More important than the literal translated meaning of this mantra is it’s sound, it’s vibration. Nothing external or separate from you, rather it is your heart of hearts. It is not a god seperate from yourself, it is the core being of yourself.

This is the source that rests in each and everyone. In Shaivism and other Hindu systems, Shiva is the formless transcendental Being (often called Paramashiva), the Divine source. Shiva however should be understood in the fuller context, and not in the overly simplistic picture that is typically given in books and websites as a god of destruction. Shiva means Auspicious, so it could be said that the Om Namah Shivaya mantra means bowing to the auspiciousness. But this interpretation does not do it justice. The easy exposition of it would be “Om, I bow to Shiva”. It is difficult to give a clear meaning to the mantra. Namah Shivaya has becomeour sure protection.” Namah Shivaya is our souls, our bodies and possessions. Namah Shivaya represents all mantras and Tantras. “Namah Shivaya is in truth both Agama and Veda. In the Agamas its meaning is elaborated upon. Om Namah Shivaya is found, quite literally,in the middle of the Vedas, in the Rudram. This mantra is said to be the heart of all the Vedas and Tantras. Let’s chant the holy words of devotion, Om Namah Shivaya.

This is what will be the general and common preaching of any Shaivite or devotee of Lord Shiva. This is what will be encouraged on the minds of ascetics for them to achieve inner solace and enlightenment. This is what will be said on the regular religious program on TV during advertisements on channels such as Aastha or Aaj Tak. Chant so that impurities, anxieties and doubts are destroyed.” These are what some pious holy priests had said to our equally pious ancestors. Chant the letters five, and in love you will discover Siva’s will. “Wear rudraksha beads, repeat the Panchakshara, let your heart grow soft and melt.

Om namah shivaya meaning english