What Are Mantras? Their Power and Miraculous Effects
According to the ancient scriptural scholars, “Mananāt trāyate iti mantraḥ,” which means that which protects and liberates through contemplation is called a mantra. In essence, a mantra is a powerful spiritual tool that awakens the dormant energies and consciousness within a human being.
Mantras contain vast, limitless, and miraculous power hidden within them. Through the influence of mantras, one can naturally receive the grace of the extraordinary powers of gods and goddesses. The scriptures clearly state, “Mantrādhīnaṃ ca daivatam,” meaning that the deities themselves are governed by mantras.
The sound energy generated by the chanting of a mantra, when amplified by strong intention (sankalpa) and faith (shraddha), connects with the divine consciousness that pervades the universe. At that point, the inner individual consciousness and the outer cosmic consciousness create a remarkable flow of energy. As a result of this powerful energy exchange, the mantra bestows spiritual attainments (siddhis) upon the practitioner. Blessings and even curses are outcomes of the mastery gained through mantra power.
However, mantras yield their full results only when they are chanted according to proper method and discipline. Before chanting a mantra with a rosary (mala), it is essential to perform its prana-pratishtha (energization). Without this, the results of mantra chanting become ineffective. This is clearly stated in the Bharadwaja Smriti:
“Apratiṣṭhita-mālāyā sā jape viphala-smṛtā
tasmāt pratiṣṭhā kartavyā japasya phalam icchatā”
This means that chanting with a rosary that has not been consecrated is considered fruitless; therefore, anyone who desires the fruits of mantra practice must first energize the mala.
Mantras exist in many categories. Some are perfected to remove common physical and mental ailments, while others are chanted to fulfill specific purposes. Vedic and sacrificial (yajna) mantras possess such immense power that they can invoke not only Agni (fire), Vayu (wind), Varuna (water), and Surya (the sun), but even compel Indra, the king of the gods, to appear before human beings.
To illustrate the power of mantras, an ancient story is often cited. In ancient times, there was a mighty and illustrious king named Prithu. He resolved to perform the Ashvamedha Yajna. According to his vow, King Prithu successfully completed 99 Ashvamedha sacrifices following all prescribed rituals. As a result, his power and influence became immense.
Indra, the king of the gods, grew fearful of King Prithu’s rising glory. If Prithu were to complete the hundredth Ashvamedha Yajna, he would become even more powerful than Indra himself. Afraid that Prithu might claim the throne of heaven, Indra devised a deceitful plan. Disguising himself, he stole the sacrificial horse meant for the hundredth yajna. Prithu’s son managed to forcibly retrieve the horse from Indra, but when King Prithu learned of Indra’s deceit, he decided to punish him.
In a fit of rage, King Prithu placed an arrow on his bow and declared his intention to destroy Indra. When the sages and seers came to know of this, they immediately approached the king and said, “O King, your powerful arrow will not only destroy Indra but could annihilate the entire celestial realm. If your desire is truly to eliminate Indra, we shall fulfill it through another means. Through potent sacrificial mantras, we will draw the arrogant Indra down from heaven and offer him into the sacrificial fire.”
Hearing this, King Prithu’s anger subsided somewhat, and he replied, “I am satisfied with your words and accept your proposal. However, the arrow drawn on my bow shall not be lowered until Indra is pulled before my very eyes by your yajna mantras and is consumed in the fire of the sacrificial altar.”
To fulfill King Prithu’s wish, the sages lifted their ladles (sruva), began chanting powerful mantras, and offered oblations into the sacred fire. By the force of the sacrificial mantras, Indra was drawn down from heaven toward the fire altar. Just as he was about to fall into the fire and be consumed, Lord Brahma appeared and, at the request of the assembled sages, saved Indra from destruction.
Following this, Indra sought forgiveness from King Prithu. At the request of Brahma and the sages, King Prithu forgave Indra. In this way, the supremacy and victorious power of mantra shakti over even divine forces was clearly established.
Note: You may also be interested to read “Pancha Mahayajna: Meaning and Significance in Hinduism“
