In the sacred soundscape of Sanatan Dharma, few chants are as soothing, powerful, and universal as the Shanti Mantras. These ancient Sanskrit verses, found in the Upanishads and Vedas, are intoned at the beginning and end of spiritual practices, prayers, and rituals to invoke peace—within and without.
“Shanti” means peace, and the Shanti Mantras are designed to calm the individual (body & mind), harmonize the environment, and attune us to universal consciousness. In a noisy, restless world, they offer a sacred pause—a moment of deep silence and connection.
What Are Shanti Mantras?
Shanti Mantras are peace invocations that express a desire to remove all obstacles to peace—physical, spiritual, mental, cosmic, and environmental. They are often recited at the beginning of a study session, meditation, or yajna, and at the conclusion of Upanishadic recitations.
Most Shanti Mantras end with three repetitions of the word “Shanti” to pacify:
- Adhi-daivikam – disturbances from divine forces (natural calamities, fate)
- Adhi-bhautikam – disturbances from the environment or other beings
- Adhyaatmikam – disturbances from within (body, mind, ego)
By chanting “Shanti, Shanti, Shanti,” we are praying for peace in the heavens, on the earth, and within ourselves.
Examples of Powerful Shanti Mantras
1. Om Saha Navavatu (From Taittiriya Upanishad)
ॐ सह नाववतु।
सह नौ भुनक्तु।
सह वीर्यं करवावहै।
तेजस्वि नावधीतमस्तु मा विद्विषावहै॥
ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः॥
Translation:
May we (the teacher and student) be protected.
May we be nourished.
May we work together with great energy.
May our study be enlightening and not give rise to hostility.
Om Peace, Peace, Peace.
Ideal for meditation, spiritual study, or group harmony.
2. Om Asato Ma Sadgamaya (From Brihadaranyaka Upanishad)
ॐ असतो मा सद्गमय।
तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय।
मृत्योर्मा अमृतं गमय॥
ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः॥
Translation:
Lead me from the unreal to the real.
Lead me from darkness to light.
Lead me from death to immortality.
Om Peace, Peace, Peace.
A powerful mantra for inner transformation and spiritual awakening.
3. Om Dyauh Shantir Antariksham Shantih (From Yajurveda)
ॐ द्यौः शान्तिरन्तरिक्षं शान्तिः।
पृथिवी शान्तिरापः शान्तिरोषधयः शान्तिः।
वनस्पतयः शान्तिर्विश्वेदेवाः शान्तिर्ब्रह्म शान्तिः।
सर्वं शान्तिः शान्तिरेव शान्तिः सा मा शान्तिरेधि॥
ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः॥
Translation:
May there be peace in the heavens, peace in the skies, peace on earth.
Peace in the waters, the herbs, the vegetation.
Peace in all beings, peace in the divine forces, and in Brahman itself.
Let peace radiate everywhere and in everything.
Om Peace, Peace, Peace.
A universal prayer for ecological and cosmic balance.
Why Chant Shanti Mantras?
- Calms the nervous system and brings instant inner stillness
- Prepares the mind for spiritual learning or practice
- Harmonizes group energy in rituals or satsangs
- Creates a sacred space free from negativity
- Promotes compassion, clarity, and detachment
They are especially powerful when recited slowly and mindfully, allowing their vibration to resonate within.
When and How to Use Them
- Before or after meditation and yoga
- At the start of spiritual discussions or study
- To conclude rituals, havans, or pujas
- During times of stress, conflict, or uncertainty
- Before sleep to calm the mind and environment
Even listening to Shanti Mantras daily can help rewire the mind toward peace and presence.
