Mantras of Ma
The 'Mother' is the manifestation of the Absolute Energy that pervades the
Universe.
As 'Durga' sitting on a Lion, Mother is a Manifestation of 'Shakti' or the
Primordial Energy. The Power to breathe, walk, digest etc, comes from Ma Durga.
As Laxmi She is abundance. Not only material, but of Air, Land, Space etc.
The fact that one has understood what one has read so far is due to the Grace
of Ma Saraswati' She is the 'OM', from where all sound emanates.
'Ma' is the 'Garbha' (Womb) from where the Universe manifests. The word
'Garba' stems from 'Garbha' and symbolises the 'Dance of Creation' Mother holds
us in her arms when we feel dejected, gives us various gifts from time to time,
but admonishes us when we cross our line.
There are various Mantras which are recited to revere the 'Mother' or 'Ma' as
every devout Hindu calls Her.
Below I present some:
1) Asato Ma sadgamaya
Tamaso Ma Jyotirgamaya
Mrityur Ma Amritam gamaya
Which means:
Oh Mother!
From untruth, lead me to the Truth,
From Darkness, Lead me towards the Light,
From Death, Lead me to Life Eternal.
2) Sharanaagata dinaarta
Paritraana paraayane
Sarvasyaarti harey Devi
Naraayani namostute
Which means:
Salutations be to you, O Mother
You who are intent on saving the downtrodden
and distressed that come under your refuge.
Oh Devi! you remove the suffering of everyone
The following Mantra of Ma, is one of my favourites as it can be
said anytime of the day, and anytime during your life, to pray for benediction
for yourself and all your loved ones.
3) Om Sarva mangala Maangalye
Shivey Sarvaartha Saadhikey
Sharanye Trayambikey Gauri
Naraayani Namostutey
Which means:
Oh Gauri Ma!, consort of Lord Shiva,
You, who bestow auspiciousness on all,
And fulfill everyone's' wishes,
I prostrate myself before Thee,
Take me under your care.
The following Mantras describe the various qualities of Ma:
I have picked up 3 and I generally like to say them during Navratra as they are
rather simple to remember and recite:
4) Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu
Shakti Rupena Sanshtita
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai
Namo Namaha
Which means:
Prostrations unto Thee, O Devi (Ma)
who dwells in all beings in the form of Shakti (Energy)
5)Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu
Budhi Rupena Sansthita
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastsyai
Namo Namaha
Which means:
Prostrations unto Thee O Devi (Ma)
who resides in all beings as Intelligence (Wisdom)
6)Ya Devi Sarva bhuteshu
Laxmi Rupena Sansthita
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai
Namo Namaha
Which means:
Prostrations unto Thee O Devi (Ma)
who resides in all beings in the form of Laxmi (abundance)