Taraka Mantra In Hinduism - Spiritual Importance - Benefits - Shiva Chants The Mantra To Dying Person
Taraka Mantra is associated with Shiva. It is believed that
Shiva chants the Taraka mantra into the ear of a dying person in Varanasi or
Kashi. In Benaras, the mantra is also referred as the ferry boat mantra.
By the power of the Taraka Mantra, the dying person is
believed to be illumined with the knowledge of Brahman – the Supreme Truth
without a second – the ultimate truth in Hinduism. Thus, the dying person is
ferried across cycle of birth and death with the help of the mantra.
Taraka Mantra Spiritual Importance - Benefits
The Taraka Mantra holds significant spiritual importance in Hinduism, particularly in the context of the deity Shiva. Here's a more detailed look into its benefits and spiritual significance:
Spiritual Importance and Benefits
Liberation at Death:
- The Taraka Mantra is believed to be a powerful chant that Shiva whispers into the ear of a dying person in Varanasi (Kashi or Benaras). This act is said to help the soul attain moksha (liberation) and escape the cycle of birth and death (samsara).
- Varanasi is considered a sacred city, and dying there is believed to grant immediate liberation. The Taraka Mantra amplifies this effect by granting the dying person the ultimate knowledge of Brahman.
Knowledge of Brahman:
- Brahman in Hindu philosophy is the Supreme Truth, the absolute reality that transcends all forms and names. By the power of the Taraka Mantra, a dying person is illumined with the knowledge of Brahman, recognizing the oneness of all existence.
- This realization leads to a state of spiritual awakening and enlightenment, dissolving all illusions of duality and ego.
Ferry Boat Mantra:
- The Taraka Mantra is also known as the "ferry boat mantra" in Benaras. This metaphor highlights its function of safely ferrying the soul across the turbulent ocean of worldly existence to the shore of eternal peace and bliss.
- Just as a ferry boat helps one cross a river, the mantra helps the soul cross the river of samsara.
End of Suffering:
- By attaining the knowledge of Brahman through the Taraka Mantra, the individual is freed from all forms of suffering associated with the physical and mental planes of existence.
- The mantra bestows inner peace, ultimate contentment, and a state of eternal bliss.
Spiritual Awakening:
- Chanting or meditating upon the Taraka Mantra during one's lifetime can lead to spiritual awakening and deep inner transformation.
- It helps purify the mind, dissolve negative karmas, and foster a profound connection with the divine.
Connection with Shiva
- Shiva as the Guru:
- In his role as the cosmic guru, Shiva imparts the highest spiritual wisdom through the Taraka Mantra. This underscores his compassionate nature and his role as the liberator of souls.
- Lord of Kashi:
- Shiva is also known as the Lord of Kashi (Kashi Vishwanath). The city of Varanasi is considered his abode, and it is believed that his presence there grants liberation to those who die within its holy precincts.
- The Mantra Itself:
- While the exact formulation of the Taraka Mantra can vary, it is often associated with the sacred syllable "Om" or "Om Namah Shivaya," both of which are potent invocations of Shiva and encapsulate the essence of ultimate reality and liberation.
In conclusion, the Taraka Mantra is a profound spiritual tool in Hinduism that is intrinsically linked to Shiva and the city of Varanasi. It offers the promise of liberation, the dissolution of the ego, and the realization of the supreme, non-dual truth of Brahman, making it a central element in the spiritual practices and beliefs of many Hindus.