OP claimed in this question that:
Every mantra begins with the word ॐ (Aum/Om).
Is that true? Are there any mantras that don't have ॐ in them?
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I think this depends on the definition of the term mantra. For example, the term mantra in the context of Vedic Hinduism says that a mantra is only a mantra when it comes from one of the four Vedas, and should always start with om. Everything else is not called a mantra in this type of definition. Then you also have various Buddhist mantras. Another definition of mantra can include bija-mantras japa-mantras, dhyana-mantras etc.– Gabe HiemstraCommented Mar 15, 2017 at 11:00
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4 Answers
Almost every mantra begins with OM. The reason is given below.
The syllable Om is the root from which the Vedas have sprung. (Every rite, therefore, should commence with the utterance of that syllable of vast import). Of him who has uttered for him the syllables Om, Namas, Swaha, Svadha, and Vashat, and who has according to the extent of his ability, performed sacrifices, and other rites, there is no fear in respect of next life in all the three worlds.
Mahabharata Santi Parva Section CCLXVIII
One notable exception is the Rama Taraka Mantra which does not begin with OM.
answered Jul 4, 2014 at 4:13
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4I am noticing that people often downvote answers that are perfectly correct. I think the site should change its rules so that the name of the downvoter is revealed and the downvoter would have to explain the reason for the downvote. Commented Jul 4, 2014 at 13:40
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3I think site should implement a rule that says every downvoter must post a comment and only after that they are allowed to downvote. This way we'll know who that is and the reason. A special icon will be attached to the downvoter's comment so people can differentiate between normal ones and dowvoted ones.– PinakinCommented Mar 15, 2017 at 10:22
Every mantra should begin with the pranava OM otherwise it is considered as lifeless as per the following verse:
मंत्राणां पल्लवो वासो । मंत्राणां प्रणव: शिर: । शिर: पल्लव संयुक्तो । कामधुक् भवेत् ।।
Meaning
The mantra is the body.And Pranava OM is the head.When the body(mantra) and the head(OM) are connected only then the recital(of the mantra) bears fruits.
Also, see this post to know why not only mantras but all Vedic recitals should begin with the pranava OM.
However,as per the Mahanirvana Tantram,which is a Shakta Agama,mantras in Kali Yuga are more effective if preceded by HREEM (the maya beeja) instead of OM.
In the Satya, Treta, and Dvapara Ages, the Mantras, O Kalika! were in their application preceded by the Pranava (9); but in the Kali Age, O Supreme Devi! the decree of Shankara is that man do perform all rites with the aid of the same Mantras, but preceded by the Maya Bija (10). All Mantras in the Nigamas, Agamas, Tantras, Samhitas and Vedas, have been spoken by Me. Their employment, however, varies according to the Ages (11). For the benefit of men of the Kali Age, men bereft of energy and dependent for existence on the food they eat, the Kula doctrine, O Auspicious One! is given (12).
Mahanirvana Tantram Chapter 9
NOTE-Hreem is called the maya beeja which is present in many famous Devi mantras.Other some important beejas are Kleem(Kama Beejam) Aim (Vaga Beejam)
answered Mar 15, 2017 at 16:28
It is not mandatory,
Some of the famous tantric mantras like
Navaarna mantra (navakshari chandi mantra)
Bhuvaneshwari mantra (hrillekha)
Kamala mantra
Ganesha Mantras (six lettered (mantra mahodadadhi 2.2),
Dakshina Kali mantra (Mantra.Mahodashi 3.2)
Ucchistha Ganapati mantra (mantra mahodadadhi 2.32)
Do not begin with Om and there is no need to prefix Om. There is one more belief that in the tantric literature, "Hreeem" is referred to as Shakti pranava which is as good as Om or Aum.
answered Mar 15, 2017 at 9:23
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On n this site - gurushakti.org.in/42/sadhna/dush-mahavidya/… Om ॐ is added before Bhuvaneshwari mantra.Pls. cite some sources. Commented Mar 15, 2017 at 10:17
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Yes, for Shiva there is Hum pranava instead of Aum. I also think Aum is just a pranava.– ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤCommented Mar 15, 2017 at 12:42
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@Seeker there are N number of mantras even without pranava... Commented Mar 15, 2017 at 12:43
There are many more mantras, which don't start with Om (or Aum). For example: Da Bei Zhou Mantra, Ra Ma Da Sa Sa Say So Hung Mantra, Ajai Alai Mantra, Soham Mantra or Hanuman Mantra.
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2Welcome To Hinduism SE! As I have earlier commented on your previous post , You should specifically have to provide link to the mantras you mentioned here , from the web site which you are using for references. Also pls. Confirm that Da Bei zhou Mantra and others are related to Hinduism.Thank You. Commented Aug 30, 2016 at 18:21
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1Can you write the Hanuman Mantra ,which you have mentioned in answer , which doesn't start with Om. ॐ हनुमते नमः | Om shree Hanumataye Namah is main mantra. Commented Aug 30, 2016 at 18:31