---
type: Reference
title: "Māṇḍūkya Upaniṣad"
description: "The shortest Upaniṣad; a dedicated analysis of Om and the four states of consciousness, with Gauḍapāda's Kārikā."
tags:
  - primary-source
  - Upanishad
  - shruti
  - Om
darshana:
  - Advaita Vedānta
timestamp: "2026-06-24"
okf_version: "0.2"
---

# Māṇḍūkya Upaniṣad

## What It Is

The shortest of the principal Upaniṣads (twelve verses), analyzing Om (A-U-M) and the four states of consciousness (waking, dream, deep sleep, turīya). Gauḍapāda's Kārikā is the seminal Advaita commentary on it.

## Why It Matters Here

Cited for Om, Brahman, Māyā (via Gauḍapāda), and Samādhi.
