ॐ सह नाववतु — Word-by-Word Meaning
ॐ सह नाववतु
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
सह नौ अवतु
Saha nau avatu
May (the Divine) protect us both (teacher and student) together
सह नौ भुनक्तु
Saha nau bhunaktu
May (the Divine) nourish us both together
सह वीर्यं करवावहै
Saha viryam karavavahai
May we work together with great energy
तेजस्वि नौ अधीतम् अस्तु
Tejasvi nau adhitam astu
May our study be enlightening and effective
मा विद्विषावहै
Ma vidvishavahai
May we never hate (or quarrel with) each other
Complete Translation
Om. May the Divine protect us both (teacher and student); may it nourish us both; may we work together with great vigour; may our study be illuminating; may we never hate one another. Om peace, peace, peace.
Origin & History
Source: Taittiriya & Katha Upanishad (Krishna Yajur Veda)
Author: Traditional (Upanishadic)
Period: Vedic / Upanishadic
Om Sahana Vavatu is the Shanti Mantra that opens the study of several Upanishads. In it, teacher and student pray together that the Divine protect and nourish them both, that they strive with shared vigour, that their study be luminous, and that they never fall into discord. It enshrines the sacred bond of the guru-shishya relationship and the ideal of harmonious learning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of Om Sahana Vavatu?▼
It means: 'May the Divine protect us both, nourish us both; may we work together with vigour; may our study be illuminating; may we never hate each other.' It is a peace mantra for teacher and student (and all who learn or work together), praying for harmony and effective learning.
What is the source of Om Sahana Vavatu?▼
It is a Shanti Mantra found in the Taittiriya Upanishad and the Katha Upanishad (Krishna Yajur Veda). It is one of the most widely recited peace invocations, traditionally chanted before the study of the Upanishads.
When is Om Sahana Vavatu chanted?▼
It is traditionally chanted by teacher and student together at the start of study, and is recited before classes, lectures, and any shared learning or work to invoke harmony, energy and blessings. It closes with 'Om Shanti Shanti Shanti'.
Why does the mantra say 'may we never hate each other'?▼
'Ma Vidvishavahai' prays that teacher and student — and all who work together — never fall into rivalry, resentment or ill-will. It recognises that learning and shared effort flourish only in mutual respect and harmony, and so asks for protection from discord.
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