Navarna Mantra — Meaning and How to Chant
The Navarna mantra is the main mantra of Maa Durga, chanted along with the Durga Saptashati. 'Navarna' means 'of nine letters'. Its three seed syllables — Aim, Hreem, Kleem — are traditionally linked to Mahasaraswati, Mahalakshmi and Mahakali. It is chanted especially during Navratri.
Om aim hreem kleem chamundayai vichche ||
Meaning
Mantra
Om aim hreem kleem chamundayai vichche ||
With the seed syllables Aim (wisdom), Hreem (power and grace) and Kleem (energy), we bow to Mother Chamunda. 'Vichche' is traditionally explained as: O Goddess, free us from the bonds of ignorance.
Meanings written in simple language by the KathaMantra team.
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Frequently asked questions
How many times should the Navarna mantra be chanted?
Usually 108 times (one mala) a day. During Navratri many devotees chant several malas daily.
When should it be chanted?
During the nine days of Navratri, before and after the Durga Saptashati, or daily morning and evening. Traditionally it is good to receive it from a guru.
Why is it called Navarna?
'Nava' means nine and 'arna' means letter. After Om, the nine letters Aim-Hreem-Kleem-Cha-mun-da-yai-Vich-che make up the mantra.