What are Mantras & Why Chant them 108 times?

Mantras are considered to be a sacred formula and a deeply personal ritual, effective only after initiation. The foremost mention of mantras can be seen in the Vedas of ancient India. 

Main Classification of Hindu Mantras

There are mainly three types of mantras: Bija Mantra, Saguna Mantra, Nirguna Mantra. The Rigveda Samhita contains about 10552 Mantras. OM or Aum is the most powerful mantra of all. Also known as the Pranava mantra, Aum is the source of all mantras.

There are also longer mantras, which encompass a variety of phrases consisting of multiple syllables, names, and words. These mantras often hold spiritual significance, representing concepts like the name of a deity, a yearning for truth, reality, enlightenment, eternal life, serenity, affection, wisdom, and purpose. Some of the main longer mantras are Gayatri Mantra, Panchakshara Mantra, Ashtakshara Mantra, Ashtothra Mantra, Sahasranamam, and Bhujangam.

Why Mantras need to be chanted for 108 Times

According to Ayurveda, the human body is considered to have 108 marma points  (acupressure points).  Hence to stimulate each of these 108 marma points we have to to chant each mantras 108 times.  

Repetition of Hindu Mantras or sacred verses on a daily basis for a minimum of 20 minutes helps to improve your attention and lift mood. If you have trouble, concentrating or getting in the right frame of mind it can make lot of changes.

For your mind to go deeper, you need to have a mantra which is not in the field of expression; which is secret. That is why it is given secretly. Repeat your mantra in low voice for the time of your meditation. During the meditation focus deeply on the words and the inner meaning of each mantra.