Om Namah Shivaya — meaning
ॐ नमः शिवाय
Oṁ Namaḥ Śivāya
“Om, I bow to Shiva” — I bow to the auspicious one, the inner Self of all.
Shri Rudram · Krishna YajurvedaOm Namah Shivaya is the most beloved mantra of Lord Shiva. Without Om it is called the Panchakshari — the five-syllable mantra न-मः-शि-वा-य; with Om it is sometimes called the Shadakshari (six-syllable) mantra. The words namaḥ śivāya ca appear in the Shri Rudram (Taittiriya Samhita of the Krishna Yajurveda), and Adi Shankaracharya's Shiva Panchakshara Stotram sings one verse for each syllable.
Om Namah Shivaya jap — quick facts
| Deity | Lord Shiva (Mahadev) |
|---|---|
| Syllables | Na · Mah · Shi · Va · Ya (5) — with Om, 6 |
| Source | Shri Rudram, Krishna Yajurveda (Taittiriya Samhita 4.5) |
| Traditional mala | Rudraksha, 108 beads + sumeru |
| Auspicious days | Mondays (Somvar), Pradosh, Masik Shivratri, Mahashivratri and the month of Shravan (Sawan) |
| One mala takes | About 4–6 minutes |
The five syllables and the five elements
In the Shaiva tradition the five syllables are linked with the five elements (pancha bhuta) of which the body and the universe are made. Chanting the Panchakshari is understood as offering all five back to Shiva.
| Syllable | Element | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| न Na | Earth (Prithvi) | Stability, the body |
| मः Mah | Water (Jal) | Flow, emotions |
| शि Shi | Fire (Agni) | Transformation — Shiva himself |
| वा Va | Air (Vayu) | Breath, grace |
| य Ya | Space (Akasha) | The soul, infinity |
Finding your Ishta Devta
Thanks to Premanand Ji Maharaj, lakhs of people have started chanting the Name — and many ask: whose name should I chant? The first tip is simple: ask your heart which name gives you the deepest feeling.
If you are still not sure, try different names for a week each. Within a week you will naturally feel clearer about who your Ishta Devta or Devi (chosen deity) is — and then keep chanting that same name again and again. If you still have no clarity, chant Om — continuously, Om, Om, Om.
Why take a 21-day challenge?
Whichever name you begin with, we suggest a 21-day challenge. Twenty-one days of consistent daily action is a widely used foundation for building a new habit and letting old ones go. Chanting at least one mala every day for 21 days brings steadiness to the mind, discipline to the day and a real sense of connection.
Open My progress in the counter and tap 21-Day Sadhana → Start today. The counter marks each day you complete a mala and shows your 21 circles filling up. Keep going — you can achieve anything in life.
How to chant Om Namah Shivaya with this counter
- Tap the malaEvery tap counts one Om Namah Shivaya. The glowing bead moves forward just like a real jap mala. On a computer, press Space or Enter.
- 108 taps = one malaAt 108 the temple bell rings, flower petals fall and your mala count goes up. The next mala begins automatically — no need to reset.
- Made a mistake?Press Undo to remove the last count. Reset only clears the current mala; your daily and lifetime totals stay safe.
- Track your sadhanaOpen My progress to see today, your streak, a 7-day chart, an 18-week calendar and the 70,000 Naam Challenge. Use Focus for a full-screen, tap-anywhere counter.
Frequently asked questions
How many times should I chant Om Namah Shivaya daily?
One mala of 108 is the traditional daily minimum. Many devotees chant 3, 5 or 11 malas, and more on Mondays, Pradosh and Mahashivratri. Set your number as the daily goal in Settings.
How do I know which name to chant?
Ask your heart which name gives you the most feeling. If you are unsure, try different names for a week each; you will naturally get clarity about your Ishta Devta or Devi, and can then chant that name again and again.
What if I cannot decide which deity’s name to chant?
Chant Om. You can continuously chant “Om Om Om”. The sacred sound of Om is universal and connects you to the Divine whatever your chosen deity.
Why should I take a 21-day naam jap challenge?
Twenty-one days of consistent daily action is a common foundation for forming a new habit. A 21-day sadhana — at least one mala every day — brings discipline and steadiness. Start it from “My progress” in the counter.
Do I need a Rudraksha mala to chant Om Namah Shivaya?
Rudraksha is the traditional mala for Shiva, but it is not required. This online counter keeps the count for you wherever you are; you can also switch the on-screen beads to Rudraksha in Settings.
Can women chant Om Namah Shivaya?
Yes. Om Namah Shivaya is chanted by devotees of every age and gender. Chant with devotion and a clean mind.
Who has inspired people to start naam jap?
Many saints — and in recent years especially Premanand Ji Maharaj of Vrindavan — have inspired lakhs of people to begin chanting the Name. Their guidance has helped countless devotees find their path through naam jap.