Mantras

The main mantras of Shri Krishna, their meaning and a simple way to chant them.

• Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya – The twelve-syllable mantra — salutations to Lord Vasudeva, Shri Krishna. The key mantra of the Shrimad Bhagavatam, given by Narada to the boy Dhruva.
• Hare Krishna Mahamantra – The great mantra of sixteen names, which the Kali-Santarana Upanishad praises as the remedy for the age of Kali.
• Krishnaya Vasudevaya Haraye Paramatmane – A famous prayer verse of the Shrimad Bhagavatam — repeated salutations to Govinda, who destroys the distress of those who bow to Him.
• Shri Krishnah Sharanam Mama – The eight-syllable mantra of the Pushtimarg — "Shri Krishna is my refuge." Deeply loved by Vaishnavas of Gujarat and Braj.
• Gopala Mantra (Eighteen Syllables) – The eighteen-syllable mantra of Shri Krishna described in the Gopala Tapani Upanishad, addressed to Govinda, the beloved of the gopis.
• Shri Krishna Gayatri Mantra – A prayer to Shri Krishna in the Gayatri metre — may the son of Devaki, Vasudeva, inspire our understanding.
• Om Shri Krishnaya Namah – The simplest name-mantra — "Om, salutations to Shri Krishna." Children and adults alike can say it at any time.