Mantra, Kirtan and Stotra: Sanskrit Chants

New yoga teachers from Bamberg and Bayreuth in Germany are chanting the Shri Nrisimha Mahamantra during a saturday evening satsang at Yoga Vidya in Bad Meinberg, Germany. Here are the lyrics to sing along: Ugram Viram Maha-vishnum 'Jvalantam Sarvato-mukham / Nri-sinham Bhishanam Bhadram 'Nrityu-nrityum Namany Aham // 1 // Namas Te Nara-sinhaya 'Prahlada-hlada-dayine / Hiranya-kashipor Vaksah- 'Shila-tanka-nakhalaye // 2 // Ito Nri-sinhah Parato Nri-sinho 'Yato Yato Yami Tato Nri-sinhah / Bahir Nri-sinho Hridaye Nri-sinho 'Nri-sinham Adim Sharanam Prapadye // 3 // Narasimha is the lion god. Narasimha is an incarnation of Vishnu. Vishnu takes on various forms to restore dharma, the divine order. And Narasimha is one of them. Narasimha means half human, half lion. Simha means lion, Nara means human. Narasimha, the man-lion, or sometimes simply Nrisimha, the human lion or the lion-like man. Man-lion, lion-man is how it is translated. This kirtan consists of three verses and invokes this lion power. If you are interested in seminars with music, you can find here seminars on mantra and music. For more kirtan and Mantra vocal recordings click here. For more information on Yoga, meditation and Ayurveda can be found on the internet pages of Yoga Vidya.

Group Mudita perform the kirtan Jago Ma Jago Ma at Yoga Vidya in Bad Meinberg, Germany. The kirtan uses a simple but powerful repetition: the word “Jago” (wake up), combined with “Ma” (mother), invokes the divine mother in collective singing. Jago Jago Ma, Jago Jago Ma Shankari Ma (... further invocations ...) The sound is cyclical—ranging from a calm, meditative mood to an uplifting, communal energy. This dynamic allows for both individual listening and communal singing and chanting in a circle. Jago means “awaken/wake up.” In spiritual songs, this can mean: Awaken inwardly, open your heart, recognize divine reality. Ma stands for “mother” — here in the sense of a divine, universal mother, often associated with the feminine power of the universe. In many mantras and bhajans, “Ma” is used as an address to the divine mother. Shankari Ma refers to a form of this Divine Mother — a loving, protective, and awakening power. In kirtan, she is invoked to grant protection, awareness, and blessings. In the tradition of such bhajans and kirtans, the call “Jago Ma” often symbolizes awakening — whether spiritual, emotional, or as an awareness of the divine presence within us. If you are interested in seminars with music, you can find here seminars on mantra and music. For more kirtan and Mantra vocal recordings click here. For more information on Yoga, meditation and Ayurveda can be found on the internet pages of Yoga Vidya.

Vallabha chants Shri Ram Jaya Ram at Yoga Vidya in Bad Meinberg, Germany. Shri Ram Jaya Ram, Jaya Jaya Ram Shri Ram Jaya Ram, Jaya Jaya Ram Sita Ram Sita Ram If you are interested in seminars with music, you can find here seminars on mantra and music. For more kirtan and Mantra vocal recordings click here. For more information on Yoga, meditation and Ayurveda can be found on the internet pages of Yoga Vidya. The kirtan “Shri Ram Jaya Ram Jaya Sita Ram” expresses in various ways how one can see God and what relationship one can have with God. In this kirtan, Rama is particularly revered, so it is a Rama kirtan. Rama is worshipped as Ram, and Ram is both the short form of Rama, as it is in Hindi, but Ram is also the bija mantra of Rama, bija, the seed mantra. Rama is Shri, Shri means “blissful” and “respect.” When Shri precedes a name, it is always an expression of respect and at the same time of closeness. "Shri Ram. Oh Rama, I feel close to you and I worship you. Jaya Ram. May your principles triumph. The entire mantra means: I am abundance, fulfillment from the transcendent. I am supreme consciousness, great abundance, beyond all that is movable and immovable. I am Shiva, pure consciousness, my nature is eternal joy. I am bliss, cosmic bliss.

Sachara Chara Pari Purna Shivoham sung by Bhakti – this is the name of this kirtan, which is very popular at Yoga Vidya. It is a Vedanta kirtan that expresses the unity of the individual soul with the Cosmic Soul: Shivoham, I am Shiva, is the refrain. Dm C Sachara Chara Pari Purna Bb C Dm Shivoham, Shivoham Dm C Nityananda Svarupa Bb C Dm Shivoham, Shivoham Dm C Anandoham Anandoham Bb C Dm Anandam brahmanandam The entire mantra means: I am fullness, fulfillment from the transcendent. I am supreme consciousness, great fullness, beyond everything that is movable and immovable. I am Shiva, pure consciousness, my nature is eternal joy. I am bliss, cosmic bliss. If you are interested in seminars with music, you can find here seminars on mantra and music. For more kirtan and Mantra vocal recordings click here. For more information on Yoga, meditation and Ayurveda can be found on the internet pages of Yoga Vidya.

Newly trained yoga teachers sing the kirtan Krishna Hare Krishna Gopala during a Saturday evening satsang at Yoga Vidya in Bad Meinberg. Listen to the singing of Krishna Hare Krishna Gopala and join in. You will not find the lyrics in the Yoga Vidya kirtan booklet. The kirtan is characterized by a simple but powerful structure: The mantra phrases “Krishna Hare Krishna, Gopala Hare...” are sung repeatedly — often alternating between the lead singer and the choir (call and response), accompanied by the harmonium. The chant unfolds in several phases: First, calm and inviting — ideal for entering and connecting. Then increasingly rhythmic and expressive — generating collective energy and a sense of community. Finally, into a meditative, solemn sound space that provides room for inner peace and devotion. 🧘 Meaning of the mantra names Krishna — Among other things, this name means “the all-attractive one,” “the attractive one.” It symbolizes divine attraction, love, and universal beauty. Gopala — Literally “cowherd”: ‘go’ = cow, “pāla” = guardian/protector. As Gopala, Krishna is revered in his role as a loving guardian and protector. Hare — An invocation of divine energy, the divine “Shakti.” In the context of the mantra, ‘Hare’ is often understood as a request: “Oh divine energy, please take me into your service/close to you.” According to traditional belief, chanting these names creates a spiritual vibration that opens the heart, clears the mind, and can establish a connection with the divine. If you are interested in seminars with music, you can find here seminars on mantra and music. For more kirtan and Mantra vocal recordings click here. For more information on Yoga, meditation and Ayurveda can be found on the internet pages of Yoga Vidya.

Shankara M. chants the kirtan Om Namah Shivaya during a saturday evening satsang at Yoga Vidya in Bad Meinberg. If you are interested in seminars with music, you can find here seminars on mantra and music. For more kirtan and Mantra vocal recordings click here. For more information on Yoga, meditation and Ayurveda can be found on the internet pages of Yoga Vidya. Om Namah Shivaya is a greeting we often use in yoga. “Om” is Om, the all-encompassing. “Namah” means “greeting to” and ‘Shivaya’ means “to Shiva.” Om Namah Shivaya therefore means reverence to Shiva. But what does Shiva mean? Shiva has many different meanings. “Shiva” literally means “the loving one, the kind one.” But it also means “the higher self” and “the divine everywhere.” We can say “Om Namah Shivaya” and use it in meditation. This is like invoking the kind, the loving, the higher self within us. Or we can use it as an invocation of the loving, the kind everywhere. And we can use it as a greeting by saying inwardly when we are dealing with another person: “Om Namah Shivaya. I greet the good, the love, the higher self in you.”

“Guru Guru Ware Guru” is a Sikh song, a song from the Sikh tradition that came into yoga centers via 3HO Kundalini Yoga according to Yogi Bhajan, and it is a kirtan that particularly venerates Guru Ram-Das. Ram-Das was the fourth of the gurus in the Sikh lineage and is considered to be the one who stands for compassion, grace, and service. You can find this song in the Yoga Vidya Kirtan book under number 547. If you are interested in seminars with music, you can find here seminars on mantra and music. For more kirtan and Mantra vocal recordings click here. For more information on Yoga, meditation and Ayurveda can be found on the internet pages of Yoga Vidya.

Experience the powerful worship of the divine Trimurti with the kirtan “Brahma Vishnu,” performed by the Mudita group. This song honors the three aspects of the divine—Brahma as creator, Vishnu as preserver, and Shiva as destroyer—and invites you to immerse yourself in devotion and worship. This kirtan was recorded at the Yoga Vidya Ashram in Bad Meinberg – perfect for singing along, meditating, or simply listening and immersing yourself in the spiritual energy. You can share the audio with others to spread love and harmony.🌍💞 In this way, you are actively helping to spread yoga throughout the world. 🙏 Mantra/kirtan singing is a wonderful practice for opening the heart and feeling the divine presence. Follow us on our other online channels: ⚛️ Facebook: www.facebook.com/YogaVidya ⚛️ Instagram: www.instagram.com/yogavidya_de

The mantra Om Tare Tuttare originates from Tibetan Buddhism. It is primarily directed at Green Tara, the Tara of compassion. It is therefore considered a healing mantra, a protective mantra, a comforting mantra, and also a mantra for self-help. G Em C D Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha Performed by Katja You can share the audio with others to spread love and harmony.🌍💞 In this way, you are actively helping to spread yoga throughout the world. You can also support us with a donation, which helps us to keep our association alive. 🙏 Mantra/kirtan singing is a wonderful practice for opening the heart and feeling the divine presence. Follow us on our other online channels: ⚛️ Facebook: www.facebook.com/YogaVidya ⚛️ Instagram: www.instagram.com/yogavidya_de

Open the door to your innermost being with the gentle and touching kirtan “Door of My Heart” sung by Aditi during a Saturday evening satsang at Yoga Vidya in Bad Meinberg, Germany. This recording invites you to calm your mind, open your heart, and let yourself fall into the vibrations of silence, devotion, and love. The singing is accompanied by subtle instruments – such as harmonium and gentle rhythmic percussion elements – which create a warm and intimate atmosphere. Whether in quiet meditation, during a sound bath, or simply to let go: this song by Paramahamsa Yogananda gives you space to open up and be held. You can find the lyrics to sing along with in the Yoga Vidya Kirtan booklet under number 526. The sung lyrics (by Paramahamsa Yogananda): Door of my heart, open wide I keep for thee. Wilt thou come? Wilt thou come? Just this once come to me. Will my days fly away without seeing thee my Lord? Night and day, night and day, I search for thee night and day. - and in German: Meines Herzens Tür, offen halte ich sie Dir. Kommst Du wohl, kommst Du wohl? Ach nur einmal komm’ zu mir! Wird entschwinden mir die Zeit, ohne dass ich schau’ Dich, Herr? Tag und Nacht, Tag und Nacht, ich erwart’ Dich Tag und Nacht. You can share the audio with others to spread love and harmony.🌍💞 In this way, you are actively helping to spread yoga throughout the world. 🙏 Mantra/kirtan singing is a wonderful practice for opening the heart and feeling the divine presence. If you are interested in seminars with music, you can find here seminars on mantra and music. For more kirtan and Mantra vocal recordings click here. For more information on Yoga, meditation and Ayurveda can be found on the internet pages of Yoga Vidya. Follow us on our other online channels: ⚛️ Facebook: www.facebook.com/YogaVidya ⚛️ Instagram: www.instagram.com/yogavidya_de

Experience the powerful presence of the goddesses in this Kali Ma Durga Ma Kirtan. Touchingly sung by Aditi and Friends. Kali and Durga embody protection, transformation, and unbridled energy. The dynamic accompaniment of harmonium, tablas, and gentle guitar sounds adds depth to the singing and invites you to open your heart and voice. Whether you sing along, meditate, or simply listen, this powerful tapestry of sound in Kali Ma Durga Ma Kirtan creates an atmosphere of devotion and inner strength. Let yourself be carried away and feel the divine Shakti energy awakening within you. The sung text: Kali Kali Kali Ma Durga Durga Durga Ma You can share the audio with others to spread love and harmony.🌍💞 In this way, you are actively helping to spread yoga throughout the world. You can also support us with a donation, which helps us keep our association alive. 🙏 Mantra/kirtan singing is a wonderful practice for opening the heart and feeling the divine presence. If you are interested in seminars with music, you can find here seminars on mantra and music. For more kirtan and Mantra vocal recordings click here. For more information on Yoga, meditation and Ayurveda can be found on the internet pages of Yoga Vidya. Follow us on our other online channels: ⚛️ Facebook: www.facebook.com/YogaVidya ⚛️ Instagram: www.instagram.com/yogavidya_de

Experience pure devotion and spiritual presence with the rousing kirtan “Govinda Bolo, Hare Gopala Bolo.” The recording with Vallabha is from a Saturday evening satsang at Yoga Vidya in Bad Meinberg. With each repetition of this powerful mantra, your heart and mind open up – Govinda and Gopala call you to love, joy and divine closeness. This recording invites you to sing along, listen in or simply linger in the sound. Perfect for meditation, chanting or moments of inner reflection. May the vibration of this song touch your heart, bring peace and strengthen your connection to the divine. The sung text: Govinda Bolo Hare Gopala Bolo are Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare Hare Hare You can share the audio with others to spread love and harmony. In this way, you actively help to spread yoga in the world. You can also support us with a donation, which helps us to keep our association alive. Mantra/kirtan singing is a wonderful practice for opening the heart and feeling the divine presence. If you are interested in seminars with music, you can find here seminars on mantra and music. For more kirtan and Mantra vocal recordings click here. For more information on Yoga, meditation and Ayurveda can be found on the internet pages of Yoga Vidya. Follow us on our other online channels: Facebook: www.facebook.com/YogaVidya Instagram: www.instagram.com/yogavidya_de

Shankara S. sings the mantra Om Namah Shivaya during a Saturday evening satsang at Yoga Vidya in Bad Meinberg – just join in. Om Namah Shivaya is Shiva's Panchakshara Mantra, the five-syllable mantra. It is also known as Shiva Mahamantra. Shiva literally means auspicious, benevolent. Shiva is also the cosmic dancer Nataraj, the meditator, the renunciant, and more. The sung text Om Namah Shivaya Shiva Shiva Shambho Mahadeva Shambho Spiritual translation Om Namah Shivaya Om reverence to the Divine in its manifestation as Shiva, the auspicious one. For more information, see the online Yoga Vidya Kirtan booklet under number 699a. You can share the audio with others to spread love and harmony.🌍 In this way, you are actively helping to spread yoga in the world. You can also support us with a donation, which helps us to keep our association alive. 🙏 Mantra/kirtan singing is a wonderful practice for opening the heart and feeling the divine presence. If you are interested in seminars with music, you can find here seminars on mantra and music. For more kirtan and Mantra vocal recordings click here. For more information on Yoga, meditation and Ayurveda can be found on the internet pages of Yoga Vidya. Follow us on our other online channels Facebook: www.facebook.com/YogaVidya Instagram: www.instagram.com/yogavidya_de

Jaya Shiva Shankara addresses Shiva in his kind and loving aspect: Shiva means benevolent, Shankara is the one who does good. Bham, also Bhum, is the sound of Shiva's drum. Hara means to take away – may Shiva take away everything that separates us from his experience. But Shiva is also Ati Sundara, supremely beautiful. He is Parameshwara, the supreme god. Daya Karo, O Shiva, please have mercy on us humans. The sung text: Jaya Shiva Shankara, Bam Bam Hara Hara Hara Hara, Hara Hara, Hara Bol Hara Shiva Shiva Shiva Shiva, Shiva Ati-sundara (hara Hara, Hara Hara, Hara Ati-sundara) He Parameshvara Daya Karo Spiritual translation Jaya Shiva Shankara: Homage to Shiva, the great benefactor who removes all attachments. Oh Shiva, you are supremely beautiful, oh supreme Lord. Please have mercy on us, grant us your love. Further information can be found in the online Yoga Vidya Kirtan booklet under number 250 https://mein.yoga-vidya.de/profiles/blogs/jaya-shiva-shankara-jaya-siva If you are interested in seminars with music, you can find here seminars on mantra and music. For more kirtan and Mantra vocal recordings click here. For more information on Yoga, meditation and Ayurveda can be found on the internet pages of Yoga Vidya. You can share the audio with others to spread love and harmony.🌍💞 In this way, you are actively helping to spread yoga throughout the world. You can also support us with a donation, which helps us keep our association alive. 🙏 Mantra/kirtan singing is a wonderful practice for opening the heart and feeling the divine presence. Follow us on our other online channels:

The Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya Mantra is Krishna's Dhyana Moksha Mantra, also known as Krishna's Ashtakshara Mantra, the twelve-syllable mantra. "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya. Homage to Krishna, the divine Krishna, who is the light of all creatures. " Join in the chanting of the Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya Mantra. The chanted text: Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya Om Namah Shivaya Spiritual translation Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya: Homage to the Divine, the light of all creatures. For more information, see the online Yoga Vidya Kirtan booklet under number 187 https://mein.yoga-vidya.de/profiles/blogs/om-namo-bhagavate-vasudevaya If you are interested in seminars with music, you can find here seminars on mantra and music. For more kirtan and Mantra vocal recordings click here. For more information on Yoga, meditation and Ayurveda can be found on the internet pages of Yoga Vidya. You can share the audio with others to spread love and harmony.🌍💞 In this way, you are actively helping to spread yoga in the world. You can also support us with a donation, which helps us to keep our association alive. 🙏 Mantra/kirtan singing is a wonderful practice for opening the heart and feeling the divine presence. Follow us on our other online channels: Facebook: www.facebook.com/YogaVidya Instagram: www.instagram.com/yogavidya_de

The peace prayers consist first of all of the Mangala Charana Mantras in the narrower sense, “Sarvesham Svasti Bhavatu,” “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah,” which are two verses for well-being. This is followed by “Asato Ma Sat Gamaya,” which is the desire to attain the highest. And then a quote from the Upanishads, a Shanti Mantra, “Om Purnamadah Purnamidam.” And this then concludes with “Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti.” The sung text: Asato Ma Sad Gamaya Tamaso Ma Jyotir Gamaya Nrityor Manritan Gamaya Spiritual translation Asato Ma Sad Gamaya: Om – lead me from the unreal to the real, from darkness to light, from mortality to immortality. Further information can be found in the online Yoga Vidya Kirtan booklet under number 803/3 https://mein.yoga-vidya.de/profiles/blogs/friedensgebete-1 If you are interested in seminars with music, you can find here seminars on mantra and music. For more kirtan and Mantra vocal recordings click here. For more information on Yoga, meditation and Ayurveda can be found on the internet pages of Yoga Vidya. You can share the audio with others to spread love and harmony.🌍💞 In this way, you are actively helping to spread yoga throughout the world. You can also support us with a donation, which helps us to keep our association alive. 🙏 Mantra/kirtan singing is a wonderful practice for opening the heart and feeling the divine presence. Follow us on our other online channels: Facebook: www.facebook.com/YogaVidya Instagram: www.instagram.com/yogavidya_de

The Hare Krishna mantra is considered the Maha Mantra, the great mantra. The Maha Mantra is the great mantra for experiencing the divine. It opens the heart and leads to the experience of love and joy. Join in with the Hare Krishna mantra. The sung text Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare / Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare // Spiritual translation Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Om Reverence to the Divine in its manifestations as Vishnu, Krishna, and Rama. For more information, see the online Yoga Vidya Kirtan booklet under number 699i https://mein.yoga-vidya.de/profiles/blogs/maha-mantra-hare-rama-hare If you are interested in seminars with music, you can find here seminars on mantra and music. For more kirtan and Mantra vocal recordings click here. For more information on Yoga, meditation and Ayurveda can be found on the internet pages of Yoga Vidya. You can share the audio with others to spread love and harmony.🌍💞 In this way, you actively help to spread yoga in the world. You can also support us with a donation, which helps us to keep our association alive. 🙏 Mantra/kirtan singing is a wonderful practice for opening the heart and feeling the divine presence. Follow us on our other online channels Facebook: www.facebook.com/YogaVidya Instagram: www.instagram.com/yogavidya_de

“Devi Devi Devi” is a kirtan with great dynamism, great joy, and great lightness. You can start this kirtan slowly and gradually speed it up. This “Devi Devi Devi” kirtan brings great joy and can bring an entire group of aspirants into ecstasy. Whenever you feel stuck, whenever you feel sad, whenever you want to gain new strength, new confidence, new joy, new love, all you have to do is sing this kirtan with great enthusiasm. The sung text Devi Devi Devi Jaganmohini Devi Devi Devi Jaganmohini Chandika-devi Chandamunda-harini Chamundeshvari Ambike Devi Spiritual translation Devi Devi Devi Oh Devi, Goddess, you radiant one, you enrapture the whole world. Oh Goddess, help me to overcome all dualities, oh Mother of the Universe. Further information can be found in the online Yoga Vidya Kirtan booklet under number 304 https://mein.yoga-vidya.de/profiles/blogs/devi-devi-devi If you are interested in seminars with music, you can find here seminars on mantra and music. For more kirtan and Mantra vocal recordings click here. For more information on Yoga, meditation and Ayurveda can be found on the internet pages of Yoga Vidya. You can share the audio with others to spread love and harmony.🌍💞 In this way, you are actively helping to spread yoga throughout the world. You can also support us with a donation, which helps us keep our association alive. 🙏 Mantra/kirtan singing is a wonderful practice for opening the heart and feeling the divine presence. Follow us on our other online channels: Facebook: www.facebook.com/YogaVidya Instagram: www.instagram.com/yogavidya_de

Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha Avahana mantras begin with “Om Gam Ganapataye Namah” and are invocation mantras. Avahana mantras are used to invoke certain aspects of God before doing something. Avahana is, for example, an important part of puja, the Hindu ritual of worshiping gods, or religious rituals in general. However, Avahana mantras are also part of everything one can do in yoga. And it is good practice to invoke divine energy before starting anything. The chanted text Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha Spiritual translation Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha Oh Ganesha, remove all obstacles so that we may begin with great joy. I bow to the lotus feet of Ganesha, who removes all obstacles. He is the son of Uma, destroys all worries, and has a retinue of Bhuta Ganas (angels). He has an elephant head and loves Kapittha and Jambu fruits. Further information can be found in the online Yoga Vidya Kirtan booklet at number 612. If you are interested in seminars with music, you can find here seminars on mantra and music. For more kirtan and Mantra vocal recordings click here. For more information on Yoga, meditation and Ayurveda can be found on the internet pages of Yoga Vidya. You can share the audio with others to spread love and harmony. In this way, you are actively helping to spread yoga throughout the world. You can also support us with a donation, which helps us to keep our association alive. Mantra/kirtan singing is a wonderful practice for opening the heart and feeling the divine presence. Follow us on our other online channels: Facebook: www.facebook.com/YogaVidya Instagram: www.instagram.com/yogavidya_de