According to Hindu mythology, Shiv Mantra is one of the most important mantras that acts as a protective shield against all odds. It helps you get rid of any dangers or enemies and saves you from getting into harm’s way.
The shiv mantra is recited to invoke the powerful Lord Shiva - the God of destruction. Ironically, the one who destructs everything is the deity who is the most pure and auspicious. No mode of existence (Gunas) can have any effect on him - be it Sattva, Rajas or Tamas.
Only true devotion and unending dedication is the key to win over the most innocent deity who is pleased very easily. You don’t have to make tremendous efforts to invoke Lord Shiva. He is appeased at the slightest effort, provided that it comes from the depth of your heart.
Shiva stands for peace and tranquility. Thousands of devotees are blessed by this meditative “yogi” who has given up all worldly pleasures. The mystic Shiva enlightens everyone who comes to him and guides them to the path of success.
Chanting Shiv Mantra
The most common shiv mantra is - “om namah shivay”. This mantra is often recited to seek the divine love and grace of Lord Shiva. It is believed that chanting shiv mantra can heal you on physiological, emotional and spiritual levels.
Shiv Mantra holds special significance for the followers of Shaivism. It is said to elevate your inner consciousness and connect it to the universal consciousness of the divine. It makes you aware of your higher self and acts as a medium to become one with the supreme cosmic power.
The mantra “Om Namah Shivay” is called the Shiva Panchakshari mantra. It is made up of five syllables, namely - Na, Mah, Shi, Va, and Ya that stand for the five elements - earth(Prithvi), water (Jal), fire (Agni), air (Vayu), and space(Aakash). Therefore, by chanting shiv mantra we honor the basic elements of our body and by doing this we admire the divinity that resides in our soul.
Thus, by chanting shiva mantra you can eradicate the negativity of your mind and thus, purify your soul from within. A proper recital of shiv mantra can help you attain peace and salvation as well. Due to this reason, this mantra is also known as the “nectar for the soul.”
How to Chant Shiv Mantra
The Shiv Mantra is a very powerful mantra and therefore, there are certain things that must be taken care of before chanting it. First of all, it is very important that you chant this when you are completely relaxed and comfortable so that you can easily meditate upon it and are prepared enough to take up the impact of its strong vibrations.
The best time to chant the shiv mantra is during the early morning hours. You must take a bath and wear clean clothes (preferably white clothes since it is the color of humility and peace). You must sit in front of a shiva lingam as it will enhance your faith and concentration and lead to a great meditational experience.
The white color stands for serenity and therefore, white flowers are usually placed before the shiv lingam to bring positivity to the environment. You may also place black til at the feet of the lingam and then start chanting the mantra using a rudraksha rosary for 108 times.
Shiv Mantra in English
“Om Namah Shivaya”
Shiv Mantra in Sanskrit
“ॐ नमः शिवाय”
Meaning of Shiv Mantra
‘Om namah shivay’ is an extremely useful mantra that is often associated with blissfulness, divinity, and truth. It represents Lord Shiva as an embodiment of the divine consciousness embedded in the soul of every human being (their inner self). The shiv mantra literally translates as - “I bow down to Shiva'' - and through this mantra we rever the divinity of Lord Shiva as well as his divine presence in every individual.
Benefit of Shiv Mantra
Shiva mantra is said to dispel the fear of a person and helps them attain spiritual knowledge. Chanting this mantra often leads to the path of salvation (moksha). It is believed that this mantra has therapeutic effects on everyone who chants it with utmost faith and unmatchable devotion.
There are also many other benefits of Shiv Mantra that are discussed below:
The Shiv Mantra chanting makes you more courageous and helps you get rid of all your fears.
The vibrations produced by the chanting of this mantra forms a protective shield around you that repels stress, diseases, failures, and sorrows.
By reciting the shiv mantra on a regular basis you can improve your capabilities and inner strength.
As per astrology, chanting shiv mantra is often recommended to ward off the drastic impact of the Maraka planet in the horoscope chart.
It also helps us meditate upon our spiritual self by purifying our soul and connecting it to the cosmic powers.
Regular chanting of shiv mantra also helps in activating the various chakras of the body.
Other important Shiv mantras
Rudra Mantra
In Sanskrit - “ॐ नमो भगवते रूद्राय ।”
In English - “Om Namo Bhagwate Rudraay”
Meaning - The Rudra mantra is often chanted during meditational practices and pious occasions to invoke Lord Rudra and seek his blessings. It literally translates as - “I pray to Lord Rudra.” It is often recited to worship Lord Rudra so that he grants all the wishes of the reciter.
Shiva Gayatri Mantra
In Sanskrit - “ॐ तत्पुरुषाय विद्महे महादेवाय धीमहि तन्नो रुद्रः प्रचोदयात ।”
In English - “Om Tatpurushaay Vidmahe Mahadevaay Deemahi Tanno Rudrah Prachodayat”
Meaning - “I meditate upon the great Purusha, the revered God to bless me with intelligence and I pray to Lord Rudra to enlighten my mind.”