The Mangalashtakam: Eight Holy Verses to Lord Mangala

The Mangalashtakam is a sacred Sanskrit hymn dedicated to Lord Mangala, the planet Mars. This venerable text is reverently chanted by devotees seeking the divine blessings of Lord Mangala, propitiating favorable circumstances and warding off adversity.

The Mangalashtakam consists of eight powerful verses, each imbued with profound spiritual significance. These verses collectively invoke the auspicious qualities of Lord Mangala, beseeching his divine protection and grace.

Sanskrit Verses with Transliteration

1. Om mangalamangalaye shive sarvarthasadhake,
   Sharanye tryambake gauri narayani namostute.

2. Vatabhuj dvibhuja shashtraja khetakayate, **
   Bhaskara kuja vikartapushpasha jatapate.**

   

3. Yah shakha mrudang tavachchcha khatvanga shadanane,
   Sindurasyandaka deha charuke vijayatmane.

4. Bhasmachchadhana kara kantha virajai,* *
   Yakshi chakra prabha kukkuta charan kananachale.**

5. Indra brahmakhya devataiva phaladhane,
   Ranarangatra gati vahi padapala vidhade.

6. Durgama vijaya shaure ganapatyanevadhikam,
   Sadgamaya prasida rakshasa vibhaye namah.

   

7. Antaka mrityuvishuddha vishvadhara sarvaraye,
   Kshiti pita vyoma shuddha shashinavan vidhate.

   

8. Sarvamangala maangalye shive sarvarthasadhike,
   Sharanye tryambake gauri narayani namostute.

Meaning of the Verses

1. "O auspicious and benevolent Lord Mangala, you fulfill all desires. You are the protector, the three-eyed Lord Shiva, and the consort of Gauri and Narayani. I bow down to you."

2. "You have four arms, each wielding a weapon. You ride a ram and are adorned with the crescent moon. The sun and the planet Mars form your ears, and a garland of flowers adorns your head."

3. "You hold a conch, a drum, a trident, and a skull. Your face is smeared with vermilion, and your body is adorned with beautiful ornaments."

4. "You are covered in ashes and wear a serpent around your neck. You ride a peacock and dwell on the peaks of Mount Kanachala."

5. "Indra, Brahma, and other deities worship you for the fulfillment of their desires. You control the movements of the war elephants and protect your devotees in battle."

6. "You are invincible in battles and surpass even Lord Ganesha in overcoming obstacles. Please guide us on the right path and protect us from the fear of demons."

7. "You are the destroyer of death and the purifier of the world. You support everything in the universe. You are the father of the earth, the purifier of the sky, and the creator of the moon."

8. "O auspicious and benevolent Lord Mangala, you fulfill all desires. You are the protector, the three-eyed Lord Shiva, and the consort of Gauri and Narayani. I bow down to you."

Importance and Benefits of Chanting the Mangalashtakam

• Removes obstacles and brings success
• Attracts prosperity and abundance
• Protects from enemies and evil influences
• Enhances courage and determination
• Brings stability and harmony in life
• Promotes physical and mental well-being
• Invokes divine blessings and grace
• Prepares for positive transitions
• Fosters spiritual growth and evolution

Effective Strategies for Chanting the Mangalashtakam

• Chant daily, preferably at sunrise or sunset
• Use a rosary (mala) to count each repetition
• Focus your mind on the meaning of the verses
• Visualize Lord Mangala in your heart
• Offer flowers, incense, or other sacred objects
• Maintain a pure and devout intention
• Chant with reverence and gratitude

Interesting Stories About Lord Mangala

1. The Red Planet

Lord Mangala is associated with the planet Mars, which is known as the "Red Planet." Legend has it that Lord Mangala once became so angry that his face turned crimson, and ever since then, the planet Mars has been known for its reddish hue.

2. The Battle of Kurukshetra

During the epic battle of Kurukshetra, Lord Mangala favored the Pandavas over the Kauravas. He intervened on several occasions to help the Pandavas achieve victory, including the famous incident where he inspired Bhima to crush Duryodhana's thigh with his mace.

3. The Blessing of Hanuman

Lord Hanuman, the great devotee of Lord Rama, was once favored by Lord Mangala. Hanuman had the strength of ten thousand elephants, and it is said that Lord Mangala bestowed upon him this immense power.

Call to Action

If you are seeking the blessings of Lord Mangala, the Mangalashtakam is an invaluable tool. Chant this sacred hymn regularly with devotion and reverence, and experience the transformative power of divine grace. May Lord Mangala remove obstacles from your path and lead you towards success, prosperity, and fulfillment.

Tables

Table 1: Benefits of Chanting the Mangalashtakam

Table 2: Effective Strategies for Chanting the Mangalashtakam

Table 3: Interesting Stories About Lord Mangala