Back to Home

    Sanskrit Mantras Pronunciation Guide

    Dharampal Singh
    12 min read

    Sacred Sanskrit Mantras

    Correct pronunciation is essential to mantra practice. This guide covers vowel length, retroflex vs. dental consonants, nasalization, and metre basics—plus transliteration and meanings of foundational mantras you can start chanting today.

    Pronunciation Keys
    • Long vowels (ā ī ū e o) must be held for 2 counts; short vowels for 1.
    • Retroflex ṭ ḍ ṇ ṣ use the tongue curled back; dentals t d n s use the teeth ridge.
    • Anusvāra (ṃ) nasalizes the following consonant; visarga (ḥ) is a soft breath after vowels.
    Chanting Method
    • Maintain steady volume and even tempo; avoid singing or dramatic changes.
    • Breathe silently through the nose; pause at punctuation or metre breaks.
    • Use Devanagari for precision; transliteration is a bridge—not the destination.

    Core Mantras with Transliteration and Meaning

    1) गायत्री मंत्र (Gāyatrī Mantra)

    oṃ bhūr bhuvaḥ svaḥ | tat savitur vareṇyaṃ | bhargo devasya dhīmahi | dhiyo yo naḥ pracodayāt ||

    Meaning: We meditate upon the divine light that inspires and illumines our intellect.

    2) महामृत्युंजय मंत्र (Mahāmṛtyuñjaya)

    oṃ tryaṃbakaṃ yajāmahe sugandhiṃ puṣṭivardhanam | urvārukam iva bandhanān mṛtyor mukṣīya mā'mṛtāt ||

    Meaning: We worship the three-eyed Lord who nourishes; may we be freed from bondage and death, not from immortality.

    3) गणेश मंत्र (Gaṇeśa Mantra)

    oṃ gaṃ gaṇapataye namaḥ

    Meaning: Salutations to Gaṇeśa, remover of obstacles.

    4) सरस्वती वंदना (Sarasvatī)

    sarva maṅgala māṅgalye śive sarvārtha sādhike | śaraṇye tryambake gauri nārāyaṇi namo'stute ||

    Meaning: O auspicious one, consort of Śiva, who grants all purposes, we bow to you.

    5) शांति मंत्र (Śānti Mantra)

    oṃ saha nāv avatu | saha nau bhunaktu | saha vīryaṃ karavāvahai | tejasvi nāv adhītam astu mā vidviṣāvahai || oṃ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ ||

    Meaning: May we be protected and nourished together, may our study be radiant, may we not quarrel. Peace, peace, peace.

    Practice Plan (2 Weeks)
    1. Day 1–3: Vowel length drills with Gāyatrī first line.
    2. Day 4–6: Retroflex vs. dental practice with Mahāmṛtyuñjaya.
    3. Day 7–10: Full Gāyatrī + Mahāmṛtyuñjaya slow tempo.
    4. Day 11–14: Add Śānti mantra; record and self-review.

    New to the script? Start with the Devanagari Script Course and then continue with Sanskrit classes.

    Start Guided PracticeBack to Home

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the correct breathing technique for chanting?

    Use calm nasal breathing. Inhale silently before a half-verse, chant on a steady exhale, and pause naturally at punctuation or caesura.

    Should I use English transliteration or Devanagari?

    Begin with transliteration for sound mapping, but move to Devanagari for precision—long/short vowels and conjuncts are clearer in script.

    How long until pronunciation becomes natural?

    With daily 10–15 minutes of guided practice, most students achieve consistent vowel length and retroflex/dental distinction within 4–6 weeks.