There is a power, a calm and a hidden elixir that one experiences in repeating the name of the Divine.The process of chanting is beautifully simple and has no elaborate list of things needed. You don’t even need the knowledge of Sanskrit to begin with a nama japa(chanting of the Lords sacred name)
All you need is a willing ness to begin and a few minutes to dedicate to the practice.You can choose any spot to begin chanting a mantra, it could be while you wait at the traffic signal, before you go to bed, before you eat, as soon as you wakeup, anytime.
Across our scriptures, Krishna is encountered through nama(divine name).Across the Puranas, the Gita and the various literature on Vaishnava tradition we are reminded that Chanting the name of Krishna is a way easing anxiety, removing noise and distraction and bringin back focus towards surrender to the divine, devotion and inner steadiness. Parents who want to start this habit early can read about the benefits of chanting Sanskrit slokas for children.
Some powerful and easy to practice Krishna Mantras are given below:
1. “Hare Krishna” — The Mantra of Remembering
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
This Maha- Mantra is found in the Kali-Santarana Upanishad. This sixteen word Maha mantra is given to us through Narada seeking Lord Brahmas guidance to overcome difficulties in the ade of Kali(Kaliyuga). Lord Brahma presents this Maha mantra with the divine names. The mantra has now become synonymous with the Bhakti movement of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
This mantra can be thought of as an invocation of the Divine presence.
“Hare” invokes the Divine energy; “Krishna” refers to Krishna, the all-attractive Lord; and “Rama” refers to the Divine associated with joy and bliss. Interpretations of “Hare” vary between traditions.
Our minds are constantly pulled towards notifications, deadlines, comparisions, worries and pressure. Choosing to repeat the Divine name creates an intentional pause from the noise of the outside world and the performance anxiety we experience. Research summarised by the U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH) suggests that meditation practices may help some people manage stress and anxiety, though the evidence is still evolving.
Chanting for 5-10 minutes is all you have to do to start.You don’t have to force any spiritual or religious feeling. We just simply keep returning to the words when our mind wanders away.
The practice is not an escape but a means to enable you to meet life with better quality of attention and resolve.
2. “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” — A Mantra of Surrender
ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय Om Namo Bhagavate Vāsudevāya
This 12 Matra syllable mantra or Dvādasa-akshari as it is traditionally known is strongly associated with Vaishnava traditions.
The name Vāsudeva can refer to Krishna, the son of Vasudeva, while also carrying the broader theological meaning of the Divine who dwells within all beings.
The essence of this mantra is : “I bow to the Divine Lord, Vasudeva.”
This store has a beautiful legend behind it. The Bhagavata Purana gives us this narration. The young boy Dhruva, wounded by rejection from his father and determined to find something greater that will accept him, undertakes an intense spiritual journey. The sage Narada advises him to meditate upon the Lord and gives him this sacred Dvādasa-akshari mantra. Dhruva’s journey transforms from one driven by hurt and ambition into profound devotion. Children can discover stories like Dhruva’s, and the values behind them, through Bhagavad Gita online classes for kids like Little Yogi.
The transformation is perhaps the most useful lesson for us.
We often look to spiritual practices when we want something. Success, fame, money, recognition, healing are some of the many reasons people set out in search of spiritual practices.
This mantra invites another possibility. “I don’t need to control everything. I acknowledge something greater than myself.”
A simple practice of 108 repetitions is a good way to start this.
3. “Manmana Bhava” — Make the Mind a Place of Remembrance
One of Krishna’s most intimate teachings appears in the Bhagavad Gita 18.65:
मन्मना भव मद्भक्तो मद्याजी मां नमस्कुरु । मामेवैष्यसि सत्यं ते प्रतिजाने प्रियोऽसि मे ॥
Man-manā bhava mad-bhakto mad-yājī māṁ namaskuru mām evaiṣyasi satyaṁ te pratijāne priyo’si me
Krishna says, in essence: “Fix your mind on Me, become My devotee, worship Me and bow to Me. You shall come to Me; truly, I promise you this, because you are dear to Me.” — Bhagavad Gita 18.65.
This is more like a practice instruction rather than a mantra. The phrase man- mana translates loosely to “Let you mind mediate upon me.” To explore more verses like this with your child, see these Bhagavad Gita shlokas every child should know.
A simple way to stay conscious of this is to spend a minute remembering what the Lord has done for you and setting an intention for the day as soon as you wake up, rather than scrolling on your phone.
Take a moment to refocus your mind so you meet your notifications and emails with greater clarity and focus.
Bhakti or devotion does not ask you to withdraw from life. For children, this same steady focus can grow alongside confidence building classes for kids that help them face daily challenges calmly.
4. “Mām Ekaṁ Śaraṇaṁ Vraja” — When You Need to Let Go
One of the most famous verses of the Gita is Krishna’s final great instruction to Arjuna:
सर्वधर्मान्परित्यज्य मामेकं शरणं व्रज । अहं त्वा सर्वपापेभ्यो मोक्षयिष्यामि मा शुचः ॥
Sarva-dharmān parityajya mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja ahaṁ tvā sarva-pāpebhyo mokṣayiṣyāmi mā śucaḥ
“Take refuge in Me alone; I shall free you from all that binds you. Do not grieve.” — Bhagavad Gita 18.66.
This verse has several interpretations. Ramanuja connects it strongly with surrendering to God. Adi Shankara advices us to relinquish identity and attain self-knowledge.
In our day-to-day life when we experience worry, anxiety and stress. We can repeat: “Mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja.” “I take refuge in You.”
You don’t need a long routine to begin a sadhana or chanting practice.Just make time to sit quietly and remember the divine.
Krishna’s mantras show that devotion does not need rituals, special settings or long hours. A few minutes of chanting can pause the noise, bring the mind back to the present and remind us that we are not alone. The Hare Krishna Maha-Mantra, the Dvādasa-akshari, and Gita verses 18.65 and 18.66 each offer a doorway: remembrance, surrender, focus and letting go. Children are natural learners of sound and story, so this is a beautiful practice to begin together as a family.
Want your child to learn Krishna’s wisdom through stories, shlokas and joyful activities? Book a free Little Yogi demo class today
About the Author
Jyotsna Krishnadev
AuthorJyotsna Krishnadev is a passionate educator, a design aficionado, an ardent reader, a passionate writer and a storyteller at heart. She is the author of Hot Air Balloon, a book that takes readers on a journey of discovery and adventure, much like the one her words often embark on. With a sharp eye for detail and an insatiable curiosity about the world, she has made her mark as a thought leader in the realms of design, art, culture, and the intricacies of life. Her voice resonates through the pages of esteemed architectural magazines, local publications, and newspapers, where she pens articles and opinion pieces that challenge perspectives and spark dialogue. A firm believer that words can shape the world, Jyotsna finds inspiration in every corner of life. She uses her writing to explore the intersection of creativity and life, weaving together her love for literature, her passion for design and her reflections on culture.
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