The Pancha Tattva Dhyana Mantra is a meditative invocation of the five fundamental aspects (tattvas) of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, as revealed in the Chaitanya Charitamrita (Ādi-līlā 1.5-6). These five tattvas are Śrī Kṛṣṇa (the Supreme Lord), Śrī Balarāma (the first expansion), Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu (the combined incarnation of Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa), Śrī Nityānanda (the second expansion), and Śrī Advaita Ācārya (the incarnation of Mahāviṣṇu). The mantra is used for dhyāna (meditation) to invoke the blessings of these five personalities, who collectively represent the complete truth of the Gaudiya tradition. According to the Bhagavata Purāṇa (1.2.11), the supreme goal is to develop unalloyed devotion (bhakti) to Kṛṣṇa, and the Pancha Tattva are considered the most merciful manifestations for this age of Kali.
The mantra is often chanted before or after the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra, as instructed in the Caitanya-caritāmṛta (Ādi 7.128). The beejākṣara (seed syllables) are not explicitly given in this dhyāna mantra; rather, it consists of names and epithets of the five tattvas. Phonetically, the mantra emphasizes the sacred sounds of the divine names, which are considered non-different from the deities themselves. The traditional purpose is to purify the heart, remove obstacles on the path of devotion, and attain prema (love of God).
Recommended chanting context: daily in the morning or evening, facing east or north, with a japa mālā of 108 beads. The count is typically 108 repetitions or multiples thereof. Ritual setting includes offering a lamp or incense before an image or picture of the Pancha Tattva. Cautions: one should avoid chanting in unclean places or while inattentive; the mantra should be received from a qualified guru in the Gaudiya paramparā.
The Pancha Tattva are especially worshiped during Gaura Pūrṇimā (the appearance day of Caitanya Mahāprabhu) and Kṛṣṇa Janmāṣṭamī. This dhyāna mantra is central to the Gaudiya tradition and is chanted by followers worldwide, including ISKCON.
Salutations to Śrī Kṛṣṇa Caitanya, Prabhu Nityānanda, Śrī Advaita, Gadādhara, Śrīvāsa and all the devotees of Lord Gaurāṅga.