Verses composed in Sanskrit by the greatest enlightened beings is a treat for the ears and soul, even without any music.
Here is a selection of 12 Videos of my favorite Indian Yoga Music that offers deep relaxation and calm during your day as you practice your wisdom rituals and before you go to bed.
These mantras are from India’s Vedas and Upanishads, great literature from the bronze age, that offered guidance on all matters spiritual and practical. Enjoy!
Yoga Music for calming the mind
Seed mantras and chants have an unexplainable power to take the mind into a place of calm stillness much faster than any other sounds and music.
The language in which these chants were written used a precise intonation and meter to tune the mind like an instrument and bring it to a theta state of alert awareness. Its a state of ‘calmly active and actively calm’, as my Yoga teachers would say.
Yoga Music for relaxation
Yoga music is a great tool to go into a deep state of relaxation while meditating or when about to go to sleep.
Once the mind is relaxed in goes into a rest and digest mode, releasing the stress and letting the internal organs repair themselves. This state of calm is essential when recovering from injury or illness or trying to conceive a baby.
As we have many many days of calm relaxation, this state of well being gets established and we are not easily perturbed by what happens outside of us. This way we gain greater mastery over ourselves and can control our health outcomes.
Yoga Music for relaxation with seed mantra sound
Consciousness and Bliss: Shiva Mantras – Om Namah Shivaya, So Ham and Upanishad Prayer
Soham is a primordial sound meditation and can be a vehicle to take us deep into a transcendent state. Focusing on the mantra that means ‘I am that’ in Sanskrit expands our awareness to the possibility that we are more than what we appear to be.
Yoga Music for relaxation, and healing for all beings
Sanskrit Mantra:
Sarveśām Svastir Bhavatu
Sarveśām Shāntir Bhavatu
Sarveśām Pūrnam Bhavatu
Sarveśām Maṇgalam Bhavatu
English translation:
May all be healthy, may all be at peace, may all feel complete, and may all feel blessed.
Yoga music for deep sleep
Slow meditative music is proven by many studies to bring blood pressure down and soothe the heart. The right sides of our brain, responsible for higher functions, that require para sympathetic activation of the nervous system lights up when we listen to music that is of slow tempo.
Yoga Music for peaceful sleep with Tibetan OM chanting
Choying Drolma is a well known Buddhist chant Singer who is world-renowned for her clear, compassionate, and bell-like pure sound. Her voice is also named as “the heavenly voice” with healing power. She is a UNICEF National Goodwill Ambassador for Nepal.
Yoga music for kids to fall asleep easily
K J Yesudas is a world-renowned Indian singer respected among devout Hindus for his Bhakti or devotion towards Krishna, even though he is a Christian. He claims to have been inspired and healed by Krishna. Yesudas is easily one of India’s finest voices.
Yoga Music for Deeper Satisfying Meditations
Music has an immense and immediate effect on our nervous system, calming it down and making us see the brighter side of life. Add meditation to this and we get double the results. for those who find it hard to sit still or those who are going through immense challenges, relaxing music can take you quickly into a state of well being and pleasant contentment.
These are four of my favorite chants for staying focused on my breath as I let the music wash all over me.
Yoga Music for Mindful Focus
Spiritual music by quieting the mind can bring us inward to focus on how we are feeling. This is a great gift.
Yoga Music for Mindful Focus and Fearlessness
Hanuman Chalisa is a poem of 40 verses composed by Goswami Tulsidas, a Saint from the 14th century. He was born chanting ‘Rama’ and spent his life praying, writing about his spiritual experiences, and chanting verses. Tulsidas is immortalized by the two epic poems he wrote, one on the life of Rama, the God-king of India, and Hanuman Chalisa, about the loyal Monkey God General of Rama’s army.
Hanuman Chalisa in Awadhi Language
Shri Guru Charan Saroj Raj
Nij mane mukure sudhar
Varnao Raghuvar Vimal Jasu
Jo dayaku phal char
Buddhiheena tanu jaanikai sumirau pavanakumāra
Bal buddhi bidyā dehu mohi harahu kalesa bikāra
Jaya hanumāna Jnaana guna saagara
Jaya kapeesha tihu loka ujaagara
Rāma dūta atulita bala dhāmā
Anjani putra pavanasuta nāmā
Mahābīra bikrama bajarangī
kumati nivāra sumati ke sangī
English Translation
Cleansing the mirror of my mind with the dust from the Lotus-feet of Divine Guru, I describe the unblemished glory of Lord Rama, which bestows four fruits of righteousness (dharma), wealth (artha), pleasure (kama), and liberation (moksha)
Considering me as a faulty human, I remember Lord Hanuman. Give me strength, intelligence, and knowledge, cure my body ailments and mental imperfections.
Victory to Hanuman who is the ocean of wisdom and virtues, Victory to the king of Monkeys who is illuminating three worlds.
You are the messenger of Rama to his beloved wife Sita, You are the abode of incomparable power. You are also called by the names of ‘Anjani Putra’ (son of Anjana) and ‘Pavana suta’ (son of wind god)
Oh mighty valorous one, of terrific deeds whose body organs are as strong as Varja diamond, the weapon of God Indra, help remove ignorance from my mind, you who dwell in goodness.
Rest of the lyrics can be accessed here
Yoga Music for Focus on Eternal Spirit
Vocal melody by Gopika – Guitars and Music by Nadaka
Nirvana Shatakam is composed by Adi Shankaracharya, a great Hindu revivalist Saint from the 8th Century. In this beautiful stotra Sanskrit verse, Adi Sankara lets go of our identity as the external and identifies us with Lord Shiva to explain his revolutionary concept of Oneness with the eternal or non-dualism.
If all that sheds and changes is not “I” then who is this “I”?
Adi Shankaracharya, recounts all that belongs to this body as the corporal and all the experiences that are fleeting, and asks us, what remains then? Only Shiva, the eternal.
Nirvana Shatakam in Sanskrit
Mano buddhi ahankara chittani naaham
na cha shrotravjihve na cha ghraana netre
na cha vyoma bhumir na tejo na vaayuhu
chidananda rupah Shivoham Shivoham
na cha prana sangyo na vai pancha vayuhu
na va sapta dhatur na va pancha koshah
na vak pani-padam na chopastha payu
chidananda rupah Shivoham Shivoham
na me dvesha ragau na me lobha mohau
na me vai mado naiva matsarya bhavaha
na dharmo na chartho na kamo na mokshaha
chidananda rupah Shivoham Shivoham
na me mrtyu shanka na mejati bhedaha
pita naiva me naiva mataa na janmaha
na bandhur na mitram gurur naiva shishyaha
chidananda rupah Shivoham Shivoham
na punyam na papam na saukhyam na duhkham
na mantro na tirtham na veda na yajnah
aham bhojanam naiva bhojyam na bhokta
chidananda rupah Shivoham Shivoham
aham nirvikalpo nirakara rupo
vibhut vatcha sarvatra sarvendriyanam
na cha sangatham naiva muktir na meyaha
chidananda rupah Shivoham Shivoham
Translation in English:
I am not the mind, the intellect, the ego or the memory,
I am not the ears, the skin, the nose or the eyes,
I am not space, not earth, not fire, water or wind,
I am the form of consciousness and bliss,
I am Shiva…
I am not the breath, nor the five elements,
I am not matter, nor the 5 sheaths of consciousness
Nor am I the speech, the hands, or the feet,
I am the form of consciousness and bliss,
I am Shiva…
There is no like or dislike in me, no greed or delusion,
I know not pride or jealousy,
I have no duty, no desire for wealth, lust or liberation,
I am the form of consciousness and bliss,
I am Shiva…
I have no fear of death, no caste or creed,
I have no father, no mother, for I was never born,
I am not a relative, nor a friend, nor a teacher nor a student,
I am the form of consciousness and bliss,
I am Shiva…
I am beyond good karma and sin, beyond happiness and grief
I need no mantras, no pilgrimage, no scriptures or rituals,
I am not the food I eat, nor the one who eats, nor the one who experiences the eating
I am the form of consciousness and bliss,
I am Shiva…
I am devoid of duality, my form is formlessness,
I exist everywhere, pervading all senses,
I am neither attached, neither free nor captive,
I am the form of consciousness and bliss,
I am Shiva…
Yoga Music for Healing the Mind
Gentle music is a proven tonic for the senses. As we bring in our awareness to the enjoyable sound and let go of the stresses of the day, this music will ease you into meditation, and help you reduce stress and improve your immunity.
I often listen to Karunesh’s and Yogi Hari’s music if I need a pick me up and I need something to take me from 100 mph to 0 quickly without a struggle to quiet the mind.
Yoga Music for Healing the Mind with the Divine Feminine
These verses are from Lakshmi Ashtothram – Satha Nama Stotram, the hundred eight names of the Goddess. These verses are part of the preamble to the chanting of the Goddess’s 108 names.
Karunesh is a German-born new-age musician. His music mixes Indian mantras, Middle Eastern sufi, and percussion instruments to create enigmatic symphonies.
Sanskrit Verses
(Hasthabyam) abhayapradam maniganair naana vidhai bhushitam
parshve shaktibhihi
Bhaktabhishta phalapradam
pankaja shankha padma nidhibhir yuktam
English Translation:
I bow to the one who gives me shelter, the one who is adorned with jewels of all kinds, who is forever in her strength, who fulfills all my wishes, who is attended by the great forces of the Universe, the creation, sustenance, and destroying forces: Vishnu, Shiva, Brahma and others Gods, who are holding a lotus, conch and other treasures of enlightenment.
Yoga Music for Gentle Healing
“Soham Soham, Soham Sivoham” is a simple mantra for focusing on the essential nature of the Spirit, the blissful consciousness of existence.
This mantra is a shortened version of the Nirvana or enlightenment mantra written by Adi Shankaracharya.
If you are stressed or overwhelmed chanting this mantra for a count of 7, 9, or 12 times will help regulate your breathing and bring you to a state of calm relaxation.
If you wish to meditate then chant the mantra 108 times focusing on the expansion in your body and the movement of the breath, the sound of your voice and the vibrations that gently cover you as the mantra creates a protective layer of sound around you.
Yogi Hari has a sweet, calming presence that comes through this music.
Yoga Music for Focused Yoga Practice
Nothing enhances our personal practice like a piece of music we are familiar with that helps us relax and focus on the flow of the asana.
It is like meeting a familiar friend again on a path we love to walk.
Yoga Music for Focused & Fierce Yoga Flow
These are two of the most beautiful Shiva’s fierce chants I like to play when I want to channel my fierce Shakti within. I enjoy doing challenging flows and keeping up with the tempo. I particularly find them supportive of my Kundalini Yoga flows.
Power Vinyasa Flow Yoga Music Shiva’s Adoration Mantra
This mantra reveals the purpose of the soul and leads to enlightenment. Nothing is out of reach for the one who chants this mantra adoring the many names of Shiva as the supreme force of creation and dissolution of the Universe.
Om namo hiranyabahavey hiranyabaranaaya
hiranyaroopaya ambika patayam uma pataye
Pashupataye namo namah
Yishanasarva vidhyana Yishwarasarva
Bhootanaam Brahmadipataye Bramhnodipate
Brahma Shivone Ashtusada Shivoom
Tatpurushaya vidmahe vagvishudhaaya dhimahe
Tano Shiva Prachodayate
Mahadevaaya Vidmahe Rudramoortaye Dhimahi
Tanno Shiva Prachodayate
Namaste Astu Bhagwan Vishweshwaraya
Mahadevaaya Trayambakaya Tripurantakaya
Trikagni Kalaaya Kalagni Rudraya Nilakanthay
Mrityunjayaya Sarveshwaraya Sadashivaya
Shriman Mahadevaaya Namaha
Shriman Mahadevaaya Namaha
Shanti Shanti Shanti
Power Vinyasa Flow Fierce Shiva Mantra Yoga Music
Shiva Tandava Stotram describes Lord Shiva‘s immaculate beauty. Ravana, the King of Lanka, who was an ardent devotee of Shiva, composed these verses in his praise. Even today, Ravana is honored as the author of these verses, though he turned evil and lustful later in his life and committed many crimes. His death by the hands of Rama, was also part of the design so the purest aspects of his soul from where he composed these beathtakingly beautiful verses can be immrotalized.
Tandava is a fierce dance that Shiva dances at the time of the dissolution of the world that are created and before a new world is created.
Sanskrit Verses
Shiva Tandava Stotram
Jatatavigalajjala pravahapavitasthale
Galeavalambya lambitam bhujangatungamalikam
Damad damad damaddama ninadavadamarvayam
Chakara chandtandavam tanotu nah shivah shivam
Jata kata hasambhrama bhramanilimpanirjhari
Vilolavichivalarai virajamanamurdhani
Dhagadhagadhagajjva lalalata pattapavake
Kishora chandrashekhare ratih pratikshanam mama
Dharadharendrana ndinivilasabandhubandhura
Sphuradigantasantati pramodamanamanase
Krupakatakshadhorani nirudhadurdharapadi
Kvachidigambare manovinodametuvastuni
Jata bhujan gapingala sphuratphanamaniprabha
Kadambakunkuma dravapralipta digvadhumukhe
Madandha sindhu rasphuratvagutariyamedure
Mano vinodamadbhutam bibhartu bhutabhartari
Sahasra lochana prabhritya sheshalekhashekhara
Prasuna dhulidhorani vidhusaranghripithabhuh
Bhujangaraja malaya nibaddhajatajutaka
Shriyai chiraya jayatam chakora bandhushekharah
English translation:
With his neck consecrated by the flow of water that flows from his hair,
And on his neck a snake, which is hung like a garland,
And the Damaru drum that emits the sound “Damat Damat Damat Damat”,
Lord Shiva did the auspicious dance of Tandava. May he give prosperity to all of us.
I am lost in Shiva
Who wears the crown of the waves of celestial Ganga river,
Who remains deep within his tangled locks.
Who has the brilliant fire of knowing burning on third eye,
And who has the crescent moon as a jewel on his crown.
May my mind seek happiness in Lord Shiva,
In whose mind all the living beings of the glorious universe exist,
Who is the love of Goddess Parvati
Who helps transcend adversity with his compassionate gaze,
And who is draped in the universe.
May I find wonderful pleasure in Lord Shiva,
With his creeping snake with its reddish-brown hood shining with gems
Spreading rainbow colors in all heavenly directions,
Who is covered by a shimmering shawl of elephant skin
May Lord Shiva give us prosperity,
Who has the Moon as a crown,
Whose hair is bound by the red snake-garland,
Whose footrest is covered by the flow of flowers
From the hand of all the gods – Indra, Vishnu and others.
Yoga Music for Gentle Restorative Flow
Yoga music can bring a deep calming restful feeling to your yoga practive. These are my favorites I play during my classes, they are universally loved by all.
Yoga Music for Gentle Restorative Flow Peace Mantra
This Shanti or peace mantra points to the subtlest realities of the physics, of the quantum nature of the substrate of the Universe.
Everything is complete and within it holds the seed of completeness. Nothing is ever halved, each arises out of the other without loss of any of its full potential.
This points to the Universe as energy, vibration, and frequency. There is never any waste or loss, as forms change shape exactly as they were meant to.
Sanskrit Verses
Om
Purnamadah purnamidam
Purnaat purna-mudacyate
Purnasya purna-maadaaya purnamevaa-vashisyate
Om
Shantih shantih shantih
Om
Purnamadah purnamidam
Purnaat purna-mudacyate
Purnasya purna-maadaaya purnamevaa-vashisyate
Om
Shantih shantih shantih
English Translation
That is infinite, and this (universe) is infinite.
The infinite proceeds from the infinite.
(Then) taking the infinitude of the infinite (universe),
It remains as the infinite alone.
Om!
Another meaning can be
Om, That is Wholeness, This Wholeness
From Wholeness comes Wholeness
Though this Wholeness is taken from that Wholness
This Wholeness remains Whole
Om Peace, peace, peace
Spanish Significado, Musica Para Yoga:
Purna : Todo, Completo, Abundante, Pleno, Universo
Eso es el Todo,
Esto (El Universo) es el Todo
El Todo emerge del Todo;
el Todo surge del Todo y aún así,
es la Totalidad.
Om
Yoga Music for Gentle Restorative Flow Invoking the Supreme Goddess
Sanskrit Verses:
Ma Amba Lalitha Devi
Parashakti Sundari
Mahamaye Mangale
Mahakali Bhairavi
Mahalakshmi Vaishnavi
Ma Sarasvati Brahmi
Durga Devi Shankari
Uma Parvati Shive
Annapurna Lakshmi Ma
Ma Bhavani Ambike
Kamala Katyayani
Tvam Tripura Sundari
Mata Bhuvaneshvari
Tvam Raja Rajeshvari
Bhagavati Bhargavi
Parabhakti Varade
Maya Vishvamohini
Ishvari Narayani
Nitya Parameshvari
Jagadambe Janani
Tvam Anandasagari
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah (repeated through out)
Sarva Mangala Mangalye Shive Sarvartha Sadhike
Sharanye Tryambake Devi
Narayani Namostute
Om Shanti Shanti Shantihi
English Translation
Mother, the gentle graceful one
The one with Absolute Power and Beauty
The goddess of all of Maya, the illusory world, the infinitely blessed one
Kali, the keeper of Time, frightening to evil doers.
Lakshmi, the one who blesses with abundance
Sarasvati, The goddess of knowledge and creativity
The unknowable, the all powerful, the one who is of Shiva
Uma, the love Of Shiva
The mother of all mothers
The giver of food to all creatures
As fresh as a lotus, of the Katyayani clan of sages
The most beautiful in all of the three worlds
The queen of the Universe;
The Goddess of the Universe
You are the highest of all the high queens
The Supreme Goddess
The one who fulfils all the wishes of her devotees
The one who covers the world in illusion,
The eternal half of Shiva
The one who gave birth to the Universe
You are the ocean of bliss
I bow my all to you.
Most auspicious of all that is auspicious,
The love of Shiva, the fulfiller of every human desire
The most blessed of all three worlds, the one of Golden color,
I surrender myself to you.
Let there be peace, peace, and only peace.
Conclusion
I hope in these pages you have found the peace and relaxation you were seeking. I feel blessed and blissed out just listening to these again while I wrote this blog.
Let me know in the comments if there are any of your favorites you want to share with me?