||Om Namah Shivaya||
||ॐ नमः शिवाय||
||ॐ ನಮಃ ಶಿವಾಯ||
This sacred mantra of Sanatana Dharma literally means: 'I bow to Thee, O Lord Shiva'. Since Shiva is the inherent God Principle in every living being, the mantra also has a deeper meaning of, 'I bow to the Divinity within me'.
The mantra is said to be a composite of five syllables (shown as the five petalled flower in the video), each with its own significance:
|
Naada (Sound) |
Panchamahabhutas (Five great elements) |
Ishakriya (Functional aspect of Shiva) |
|
Na |
Prithvi (Earth) |
Creation |
|
Ma |
Jala (Water) |
Preservation |
|
Shi |
Agni (Fire) |
Destruction |
|
Va |
Vayu (Air) |
Concealment |
|
Ya |
(Akasha) Ether |
Revelation |
According to Charaka Samhita, the great Ayurvedic text, these five great elements and their variants that are present in the Universe are also present in our bodies, and vice versa. Whatever affects these constituents, also affects the mind and body.
Therefore, the mantra is a salutation to the Lord of all elements, Lord Shiva. It is said to help reduce one's ahamkara (ego), one's worries, and put one in a focused and positive frame of mind.
It is recommended that one begins her/his day by chanting this mantra with the back erect. The number 108 is considered to be a sacred number of Hinduism.
Also read about and listen to Shivashadakshara Stotra and Lingashtakam.
References/resources:
Background music: Lord of the Dawn, Jesse Gallagher
Information:
https://m.timesofindia.com/astrology/mantras-chants/know-the-importance-of-chanting-om-namah-shivay/amp_articleshow/75203903.cms
https://healthyayurveda.com/panchamahabhutas-the-5-great-elements/