Sacred Learning

Oṃ namaḥ śivāya

Pañcākṣarī; public nāma. (Yajurvedic rudra context; not a restricted bīja-mālā.)

Canonical source text

ॐ नमः शिवाय

IAST transliteration

oṃ namaḥ śivāya

Close translation

Oṃ. Salutation to Śiva.

Reader-friendly meaning

Five syllables of greeting to the Auspicious One — a public, beloved nama for the house that lives by Śiva’s name.

Meenananda editorial explanation

This Ashram sings the pañcākṣarī in kīrtana and on Śiva’s days in the pañjikā. It is enough for daily love; when the Guru gives a further mantra, that gift is received mouth to heart. The name itself already carries the house into Śiva’s nearness. For a deeper reading of this mantra, a personal rhythm of japa, or the path of diksha, please contact Meenananda Ashram.

Practice context

Recite as your house has learned. If you have received diksha, follow the Guru’s count; otherwise ask the Ashram.

Word meanings

नमः — salutation
शिवाय — to Śiva

Public pañcākṣarī nāma; Sanskrit public domain. Sanskrit: public domain. Foundation translations: CC BY-SA 4.0.