Yogis, spiritual seekers, and devotees of Lord Shiva have been chanting the mantra “Om Namah Shivaya” for thousands of years. The mantra holds a significant place in the Hindu tradition as one of the most popular and powerful mantras. Its ability to purify the mind and awaken the divine consciousness within makes it a valuable tool for spiritual growth and transformation.
In this blog post, we will explore the origins of the “Om Namah Shivaya” mantra, delve into its meaning and significance, and discuss its practical applications as a means of spiritual development and personal transformation.
Meaning of the Om Namah Shivaya Mantra
Five syllables compose the Om Namah Shivaya mantra, each holding its own unique significance.
“Om” represents the cosmic sound, the universal vibration, and the primordial energy of the universe. It is often considered the sound of creation and represents the essence of all existence.
“Na” represents the energy of Lord Shiva as the manifesting power.
“Mah” represents the energy of Lord Shiva as the destroying power.
“Shi” represents the energy of Lord Shiva as the beneficent power.
“Va” represents the energy of Lord Shiva as the sustaining power.
When chanted, the mantra is believed to have several meanings and intentions
Let’s break down the meaning in simple words:
Om:
Om is a sacred sound that represents the universal consciousness. The sound of the universe itself, believed to be the primal sound that gave birth to all creation, is Om. Chanting Om helps us connect with our higher selves and the divine.
Namah:
Namah means “I bow to.” People use it as a gesture of reverence and respect to acknowledge the presence of the divine.
Shivaya:
Shivaya is a name for Lord Shiva, who is one of the most important deities in the Hindu tradition. Lord Shiva is known as the destroyer of ego and the bringer of transformation and renewal. They say chanting his name helps us connect with his energy and awaken our own divine consciousness.
The full meaning of the Om Namah Shivaya mantra is therefore “I bow to the universal consciousness that is Lord Shiva.”
Origins of the Om Namah Shivaya Mantra
The ancient Hindu scripture, the Vedas, roots the Om Namah Shivaya mantra. The Vedas, a collection of ancient texts dating back to 1500 BCE, are considered the oldest written scriptures in the world. They contain hymns, prayers, and rituals that the ancient sages and priests used to connect with the divine.
The Yajur Veda, one of the most important Vedic texts, contains the Om Namah Shivaya mantra. It is also mentioned in the Shiva Purana, a collection of stories and teachings about Lord Shiva.
Legend has it that Lord Shiva revealed the mantra to the great sage, Rishi Markandeya, himself. The story goes that Rishi Markandeya was a devoted disciple of Lord Shiva, and spent many years in deep meditation and prayer. One day, as he was meditating, Lord Shiva appeared to him and gave him the Om Namah Shivaya mantra, saying that it was the most powerful and transformative mantra in existence.
Significance of the Mantra
The Hindu tradition considers the Om Namah Shivaya mantra one of the most powerful and sacred mantras. People believe it can transform consciousness and awaken spiritual energy within us. Devotees use it to invoke the blessings of Lord Shiva and establish a connection with the divine consciousness.
Moreover, the Om Namah Shivaya mantra associates with the five elements: earth, water, fire, air, and ether. By invoking these elements, it helps balance and harmonize the body’s energy centers, known as chakras.
This mantra is said to bring various spiritual benefits. It purifies the mind and body, eliminates negative energies, and instills peace and tranquility. Additionally, it aids in overcoming fear, anxiety, and other negative emotions.
Benefits of the Om Namah Shivaya Mantra
Here are some key benefits and significance of chanting this mantra:
Relieves stress and anxiety: Chanting the Om Namah Shivaya mantra can help calm the mind and relieve stress and anxiety.
Purifies the mind and body: The vibrations created by chanting this mantra can help purify the mind and body, promoting a sense of inner peace and wellbeing.
Increases self-awareness: Chanting this mantra can help increase self-awareness, allowing individuals to become more in tune with their thoughts and emotions.
Promotes spiritual growth: Chanting the Om Namah Shivaya mantra promotes spiritual growth, helping individuals connect with the divine and cultivate a deeper sense of spirituality.
Helps overcome negative tendencies: This mantra can help individuals overcome negative tendencies and behaviors, promoting positive thoughts and actions.
Enhances focus and concentration: Chanting this mantra can help enhance focus and concentration, making it an excellent tool for meditation and spiritual practice.
How to Recite the Mantra
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to chant the Om Namah Shivaya mantra:
Find a Quiet Space and Sit Comfortably:
Choose a peaceful and quiet place where you can sit comfortably without distractions. It could be a meditation corner in your home, a temple, or any serene location. Sit cross-legged on the floor, or you can also use a chair if sitting on the floor is uncomfortable. Keep your back straight, shoulders relaxed, and hands resting on your knees or in a meditation mudra (e.g., hands forming a circle with thumbs touching).
Set an Intention:
Before starting the chanting, take a few deep breaths to relax and calm your mind. You can set an intention for your chanting session. It could be seeking blessings, expressing gratitude, or seeking inner peace and clarity.
Start Chanting:
Close your eyes and begin chanting the mantra: “Om Na-mah Shi-va-ya.” Chant it at a pace that feels comfortable to you. Chant the mantra with sincerity and devotion, immersing yourself in the meaning and the feeling behind the words. Try to maintain a steady rhythm while chanting. You can chant the mantra softly or loudly, depending on your preference. Pay attention to the sound of each syllable as you chant. Let the mantra vibrations resonate within you.
Duration of Chanting:
You can chant the Om Namah Shivaya mantra for a specific number of times (e.g., 108 times, 216 times) or for a certain duration (e.g., 10 minutes, 30 minutes). The duration is entirely up to you and your available time. If you have a mala (a string of 108 beads used for counting repetitions), you can use it to keep track of the number of times you chant the mantra. Move one bead with each repetition.
After Chanting:
Once you have completed the chanting, take a few moments to sit quietly and bask in the energy created during the chanting session. Conclude the chanting with a feeling of gratitude and reverence. Thank Lord Shiva for the opportunity to connect with Him through the mantra.
Conclusion:
The Om Namah Shivaya mantra is more than just a sequence of sacred sounds; it is a potent tool for spiritual transformation and self-realization. Its resonance echoes through the corridors of time, carrying the essence of devotion, reverence, and oneness with the divine. As we embrace the profound wisdom of this mantra, we open our hearts to boundless possibilities, nurturing a deeper connection with our true selves and the universe at large.