Mars is the planet of power, strength, courage, and aggression. It measures our ability to project force in life. On the positive side, a strong Mars is necessary to give us the energy, will, confidence, and independence—the qualities it shares with the Sun—to carry out our endeavors. Without it, we have no real interests, passions, and motivations; no determination, no real intensity or ability to carry out anything to the end and really accomplish it. The power of Mantras & Shlokas has been acknowledged since time immemorial. A Mantra can consist of a powerful word or a combination of words and can be used for self-realization, for freedom from worries, to fulfill one's desires, to ward off the effects of malefic planets, to bring you success, peace, and contentment—the range is truly vast. You can choose for yourself.

Mars Mantras for Chanting

The following is the special name (nama) mantra for Mars, preceded by its Shakti or power mantra. It can be used to connect with the planetary deity and to energize all the higher powers of Mars.

"Om Krim Kum Kujaya Namah"
  The word 'Krim' in the above mantra denotes Karana Shakti, the power of action, work, motivation, and transformation.

The following mantras are also considered very good for the planet Mars. You may opt to recite one of the following mantras if you find it comparatively easy to remember.

   
• "Om kraam kreem kraum sah bhaumaya namah"
   
• "Om ang angarkaaya namah"
 

The mantras are chanted on japa beads of 108 beads per string. They are similar to rosaries.

Recitation Rules and Practices

   
• The mantra for Mars is to be chanted 11,000 times within 20 days.
   
• Puja should be performed with red flowers and red sandal wood.
   
• Begin recitation on a Tuesday during the bright half of the Moon.
   
• The presence of a 'Mangal yantra' at the place of recitation may help you in achieving the desired results faster.
 

Gayatri Mantra for Mars

"Om Angarkaya vidmahe, bhoomipalaya dhimahi, tanno Kujah prachodayat"

This Gayatri mantra consists of three parts. The first is the chants to Mars. The second is the mantra proper. The third is a summary of the mantra's energies.

The Gayatri mantra is chanted at sunrise, noon, and sunset. At dawn, it is called Gayatri, the youthful form of the Goddess, consort of Lord Brahma, the creator. It is called Savitri, the mature form, at noon, the consort of Lord Shiva. It is called Sarasvati, the elderly form, at sunset, the consort of Lord Vishnu.

Puranic Mantra for Propitiating Mars

You may also opt to chant the following puranic mantra for propitiating the Mars Mantra (10,000 times):

Dharani-garbha-sambhutam vidyut kanti-samaprabha
Kumaram shakti-hastam ca mangalam pranamamy aham

When translated into English, it means: "I offer my obeisances to Shree Mangala, the god of the planet Mars, who was born from the womb of the earth goddess. His brilliant effulgence is like that of lightning, and he appears as a youth carrying a spear in his hand."

Mantras must be chanted or recited with unwavering devotion and motivation. Chanting them as a matter-of-course deprives them of power and is practically useless from the point of view of conscious growth, evolution, and effect.