Mahashivaratri 2025: Benefits Of Chanting Om Namah Shivaya

‘Om Namah Shivaya’- a mantra that is considered to be the most auspicious and most chanted mantras of Lord Shiva and when it’s Mahashivaratri, it becomes important to discuss the importance of Om Namah Shivaya mantra. 

The Mantra: Om Namah Shivaya & Its Meaning 

As per the Sanatan Dharma and astrology, ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ is a panchakshari mantra or the five syllable mantra where ‘Om’ is believed to be the sound of the universe meaning love and peace. ‘Namah’ and ‘Shivay’ together depict the five elements – Earth, Water, Fire, Air And Earth. These five elements are believed to be the building blocks of every creation present in this world.

Importance of Mahashivaratri

Mahashivaratri is not just a day of celebration as a part of Hindu festivals, however, it is a night of spiritual awakening and feeling connected with the supreme lord, Lord Shiva. Here are some of the importance of Mahashivaratri:

• Spiritual Awakening 

As per the Jyotish shastra, an auspicious night of Mahashivaratri defines the most ideal planetary positions for the meditation and any spiritual practices. It is believed that the cosmos aligns in a manner that assists in elevating the consciousness of the human, allowing them an opportunity of spiritual growth. 

• Celebrating Shiva’s Tandava

Maha Shivaratri is also the night that marks Lord Shiva performing his cosmic dance, the Tandava– a dance which is an amalgamation of creation, preservation and destruction at the same time. It also signifies the cycle of the universe and its ultimate dissolution.

Also read: Holi 2025: Everything You Need to Know About the Festival of Colors

• The Union Of Shiva & Shakti

The event of Mahashivaratri also symbolizes the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati in the form of ‘Ardhanaarishwara’, representing that the planet earth can only be complete when there is an appropriate balance of masculine and feminine energies which is eventually mandatory for the wellbeing of the universe.

• Mahashivaratri: The Wedding Anniversary Of Lord Shiva & Goddess Parwati

Adding more to the same thread, Mahashivaratri is also an auspicious night where all the souls and hearts of the human beings are spiritually energized and are connected with the energy of Lord Shiva as it marks the wedding anniversary of the God.

• Path To Moksha (Liberation)

The Mahashivaratri is considered to be one of the most powerful occasions that allows devotees to seek moksha or liberation from the cycle of birth, death and rebirth. On this day, many devotees observe fasting, prayers and a lot of meditative practices in an order to seek salvation and cleanse their souls. 

Benefits Of Chanting ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ On Mahashivaratri

‘Om Namah Shivaya’ is one of the most powerful mantras as it is believed that it connects human beings with the inner energy of Lord Shiva and what can be a better occasion than Mahashivaratri! If you want to avail the benefits, make sure you do it in a proper way and how it transforms your life. Well, here are some of the benefits of chanting ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ on Mahashivaratri:

• Inner Peace

Om Namah Shivaya mantra can bring inner peace making you calm and you will be able to feel less stressed.

• A Path To Moksha

It is a mantra that is believed to be a path of moksha or salvation which means this mantra can make you free from the cycle of birth and death. 

• Freedom From The Materialistic World

This mantra is effective in making you free from the materialistic world and its attachments. 

• Fulfillment Of Wishes

This mantra, if chanted on the occasion of Mahashivaratri; it is believed that it holds the potential to please Lord Shiva and He grants all your wishes.

• Healing & Sense Of Purpose

This mantra is believed to be highly effective in healing and calming the minds offering you a sense of purpose for living this life.

How To Chant ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ During Mahashivaratri?

As per the mythological books, it is believed that there is no specific way or technique for chanting Om Namah Shivaya. Devotees can chant this mantra anytime, anywhere and as much as they wish to. However, on the occasion of Mahashivaratri, devotees should make this day special by pleasing Lord Shiva. 

Mahashivaratri is taking place on February 26 & 27, 2025. The auspicious timings of puja are:

• First Prahar Puja Timing: 06:24 PM to 09:34 PM
• Second Prahar Puja Timing: 09:34 PM to 12:43 AM, Feb 27
• Third Prahar Puja Timing: 12:43 AM to 03:53 AM, Feb 27
• Fourth Prahar Puja Timing: 03:53 AM to 07:02 AM, Feb 27

Procedure Of Performing Puja On Mahashivaratri:

Before knowing the way of performing Mahashivaratri puja, all you need to know is what things or the samagri you need for doing the puja. 

Puja Items For Mahashivaratri:

• Bel leaves (Bilva Patra)
• Gangajal (holy water from the Ganges)
• Milk, yoghurt and honey
• Flowers and fruits
• Sandalwood paste
• Incense sticks and a diya (lamp)
• White cloth
• Sacred thread (kalava)

Mahashivratri 2025 Rituals And Traditions:

• Preparation: Cleanse your body and wear clean white clothes. Set up a Shiva Lingam for the puja.
• Fasting: Observe a fast throughout the day, consuming only water, fruits or milk if needed.
• Abhishekam: Offer a holy bath to the Shiva Lingam with Gangajal, milk, yoghurt, honey and water.
• Offerings: Place bel leaves, flowers and fruits on the Lingam while chanting “Om Namah Shivaya.”
• Chant Mantras: Chant the mantra ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ 108 times. You can also chant the ‘Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra’ or the “Shiva Tandava Strotam’.
• Aarti: Light a diya and incense sticks, then perform the aarti while praying for blessings.
• Meditation: End the puja by meditating and staying awake through the night, reflecting on Lord Shiva’s virtues.

However, if you are looking for puja services then you can make online Mahashivratri puja booking from pujaNpujari. You can also go for online pandit booking in case you want to do Mahashivaratri puja at home. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What is the meaning of the mantra Om Namah Shivaya?
2. ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ is a panchakshari mantra or the five-syllable mantra where ‘Om’ is believed to be the sound of the universe meaning love and peace. ‘Namah’ and ‘Shivay’ together depict the five elements – Earth, Water, Fire, Air And Earth. These five elements are believed to be the building blocks of every creation present in this world.

 

1. Why is Om Namah Shivaya significant on Mahashivratri?
2. ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ mantra plays a significant role on Mahashivaratri as it helps devotees to heal and attain inner peace, feel a sense of purpose in life, gives freedom from the materialistic world, helps in fulfilling wishes and showcases the path to moksha or salvation.

 

1. What are the spiritual benefits of chanting Om Namah Shivaya?
2. ‘Om Namah Shivaya’’ mantra brings peace to the mind and heals the soul and showcases the path to moksha. It also helps in removing negative energies. 

 

1. How many times should one chant Om Namah Shivaya on Mahashivratri?
2. It is advised to chant ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ mantra for 108 times especially on the occasion of Mahashivaratri.