Mantras aren't fashion: Premanand Maharaj's take on sacred words being worn on clothes

Time of India

3 hours ago

Spiritual teacher Premanand Maharaj has voiced concerns over the trend of wearing clothes printed with Hindu mantras. He believes that these sacred verses are meant for the heart and chanting, not for casual fashion. Maharaj emphasizes that turning mantras into mere decorations disrespects their spiritual significance and urges people to reflect on their intentions before wearing such items.
In today's fashion-obsessed world, we've seen everything from astrology prints to spiritual symbols making their way onto everyday wear. But not everyone's on board, especially when it comes to something as sacred as Hindu mantras.
Vrindavan-based spiritual teacher Premanand Maharaj recently spoke out about the growing trend of wearing clothes printed with Vedic or Hindu mantras, and he's not thrilled about it. His message? Let's stop turning sacred words into fashion statements.
According to him, mantras are not meant to be worn - they're meant to be felt, chanted, and carried in the heart. During a recent interaction with a devotee, he noticed someone wearing a kurta with a Shiva mantra printed across the chest.
While it may have seemed harmless or even respectful to the wearer, Maharaj saw it differently.
He shared his thoughts clearly:
"Hamari prarthana hai ki is tarah ke vastra na pahne kyunki is par mantra likha hua hai aur yeh sahi nahi hai... yeh nishedh hai.'
(Translation: 'We request that people avoid wearing such clothing because it has mantras printed on it. This is not appropriate, it's actually prohibited.')
He went on to explain that Vedic mantras aren't just decorative words, they carry spiritual energy and deep meaning.
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Traditionally, they are meant to be received through a guru, meditated upon, and recited inwardly with devotion. Not plastered across a T-shirt or jacket and worn out to brunch.
'Yeh Vaidik mantra hai aur yeh hriday par likha hona chahiye, kapde par nahi,'
he said.
('These mantras should be written on the heart, not on clothes.')
And it's not just about this one incident, Maharaj's comments come at a time when clothes with printed mantras and scriptural verses are becoming increasingly popular, especially online.
T-shirts with 'Om Namah Shivaya,' hoodies featuring shlokas, and even activewear with Sanskrit calligraphy are being sold everywhere and worn casually by people who may or may not understand their meaning.
While some may wear these pieces as a show of faith or cultural pride, Premanand Maharaj urges people to think twice before buying or wearing something sacred as a trend. According to him, turning holy verses into fashion accessories dilutes their purpose and disrespectfully commercializes something meant to be revered.
He's not asking anyone to cancel brands or go on a spiritual boycott but he's encouraging a little reflection and awareness. At its core, his message is simple:
Just because something looks cool or trendy doesn't mean it's appropriate, especially when it comes to sacred texts.
So, the next time you come across a kurta or T-shirt with a mantra on it, maybe ask yourself: Am I wearing this with the understanding and respect it deserves, or am I just following a trend?
Because as Premanand Maharaj gently reminds us, spirituality is meant to be lived and felt, not worn like a slogan.
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