The Shodashakshari Mantra, also known as the sixteen-syllable mantra, is the supreme mantra of the Sri Vidya tradition, dedicated to the goddess Lalita Tripura Sundari. This mantra is considered the condensed essence of the entire Sri Vidya upasana, embodying the sixteen vowels (kāma-kalā) and the sixteen Nityā deities. According to the Tripura Upanishad (verse 16), the sixteen syllables correspond to the sixteen phases of the moon and the sixteen perfections (kalā) of the goddess. The mantra is structured as a beejākshara sequence: 'Ka E I La Hrīṃ Ha Sa Ka Ha La Hrīṃ Sa Ka La Hrīṃ', each syllable representing a specific aspect of the deity. The phoneme 'Hrīṃ' is the mūla-bīja of Mahāmāyā, appearing three times to signify creation, preservation, and dissolution.
The mantra is chanted for the highest spiritual realization, the grace of the supreme goddess, and the attainment of liberation (moksha). The Lalita Sahasranama (verse 142) states that this mantra is the very form of the goddess, and its repetition destroys all sins and grants all desires. Traditionally, the mantra is chanted after initiation from a qualified guru, as it is a tantric mantra with specific ritual requirements. The recommended chanting count is 108 times daily, preferably during brahma muhurta or at night, facing east or north. The practitioner should sit on a deer or kusha grass seat, wearing red or white garments.
Cautions include strict adherence to purity rules (such as avoiding non-vegetarian food and intoxicants) and never chanting the mantra without proper initiation, as it may lead to adverse effects. The Mantra Mahodadhi (Chapter 7) elaborates on the nyāsa and homa procedures for this mantra, emphasizing its power to grant siddhis and ultimate union with the goddess. The Shodashakshari is the heart of the Sri Chakra worship, and its syllables are inscribed on the petals of the Sri Chakra, as described in the Shaktisangama Tantra. This mantra is primarily worshiped in South India among Sri Vidya practitioners, but its renown extends pan-India. It is especially chanted during Navaratri and on full moon days.
The sixteen syllables are also linked to the sixteen vowels of the Sanskrit alphabet, symbolizing the completeness of the goddess's creative power. In summary, the Shodashakshari Mantra is the pinnacle of Sri Vidya sadhana, offering both worldly prosperity and spiritual liberation when practiced with devotion and proper guidance.
Salutations to the supreme goddess Lalita Tripura Sundari, the embodiment of the sixteen perfections.
The mantra contains the seed syllable 'hrīṃ' three times, which is the mūla-bīja of Mahāmāyā, representing the threefold cosmic functions of creation, preservation, and dissolution. The syllables 'ka', 'e', 'ī', 'la', 'ha', 'sa' are also considered beejāksharas, each corresponding to a specific aspect of the goddess.