“Om Namah Shivaya” means “I bow to Shiva, the Supreme Auspicious One.” It signifies a deep reverence for Shiva—the inner Self, the ever-auspicious divine force that resides in all beings, and everywhere.
“Om Namah Shivaya” is not just a mantra—it’s a spiritual vibration, a cosmic key that opens the door to inner stillness, transformation, and union with the divine.
Revered across Hinduism, yoga traditions, and meditation circles, this five-syllable mantra holds mystical power and philosophical depth. In this guide, we explore the true meaning of Om Namah Shivaya, its spiritual significance, and how to use it in your daily life for inner peace, healing, and awakening.
🕉️ What Does “Om Namah Shivaya” Mean?
“Om Namah Shivaya” (ॐ नमः शिवाय) is a Sanskrit mantra that means:
“I bow to Shiva,”
“I pay my deepest respect to the Supreme Auspiciousness,”
or more profoundly,
“I honor the divine Self within me that is Shiva.”
Guruji Sri Amit Ray said, this mantra is a five-syllable mantra (Na, Ma, Shi, Va, Ya), excluding the “Om,” and represents the five elements of the universe (earth, water, fire, air, and space) and the Om represent the pure consciousness aspects of Shiva. The concept of 72,000 nadis (energy channels) in the body is related to this mantra and the flow of prana (life force) through the body, where Shiva is considered the source of all energy, emotions, peace, and consciousness.
The mantra is for connecting with Lord Shiva and the meanings of Shiva, the auspicious one.
“Each syllable of “Om Namah Shivaya” is a step of grace and expansion — grounding you in earth, flowing with water, igniting your divine fire, riding the winds, and resting in the vast sky of pure divine consciousness.” – Sri Guru Amit Ray
Shiva Meditation
🔤 Breakdown of the Mantra:
Om (ॐ) – The primordial sound; the vibration of the universe; the source of all creation.
Namah (नमः) – To bow, to honor, to offer respect.
Shivaya (शिवाय) – To Shiva, the auspicious one, the supreme consciousness.
🧘♀️ Together, it translates to:
“Salutations to the Supreme Being, to the inner Self, to Shiva—the embodiment of truth, peace, and transcendence.”
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