केतु मंत्र — Word-by-Word Meaning
केतु मंत्र
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
ॐ
Om
the primordial sound
कें केतवे
Kem Ketave
the name/seed of Ketu (the south lunar node)
नमः
Namah
salutations / I bow
Complete Translation
ॐ। केतु को नमस्कार — इसकी कृपा बढ़ाने तथा अशुभ प्रभाव शांत करने हेतु।
Origin & History
Source: The Vedic Navagraha mantra of Ketu (the south lunar node)
Author: Traditional (Vedic Jyotish)
In Vedic astrology (jyotish) the nine grahas shape the course of life, and each has its own mantra for blessing and remedy. "Om Kem Ketave Namah" is the mantra of Ketu (the south lunar node), which governs spirituality, detachment, moksha, hidden knowledge — and the Ketu and Kaal Sarp dosha. When the planet is weak or malefic in the horoscope, sages prescribed chanting its mantra — together with charity, fasting on its day (Saturday and Tuesday), worship of its deity and its gemstone (Cat's Eye (Lehsunia)) — to strengthen its grace and soften its difficulties.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ketu Mantra?▼
It is the Vedic mantra of Ketu (the south lunar node) — "Om Kem Ketave Namah". It is chanted to strengthen Ketu (the south lunar node) in one's birth chart and to reduce the difficulties caused when the planet is weak or malefic.
What are the benefits of the Ketu Mantra?▼
Ketu (the south lunar node) governs spirituality, detachment, moksha, hidden knowledge — and the Ketu and Kaal Sarp dosha. Chanting its mantra is a classic jyotish remedy to bless these areas, to ease the planet's hard periods (dasha and transits), and to bring peace of mind and protection.
On which day should the Ketu Mantra be chanted?▼
It is most powerful on Saturday and Tuesday. Chant it 108 times daily on a mala; as a complete remedy it is traditionally done as a japa of 7,000 repetitions over a fixed period.
Which gemstone is associated with Ketu (the south lunar node)?▼
The gemstone of Ketu (the south lunar node) is Cat's Eye (Lehsunia). It is worn (set in the correct metal and finger) only after consulting a qualified astrologer, alongside the mantra and the charity of the planet's items.
How is the Ketu Mantra used as an astrology remedy?▼
When Ketu (the south lunar node) is weak, afflicted, or running an unfavourable dasha/transit, the mantra is chanted (108 times daily, or the full 7,000 japa), combined with daan (charity) of the planet's items, fasting or worship on its day, and — with astrological guidance — its gemstone. Recite it with the Navagraha Mantra for overall planetary balance.
Ready to start chanting?
See Benefits & How to Chant →