What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bhajan
Example
The devotees gathered in the temple to sing bhajans and offer their prayers. [bhajans: plural noun]
Example
She enjoys listening to bhajans as a way to connect with her spirituality. [bhajans: noun]
mantra
Example
He recites the mantra 'Om' every morning during his meditation practice. [mantra: noun]
Example
Chanting mantras helps her find inner peace and calmness. [chanting: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bhajan is more commonly used within the Hindu community and in religious contexts, while mantra has gained popularity beyond Hinduism and is widely recognized as a practice for mindfulness and meditation in various spiritual traditions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bhajan and mantra?
Both bhajan and mantra can be used in formal and informal settings, depending on the context. However, mantra is more versatile and can be employed in a broader range of situations, including secular mindfulness practices, making it slightly more formal than bhajan.