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Om Namah Shivaya

Source: Krishna Yajurveda, Taittiriya Samhita 4.5.8

Sanskrit

ॐ नमः शिवाय

Transliteration

Om Namah Shivaya

Meaning

I bow to Lord Shiva — the auspicious one, the inner self of all beings. The five syllables Na-Ma-Shi-Va-Ya represent the five elements: earth, water, fire, air, and space.

History & Significance

This is the Panchakshara mantra — the five sacred syllables that are the very essence of the Vedas. Sage Vyaghrapada and sage Patanjali are said to have attained liberation through this mantra.