Experience of Chanting 'Om Namah Shivaya': A Life-Transforming Mantra

When searching for spiritual guidance and transformation, the mantra 'Om Namah Shivaya' has emerged as a powerful tool for many seekers. This three-syllable mantra, often considered one of the most powerful mantras in Hinduism, resonates with spiritual seekers as a potent means of connecting with Lord Shiva, the supreme deity of the Hindu pantheon. Here, we delve into personal experiences with this mantra and explore its profound impact on life.

Introduction to 'Om Namah Shivaya'

The mantra 'Om Namah Shivaya' is more than just a sequence of sounds. It is a call to the infinite and benevolent Shiva, often translated as 'I bow to Shiva.' This simple yet profound mantra is believed to imbue the practitioner with the grace of Lord Shiva and bring about a transformative experience. While many recite 'Shivaye' instead, the complete form with 'Om' is considered more potent and complete.

Early Beginnings: 'Namah Shivaya'

My journey with 'Om Namah Shivaya' began when my mother, a devout Hindu, taught me the 'Namah Shivaya' version, the Maha Panchakshari Mantra. She emphasized the importance of daily spiritual practices, including the simple act of giving a daily bath to the Shiva Linga in our home. Despite growing up with a strong connection to Krishna and other deities, the presence of Shiva felt more akin to a kind uncle than a close companion. My early experiences with the mantra were minimal, more a form of respect and devotion.

Deepening Connection: A Guru's Influence

It was when I met my Guru, a revered figure in my spiritual journey, that my relationship with 'Om Namah Shivaya' truly began to flourish. She introduced me to a more complete version of the mantra, including the 'Om' at the beginning. This version was not just chanted but sung in a gentle, soothing manner. The 'Om Namah Shivaya' mantra was often used as a warm-up exercise for chanting the more complex Mrityunjaya Mantra. While I did not immediately feel a profound connection to Shiva during these sessions, the experience laid the foundation for future spiritual awakening.

Profound Transformations: Maha Shivaratri

The turning point came during the celebration of Maha Shivaratri, a day dedicated to Shiva. It was then that I experienced a profound and life-changing transformation through the power of 'Om Namah Shivaya.' Pandit Dhruv Sharma, a renowned Kashmiri Pandit and priest, initiated me into a ritual where I chanted 'Om Namah Shivaya' throughout the night, performing Rudrabhishek. This continuous chanting of the mantra while performing the ritual ceremony revealed a deeper connection to the spiritual realms.

As I poured milk and yogurt, harassed Shiva with my hands, and witnessed the symbolism of the rituals, the energy surrounding me became more profound. The Shiva Lingam, a symbol of ultimate existence, felt alive and responsive to my prayers. Each act of purification and offering brought Shiva closer to me. The mantra 'Om Namah Shivaya' became a bridge between the physical and spiritual worlds, allowing me to dive into a state of profound meditation and reflection.

Personal Journals: A Snapshot of Experience

Here is a snapshot of the profound experience I journaled:

The Shiva Lingam I worshipped felt fully alive to me. He stood in his base in a large silver bowl on the altar before which I sat. His physical form was of dark stone, smooth as skin, perfectly proportioned with His containers sitting comfortably as though on a throne in open space ready to be surrounded with life.

I poured water over His head, slicking Him black and filling His bowl with a clear shallow pool. His energy became clean, pure, simple, and silent. He sat with His eyes closed, breathing deeply. I poured milk. He drank childlike, turned white and soft as a baby's arm, smiled with love. I buried Him in yogurt. I heard His innocent laughter from within that mound of sliding curds. He squirmed luxuriously, squishing about. I rinsed Him with honey water, the yogurt fell away like a dropped cloth, and He shone naked and gold. I crowned Him with sugar, and He balanced it carefully, eyes upturned, and licked His face and grinned.

Then I washed Him clean again with water, scrubbing Him with my hands. Gritty wet sugar stuck to my fingers like sand. I poured and scrubbed until it was gone. The water in His bowl deepened and turned milky white. Now He was the Eye of God, staring at me, a dark isle in a cloudy sea.

Continued Practice and Reflection

Since that fateful night, 'Om Namah Shivaya' has continued to play a significant role in my spiritual journey. Whether performing pujas at home, visiting Shiva temples, or simply reflecting on the day of Maha Shivaratri, the mantra serves as a reminder of the eternal connection between the practitioner and Lord Shiva. It is a constant reminder to maintain a kind and honest heart, to forgive others, and to leave everything to Him.

The mantra 'Om Namah Shivaya' has not only changed my life but has instilled within me a deeper understanding of the transient nature of everything in life. Embracing the power of this mantra, believers like me can experience a profound transformation that leads to a more meditative and reflective state of being. All the best, and may the grace of Shiva guide you on your spiritual journey.