Powerful Shiva Mantra: Significance and Benefits
Mahadev (महादेव) or Bhagwan Shiva (भगवान शिव) is of the three most revered Hindu deities called Tridev (त्रिदेव), the other two being Brahma Deva (ब्रह्मादेव) and Shri Hari Vishnu (श्री हरि विष्णु). However, Bhagwan Shiva is the most widely worshipped Hindu deity for a simple reason, it is believed, he can be easily pleased and devotees do not have to follow any strict puja rituals to please him. He is also considered to be benevolent and magnanimous with a big heart who gives away blessings with even the simplest of devotion and puja, hence the name Bholanath (भोलानाथ). Though He looks simple and calm from the outside, He is most complex and powerful from the inside. So, while he is Bholanath, He is also Rudradeva (the terrifying one)!
Bhagwan Shiva is a representation of Adi and Ananta, meaning, He is infinite and He is eternal. According to the Sanatan Hindu belief, He is Time (काल) and is the creator (सृजक/विधाता/रचयिता) and destroyer (अनन्त/असीम/अन्तकर्ता). According to Sanatan Hindu (सनातन धर्म) scriptures, like any other object the universe (ब्रह्माण्ड), too, has a life cycle and it regenerates after every cycle. It is believed that it is Bhagwan Shiva, who destroys the universe and then recreates a new universe with a new beginning after every cycle, hence the name, the creator and the destroyer. Mahadev (महादेव) does not indulge in any type of worldly pleasure, rather finds peace only in meditation. His most widespread image that we see is in a meditation posture. Apart from being Mahadev (meaning the most powerful of all Hindu deities), he is also the controller of negative or dark elements of the universe, like ghosts, thieves, burglars, ghouls, evil spirits, etc. hence the name Bhootnath (the Lord of ghosts).
How to Call Lord Shiva for Help?
Spiritualism and divinity is a Hindu way of life! Hindus see God in everything and hence there is a saying “kan-kan mein Shiva” (every grain of sand is Shiva). So, in every situation, good or bad, no matter what, Shiva is always in the minds of the Shiva devotees. So, when one asks, how to call Lord Shiva for help, one can call Him by any name and in any situation, but with devotion. His devotees use many names while worshipping and praising Him. Devotees also chant Lord Shiva’s powerful mantra to seek his blessings.
Some of the most common names of Bhagwan Shiva are,
- Shambhu (Benign)
- Shankara (Beneficent)
- Mahesha (Great Lord)
- Mahadeva (Great God)
- Neelkantha (one who has a blue neck)
- Nataraj (King of Dance)
- Yogishwara (Lord of Yogis)
- Vishwanath (Lord of the Universe)
- Bhootnath (Lord of Ghosts)
- Dayashankar (Merciful Lord)
- Gangadhar (one who held the Ganges in his Jata)
- Jatadhari (one with long locks of hair)
- Tripurari (the Killer of the demon Tripura)
- Trilokinath (the Lord of the Trinity)
- Trilochan (the one with three eyes)
Lord Shiva has many forms, from a calm-looking face that exudes peace and harmony, sitting as a true family man by his consort Mata Parvati’s side along with Nandi (His eternal companion bull) their children Ganesha and Kartikeya; in the form of Yogi, a nomadic beggar; as an untouchable with His dog Bhairava (भैरव); as a cosmic dancer Nataraj, and also in the forms of half male half female form (Ardhanarishvara). Each of Lord Shiva’s forms is sacred to his devotees.
Shiva Mantra and Significance of Shiva Mantra
Bhagwan Shiva is the god of destruction as well as creation and he is also a symbol of anger (Rudra) and mercy (Dayashankar) at the same time. His devotees worship Him in many ways and most of the time chant many powerful Shiva mantras for positive energy. He is the Bholanath (Lord of Innocence) and hence can be easily pleased. Many of His devotees do regular Shiva Mantra chanting along with Shiva meditation for their wish fulfilment and Lord Shiva is so benevolent he never disappoints his devotees. Devotees perform Shiva puja rituals and offer puja along with chanting of Shiv mantra for success.
With regular Shiva mantra chanting, one can gain self-esteem and become very strong inside out. The self-esteem of Shivbhakts cannot be broken easily. People who chant Shiv mantras regularly with full devotion can face any type of problem in life, and come out of it easily, as a far more confident and tough person. Whether you perform the Shiva mantra, Shiva Slokas/Shlokas, Shiva song/bhajan or Shiva meditation mantra, Lord Shiva will always be happy with your devotion, if you do these dedicatedly. Regular Shiva meditation (dhyana) and Shiva mantra chanting can also help you in cleaning your body and soul of any negative energy and bring peace and positive energy into your life and your surroundings.
How to Chant Shiva Mantra? (शिव मंत्र का जाप कैसे करें?)
In Hindu dharma, it is believed, that mantras if chanted early morning are most effective. Therefore, though many mantras can be chanted any time of the day, most devotees prefer to chant mantras early morning. Shiv Mantras (शिव मंत्र), too, should be chanted early in the morning preferably, just after taking a bath and wearing clean and washed clothes.
However, if you are unable to chant Shiv mantras early morning due to unavoidable reasons, you can chant the mantra any time of the day. Make sure, if you are unable to do it at the time of sunrise, you do it at the time of sunset. However, there is no hard and fast rule, as Bhagwan Shiva is the most altruistic diety and has no grudges about anything. If you are unable to fix a time or even fail to follow the correct time, you can still chant Shiva Mantras anytime or Prahar (a unit of time in Vedic Astrology, that is one-fourth about three hours of a day).
Here are some of the most powerful Shiva mantras you can chant daily.
Mondays are dedicated to Lord Shiva. Offering Puja to Shiva and chanting Shiva mantras on Mondays is believed to be very beneficial. You can start chanting mantras just after performing your puja. Also, reciting the Shiva mantras 108 times is considered very auspicious and regular chanting is believed to bring prosperity to the life of the devotees. You can either chant the Shiva mantra in your mind in the mode of Shiva meditation or even do it loudly.
भगवान शिव के प्रभावशाली मंत्र (Most Powerful Shiva Mantra)
1. शिव के सर्व-प्रिय मंत्र (Shiva Mool Mantra)
ॐ नमः शिवाय ||
Aum Namah Shivaya
Meaning – ‘O salutations to Lord Shiva’ or ‘Adoration to Lord Shiva’
This is one of the most powerful Shiva mantras that His devotees chant. It means the one who is chanting the mantra is bowing to Bhagwan Shiva. As per Hinduism, Shiva is the Supreme Reality or the most inner self. So, when you chant Aum Namah Shivaya, you pray for the peace of your inner self and that inner self is Shiva, and Shiva is eternal, Shiva is Supreme!
शिवपञ्चाक्षर स्तोत्र (Shiva Panchakshari Stotra)
नमः शिवाय (Namah Shivaya), exclude the ‘Aum’ or ‘Om’ is Shiva Panchakshari Stotra (शिवपञ्चाक्षर स्तोत्र) The पंचाक्षरी मन्त्र (five syllable mantra), नमः शिवाय is based on five elements (Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Sky).
न – पृथ्वी तत्त्व का (for the Earth element)
म – जल तत्त्व का (for Water element)
शि – अग्नि तत्त्व का (for Fire element)
वा – वायु तत्त्व का और (for Air element)
य – आकाश तत्त्व का (for Sky element)
Benefits of Chanting Shiv Panchakshari Mantra
Both Aum Namah Shivay and Namah Shivaya are the most powerful Shiva mantras. If you chant these mantras regularly, it will help you build your self-confidence, increase inner strength and succeed in many spheres of life. The mantras also protect from unknown fear and unsafe surroundings. Moreover, regular chanting will create positive energy around you.
Sit facing East or North and chant the Shiv Panchakshari Mantra every Monday, early morning 108 times. It is a very simple mantra and the best one to please Bhagwan Bholanath. Anyone and everyone can chant the mantra.
2. महामृत्युंजय मंत्र (Mahamrityunjaya Mantra)
ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम् |
उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान् मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात् ॥
“Aum Tryambakam yajaamahe
sugandhim pushtivardhanam |
Urvaarukamiva bandhanaan
mrityormuksheeya maamritaat ||”
Meaning
इस मंत्र का हिंदी अर्थ है कि हम भगवान शिव की पूजा करते हैं, जिनके तीन नेत्र हैं, जो सुगंधित हैं और हमारा पोषण करते हैं। जैसे फल शाखा के बंधन से मुक्त हो जाता है वैसे ही हम भी मृत्यु और नश्वरता से मुक्त हो जाएं।
We worship the three-eyed One, who is fragrant and who nourishes all.
Like the fruit falls off from the bondage of the stem, may we be liberated from death, from mortality.
- Om: The primordial sound, representing cosmic energy and the ultimate reality
- Tryambakam: Refers to Lord Shiva, who has three eyes. It signifies the three aspects of Shiva – the creator, preserver, and destroyer.
- Yajamahe: We worship or meditate upon.
- Sugandhim: The fragrance or sweet essence.
- Pushti: Strength or nourishment.
- Vardhanam: The bestower or giver.
- Urvarukamiva: Like a ripened cucumber.
- Bandhanan: Bondage or attachment.
- Mrityor: From death.
- Mukshiya: May you be liberated or free.
- Maamritat: From immortality.
Benefits of Chanting Mahamrityunjaya Mantra
“Mahamrityunjay” means “ victory over death”. One of the most powerful Shiva mantras, the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra if chanted with devotion has the power to change the destiny of a person. However, one should be very cautious about chanting this mantra, as some strict rules should be followed while chanting. If this Shiva Maha Mantra is recited regularly following all the rituals or directions, it has the power to increase the courage, confidence level and strength in a person. It can help in overcoming problems in life. Even if one is fearful about death, chanting it, is a great way to overcome the fear and sometimes even death. It also helps in healing an ailing person faster. Moreover, if somebody in the family has fallen ill seriously, the mantra is a great healer mentally and physically.
The Mahamrityunjaya Mantra should be chanted early in the morning during yagnas. Chant it 108 times with complete devotion without any distraction, facing either North or East. Anyone and everyone can chant the mantra.
3. शिव रुद्र मंत्र (Shiva Rudra Mantra)
ॐ नमो भगवते रूद्राय।
‘Om Namo Bhagwate Rudraay’
Meaning:
‘ये मंत्र रुद्र मंत्र है जिसका अर्थ है कि मैं रुद्र को, जो भगवान शिव हैं, को प्रणाम करता हूं.’
‘I bow and pray to the Almighty Lord of Rudraksha.’
In the Rigveda, Rudra is revered as the “mightiest of the mighty”, the one who eradicates all problems right from their roots. Rudra is the most fearsome Rigvedic God of storm, thunder, wind and lightning, the early form of Bhagwan Shiva, who is the mightiest of all Gods and who can eliminate all problems from His devotees’ lives.
Benefits of Chanting Shiva Rudra Mantra
This is a wish-fulfilling mantra and devotees of Bhagwan Shiva chant Shiva Rudra Mantra to praise him and seek His blessings so that all their wishes are fulfilled. This simple mantra can be chanted anytime and it can be done with very few rituals. Rudra is Lord Shiva’s other name, as He is the one who takes the Rudra Roop when required. And his Rudra Roop can be destructive which later leads to peace and calmness. It is believed if devotees religiously recite this mantra regularly it can fulfil their every wish. Bhagwan Shiva can be pleased with very simple things and simple puja as He is the most benevolent of all Gods in the Hindu religion. Anyone and everyone can chant the mantra.
4. शिव गायत्री मंत्र (Shiva Gayatri Mantra)
ॐ तत्पुरुषाय विद्महे महादेवाय धीमहि तन्नो रुद्रः प्रचोदयात ।
‘Om Tatpurushaya Vidmahe Mahadevaya Deemahi Tanno Rudrah Prachodayat’
Meaning:
मुझे अपना सारा ध्यान सर्वव्यापी महापुरुष महादेव भगवान शिव पर केंद्रित करने दें। मेरे प्रभु मुझे ज्ञान का भण्डार दें और मेरे हृदय को रुद्र के प्रकाश से भर दें, हम आपकी शरण मे हैं।
Om, let me meditate on the great Purusha, Oh, greatest God, give me higher intellect, and let God Rudra illuminate my mind.
Benefits of Chanting Shiva Gayatri Mantra
It is believed that chanting this mantra can help you balance your mental state and also provide your mind with utmost peace, and harmony and illuminate it with profound knowledge.
Chant Shiv Gayatri Mantra regularly and be blessed with peace, prosperity and great knowledge. It stabilises the restless mind and helps achieve ultimate peace and calmness. It also helps in controlling your thoughts and leads to a more peaceful, content, non-conflicting and blissful life.
Sit facing North or East and chant Shiv Gayatri Mantra early morning (from before sunrise to after sunrise), and evening (from before sunset to after sunset) 108 times. Anyone and everyone can chant the mantra.
5. शिव ध्यान मंत्र (Shiva Dhyan Mantra)
करचरणकृतं वाक् कायजं कर्मजं वा श्रवणनयनजं वा मानसंवापराधं ।
विहितं विहितं वा सर्व मेतत् क्षमस्व जय जय करुणाब्धे श्री महादेव शम्भो ॥
Karacharana Kritam Vaa Kaya Jam Karmajam Vaa
Shravannayanjam Vaa Maansam Vaa Paradham
Vihitam Vihitam Vaa Sarv Metat Kshamasva
Jay Jay Karunaabdhe Shri Mahadev Shambho
Meaning
हे भगवान शिव, कृपया मेरे हस्त, चरण, वाणी, शरीर या अन्य किसी भी शरीर के कर्म करनेवाले अंग से या कान, नेत्र या मन से, जाने-अनजाने हुए सभी अपराधों को क्षमा करें। हे महादेव, शम्भो ! आप करुणा के सागर हैं, आपकी जय हो।
Ode to the Supreme One to cleanse the body, mind, and soul of all the stress, rejection, failure, depression, and other negative forces that one faces.
Benefits of Chanting Shiva Dhyana Mantra
Shiva Dhyana Mantra is believed to be the mantra for seeking forgiveness and mercy from Lord Shiva. The mantra has the power to eliminate all negative energy from the surroundings if chanted regularly with devotion. It can clean all the evil and negative thoughts from the mind and lead to a very quiet, calm and peaceful life. It helps in calming the soul and connects one with the inner self opening one’s consciousness. One can chant the mantra while meditating. It requires complete concentration for ultimate results. One can seek forgiveness for the sins committed in the present life or a past life.
Sit facing North or East and chant the Shiva Dhyana Mantra, in the early morning after taking a bath, after sunrise 108 times. Anyone and everyone can chant the mantra.
6.एकादश रुद्र मंत्र (Ekadasa Rudra Mantra)
The 11 Ekadasa Rudra Mantras offer tribute to the 11 forms of Lord Shiva. They are:
- Kapali– ॐ हम्हं सत्रस्तम्भनाय हम हम ॐ फट (Om HumHum Satrustambhanaya Hum Hum Om Phat)
- Pingala– ॐ श्रीं ह्रीं श्रीं सर्व मंगलाय पिंगालय ॐ नमः (Om Shrim Hrim Shrim Sarva Mangalaya Pingalaya Om Namah)
- Bhima– ॐ ऐं ऐं मनो वंछिता सिद्धायै ऐं ॐ (Om Aim Aim Mano Vanchita Siddhaya Aim Aim Om)
- Virupaksha – ॐ रुद्राय रोगनशाय अगाच च राम ॐ नमः (Om Rudraya Roganashaya Agacha Cha Ram Om Namah)
- Vilohita – ॐ श्रीं ह्रीं सं ह्रीं श्रीं शंकरशनाय ॐ (Om Shrim Hrim Sam Sam Hrim Shrim Shankarshanaya Om)
- Shastha – ॐ ह्रीं ह्रीं सफाल्यायै सिद्धायै ॐ नमः (Om Hrim Hrim Safalyayai Siddhaye Om Namah)
- Ajapada – ॐ श्रीं बाम सौं बलवर्धनाय बालेश्वराय रुद्राय फूत ॐ (Om Shrim Bam Sough Balavardhanaya Baleshwaraya Rudraya Phut Om)
- Ahirbudhnya – ॐ ह्रं ह्रीं ह्रीं हम समष्ट ग्रह दोषा विनशय ॐ (Om Hram Hrim Hum Samastha Graha Dosha Vinashaya Om)
- Sambhu – ॐ ग्रं ह्लुआं श्रौं ग्लौं गाम ॐ नमः (Om Gam Hlum Shroum Glaum Gam Om Namah)
- Chanda – ॐ च्हं चण्डीश्वराय तेजस्यै च्युं ॐ फुत (Om Chum Chandishwaraya Tejasyaya Chum Om Phut)
- Bhava – ॐ भवोद भव संभाव्यै इष्ट दर्शना ॐ सॅम ॐ नमः (Om Bhavod Bhava Sambhavaya Ishta Darshana Om Sam Om Namaha)
Benefits of Chanting Ekadasa Rudra Mantras
Ekadasa Rudra Mantras, meaning 11 Shiva Mantras can be chanted to pay tribute to Mahadev that is Shiva and that is Rudra in his 11 forms. Each mantra is specific to a particular month. So should be chanted accordingly, as per the specific month allotted for each mantra for maximum benefits.
However, Shiva devotees chant this mantra during Mahashivaratri (महाशिवरात्रि ) when they perform puja and ritual and also observe fast or even during a Maha Rudra Yajna (महारुद्र यज्ञ).
You can sit facing North or East and chant the Shiv Ekadasa Mantra early morning during Maha Shivratri, Rudra Yajna, or on each specific month to which they are dedicated. Chant for 108 times. Anyone and everyone can chant the mantra.
Overall Benefits of Shiva Mantra Chanting
The Shiv Mantras (शिव मंत्र) are very powerful and beneficial if one chants them regularly with full devotion. It helps in building self-confidence, increases courage and inner potential and strength. The mantras also have the power to eliminate all the negative energies from our lives and lead us to a very peaceful and fulfilling life. Bhagwan Shiva also helps you achieve success and fulfil all your wishes as he is known to be the most magnanimous of all Hindu deities and can be easily pleased.
Above are some of the Shiva Mantras that you can recite regularly to better your life goals and bring peace, happiness, strength, positivity and prosperity in abundance.
Learn more about the positive effects of Shiva Mantras and Stotras Chanting from our professional astrologers and pandits here.
