The Nava Avarana Mantras are a set of nine distinct mantras used in the worship of the nine enclosures (avaranas) of the Sri Chakra, the primary yantra of the goddess Tripura Sundari in the Sri Vidya tradition. Each mantra corresponds to a specific enclosure, which is a concentric geometric layer surrounding the central bindu. The nine enclosures are: (1) Trailokya Mohana (the outermost square), (2) Sarvasa Paripuraka (16-petal lotus), (3) Sarva Sanksobhana (8-petal lotus), (4) Sarva Saubhagyadayaka (14 small triangles), (5) Sarvartha Sadhaka (10 small triangles), (6) Sarva Rakshakara (10 small triangles), (7) Sarva Rogahara (8 small triangles), (8) Sarva Siddhiprada (1 small triangle), and (9) Sarva Ananda Maya (the central bindu). According to the Lalita Sahasranama, each enclosure is presided over by a group of goddesses, such as the Yoginis, Dikpalas, and Shakti forms, who are invoked through these mantras.
The mantras are typically composed of beejaksharas (seed syllables) like 'hrim', 'shrim', 'aim', 'klim', and 'sauh', combined with names of the deities and enclosures. For example, the first enclosure mantra is 'Om aim hrim shrim trailokya mohana chakrasya sarva siddhi prada yogini bhyo namah'. The textual origin of these mantras is found in Tantric works such as the Mantra Mahodadhi and the Shaktisangama Tantra, which detail the ritual procedures for Sri Chakra puja. The traditional purpose of chanting the Nava Avarana Mantras is to progressively purify the worshiper's consciousness and lead them from the outer material world to the innermost spiritual center, symbolizing union with the goddess.
Benefits include removal of obstacles, fulfillment of desires, and attainment of spiritual liberation. The recommended chanting context is during the ritual worship (puja) of the Sri Chakra, performed either daily or on special occasions like Navaratri. The count is typically 108 repetitions per enclosure, or as prescribed by a guru. Chanting should be done with proper visualization of the yantra and offerings.
Cautions: These mantras are considered highly potent and should only be chanted after initiation (diksha) from a qualified Sri Vidya guru, as improper practice may lead to adverse effects.
Om, salutations to the Yoginis who bestow all siddhis of the Trailokya Mohana Chakra, with seed syllables aim, hrim, shrim.
The mantra contains three primary seed syllables: aiṃ (knowledge), hrīṃ (maya/shakti), and śrīṃ (prosperity), which are common in Sri Vidya. These bijas invoke the goddess's aspects and energize the enclosure.