Asato Ma Sadgamaya (Pavamana Mantra) — Word-by-Word Meaning
असतो मा सद्गमय
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
असतो मा सद्गमय
Asato ma sadgamaya
Lead me from the unreal (untruth) to the real (truth)
तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय
Tamaso ma jyotirgamaya
Lead me from darkness to light
मृत्योर्मा अमृतं गमय
Mrityorma amritam gamaya
Lead me from death to immortality
शान्तिः
Shantih
Peace (chanted three times for complete peace)
Complete Translation
Lead me from the unreal to the real; lead me from darkness to light; lead me from death to immortality. Om peace, peace, peace.
Origin & History
Source: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 1.3.28
Author: Traditional (Upanishadic)
Period: Vedic / Upanishadic
The Pavamana Mantra, 'Asato Ma Sadgamaya', is found in the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, among the oldest of the Upanishads. In three sublime lines it sets out the entire aspiration of the spiritual seeker — to be led from the unreal to the real, from darkness to light, from death to immortality. For its beauty and depth it has become one of the most cherished prayers of Hinduism, recited the world over.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of Asato Ma Sadgamaya?▼
It means: 'Lead me from the unreal to the real; from darkness to light; from death to immortality.' It is an ancient Upanishadic prayer for the soul's journey from ignorance and mortality to truth, enlightenment and the eternal.
What is the source of Asato Ma Sadgamaya?▼
It is from the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad (1.3.28), one of the oldest Upanishads, and is known as the Pavamana Mantra. It is among the most famous and beloved prayers in all of Hindu scripture.
When is Asato Ma Sadgamaya chanted?▼
It is chanted daily and especially at the start of spiritual study, meditation and prayer, as a prayer for the dispelling of ignorance and the movement toward truth and light. It is closed with 'Om Shanti Shanti Shanti'.
What do the three movements in the mantra mean?▼
From the unreal to the real (asat to sat) means from illusion to truth; from darkness to light (tamas to jyoti) means from ignorance to knowledge; from death to immortality (mrityu to amrita) means from the mortal to the eternal Self. Together they describe the whole goal of the spiritual path.
Ready to start chanting?
See Benefits & How to Chant →