Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya is one of the most popular Hindu mantras, and the most important mantra in Vaishnavism. It is called the Dwadasakshari Mantra or simply Dwadasakshari, meaning the "twelve-syllable" mantra dedicated to Vishnu as Lord Krishna. It has two traditions—Tantric and Puranic. In the Tantric Tradition, the Rishi of the Mantra is Prajapati; in the Puranic Tradition the Rishi is Narada. Both, however, say it is the Supreme Vishnu Mantra.
Sharada Tilak Tantram says:
Similarly, this is the ultimate mantra in Shrimad Bhagavatam. This twelve syllable mantra is known as a Mukti mantra and a spiritual formula for attaining freedom. The mantra can also be found in the Vishnu Purana.
Meaning
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya means "Om, I bow to Lord Vasudeva or Lord Vasudev"., this Mantra is used for invocation and dedication to Lord Vishnu
| Term | Devanagari | Listen | Meaning |
| Om | Refers to the Supreme Infinite Spirit or Person. Om represents the Shabda Brahman. | ||
| Namo | Salutation, worship, a common spoken valediction or salutation originating from the Indian subcontinent. 'Namo' नमो is the Sandhi form of 'namas' नमस्, neuter nominative singular. | ||
| Bhagavate | 1. God in Sanskrit, someone who is considered God. 'Bhagavate' भगवते is the dative of 'bhagavat' भगवत्. 2. Bhagavate is one who is becoming divine. | ||
| Vasudevaya | Vasudevaya is Vasu means "Life in all beings" Devaya means "God". This means God who lives of all beings. Other meaning for Krishna is also known as Vaasudeva, because He was the son of Vasudeva. In the Bhagavad-Gita, Arjuna called Krishna by the name Vaasudeva multiple times. 'Vāsudevāya' वासुदेवाय is the dative of 'vāsudeva' वासुदेव. |
Importance
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya means "prostration to Vasudeva" who is variously understood as Krishna or Vishnu." Krishna Himself asked His devotees to completely surrender to Him:Krishna also proclaimed "Everybody should recite "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya" mantra daily whenever possible so that I will stand by them. I respond to the call of the heart immediately and invariably. See Me in your duties. I am committed to those who are committed to their duties. Believe in putting faith in Me and make Me your own".
Popular culture
- Dhruva used this as his mantra in his penance. Dhruva was initiated by Narada into chanting.
- Swami Vivekananda used this phrase multiple times in his lectures and letters.
- Swami Sivananda suggested to repeat mantras like Om or "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya".
- Vedanta philosopher Dayananda Saraswati wrote a book named "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya".