Mantra for study: Saraswati mantras for focus and memory
Saraswati mantras for study, with Devanagari, transliteration and meaning. What to chant before studying, how many times, and how to keep your focus.
The best-known mantra for study is Saraswati Namastubhyam, a short prayer to Goddess Saraswati that students traditionally say before opening their books. Chant it once or three times as you sit down, then begin. For a longer practice, chant a Saraswati mantra 108 times in the morning and keep a few minutes of quiet before you study.
A mantra will not do the studying for you. What it can do is mark the start of a study session, settle a restless mind, and turn your attention to the work in front of you. That is a real help, and it is how the tradition has always used these prayers.
Five mantras for study
Saraswati Namastubhyam
सरस्वति नमस्तुभ्यं वरदे कामरूपिणि। विद्यारम्भं करिष्यामि सिद्धिर्भवतु मे सदा॥ Saraswati Namastubhyam, Varade Kamarupini, Vidyarambham Karishyami, Siddhirbhavatu Me Sada
"Salutations to you, Saraswati, giver of blessings. As I begin my studies, may I always succeed." The most common prayer before study in Indian homes and schools, said for focus and a good start to learning. Listen on Mahakatha.
Namaste Sharade Devi
नमस्ते शारदे देवी वीणा पुस्तक धारिणी विद्यारम्भं करिष्यामि प्रसन्न भव सर्वदा Namaste Shaarade Devi, Veena Pustak Dhaarini, Vidyaarambham Karishyaami, Prasanna Bhava Sarvada
"I bow to you, Goddess Sharada, who holds the veena and the book. I am beginning my studies: be pleased with me always." A close cousin of the mantra above, traditionally said before study, music practice or any new learning. Listen on Mahakatha.
Saraswati mantra with bija syllables
ॐ ऐं ह्रीं श्रीं वाग्देव्यै सरस्वत्यै नमः Om Aing Hreeng Shreeng, Vaagdevyai Saraswatyai Namah
"Om, with the seed sounds Aim, Hreem and Shreem, I bow to Saraswati, goddess of speech." Aim is the bija (seed) syllable of Saraswati. This is a good mantra for longer japa, 108 times with a mala, chanted for focus and clear thinking. Read more about bija mantras. Listen on Mahakatha.
Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Buddhirupena
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु बुद्धिरूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥ Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Buddhirupena Sansthita, Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah
"To the Goddess who lives in every being as intelligence, we bow again and again." A verse from the Devi Mahatmyam that honours the mind itself as sacred. It is a lovely verse to chant before a difficult subject. Listen on Mahakatha.
Medha Dakshinamurthy mantra
ॐ नमो भगवते दक्षिणामूर्तये मह्यं मेधां प्रज्ञां प्रयच्छ स्वाहा Om Namo Bhagavathe Dakshinamurthaye, Mahyam Medhaam Pradnyaam Prayaccha Swaha
"I bow to Lord Dakshinamurthy: grant me sharp understanding and wisdom." Dakshinamurthy is Shiva as the great teacher. This mantra is traditionally chanted for memory and understanding, often 108 times before study. Listen on Mahakatha.
How to use a mantra for study
- Before each study session, sit at your desk, close your eyes, and chant Saraswati Namastubhyam once or three times. Then open your book. This becomes a signal to your mind that study time has begun.
- In the morning, if you have ten minutes, chant the bija mantra or the Medha Dakshinamurthy mantra 108 times. 11 or 21 times is fine on busy days.
- Breathe slowly for a minute after chanting. The quiet after the mantra is where focus begins.
- Keep the basics. Sleep, regular breaks, food and water do more for memory than any single practice. A mantra works best alongside them.
Many students also keep a picture of Saraswati or a small lamp on their desk. If your family has its own custom, follow it.
You can also listen. Mahakatha Radio plays Saraswati mantras like these, along with Om and Ganesha chants, day and night. It is free and has no ads, so some students keep it playing softly in the background during revision.
For exams
Exam time brings its own nerves. See mantras for exam success for chants to use the night before and on the morning of an exam, and our prayer for exams. If a child or friend is facing a big exam, you can offer a prayer for them; it is read aloud on air at 7:00 am or 7:00 pm India time.
Questions people ask
Which mantra increases IQ level?
No mantra can raise an IQ score, and no honest teacher will promise one. Saraswati mantras are traditionally chanted for focus, clear thinking and a love of learning, which help you make good use of the mind you have.
What are the 7 most powerful mantras?
Lists vary, but most include Om, the Gayatri Mantra, the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra, Om Namah Shivaya, Om Gan Ganapataye Namah, Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya and the Hare Krishna mantra. For a student, the Gayatri Mantra and a Saraswati mantra are the natural choices.
What are the top 5 powerful mantras for students?
Saraswati Namastubhyam, Namaste Sharade Devi, the Saraswati bija mantra, the Gayatri Mantra and the Medha Dakshinamurthy mantra. Pick one or two and chant them daily rather than all five occasionally.
What is the luckiest mantra for study?
Mantras are not lucky charms. The traditional choice before study is Saraswati Namastubhyam, said with attention, followed by honest effort.
What are the 12 beej mantras?
Bija (seed) mantras are single syllables linked to a deity or energy, such as Aim for Saraswati, Shreem for Lakshmi, Hreem for the Devi, Gam for Ganesha and Om for the Absolute. Different traditions list different sets; for study, Aim is the one most often used.
How many times should I chant a mantra before studying?
Once or three times before each session is enough as a beginning. For a deeper daily practice, chant 108 times in the morning with a mala.