The “i” is a short syllable pronounced like a short “ee” sound, kind like you would say the first “i” in the English word “imagine”.Alphabets make words and words have meaning and words of mantra have the power to change our reality, the power to change the way we think and reprogram our subconscious mind. The “a” are open vowels, but short and pronounced like the “u” in the word “up”. The pronunciation of om namah shivaya is relatively simple.

It is believed that those who chant these five holy syllables while meditating on Shiva will be blessed by visions of the lord of the yogis. The mantra should ideally be chanted twice a day, morning and evening, 108 times each. Traditionally, this mantra is believed to be a powerful healing mantra, beneficial for all physical and mental ailments. The prayer, om namah shivaya is central to their religious practice. There are groups in Hinduism and are completely devoted to Shiva that are known as Shaivism. The stories and attributes of Shiva are many and contain tremendous depth and symbolism. He is also considered the grantor of wisdom, patience and auspiciousness. This aspect of God also has the essential task that gives rise to new life and new things. Though Shiva is considered the destroyer, he also symbolizes the inner self that remains intact even after everything ends.

Together they maintain the creation, upkeep and the destruction of the world: Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver) and Shiva (the destroyer). The “aya” at the end of the word Shiva means “to” or “for.' Therefore, in this sentence, the salutations are to Shiva.Īccording to Hindu mythology, there are three gods who together represent the Supreme Divinity or the divine triad. In this case, it is just pronounced in a breathy way, and the “ha” is not fully pronounced. It depends on the number of syllables needed in the phrase. This word can be pronounced as nama or namaha. Namaha is a word that means, salutations or bowing in deference. “Om” appears at the beginning of almost all prayers and invocations done in Sanskrit. This is especially interesting in that this mantra addresses Shiva directly. These aspects of God are also known as: Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. It can also be written as “AUM,” which offers deference to the triad aspects of God that are perceived in Hinduism: the creator, the maintainer and the destroyer. The first word Om is the word “Om” is thought to constitute the divine in the form of sound. Om namah shivaya is composed of three prayers.

Om namah shivaya words