The Ajna Chakra Mantra is the sacred syllable OM (ॐ), considered the primordial sound and the beej (seed) mantra for the third eye energy center. According to the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (I.27-28), OM represents Ishvara and its repetition leads to realization of the Self. In the Uddhava Gita (a section of the Srimad Bhagavata Purana), Lord Krishna describes OM as the essence of all Vedas and the direct representation of Brahman. The Ajna Chakra, located between the eyebrows, is the seat of the mind (manas) and the command center (ajna) for the lower chakras.
Its two petals correspond to the ida and pingala nadis, which meet at this center. The beej mantra OM is composed of three phonemes: A (अ), U (उ), and M (म), representing the waking, dream, and deep sleep states, as well as the three gunas (sattva, rajas, tamas). Chanting OM activates the ajna chakra, enhancing intuition, insight, wisdom, and higher consciousness. The Mantra-Yoga-Samhita (a medieval text on mantra practice) prescribes chanting OM 108 times daily, preferably at dawn or dusk, in a seated meditation posture with focused attention on the space between the eyebrows.
This practice is said to purify the mind, remove mental obstacles, and lead to spiritual awakening. The Devi Mahatmya (Chapter 11, verse 3) also glorifies OM as the supreme mantra of the Goddess, linking it to the third eye of Shiva that destroys desire. Traditionally, the ajna chakra is associated with the deity Ardhanarishvara (Shiva-Shakti), symbolizing the union of consciousness and energy. Cautions: Those with severe mental health conditions should practice under guidance, as intense focus on the third eye can amplify inner experiences.
The mantra should be chanted with correct pronunciation and reverence, as per the Tantric tradition outlined in the Shaktisangama Tantra, which warns against casual or disrespectful repetition.
The primordial sound, representing the ultimate reality.
OM is the mūla-bīja (root seed) composed of A (अ), U (उ), M (म), representing creation, preservation, dissolution; the three states of consciousness; and the three guṇas.