Meaning & Translation
Sanskrit
ॐ नमः शिवाय
Transliteration
Om Na-mah Shi-va-ya
Pronunciation
ohm NAH-mah shih-VAH-yah
Deity / Quality Invoked
Shiva
Full Translation
Om Namah Shivaya is one of the most popular mantras in Shaivism, a branch of Hinduism. Each syllable (Na, Ma, Shi, Va, Ya) corresponds to the five elements: earth, water, fire, air, and space. Together, they represent the totality of existence and our surrender to the divine consciousness.
Spiritual Significance
This mantra is an invocation to Lord Shiva as the universal consciousness — the source of all that is. Repeating it purifies the mind, awakens inner stillness, and aligns us with the deeper truth of our nature. It is both a prayer and a recognition of the divine spark within.
Cultural Context & History
Rooted in the Shaiva Agamas and the Shiva Purana, this mantra has been chanted in temples, in forests, and in homes across India for thousands of years. It appears in the Sri Rudram, one of the oldest Vedic hymns.
For Leaders
Chords and structure for leading this chant on harmonium or guitar — transcribed from the linked recording. New to leading? Read our guide to leading kirtan →
Original key
Am
Tempo & feel
Slow and devotional (~65 bpm); let each repetition breathe
Chord Chart
Strumming & rhythm (4/4)
D = downstrum, U = upstrum, · = let it ring. heartbeat pulse: deep 1, softer 3 with a breath of an up; the traditional lub-dub under this chant.
Call
Response
Call & Response Structure
Call and response on the same melody. The F chord in the response line is the emotional lift — save it for the response so the two halves feel distinct. Works beautifully with a long harmonium drone on A between rounds.