The panch-akshar mantra, a five-syllabled mantra in praise of Bhagavan Shiva, is one of the five mantras given by Bhagavan Shankar Himself at the time of creation. This ancient formula, Om Namah Shivaaya, a wish-fulfilling mantra, is also found in the Vedas. The word namah means prostrations, adoration or homage while Shivaaya means “the Auspicious One”, that Absolute Reality, the One who is the Indweller in all beings. Literally translated, the meaning of the mantra is “I bow to You, Lord Shiva.”
A brief look at the syllables that comprise the mantra indicates some of the attributes of Lord Shiva. For example:
Na – Naagendra, the One who wears the garland of snakes
Ma – Mandaakini Salila, the One whose hair is adorned by Gangaa Maataa
Shi – Shiva, the Auspicious One
Va – Vashista, who praises the Lord
Ya – One who takes the form of Yaksha
The five syllables can be said to signify the five elements of the subtle body. These constitutive principles are: ether, air, fire, water and earth.
The primordial sound Om, used at the beginning of this and indeed, all mantras, carries many energies for it has inherent in it, the five-fold duties of Paramshiva. These duties are: creation, sustenance, destruction, removal/concealment and showering of favour and grace. The chanting of Om greatly enhances one’s own creative, sustaining and destroying energies and bestows upon us the showers of favour and grace from the Lord.
When the panch-akshar mantra is chanted with Omkaar pranav, it leads one to the heights of spiritual perfection. Every syllable of the mantra activates some part of the body, resulting in the activation of the chakras or energy centres. With this activation, the spiritual aspirant is led out of the state of ignorance to a clearer understanding of his own true nature. The quality of vairaagya or dispassion is developed and one perceives one’s entire being as the manifestation of consciousness, truth and bliss.
This Shiva mantra can also be chanted in the following way, adding to its auspiciousness and efficacy:
Om Namah Shivaaya Shubham Shubham Kuru Kuru Shivaaya Namah Om.
Special sacrifice
Shiva Puraan, a Hindu scriptural text, advises that special vrat or sacrifice can be performed by individuals who may have particular desires. The worship of Bhagavan Shiva may be conducted in the following way:
- Mould a lingam out of dirt and place on a spot where daily worship can be carried out.
- Daily worship should be performed making various offerings, e.g. water, chandan, flowers, incense, essence, aarti, prasaad. Havan may also be performed.
- The panch-akshar mantra should be recited in the following manner: Om Namah Shivaaya, Shivaaya Namah Om.
- At the end of the sacrifice, the earthen lingam should be broken up and dissolved in running water.
Further details on this sacrifice can be obtained from your pundits.
As the Hindu world marks the auspicious occasion of Maha Shiva Raatri on February 24, 2017, it is advisable that all should intensify their efforts to worship Bhagavan Shiva, by making additional sacrifices and drinking in His glories, thereby bringing showers of blessings into their lives.
