The Arthashastra Mantra is derived from the ancient Indian treatise on statecraft, economic policy, and military strategy, the Arthashastra, traditionally attributed to Chanakya (also known as Kautilya or Vishnugupta). This text, composed around the 4th century BCE, is one of the earliest and most comprehensive works on political economy and governance. The mantra is not a single verse but a collection of aphorisms and principles that are chanted to invoke wisdom in matters of wealth, resource management, and righteous governance. The primary deities associated with this mantra are Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, and Kubera, the treasurer of the gods and lord of riches. According to the Arthashastra itself (Book 1, Chapter 1), the science of wealth (artha) is the means to sustain life and achieve all other goals, including dharma and kama.
The beej-akshara (seed syllable) often used in conjunction is 'Om' or 'Hreem', representing the cosmic sound and the energy of Lakshmi. The phoneme analysis reveals that 'Artha' signifies wealth, purpose, and meaning, while 'Shastra' means scripture or science, together forming a mantra that aligns the practitioner with the principles of economic prosperity and ethical governance. Traditional purposes include success in business, wise management of resources, understanding of economic principles, and the ability to make sound decisions in leadership. The mantra is believed to bestow clarity, strategic thinking, and the ability to generate and preserve wealth. Recommended chanting context includes recitation during business rituals, especially on Dhanteras, the first day of Diwali dedicated to wealth.
The ideal count is 108 repetitions daily, preferably in the morning after bathing, facing east. A ritual setting may involve a clean space with an image of Chanakya or a copy of the Arthashastra, along with offerings of yellow flowers, incense, and a lamp. Cautions: This mantra should be chanted with respect for its profound wisdom; it is not for casual use or for selfish gain. The Arthashastra emphasizes ethical means (dharma) in acquiring wealth, as stated in its opening chapter. The Chanakya Niti, a collection of aphorisms attributed to the same author, also reinforces the importance of wisdom and morality in governance.
Therefore, the practitioner should approach this mantra with a sincere intention to learn and apply its principles for the welfare of all.
Salutations to the science of wealth and governance.
The mantra may be prefixed with 'Hrīṃ' (ह्रीं) as a beej for Lakshmi, but the core mantra itself does not contain seed syllables.