About the Shri Yantra and the Chamunda mantra

In Ayurveda, we practice holistic healing which works on many levels. We work on healing the mind by purifying our thoughts through mantra, by practicing control over our excessive desires and focusing our goals on helping others, and by being kind and non-judgemental. We also work on healing our body through yoga asanas, correct nutrition and appropriate herbs. Through these practices we ready ourselves for meditation, and ultimate communion with the Divine. As we refine our practice, we notice a shift and allow for more grace to enter our lives.

The Shri Yantra is a complex mystic diagram, which contains within itself the energy of the entire cosmos. It is the yantra of the great goddess, imbued with the auric energy of the powerful force of life. Yantras are used to create a pure and potent space for healing and prayer. The Shri Yantra is powerfully combined with the Chamunda mantra, the mantra of the integrated goddesses, Durga, Kali and Saraswati, along with their three elements of air, fire and water (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) and the three energy centres or chakras at the head, the navel and the base of the spine. The energy is concentrated at the navel, known as the Manipura Chakra, where agni, the fire god resides. This is the seat of Pitta, digestion, the digestive fire. On chanting this mantra while grinding spices, preparing herbs, medicines or foods, that life energy is imbued into the preparation, bringing with it, a potency and subtle healing force.

These days time seems too short and such rituals too involved, however there is a profound awareness which comes from such practices and a slowing down which brings one to a deeper appreciation and profound sense of peace and glowing health. The same as preparing our food with generosity of spirit, we can prepare our spices, herbs and remedies with a greater sense of nature’s great gift to us.

Chanting the Goddess mantra while grinding seeds and spices brings those healing, energizing qualities into the masalas and herbal remedies being created.

At The Mystic Masala, we chant the chamundayai mantra while melding our spice blends. Many have commented about the magical quality of these masalas. We believe they are amazing too, and bring with them an energy of celebration and vitality to food.

For grinding spices, choose your mortar and pestle with great care. If it is too smooth it will be difficult to grind the spices to a powder. There are many beautiful options available in wood, marble and stone. Stone is a good choice as it is very versatile and effective and the sound of the seeds cracking against the stone is evocative of the earth element, stirring memories from deep within.

Om Shanti