Om Namah Shivaya is a mantra or chant dedicated to the Hindu God, Lord Shiva. In simple terms, the mantra means bowing down to the creator of all things or the supreme being, Lord Shiva. Om Namah Shivaya is among the most famous and oldest mantras in Indian culture. The traces of this chant can be found in the ancient text Yajurveda. Here we have covered everything you need to know about the Om Namah Shivaya mantra and its benefits.
Om Namah Shivaya Meaning
Om Namah Shivaya means bowing down to the creator of all beings that is Lord Shiva. The mantra was created to show the adoration of Shiva devotees towards their beloved God, who is considered to be the supreme being, the creator of all things and the supreme reality in Hindu mythology. Let us understand the meaning of each word in the chant Om Namah Shivaya.
Om Meaning: Before the world existed, there was nothing but a void. A complete empty space from which the vibration Om or Auhm originated to give birth to the world as we know it. This vibration came from none other than Lord Shiva.
Namah Meaning: Namah simply means to bow down or to adore the supreme Lord Shiva.
Shivaya Meaning: Shivaya is referred to as the inner self or the supreme reality, which is synonymous with Lord Shiva. According to Hindu mythology, Shiva is the inner self or the supreme reality.
The meaning of Om Namah Shivaya can be further better understood with the elaboration of the Pancha Bhoda Tatva of Lord Shiva. These Pancha Tatva are included in the Om Namah Shivaya chant. If you break down the Namah Shivaya, you will get the five elements through which the universe is created. These elements are considered to be the inner self of Lord Shiva. Below are the five elements in words Namah Shivaya that showcase the oneness of the world and highlight Shiva as the supreme inner self.
- Na Meaning: Earth
- Mah Meaning: Water
- Shi: Fire
- Va: Air
- Ya: Sky
Lord Shiva harbours all these five elements, which highlight the oneness of the universe and proves that Shiva is the creator of all things and living beings. The vice versa is also true. It is said in Hindu mythology when the Kalyug reaches the heights of corruption and evil vices; then Lord Shiva will become the destroyer that the world needs. He is the one who gives life, and he is the one who will snatch it away.
Also read: Benefits of Chanting Hanuman Chalisa Everyday
Benefits of Chanting Om Namah Shivaya
The mantra Om Namah Shivaya has helped thousands of people achieve the path of enlightenment, and it can surely bring a positive change in your life as well. Here are some of the benefits of this mantra.
- The Om Namah Shivaya chant brings calmness and peace to your life. When you start to chant the mantra regularly, you will feel that the trivial things which you used to make you worry are no matter the things you really concern about. There will be a calmness in your actions, and you will find yourself examining the cause and effect of your every move.
- If you feel stressed and have anxiety issues, then chanting Om Namah Shivaya on a regular basis will help you deal with both of the grave matters.
- Om Namah Shivaya chant can help you rediscover yourself. If you are someone who does not know what you really want to do in your life, then the Om Namah Shivaya chant can aid you in discovering the path that you want to choose in your life.
- The mantra is also useful in fighting the negative energy around you. Chanting the Om Namah Shivaya will bring positivity to every aspect of your life.
- Lastly, the Om Namah Shivaya mantra can even help you in developing your intellect. You can become wiser and more generous by simply embracing what life gives you.