Om Namah Shivaya (ॐ नमः शिवाय) is the mantra dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the most important mantras in Shaivism and equally powerful Hindu Mantra. Om Namah Shivaya mantra literally goes back to thousands of years and is mentioned in Yajurveda in the Shri Rudram hymn.
The mantra appears without the initial Om in the eighth hymn of Namakam (TS 4.5.8.1) in Taittiriya Samhita (TS 4.5, 4.7) of Krishna Yajurveda.
Namaḥ śivāya ca śivatarāya ca (नमः शिवाय च शिवतराय च)
This means “Salutations unto Shiva the auspicious one, unto Shivatara the one than whom none more auspicious can exist”
Om Namah Shivaya Meaning
Om Namah Shivaya means “adoration to Shiva” or “I bow to Shiva” — Shiva being revered as the supreme reality, the inner Self.
The Breakdown of Om Namah Shivaya
Om — Before there was the universe, there was void of pure existence and vibrationless. Out of this void came vibration, which is known as Om. Then slowly the creation of the universe began.
Namah — Literally, it means to bow or adoration
Shivaya — Shiva or the inner Self
In Siddha Shaivism and Shaiva Siddhanta Shaivism tradition, Namah Shivaya is considered as Pancha Bodha Tatva of Lord Shiva and his universal oneness of five elements.
Na — Earth
Mah — Water
Shi — Fire
Va — Air
Ya — Sky or ether
Meaning that “universal consciousness is one”. These five components manifest the absolute of the universe according to Hindu philosophy.
The “NA” drops into the first chakra, the foundation place which embodies earthiness and solidity. It has a lot to do with survival issues on an emotional level, the right to belong and to have. It is found at the base of the spine between the anus and genitals.
The “MA” rises to the second chakra, represented by the water element and issues around sexuality on an emotional level, the right to feel and to desire. It is located a little below the navel.
The “SI” rises to the third chakra or jeweled city and is located in the solar plexus. The element is fire and emotional issues center around themes of personal power, the right to act and stand in one’s power.
The “VA” rises a little further to the fourth chakra or heart center. The element is air. This chakra is the first to move beyond the lower three densities of the animal soul and allows an opening to love, the right to love and be loved.
The “Ya” resonates in the fifth chakra or throat center and is associated with the ether and space. It often deals with issues around expression, the right to speak and be heard.
The five letters “Namah Shivaya” also represents
Na — Lord’s concealing grace
Mah — World
Shi — Shiva
Va — Lord’s revealing grace
Ya — Atman or soul
The Practice of Om Namah Shivaya mantra
There are no rituals or ceremonies involved with this Om Namah Shivaya mantra, just a simple chant, and concentration. You can practice this mantra anywhere. Just you require being attentive, focused, and have a straight body structure. Repeating the mantra over and over again leads you to more deep concentration. But to gain the true benefits of the mantra, you will have to visualize your surrender to your inner self while chanting the mantra. Traditionally it is repeated 108 times a day while keeping count on a strand of rudraksha beads.
Originally published at https://vedicfeed.com on June 24, 2018.
