Mantra in Hinduism

Subject Areas : Indian religions

سید محمد Rouhani ¹ (استادیار دانشگاه ادیان و مذاهب، قم، ایران)
محمد Alimardi ² (استادیار دانشگاه ادیان و مذاهب، قم، ایران)
سمانه Salari ³ (کارشناسی ارشد دانشگاه ادیان و مذاهب، قم، ایران)

Received: 2019-03-07 Accepted : 2019-03-07 Published : 2018-07-23

Keywords: Mantra, sacred utterance, Śabda, Aum,

Abstract :

Mantra or sacred utterance enjoys particular significance in various Indian religions and schools, especially Hinduism. However, in some of these schools, Mantras are considered to have incredible powers, and some attribute its extraordinary power to God. Significance of Mantra in Hinduism is not just due to its spiritual and supernatural impacts, rather some Mantras prove to be effective in such worldly affairs as healing the sick, overcoming the death, obtaining wealth and also defeating the enemies in battles. To obtain the required spiritual as well as worldly results, the followers of Hinduism repeat various sacred Mantras for certain times under certain conditions. However, the ultimate function of Mantra for mystics and ascetics is to reach perfect spiritual insight or Brahma jñāna which culminates in mokśa or absolute freedom form endless cycle of birth and death, Samsara and leads to annihilation of soul in God.