The Kamala Mantra is the sacred invocation of Kamala, the tenth Mahavidya, who is the Tantric form of Goddess Lakshmi. According to the 'Kamala Tantra', she represents the culmination of the Mahavidya journey, embodying supreme grace, wealth, and spiritual abundance. The mantra is chanted for immense material prosperity, beauty, and the fulfillment of desires, while also granting liberation (moksha) to the advanced practitioner. The primary beej-akshara (seed syllable) in the mantra 'Om Shreem Hreem Kleem Kamalayai Namah' is 'Shreem', which is the bija of Lakshmi, representing wealth and auspiciousness.
'Hreem' is the bija of Maya or illusion, and 'Kleem' is the bija of attraction and desire. Together, they invoke the goddess's power to attract both material and spiritual riches. The 'Lalita Sahasranama' (verse 100) refers to Kamala as 'Kamalakshi' (lotus-eyed) and 'Kamalayai' (she who is like a lotus), highlighting her association with the lotus, a symbol of purity and divine grace. The traditional purpose of this mantra is to bestow wealth, prosperity, grace, and spiritual fullness.
It is recommended to chant the mantra 108 times daily, preferably in the morning or during the bright fortnight of the lunar month, especially on Fridays. The ideal ritual setting includes a clean space, a picture or yantra of Kamala, and offerings of red flowers, lotus seeds, or sweets. According to the 'Tantrasara', the mantra should be initiated by a qualified guru, as improper chanting without purification may lead to adverse effects. Cautions include avoiding chanting during periods of impurity (such as menstruation or mourning) and maintaining strict mental focus, as the mantra is considered powerful and can amplify both positive and negative tendencies.
The Kamala Mantra is central to the Sri Vidya tradition and is worshiped widely across India, especially during Diwali, Navaratri, and Kamala Jayanti.
Salutations to Kamala, with the seed syllables of prosperity, illusion, and attraction.
The mantra contains three beej-aksharas: 'śrīṃ' (Lakshmi bija for prosperity), 'hrīṃ' (Maya bija for illusion/power), and 'klīṃ' (Kama bija for attraction). These seed syllables invoke the goddess's attributes of wealth, divine energy, and fulfillment of desires.