Om Namah Shivaya
I bow to Shiva — the auspicious one, the pure awareness within.
Original
Transliteration
Oṃ Namaḥ Śivāya
Translation
I bow to Shiva — the auspicious one.
Quick answer
Om Namah Shivaya is a five-syllable Sanskrit mantra meaning 'I bow to Shiva.' It is one of the most beloved and universally chanted mantras of the Hindu tradition.
- Tradition
- Hindu / Vedic
- Language
- Sanskrit
- Deity
- Shiva
- Repetitions
- 108 times, or continuously as japa.
- Best time
- Any time. Especially loved as an evening or bedtime practice.
- Best for
- Peace of mind, Meditation, Devotion
Line by line
Oṃ
The primordial sound from which all sound arises.
Namaḥ
I bow, I honor, I surrender.
Śivāya
To Shiva — the auspicious, the pure awareness that is one's own deepest nature.
Meaning
Literal
A bow of reverence to Shiva.
Spiritual interpretation
The five syllables (na-mah-śi-vā-ya) are said to correspond to the five elements. To chant Om Namah Shivaya is to bow to the sacred within every element of one's own being.
What this mantra is used for
How to chant
Can be chanted aloud, whispered, or repeated silently with the breath. There is no wrong way. Many practitioners repeat it 108 times with a mala.
When to chant
Any time. Especially loved as an evening or bedtime practice.
Traditional count: 108 times, or continuously as japa.
Origin & context
The panchakshara mantra, referenced in the Krishna Yajur Veda and central to Shaiva traditions.
Related mantras
Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra
The great death-conquering mantra — a prayer for healing, protection, and liberation.
So Hum
'I am that.' The natural mantra that moves with your breath.
Hare Krishna Maha Mantra
The great mantra — sixteen names of the divine, sung with love.
Continue exploring
Frequently asked questions
What does Om Namah Shivaya mean?+
'I bow to Shiva' — a reverent bow to Shiva, understood as pure awareness and the auspicious ground of all being.
Can non-Hindus chant Om Namah Shivaya?+
Yes. It is chanted worldwide by practitioners of every background. Chant it with respect and it will meet you where you are.
How many times should I chant Om Namah Shivaya?+
Traditionally 108 times, but even a few minutes of steady repetition is a complete practice.
Do I need initiation to chant it?+
Formal initiation deepens the practice but is not required to begin. Many teachers encourage this mantra as a first mantra.