People have known and realized the power of the ‘mantras’ for thousands of years. In Vedic times, warriors used the power of these mantras to create desired effects on the opposite army. In addition to this, the mantras can help influence behavior in positive ways.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!What are Mantras
In simple language, Mantras are the sacred syllables or phrases (mostly in the Sanskrit language), which are repeated to produce a powerful effect. These mantras have a spiritual significance and are believed to profoundly affect our day-to-day lives.
Lord Shiva
Shiva, meaning “auspicious,” is one of the principal deities in Hinduism. He is regarded as one of the three gods in the divine trinity, known as the ‘Tridev.’ While Lord Brahma is known as the creator and Lord Vishnu as the preserver, Lord Shiva holds the revered role of the destroyer, particularly of evil forces.
Shiva Chants and Mantras
There are numerous shlokas, chants, and mantras dedicated to Lord Shiva, each carrying its own profound significance and immense power. According to Hindu mythology, several Shiva mantras exist for devotees to chant. Below are six of the most powerful mantras. When chanted sincerely with true devotion, these mantras are believed to please Lord Shiva, who then bestows the desired blessings. All six mantras mentioned here are simple, easy to remember, and can be chanted effortlessly.
Mahamrityunjaya Mantra
This is a highly powerful and sacred mantra. Being deeply revered, it cannot be chanted at just any time. ‘Mrityunjaya’ means “victory over death,” and it carries profound significance. The Mahamrityunjaya Mantra is one of the most potent and respected mantras dedicated to Lord Shiva. Also known as the Tryambakam Mantra or the Death-Conquering Mantra, it is specifically chanted by those seeking to overcome the fear of untimely death and other forms of physical suffering. In such situations, this mantra proves to be extremely powerful and beneficial.
Mantra:
ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम्।
उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान् मृत्योर्मुक्षीय माऽमृतात्॥Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam
Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya MaamritatMeaning:
“We meditate on the three-eyed one (Lord Shiva), who permeates and nourishes all like a fragrance. May he liberate us from the bondage of worldly attachments and death, bestowing us with the nectar of immortality.”
Rudra Mantra
The Rudra Mantra is a powerful invocation dedicated to Lord Rudra, a fierce and destructive aspect of Shiva. This mantra is commonly recited to seek protection and blessings from Lord Rudra.
The Rudra Gayatri Mantra is particularly powerful for fulfilling one’s desires. Chanting this mantra is an excellent way to please Lord Shiva and receive his divine blessings. Through sincere recitation, one can attain the grace and favor of Lord Rudra.
Mantra:
ॐ नमो भगवते रुद्राय
Om Namo Bhagavate Rudraya
Meaning:
“I bow to the mighty Lord Rudra.”
Shiva Gayatri /Tatpurushaya Mantra
The Shiva Gayatri Mantra is a powerful invocation that seeks the blessings and guidance of Lord Shiva. It is often recited to attain spiritual wisdom and enlightenment.
Mantra:
ॐ तत्पुरुषाय विद्महे महादेवाय धीमहि।
तन्नो रुद्रः प्रचोदयात्॥Om Tatpurushaya Vidmahe Mahadevaya Dhimahi
Tanno Rudrah PrachodayatMeaning:
“We meditate on the great Purusha (Supreme Being), contemplating upon Mahadeva (the Great God). May Lord Rudra (Shiva) enlighten our minds and lead us towards the path of righteousness.”
Om Shrikanthaya Namah (Of Glorious Neck)
This mantra is dedicated to Lord Shiva, glorifying his auspicious and beautiful neck adorned with serpents and the crescent moon.
Mantra:
ॐ श्रीकण्ठाय नमः
Om Shrikanthaya Namah
Meaning:
“I bow to Lord Shiva, the one with the glorious neck.”
Om Namaste Astu Bhagawan
This mantra is a respectful salutation to Lord Shiva, acknowledging his supreme power and presence.
Mantra:
ॐ नमस्ते अस्तु भगवन्
Om Namaste Astu Bhagawan
Meaning:
“I bow to you, O Lord.”
Om Ugraya Namah
This mantra is dedicated to the fierce and powerful form of Lord Shiva, known as Ugra.
Mantra:
ॐ उग्राय नमः
Om Ugraya Namah
Meaning:
“I bow to the fierce and powerful Lord Shiva.”
Shivashtakam
The Shivashtakam is a popular hymn consisting of eight verses that extol the virtues and glory of Lord Shiva.
Stotra:
प्रभुमीशमिनादं वन्देऽहं शशिधरमिन्द्र्यान्तरं सर्वदेवं।
लशुलिनमपर्वणं शम्भुंशिवं महेशं महाज्ञानदं सर्वभूताधिवासं॥१॥शरणागतदीनार्त्तपरित्राणपरायणं।
सर्वस्यार्तिहरं देवं चण्डं वन्दे महेश्वरं॥२॥प्रलयः कलयः कालः कल्पान्ते केशवाध्वान्नाशकः।
सर्वात्मा चोत्तमः शम्भुः शर्वोऽहं वन्दे महेश्वरं॥३॥सर्वशक्तिस्वरूपं च शम्भुं शशिनाम्बुधेः सुतम्।
सर्वेशं चुमाकान्तं वन्देऽहं परमेश्वरं॥४॥महाकायं महावीर्यं महाबलपराक्रमं।
महाबुद्धिं महाशक्तिं वन्देऽहं परमेश्वरं॥५॥सर्वमङ्गलमाङ्गल्यं सर्वपापप्रणाशनं।
सर्वसिद्धिप्रदातारं वन्देऽहं परमेश्वरं॥६॥महायोगीश्वरं चापि मन्दारधुपभूषितम्।
सर्वलोकैकनायकं वन्देऽहं परमेश्वरं॥७॥सर्वपापविनाशं च सर्वसंकटनाशनं।
सर्वदुःखप्रणाशं च वन्देऽहं परमेश्वरं॥८॥Prabhum Isham Anaadam Vande’ham Shashidharam Indrayantraam Sarva Devam
Lashulinam Aparvanam Shambhum Shivam Mahesham Mahajnaanadam SarvabhootaadhivaasamSharanagatadeenaarttaparitranaparayanam
Sarvasyaartiharam Devam Chandam Vande MaheshwaramPralayah Kalayah Kalah Kalpante Keshavadhvan Naashakah
Sarvaatma Chottamah Shambhuh Sharvo’ham Vande MaheshwaramSarvashaktisvaroopam Cha Shambhum Shashinambudheh Sutam
Sarvesham Cha Umaakantam Vande’ham ParameshwaramMahakaayam Mahaveeryam Mahabala Parakramam
Mahabuddhim Mahashaktim Vande’ham ParameshwaramSarvamangalam Aangalyam Sarvapapapranashanam
Sarvasiddhipradaataram Vande’ham ParameshwaramMahaayogeeshwaram Chaapi Mandaaradhupabhooshitam
Sarvalokaikanayakam Vande’ham ParameshwaramSarvapapavinaasham Cha Sarvasankatanaashanam
Sarvaduhkhapranasham Cha Vande’ham ParameshwaramMeaning:
“I bow to Lord Shiva, the master of the universe, who wears the moon on his head, who is supreme among the gods. I bow to the all-powerful Lord who resides in the hearts of all beings. I bow to the fierce and powerful Lord who destroys all obstacles and fears. I bow to the supreme Lord who grants all forms of blessings and spiritual wisdom.”
Om Shambhave Namah
This mantra is a respectful salutation to Lord Shiva, recognizing him as Shambhu, the auspicious one.
Mantra:
ॐ शम्भवे नमःOm Shambhave NamahMeaning:
“I bow to Lord Shiva, the auspicious one.”
Om Shankaraya Namah
This mantra is a respectful salutation to Lord Shiva, recognizing him as Shankara, the beneficent one.
Mantra:
ॐ शंकराय नमःOm Shankaraya NamahMeaning:
“I bow to Lord Shiva, the beneficent one.”
Shiv Dhyaana Mantra
This shloka is a bedtime prayer to God that seeks forgiveness from Lord Shiva for any sin that you may have done along the course of work and life, knowingly or unknowingly. By your grace, we have completed one more day of our life. So, in order to thank Lord Shiva, who is the lord of mercy and compassion, and ask for his mercy.
Mantra:
करचरण कृतं वाक्कायजं कर्मजं वा ।
श्रवणनयनजं वा मानसं वापराधं ।
विहितमविहितं वा सर्वमेतत्क्षमस्व ।
जय जय करुणाब्धे श्रीमहादेव शम्भो ॥
“Karcharankritam Vaa Kaayjam Karmjam Vaa
Shravannayanjam Vaa Maansam Vaa Paradham
Vihitam Vihitam Vaa Sarv Metat Kshamasva
Jay Jay Karunaabdhe Shree Mahadev Shambho”
Meaning of the Mantra: O Lord of mercy, kindly forgive all my sins, whether committed consciously or unconsciously. I humbly request you to pardon the wrongful actions performed by my hands and feet, as well as those caused by my words or deeds. Please forgive the sinful acts committed through my senses, such as my ears and eyes, or through sinful thoughts that have entered my mind. Grant forgiveness for all misdeeds committed during the fulfillment of my duties, as well as any actions not explicitly prescribed. I seek your forgiveness for all my sins. Victory to you, Mahadev, Shambho, for you are the boundless ocean of compassion.
The Right Way to Chant Shiva Mantra
- Wake Up Early: Start your day early, take a bath, and wear clean clothes before heading to the temple.
- Prepare Offerings: Bring a mixture of water, kachha doodh (raw milk), and honey to offer at the Shivling.
- Light a Diya: Before chanting the mantras, light a diya (lamp) in front of the Shivling.
- Recite the Mantra: Sit calmly in front of the Shivling, close your eyes, and recite the Shiva mantra with complete devotion.
- Make Offerings: Offer Bel leaves, Dhatura, fresh fruits, and flowers to Lord Shiva.
- Chant the Aarti: At the end of the puja, chant the Aarti mantra before lighting the Aarti.
Benefits of Chanting Shiva Mantras
Compared to all other mantras, the Shiv Mantras are believed to be exceptionally powerful. Chanting these mantras invokes Lord Shiva to remove obstacles and eliminate enemies from one’s path.
The Shiv mantras and Shiv Stotras are also thought to possess the ability to defy untimely death, which is why they are referred to as ‘Raksha Kawach’ (shield of protection). These mantras have immense healing power. The Mahamrityunjaya Mantra, in particular, is chanted for protection against untimely death, fears, and misdeeds.
FAQs
Q. What are Shiva Mantras?
Ans. Shiva Mantras are sacred chants dedicated to Lord Shiva, designed to invoke his blessings, protection, and guidance. They are believed to have powerful effects on the mind, body, and spirit.
Q. How do I choose the right Shiva Mantra to chant?
Ans. Choosing the right Shiva Mantra depends on your intentions and needs. For protection and overcoming fears, the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra is often recommended. For peace and mental clarity, you might consider the Om Namah Shivaya mantra.
Q. Is there a specific time to chant Shiva Mantras?
Ans. While Shiva Mantras can be chanted at any time, early morning (Brahma Muhurta) is considered particularly auspicious. Fridays and Mondays are also regarded as special days for worshipping Lord Shiva.
Q. Can I chant Shiva Mantras at home?
Ans. Yes, you can chant Shiva Mantras at home. It’s beneficial to create a clean and peaceful space, preferably with a small altar dedicated to Lord Shiva, where you can sit and chant with devotion.
Q. How many times should I chant a Shiva Mantra?
Ans. The number of times to chant a Shiva Mantra can vary. Many devotees follow the practice of chanting a specific number, such as 108 times, often using a mala (prayer beads) to keep track of their recitations. However, the focus should be on sincerity and devotion rather than just quantity.
