Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya — Word-by-Word Meaning
ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
ॐ
Om
The primordial sound, the Supreme Brahman
नमो
Namo
I bow, I offer salutations / surrender
भगवते
Bhagavate
To the Bhagavan — the Lord, full of all majesty, power, glory and grace
वासुदेवाय
Vasudevaya
To Vasudeva — Lord Krishna (son of Vasudeva) and Vishnu, the one who dwells (vasu) in all beings and in whom all dwell
Complete Translation
Om. I bow in surrender to Bhagavan Vasudeva — Lord Krishna-Vishnu, the all-pervading Supreme who dwells within every being and in whom the whole universe dwells.
Origin & History
Source: Vaishnava tradition / Bhagavata Purana
Author: Traditional (Vedic/Puranic)
Period: Ancient
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya is the twelve-syllable mool mantra of Lord Vishnu, woven through the Bhagavata Purana. By it the child Dhruva, going to the forest, won the darshan of the Lord; by it generations of devotees have surrendered to Vasudeva, the Supreme who dwells in all. Open to everyone without initiation, it is among the most cherished mantras of devotion and liberation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya?▼
It means 'Om, I bow in surrender to Bhagavan Vasudeva' — to Lord Krishna-Vishnu, the all-pervading Supreme who dwells in every being. It is a complete prayer of surrender to God in his most intimate, all-loving form.
Why is it called the Dwadashakshari mantra?▼
'Dwadashakshari' means 'of twelve syllables'. Om-Na-mo-Bha-ga-va-te-Va-su-de-va-ya has twelve syllables, and it is the principal (mool) mantra of Vishnu, regarded as one of the most powerful and auspicious mantras in the Vaishnava tradition.
What are the benefits of chanting Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya?▼
It is chanted for devotion and surrender, inner peace, protection from fear and sin, and ultimately liberation (moksha). The Bhagavata tells how the boy Dhruva attained Vishnu's vision through it and how Prahlada was protected by it. It can be chanted by anyone, without formal initiation.
How many times should I chant it?▼
Chant it 108 times daily on a tulsi mala as japa, ideally in the early morning. Many devotees keep it as a constant remembrance through the day. It is especially recited on Ekadashi, Thursdays, and on Janmashtami.
Who is Vasudeva in the mantra?▼
Vasudeva means both 'the son of Vasudeva' (Lord Krishna) and 'the one in whom all beings dwell and who dwells in all' (Vishnu/Narayana). The mantra thus addresses the Supreme Lord as the indwelling, all-pervading reality, worshipped with love as Krishna.
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