The mantra we are going to discuss in this post is Om Saravana Bhavaya Namaha. While the literal translation of the word Saravana is ‘A clump of reeds’ (the birthplace of the Lord), it refers to the Commander-in-Chief of the Devas: Kartikeya, popularly known as Murugan in South India.
To invoke his divine presence daily, many devotees begin their sadhana by chanting the Lord Murugan mantra. This simple yet potent invocation clears mental fog, awakens strength, and builds a personal bond with the youthful deity of wisdom and valor.
For many, the Om Saravana Bhava mantra is the first sacred sound whispered at dawn. Some simply repeat ‘Om Saravana Bhava’ from the heart, while others lovingly chant the fuller form ‘Om Saravana Bhavaya Namaha’ as their daily anchor.
All variations of the mantra carry the same living presence of Skanda. When chanted with sincerity, they soften inner resistance, dissolve fear, and gently draw the mind back to the lotus feet of Lord Murugan. Over time, even a distracted seeker begins to feel that this one mantra is enough to guide, protect, and uplift every area of life.
Who is Kartikeya (Lord Murugan)?
Kartikeya has many names such as Skanda, Subramanya, and Shanmukha. As the Commander-in-Chief of the Devatas, He was born with the specific purpose of vanquishing the demon Tarakasura. Known for his youthful charm and strength, Murugan is deeply worshipped throughout India, particularly in the southern regions.
The Skanda Yantra: The Astral Blueprint
Decoding the Skanda Yantra: The Geometry of Power
| Geometry | Cosmic Force (Tattva) | Spiritual Meaning | Meditation Visualization |
|---|---|---|---|
| △ Upward Triangle | Shiva / Agni (Fire) | Represents the rising aspiration of the soul (Tapas) and the heat of austerity. | Visualize a Golden Fire rising upward, burning away karma. |
| ▽ Downward Triangle | Shakti / Jala (Water) | Represents the descending grace of the Divine Mother (Ganga) and cooling nourishment. | Visualize a Cool Blue Stream flowing down to heal. |
| ✡ The Intersection (Shatkona) | Skanda (The Union) | Where Fire meets Water, steam (Divine Energy) is born. This is the balance of Power and Grace. | See the Fire and Water Lock Together. This locked space is Lord Murugan. |
| ⦿ Central Bindu | Pure Consciousness | The singularity of creation. It aligns the mind with the sharpness of the Vel. | Focus on the Center Dot as the tip of the Divine Spear. |
| ✶ The Six Angles | Shanmukha (6 Faces) | Each point vibrates with the six syllables of the mantra. | Mentally place Sa-Ra-Va-Na-Bha-Va on the six tips. |
Before we analyze the Mantra, we must understand the Yantra. In our tradition, the Mantra is the Soul, and the Yantra is the Body of the Deity.
The Skanda Yantra is a divya yantrika pratikriti, a sacred geometric embodiment of Bhagavan Skanda. Rooted in the Shakta and Shaiva Tantric traditions, this yantra carries the Tejas (radiance), Bala (strength), and Viveka (discernment) of the Deva Senapati.
It acts as a bridge between adhyatmika shakti (inner power) and bahya shakti (external protection).
Symbolic Essence and Structure
- Two Interlocking Triangles: One points upward (Shiva/Fire) and one downward (Shakti/Water). Together, they form a six-pointed star, representing the perfect balance that gave birth to Skanda.
- The Bindu: The central dot represents pure consciousness.
- Six Petals: These represent the six faces of Lord Skanda and correspond to the six syllables of the mantra: Sa-Ra-Va-Na-Bha-Va.
Why the Sri Murugan/Skanda Yantra is Vital
It is said in the Siddha tradition that Skanda’s yantra acts like a Vajra-Kavacha (thunderbolt armor). It is particularly aligned for those undergoing:
- Karmic challenges requiring a Dharmic will.
- Spiritual stagnation where inner light appears veiled.
- Conflicts in external life (legal or competitive) demanding divine intervention.
Authentic Preparation at YantraChants.com
At YantraChants.com, the Skanda Yantra is not treated as a decorative object. It is created as a sacred energy-body, prepared with deep devotion and strict adherence to the timeless traditions of the Siddhas and Vedic seers.
- Bhojpatra: We use authentic Himalayan birch bark. This ancient medium is known to hold subtle spiritual vibrations for years.
- Sacred Ingredients: The yantra is drawn by hand using a traditional paste of Ashtagandha (eight sacred herbs), Kumkum, and Turmeric. These are not chosen for color, but for their spiritual properties.
- Muhurtha: Every Skanda Yantra is prepared only during powerful astrological timings calculated by lineage experts.
- Prana Pratishta by Sri Damodar Dasji:A yantra is mere geometry until it is awakened. Once prepared, the yantra is placed on a sanctified altar where it is infused with the energy of the Guru Parampara. Sri Damodar Dasji Maharaj oversees the traditional Vedic rituals, including abhishekam with Ganga Jal, Rose water, and Saffron milk, to invite the living presence of Lord Murugan into the yantra.
“A mass-produced yantra is lifeless. A yantra prepared under the guidance of a Guru Parampara is a living bridge to the Divine.”
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing an Authentic Skanda Yantra
YantraChants.com Trust Stack Note: When you decide to anchor your Om Saravana Bhavaya Namaha practice with a physical Yantra, the quality of the instrument determines the speed of your results. Use this checklist to ensure you are receiving a spiritual tool, not just a decorative item:
- Material Integrity: Authentic Skanda Yantras should be prepared on Bhojpatra (Birch bark). The next better pure metals for Yantras can be Copper/Silver. Totally avoid plastic or mass-printed paper, as they cannot hold the “Prana” (life force) of the mantra for the full 41-day Mandala.
- Geometric Precision: The core of the Skanda Yantra is the Shatkona (six-pointed star). Each angle represents the six faces of Murugan. Ensure the lines are clean and the central Bindu is prominent.
- Lineage Activation: A Yantra is “sleeping” until it is energized. Look for Yantras that have been through Prana Pratishta by Gurudev. At YantraChants.com, every Yantra is energized with over 108 X 3 Japa recitations.
- Customization: Because Lord Murugan represents specific karmic dissolution, your Yantra should ideally be “made-to-order” or aligned with your specific Sankalpa (intention).
The Mantra: Om Saravana Bhavaya Namaha
Once the Yantra is installed, the Mantra becomes the key that turns the lock. Sage Agastya attained siddhi over this mantra and had frequent visions of the Six-headed Lord.
The Meaning of Sa-Ra-Va-Na-Bha-Va
These six syllables are the “keys” to the inner powers hidden inside us.
| Syllable | Spiritual Power & Benefit |
| Sa (Śa) | Attracts like-minded people and expands your social circle. Brings brightness like the Sun. |
| Ra | Removes fear, burns away negative thoughts, and promotes wealth flow. |
| Va | Resolves debt, disease, and competition. Gives strength to move forward. |
| Na | Provides protection from enemies; helps us speak the truth. |
| Bha | Increases attraction, charm, and personal magnetism. |
| Va (Final) | Ends general negativity and eases adverse planetary influences. |
Other Powerful Variations
- Om Skandaya Namaha: Focuses on the “Warrior” aspect. Excellent for victory in legal matters and overcoming enemies.
- Om Velayudaya Namaha: Invokes the Divine Spear (Vel) to pierce through ignorance and confusion.
How to Chant the Murugan Mantra (Vidhi)
To gain the Siddhi (perfection) of this Mantra, one should follow a disciplined approach. Follow these steps for the 41-day Mandala Sadhana.
Skanda Yantra and A 41-Day Mandala Practice
How to Perform 41-day 5-Step Sadhana (Mandala Discipline)
Step 1: Preparation
- Wake up during Brahma Muhurta (before sunrise).
- Bathe and wear clean clothes.
Step 2: Direction & Asana
- Sit facing East (rising sun) or North.
- Use a wool or Kusha grass mat.
Step 3: Invocation
- Light a ghee lamp and incense.
- Place your Skanda Yantra (or a photo of Sri Murugan) in front of you.
- Offer a small amount of sweetened milk with saffron (Kesar) as Bhoga.
Step 4: The Chant
- Using a Rudraksha mala, chant: Om Saravana Bhavaya Namaha
- Target: 1008 times daily
- Split option: 504 in the morning + 504 in the evening (if 1008 is difficult)
Step 5: Completion
- Continue this for 41 days (Mandala) without breaks.
- Hold one key vow in the mind: consistency is what dissolves karmic resistance and stabilizes the blessing.
Conclusion
The path of Lord Murugan is one of strength, wisdom, and victory. Whether you are facing external enemies or internal fears, the combination of the Skanda Yantra and the Saravana Bhava Mantra provides an armor of divine light.
Vani Devi Dasi
Rohini Devi Dasi