ॐMantra.Tips

Bhadram Karnebhih (May We Hear What is Auspicious) — Word-by-Word Meaning

भद्रं कर्णेभिः शृणुयाम

Every Sanskrit word explained in English

← Full PageComplete LyricsBenefits & How to Chant

Word-by-Word Breakdown

भद्रम्
bhadram
That which is auspicious, good, blessed, beneficial
कर्णेभिः
karṇebhiḥ
With the ears
शृणुयाम
śṛṇuyāma
May we hear
देवाः
devāḥ
O gods, O shining ones
पश्येम
paśyema
May we see, may we behold
अक्षभिः
akṣabhiḥ
With the eyes
यजत्राः
yajatrāḥ
O worshipful ones, O adorable gods worthy of sacrifice
स्थिरैः अङ्गैः
sthirair aṅgaiḥ
With firm, steady limbs
तुष्टुवांसः तनूभिः
tuṣṭuvāṁsaḥ tanūbhiḥ
Praising (the gods) with our bodies; offering praise with sound bodies
व्यशेम
vyaśema
May we enjoy, may we attain, may we spend (our life)
देवहितम् यत् आयुः
devahitaṁ yat āyuḥ
The lifespan that is allotted/beneficial as ordained by the gods
शान्तिः
śāntiḥ
Peace (chanted three times for peace in body, mind and spirit, and from all sources of disturbance)

Complete Translation

Om. O gods, may we hear what is auspicious with our ears; O worshipful ones, may we see what is auspicious with our eyes. With firm limbs and sound bodies, praising you, may we enjoy the full span of life allotted by the gods. Om peace, peace, peace.

Origin & History

Source: Rig Veda 1.89.8; Shanti Mantra of the Mundaka and other Upanishads

Author: Traditional (Vedic)

Period: Vedic

Bhadram Karnebhih is an ancient prayer of the Rig Veda that came to serve as a Shanti Path, a peace invocation, at the threshold of sacred study. It opens the Mundaka Upanishad and is recited in the Atharva and Rig Veda traditions before the reading of scripture. In it the worshippers, addressing the bright gods, pray that their ears may hear and their eyes behold only what is auspicious, that their bodies remain firm and healthy, and that they may live out the full lifespan granted by the gods, spending it in praise of the Divine. The threefold 'Shanti' that closes it invokes peace at every level of existence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Bhadram Karnebhih mean?▼
It means 'May we hear what is auspicious with our ears, O gods'. The full prayer asks that we may hear and see only what is good, enjoy health and a full lifespan, and spend our life praising the gods, ending with 'Om Shanti Shanti Shanti'.
Where does Bhadram Karnebhih come from?▼
It is a Vedic hymn from the Rig Veda (1.89.8) and serves as the Shanti Mantra (peace invocation) opening several Upanishads, most famously the Mundaka Upanishad. It is associated with the Atharva Veda and Rig Veda Shanti Paths.
When is Bhadram Karnebhih chanted?▼
It is chanted as a peace invocation at the start of scriptural study, worship, yajnas and auspicious occasions, to create a harmonious and sacred atmosphere. It is recited collectively, praying for the well-being of all present.
Why are the words 'we' and 'our' used instead of 'I'?▼
Vedic peace mantras are prayers for the welfare of all, not just oneself. By saying 'may we hear, may we see, may we enjoy', the seeker includes the whole community, expressing the Vedic spirit of universal well-being and shared spiritual aspiration.

Ready to start chanting?

See Benefits & How to Chant →