Swaminarayan Mantra

The Swaminarayan Mantra is the main mantra of the Swaminarayan sect. The word "Swaminarayan" is repeated by adherents of the faith when praying, classifying it as a mantra.^[1]

History

In the year 1801, a fortnight after the death of his guru, Ramanand Swami, Swaminarayan (then known as Sahajanand Swami) held a gathering in Faneni.^[2] Sahajanand Swami asked everyone in the gathering to chant Swaminarayan, a single mantra composed of six syllables, Swa-mi-na-ra-ya-n.^[3] It is believed that when people at the gathering chanted the word, several of them went into trance and realised that Swaminarayan was god.^[4] It was from here onwards Sahajanand Swami was known as Swaminarayan, and believed to be the almighty god supreme by followers.^[5] It was there that he explained the meaning of Swaminarayan. It was there he announced that whoever chanted the name Swaminarayan with love and faith, would be able to realize his objective. It is important to note here that Swaminarayan is one single word and not two words as sometimes believed ^[6] It is believed that whoever chants this mantra will be redeemed of material desires.^[7]

References

1. "Swaminarayan: Brief Introduction".
2. "Thousands gather at celebration of Swaminarayan Mahamantra for world peace". The Times Of India. 31 December 2001.
3. "Life and Faith of Lord Swaminarayan: Lord Swaminarayan – Almighty God Supreme".
4. "Meaning of Swaminarayan".
5. "Life and Faith of Lord Swaminarayan: Lord Swaminarayan – Almighty God Supreme".
6. "Life biography : Swaminarayan Mahamantra".
7. "Thousands gather at celebration of Swaminarayan Mahamantra for world peace". The Times Of India. 31 December 2001.