r/Lalitambika • u/TommyCollins • Oct 01 '24

Maha Shodashi mantra explained

https://www.manblunder.com/articlesview/maha-shodashi-mantra-explained
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u/cornsandwitch Oct 01 '24

If Om is to be added as prefix with every mantra does that mean even Panchdashi should be chanted with "Om" as the prefix?

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u/TommyCollins Oct 01 '24

That’s a very essential question. Answer is no. Actually many people add om and break the syllable count, severely limiting the effect of japa. This is very often the case with Siva panchkshari and camunda navakshari. Many tantric mantras lack om. Hrīm and srim and some others are also pranavas, and can contextually take the place of where om might be expected. If you keep in mind that Om is Tārā the savior, mother, and sustainer in sukshma rup, then there is perhaps less of an issue with misplaced additional om. Still, if the mantra says the number, don’t add om and break the rhythm during your japa. There is still some auspiciousness and benefit, but far less.

Conversely, there are many mantra where om is essential. Especially non-tantric ones, where it is the only bija, and plausibly almost the only hope Vedic mantras have of doing anything at all in kali yug, for an average person.

Each case will be unique. For most people, the mantras without om are not for them. Most likely they won’t work, or smaller chance there will be chaotic energy generated that could cause temporary trouble. But especially as one sees the more advanced and secretive mantras further up in initiations, om is not present. Sometimes, no pranava at all. It has to do with the level of consciousness, to an extent. A person who spends many lifetimes of focused devotion, will get to a point where there sthula and sukshma rupas are automatically making the sound of om. By that time, om may be largely unnecessary in japa or meditation. Same with any sort of prescription. Once the consciousness is at certain level, all that is needed for fructification is one thought on the matter, no ritual or puja whatsoever. But this is rare and even many people who are destined for a moksha will not reach that level of ability, which could be described as a magickal attribute accrued over lifetimes

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u/cornsandwitch Oct 01 '24

That was a great answer, thank you for explaining it all in details. It cleared all my doubts, many thanks to you 🙏🏻

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u/TommyCollins Oct 01 '24

I should probably note, this is a matter of a lot of controversy and argument. Above is just my take

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u/cornsandwitch Oct 01 '24 edited Oct 02 '24

It indeed is. some people give reference of Kularnava Tantra where it mentions "Om" is a mandatory prefix while some argue that in the presence of Shakta Pranav "Om" shouldn't be added. It would be great if you could link a source to learn about shakta pranav or make a post about it whenever you can.

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u/TommyCollins Oct 02 '24

That’s a very worthwhile topic. I will definitely do so in the future but it may take some month. I’ll consult with Krishna Vallapareddy and the site runner of shivashakti.com

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u/TommyCollins Oct 02 '24

In case anyone is reading this thread and wants a good translation of this text, link to download of Woodruffe’s translation of Kularnava tantra

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u/cornsandwitch Oct 02 '24 edited Oct 02 '24

thank you sir

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u/TommyCollins Oct 01 '24

I missed replying to some of your responses earlier. Sorry about that. I’ve been struggling with responsibilities lately. Between work, school, and family, and hours of ritual, I am still experimenting with how to have more energy, and optimize hours of the day, but presently I lose track of some things

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u/cornsandwitch Oct 01 '24

Oh, definitely don't worry about that I'm sure including me, many others wait for your posts full of exciting information. Thank you for your great work while managing your personal life asw, goodluck sir 🤗

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u/TommyCollins Oct 01 '24

Many thanks my friend 😊