Om Namah Shivaya — Lyrics, Meaning & Benefits
Om Namah Shivaya — the Panchakshara (five-syllable) mantra of Shiva. Complete meaning, significance, and spiritual benefits of this powerful mantra for daily chanting.
The Five-Syllable Mantra
Om Namah Shivaya is known as the Panchakshara Mantra — the five-syllable mantra — because its core consists of five Sanskrit syllables: Na-Ma-Shi-Va-Ya. It is the most fundamental mantra of Shaivism and one of the most widely chanted mantras in the world.
The Five Syllables and the Five Elements
Each syllable corresponds to one of the Pancha Bhuta — the five fundamental elements:
| Syllable | Element | Realm |
|---|---|---|
| Na (न) | Earth (Prithvi) | Physical body |
| Ma (म) | Water (Jala) | Vital energy |
| Shi (शि) | Fire (Agni) | Consciousness |
| Va (व) | Air (Vayu) | Intellect |
| Ya (य) | Space/Ether (Akasha) | Pure awareness |
By chanting all five syllables, the practitioner purifies and harmonizes all five elements within their body and being.
The Meaning of “Namah Shivaya”
- Namaḥ: Salutation, bowing, “not mine” — an acknowledgment that the ego is not the true self
- Śivāya: To Shiva — the auspicious one, the Supreme Consciousness
But Shiva is not only the cosmic deity — in Advaita Vedanta, Shiva is the name for the pure consciousness that is our own deepest nature. So Namah Shivaya can be understood as: “I bow to my own highest Self.”
How to Practice
Om Namah Shivaya can be chanted:
- Silently (manasika japa) during meditation
- In a whisper (upamsha japa) during walking or daily activities
- Aloud (vachika japa) during puja or in group settings
The mantra requires no special initiation — it is open to all. It is traditionally chanted 108 times on a Rudraksha mala, or continuously as a stream of consciousness throughout the day.
The great saint Ramana Maharshi said that the name ‘Shiva’ is the name of the Self — chanting it is meditation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Om Namah Shivaya?
- I bow to Shiva. Salutations to the auspicious one who is my inner Self.
- Which deity is the Om Namah Shivaya dedicated to?
- The Om Namah Shivaya is dedicated to Shiva and is chanted for devotion, purification, daily practice, meditation, spiritual growth.
- How many times should you chant the Om Namah Shivaya?
- Traditionally, the Om Namah Shivaya is chanted 108 times for maximum spiritual benefit. Multiples of 108 are considered sacred.
- What are the benefits of chanting the Om Namah Shivaya?
- Benefits include: Purifies all five elements within the body. Brings peace and removes negative thoughts. Deepens connection with the divine Self. Protection and removal of obstacles. Calms the mind and reduces anxiety.
Benefits of Recitation
- Purifies all five elements within the body
- Brings peace and removes negative thoughts
- Deepens connection with the divine Self
- Protection and removal of obstacles
- Calms the mind and reduces anxiety