· Sloka and mantra are verses that are used as prayers and texts in Hinduism.

· Om is the smallest of Mantras that is used to meditate and recited to bring relaxation and inner calmness.

o Mantra can be a sound or a small or long verse that is to be recited in a peculiar manner, to appease the deity or to attain inner peace and calm. Mantras come from ancient scriptures of Hindus known as Vedas and Agamas. 

o They are in Sanskrit language and cannot be translated or mispronounced as their spiritual effect is gone or not attained by the person who recites them.

o Sloka is a word that comes from a Sanskrit root that means a song. The origin of slokas is credited to ancient poet Valmiki who thought of writing in this form, to describe events.

Ø Mantras can be a sound, a small text or a long composition, whereas slokas are verses only.

Ø The smallest mantra is OM while there are very long mantras such as Gayatri mantra and Maha Mritunjaya mantra.

Ø Mantras are only in Sanskrit originating from ancient Hindu scriptures such as Vedas, whereas slokas came later in the form of verses and can be in languages other than Sanskrit.

Ø Chanting of both mantras and slokas bring inner calm and peace, though sloka chanting requires understanding of their meaning while even those not knowing Sanskrit can have intended benefits through mantra chanting.

Ø Both mantras and slokas are used for prayers and meditation.

Copyright © 2014 Mantras and Slokas - All copyrights reserved