Lord Shiva worship: It is said that Lord Shiva is easily pleased, his worship is simple, there is no difficult method of worshipping him, he is very innocent, emotional, easily available for devotees, such is Lord Shiva and his kindness.
Lord Shiva has been present in the universe since eternity; he is neither born nor can death take him.
Lord Shiva is beyond life and death.
His devotion brings positivity in life, with his grace, life becomes happy and prosperous.
Although Bholenath becomes pleased just by remembering him with a true heart, yet for his worship, some mantras described in the scriptures and prevalent in oral form since time immemorial are as follows.
Panchakshari Shiva Mantra:
ॐ नमः शिवाय – Om Namah Shivaya
Meaning – I bow to Shiva
The literal meaning of Om Namah Shivaya is “I bow to Shiva”. Shiva, here is the supreme reality, or in other words, the inner Self. Thus, while chanting this mantra, you call for the inner self. Shiva Panchakshari mantra is mainly for those seeking protection and safety. It boosts inner potential and strength and also fills life with positive energy. It is for everyone, and there is no restriction on this mantra. You can repeat it any way you want to.
Mahamrityunjaya Mantra:
ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम् |
उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान् मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात् ॥
Om Try-Ambakam Yajaamahe Sugandhim Pusstti-Vardhanam | Urvaarukam-Iva Bandhanaan Mrtyor-Mukssiiya Maa-[A]mrtaat ||
Meaning – Om, We Worship the Three-Eyed One, Who is Fragrant, Increasing the Nourishment. From these many Bondages similar to Cucumbers (tied to their Creepers), May I be Liberated from Death (Attachment to Perishable Things) So that I am not separated from the perception of Immortality (Immortal Essence pervading everywhere).
Mahamrityunjaya mantra is said to be the most powerful Shiva mantra lyrics. Unlike chanting Om Namah Shivaya, where you can chant any time or any way you want it to, this mantra has some restrictions. As such, you need to be aware of when and how to chant it. Chanting this mantra adds courage and other significant benefits in your life.
The Sanskrit word “Mahamrityunjaya” means “victory over dead”. So, if you want to overcome your fear of death and other kinds of material suffering, then this mantra is for you.
Rudra Mantra:
ॐ नमो भगवते रूद्राय । Om Namo Bhagwate Rudraay
This Rudra mantra is the shortcut to please Lord Shiva. It is used to get the blessing from the Lord Rudra.
Chanting this Rudra mantra is used to get your wishes fulfilled by the Lord himself.
Shiva Gayatri Mantra:
ॐ तत्पुरुषाय विद्महे महादेवाय धीमहि तन्नो रुद्रः प्रचोदयात ।
Om Tatpurushaay Vidmahe Mahadevaay Deemahi Tanno Rudrah Prachodayat
Meaning – Om, Let me meditate on the great Purusha, Oh, greatest God, give me higher intellect, and let God Rudra illuminate my mind.
Everyone knows that Gayatri Mantra is one of the most powerful Hindu mantras, and so is the Shiva Gayatri Mantra. If you want peace of mind and if you want to please Shiva, you can chant the mantra.
Shiva Dhyaan Mantra:
करचरणकृतं वाक् कायजं कर्मजं वा श्रवणनयनजं वा मानसंवापराधं ।
विहितं विहितं वा सर्व मेतत् क्षमस्व जय जय करुणाब्धे श्री महादेव शम्भो ॥
Karcharankritam Vaa Kaayjam Karmjam Vaa Shravannayanjam Vaa Maansam Vaa Paradham |
Vihitam Vihitam Vaa Sarv Metat Kshamasva Jay Jay Karunaabdhe Shree Mahadev Shambho ||
Meaning – 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.
If you are looking to meditate upon Shiva, then Shiva Dhyaan Mantra is for you. The mantra seeks to find forgiveness from the Lord for all the sins that we may have done in this life or the past, and thus, this mantra is also effective if you want to purify your soul and negativity in your life.
OM Namaste Astu Bhagawan (Shiva Stotram):
नमस्ते अस्तु भगवन विश्र्वेश्र्वराय
महादेवाय त्र्यम्बकाय त्रिपुरान्तकाय
त्रिकालाग्निकालाय कालाग्निरुद्राय
नीलकण्ठाय मृत्युंजयाय सर्वेश्र्वराय सदाशिवाय
श्रीमन् महादेवाय नमः
Namaste Astu Bhagavan
Vishveshvaraaya Mahaadevaaya
Trayambakaaya Tripurantakaaya
Trikaalaagni – Kaalaaya
Kaalaagni – Rudraaya Nilakantaaya Mrityunjayaaya
Sarveshvaraaya Sadaashivaaya
Sriman Mahadevaaya Namah.
Meaning – Oh Lord, salutations to you, Oh Lord of the Universe, Greatest of them all!
He who has three eyes (eye of omniscience), he who gives enlightenment which is beyond three (Astral, Physical & Causal) worlds, He who like fire devours all three times (Past, Present, Future) within himself, Like Time, he who ends everything, like time he who disciplines the world into order, He whose body is vast ( blue like sky, oceans), He who has conquered Yama, the Lord of Death/ Time.
Lord of all Beings, Consciousness which is untouched by the world yet everything in the world is because of him.
Ekadasa Rudra Mantra:
- Kapali:
ॐ हम्हं सत्रस्तम्भनाय हम हम ॐ फट
Om HumHum Satrustambhanaya Hum Hum Om Phat
2. Pingala:
ॐ श्रीं ह्रीं श्रीं सर्व मंगलाय पिंगालय ॐ नमः
Om Shrim Hrim Shrim Sarva Mangalaya Pingalaya Om Namah
3. Bhima:
ॐ ऐं ऐं मनो वंछिता सिद्धायै ऐं ॐ
Om Aim Aim Mano Vanchita Siddhaya Aim Aim Om
4. Virupaksha:
ॐ रुद्राय रोगनशाय अगाच च राम ॐ नमः
Om Rudraya Roganashaya Agacha Cha Ram Om Namah
5. Vilohita:
ॐ श्रीं ह्रीं सं ह्रीं श्रीं शंकरशनाय ॐ
Om Shrim Hrim Sam Sam Hrim Shrim Shankarshanaya Om
6. Shastha:
ॐ ह्रीं ह्रीं सफाल्यायै सिद्धायै ॐ नमः
Om Hrim Hrim Safalyayai Siddhaye Om Namah
7. Ajapada:
ॐ श्रीं बाम सौं बलवर्धनाय बालेश्वराय रुद्राय फूत ॐ
Om Shrim Bam Sough Balavardhanaya Baleshwaraya Rudraya Phut Om
8. Ahirbudhnya:
ॐ ह्रं ह्रीं ह्रीं हम समष्ट ग्रह दोषा विनशय ॐ
Om Hram Hrim Hum Samastha Graha Dosha Vinashaya Om
9. Sambhu:
ॐ ग्रं ह्लुआं श्रौं ग्लौं गाम ॐ नमः
Om Gam Hlum Shroum Glaum Gam Om Namah
10. Chanda:
ॐ च्हं चण्डीश्वराय तेजस्यै च्युं ॐ फुत
Om Chum Chandishwaraya Tejasyaya Chum Om Phut
11. Bhava:
ॐ भवोद भव संभाव्यै इष्ट दर्शना ॐ सॅम ॐ नमः
Om Bhavod Bhava Sambhavaya Ishta Darshana Om Sam Om Namaha
Each of these mantras is chanted individually, and when chanted together, they are referred to as the Ekadasa Rudra Mantra. Chanting these mantras is a form of worship and can be a part of one’s daily spiritual practice or during special occasions like Maha Shivaratri. It is believed to invoke the blessings and divine grace of Lord Shiva.
The Ekadasa Rudra Mantra is a powerful set of eleven mantras dedicated to Lord Rudra, a fierce and compassionate aspect of Lord Shiva. Chanting or reciting these mantras is believed to offer various spiritual, mental, and physical benefits. Here are some of the benefits associated with the Ekadasa Rudra Mantra:
- Spiritual Awakening: Chanting these mantras can lead to spiritual awakening and a deeper connection with the divine. It is considered a path to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and progress on the spiritual journey.
- Protection: It is believed that the mantras can provide protection from negative energies, evil spirits, and malevolent forces. They invoke the protective and fierce aspect of Lord Rudra.
- Healing: The vibrations of the mantras can have a healing effect on the mind and body. It is said to alleviate physical and mental ailments, promoting overall well-being.
- Reduction of Negative Karma: Chanting these mantras with devotion is thought to help reduce negative karmic influences, leading to a more positive and harmonious life.
- Stress Reduction: The soothing and powerful nature of these mantras can help reduce stress and anxiety, promoting a sense of peace and tranquility.
- Fulfillment of Desires: Devotees believe that chanting the Ekadasa Rudra Mantra can help fulfill their wishes and desires. It is often used as a means to seek blessings for specific goals.
- Improvement in Relationships: The mantras are said to promote love, compassion, and understanding, which can lead to improved relationships with family, friends, and loved ones.
- Enhanced Concentration: Regular chanting of these mantras can improve concentration and mental focus, making it a valuable practice for meditation.
- Purification: The mantras are believed to purify the mind and body, helping individuals let go of negative thoughts, emotions, and impurities.
- Dissolution of Ego: Chanting the Ekadasa Rudra Mantra with sincerity and devotion can help dissolve the ego, leading to a more humble and self-aware personality.
- Inner Strength: The mantras can instill a sense of inner strength and resilience, enabling individuals to face life’s challenges with greater fortitude.
It’s important to note that the benefits of chanting the Ekadasa Rudra Mantra are primarily spiritual and personal in nature. The actual effects may vary from person to person and depend on one’s faith, sincerity, and regular practice.
It’s always a good idea to consult with a knowledgeable spiritual teacher or guru for guidance on the proper pronunciation and practice of these mantras.