The Maha Mantra is sung in the kirtans of Bengal, Odisha, Vrindavan and Mayapur, and by lakhs of devotees across the world. It is chanted on a japa mala of 108 beads. Kartik month, which is on now, is a favourite time for chanting.
Hare Krishna Maha Mantra: full text
हरे कृष्ण हरे कृष्ण कृष्ण कृष्ण हरे हरे।
हरे राम हरे राम राम राम हरे हरे॥
In Roman letters
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Meaning in simple words
"Hare" calls on the Lord's energy of love, and "Krishna" and "Rama" are two names of the Lord, meaning "the all-attractive" and "the source of joy". The sixteen words are a simple call: O Lord, O energy of the Lord, please engage me in your service.
How to recite it
Bathe, sit in a clean place, light a diya and read with a calm mind. For an aarti, sing together and ring the bell. Check today's panchang for the best day and time. Today's panchang.
Questions people ask
When should I recite the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra?
Any time; Ekadashi and the month of Kartik are special. You can also read it on any day with faith.
Who wrote the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra?
Kali-Santarana Upanishad; spread by Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (15th–16th century).