The Mahabharata, an ancient Indian epic attributed to Vyasa, contains numerous mantras and sacred hymns that are chanted for wisdom, dharma, and liberation. Among the most prominent are the Vishnu Sahasranama, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Sanatsujatiya. The Vishnu Sahasranama, found in the Anushasana Parva of the Mahabharata (Mahabharata 13.135-149), is a litany of one thousand names of Lord Vishnu. It is traditionally chanted for peace, prosperity, and spiritual upliftment. The Bhagavad Gita, a dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna in the Bhishma Parva (Mahabharata 6.23-40), is considered a concise guide to Hindu philosophy and yoga.
Key verses, such as 'Yada yada hi dharmasya glanir bhavati bharata' (Bhagavad Gita 4.7), are chanted for protection of dharma and divine intervention. The Sanatsujatiya, in the Udyoga Parva (Mahabharata 5.41-46), is a discourse on immortality and spiritual wisdom. The beej-akshara 'Om' is central to many of these mantras, as in 'Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya', a powerful twelve-syllable mantra associated with Krishna. Phonetically, the resonance of 'Om' and the rhythmic structure of the Sahasranama facilitate meditative focus. Traditional purposes include gaining wisdom, fulfilling dharma, and attaining moksha.
Chanting is recommended during Brahma Muhurta (pre-dawn hours) or on Ekadashi, with a count of 108 repetitions using a tulsi or rudraksha mala. Cautions include maintaining purity of body and mind, and avoiding chanting in unclean places. According to the Padma Purana, the Vishnu Sahasranama bestows all desires and ultimate liberation. The Bhagavad Gita is often chanted on Gita Jayanti, while the Vishnu Sahasranama is recited during Krishna Janmashtami. These mantras are worshiped pan-India and globally, with iconography depicting Krishna as charioteer teaching Arjuna, symbolizing divine guidance.
Om, salutations to the divine Lord Vasudeva (Krishna).
The mantra begins with the seed-syllable 'Oṁ', which is the primordial sound and represents the ultimate reality. It is not a beej mantra in the strict sense but incorporates Om as a sacred syllable.