Om Namah Shivaya Chanting
The Triadic Heart of Shiva - Om Namah Shivaya, Harmonies Version (feat. Vanessa Kaster, Kim Engler, Jeffrey Main, Nate Morgan & Tom Rossi). Vidura Barrios. Chanting Om Namah Shivaya is like worshipping the primary elements of nature means invoking your inner Shiva. Conclusion On this post, we have shared benefits of Om Namah Shivaya. The outstanding benefit of Chanting Om Namah Shivaya mantra chanting is that it is the giver of eternal joy, courage, and strength.
Om Namah Shivaya (Devanagari: ॐ नमः शिवाय;[1]IAST: Om Namaḥ Śivāya) is one of the most popular HinduMantra and the most important mantra in Shaivism. Namah Shivaya means 'O salutations to the auspicious one!', or “adoration to Lord Shiva'. It is called Siva Panchakshara, or Shiva Panchakshara or simply Panchakshara meaning the 'five-syllable' mantra (viz., excluding the Om) and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is a holy salutation to Lord Shiva. This Mantra appears as 'Na' 'Ma' 'Śi' 'Vā' and 'Ya' in the Shri Rudram hymn which is a part of the Krishna Yajurveda[2] and also in the Rudrashtadhyayi which is a part of the Shukla Yajurveda.
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Origin of the mantra[edit]
This mantra is present in the Shri Rudram hymn which is part of the Krishna Yajurveda.[3][4]Shri Rudram hymn is taken from two chapters in fourth book of Taittiriya Samhita (TS 4.5, 4.7) of Krishna Yajurveda. Each chapter consist of eleven anuvaka or hymns.[5] Name of both chapters are Namakam (chapter five) and Chamakam (chapter seven) respectively.[6] Om Namah Shivaya mantra appears without OM in eighth hymn of Namakam(TS 4.5.8.1) as Namah shivaya ca shivataraya (Sanskrit: नमः शिवाय च शिवतराय च; IAST: Namaḥ śivāya ca śivatarāya ca). It means 'Salutations unto Śiva the auspicious one, unto Śivatara the one than whom none more auspicious can exist'.[7][8][9][10][11]
This mantra also appears in the Rudrashtadhyayi which is a part of the Shukla Yajurveda. In the Rudrashtadhyayi, the mantra appears in the 5th chapter (also known as Namakam) verse 41 as Namah shivaya ca shivataraya (Sanskrit: नमः शिवाय च शिवतराय च).[12][13][14]
Translations among different traditions[edit]
Namah Shivaya means 'O salutations to the auspicious one!', or “adoration to Lord Shiva' preceded by the devotional syllable 'Om'.
In Siddha Shaivism and Shaiva Siddhanta Shaivism traditions, Namah Shivaya is considered as Pancha Bodha Tatva of Lord Shiva and his universal oneness of five elements:
- Na sound represents earth
- Ma sound represents water
- Śi sound represents fire
- Vā sound represents Pranic air
- Ya sound represents sky or ether
Its total meaning is that 'universal consciousness is one' .
In the Shaiva Siddhanta Shaivism tradition the five letters also represents :
- Na is the Lord’s concealing grace
- Ma is the world
- Śi stands for Shiva
- Vā is His revealing grace
- Ya is the Ātman or soul[15]
The Tirumantiram (a scripture in Shaiva Siddhanta Shaivism) announces, “His feet are the letter Na. His navel is the letter Ma. His shoulders are the letter Śi. His mouth, the letter Vā. His radiant cranial center aloft is Ya. Thus is the five-lettered form of Shiva.”: Tirumantiram 941. TM[16][17]
Presence of mantra in different scriptures[edit]
- This Mantra appears as 'Na' 'Ma' 'Śi' 'Vā' and 'Ya' in the Shri Rudram hymn which is a part of the Krishna Yajurveda. Thus predates the use of Shiva as a proper name, in the original context being an address to Lord Rudra (later Shiva), where Shiva retains its original meaning as an adjective, meaning 'auspicious, benign, friendly', a euphemistic epithet of Rudra.[15]
- This mantra also appears in the Rudrashtadhyayi which is a part of the Shukla Yajurveda.[18]
- Whole Panchakshara Stotra is dedicated to this mantra.[19][20]
- Tirumantiram, a scripture written in Tamil language, speaks of the meaning of the mantra.[21]
- It also appears in the Shiva Purana in the chapter 1.2.10 (Shabda-Brahma Tanu) and in its Vidyeshvara samhita and in chapter 13 of the Vayaviya samhita of the Shiva Purana as 'Om Namaha Shivaya'.
- The Tamil Saivaite hymn Tiruvacakam begins with the five letters 'Na' 'Ma' 'Śi' 'Vā' and 'Ya'.
Usage[edit]
This mantra is repeated verbally or mentally, drawing the mind in upon itself to Lord Shiva’s infinite, all-pervasive presence. Traditionally it is repeated 108 times a day while keeping count on a strand of rudraksha beads. This practice is called japa yoga. It is freely sung and chanted by everyone, but it is most powerful when given by one’s guru. Before this initiation which is called mantra diksha, the guru will usually require a period of study. This initiation is often part of a temple ritual, such as a puja, japa, homa (fire ceremony), dhyana or and while smearing vibhuti. The guru whispers the mantra into the disciple’s right ear, along with instructions on how and when to chant it.[15]
Intended effect[edit]
This mantra is associated with qualities of prayer, divine-love, grace, truth, and blissfulness. When done correctly, it calms the mind and brings spiritual insight and knowledge. It also keeps the devotee close to Shiva and within His protective global fellowship.
Traditionally, it is accepted to be a powerful healing mantra beneficial for all physical and mental ailments. Soulful recitation of this mantra brings peace to the heart and joy to the Ātman or soul. Many Hindu teachers consider that the recitation of these syllables is sound therapy for the body and nectar for the Ātman.[22] The nature of the mantra is the calling upon the higher self; it is the calling upon Shiva.
In popular culture[edit]
Television[edit]
Om Namah Shivay was also a TV serial telecasted on an Indian TV Channel, DD National (DD-1).
In season 8, episode 2 of Family Guy (episode titled 'Family Goy'), Meg chants Om Namah Shivaya several times, after Stewie pulls her heart out.
Movie[edit]
These words were chanted by a prisoner as his heart was ripped out by Mola Ram in the 1984 George Lucas and Steven Spielberg film Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.
In Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia (2007), Elizabeth Gilbert explained that the first chant provided by her guru was 'Om Namah Shivaya.'[23] Gilbert wrote that this meant 'I honor the divinity within me.'[24]
Game[edit]
These words are chanted by characters Yogi & Reggie as in the 2014 video game Far Cry 4 as the protagonist experiments with their psychedelic concoctions; the fictional religion in the game is loosely based on Hinduism, thus the chant.
Music lyrics[edit]
'Om Namah Shivaya' is also featured in the 'Mahadeva' tune by Astral Projection, a popular psychedelic trance band.
'Om Namah Shivaya' is also featured in the 'Serpente' (Serpent, snake) song in the SETEVIDAS (SEVENLIVES) album (Deckdisc, 2014) by the Brazilian singer Pitty, the princess of rock in Brazil.
Guitarist Steve Hillage also recorded a psychedelic rock version of the song on his 1976 album L, produced by Todd Rundgren.
Om Namah Shivay is the tenth album (and eighth solo album) by Nina Hagen, released in 1999.
'Om Namah Shiva' is found in Jah Wobble's Heaven and Earth album.
'Om Namah Shivaya' is found in MC Yogi's Elephant Power album.
'Om Namaha Shiva' is found on Shiela Chandra's Weaving My Ancestors' Voices album.
'Om Namah Shivaya' Peace offering is found on Apache Indian's Best of Apache Indian 2000 album.
Om Namah Shivaya Chanting By Yesudas
'Om Namah Shivaya' is found on Album Vairagya: Bonding with Beyond by Isha Sounds.
'Om Namah Shivaya” is found on the album “Om Namah Shivah' by Robert Gass & On Wings of Song, and is a 43 minute version of the mantra.
'Om Namah Shivaya' is the chorus in 'Song for Zane', found on the EP 'On the One' by Mike Lindup, released on 17 March 2011.
'Om Namah Shivaya' is chanted in the outro of 'Loose Your Mind' on the album 'Ready or Not' by Wookiefoot, released in 2012.
'Om Namah Shivaya' is found throughout the album 'Invocation' by Various Artists, released in 2006.[25]
'Namah Shivaya' is the first track on the 'Krishna Das' album 'Pilgrim Heart.'
'Om Namah Shivaya' is used by Shpongle in the track 'Juggling Molecules', from their 'Museum of Consciousness' album.
Contemporary developments[edit]
Om Namah Shivaya has gained wider use outside India as a result of Siddha Yoga, founded by Swami Muktananda, in which it is the main mantra used for meditation and chanting.
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^'OM namah Shivaya in russian'.
- ^Satguru Bodhinatha, Veylanswami (2017). What Is the Namaḥ Śivāya Mantra? from the 'Path to Siva' Book. USA: Himalayan Academy. pp. chapter 16. ISBN9781934145722.
- ^'Śrī Rudram'(PDF). sec. Introduction.
- ^'Introduction to 'Rudram''. sec. What is Rudram ?.
- ^'Sri Rudram'. sec. Introduction.
- ^'Sri Rudram'.
- ^'Rudram'(PDF). vedaunion. p. anuvaka 8 of Namakam at page-22.
- ^'sri rudram exposition (search for 'namaḥ śivāya ca śivatarāya ca' in the PDF on page 3)'(PDF). vedaunion.org. p. 3.
- ^'sri-rudram'(PDF). skandagurunatha.org. p. 4.
- ^'Sri Rudram - Introduction'.
- ^'which verse of sri rudram of yajurveda has word shiva (search as 'Most importantly 1st verse of 8th Anuvaka mentions the word Shiva as')'. hinduism.stackexchange.com.
- ^'RUDRASTADHYAYI'. www.archive.org.
- ^'Introduction to rudrashtadhyayi'. www.shreemaa.org.
- ^'RUDRASTADHYAYI'.
- ^ abcVeylanswami, Bodhinatha (2016). 'What Is the Namaḥ Śivāya Mantra?'. Path to Siva. Himalayan academy. p. 16. ISBN9781934145739.
- ^Dancing with Siva. Himalayan Academy. 1997. ISBN9780945497479.
- ^Dancing with Siva. Scriptural Verses, Maṇḍala 28: Affirmations of Faith,403 Tirumantiram 941. TM: Himalayan Academy. 1997. ISBN9780945497479.
- ^'rudrashtadhyayi'. p. Check first verse's second line. There you can see namah shivaya written in Sanskrit.
- ^'Pachakshara stotram'.
- ^'shiva panchakshara stotra'.
- ^'Dancing with Siva'.
- ^http://www.yogavidya.com/Yoga/ShivaSamhita.pdf
- ^Elizabeth Gilbert (2007). Eat, Pray, Love. p. 133.
- ^'Other Prayers: Aum Namah Shivaya Mantra'. www.AradiaGoddess.com. Retrieved 9 September 2010.
- ^http://www.tyburhoe.com/shop/ptmtug2trh30rjel5yfsd9mac1uyys
External links[edit]
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Lord Shiva is known as 'Devadidev’, which means he is the god of gods. There is no beginning of him, and also, there is no end to him. He is the omnipresence and omnipotent form.
He is one of the pillars of the Trinity. When Lord Brahma is the creator and Lord Vishnu is the saviour, Lord Shiva is the destructor. Three of them denote the eternal truth of life that is, one who is created has to perish.
'Om Namah Shivaya’ is the chant that is uttered while the shaivites (the followers of Lord Shiva) meditate. But, this is not only for them.
Also Read: Understanding The Meaning Of Shiva's 8 Adornments
The whole human kind should chant this mantra, as there are several reasons to chant “Om namah Shivaya”. So, why should one chant - Om Namah Shivaya?
As soon as you utter these words with complete dedication and concentration, you will be revered with mental strength, energy and motivation, which will lead you to achieve the goals of your life.
Today, human life is occupied mostly with stress and anxiety. The mental disturbances are disrupting our mental and physical peace.
Often there are situations in life when you get too tensed to overcome it. You get afraid and your mind gets tormented with several negative aspects of life.
One of the main reasons to chant “Om Namah Shivaya” is to have spiritual strength and mental peace to overcome the difficulties of your life.
Om Namah Shivaya Meaning English
So, here are the wonderful reasons you should go through to know the significance of chanting the mantra, “Om Namah Shivaya”.
1. Brings Back The Calmness Of Your Mind: Life is not a bed of roses, but if thorns are continuously pricking you, you start thinking that the whole world is conspiring against you. Your mental peace is completely destroyed. This is the only mantra that can bring back the peace and clarity of mind, so that you can think rationally.
2. Bow To Lord Shiva: The true meaning of this mantra is, “I bow to Lord Shiva”, where Lord Shiva stands for the inner self of every human being. It is the name of your true identity. So, chanting this hymn also denotes that you should know yourself better before knowing the world.
3. A Powerful Mantra: Do you know the reasons to chant “Om Namah Shivaya”? It is said that this is a very powerful mantra. If it is continuously going on in your mind, you don’t need to perform any religious rituals, practice yoga or meditation. There is no restriction of uttering this mantra. Anyone can utter it anywhere.
Also Read: Birth Secret Of Lord Shiva
4. Significance Of The Five Syllables: This chant consists of five syllables or akshars: 'Na’, 'Ma’, 'Si’, 'Va’ and 'Ya’. According to the Hindu mythology, these syllables symbolise five elements namely earth, water, fire, water and space. While chanting it, you’re admitting that the Lord is everywhere.
5. Astrological Significance: While looking for reasons why you should chant - Om Namah Shivaya, you can pay heed to what Astrology says. It says that the mantra is so powerful that it can diminish the effects of negative 'grahas’ (planets) and also help you recover from the unpleasant impacts of their stellar position.
6. Sound Therapy: Sages believe that continuous repetition of this mantra can heal physical ailment and bring peace to your soul. It fills your heart with joy and washes out all the negative impacts that were disturbing you so far.
Hence, from now on, before starting your day, take the name of Lord Shiva and chant this beautiful mantra, “Om Namah Shivaya”!