The Devyatharva Shirsha Dhyana Mantra is a meditative verse from the Devyatharva Shirsha Upanishad, a Shakta Upanishad attached to the Atharvaveda. This text is one of the later Upanishads that exalts the Goddess as the Supreme Brahman, the ultimate reality. The mantra is used for dhyana (meditation) on the formless and manifest aspects of the Divine Mother. According to the Devyatharva Shirsha Upanishad itself, the Goddess is described as the source of all creation, preservation, and dissolution, and is identified with the sacred syllable Om. The dhyana mantra typically invokes the Goddess as the embodiment of consciousness, bliss, and power.
The beej-akshara (seed syllable) 'Om' is central, representing the primordial sound from which the universe emanates. The phoneme 'Om' is analyzed as composed of 'A', 'U', and 'M', symbolizing the three states of waking, dream, and deep sleep, and the fourth state (turiya) beyond. The purpose of chanting this mantra is to realize the non-dual nature of the Goddess as one's own Self, leading to liberation (moksha). It is also chanted for deepening devotion (bhakti) to the Divine Mother and for attaining spiritual knowledge. Traditionally, the mantra is recited during the early morning or evening, especially during Navaratri or on Fridays dedicated to Devi worship.
The recommended count is 108 repetitions, preferably with a rudraksha or sphatika mala. The ritual setting includes a clean, quiet space with an image or yantra of the Goddess, such as the Sri Yantra. Cautions: This mantra should be chanted with proper pronunciation and reverence, as it is considered a powerful invocation of the supreme Shakti. It is advised to receive initiation (upadesha) from a qualified guru before regular practice, as per the tradition of Shakta Upanishads. The Devyatharva Shirsha is also cited in the 'Mantra Mahodadhi' as a source for Devi mantras, and its teachings align with the 'Devi Mahatmya' in glorifying the Goddess as the supreme power.
Om. All this is indeed Brahman. Not this, not this.
The mantra begins with the seed-syllable 'Om', which is the primordial beej-akshara representing Brahman. It is analyzed as A-U-M, symbolizing the three states of consciousness and the fourth (turiya).