Do you want to know why is it important to chant Om Namah Shivay and the benefits of this chanting mantra? Why is Om Namah Shivaya mantra chanting is considered one of the Most powerful chants? Know more about the significance of the Aum Namah Shivay chant.
He has been variously described as Kalabhairava (destroyer of evil beings), Bholenath (the simple one), Adiyogi (the first yogi), Nataraja (king of dance), Mahadev (greatest of all divine beings) and the list of superlatives goes on and on.
Indeed, who is Shiva? And what is Om Namah Shivaya?
To understand the latter, we have to first understand Shiva.
Who is Shiva?
Shiva is that nothingness, the dark empty void of space, from which all creation – the stars, planets, galaxies, mountains, oceans, all living beings, etc. – manifests and into which all creation disintegrates.
To my astonishment, as I searched more about who this supreme energy was, I realized that Shiva is not a person but is a principle. It is called the Shiva Tattva, which is an all-pervading consciousness that fills up this nothingness.
Today, even astronomy tells us that 99.99% of the universe is just empty – nothingness. So, 95% of this is ‘dark matter’ and ‘dark energy’, so-called because they do not reflect, absorb or emit light and hence cannot be seen – ever.
Shiva means that which is innocent, benevolent, beautiful, transcendental, and absolute. There is a certain correlation between the five elements, seven layers of our being, and our consciousness. Shiva energy permeates through the universe and you will find that it is possible to experience the Shiva Tattva – absolute nothingness – within us.
What is the importance of Om Namah Shivaya mantra?
Mantras bring you back to your source. Chanting or listening to mantras produce vibrations; positive, life uplifting energy, and are universal. Om Namah Shivaya is one of the most powerful mantras. Chanting this mantra builds the energy in your system and also clears the environment. People have been chanting this mantra for thousands of years.
Na Ma Shi Va Ya – these five syllables indicate the five elements (known as Pancha Bhoota in Sanskrit) – Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether. The five elements are the building blocks of everything in Creation, including the human body, and Lord Shiva is the master of these five elements. Whereas ‘Om’ is the sound of the universe. ‘Om’ means peace and love. So the ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ chanting is done to harmonize the five elements in the environment. When there is peace, love and harmony in all the five elements, then there is bliss and there is joy not just within you, but also around you.
Chanting Om Namah Shivaya helps us to master the five elements within us, leading the mind to silence. Silence leads to the experience of Shiva Tattva. In this way, everyone can access Shiva through this mantra. The chanting of this mantra unites the different koshas or layers of our being and elevates the qualities of Shiva within us. (There are 7 layers to our existence: ) It has the effect of quieting the mind and so is also a good way to prepare for meditation.
Benefits of chanting Om Namah Shivaya mantra
- Om Namah Shivaya infuses positive energy and removes negative energy. It is also a stress-buster, helping you to relax and unwind.
- A restless mind becomes stable and peaceful with regular chanting.
- Om Namah Shivaya helps you to gain control over your senses. This will help you govern your mind eventually.
- Om Namah Shivaya gives you a sense of direction and purpose in life.
- There are nine planets and 27 constellations. Since the Shiva Tattva is the presiding energy and governs the planets as well, chanting Om Namah Shivaya can help nullify the effects of malefic planets to a certain extent.
How to chant Om Namah Shivaya
- You should chant Om Namah Shivaya ideally after taking a bath in the morning when you offer your prayers. It can also be chanted during the day.
- The best time to chant Om Namah Shivaya is during sunrise and sunset. However, even if you miss these times, fret not, this powerful mantra will be beneficial at all prahars (a unit of time in Vedic Astrology, approximately three hours long) of the day.
- Om Namah Shivaya can be chanted either aloud or in your mind silently.
- Chanting Om Namah Shivaya 108 times in succession leads to the best experience.
Om Namah Shivaya mantra Chanting for you
During the auspicious times of the year, like the month of Shravan, meditative experiences can become deeper. When meditations are deep, they benefit in bringing harmony in our body and mind. Discover powerful meditations, breathing techniques and dive deep into the Shiva Tattva with The Art of Living’s Online Meditation and Breath Workshop.
Based on knowledge talks by Gurudev and inputs from Vaidic Dharma Sansthan.
