Mahashivratri: The festival dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. On Mahashivratri we will celebrate many of Lord Shiva’s victories and spread stories of when he reminded us of his glory. I’m excited to share with you three simple Lord Shiva mantras and their meaning.
The union of Lord Shiva & Mother Parvati is also celebrated during this time as it reminds us when partners stand together, respect each other’s strengths and understand their weaknesses, they are a force to be reckoned with. The disagreements shown between Shiv & Shakti, assure us that no relationship is void of it’s ups and downs.
From the time we were little my Mom would have us give jal to our home Shivling every Monday. I love to know and understand the meaning of prayers and rituals so I thought I’d share the significance of the giving jal to a Shivling, how it’s related to self care and a few other Lord Shiva Mantras.
The significance of a Shivling:
Why do we give jal:
What we say while giving jal:
Om Namah Shivaya ||
Translation: I bow to you, Lord Shiva
This mantra has five syllables which represents the five elements of Mother Nature/Shakti: earth, water, fire, air and space. These elements all play a part in creation, sustainability and destruction.
{Similar Reads: Learn before you Teach | 10 Books for Parents on Hindu Culture}
It is believed that Lord Shiva can be pleased easily, loves his devotees and blesses abundantly. Below are two other Mantras that are easy to learn, along with their meanings. These Mantras are a great way to lead guided meditation with kids, or even yourself.
Om Namo Bhagwate Rudraay ||
Translation: My deepest respects to Lord Rudra
This is one of the most powerful and simplest mantras used widely for worship and meditation. It praises Lord Rudra (Shiva) in prayer and asks to bless the individual.
Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushti-Vardhanam Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityormukshiya Mamritat ||
Translation: We worship the Lord with the third eye who is fragrant and who nourishes and nurtures all beings. As a ripened cucumber is freed from its bondage, may the Lord liberate us from death for the sake of immortality.
This mantra is one of Lord Shivas most powerful mantras and is an ask for good health and to overcome all obstacles.
{Similar Reads: Hinduism For Kids: How to Introduce and Expose Children to Religion}
As a side note: I am in no way a Pujaran or Religious scholar. I grew up in a religious household where questioning the meaning and science behind our religious and rituals was deeply encouraged. While on the quest to dig deeper in my religious journey, I share my thoughts and stories with you.
Thanks and dhanyawad for this. Shaivite here in Texas. Appreciate your perspective.
Well written
Thanks for the knowledge that you gave to me🙏🙏🙏
This is my first day in life ,being member of lord Shiva.
Infinite gratitude for sharing this informative, well-written article. Anyone who wants to start doing japa of Lord Shiva mantras would be highly benefitted by going through this content.
Shiva is said to be very compassionate and easily pleased. A devotee should offer his mind, body, prana and soul to the good Lord and He will come running to the devotee.
Om Namah Shivaya
Wow ! So beautifully expressed ! Where did you find the cute shivling set with the dripping Kalash on top ans the jal pot ?! I’m writing to you from India 😁
Hi it was a gift from my mom but most pooja stores carry it
The creator of the universe,For centuries, historians and devotees have romanticized the image of Lord Shiva
om namah shivaya