The Bhaktamar Stotra (or Bhaktamar Mantra) is a revered Hindu prayer dedicated to Lord Adinatha (Lord Rishabhanatha), the first Tirthankara of Jainism. It is composed by Acharya Manatunga in praise of Lord Rishabhanatha and is said to have profound spiritual and material benefits. The Bhaktamar Stotra is known for its ability to invoke the divine blessings of Lord Rishabhanatha, bringing peace, prosperity, and protection to the devotee.
1. Chanting the Bhaktamar Mantra:
The Bhaktamar Stotra consists of 48 verses, and while chanting the entire stotra is highly auspicious, there are specific mantras and verses within the text that are particularly powerful for invoking blessings.
The Bhaktamar Mantra in Sanskrit:
The Bhaktamar Stotra begins with the following mantra:
"नमः श्री आदिनाथाय चंद्रायनाय च" (Namāḥ Śrī Ādināthāya Candrāyanāya ca)
2. Chanting the Mantra in Hindi:
"नमः श्री आदिनाथाय चंद्रायनाय च"
3. English Transliteration:
"Namaḥ Śrī Ādināthāya Candrāyanāya ca"
4. Meaning of the Bhaktamar Mantra:
This mantra praises Lord Rishabhanatha, who is also known as Ādinātha (the first Tirthankara) and is described as a divine being who removes the suffering and obstacles of devotees. The chant invokes the qualities of compassion, wisdom, and divinity inherent in Lord Rishabhanatha to bring peace, prosperity, and success.
- "Namah": Salutation, or homage.
- "Shri": Respectful term used for the deity.
- "Adinathaya": To Lord Adinatha (Rishabhanatha).
- "Chandrayana": Refers to the "moon," symbolizing peace and calm.
5. Importance of Chanting the Bhaktamar Mantra:
Chanting the Bhaktamar mantra holds immense importance for spiritual growth. It is believed to:
- Purify the mind: Repeating the mantra helps eliminate negative thoughts and attachments.
- Gain divine blessings: The mantra is said to invoke the blessings of Lord Rishabhanatha, helping in overcoming material and spiritual difficulties.
- Bestow health and wealth: Regular chanting is believed to bring physical well-being, prosperity, and mental clarity.
- Protection from misfortune: This mantra protects against harm and calamitous events.
6. Seven Benefits of Chanting the Bhaktamar Mantra:
- Spiritual Enlightenment: It helps in gaining higher spiritual wisdom and leads one toward liberation (moksha).
- Mental Peace: The mantra calms the mind and reduces stress and anxiety.
- Material Prosperity: It is believed to bring wealth, success, and prosperity in one's life.
- Health and Healing: The vibration of the mantra is said to have a healing effect on the body, promoting health and vitality.
- Protection: It acts as a shield against negative energies and harmful influences.
- Inner Strength: It helps develop inner strength and resilience, enabling one to face challenges in life.
- Divine Blessings: By chanting this mantra with sincerity, one attracts divine blessings, improving one's overall life.
7. Symbolism of the Bhaktamar Mantra:
The Bhaktamar Mantra symbolizes the invocation of divine energy to transform one's life. Each verse corresponds to a different divine attribute or quality of Lord Rishabhanatha. The symbolism includes:
- Adinatha: The supreme being, the first spiritual teacher.
- The Moon (Chandrayana): Represents peace, calmness, and the eternal cycle of life.
- The Sun (Surya): Represents vitality, power, and radiance.
- The Sacred Sound (Om): The universal vibration that connects all beings with the divine.
8. Clothes to Wear While Chanting:
When chanting the Bhaktamar Mantra, it is recommended to wear clean and comfortable clothes. It is common to wear traditional attire, such as:
- For men: Dhoti or Kurta.
- For women: Saree or traditional dress.
- Clothes should be simple, clean, and respectful, reflecting the reverence toward the divine.
9. How to Chant the Bhaktamar Mantra:
Physical Chanting:
- Sit in a comfortable posture: Ideally, sit in Padmasana (Lotus pose) or Sukhasana (Easy pose) on a clean mat or carpet.
- Focus on your breath: Before beginning the chant, take a few deep breaths to calm the mind.
- Use a mala (prayer beads): A mala with 108 beads can help you keep count of repetitions. Hold the mala in your right hand and use your thumb and index finger to count each bead.
- Chant with sincerity: Chant the mantra slowly and clearly, focusing on each syllable.
Mental Chanting (Japa):
You can chant mentally at any time, whether walking, sitting, or even lying down. This is often called Manasik Japa (mental chanting), and it is equally powerful. This method helps maintain concentration and peace of mind.
10. Chanting Anywhere and Anytime:
The Bhaktamar mantra can be chanted at any time and place. The practice is not restricted to a specific location. You can chant it:
- At home: In a quiet corner or your puja room.
- While traveling: You can chant mentally or audibly.
- During meditation: Chanting the mantra can be a part of your meditation routine.
11. How to Focus the Mind on Chanting:
Focusing the mind is crucial to ensuring that your chanting is effective. Here are some tips:
- Create a sacred space: Find a peaceful and quiet environment for chanting. This helps to reduce distractions.
- Breath control: Focus on your breath to settle your mind. Inhale deeply and exhale slowly to prepare your body for the chanting.
- Repeat the mantra mentally: If your mind wanders, gently bring your focus back to the mantra.
- Visualize the deity: As you chant, try to visualize Lord Rishabhanatha in your mind’s eye, bringing a sense of devotion and focus.
12. How to Avoid Distractions While Chanting:
To avoid distractions while chanting:
- Choose a calm time: Early mornings or evenings are ideal for chanting, as the environment is generally quieter.
- Set an intention: Before starting the chant, set a clear intention to remain focused and peaceful.
- Minimize external distractions: Turn off your phone, close doors, and remove any distractions in your environment.
- Practice regularly: Consistent practice helps improve concentration and reduces wandering thoughts.
Chanting the Bhaktamar Mantra is a highly auspicious and transformative spiritual practice. It connects the devotee with divine energies, bringing peace, prosperity, and spiritual enlightenment. By following the proper rituals and focusing your mind, chanting this mantra can bring profound benefits to your life. Whether through physical chanting or mental repetition, its benefits are boundless and everlasting.