The Nama Traya Astra Mantra is a prayer that devotees chant for their well-being and protection from evil. This ancient Sanskrit mantra invokes the three different names of Lord Vishnu. It is one of the strongest barriers against all negative effects. Hindus from various sects chant this mantra for their daily well-being and also during special ceremonies.
What Is The Nama Traya Astra Mantra?
The Nama Traya Astra Mantra is an ancient Hindu prayer chant that invokes the name of Lord Vishnu, the Preserver. While multiple Sanskrit texts mention this chant, it features most prominently in the revered Padma Purana. Nama Traya Astra Mantra literally means “the triple-name weapon chant”. The three names are Om Achyutaaya, Om Anantaaya and Om Govindaaya. By uttering this mantra, devotees can use it as a weapon against negative influences and bad luck. Devotees also believe that this mantra protects the individual from toxic substances, disease and untimely death.
Story Of The Nama Traya Astra Mantra
The story behind the origin of Nama Traya Astra Mantra is an interesting one that dates back to the Samudra Manthana incident. According to Hindu mythology, the gods (devas) and the demons (danavas) were working together to ensure the stability of the holy Meru mountain. To accomplish this, they chose the Manthara mountain as the stirring rod and the Maha Sarpa (great snake) Vasuki as the string to bind the mountain in place. They also needed to extract the nectar of immortality from the ocean of milk. In addition, God himself assumed the avatar of a tortoise, or kurma, to ensure that the mountain would be balanced in place.
The danavas wanted to control the head portion of Vasuki, as he was a snake with a thousand heads. As the churning process began, the snake spewed venom on the danavas. Additionally, the head was engulfed in poisonous flames and the danavas perished. On the other hand, the devas who had opted for the tail end of the snake all survived. However, as the stirring continued the poisonous flames erupted in a massive explosion that threatened to destroy the universe. At this moment, Lord Shiva invoked the three names of Lord Vishnu. This enabled him to swallow the poison and keep it in his throat, making it blue. Henceforth, he acquired the name ‘Neel Kantha’(blue throated). This verse that invoked the power of Lord Vishnu became the ultimate defence against hardships.
Nama Traya Astra Mantra Benefits
The Nama Traya Astra Mantra is famous for its healing powers. Devotees who chant this mantra sincerely can thus experience relief from various heart diseases. This includes high cholesterol, hypertension, clogged or narrow arteries and structural defects. In addition, devotees suffering from any other ailment can find respite too. The mantra itself has a simple meaning. It loosely translates to- “I pray to the endless and unfailing lord who rules the universe”. It is an extremely powerful chant and should thus be repeated regularly.
Devotees can chant this every day, any number of times. Reciting the mantra 108 times has the most potent effect. However, devotees can recite it for a duration of 15 to 30 minutes or even one hour. This depends on one’s comfort levels. Devotees chanting it a specific number of times, can keep count by using a Rudraksha mala(garland). A rosary with counting beads can also be used while reciting it. Additionally, the devotee can repeat the process multiple times during the day.
Paradox of This Mantra
While the Nama Traya Astra Mantra incorporates three names of the deity, these are not actually names. The multiple ‘names’ of Gods are simply the attributes that we ascribe to the god or their powers. God in the truest sense is limitless and undefined. Even the various names that Hindus use for the gods – Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Durga, Indra and so on – are all descriptive names for undefined omnipotence. However, by invoking various names of the gods relevant to specific aspects, devotees can connect with them and discover those aspects in themselves, thereby gaining spiritual fulfilment.
While all chants invoking a god’s name hold a sacred and divine position in Hindu prayers, the Nama Traya Astra Mantra is exceptionally powerful. Any devotee who recites it sincerely will undoubtedly experience mental fulfilment. It is also an ideal mantra for reciting daily. Moreover, it has immense healing benefits, especially for those with heart diseases or breathing difficulties. If you are seeking a powerful chant to recite in your daily life, you should certainly chant this particular Sanskrit verse for true bliss and peace.
