Wellbeing Blog

Om Namah Shivaya - Mantra, Benefits, Meaning, Chant

Written by Anahana | November 4, 2024

The Om Namah Shivaya – the five-syllable mantra – is one of Hinduism's most popular and chanted mantras. The mantra is said to be able to grant liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

It would be a mistake to underestimate the meaning and power of this mantra. When we say aum and chant it with devotion, we open our hearts and minds to connect with the divine. This connection can bring about a profound transformation in our lives.

What is the Om Namah Shivaya mantra, and what does it mean?

The Om Namah Shivaya mantra is a famous Hindu mantra that grants liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

 The mantra is a declaration of dependence on God, Shiva. When the mantra appears chanted with devotion, it can help connect us with the divine, bringing about a profound transformation in our lives.

The literal meaning of the mantra is “I bow to Shiva” or “I honor Shiva.” Word "Shiva" or "Lord Shiva" is a primary Hindu deity representing destruction and transformation. He is often depicted as a lord of the animals and said to dwell in the Himalayas.

Syllables represent the following: Om or Aum – the initiation mantra, Namah – bow or honor, Shivaya – the lord Shiva where the “aya” at the end of the word means “to” or “for."

The Om Namah Shivaya is the most crucial mantra in Hinduism, serving as a powerful tool for self-transformation that helps to connect with our higher selves.

The Power of the Mantra and Its Ability To Grant Liberation

The Om Namah Shivaya mantra is a powerful tool for self-transformation and can help us to connect with our higher selves. It is said to be a powerful mantra that can grant liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

Chanting the mantra with devotion can help us connect with the divine inner nature and universal consciousness, bringing about a profound transformation in our lives.

Chanting Om Namah Shivaya

There are many ways to chant The “Om Namah Shivaya” mantra.

One popular way to chant Om Namah Shivaya is to recite the mantra 108 times. You can also chant it several times each day or for a specific amount of time. You can use mala beads to keep track 108 times by holding them in your right.

Chanting Om Namah Shivaya can have many benefits. It can help to calm the mind and focus attention. It can also help to create a sense of peace and serenity. In addition to meditation, chanting the mantra can help connect us with the divine and transform our lives.

If you are new to chanting the mantra, it is best to start with a small number of repetitions. You can gradually increase the number of times you chant the mantra as you practice and become more comfortable with it.

The Importance of Devotion in Chanting the Mantra

When chanting the Om Namah Shivaya mantra, it is essential to have devotion. Devotion is a feeling of deep respect and love for God or the divine. It is what helps us to connect with the divine and experience the power of the mantra.

When we chant the mantra with devotion, we open our hearts and minds to connect with the divine. This connection can bring about a profound transformation in our lives. This connection with the divine can help us find our true selves and attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

Devotion is an essential part of chanting the Om Namah Shivaya mantra. It helps us to focus our attention and connect with the divine. When we chant the mantra with devotion, we can experience its power and transformative effect on our lives.

Frequently Asked Questions About Om Namah Shivaya

What happens when you chant Om Namah Shivaya?

When you chant Om Namah Shivaya, you open your heart and mind to connect with the divine. This connection can bring about a profound transformation in your life.

What is the power of Om Namah Shivay?

The power of Om Namah Shivay is that it can help us to connect with the divine and bring about transformation of negative energy in our lives, as well as being beneficial for all physical and mental ailments

Chanting with devotion can help us find our true selves and attain liberation from the cycle of birth new life and death.

What does Hari Om Namah Shivaya mean?

Hari Om Namah Shivaya means “I bow to Shiva” or “I honor Shiva.” Lord Shiva is a principal Hindu deity representing destruction and transformation, often depicted as a lord of the animals dwelling in the Himalayas.

Can I chant Om Namah Shivaya silently?

Yes, you can chant the mantra Om Namah Shivaya silently. Chanting the mantra silently can help to calm the mind and focus attention. It can also help to create a sense of peace and serenity.

In addition, chanting the mantra silently can help connect us with positive energy of the divine and transform our lives.

Why are mantras repeated 108 times?

Mantras are often repeated 108 times because it is said to be a sacred number. The number 108 is said to represent the absolute reality of the universe.

It is also said to represent the Heart chakra associated with love and compassion. Chanting a mantra 108 times can help open the heart chakra and allow us to experience more love and compassion.

When chanting a mantra 108 times, it is important to focus on the meaning of the mantra and your intention for chanting and repeating it. Chanting with intention can help you to participate in deep spiritual experiences and connect with the divine.

What is the difference between Om Namah Shivaya and Namah Shivaya?

The difference between Om Namah Shivaya and Namah Shivaya is that Om Namah Shivaya is a complete mantra. It includes the sacred syllable Om, which represents the absolute reality of the universe.

Namah Shivaya is a powerful mantra but does not include the sacred syllable Om.

Why do we chant Om Namah Shivaya in a yoga class?

Students and teachers chant Om Namah Shivaya in yoga classes because it is a powerful healing mantra that can help to connect us with the divine. Chanting this five syllables mantra can help to bring about transformation in our lives and changes in the inner self. In addition, chanting Om Namah Shivaya can help to create a sense of peace and serenity.

Om Namah Shivaya mantra appears at the beginning of almost every yoga or yoga-related practice as an initiation mantra for students and teachers to get closer to universal oneness.

References

What is Om Namah Shivaya? - Definition from Yogapedia 

Importance & Benefits of Chanting Om Namah Shivaya Mantra | The Art of Living India 

The Meaning and Power Of Om Namah Shivaya | Japa Mala Beads

Om Namah Shivaya - Meaning and its Significance 

Disclaimer

The contents of this article are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is always recommended to consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any health-related changes or if you have any questions or concerns about your health. Anahana is not liable for any errors, omissions, or consequences that may occur from using the information provided.