Dwadashaakshar

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The Dwadashaakshara Mantra (Sanskrit, literally twelve-akshara mantra) is one of the most famous and common short prayers for worshipping Vasudeva (Krishna, Vishnu or Hari).

The short form is:

Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya

I offer my obeisances to Bhagavan Vasudeva.

The full form is:

Hiranya Garbha Purusha Pradhana Avyakta Rupine

Om Namah Vaasudevaye Shudh Gyan Svarupine

I bow to Him, the one with the golden womb, who is both the eternal soul and the nature (Prakrti), the subtle and hidden.

I bow to Lord Vasudeva, who has the form of pure knowledge (or who is seen through knowledge that is pure).

[edit] Origin and Reference from Texts

This Mantra is found in the Vishnu Purana, within the story of Dhruva.

Dhruva asks the seven great saints (Sapta Rishis) about the appropriate means to worship Vasudeva. The saints tell him of this great Mantra, and they also tell that this mantra was first used by Dhruva's grandfather, Svayambhuva Manu to worship Vasudeva. By satisfying Vasudeva with this mantra, Dhruva's Grandfather, Svayambhuva attained his heart's desire -the position of a Manu.

Vasudeva granted Dhruva the fixed position that is above the Sun (Surya), Moon (Chandra), and all other planets and stars: Mangal, Budha, Brahsapati, Shukra, Shani, etc... even the Sapta Rishis and all Vimaanchari Gods. Vasudeva also granted Dhruva, the life-time of a Kalpa (1000 fourfold Yugas), or 4,320 million years, life greater than that of all Gods (devas - some of whom live up to a Manavantar or Manvantara (Life of a Manu) or 306,720,000 and some live 1 fourfold yuga or 4,320,000 years. In addition to that Vasudeva, also granted Dhruva that his mother, Suniti will also reside by his side on a plane, in form of a star. And also that who ever praises and glorifies Sri Dhruva in the evenings or early mornings, will attain great Punya (good karma).