a mantra of devotion
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya
A short, steady mantra of devotion to Vasudeva, a name of Vishnu and Krishna. Here is the Sanskrit, a word-by-word meaning, some background and a recitation to listen to.
The mantra
Meaning in one line: “Om. I bow to Bhagavan Vasudeva.”
Word-by-word meaning
| Sanskrit | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ॐ | Om | the sacred opening syllable, a sound of reverence used at the start of many mantras |
| नमः (नमो) | namaḥ (namo) | a bow, a salutation. It appears as “namo” before the next word |
| भगवते | bhagavate | to the Lord, to Bhagavan (the blessed or revered one), in the “to” form |
| वासुदेवाय | Vāsudevāya | to Vasudeva, in the “to” form |
What the mantra means
The mantra is a simple act of respect: “Om. I bow to Bhagavan Vasudeva.” Bhagavān is a title meaning the blessed or revered Lord. Vāsudeva is a name of Krishna, who is the son of Vasudeva, and of Vishnu.
In Vaishnava tradition the name is also commonly explained as the one in whom all beings dwell and who dwells in all beings. Different teachers explain it in slightly different ways, and you can hold whichever meaning is closest to your own tradition.
Background
This is known as the dvādaśākṣara, or twelve-syllable, mantra of Vishnu. Counting Om, it has twelve syllables. It is traditionally described in the Bhagavata Purana, in the account of the young devotee Dhruva, who is said to have been taught it by the sage Narada.
Some lineages teach this mantra through a guru, and practices around it differ. If you follow a particular tradition, follow its guidance. This page simply shares the words, their meaning and a recitation.
How to chant it
- Sit comfortably, close your eyes or soften your gaze, and take a few slow breaths.
- Say the mantra quietly, giving each syllable equal time: om na-mo bha-ga-va-te vā-su-de-vā-ya.
- Repeat at an easy, steady pace. Some people count on a 108-bead mala, and some simply chant for a few minutes.
- When you finish, sit in silence for a breath or two before you move on with your day.
There is no need to chant for long. A few calm minutes with attention is enough.
Frequently asked questions
What does Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya mean?
It means “Om, I bow to Bhagavan Vasudeva.” It is a salutation to Vasudeva, a name of Vishnu and Krishna, and is used as a mantra of devotion.
Who is Vasudeva?
Vasudeva is a name of Krishna, who is the son of Vasudeva, and a name of Vishnu. In Vaishnava tradition it is also explained as the one in whom all beings dwell and who dwells in all.
Why is it called the twelve-syllable mantra?
Counting Om, the mantra has twelve syllables, so it is known as the dvādaśākṣara mantra. It is traditionally described in the Bhagavata Purana in the story of Dhruva.
Do I need initiation to chant it?
Practices differ. Some lineages teach it through a guru, while many people chant it as a simple act of devotion. If you belong to a tradition, follow its guidance.
How many times should I chant it?
There is no fixed number. Many people chant it 108 times on a mala, and others chant for a few minutes. Choose a pace you can keep calmly.
When is a good time to chant it?
Any quiet time works. Some people prefer the early morning or evening, but the most useful time is one you can keep regularly without rushing.
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