a) Vedic:
They are taken form the Vedas and considered as the most sacred mantras. Its immortal Mantras embody the greatest truths of existence, and it is perhaps the greatest treasure in all the scriptural literature of the world. They also form integral part of Hindu Marriages. The Mantra-Samhitas are hymns in praise of the Vedic God for attaining material prosperity here and happiness hereafter. They are metrical poems comprising prayers, hymns and incantations addressed to various deities, both subjective and objective. These types of Mantras are useful for Brahamcharinnis. Vedic Mantras can be analyzed, measured or weighed; the result of these mantras is visible. Some of the examples of the Vedic Mantras are Gayatri Mantra,
Mahamrityunjaya Mantra, and Navagraha Sooktha etc.
b) Upnishadic: These are the mantras which correspond to Upanishads and are considered to be very deep Mantras which contain the essence of truth. The Upanishads contain the essence or the knowledge portion of the Vedas. The Upanishads speak of the identity of the individual soul and the Supreme Soul. They reveal the most subtle and deep spiritual truths. Theses type of Mantras is useful for Sannyasis.
c) Tantric: These types of mantras can be found in Tantra
Granthi and are totally based on faith quotient of the recitor. They do not necessarily produce results if not chanted with faith and devotion. The results from them can be felt in the form of vibrations; sensations etc during or at the end of mediation on them. Some examples of Tantric Mantras are Aghor Mantras or Sabri Mantras which are generally written in general or local language and are very effective.
d) Puranic: These are the Mantras which are taken form Mahapuranas or Upapuraanas. They are simply the ones used for casual daily prayers by general people and can be chanted by females also and not necessarily Pundits. There is no particular rime of chanting and can be performed to release the mind of tensions and to utilize in positive thinking and thoughts. The only requirement is sincerity, devotion & clarity of voice. The other requirements for those seriously taking Mantra Chanting are Sharira shuddhi, vaak Shuddhi, karma Shuddhi, aahara shuddhi and Manas shuddhi. These Mantras can be chanted in morning or evening as per comfort and availability. Some of the examples of these types of Mantras are Lalitha Sahasranama, Devi Mahattmya, Shiva Sahasranama, Ganesh Stotra etc.
