How to Chant the Hare Krishna Maha-Mantra

To chant the Hare Krishna mantra, sit peacefully, take your japa mala (chanting beads), and softly recite:

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

Repeat this mantra — one full round per bead — until you complete all 108 beads. This is known as one round of japa.

What is the Hare Krishna Maha-Mantra?

The Hare Krishna Maha-Mantra is a sacred 16-word mantra from the ancient Vedas.

The Vedas recommend that in the present age the most effective means for achieving self-realization is to always hear about, glorify, and remember the all-good Supreme Lord, who is known by many names.

  • “Hare” indicates the Lord’s inconceivable energy.
  • “Krishna” which means “He who is all-attractive"
  • “Rama” which means “He who is the reservoir of all pleasure”

-Iskcon Bangalore

Click here to read the Iskcon Bangalore Article

Why Chant?

This is what the Iskcon Berkeley Website says:

One of the Vedas’ most quoted texts, the Padma Purana, says that the maha-mantra is Krishna Himself, appearing in the form of His name. Chanting Hare Krishna is meant to uplift us from the negative effects of this age of quarrel and hypocrisy, Kali-yuga, and bring us back into Krishna’s association.

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu taught that the practice of chanting Krishna’s names gives one all spiritual good fortune. Other benedictions—house by the sea, fancy new car, etc.—may or may not come, but chanters of Hare Krishna throughout history say the benefits of chanting greatly exceed any temporary blessings available on earth.

The Padma Purana goes on to say that the maha-mantra is the purest of the pure, and contains all of reality—the Absolute Truth in the form of sound. It’s also eternally liberated—not of this world—having descended directly from the spiritual world.

According to the logic of the Absolute Truth, Krishna and His name are the same; He is totally identical with the sound vibration of His name. By the same logic, He is personally present on the tongue—and in the heart—of anyone sincerely chanting His name with affection.

God is all-powerful, and so is His name. This mantra puts you directly in touch with the most powerful force in the universe. Don’t take our word for it, though. Try chanting for yourself, and see the difference it makes in your life.

Click here to read the Iskcon Berkeley Article

Before You Begin Chanting

Before starting japa (chanting on beads), it’s traditional — and highly recommended — to chant the Pancha Tattva mantra.

This is a prayer to Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and His eternal associates, asking for mercy and protection from offenses in chanting.

Pancha Tattva Mantra:

(Jaya) shri-krishna-chaitanya prabhu nityananda

shri-advaita gadadhara shrivasadi-gaura-bhakta-vrinda

Meaning:
I offer my respectful obeisances unto Shri Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Lord Nityananda, Shri Advaita Acharya, Gadadhara Pandit, Shrivasa Thakura, and all devotees of the Lord.

Why chant this first?
Because to truly access the spiritual power of the Hare Krishna Maha-Mantra, we first take shelter of Lord Chaitanya — the one who gave Harinaam to the world

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How to Hold and Use a Japa Mala

  • Use your right hand only
  • Hold the beads between thumb and middle finger
  • Never use the index finger — it represents ego in the Vaishnava tradition
  • Start with the bead next to the guru bead (Krishna bead), not on it
  • Chant one full Hare Krishna Maha-Mantra per bead

The Maha-Mantra:

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

Meaning:

O Lord Krishna, O energy of the Lord, please engage me in Your loving service.

Chant it like a child crying for their mother — with heart, not just voice.

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How to Complete One Round

  • A full japa mala = 108 beads = 1 round
  • When you reach the end, don’t cross the guru bead
  • Instead, rotate the beads and go in reverse direction for the next round

If using counter beads on your bead bag, move one for each round completed.

Tips for Deeper Japa

  • Wash your hands before chanting
  • Sit in a clean, peaceful space
  • Avoid chanting in impure areas (toilets, during meals, etc.)
  • Chant clearly — hearing each word is more important than speed
  • If visuals help, gaze at a photo of Krishna or read the mantra softly
  • Don’t multitask — give your mind space to focus on the sound

❤️ Why It Works

The Maha-Mantra is not a symbol — it's Shabda Brahman (divine sound).

Just by chanting, you're connecting with Krishna directly — no rituals or intermediaries needed. It’s the essence of Bhakti yoga in this age.

Keep Chanting Close

Chanting isn’t only for the early morning.

We design spiritual streetwear that lets you carry the vibration of the Holy Name into your day — subtly, stylishly, and sincerely.

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