The Bhagavad Gita Dhyana Mantra (Extended) is a set of contemplative verses traditionally chanted before reciting or studying the Bhagavad Gita. These mantras are found in the Gita Dhyana section of the Gita Mahatmya, which is part of the Varaha Purana. They invoke the grace of Lord Krishna, the divine teacher, and prepare the mind for receiving the Gita's wisdom. The most well-known of these is 'Om Parthaya Pratibodhitam Bhagavata...' which states that the Gita was spoken by Lord Vishnu (Krishna) to Arjuna and later compiled by Vyasa. Another key verse is 'Sarvopanishado Gavo...' which compares the Upanishads to cows, Krishna to the cowherd, Arjuna to the calf, and the Gita to the milk of wisdom. The mantras also include salutations to the Gita itself as a mother and to Vyasa as its compiler. The beej-akshara 'Om' is present, representing the primordial sound and the essence of the Vedas. The phonetics of the mantras are designed to create a meditative rhythm, aiding concentration. According to the Gita Mahatmya, chanting these dhyana mantras with devotion removes obstacles to understanding the Gita, bestows the grace of Krishna, and leads to liberation (moksha). The traditional purpose is to align the chanter's consciousness with the teachings of the Gita, which encompass dharma, yoga, and bhakti. Recommended chanting context is before a Gita reading or study session, ideally in the morning after bathing, facing east. The count is typically once or thrice, but some traditions chant them 108 times during Gita Jayanti. No specific cautions are mentioned, but as with all mantras, purity of mind and intent is advised. The mantras are considered safe for all seekers, regardless of caste or gender, as the Gita is a universal scripture. The extended version may include additional verses from the Gita Dhyana, such as 'Vasudeva Sutam Devam...' which praises Krishna as the son of Vasudeva and the supreme deity. These mantras are not only for study but also for meditation, helping the practitioner internalize the Gita's message of selfless action and devotion.
Lord Krishna as charioteer teaching Arjuna, the wisdom of the Gita.