The Hare Krishna Mahamantra
हरे कृष्ण हरे कृष्ण कृष्ण कृष्ण हरे हरे।
हरे राम हरे राम राम राम हरे हरे॥
Hare Kṛṣṇa Hare Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa Hare Hare · Hare Rāma Hare Rāma Rāma Rāma Hare Hare
A prayer made only of divine names: “O Radha (Hare), O Krishna, O Rama — please engage me in Your loving service.”
Kali-Santarana UpanishadThe Hare Krishna Mahamantra — the “great mantra” — has sixteen names and thirty-two syllables. In the Gaudiya Vaishnava understanding, Hare addresses Shri Radha (Hara, the divine energy of the Lord), Krishna means the all-attractive one and Rama means the reservoir of all joy. Because it is made only of names, it is both a prayer and the Name itself.
In this counter one tap = one complete mahamantra (all sixteen names). One mala of 108 taps is called one round.
Hare Krishna jap — quick facts
| Source | Kali-Santarana Upanishad (Krishna Yajurveda) |
|---|---|
| Length | 16 names · 32 syllables |
| Deities | Shri Radha and Shri Krishna (also Shri Rama) |
| Traditional mala | Tulsi, 108 beads + 1 head bead (sumeru) |
| Daily practice | ISKCON devotees chant 16 rounds a day = 1,728 mahamantras |
| One round takes | About 6–8 minutes (16 rounds ≈ 1.5–2 hours) |
| Best time | Brahma Muhurta (early morning), but it can be chanted at any time |
Where does the Hare Krishna mantra come from?
The mantra appears in the Kali-Santarana Upanishad. At the end of Dvapara Yuga, Narada Muni asks Lord Brahma how people can cross the difficulties of Kali Yuga. Brahma answers that simply by chanting these sixteen names the faults of Kali are destroyed — “no better means is seen in all the Vedas”. (The Upanishad lists the Hare Rama line first; the Gaudiya tradition usually begins with Hare Krishna. Both are the same mantra.)
In the 15th–16th century Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu spread the chanting of the holy names across Bengal, Odisha and Vrindavan through sankirtan and japa. In 1966 Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada founded ISKCON and carried the mahamantra around the world, asking every initiated devotee to chant at least sixteen rounds on Tulsi beads each day.
Why chant Hare Krishna?
When we can reach God simply by chanting God's name, what are our small goals? Saints and speakers such as Premanand Ji Maharaj, Bageshwar Dham Sarkar, Aniruddhacharya Ji Maharaj, Devi Chitralekha Ji and Indresh Upadhyay Ji constantly praise naam jap in their satsang. Many of them, seeing Shri Krishna as the Supreme, recommend the naam jap of Hare Krishna.
You do not need to run anywhere or seek anyone's permission. Chant Hare Krishna in the morning, afternoon or evening — the more you chant, the more you benefit. Devotees describe a calmer mind, more patience, better sleep and a steady feeling of being cared for.
The Gaudiya tradition teaches to chant clearly and attentively — hearing each name — rather than fast. Quality of attention is the heart of japa.
How to chant Hare Krishna japa with this counter
- Tap the malaEvery tap counts one complete mahamantra. The glowing bead moves forward just like a real jap mala. On a computer, press Space or Enter.
- 108 taps = one malaAt 108 the temple bell rings, flower petals fall and your mala count goes up. The next mala begins automatically — no need to reset.
- Made a mistake?Press Undo to remove the last count. Reset only clears the current mala; your daily and lifetime totals stay safe.
- Track your sadhanaOpen My progress to see today, your streak, a 7-day chart, an 18-week calendar and the 70,000 Naam Challenge. Use Focus for a full-screen, tap-anywhere counter.
Japa and kirtan — what is the difference?
Japa is personal, quiet chanting — usually softly or in a whisper — counted on beads. Kirtan is congregational chanting with music, often with mridanga and kartals. Both are recommended: japa builds a steady daily discipline, and kirtan fills the heart with joy. Use this counter for your daily japa rounds and join kirtan whenever you can.
Frequently asked questions
Does one tap count one name or the whole mahamantra?
In this Hare Krishna counter one tap counts one complete mahamantra — all sixteen names from “Hare Krishna” to the last “Hare Hare”. 108 taps make one round (one mala).
How many rounds of Hare Krishna should I chant daily?
ISKCON devotees chant 16 rounds (1,728 mahamantras) every day. If you are starting, begin with 1 to 4 rounds and increase slowly. Set your number as the daily goal in Settings.
How long does one round of Hare Krishna japa take?
About 6 to 8 minutes when chanted clearly. Sixteen rounds take roughly 1.5 to 2 hours. The counter shows your session time and pace.
Which saints recommend Hare Krishna jap?
Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Srila Prabhupada and countless Vaishnava acharyas. Today saints and speakers such as Premanand Ji Maharaj, Bageshwar Dham Sarkar, Aniruddhacharya Ji Maharaj, Devi Chitralekha Ji and Indresh Upadhyay Ji also praise naam jap in their satsang.
Do I need anyone’s blessings or initiation to chant Hare Krishna?
No. The mahamantra can be chanted by anyone, anywhere. Initiation (diksha) deepens the commitment, but you do not need permission to begin — all blessings come through the Name itself.
Should I chant Hare Krishna first or Hare Rama first?
The Kali-Santarana Upanishad lists the Hare Rama line first, while the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition and ISKCON begin with Hare Krishna. Both are the same mahamantra — follow the order of your tradition.
Can I chant without Tulsi beads?
Yes. Tulsi beads are traditional, but the Name is what matters. This digital counter lets you chant and keep count wherever you are, even when your mala is not with you.
When is the best time to chant Hare Krishna?
Early morning (Brahma Muhurta) is ideal because the mind is quiet, but you can chant in the morning, afternoon or evening. Consistency and devotion matter more than the exact time.