Mantras Recited Before and After Swasthani Brata Katha

Swasthani Brata Katha is a sacred scripture deeply revered by Hindus, particularly in Nepal. It is a month-long ritual observed during the Swasthani month (January-February) according to the lunar calendar. The recitation of Swasthani Brata Katha is believed to bring blessings, peace, and prosperity.

To commence and conclude this sacred reading, specific mantras are recited, invoking divine grace and spiritual energy.

Beginning Mantras

The mantras recited before beginning the Swasthani Brata Katha are designed to purify the mind and soul, creating an atmosphere conducive to spiritual growth and divine connection. Here are the starting mantras:

यं ब्रम्हा वरुणेन्द्ररुद्रमरुतः स्तुन्वन्ति दिव्यैः स्तवैः।

This mantra glorifies the divine entity worshipped by deities like Brahma, Varuna, and Indra. It highlights the greatness of the Supreme Being, who is beyond the comprehension of gods and humans alike.

श्रीमच्चन्दनचर्चितोज्ज्वलवपुः शुक्लाम्बरा मल्लिका।

Dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, this mantra describes her radiant form adorned with sandalwood paste, white attire, and a garland of jasmine.

मूकं करोति वाचालं पंगुं लंघयते गिरिम्।

This powerful mantra praises Lord Madhava, whose grace can turn the mute eloquent and help the disabled overcome mountains.

नमो भगवते तस्मै व्यासायामिततेजसे।

A tribute to Sage Vyasa, whose divine knowledge makes the recitation of sacred stories possible.

नारायणं नमस्कृत्य नरं चैव नरोत्तमम्।

This mantra honors Lord Narayana, Sage Narottama, and Goddess Saraswati, invoking their blessings for the successful reading of the Katha.

Full Beginning Mantra

यं ब्रम्हा वरुणेन्द्ररुद्रमरुतः स्तुन्वन्ति दिव्यैः स्तवैः।
वेदैः साङ्गपदक्रमोपनिषदैः गायन्ति यं सामगाः।
ध्यानावस्थित-तद्गतेन मनसा पश्यन्ति यं योगिनः।
यस्याऽन्तं न विदुः सुरासुरगणा देवाय तस्मै नमः।।१।।

श्रीमच्चन्दनचर्चितोज्ज्वलवपुः शुक्लाम्बरा मल्लिका-
मालाऽलंकृतकुण्डला प्रविलसन्मुक्तावलीशोभिता।
सर्वज्ञाननिदानपुस्तकधरा रुद्राक्षमालाकरा।
वाग्देवी वदनाम्बुजे वसतु मे त्रैलोक्यमाता चिरम्।।२।।

मूकं करोति वाचालं पंगुं लंघयते गिरिम्।
यत्कृपा तमहं वन्दे परमानन्दमाधवम्।।३।।

नमो भगवते तस्मै व्यासायामिततेजसे।
यस्य प्रसादाद् वक्ष्यामि नारायणकथामिमाम्।।४।।

नारायणं नमस्कृत्य नरं चैव नरोत्तमम्।
देवीं सरस्वतीं व्यासं ततो जयमुदीरयेत्।।५।।

।। श्रीस्वस्थानी परमेश्वर्यै नमो नमः।।

Ending Mantras

The mantras recited at the conclusion of the Swasthani Brata Katha are equally significant. They express gratitude, seek universal peace, and ensure that the spiritual merits of the ritual are fulfilled.

उपनयतु मंगलं वः सकल जगन्मंगलालयः श्रीमान्।

A mantra invoking auspiciousness and blessings from Lord Krishna, who is compared to the blooming lotus awakened by the sun’s rays.

काले वर्षतु पर्जन्यः पृत्वी शस्यशालिनी।

A prayer for timely rains, fertile lands, and peace across the nation.

अपुत्राः पुत्रिणः सन्तु पुत्रिणः सन्तु पौत्रिणः।

This mantra wishes prosperity and happiness for all, praying for the childless to have children and for the impoverished to attain wealth.

तत्रेव गंगा यमुना च त्र गोदावरी सिन्धु सरस्वती च।

Highlighting the presence of sacred rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, and Saraswati wherever divine stories are recited.

या कुन्देन्दुतुषारहारधवला या शुभ्रवस्त्रावृता।

A final tribute to Goddess Saraswati, the remover of ignorance and the source of wisdom.

कायेन वाचा मनसेन्द्रियैर्वा बुद्ध्यात्मना वा प्रकृतिस्वभावात्।

This concluding mantra dedicates all actions, thoughts, and words to Lord Narayana, seeking forgiveness for any mistakes.

Full Ending Mantra

उपनयतु मंगलं वः सकल जगन्मंगलालयः श्रीमान्।
दिनकर किरण निबोधित नवनलिनदलनिभेक्षणः कृष्णः॥

काले वर्षतु पर्जन्यः पृत्वी शस्यशालिनी।
देशोऽयं क्षोभरहितो ब्राह्मणाः सन्तु निर्भयाः॥

अपुत्राः पुत्रिणः सन्तु पुत्रिणः सन्तु पौत्रिणः।
निर्धनाः सधनाः सन्तु जीवन्तु शरदां शतम्॥

तत्रेव गंगा यमुना च त्र गोदावरी सिन्धु सरस्वती च।
तीर्थानि सर्वाणि वसन्ति तत्र, यत्राच्युतोदार कथा प्रसंगः॥

या कुन्देन्दुतुषारहारधवला या शुभ्रवस्त्रावृता।
या वीणा वरदण्डमण्डितकरा या श्वेतपद्मासना॥

या ब्रह्माच्युत शंकरप्रभृतिभिर्देवैः सदा वन्दिता।
सा मां पातु सरस्वती भगवती निःशेष जाड्यापहा॥

कायेन वाचा मनसेन्द्रियैर्वा बुद्ध्यात्मना वा प्रकृतिस्वभावात्।
करोमि यद्दत् सकलं परस्मै नारायणायेति समर्पये तत्॥

Significance of the Mantras

The starting and ending mantras are not mere rituals; they hold profound spiritual and psychological importance:

Purification: They cleanse the mind, heart, and surroundings, preparing devotees for divine communion.

Invocation: The mantras call upon divine entities to bless and guide the recitation process.

Gratitude: The ending mantras express thanks to the divine for the successful completion of the ritual.

Unity: The universal prayers promote peace, prosperity, and well-being for all living beings.

Reciting the Swasthani Brata Katha is a spiritual journey enriched by the profound mantras at its beginning and end. These sacred verses purify the soul, invoke divine blessings, and foster universal harmony.

Embracing their meanings can transform the ritual into a deeply fulfilling experience, both spiritually and emotionally.