There are many arguments whether Om is to be recited before Maha Sodasi mantra. In this context, Iwould like to discuss on this matter exclusively in Sakta way.OM is one of the pancha (five) pranava-s. Om is known as Aadi (first) pranava. As per the Sanskrit text, Om comprises of three letters A+U+M. (AUM). As per the Sakta vidya these three letters have specific meanings and importance especially in Sri Vidyopasana/Sri Chakropasana. Let us understand the aadi pranava in this context.Aadi pranava has three kuta-s (A+U+M) like Panchadasi or Sodasi mantra-s. First letter of this pranava i.e. A represents Agni mandala and second letter U represents Surya mandala and third letter M represents Soma mandala. Based on these mandala-s Patrasadhana, Nyasa and Eight avarana of Sri Chakra puja will be practiced by Sri Chakropasaka-s. These three mandala-s are to be contemplated in human body along with susumna marga with Shat chakra-s. [A detailed discussion on these mandala-s is available in book titled “Understanding and Worshipping Srichakra” authored by Sri V.Raviji. Readers may review this book for further information]. So inherently and indirectly, Om is worshipped at various places of Sri Chakra puja. Proper chanting of this Om will lead the practitioner to salvation. Generally, panchadasi will fructify materialistic desires and Sodasi will lead to (give) salvation. The three kuta-s of these mantra-s represents, agni, surya and soma mandala-s as in Om. Sodasi mantra has several bija-s and Om is one of such bija. It is to be keenly observed that, Maha sodasi only has Om and no Om is there in sodasi (laghu) and panchadasi mantra-s. Om in Maha sodasi has different meaning which has already been explained by Sri Raviji in his article. However, three kuta-s in panchadasi, laghu sodasi and maha sodasi inherently represents Om. In general way, we can say that practicing of these mantras will give additional results of Om practicing alone.There are two types of conjunctions for any mantra. One is Samputeekarana and another is Sankarana. Samputeekarana means conjoining of two different beeja-s and receiving same or additional benefits of original mantra/bija due to such conjoining. Here purpose and meaning of original mantra/bija will not change. Sankarana means conjoining of two different/same bija-s which results in a different mantra. Such sankarana may not give original results. From the above discussion, it can be concluded that, Om need not be chanted before maha sodasi. It is true that some of the texts, advised to precede Om before any mantra. This is the case of mantras which are not having the traits of Om. This is the not the case with Sodasi or Panchadasi for the reasons discussed above. What about the mantra-s which start with Om? (like Ganaesha, Siva Panchakshari etc) Shall we have to precede one more Om before actual mantra Om?

This is mind blowing and is totally clear. Thank you very much.

This is mind blowing and is totally clear. Thank you very much.

The first om of the next mantra forms the last om of the first mantra. In fact, while reciting Lalitā Sahasranāma, each nāmā should be recited with om at the beginning and also om at the end. For example, take the first nāmā Śrī Mātā. This is always recited as “om Śrī mātre namaḥ om”. Generally, japa mantras are recited 108 times. What is the significance of 108? Typically the count should be in multiples of 51, which is the total number of Sanskrit alphabets. Suppose we count 108, one count is removed as the last recitation does not have om. This gives us 107. Suppose there is a counting error, margin of error is given by these extra 5 counts. Thus, safely we would have recited 102 repetitions.

The first om of the next mantra forms the last om of the first mantra. In fact, while reciting Lalitā Sahasranāma, each nāmā should be recited with om at the beginning and also om at the end. For example, take the first nāmā Śrī Mātā. This is always recited as “om Śrī mātre namaḥ om”. Generally, japa mantras are recited 108 times. What is the significance of 108? Typically the count should be in multiples of 51, which is the total number of Sanskrit alphabets. Suppose we count 108, one count is removed as the last recitation does not have om. This gives us 107. Suppose there is a counting error, margin of error is given by these extra 5 counts. Thus, safely we would have recited 102 repetitions.

The Om at the beginning is clear in the mantra that you have provided. But there is no Om in the end. How is this Om at the end tackled? Or is it a norm that the Om at the end is ignored, could you please clarify?

The Om at the beginning is clear in the mantra that you have provided. But there is no Om in the end. How is this Om at the end tackled? Or is it a norm that the Om at the end is ignored, could you please clarify?

Here is the reference:“A mantra without om in the beginning causes impurity of birth and om at the end causes impurity of death. A mantra contaminated by these two impurities does not fructify. Taking care to avoid both these impurities, a mantra should be repeated in the mind.” (Kulārṇava Tantra by Arthur Avalon – page 115 – Chapter 15 verse 57)

Here is the reference:“A mantra without om in the beginning causes impurity of birth and om at the end causes impurity of death. A mantra contaminated by these two impurities does not fructify. Taking care to avoid both these impurities, a mantra should be repeated in the mind.” (Kulārṇava Tantra by Arthur Avalon – page 115 – Chapter 15 verse 57)

Yes, Kamakotimandali is a good site but only for Phd students. For the layman, Manblunder is a much superior site to hang out. Another 1000 years will pass and people will not stop arguing about adding Om before Mahashodasi and Navakshari. It would be a good idea to put a stop to this argument by posting an article with links to the relevant Tantra sources.