Asato Ma Sadgamaya — Mantra with Meaning
This famous mantra from the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad is also called the Pavamana mantra. It holds three beautiful prayers — lead me from untruth to truth, from darkness to light, and from death to immortality. It is often recited in schools, gatherings and while lighting a lamp.
Om asato ma sad gamaya | tamaso ma jyotir gamaya | mrityor ma amritam gamaya | Om shantih shantih shantih ||
Meaning
Mantra
Om asato ma sad gamaya | tamaso ma jyotir gamaya | mrityor ma amritam gamaya | Om shantih shantih shantih ||
O Lord, lead me from the unreal to the real, from darkness to light, from death to immortality. Peace, peace, peace.
Meanings written in simple language by the KathaMantra team.
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Frequently asked questions
Which scripture is Asato Ma Sadgamaya from?
It is from the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad (chapter 1, section 3, verse 28), an Upanishad of the Shukla Yajurveda.
When should this mantra be recited?
At the start of study, a gathering or any good work, while lighting a lamp, and before or after meditation.
How many times should it be recited?
Usually once or three times. 'Shantih' is said three times at the end — traditionally for peace from all three kinds of disturbance.