Difference Between Mantra and Stotra

Introduction

• Above the years, there is always a confusion persists between these 2 divine words, Mantra and Stotra. Let us clear the confusion, with appropriate definitions and their respective holy mechanism.
• Sanatan Dharma is the oldest religion, the way of worship to God and Goddess are through the medium of Tantra and Mantras.
• The literal meaning of Tantra is Technique, but from many years it is misinterpreted and has been taken as only the source of black magic, which is not literally correct. Tantra itself is an ocean of knowledge. 

The word Mantra, is derived from two Sanskrit words, “Manas”, which means Mind and “Tra”, which means Tool. So, Mantra means, tool of mind, which is used for harnessing and focusing the mind.

The second way to interpret, Manyate vistiryate gyanam, iti Mantra [मन्यते विस्तीर्याते ज्ञानं इति मंत्र], which means the way knowledge can be expanded in mind.

The third way to describe, Manunam trananti iti Mantra [ मनुनाम त्राणांती इति मंत्र ], which means, unleash the power of mind in sacred or divine way. On the other hand, the Stotra is a Sanskrit word, which means Hymn of praise. It typically refers to a genre of Hindu texts that are sung (rather than recited) and that praise various aspects. 

Mantra

It is completely wrong to interpret Mantra only as the combinations of Sanskrit words. Mantra is the conjunction of very powerful words in such a way, while reciting those words, it gets energized and works magically on the body and mind. These waves make the mind stable and focused to the center. The creation and combination of each and every word in a mantra, were done by the ancient spiritual scholars, by the years of austerity. By reciting the mantras, the mind and premises gets purified and divine. The positive Aura released by chanting the mantras, helps the mind to keep focused and calm. When the mind gets peace, the problems also get calm automatically, because the strength of mind gets increased gradually.

All the mantras are relatively dedicated to any God or Goddess in unique verse. By regular chanting of the mantras, the positive energy in the body/mind gets unleashed, which helps to get contemplation. It is definite to get the Mantras through any Guru. After getting the diksha and getting devoted to the fixed God/Goddess, the Mantra gets contained and collaborated with the body, which helps to get into the devotional peace of mind [Adhyatmik shanti].

A particular mantra can be utilized to achieve the target also, it should be taken with an oath to chant the mantra to particular number of time and within certain time.

When chanting count is 11000 is called Khyudra Purascharan

125000 is called Purascharan

350000 is called Maha-Purascharan.

And with the oath, this number of chanting should be completed within 11/21/41/91 days.

Now the Mantras, can contain various number of words or letter, which should be chosen properly by the person or the spiritual Guru. It is also categorized from a single lettered Mantras to 18 lettered mantras. There is special importance of Beej Mantra, which means the deep-rooted Mantra.

Beej Mantra

All the Gods/Goddesses of Hindu Dharma, have their respective Beej Mantra. It can be known as the summarization of their other mantras. According to Hinduism, the root of all the Beej Mantras and principal Mantra is OM (ॐ). 

OM is always pronounced before other mantras, because it catalyze other mantras.

And it is said by the scholars, Chanting Beej Mantra is a smooth way to please Gods and Goddesses. Any problem, whether it is social or physical or mental, by chanting the Mantras, the hurdles start to get solved.

Dhyan Mantra:

Dhyan Mantra is type of Stotra, which is recited before starting the chant. In the Dhyan Mantra, the appearance and the characters are described in Sanskrit, which is the build up for the continuous chanting of Mantras. 

Astrological significance of Mantras:

As described before, there are different kinds of Mantras are there, depending upon the number of letters contained, like एकाक्षर मंत्र [बीज मंत्र] means single lettered Mantra, पंचाक्षर मंत्र means five lettered Mantra, अष्टाक्षर मंत्र means eight lettered Mantra द्वादशाक्षर मंत्र means twelve lettered Mantras related to Gods and Goddesses. So these particular lettered Mantra can be related to the remedies for the issues related to particular House[भाव]. And again the Mantras related to the Deity of the House Lord [भावेश].

STOTRA

Stotras are the hymn of praise, written in rhyming or rhythmic way. Stotra meant to describe the divine appearance, character, valor, kindness and the benefits in order.

In the Stotras, we can know who the creator of the Stotra is, either by any Saint, Scholar or any Deity, like Shivastak Stotra was by Rishi Markand, Shiv-Tandav Stotra by Ravan, Mahalakshmi Astak was by Indra. 

Stotra is also known as Stutee, so no matter of confusion between these two words. 

Each line of Stotra is called Shloka.

Stotra is another way to please God and Goddess in the manner of praise. 

Stotra can be categorized as Shatnam[108 Names of God, Shahasranaam[1000 names of god], Pancharatna[5 lines], Astak/Astaratna[8 lines], Chalisa[40 lines] etc.

Astrological significance of Stotra:

As like the Mantras has their proper significance for purifying and balancing the astrological houses, Stotras can be a remedy for clearing the obstacles overall. In bad dasha or transit, some stotras work tremendous to relieve from problems.

Conclusion

The significance of Mantra and Stotra were described above, but the major difference between them is, Mantra is chanted till a particular number but Stotra is only recited not chanted. To achieve something or to fulfill some desire, particular Mantra can be chanted till a Purashcharan[125000 times] in a particular time period of 11/21/41 days, but Stotra does not require so. Stotra is a positive vibe, which slowly and steadily increases the positivity in body, mind and environment, but it should be regular. Both of the medium are meant to please God/Goddess, but the way is different.