Karthika is a month of chanting as much as of lamps. Because it is dear to both Shiva and Vishnu, these are the mantras to carry you through Karthika Masam 2026.

Shiva Mantras

Panchakshari: ॐ नमः शिवाय · oṃ namaḥ śivāya

Mahamrityunjaya: ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम् · उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान् मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात्।

Offer with bilva leaves at the lamp, especially on Karthika Somavaram.

Vishnu Mantras

Ashtakshari: ॐ नमो नारायणाय · oṃ namo nārāyaṇāya

Dvadashakshari: ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय · oṃ namo bhagavate vāsudevāya

Chant on Karthika Ekadashi and through the month for Vishnu’s grace.

Damodara Prayer

Karthika is the Damodara month. Devotees recite the Damodarashtakam daily — the eight-verse hymn to Krishna bound by mother Yashoda’s rope — beginning "namāmīśvaraṃ sac-cid-ānanda-rūpaṃ." A simple daily prayer: ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय, नमस्ते देव दामोदर.

How & When to Chant

  1. Morning, after the Karthika Snanam, at your altar.
  2. Evening, before the lamp at dusk.
  3. A mala of 108 is traditional; keep it steady all month.

Also read: daily Tulasi pooja in Karthika and Somavaram upavasam rules (ekabhuktam, naktam).

Also read: Damodarashtakam: full text with meaning, Tulasi Stotram with meaning and Lakshmi Narasimha Karavalamba Stotram with meaning.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which mantras are best for Karthika Masam?

Because Karthika honours both Shiva and Vishnu, chant Om Namah Shivaya and the Mahamrityunjaya for Shiva, and Om Namo Narayanaya / Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya and the Damodara prayer for Vishnu.

How many times should I chant?

A mala of 108 daily is traditional; consistency through the month matters more than count. Mornings after the Karthika Snanam and evenings at the lamp are ideal.

What is the Damodarashtakam?

A beloved eight-verse hymn to Lord Damodara (Krishna bound by Yashoda’s rope), recited daily through Karthika; it opens "namāmīśvaraṃ sac-cid-ānanda-rūpaṃ."

Can beginners chant these?

Yes — start with the simple Panchakshari (Om Namah Shivaya) or Ashtakshari (Om Namo Narayanaya); pronounce with devotion and the practice itself purifies.

Key Takeaways

  • Shiva: Om Namah Shivaya & Mahamrityunjaya.
  • Vishnu: Om Namo Narayanaya & Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya.
  • Recite the Damodarashtakam daily; a mala of 108 all month.

See Karthika Masam 2026 and Snanam & Deepa Daanam.