Bija Mantras for Deities

In spiritual practices, bija mantras for deities play a significant role. These seed mantras are sacred syllables that capture the essence of specific energies and deities. Traditionally linked to the primary chakras, bija mantras extend beyond these primary centers.

Defining Bija Mantras

A bija mantra, or seed sound, is a single syllable that holds the vibrational essence of a specific deity or cosmic principle. These sounds are powerful tools in meditation and spiritual practices. Each bija mantra is unique, carrying specific vibrations that align with particular spiritual, emotional, or physical attributes.

Why We Use Bija Mantras

Bija mantras are used to call upon the presence and qualities of deities, and to channel specific energies for personal growth and spiritual development. Each seed sound corresponds to a particular deity and their associated attributes, making these mantras effective tools for achieving desired outcomes.

For example, chanting the bija mantra "Shrim" can attract abundance and prosperity by invoking the energy of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.

These bija mantras are often integrated into longer mantras and prayers. A common practice is mantra meditation. By chanting these seed sounds, you can align yourself with the divine energies you wish to bring into your life.

Bija Mantras, Malas, and Japa

Malas, or prayer beads, are commonly used in the practice of Japa, which is the repetitive chanting of a mantra. Each mala typically contains 108 beads, a number considered sacred in many spiritual traditions.

When chanting bija mantras, using a mala can help maintain focus, deepen concentration, and keep track of the number of repetitions.

Read: The Meaning of Mala Beads

To practice Japa with a mala:

1. Hold the Mala: Hold the mala in your right hand, draped between your middle finger and thumb.
2. Starting Bead: Start at the bead next to the guru bead (the bead that is larger or distinct) and begin chanting your chosen Bija mantra.
3. Chanting: With each repetition of the mantra, count a bead by pulling it towards you.
4. Complete the Cycle: Continue until you have chanted the mantra 108 times, completing a full cycle of the mala. This full cycle count is known as “a mala”.

Using a mala during Japa helps to embed the vibrations of the bija mantras deeply into your consciousness. Learn more about what a mala is here.

In this blog post, we will explore eight bija mantras for deities. By understanding and integrating these bija mantras for deities into your practice, you can achieve a deeper level of connection with your chosen deity.

Bija Mantra Shrim: The Seed of Abundance

Associated With: Lakshmi

Phonetic Spelling: Shreem

Mantra: Om Shrim Maha Lakshmi Yei Namah

Attributes: Prosperity, beauty, and fertility

The bija mantra "Shrim" is closely associated with Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, prosperity, and beauty. Chanting Shrim can help attract these qualities into your life, invoking abundance and well-being.

Attributes of Bija Mantra Shrim

Shrim is a powerful mantra for attracting abundance and financial prosperity. By resonating with the energy of Lakshmi, chanting Shrim can open pathways to wealth, success, and material gain.

In addition to wealth, Shrim is also associated with beauty and fertility. Chanting this bija mantra can enhance physical beauty, bring a sense of grace and charm, and promote fertility.

How to Use Bija Mantra Shrim

To use Shrim effectively for attracting wealth:

1. Find a quiet and comfortable space to sit.
2. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths to center yourself.
3. Visualize a golden light of abundance and prosperity surrounding you.
4. Begin chanting "Om Shrim Maha Lakshmi Yei Namah" slowly and clearly.
5. Repeat the chant several times, allowing the energy of Lakshmi to fill you.

Japa Meditation Practices

Implement Shrim into your japa meditation practice with this simple technique:

1. Preparation: Sit comfortably with your spine straight. Close your eyes and take deep breaths to relax.
2. Visualization: Imagine a golden lotus or sphere of light in front of you. Visualize this light growing brighter and more radiant with each breath.
3. Mudra: Hold your mala with your right hand and perform varada mudra with your left hand.
4. Japa: Begin chanting "Shrim" either silently or out loud. Counting each recitation on your mala.
5. Focus: Maintain your focus on the golden light, sensing the prosperity and beauty it brings.
6. Duration: Continue this practice for 5-10 minutes (1 mala) or as long as it feels beneficial.

By regularly practicing with the bija mantra Shrim, you can attract prosperity, enhance beauty, and promote fertility, leading to a more abundant and fulfilling life.

Bija Mantra Hrim: The Seed of Transformation

Associated With: Parvati or Bhuvaneshwari

Phonetic Spelling: Hreem

Mantra: Om Hrim Namah

Attributes: Transformation, purification, and divine energy

The bija mantra "Hrim" is associated with Parvati, the goddess of love and devotion, or Bhuvaneshwari, the goddess of the universe. This powerful mantra is known for its ability to facilitate transformation, purification, and the invocation of divine energy.

Attributes of Bija Mantra Hrim

Hrim is a potent seed sound for personal transformation and purification. Chanting Hrim can help clear negative energy, release past traumas, and facilitate inner growth. It acts as a purifying force, cleansing the mind and spirit, and paving the way for new beginnings and personal evolution.

Hrim also serves to invoke divine energy and support. By resonating with the energies of Parvati or Bhuvaneshwari, this mantra connects you with higher spiritual realms, inviting divine intervention and guidance. This can provide a sense of protection, support, and empowerment in your spiritual journey.

How to Use Bija Mantra Hrim

To evoke transformation using Hrim:

1. Find a quiet place to sit comfortably.
2. Close your eyes and take several deep breaths to center yourself.
3. Visualize a pure white or golden light surrounding you, representing divine energy and purification.
4. Begin chanting "Om Hrim Namah" slowly and with intention.
5. Repeat the chant multiple times, allowing the transformative energy to permeate your being.

Japa Meditation Practices

Implement Hrim into your meditation practice with this technique:

1. Preparation: Sit comfortably with your spine straight. Close your eyes and take deep breaths to relax and center yourself.
2. Visualization: Imagine a radiant white or golden lotus at your heart center. Visualize this light becoming more vibrant and expansive with each breath.
3. Mudra: Hold your mala with your right hand and perform prana mudra with your left hand.
4. Japa: Begin chanting "Hrim" either silently or aloud. Counting each recitation on your mala.
5. Focus: Maintain your focus on the heart center, sensing the divine energy and transformation it brings.
6. Duration: Continue this practice for 5-10 minutes (1 mala) or as long as it feels beneficial.

By regularly practicing with the bija mantra Hrim, you can facilitate powerful personal transformation, achieve purification, and invoke the supportive energy of the divine.

Bija Mantra Krim: The Seed of Purification

Associated With: Kali

Phonetic Spelling: Kreem

Mantra: Om Krim Kalikayai Namah

Attributes: Purification, protection, and transformation

The bija mantra "Krim" is associated with Kali, the fierce goddess of destruction and transformation. This powerful mantra is known for its ability to purify, protect, and facilitate powerful transformations.

Attributes of Bija Mantra Krim

Krim is a potent seed sound for purification and protection. Chanting Krim helps to cleanse negative energies, dispel fears, and protect against harmful influences. The vibrations of this mantra resonate with the energy of Kali, who destroys illusions and clears obstacles.

Krim also plays a significant role in facilitating powerful transformations. By invoking Kali's transformative energy, this bija mantra aids in breaking down old patterns, habits, and obstacles, making way for new beginnings and personal evolution.

How to Use Bija Mantra Krim

To use Krim effectively for purification and protection

1. Find a quiet and comfortable place to sit.
2. Close your eyes and take several deep breaths to center yourself.
3. Visualize a black or dark blue light surrounding you, symbolizing Kali's protective and purifying energy.
4. Begin chanting "Om Krim Kalikayai Namah" slowly and with intention.
5. Repeat the chant multiple times, allowing the purifying and protective energy to permeate your being.

Japa Meditation Practices

Integrate Krim into your meditation practice with this technique:

1. Preparation: Sit comfortably with your spine straight. Close your eyes and take deep breaths to relax and center yourself.
2. Visualization: Imagine a black or dark blue lotus or sphere of light at your heart center. Visualize this light becoming more vibrant and expansive with each breath.
3. Mudra: Hold your mala with your right hand and perform akasha mudra with your left hand.
4. Japa: Begin chanting "Krim" either silently or aloud. Counting each recitation on your mala.
5. Focus: Maintain your focus on the heart center, sensing the purification and transformation it brings.
6. Duration: Continue this practice for 5-10 minutes (1 mala) or as long as it feels beneficial.

By regularly practicing with the bija mantra Krim, you can achieve deep purification, enjoy protection from negative influences, and experience powerful personal transformations.

Bija Mantra Aim: The Seed of Knowledge

Associated With: Saraswati

Phonetic Spelling: Ayeem

Mantra: Om Aim Saraswati Namah

Attributes: Knowledge, flow, and creativity

The bija mantra "Aim" is associated with Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, wisdom, and the arts. This powerful mantra is known for its ability to enhance learning, flow, and creativity.

Attributes of Bija Mantra Aim

Aim is a potent seed sound for enhancing knowledge and flow state. Chanting Aim helps to sharpen the mind, improve memory, and facilitate the assimilation of new information. The vibrations of this mantra align with the energy of Saraswati, who embodies the pursuit of knowledge and the flow of wisdom.

Aim also plays a significant role in boosting creativity. By invoking Saraswati's creative energy, this bija mantra can inspire artistic expression, innovative thinking, and intellectual curiosity.

How to Use Bija Mantra Aim

To enhance knowledge and creativity using Aim

1. Find a quiet and comfortable place to sit.
2. Close your eyes and take several deep breaths to center yourself.
3. Visualize a bright white or blue light surrounding your head and heart, symbolizing Saraswati's illuminating energy.
4. Begin chanting "Om Aim Saraswati Namah" slowly and clearly.
5. Repeat the chant multiple times, allowing the energy of knowledge and creativity to fill you.

Japa Meditation Practices

Incorporate Aim into your meditation practice with this technique:

1. Preparation: Sit comfortably with your spine straight. Close your eyes and take deep breaths to relax and center yourself.
2. Visualization: Imagine a bright white or blue lotus or sphere of light at your heart and head. Visualize this light becoming more vibrant and expansive with each breath.
3. Mudra: Hold your mala with your right hand and perform jnana mudra with your left hand.
4. Japa: Begin chanting "Aim" either silently or aloud. Counting each recitation on your mala.
5. Focus: Maintain your focus on the light, sensing the flow of wisdom and creative energy it brings.
6. Duration: Continue this practice for 5-10 minutes (1 mala) or as long as it feels beneficial.

By regularly practicing with the bija mantra Aim, you can enhance your learning capabilities, deepen your wisdom, and unlock your creative potential.

Bija Mantra Gam: The Seed of Success

Associated With: Ganesha

Phonetic Spelling: Gaam

Mantra: Om Gam Ganapataye Namah

Attributes: Removing obstacles, new beginnings, and success

The bija mantra "Gam" is associated with Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity known as the remover of obstacles and the lord of new beginnings. This powerful mantra is recognized for its ability to help overcome challenges, facilitate success, and initiate new ventures.

Attributes of Bija Mantra Gam

Gam is an effective tool for overcoming challenges and obstacles. Chanting Gam aligns your energy with Ganesha's, helping to clear the path of difficulties and hindrances. This can lead to smoother progress in personal and professional endeavors.

Gam also plays a crucial role in facilitating success and initiating new beginnings. By invoking Ganesha's energy, this mantra supports new ventures, projects, and phases in life with protection and auspiciousness.

How to Use Bija Mantra Gam

To use Gam effectively for removing obstacles and evoking success:

1. Find a quiet and comfortable place to sit.
2. Close your eyes and take several deep breaths to center yourself.
3. Visualize a vibrant red or golden light surrounding you, symbolizing Ganesha's energy.
4. Begin chanting "Om Gam Ganapataye Namah" slowly and with intention.
5. Repeat the chant multiple times, allowing the energy of Ganesha to fill you and clear your path.

Japa Meditation Practices

Implement Gam into your meditation practice with this technique:

1. Preparation: Sit comfortably with your spine straight. Close your eyes and take deep breaths to relax and center yourself.
2. Visualization: Imagine a red or golden lotus or sphere of light at the base of your spine or your heart center. Visualize this light becoming more vibrant and expansive with each breath.
3. Mudra: Hold your mala with your left hand and perform abhaya mudra with your right hand.
4. Japa: Begin chanting "Gam" either silently or aloud. Feel the sound vibrations removing obstacles and inviting success into your life.
5. Focus: Maintain your focus on the light, sensing the path clearing and new opportunities arising.
6. Duration: Continue this practice for 5-10 minutes (1 mala) or as long as it feels beneficial.

By regularly practicing with the bija mantra Gam, you can effectively remove obstacles, facilitate new beginnings, and achieve success in your endeavors.

Bija Mantra Dum: The Seed of Strength

Associated With: Durga

Phonetic Spelling: Doom

Mantra: Om Dum Durgayei Namah

Attributes: Strength, protection, and empowerment

The bija mantra "Dum" is associated with Durga, the powerful goddess of strength, protection, and empowerment. This potent seed sound is known for its ability to provide inner strength, safeguard from negative influences, and empower individuals.

Attributes of Bija Mantra Dum

Dum is an effective bija mantra for gaining strength and protection. Chanting Dum aligns your energy with Durga's, fortifying your inner resolve and shielding you from harm. This mantra helps build resilience, courage, and a protective barrier against negative forces, both internal and external.

Dum also plays a crucial role in empowering the individual. By invoking Durga's energy, this mantra evokes self-confidence and personal power. It encourages you to face challenges head-on, assert yourself confidently, and embrace your inherent power.

How to Use Bija Mantra Dum

To use Dum effectively for gaining strength and protection:

1. Find a quiet and comfortable place to sit.
2. Close your eyes and take several deep breaths to center yourself.
3. Visualize a bright red or golden light enveloping you, symbolizing Durga's empowering energy.
4. Begin chanting "Om Dum Durgayei Namah" slowly and with determination, feeling the vibrations in your chest and solar plexus.
5. Repeat the chant multiple times, allowing Durga's strength and protection to infuse you.

Japa Meditation Practices

Implement Dum into your meditation practice with this technique:

1. Preparation: Sit comfortably with your spine straight. Close your eyes and take deep breaths to relax and center yourself.
2. Visualization: Imagine a bright red or golden lotus or sphere of light in your chest or solar plexus area. Visualize this light growing stronger and more radiant with each breath.
3. Mudra: Hold your mala with your right hand and perform palli mudra with your left hand.
4. Japa: Begin chanting "Dum" either silently or aloud. Counting each recitation on your mala.
5. Focus: Maintain your focus on the light, sensing Durga's empowering presence and protective energy.
6. Duration: Continue this practice for 5-10 minutes (1 mala) or as long as it feels beneficial.

By regularly practicing with the bija mantra Dum, you can build inner strength, protect yourself from negative influences, and empower your actions and decisions.

Bija Mantra Strim: The Seed of Compassion

Associated With: Tara

Phonetic Spelling: Streem

Mantra: Om Strim Tara Namah

Attributes: Compassion, protection, and guidance

The bija mantra "Strim" is associated with Tara, the compassionate and protective goddess. This powerful mantra is known for its ability to evoke compassion, provide protection, and offer spiritual guidance.

Attributes of Bija Mantra Strim

Strim is a potent seed sound for cultivating compassion and offering protection. Chanting Strim aligns your energy with Tara's, opening your heart to empathy and caring while creating a protective shield around you. This bija mantra helps you develop a deeper sense of compassion for yourself and others, and safeguards you from negative influences.

Strim also plays a significant role in offering spiritual guidance. By invoking Tara's energy, this mantra can help you gain clarity and direction in your spiritual journey. It encourages intuitive insights and wisdom, guiding you through life's challenges with a compassionate heart.

How to Use Bija Mantra Strim

To use Strim effectively for enhancing compassion and protection:

1. Find a quiet and comfortable place to sit.
2. Close your eyes and take several deep breaths to center yourself.
3. Visualize a soft green or white light surrounding your heart area, symbolizing Tara's compassionate and protective energy.
4. Begin chanting "Om Strim Tara Namah" slowly and gently, feeling the vibrations in your heart and throat.
5. Repeat the chant multiple times, allowing the energy of compassion and protection to fill you.

Also you can consider the Green Tara prayer or Green Tara mantra if you want to be more specific in your use of Strim bija for Tara.

Japa Meditation Practices

Implement Strim into your meditation practice with this technique:

1. Preparation: Sit comfortably with your spine straight. Close your eyes and take deep breaths to relax and center yourself.
2. Visualization: Imagine a soft green or white lotus or sphere of light at your heart center. Visualize this light becoming more vibrant and expansive with each breath.
3. Mudra: Hold your mala with your right hand and half of Bhairava mudra with your left hand.
4. Japa: Begin chanting "Strim" either silently or aloud. Counting each recitation on your mala.
5. Focus: Maintain your focus on the heart center, sensing the compassionate and guiding presence of Tara.
6. Duration: Continue this practice for 5-10 minutes (1 mala) or as long as it feels beneficial.

By regularly practicing with the bija mantra Strim, you can cultivate a deeper sense of compassion, experience protection from negative influences, and receive spiritual guidance.

Bija Mantra Saum: The Seed of Tranquility

Associated With: Soma

Phonetic Spelling: Saum

Mantra: Om Saum Somaya Namah

Attributes: Calmness, tranquility, and soothing energy

The bija mantra "Saum" is associated with Soma, the deity of the moon and the embodiment of tranquility and soothing energy. This powerful mantra is known for its ability to induce calmness, tranquility, and a serene state of mind.

Attributes of Bija Mantra Saum

Saum is a potent seed sound for inducing calmness and tranquility. Chanting Saum helps to soothe the mind and body, reducing stress and anxiety. The vibrations of this mantra align your energy with Soma's, creating a peaceful and serene experience.

Saum also provides soothing energy, which can be particularly beneficial during times of emotional turmoil or physical discomfort. This mantra helps to harmonize and balance your energies, evoking a sense of relaxation and well-being.

How to Use Bija Mantra Saum

To use Saum effectively for inducing calmness:

1. Find a quiet and comfortable place to sit.
2. Close your eyes and take several deep breaths to center yourself.
3. Visualize a cool blue or silver light surrounding you, symbolizing Soma's tranquil and soothing energy.
4. Begin chanting "Om Saum Somaya Namah'' slowly and softly, feeling the vibrations in your throat and chest.
5. Repeat the chant multiple times, allowing the energy of calmness and tranquility to envelop you.

Japa Meditation Practices

Implement Saum into your meditation practice with this technique:

1. Preparation: Sit comfortably with your spine straight. Close your eyes and take deep breaths to relax and center yourself.
2. Visualization: Imagine a cool blue or silver lotus or sphere of light at your third eye or around your entire body. Visualize this light becoming more soothing and expansive with each breath.
3. Mudra: Hold your mala with your right hand and perform adhi mudra with your left hand.
4. Japa: Begin chanting "Saum” either silently or aloud. Counting each recitation on your mala.
5. Focus: Maintain your focus on the light, sensing the tranquil and soothing presence of Soma.
6. Duration: Continue this practice for 5-10 minutes (1 mala) or as long as it feels beneficial.

By regularly practicing with the bija mantra Saum, you can achieve a state of calmness and tranquility, and experience the soothing energy that evokes relaxation and well-being.

Integrating Bija Mantras for Deities

We have explored some of the bija mantras for deities, each uniquely associated with specific deities and their powerful attributes.

Each Bija mantra holds the potential to align your energies with divine qualities and there are always more bija mantras to explore such as bijas for the chakras.

I encourage you to integrate these bija mantras for deities into your daily mantra meditation or japa yoga practice. Regular practice with these sacred sounds can help you connect with their respective deities and their powerful energies.

Share Your Bija Mantra Experience

Share your experiences with these bija mantras in the comments below. Your insights can inspire and support others on their spiritual path.