Panchakshari Mantra (Om Namah Shivaya)

The Panchakshari Mantra — "Om Namah Shivaya", the five-syllable (pancha-akshari) mantra at the heart of Shiva worship.

Meaning

The five syllables "Na-Ma-Shi-Va-Ya" represent the five elements and the supreme Shiva; the mantra is a complete surrender — "I bow to Shiva", the auspicious inner Self.

Benefits

Chanted for purification, peace, devotion and liberation; the foundational Shiva mantra, suitable for japa, meditation and continuous remembrance.

The Panchakshari Mantra (Om Namah Shivaya) above is given in both Devanagari (Sanskrit) and Roman transliteration so you can read it in whichever script you are comfortable with — switch between the two using the buttons above, share the link, or download a PDF.