Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya — Meaning and How to Chant
This is the twelve-syllable (dvadashakshari) mantra of Lord Vishnu and Shri Krishna. The Shrimad Bhagavatam tells how sage Narad gave this mantra to the boy Dhruv, who chanted it with total devotion and was blessed with a vision of the Lord. It is a mantra of devotion and surrender.
Om namo bhagavate vasudevaya ||
Meaning
Mantra
Om namo bhagavate vasudevaya ||
I bow to Lord Vasudev — the Supreme Being who dwells in all, Shri Krishna.
Meanings written in simple language by the KathaMantra team.
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Frequently asked questions
How many times should I chant Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya?
Usually 108 times (one mala). Traditionally a tulsi mala is considered auspicious for this japa.
When should this mantra be chanted?
In the morning after bathing, on Ekadashi, on Janmashtami, or any time with a calm mind. There are no strict rules.
What is the source of this mantra?
It appears in the Shrimad Bhagavatam, where sage Narad teaches it to Dhruv. Because it has twelve syllables, it is called the Dvadashakshari mantra.