Shanti Mantra
Shanti (peace) mantras are ancient Vedic prayers that invoke peace on three levels — physical, divine, and spiritual — for universal harmony.
Shanti Mantras (Peace Mantras) are among the most sacred and universally revered prayers in the Vedic tradition. The word "Shanti" means "peace" in Sanskrit, and it is traditionally chanted three times — "Om Shanti Shanti Shanti" — to invoke peace on three distinct levels: Adhibhautika (physical/environmental peace), Adhidaivika (celestial/cosmic peace), and Adhyatmika (inner/spiritual peace).
Shanti mantras originate from the Vedas and Upanishads — the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism. They are traditionally chanted at the beginning and end of every Vedic recitation, every spiritual gathering, and every sacred ceremony. This tradition of opening and closing with peace prayers reflects the Vedic understanding that all spiritual practice should be rooted in and directed toward peace.
The most well-known Shanti mantras include "Om Sahana Vavatu" (from the Taittiriya Upanishad), "Om Asato Ma Sadgamaya" (from the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad), "Om Purnamadah Purnamidam" (the Invocation of Wholeness), and "Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah" (the universal prayer for all beings' happiness). Each of these mantras encapsulates profound philosophical wisdom in addition to invoking peace.
What distinguishes Shanti mantras from other peace-related prayers is their universality — they do not invoke peace for the individual alone but for all beings and the entire cosmos. "Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah" (May all be happy) and "Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu" (May all worlds be happy) express the Vedic ideal that true peace is not a private achievement but a universal condition that benefits all life.
The practice of Shanti mantras has profound neurological effects. Research on mantra meditation has shown that the rhythmic vibrations of these ancient chants synchronize brainwaves into alpha and theta patterns associated with deep relaxation and meditative states. The specific phonetic patterns of Sanskrit Shanti mantras appear to activate the parasympathetic nervous system more effectively than random sounds, suggesting that the Vedic rishis may have discovered optimal sound frequencies for inducing peace.
Shanti mantras are appropriate for all occasions and all practitioners. They require no initiation, carry no restrictions, and are universally positive in their intent and effect. They are the ideal entry point for anyone beginning a meditation or mantra practice.
Key Characteristics of Shanti Mantra
- ✓Invoke peace on three levels: physical, celestial, spiritual
- ✓Originate from the Vedas and Upanishads
- ✓Universally positive — pray for peace of all beings
- ✓Traditionally open and close spiritual gatherings
- ✓Triple repetition of 'Shanti' is their hallmark
- ✓No restrictions — appropriate for all practitioners
- ✓Activate parasympathetic relaxation response
Shanti Mantras Across All Deities
Om Namah Shivaya (Shanti Path)
ओम् नमः शिवाय
The supreme peace mantra invoking Shiva's stillness
Lord ShivaVishnu Shanti Mantra
ओम् नमो नारायणाय शान्तिः
Invoking Vishnu's preserving peace for cosmic harmony
Lord VishnuGayatri Mantra
ओम् भूर्भुवः स्वः
Divine illumination that brings clarity and peace
Goddess GayatriNavagraha Shanti Mantra
ओम् नवग्रह शान्तिं
Peace prayer to pacify all nine planetary influences
NavagrahaExplore Other Mantra Types
Written & Curated By
Chakshu Chhabra
Founder, MantraList.in
LinkedInI grew up in a household where every morning began with the fragrance of incense and the sound of aarti. What started as a family tradition became a deeply personal practice — I found that chanting mantras before work brought clarity to my decisions, calm to stressful days, and a sense of connection that nothing else could.
As an entrepreneur, I noticed that authentic mantra resources online were either incomplete or hard to follow. So I built MantraList.in — a place where seekers can find accurate Sanskrit text, proper pronunciation, word-by-word meaning, and practical chanting guides, all in one place. Every Shanti Mantra page on this site is personally reviewed by me to ensure the Sanskrit is correct and the guidance is rooted in tradition.
When I am not building MantraList.in, I perform evening aarti with my family — a ritual that keeps me grounded through the demands of entrepreneurship. I believe mantras are not just words; they are vibrations that transform your inner world, and everyone deserves access to them.