Mantras by purpose
Mantras for courage and strength in pregnancy
The last months of pregnancy and the thought of birth can call for courage. These prayers have been chanted for generations for strength and fearlessness.
Reviewed by Garbh Katha editorial team · updated
- Mahamrityunjaya Mantra
ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम् । उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान्मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात् ॥
Why: A prayer to be freed from fear, 'as a ripe fruit falls easily from the vine'.
When: Chanted for health and protection. Many families chant it during pregnancy for the wellbeing of mother and baby.
- Hanuman Chalisa
॥ दोहा ॥ श्रीगुरु चरन सरोज रज, निज मनु मुकुरु सुधारि । बरनउँ रघुबर बिमल जसु, जो दायकु फल चारि ॥ बुद्धिहीन तनु जानिके, सुमिरौं पवन-कुमार । बल बुधि बिद्या देहु मोहिं, हरहु कलेस बिकार ॥ ॥ चौपाई ॥ जय हनुमान ज्ञान गुन सागर । जय कपीस तिहुँ लोक उजागर ॥ राम दूत अतुलित बल धामा । अंजनि-पुत्र पवनसुत नामा ॥ महाबीर बिक्रम बजरंगी । कुमति निवार सुमति के संगी ॥ … ॥ दोहा ॥ पवनतनय संकट हरन, मंगल मूरति रूप । राम लखन सीता सहित, हृदय बसहु सुर भूप ॥
Why: 'Bal buddhi bidya dehu mohi' — give me strength, wisdom and learning. Hanuman embodies fearless devotion.
When: Many mothers recite or listen to it on Tuesdays and Saturdays, or any evening when they want to feel brave. A full recitation takes about 8–10 minutes; listening to a calm recording is just as valid on tired days.
- Sarva Mangala Mangalye (Durga Mantra)
सर्वमङ्गलमाङ्गल्ये शिवे सर्वार्थसाधिके । शरण्ये त्र्यम्बके गौरि नारायणि नमोऽस्तु ते ॥
Why: A short verse to Durga, the Mother who protects and gives strength.
When: A short verse from the Devi Mahatmya (Durga Saptashati), easy to chant 3, 11 or 21 times in the morning or during Navratri. It suits days when you want steadiness and strength.
How to practise
Pair the mantra with a story of courage — Abhimanyu, Hanuman or Savitri. Recite slowly in the morning, or play a recording during gentle walks.
Frequently asked questions
Which mantra is chanted for courage before delivery?
Many families recite the Hanuman Chalisa or a Durga mantra such as Sarva Mangala Mangalye in the third trimester.
Can mantras reduce fear of childbirth?
They can be a comforting ritual. Antenatal classes and talking through your birth plan with your doctor or midwife also help many women feel more prepared.
Can I chant during labour?
Many women find humming or a familiar mantra helpful in early labour. Follow your care team's guidance in the delivery room.
Other purposes
General information for education only — not medical advice. Every pregnancy is different; follow your own doctor or midwife, and call them straight away if something feels wrong.