❓ What is the difference between a Stotra and a Mantra?

Both Stotra and Mantra are important parts of the religious traditions of Hinduism, but their form and usage are different. In a Stotra, the praise, attributes, form, and glory of a deity are described. Devotees recite Stotras with reverence and devotion to remember and praise the deity. For example, Hanuman Chalisa and Shiv Tandav Stotra are famous Stotras. On the other hand, a Mantra is the chanting of sacred words, syllables, or sentences, which is used in japa, meditation, and worship according to tradition. Mantras are generally chanted with reverence and concentration. For example, "Om Namah Shivaya" is a famous Mantra. Thus, in simple terms, a Stotra primarily describes the praise and glory of a deity, while a Mantra is used for japa, meditation, and worship.