Om Namah Shivaya: The Shiva Mantra

The Shiva Mantra: Om Namah Shivaya

Original Text: ॐ नमः शिवाय

Transliteration: Om Namah Shivaya

Breakdown of the Mantra

• Om: The primordial sound, the source of all creation.
• Namah: Salutations, I bow to you.
• Shivaya: To Shiva, the auspicious one.

Full Meaning

I bow to Shiva, the auspicious one, the destroyer of ignorance and the bestower of bliss.

Associated Deity

Lord Shiva, the destroyer of ignorance and the transformer of consciousness.

Origin Story

This mantra is one of the most fundamental and widely used mantras in Shaivism, the tradition dedicated to Lord Shiva.

How and When to Chant

Chant this mantra at any time, especially during meditation or worship of Lord Shiva. It can be repeated silently or aloud.

Benefits

• Purifies the mind and heart.
• Removes negative energies.
• Brings inner peace and contentment.
• Connects with the divine within.