Hare Krishna Mantra

The Maha Mantra of the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition

The Hare Krishna mantra, also called the Maha Mantra (“Great Mantra”), first appeared in the Kali-Santarana Upanishad and was popularized in the 15th century by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in the Bhakti movement.

The Mantra:

हरे कृष्ण हरे कृष्ण
कृष्ण कृष्ण हरे हरे
हरे राम हरे राम
राम राम हरे हरे

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna
Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama
Rama Rama Hare Hare

Meaning and Significance

Word Meanings

Hare – Energy of the Supreme Lord
Krishna – The all-attractive Supreme Lord
Rama – The reservoir of all pleasure

Interpretation

The mantra is a prayer to the energy (Hare) of the Supreme Lord (Krishna and Rama) to engage the devotee in loving service.

Spiritual Significance

According to Gaudiya Vaishnava theology, the Hare Krishna mantra is a transcendental sound vibration that connects the chanter with the Supreme Lord. It purifies the heart and awakens divine love.

It’s known as the “great chant for deliverance,” especially potent for spiritual liberation in the age of Kali Yuga.

History and Origin

Ancient Roots

The mantra first appeared in the Kali-Santarana Upanishad, prescribing it as the means to overcome the ill effects of Kali Yuga.

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu

In the 15th century, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu taught the mantra as the most effective way to attain God-realization. He traveled across India encouraging public chanting.

Modern Revival

The mantra spread globally through ISKCON, founded by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in 1966, through public chanting (sankirtan) and teachings.

Practice and Chanting

Japa Meditation

Devotees chant the Hare Krishna mantra on beads (japa mala). A full round has 108 repetitions. Serious practitioners chant 16 rounds daily (~2 hours).

Sankirtan (Congregational Chanting)

The mantra is also sung communally with instruments like mridanga and kartals — uplifting both individuals and society.