Sarabeswara Mantra
Mantra Dedicated to Lord Sarabeswara
The Sarabeswara Mantra “Paayaanno Deva: Sarabasthva Payaath Sathaarirogath Vipinorakaapyam Vaiswanaro Kugari Ritchakebya: Prethebyo Bhoothebyo Rusha: Krudanthan” is dedicated to Lord Sarabeswara, a fierce and protective form of Lord Shiva. Sarabeswara is revered in the Shaiva tradition as the supreme energy who manifests to pacify uncontrolled forces and restore cosmic balance. He is often described as the incarnation of Shiva taken to subdue the ferocity of Lord Narasimha after the slaying of the demon Hiranyakashipu.
In this form, Lord Shiva assumed a powerful manifestation with elements of a lion, bird, and human combined, symbolizing a being greater than any known deity. The Sarabeswara form is said to have eight legs, wings, and sharp claws, representing immense speed, power, and transcendence over all realms. This manifestation was not meant to destroy but to pacify, to transform fierce cosmic energies into harmony.
The Sarabeswara Mantra itself is a prayer for protection and safety from diseases, dangers, demonic influences, and unseen forces. It is often recited to ward off evil spirits, negative energies, and sudden calamities. By invoking Sarabeswara, devotees seek divine shelter from physical, mental, and spiritual afflictions. The mantra’s words call upon his energy to shield devotees from illness (roga), dangers in forests or wilderness (vipina), and harmful beings like spirits (preta and bhoota).
Worship of Sarabeswara is especially emphasized in South Indian Shaivite traditions, where temples such as those in Kanchipuram hold his images and shrines. He is depicted as a towering, fierce deity with wings spread wide, symbolizing omnipresence and vigilance. Despite his fearsome appearance, Sarabeswara is worshipped with devotion as a guardian and protector, whose ferocity is directed only toward the forces of darkness.
The invocation of Sarabeswara through this mantra is also symbolic of inner purification. Just as he subdued the uncontrolled energy of Narasimha, the mantra aids devotees in controlling their own inner turbulence — anger, fear, and destructive impulses. It serves as a reminder that divine energy is both fierce and compassionate, capable of destruction when necessary, but always guided by the purpose of restoring order and protecting creation.
Chanting this mantra regularly is believed to build resilience, dissolve obstacles, and grant peace of mind. For those struggling with fear, recurring problems, or disturbances caused by negative energies, the Sarabeswara Mantra acts as a spiritual armor. It also strengthens devotion, reminding the practitioner of Shiva’s boundless power and his constant guardianship over the universe.
Thus, the Sarabeswara Mantra is not merely a chant for protection but a profound invocation of Shiva’s cosmic energy in its most fearsome and protective form. It affirms the faith that even the most uncontrollable forces of the universe can be pacified and balanced by the compassionate yet fierce presence of Lord Sarabeswara, the ultimate guardian of dharma.
Description of Lord Sarabeswara
Lord Sarabeswara is a unique and awe-inspiring manifestation of Lord Shiva, revered as a powerful protector and pacifier of cosmic forces. His form is deeply symbolic, combining elements of man, bird, and lion, representing supreme transcendence over all beings. He is believed to have manifested to subdue and calm the uncontrollable wrath of Lord Narasimha after the destruction of the demon Hiranyakashipu. This episode highlights Sarabeswara as the ultimate power who restores cosmic harmony when even divine energies become unbalanced.
The depiction of Sarabeswara is striking and fearsome, yet profoundly meaningful. With wings like a mighty bird, claws and face of a lion, and the body of a human, he embodies a combination of strength, speed, ferocity, and intelligence. His wings signify his omnipresence and ability to protect devotees everywhere, while his lion features reflect raw power and authority. Despite this terrifying appearance, he is worshipped as a compassionate guardian whose wrath is directed only toward negativity, evil, and imbalance.
Sarabeswara’s worship has deep roots in Shaivism, especially in South India where temples such as those in Kanchipuram house his shrines. Here, he is honored as a deity who dissolves fear, protects against illness, and wards off evil spirits. His presence is believed to safeguard devotees from both physical dangers and spiritual disturbances. He is often invoked through powerful mantras and homas, particularly when protection from unseen forces or curses is needed.
Beyond external protection, Sarabeswara also represents the internal battle against uncontrolled emotions and destructive tendencies. Just as he pacified Narasimha’s overwhelming rage, Sarabeswara is invoked to help devotees control anger, fear, and other turbulent energies within themselves. Worship of this form of Shiva is a reminder that true spiritual progress requires the taming of inner forces as much as outer ones.
For many, Sarabeswara is not only a deity of protection but also one of purification. His energy is said to burn away karmic impurities and dissolve obstacles on the spiritual path. Through devotion, his blessings grant resilience, courage, and clarity, helping practitioners stand firm in the face of life’s adversities. In this way, he serves as both guardian and guide, embodying Shiva’s boundless compassion expressed through a fierce yet protective form.
Ultimately, Lord Sarabeswara is a reminder of Shiva’s supreme power and infinite adaptability. He manifests as the gentlest ascetic, the benevolent householder, and also as the fierce protector when the balance of the cosmos is threatened. His form assures devotees that no matter how uncontrollable or destructive a force may appear, Shiva’s energy as Sarabeswara can pacify, protect, and restore harmony. Worshipping him brings not only protection from external dangers but also deep inner strength, purification, and the assurance of divine guardianship on the path of dharma.
Sarabeswara Mantra in English
Paayaanno Deva: Sarabasthva Payaath Sathaarirogath Vipinorakaapyam Vaiswanaro Kugari Ritchakebya: Prethebyo Bhoothebyo Rusha: Krudanthan
Sarabeswara Mantra in Sanskrit (Devanagari)
पायान्नो देवः सरबस्त्व पयात् सतारिरोगात् विपिनोरकाप्यम् ।
वैश्वानरो कुगारि ऋच्केभ्यः प्रेतेभ्यो भूतेभ्यः रुशः क्रुदन्तम् ॥
Sarabeswara Mantra in Tamil
பாயான்னோ தேவஃ சரபஸ்த்வ பயாத் ஸதாரிரோகாத் விபிநோரகாப்யம்
வைஶ்வாநரோ குகாரி ருச்சகேப்யஃ ப்ரேதேப்யோ பூதேப்யஃ ருஷஃ க்ருதந்தன்
Sarabeswara Mantra in Malayalam
പായാന്നോ ദേവഃ ശരബസ്ത്വ പയാത് സതാരിരോഗാത് വിപിനോരകാപ്യം
വൈശ്വാനരോ കുഗാരി ഋച്ചകേഭ്യഃ പ്രേതേഭ്യോ ഭൂതേഭ്യഃ രുഷഃ ക്രുദന്തന്
Sarabeswara Mantra in Telugu
పాయాన్నో దేవః సరబస్త్వ పయాత్ సతారిరోగాత్ విపినోరకాప్యం
వైశ్వానరో కుగారి ఋచ్కేభ్యః ప్రేతేభ్యో భూతేభ్యః రుషః క్రుదంతన్
Sarabeswara Mantra in Kannada
ಪಾಯಾನ್ನೋ ದೇವಃ ಸರಬಸ್ತ್ವ ಪಯಾತ್ ಸತಾರಿರೋಗಾತ್ ವಿಪಿನೋರಕಾಪ್ಯಂ
ವೈಶ್ವಾನರೋ ಕುಗಾರಿಋಚ್ಕೇಭ್ಯಃ ಪ್ರೇತೆಭ್ಯೋ ಭೂತೆಭ್ಯಃ ರುಷಃ ಕ್ರುದಂತನ್
Meaning of the Sarabeswara Mantra
The Sarabeswara Mantra is a sacred invocation to Lord Sarabeswara, the fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva. This mantra is essentially a prayer for protection against diseases, dangers, negative spirits, and unseen forces. It calls upon Sarabeswara to safeguard devotees from illness (roga), wilderness perils (vipina), and harmful entities like spirits (pretaand bhoota). The mantra emphasizes his role as a cosmic guardian whose fierce energy is directed toward removing fear, obstacles, and evil influences.
The vibrations of the chant carry both protective and purifying qualities. When recited with devotion, the mantra is believed to create a shield of divine energy around the practitioner, dispelling disturbances caused by physical, emotional, or spiritual adversities. The mention of Rusha: Krudanthan portrays Sarabeswara as a wrathful force against negativity, yet compassionate toward devotees who seek refuge in him. His combined form of lion, bird, and human emphasizes his supremacy and ability to transcend realms, ensuring comprehensive protection.
Thus, this mantra is more than a protective chant — it is a reminder of Shiva’s power to pacify uncontrolled forces, both external and internal. By invoking Sarabeswara, devotees align with the energy that transforms anger into calmness, fear into courage, and imbalance into harmony.
Meaning of Each Syllable / Phrase
| Word / Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Paayaanno Deva: | May the divine Lord protect us |
| Sarabasthva | Refers to Lord Sarabeswara, the fierce form of Shiva |
| Payaath | May he grant safety and refuge |
| Sathaarirogath | Protection from various diseases and ailments |
| Vipinorakaapyam | Guard us from dangers in forests, wilderness, or hostile environments |
| Vaiswanaro | The cosmic fire; symbol of purifying and protective energy |
| Kugari Ritchakebya: | Safeguard us from evil influences, curses, and harmful forces |
| Prethebyo | Protection from wandering spirits |
| Bhoothebyo | Protection from elemental beings or negative energies |
| Rusha: Krudanthan | Fierce and wrathful against evil, yet compassionate to devotees |
Procedure to Chant the Sarabeswara Mantra
| Aspect | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Direction | Face South or East while chanting, as these directions align with protective and purifying energies |
| Posture | Sit in Padmasana or Vajrasana, keeping the spine erect and body steady |
| Pranayama | Begin with 7 rounds of deep breathing or Bhastrika/Nadi Shodhana to energize and balance the mind |
| Mala | Use a Rudraksha mala or Spatik (crystal) mala with 108 beads for chanting |
| Repetitions | Chant 108 times daily (1 mala), or in cycles of 11, 21, or 51 repetitions, preferably on Tuesdays or Saturdays |
| Concentration | Visualize Lord Sarabeswara’s fierce yet compassionate form, with wings spread wide, protecting from all dangers |
| Consistency | Maintain a fixed time daily, ideally during Brahma Muhurta (pre-dawn) or Sandhya time (dawn/dusk), for at least 40 days for powerful results |
Benefits of Sarabeswara Mantra
1. Protection from Diseases and Illness
The Sarabeswara Mantra is specifically revered for its ability to shield devotees from diseases. The phrase Sathaarirogathin the mantra directly invokes protection from various physical ailments. Chanting it with devotion purifies the body’s energy channels, strengthens immunity, and brings mental calmness, all of which contribute to overall well-being.
2. Safeguard Against Negative Forces
One of the core benefits of this mantra is its protective energy against unseen entities. The references to Prethebyo(spirits) and Bhoothebyo (elemental beings) affirm its role in dispelling harmful energies, evil spirits, and negative vibrations. It acts as a spiritual shield for practitioners and their households.
3. Removal of Fear and Anxiety
The mantra’s fierce vibrations dissolve fear from within. By invoking Sarabeswara, devotees feel guarded by a divine protector who watches over them. This instills courage, confidence, and the ability to face challenges without being consumed by worry or anxiety.
4. Balancing Inner Turmoil
Sarabeswara is the force that pacified Lord Narasimha’s uncontrollable rage, and chanting his mantra brings the same calming influence into a devotee’s life. It helps control anger, impatience, and emotional upheaval. Inner peace and self-control gradually emerge, creating balance in mind and spirit.
5. Protection in Journeys and Dangerous Places
The phrase Vipinorakaapyam in the mantra signifies safety in forests and wilderness. Symbolically, it refers to all dangerous or unpredictable environments in life. Chanting the mantra before travel or important undertakings invokes Sarabeswara’s protection from accidents, threats, and misfortune.
6. Dissolution of Karmic Obstacles
The mantra purifies karmic burdens that manifest as recurring problems, health struggles, or spiritual blockages. Sarabeswara’s fierce energy cuts through these karmic knots, allowing the devotee to experience relief from patterns that once seemed unavoidable.
7. Strengthening of Spiritual Discipline
Daily chanting develops concentration and regularity in spiritual practice. Sarabeswara, as a guardian of dharma, inspires discipline and determination. Practitioners notice improvement in meditation, prayer, and overall dedication to their spiritual path.
8. Protection from Sudden Calamities
Life’s unpredictability often brings unexpected disasters. The Sarabeswara Mantra creates a protective vibration that mitigates such risks. Whether natural calamities, accidents, or hostile environments, devotees believe chanting this mantra reduces their intensity or averts them altogether.
9. Awakening of Inner Strength
Sarabeswara’s energy is fierce, yet compassionate. By invoking it, devotees discover resilience and strength within themselves. This inner power manifests as the ability to endure hardships, take decisive actions, and maintain faith even in difficult times.
10. Cleansing of Surrounding Environment
Chanting the mantra purifies not only the individual but also the surrounding environment. Homes and temples resonate with positivity and become shielded from harmful vibrations. This makes the mantra valuable in rituals for cleansing spaces of negativity.
11. Enhanced Devotion and Surrender
The act of invoking Sarabeswara through mantra builds deep devotion and humility. By recognizing Shiva’s fierce yet compassionate presence, devotees learn surrender and faith. This devotion enriches their relationship with the divine, bringing peace and reassurance.
12. Support in Healing Mental Trauma
Emotional scars and trauma can linger and disrupt life. The Sarabeswara Mantra works as a spiritual therapy, gradually healing the subconscious mind. Its vibrations calm suppressed anger, grief, and fear, helping the devotee find closure and strength to move forward.
13. Empowerment in Confronting Adversities
Just as Sarabeswara subdued uncontrolled cosmic forces, devotees chanting the mantra gain confidence to face adversities. They develop a warrior-like resilience, facing obstacles directly rather than avoiding them. This empowerment transforms struggles into opportunities for growth.
14. Harmonizing Fierce Energies in Life
In Vedic tradition, uncontrolled forces must be balanced for harmony. Sarabeswara symbolizes this balance. His mantra harmonizes intense energies in life—whether external conflicts or inner restlessness—ensuring that ferocity is transformed into constructive strength.
15. Pathway to Liberation
Ultimately, the Sarabeswara Mantra is a spiritual tool leading to moksha (liberation). By removing fear, karma, and illusions, it clears the path for higher awareness. Devotees realize that even fierce energies are part of the divine order, guiding them toward ultimate truth and liberation.
