Omkar Dattatray
The spiritual and religious importance of the cosmic mantra Om Namah Shivaya cannot be exaggerated as this mahamantra forms the core of Hinduism which sanatan Dharma is referred .It is the mantra recited at the birth and death of an individual and it is rightly called Aadi ta Annt .Every Sanatan ritual begins and ends with the chanting of Aum Namah Shivaya or Hari Om and it clearly shows the significance of this great and miraculous mantra .Chanting of Aum Namah Shivaya in fact leads to the salvation of the human beings and it is believed that this mantra liberates the man/women and one is destined to navigate the ocean of samsara and reach the safe and divine destination .Thus the chanting of this cosmic mantra results in the liberation of the human soul and therefore this mantra is the base ,core and essence of sanatan Dharma .It is the primal ,basic and root mantra and has utmost significance in Hinduism meaning thereby in Sanatan Dharma as any religious ritual is incomplete without the chanting of this principle mantra .Om Namah Shivaya symbolizes ,signifies and reflects four Vedas and all the three guna’s in Sanatan Dharma .The chanting of Om has great cosmic and spiritual value and its vibration is full of spiritual content and meaning .Every religious ceremony and rituals starts and comes to close with this Vedic mantra .The ancient mantra ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ rooted in the Vedas ,is dedicated to Lord Shiva and represents the five elements of which human body is formed and which also is the cause of the universe .Chanting it purifies the mind ,reduces the stress ‘.Om Namah Shivaya’ is one of the oldest and most revered mantras in Hinduism ,and it is believed to have been first mentioned in the ancient Vedic texts ,particularly the Rigveda and Yajurveda .”Om” is regarded as the primal sound of the universe ,representing the cosmic vibration that sustains all of existence .The five syllables Na,Ma,Shi,Va and Ya ,are said to represent the five elements earth ,water ,fire ,air, and ether .It is commonly dedicated to Lord Shiva and is widely chanted during religious ceremonies ,festivals like Maha Shivaratri, and daily prayers or meditation to remove obstacles and struggles from life and attain peace .In fact it also symbolizes the Sanatan Trinity of Bhrama ,Vishnu and Mahesh/Rudra/Shiva. Shaivism was one of the earliest organized forms of Hinduism ,and it found deep expression in the Tamil tradition ,where the mantra became an integral part of religious practices .In Kashmir also ,Shaivism flourished in ancient past and Kashmir was a seat of Shaivism as the Kashmiri Pandits were the worshippers of Lord Shiva and even in the present times KP’s worship Lord Shiva and propitiate Rudra to please the great Lord of destruction and also to attain peace of mind and relief from the miseries and sufferings of temporal life .The Shiva Purana and other religious texts dedicated to Lord Shiva elaborate on the power of this mantra and talk very high of the mantra .Chanting this mantra is said to purify the mind of negative thoughts ,emotions ,and attachments .Thus positivity among human beings is ensured by reciting this Vedic mantra .In Hinduism ,the mind is often the source of distractions and confusion .Regular chanting helps calm the mind ,reduce stress ,and foster clarity ,creating space for spiritual practices and higher awareness .The sound frequencies of this mantra create resonant vibrations than can heal and realign the body’s energies .Studies also reveal that particular frequencies can stimulate healing responses in the body ,providing emotional and psychological benefits .From a spiritual perspective ,chanting Om Namah Shivaya is believed to cleanse the mind of negative emotions, distractions ,and attachments .By repeating these mantras daily devotees can foster a sense of inner peace and harmony ,allowing for a deeper connection with the divine also .It results in emotional and psychological benefits .As the body and mind come into harmony through vibrations of the mantra ,practitioners may experience a reduction in anxiety ,improved focus ,and enhanced emotional well -being .In addition to its psychological benefits ,the spiritual effects of chanting this mantra are wonderful .It is believed to elevate consciousness ,helping individuals attain higher states of awareness and connect with the divine presence of Lord Shiva .The mantra ,in its simplicity and power ,serves as a bridge between the material and spiritual realms ,guiding practitioners towards liberation ,peace and self-realization .This mantra not only removes stress but promotes healing by aligning body and mind .It gives you a sense of direction and purpose in life .There are nine planets and 27 constellations in the world and this mantra integrates all these .Shiva is that nothingness ,the dark empty void of space ,from which all creation -the stars ,planets ,galaxies ,mountains ,oceans ,all living beings ,etc. manifest and into which all creation disintegrates .Shiva is not a person but 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 this 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 .This mantra brings you back to your source .Chanting or listening to mantra 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 Maha Bhoot 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 .Where 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.It has the effect of quieting the mind and so is also a good way to prepare for meditation .This mantra 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 helps you govern your mind eventually .It 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 this mantra can help nullify the effects of malefic planets to a certain extent .In short Om Namah shivaya and its chanting transforms the human beings spiritually and helps in meditation as well as elevates the practitioners .There is no exaggeration in saying that this Vedic mantra is chanted in all religious ceremonies ,festivals and rituals.
(The author is a columnist, social and KP activist)