnnum Vande Sarva-Lokai[a-E]ka-Naatham ||
When translated, this Mantra means, “We salute Lord Vishnu, who is beautiful like the dark clouds, and who is wearing yellow garments of silk; who has the mark of Srivatsa on his chest; and whose body is shining with the radiance of the Kaushtubha Mani, whose form is permeated with holiness, and whose beautiful eyes are extended like lotus petals; we salute Sri Vishnu who is the One Lord of all the Lokas”. This is a prayer that is dedicated to Vishnu, which one can chant during Poojas or worship of Vishnu.