The Om Namah Shivaya: text and meaning
ॐ नमः शिवाय
oṃ namaḥ śivāya
Word by word
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| oṃॐ | a word of solemn affirmation and respectful assent, sometimes translated by ‘yes, verily, so be it’ … placed at the commencement of most Hindū works … also regarded as a particle of auspicious salutation [Hail!] |
| namaḥनमः | bow, obeisance, reverential salutation, adoration (by gesture or word; often with dat.) |
| śivāyaशिवाय | (to) ‘The Auspicious one’ … auspicious, propitious, gracious, favourable, benign, kind |
- Vedic source: Taittirīya Saṃhitā 4.5.8 (Śatarudrīya / Śrī Rudram), on Sanskrit Wikisource (https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/तैत्तिरीयसंहिता(विस्वरः)/काण्डम्_४/प्रपाठकः_५, anuvāka 4.5.8, part 1), contains the phrase 'नमः शिवाय च शिवतराय च' ('homage to the auspicious and to the more auspicious'). That is all the Vedic text contains. It has 'namaḥ śivāya' inside a longer litany of homages, with no ॐ and not as a standalone five-syllable mantra.
- The devotional form 'ॐ नमः शिवाय' (six syllables with ॐ, five without) is attested as a named mantra in the Purāṇas: Skanda Purāṇa, Brahmottara-khaṇḍa, chapter 1 (Devanagari source) and Skanda Purāṇa, Revākhaṇḍa 48.4 / 56.15 (IAST source). The page's 'Yajurveda (Shri Rudram) and Shiva Purana' attribution should be worded accordingly.
- Śiva Purāṇa 1.20.11 (GRETIL, sa_zivapurANabooks-1-and-7.txt) refers to worship 'namaḥ śivāya-maṃtreṇa' (with the namaḥ śivāya mantra). This was checked but not used as the display source.
- No IAST of TS 4.5.8 from an openable scholarly edition was found: TITUS forbids republishing. So the Vedic phrase is cited here in Devanagari only.
- Not verified: the page's mapping of Na-Ma-Śi-Va-Ya to the five elements and to chakra positions is not supported by any source opened here.
- No published English translation was opened, so none is quoted.
Sources
- स्कन्दपुराणम्, ब्रह्मखण्डः, ब्रह्मोत्तर खण्डः, अध्यायः १ (Sanskrit Wikisource), Skanda Purāṇa 3.3.1, opening invocation '॥ ॐ नमः शिवाय ॥'; the mantra is named in verses 15–16
- Skandapurāṇa: Revākhaṇḍa (GRETIL; ed. Oṅkārānanda Giri, Hośaṅgābād 1994; input J. Neuss), rks_48.4 (opening words); the mantra is also named at rks_56.15
- Monier-Williams, A Sanskrit-English Dictionary (1899), Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries, MW p. 235,3
- Monier-Williams, A Sanskrit-English Dictionary (1899), Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries, MW p. 528,1
- Monier-Williams, A Sanskrit-English Dictionary (1899), Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries, MW p. 1074,1
About this practice
Om Namah Shivaya: Five-Syllable Mantra Meditation is a practice from the Puranic devotional tradition (the Skanda Purana gives the mantra in full); the Shri Rudram of the Krishna Yajurveda contains the salutation namah shivaya, but not this mantra as such. This meditation involves devotional chanting of the sacred five-syllable (Panchakshara) mantra Om Namah Shivaya for inner transformation and purification.
The primary purpose of this practice is to this universal mantra invokes the transformative energy of consciousness itself, dissolving negativity and revealing the pure self within. It is particularly beneficial for anyone seeking spiritual purification, emotional healing, inner peace, or connection to the transformative power of consciousness.
Classified as beginner, this technique is accessible to beginners and requires no prior meditation experience. With particular affinity for vata, pitta, kapha constitutions, this 20-minute practice is best performed in the anytime.
Regular practice cultivates deeper awareness and brings lasting transformation. As with all Ayurvedic practices, consistency and mindful attention are the keys to experiencing the full depth of Om Namah Shivaya.
Benefits
- Purifies the five elements within the body through the five sacred syllables (Na-Ma-Shi-Va-Ya)
- Dissolves negative thought patterns, karmic impressions, and emotional heaviness
- Cultivates Vairagya (non-attachment) and inner freedom from material concerns
- Tridoshic — the five syllables address all five elements, naturally balancing all three doshas
- Provides a simple, powerful mantra accessible to beginners while holding infinite depth for advanced practitioners
- Builds a felt connection to the transformative, regenerative power within consciousness
- Reduces anxiety, grief, and depression through the calming repetition of sacred sound
How to practice
- 1
Sit comfortably with a Japa Mala (108-bead rosary) or simply with hands in Anjali Mudra.
- 2
Close your eyes and take 5 slow breaths to settle the mind and open the heart.
- 3
Begin chanting Om Namah Shivaya aloud, slowly, feeling each syllable resonate within.
- 4
Na (earth) — feel grounding at the base of the spine. Ma (water) — feel fluidity at the sacrum.
- 5
Shi (fire) — feel warmth at the solar plexus. Va (air) — feel expansion at the heart.
- 6
Ya (ether/space) — feel openness at the throat. Om — feel unity at the crown.
- 7
Continue for 108 repetitions, or chant for 15 minutes, whichever you prefer.
- 8
Sit in silence for 5 minutes after chanting, absorbed in the vibration that continues within.
Practice tips
- No initiation is required for Om Namah Shivaya — it is freely available to all sincere seekers.
- Chant slowly rather than quickly — let each syllable complete its vibration before the next begins.
- A Rudraksha Mala is traditional for this mantra but any Japa Mala works beautifully.
- The mantra can be repeated silently throughout the day during any activity as Ajapa Japa.
- If devotional chanting does not resonate, focus on the vibrational and elemental aspects instead.
Vaidya picks the right session for your dosha — the balance of Vata, Pitta and Kapha you were born with — and the time of day. Free, about 4 minutes. Take the dosha quiz to start.
Take the dosha quiz→Three questions towards your dosha
These are the first three questions of the full dosha quiz. Answer them here and carry on where you left off.
Prefer to start from the beginning? Take the full dosha quiz.
Frequently asked questions
Literally, it means 'I bow to Shiva (the auspicious one).' At a deeper level, Shiva represents pure consciousness, and the mantra is an invocation of your own highest nature. The five syllables (Na-Ma-Shi-Va-Ya) correspond to the five elements.
No. While Om Namah Shivaya has roots in Hindu tradition, it is a universal mantra of transformation accessible to anyone regardless of religious or spiritual background. It works through sound vibration, not religious belief.
Traditional practice recommends 108 repetitions (one full Mala round). For daily practice, even 27 or 54 repetitions produce noticeable effects. Consistency matters more than quantity — daily practice of 27 beats occasional practice of 1008.