Introduction

The light of divine creation was initiated by sound. Mantras are sacred sounds.Mantra is a Sanskrit word. Its meaning ranges from "divine speech" "tools of the mind" to sacred syllables from the vedas.

The sound of Mantras have healing powers for spiritual development and rejuvenation of mind and body.

They are energy based sound waves, which energise 'Prana', the life force and eventually quieten the mind.

Mantra is a Sanskrit word derived from two words, Man (Manan) and Tra (Trana). Trana means liberation from the worldly ties. Originally originated in the Vedic tradition of India, mantras later become an integral part of the Hindu traditions and later a practice followed within Buddhism, Sikhism and Jainism. Mantras are a powerful combination of words that is believed to reach the deity in the form of sound vibrations. Mantra can be used for self realization, freedom from worries, fulfilling desires, to bring success, peace and happiness. Chanting mantras is a good spiritual discipline and not a superstition.

When mantras are chanted, a soothing and  appealing effect is felt in the body. This combined effect of sound vibrations can be observed on brain, or on EEG (Electro Encephala Graph). Thus it is called as Music Therapy or Mantra Therapy. There are various kinds of Mantras, out of which Tantrik Mantras and Vedic Mantras are more popular. Tantrik mantras are called as Beeja Mantras and Vedic Mantras are those which are followed under the Vedic system.

How to Chant Mantras 

1. The mind should be at peaceful and  not be distracted.
   
2. Complete devotion and faith are necessary for chanting mantras.
   
3. Mantras should be chanted after taking bath, as this cleanses the body and keeps the mind fresh.
   
4. It is best to choose a quiet place for chanting mantras.
   
5. Sitting position is best suited for meditation as well as for chanting.
   
6. The best time is early morning but any time is good. Chanting can be done a few times a day as well.
   
7. Some people use a rosary of 108 Rudraksha or tulsi (basil) or sandalwood beads for chanting mantras, as this keeps a count for them.
   
8. Mantras can be chanted on a daily basis.
   
9. Mantras should not be used for negative purposes.
   
10. Veda mantras are to be chanted on the guidance from a guru.

Benefits of Chanting Mantras

There are several benefits of chanting of mantras repeatedly , the sound reproduced creates a melodious effect in the body. This effect can be defined as Neuro-linguistic (NLE) + Psycholinguistic effect (PLE). This effect is largely caused due to the production and spreading of medicinal chemicals in the brain, this gives a calming and curing effect in the body. Also, listening to mantras lowers blood pressure and normalizes heart beat rate, brain wave pattern, adrenalin level and the cholesterol level. Even the doctors advise the people under high tension to listen to music or mantras. Chanting or listening mantras has become an accepted formula like the yoga and Pranayam practices. Chanting mantras has gentle effect on nervous system and helps relax the muscles and also used to reduce stress.

Mantras of Gods & Goddesses 

There are mantras, slokhas, stotras, and Vedic hymns for all gods and goddesses in Hindu religion. There are also different types of Mantras such as Gayatri Mantras, Ashtakams, Chalisas, Pancharatnams, Kavachams, Bhujangams,  Ashtottarams (108 Names), and Sahasranamama (108 Names).