Om Namah Shivaya Mantra
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ॐ नमः शिवाय
oṃ namaḥ śivāya
ॐ नमः शिवाय
oṃ namaḥ śivāya
Word by Word
ॐ The sacred primordial sound, symbol of Brahman
नमः Salutation, I bow nominative, from root 'nam' (to bow)
शिवाय To Shiva, to the auspicious one dative singular of Śiva
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
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
Japa Counter
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Sources 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.
Meanings are compiled and edited by the Ved Path team, and are being progressively reviewed for accuracy.
