Nyasa (Sanskrit: न्यास, 'placing' or 'depositing') is a ritualistic practice in Tantric and Agamic traditions wherein the practitioner invokes and places divine energies onto specific parts of the body through mantras and hand gestures (mudras). The Nyasa Mantras are the core verbal formulas used during this process. According to the *Mantra Mahodadhi* (a 16th-century compendium on mantra-shastra), nyasa serves to purify the body, transform it into a divine vessel, and establish the presence of the chosen deity (ishta-devata) within the practitioner. The *Shaktisangama Tantra* (a major Shakta Tantra) emphasizes that nyasa is indispensable before any mantra japa or homa, as it removes obstacles and ensures the efficacy of the sadhana.
Nyasa is broadly classified into two main types: Kara Nyasa (placement on the hands) and Anga Nyasa (placement on the limbs). Kara Nyasa involves touching the fingers and palms with specific mantras, often the beejas (seed syllables) of the deity, such as 'HRIM', 'KRIM', or 'AIM'. Anga Nyasa touches the heart, head, crown, eyes, and other vital points, corresponding to the six angas (limbs) of the mantra. The *Devi Mahatmya* (Chandi) prescribes nyasa before reciting its verses, linking the practice to the worship of the Great Goddess. The beej-aksharas used in nyasa are considered sonic representations of the deity's energy; for example, 'HRIM' is associated with the heart and the goddess Bhuvaneshvari, while 'KRIM' relates to Kali.
The traditional purpose of Nyasa Mantras is threefold: purification (shuddhi), protection (raksha), and empowerment (siddhi). By placing mantras on the body, the practitioner symbolically replaces their mortal limbs with divine counterparts, becoming a living yantra. The *Lalita Sahasranama* commentary by Bhaskararaya mentions that nyasa is essential for the worship of Lalita Tripurasundari. Recommended chanting context includes performing nyasa at the beginning of a sadhana session, ideally after bathing and wearing clean clothes. The count is typically once per placement, but some texts suggest repeating each mantra three or seven times. Ritual setting should be a quiet, clean space, with the practitioner facing east or north. Cautions: nyasa should not be performed casually; it requires proper initiation (diksha) from a qualified guru, as per the *Tantraloka* of Abhinavagupta. Incorrect placement or omission can lead to adverse effects. The mantras are often recited with specific mudras and visualization of the deity's form. Nyasa is pan-Indian, found in both Shakta and Shaiva traditions, and is a cornerstone of Tantric sadhana.
Nyasa mantras typically include beejas like HRIM, KRIM, AIM, etc., placed on body parts.