मन्त्र [ mantra ] [ mántra ] m. ( rarely n. ; ifc. f ( [ ā ] ) .) , " instrument of thought " , speech , sacred text or speech , a prayer or song of praise Lit. RV. Lit. AV. Lit. TS.

  a Vedic hymn or sacrificial formula , that portion of the Veda which contains the texts called [ ṛc ] or [ yajus ] or [ sāman ] ( q.v.) as opp. to the Brāhmaṇa and Upanishad portion (see Lit. IW. 5 ) Lit. Br. Lit. GṛŚrS.

  a sacred formula addressed to any individual deity (e.g. [ om ] [ śivāya ] [ namaḥ ] ) Lit. RTL. 61

  a mystical verse or magical formula (sometimes personified) , incantation , charm , spell (esp. in modern times employed by the Śāktas to acquire superhuman powers ; the primary Mantras being held to be 70 millions in number and the secondary innumerable Lit. RTL. 197-202) Lit. RV. (i , 147 , 4) Lit. ĀśvŚr. Lit. Mn. Lit. Kathās. Lit. Suśr.

  consultation , resolution , counsel , advice , plan , design , secret Lit. RV.

  N. of Vishṇu Lit. Vishṇ.

  of Śiva Lit. MBh.

  (in astrol.) the fifth mansion Lit. VarYogay.