Om Namah Shivaya Mantra
oṃ namaḥ śivāya
oṃ namaḥ śivāya
Word by Word
About this text
How to Chant
- This mantra can be chanted at any time and any place
- Using a Rudraksha mala for counting is especially beneficial
- Chant 108 times or in multiples thereof
- Mondays and Maha Shivaratri are especially auspicious for chanting
- Regular chanting during the month of Shravan is considered highly auspicious
- Meditate on the form of Lord Shiva while chanting
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Meaning
“Om Namah Shivaya” is the most sacred and important mantra in Shaivism. It is called the Panchakshari Mantra (five-syllable mantra - Na, Mah, Shi, Va, Ya). It is found in the Yajur Veda as part of the Sri Rudram hymn.
Complete meaning: “I bow to Shiva” - Here Shiva means “the auspicious one” or “the benevolent one.” This mantra represents complete surrender and devotion to Lord Shiva.
Benefits
- Self-purification: Purifies mind, speech, and actions
- Divine grace: Bestows the special grace of Lord Shiva
- Sin removal: Destroys all accumulated sins
- Liberation: Paves the path toward liberation from the cycle of birth and death
- Mental peace: Grants tranquility and stability to the mind
- Negativity removal: Frees one from negative thoughts and energies
References 1
- Shri Rudram — Taittiriya Samhita 4.5.8, Namakam
Public reference for the mantra's placement in the Shri Rudram tradition; verify exact recensional wording against a Vedic edition during religious review.
Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0 — Text adapted from Wikimedia projects, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Adaptations must be shared alike.
Meanings are compiled and edited by the Ved Path team, and are being progressively reviewed for accuracy.
