Om Namo Bhagavate Vāsudevāya (
listen (help·info)) (in devanagari: ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय) is one of the most popular Hindumantras, and the most important mantra in Vaishnavism. It is called the Dwadasakshari Mantra or simply Dwadasakshari, meaning the “twelve-syllable” mantra dedicated to Vishnu and Lord Krishna both. It has two traditions—Tantric and Puranic. In the Tantric Tradition, the Rishi of the Mantra is Prajapati; in the Puranic Tradition the Rishi is Narada. Both, however, say it is the Supreme Vishnu Mantra.
Sharada Tilak Tantram says:
“Dvadasharno mahamantrah pradhano Vaishnavagame”— The twelve lettered mantra is the chief among vaishnava mantras.
Similarly, this is the ultimate mantra in Shrimad Bhagavatam. This twelve syllable mantra is known as a Mukti (liberation) mantra and a spiritual formula for attaining freedom. The mantra can also be found in the Vishnu Purana.
Meaning
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya means “Om, I bow to Lord Vāsudeva or Lord Vāsudev”. According to Dada Bhagwan, a Vasudeva is a being who has evolved from an ordinary human being (nara) into God (Narayan).
Om Namo Bhagavate Vāsudevaya in Devnagari, this Mantra is used for invocation and dedication to Lord Vishnu
| Term | Devanagari | Listen | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Om | Om (help·info) |
Refers to the Supreme Infinite Spirit or Person. Omrepresents the Shabda Brahman. | |
| Namo | Namo (help·info) |
Salutation, worship, a common spoken valediction or salutation originating from the Indian subcontinent. ‘Namo’ नमो is the Sandhi form of ‘namas’ नमस्, neuter nominative singular. | |
| Bhagavate | Bhagavate (help·info) |
1. God in Sanskrit, someone who is considered God (or equally powerful, merciful). ‘Bhagavate’ भगवते is the dative of ‘bhagavat’ भगवत्. 2. Bhagavate is one who is becoming divine. |
|
| Vāsudevāya | Vāsudevāya (help·info) |
Vasu means “Life in all beings” Devaya means “God”. This means God(life/light) who lives of all beings. Other meaning forKrishna is also known as Vāsudeva (Krishna), because He was the son of Vasudeva. In the Bhagavad-Gita, Arjuna called Krishna by the name Vaasudeva multiple times. ‘Vāsudevāya’ वासुदेवाय is the dative of ‘vāsudeva’ वासुदेव. |
Importance
Om Namo Bhagavate Vāsudevaya means “prostration to Vāsudeva” who is variously understood as Krishna or Vishnu.” Krishna Himself asked His devotees to completely surrender to Him:
सर्वधर्मान्परित्यज्य मामेकं शरणं व्रज ।
अहं त्वां सर्वपापेभ्यो मोक्षयिष्यामि मा शुचः ॥१८- ६६॥
Translation Abandon all varieties of duties or desires and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reaction. Do not fear.
Krishna also proclaimed “Everybody should recite “Om Namo Bhagavate Vāsudevaya” mantra daily whenever possible so that I will stand by them. I respond to the call of the heart immediately and invariably. See Me in your duties. I am committed to those who are committed to their duties. Believe in putting faith in Me and make Me your own”.
Popular culture
- Dhruva used this as his mantra in his penance. Dhruva was initiated by Narada into chanting.
- Swami Vivekananda used this phrase multiple times in his lectures and letters.
- Swami Sivananda suggested to repeat mantras like Om or “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya”.
- Vedanta philosopher Dayananda Saraswati wrote a book named “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya”.