CLASSICAL MANTRA
Shiva Panchakshari
Shiva
Shiva
The auspicious one · Mondays, Pradosh tithi, Maha Shivaratri
The mantra
ॐ नमः शिवाय
oṃ namaḥ śivāya
I bow to Shiva. The five syllables na-ma-shi-va-ya correspond to the five elements; the leading om sets the breath.
What this mantra does
The most concise Shaiva mantra. Five syllables na-ma-shi-va-ya for the five elements; the leading om sets the breath.
When to chant
At any time, in any state. Especially during illness, on Mondays, Pradosh tithi, Maha Shivaratri, and as a daily practice for any sincere seeker.
Recommended count: 108 times daily
Classical sources
Krishna Yajurveda, Taittiriya Samhita 4.5.8 (the original Shri Rudram); centerpiece of Shaiva tradition
Practise this mantra
Try the 5-stage chant flow with breath pacing, sankalpa input, and streak tracking.
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