Om Namah Shivaya

Q: How many times should I chant Om Namah Shivaya?

The traditional count is 108 repetitions, one full round of mala beads. Practitioners seeking deeper practice work toward a purascharana of 150,000 repetitions over weeks, but even a single mindful round is considered beneficial.

Q: When is the best time to chant Om Namah Shivaya?

Brahma muhurta (roughly 90 minutes before sunrise) and dusk are traditionally favored, but Om Namah Shivaya can be chanted at any time of day, especially during Pradosh or Maha Shivaratri.

ॐ नमः शिवाय · Vedic / Shaiva tradition

The Panchakshari — the five-syllable mantra of surrender to Lord Shiva, one of the most chanted mantras in the Vedic tradition.

Sanskrit and phonetics

ॐ नमः शिवाय

Phonetic: Oṁ Namaḥ Śivāya

Meaning and translation

Om, salutations to Lord Shiva. Om is the primordial sound of the universe. Namah means "not mine" or "salutations," signifying the surrender of the individual ego. Shivaya means "to Shiva," the Auspicious One, the Supreme Reality. Together, the mantra is a complete path of surrender: I bow to Lord Shiva, the auspicious one, and I release my ego to the Supreme Consciousness.

Tradition

Om Namah Shivaya belongs to the Vedic / Shaiva tradition — it is the heart mantra of Shaivism and one of the most widely practiced mantras across Hindu traditions, chanted by monks, householders, and yogis alike.

Symbolism

Known as the Panchakshari (five-syllable mantra), each syllable — Na, Ma, Shi, Va, Ya — is traditionally linked to one of the five elements (earth, water, fire, air, space) and to five actions of Shiva: creation, preservation, destruction, veiling, and grace. Chanting it is said to purify these elements within the practitioner and align the soul with divine will.

Benefits of chanting

Purifies the mind and heart, easing accumulated negativity
Cultivates deep inner peace and clarity
Deepens devotion and steadies emotional states
Traditionally associated with progress toward liberation (moksha)

How to chant

Repetitions: Begin with 108 repetitions (one mala). Sustained practitioners work toward a purascharana of 150,000 repetitions over roughly two weeks of daily practice.
Best time: Brahma muhurta (before sunrise) or dusk; also widely chanted on Mondays and during Maha Shivaratri.
Seated position: Sit cross-legged with a straight spine. Rest your attention between the eyebrows, breathing slowly and evenly. Let each repetition feel steady and unhurried.

Frequently asked questions

What does Om Namah Shivaya mean?

Om Namah Shivaya means "Om, salutations to Lord Shiva." Namah signifies the surrender of the ego, and Shivaya means "to Shiva," the auspicious one and supreme consciousness.

How many times should I chant Om Namah Shivaya?

Traditionally 108 times per sitting (one mala). Deeper practice builds toward a purascharana of 150,000 repetitions, but a single mindful round is meaningful on its own.

When is the best time to chant Om Namah Shivaya?

Brahma muhurta and dusk are favored, though it can be chanted at any time — especially on Mondays, during Pradosh, or Maha Shivaratri.

Chant this mantra in the app

Guided repetition counters, calming visuals, and progress tracking — free to start.

Explore more Vedic mantras, browse all mantras, or read our full guide to chanting Om Namah Shivaya.