Shiva Mantra or Chants
Shiva mantra, also known as Shiva chants, are sacred sounds or phrases that are recited to honor and invoke Lord Shiva, one of the primary deities in Hinduism. These chants are used during rituals, worship, and meditation.
Om Namah Shivaya (ॐ नमः शिवाय )
ॐ नमः शिवाय
Om Namah Shivaya
“I bow to Shiva.”
This chant is the most fundamental mantra dedicated to Lord Shiva. The mantra is known as the Panchakshari mantra because it consists of five syllables (“Na” “Ma” “Shi” “Va” “Ya”) besides the primordial Aum. Each syllable in this five-syllable mantra (na-mah-shi-va-ya) is believed to represent five elements of the universe – Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space. Chanting this mantra is said to cleanse one’s spirit and bring peace, prosperity, and harmony. This mantra can be recited at any time and is often used in meditation and daily prayer.
Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra (महा मृत्युंजय मंत्र)
ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम्,
उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान्, मृत्योर्मुक्षीय माऽमृतात्
Om tryambakam yajamahe sugandhim pusti-vardhanam,
urvarukamiva bandhanan, mrityor mukshiya mamritat
“We worship the three-eyed one (Shiva), who is fragrant and nourishes all.
Like the fruit falls off from the bondage of the stem, may we be liberated from death for the sake of immortality.”
This mantra is often recited for longevity, to ward off illnesses, and to overcome the fear of death. It rejuvenates and bestows health, wealth, and long life, leading to immortality. Many people recite this mantra when they or their loved ones face physical or mental distress.
It is preferred to chant this mantra 108 times (a sacred number in Hinduism) in the early morning, considered the most auspicious time for prayer.
Rudra Mantra (रुद्र मंत्र )
ॐ नमो भगवते रुद्राय
Om Namo Bhagwate Rudraay
“I bow to the all-pervading Lord, Rudra.”
The Rudra mantra is often recited to remove negative energies and to bring tranquility and peace. It is used to invoke Lord Rudra, who is a fierce form of Lord Shiva. This mantra is often used during Shiva worship and the sacred ritual of Rudra Abhishekam.
Shiva Gayatri Mantra (शिव गायत्री मंत्र)
ॐ तत्पुरुषाय विद्महे महादेवाय धीमहि, तन्नो रुद्रः प्रचोदयात्
Om Tatpurushaya Vidmahe Mahadevaya Dhimahi, Tanno Rudrah Prachodayat
“Let me meditate on the great Purusha, Oh, greatest God, give me higher intellect, and let God Rudra illuminate my mind.”
The Shiva Gayatri is a powerful mantra that can be used to gain peace and enlightenment. It increases one’s intellectual ability and seeks guidance from the supreme divine reality to illuminate the intellect. This mantra is often recited during morning prayers or meditation sessions.
Shiva Dhyaan Mantra(शिव ध्यान मंत्र)
करचरण कृतं वा कायजं कर्मजं वा,
श्रवणनयनजं वा मानसं वापराधं,
विहितं विहितं वा सर्व मेतत् क्षमस्व,
जय जय करुणाब्धे श्री महादेव शम्भो
Karacharana Kritham Va, Kayajam Karmajam Va,
Shravananayanajam Va, Manasam Vaparadham,
Vihitam Vihitam Va, Sarvametat Kshamasva,
Jaya Jaya Karunabdhe, Sri Mahadeva Shambho
“Whatever sins I have committed with my hands, feet, actions, ears, eyes, or mind, and whether they are intentional or unintentional, forgive me for all those: Jaya, Jaya, ocean of compassion, great God, Shambhu.”
This mantra is often used during meditation and seeks forgiveness for any sins committed, knowingly or unknowingly. The reciter humbly asks for forgiveness and seeks blessings from Lord Shiva. It’s often recited at the end of prayers or religious rituals to ensure that any mistakes made during the performance are pardoned.
