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Mantra Practice Card

Om Namah Shivaya

Vedic · Liberation

Om Namah Shivaya

I bow to Shiva

Deity
Best Time Early morning (Brahma muhurta) and the evening sandhya.
Repetitions 108 repetitions per mala round.
Chakra Ajna (Third Eye) and Sahasrara (Crown).

About This Mantra

Om Namah Shivaya is the panchakshari (five-syllable) mantra sacred to Lord Shiva, considered one of the most powerful mantras in the Hindu tradition. The five syllables -- Na, Mah, Shi, Va, Ya -- correspond to the five elements (earth, water, fire, air, ether), the five senses, and the five faces of Shiva. This mantra strips away the layers of identification with the material world and reveals the pure consciousness that Shiva represents.

How to Chant

Sit in meditation posture, ideally facing north or east. If you use rudraksha mala beads, these are particularly sacred to Shiva. Begin with three Oms to settle the mind, then commence chanting Om Namah Shivaya at a steady pace. The mantra can be chanted aloud with full voice, in a whisper, or mentally.

Pronunciation Guide

Ohm Nuh-muh Shee-vah-yah. Each syllable should be given equal weight and duration. 'Namah' is two syllables with soft 'a' sounds.

Benefits

Dissolves deeply held samskaras and karmic patterns. Purifies the five elements within the body, restoring balance to the physical system. Calms the mind and reduces the compulsive tendency of thought.

Graha Connection

Saturn (Shani) and Ketu. Shiva is the great ascetic, the lord of renunciation and dissolution -- qualities associated with Saturn's discipline and Ketu's spiritual detachment.

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