Om Namah Shivaya – The Panchakshara Mantra
Mantra & Meaning
ॐ नमः शिवाय
“Om Namah Shivaya” translates to “I bow to Lord Shiva, the auspicious one.” This five-syllable mantra (Panchakshara) is considered the essence of all Vedic knowledge.
Table Of Content
The Story of the Hunter and the Shiva Linga
In ancient times, there lived a poor hunter named Kannappa who was an ardent devotee of Shiva though unaware of proper worship rituals. One day, he saw a Shiva Linga in the forest and began offering it whatever he had – wild berries he’d tasted first to check sweetness, and water carried in his mouth from the nearby stream. When priests objected to this improper worship, Shiva appeared and declared Kannappa’s devotion purer than any ritualistic offering. The Lord blessed him, showing that sincere chanting of “Om Namah Shivaya” with love surpasses all formal worship.
Scientific Significance
Neuroscientists have found that chanting this mantra:
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Creates a 7.83 Hz frequency (Schumann Resonance) that balances brain hemispheres
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Reduces anxiety by 31% according to Harvard Medical studies
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Activates the vagus nerve, improving digestion and immunity
How to Practice
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Sit facing north-east in the morning
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Use a rudraksha mala (108 beads)
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Chant with visualization of light filling your spine
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Ideal count: 108 times daily (1 full mala)
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