The mantra Om Namah Shivaya (ॐ नमः शिवाय) is known as the Shiva Shadakshari Mantra, made of six sacred syllables. It translates to: “I bow to Shiva” where Shiva symbolizes inner transformation, stillness, and pure consciousness.
-
Om – the universal sound of creation
-
Namah – surrender, letting go
-
Shivaya – to Shiva, the inner Self that heals and awakens
Whether you're religious or not, chanting this mantra daily can offer mental clarity, emotional balance, and a deeper connection to your inner self. That’s why many new generation seekers are turning to this practical mantra for healing and grounding.
Meaning of Each Syllable of the Shadakshari Mantra
Each syllable has its own mantra verse, meaning, and vibration. Here we explain each with its corresponding Sanskrit verse and meaning from the Shiva Shadakshara Stotram. We begin with the most sacred syllable of all — Om (ॐ) — the sound from which all creation emerges. It is the seed of consciousness, the vibration of the cosmos, and the gateway to stillness.
Om (ॐ)
Mantra Verse:
ॐकारं बिन्दुसंयुक्तं नित्यं ध्यायंति योगिनः ।
कामदं मोक्षदं चैव ॐकाराय नमो नमः ॥
Transliteration:
Auṁkāraṁ bindusaṁyuktaṁ nityaṁ dhyāyanti yoginaḥ
Kāmadaṁ mokṣadaṁ caiva oṁkārāya namo namaḥ
Meaning:
Yogis constantly meditate on Om, the sound united with the bindu (the dot, representing source). It grants both worldly desires (kāma) and liberation (mokṣa).
With deep reverence, we bow to Om — the source and end of all things.
Na (न)
Mantra Verse:
नमन्ति ऋषयो देवा नमन्त्यप्सरसां गणाः ।
नरा नमन्ति देवेशं नकाराय नमो नमः ॥
Transliteration:
Namanti ṛṣayo devā namantyapsarasāṁ gaṇāḥ
Narā namanti deveśaṁ nakārāya namo namaḥ
Meaning:
Sages, devas, apsaras, and all beings bow to the Lord—this syllable symbolizes surrender to the Supreme.
Ma (म)
Mantra Verse:
महादेवं महात्मानं महाध्यान परायणम ।
महापापहरं देवं मकाराय नमो नमः ॥
Transliteration:
Mahādevaṁ mahātmānaṁ mahādhyānaṁ parāyaṇam
Mahāpāpaharaṁ devaṁ makārāya namo namaḥ
Meaning:
Ma represents Shiva as the great soul and remover of karmic sins—inviting purification and liberation.
Si (शि)
Mantra Verse:
शिवं शान्तं जगन्नाथं लोकानुग्रहकारकम ।
शिवमेकपदं नित्यं शिकाराय नमो नमः ॥
Transliteration:
Sivaṁ śāntaṁ jagannāthaṁ lokānugrahakārakam
Sivamekapadaṁ nityaṁ śikārāya namo namaḥ
Meaning:
Si symbolizes Shiva as peace, compassion, and the cosmic guide of all beings.
Vā (व)
Mantra Verse:
वाहनं वृषभो यस्य वासुकिः कण्ठभूषणम ।
वामे शक्तिधरं देवं वकाराय नमो नमः ॥
Transliteration:
Vāhanaṁ vṛṣabho yasya vāsukiḥ kaṇṭhabhūṣaṇam
Vāme śaktidharaṁ devaṁ vakārāya namo namaḥ
Meaning:
Vā refers to Nandi (bull) and Vasuki (serpent)—symbols of strength, energy, and Shiva’s divine presence.
Ya (य)
Mantra Verse:
यत्र यत्र स्थितो देवः सर्वव्यापी महेश्वरः ।
यो गुरुः सर्वदेवानां यकाराय नमो नमः ॥
Transliteration:
Yatra tatra sthito devaḥ sarvavyāpī maheśvaraḥ
Yo guruḥ sarvadevānāṁ yakārāya namo namaḥ
Meaning:
Ya signifies the omnipresence of Shiva, the inner Guru, and the consciousness pervading all creation.
The Inner Science Behind Om Namah Shivaya
Om Namah Shivaya works through sound and vibration. Each repetition creates a calming effect on the nervous system, helping reduce stress and increase mental clarity.
This Shiva mantra functions as a practical healing method rooted in the science of sound. The vibrations influence breath, brain patterns, and subtle energy, making it a tool for real inner balance.
Today, many turn to this mantra not out of belief, but because it regulates emotions, clears the mind, and restores inner stillness.
How to Begin Chanting Om Namah Shivaya
To begin your Om Namah Shivaya practice, choose a quiet time—early morning or evening works best. Sit comfortably and chant the mantra aloud or silently with full attention.
Start with 108 repetitions daily, ideally using a Rudraksha Japa Mala to maintain focus. Don’t worry about perfection, what matters most is your presence, devotion, and consistency.
Over time, this simple practice becomes a steady source of strength, healing, and inner calm.
Om Namah Shivaya or Shiva Shadakshara Stotram Lyrics and Transliteration
शिवषडक्षर स्तोत्रम (Shiva Shadakshara Stotram)
ॐकारं बिन्दुसंयुक्तं नित्यं ध्यायंति योगिनः ।
कामदं मोक्षदं चैव ॐकाराय नमो नमः ॥१॥
Auṁkāraṁ bindusaṁyuktaṁ nityaṁ dhyāyanti yoginaḥ
Kāmadaṁ mokṣadaṁ caiva oṁkārāya namo namaḥ
नमन्ति ऋषयो देवा नमन्त्यप्सरसां गणाः ।
नरा नमन्ति देवेशं नकाराय नमो नमः ॥२॥
Namanti ṛṣayo devā namantyapsarasāṁ gaṇāḥ
Narā namanti deveśaṁ nakārāya namo namaḥ
महादेवं महात्मानं महाध्यान परायणम ।
महापापहरं देवं मकाराय नमो नमः ॥३॥
Mahādevaṁ mahātmānaṁ mahādhyānaṁ parāyaṇam
Mahāpāpaharaṁ devaṁ makārāya namo namaḥ
शिवं शान्तं जगन्नाथं लोकानुग्रहकारकम ।
शिवमेकपदं नित्यं शिकाराय नमो नमः ॥४॥
Sivaṁ śāntaṁ jagannāthaṁ lokānugrahakārakam
Sivamekapadaṁ nityaṁ śikārāya namo namaḥ
वाहनं वृषभो यस्य वासुकिः कण्ठभूषणम ।
वामे शक्तिधरं देवं वकाराय नमो नमः ॥५॥
Vāhanaṁ vṛṣabho yasya vāsukiḥ kaṇṭhabhūṣaṇam
Vāme śaktidharaṁ vedaṁ vakārāya namo namaḥ
यत्र यत्र स्थितो देवः सर्वव्यापी महेश्वरः ।
यो गुरुः सर्वदेवानां यकाराय नमो नमः ॥६॥
Yatra tatra sthito devaḥ sarvavyāpī maheśvaraḥ
Yo guruḥ sarvadevānāṁ yakārāya namo namaḥ
