Answered from scripture
What is the meaning of Om Namah Shivaya?
In short
Om Namah Shivaya means 'I bow to Shiva' — and, inwardly, to the still, pure awareness Shiva represents. It is the five-syllable mantra (panchakshara) of Shiva, chanted for peace, purification, and surrender. Simple and steadying, it can be repeated 108 times on a mala or whenever the mind grows restless.
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The mantra
ॐ नमः शिवाय
oṃ namaḥ śivāya
I bow to Shiva, the auspicious inner Self who transforms and frees.
In depth
The five syllables — Na-Mah-Shi-Va-Ya — give the mantra its name, panchakshara. 'Namah' is bowing, letting the small self yield; 'Shivaya' is to Shiva, the auspicious one, who stands for the calm, unchanging awareness beneath every movement of the mind.
It asks for nothing, and so can be chanted by anyone, anywhere, at any time. Many keep it for Mondays (Shiva's day), in the early morning, or before sleep — but its real home is the ordinary moment, returned to again and again, each repetition loosening the grip of a busy mind.
Related questions
What does Om Namah Shivaya mean?
'I bow to Shiva' — an offering of reverence to Shiva and to the still, pure awareness he represents. It is Shiva's five-syllable mantra (panchakshara).
When should I chant Om Namah Shivaya?
Anytime; traditionally on Mondays, in the early morning, or before sleep, and whenever the mind is restless — often 108 times on a mala.
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