Shloka 25
देवस्तुतिवर्णनम् (Deva-stuti-varṇana) — “Description of the Gods’ Hymn/Praise”
प्रणवं पूर्वमुच्चार्य्य नमः पश्चादुदाहरेत् । शिवायेति ततः पश्चाच्छुभद्वयमतः परम्
praṇavaṃ pūrvamuccāryya namaḥ paścādudāharet | śivāyeti tataḥ paścācchubhadvayamataḥ param
First utter the Praṇava (Oṁ); then pronounce “namaḥ”. After that say “śivāya”, and finally add the two auspicious syllables thereafter—thus is the complete mantra formed.
Suta Goswami (narrating Shiva’s mantra-instruction within the Rudrasaṃhitā context)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Īśāna
Significance: Establishes the salvific upāya of mantra: pañcākṣarī-japa as a portable ‘tīrtha’ granting purification, protection, and Śiva’s prasāda irrespective of place when done with śraddhā.
Mantra: ॐ नमः शिवाय
Type: panchakshara
Role: liberating
Offering: pushpa
FAQs
It teaches the proper formation and recitation of Śiva’s mantra, emphasizing that japa beginning with Oṁ and ending in devotion to Śiva purifies the soul (paśu) and orients it toward Pati (Lord Śiva), a core Shaiva Siddhānta aim.
The mantra “Oṁ namaḥ śivāya” is a direct, saguna mode of approach—addressing Śiva as the gracious Lord who is worshipped in the Liṅga. Chanting it is a primary act of liṅga-upāsanā alongside offerings, bathing, and reverent salutations.
It indicates mantra-japa: chant Oṁ first, then “namaḥ”, then “śivāya,” completing the full recitation as “Oṁ namaḥ śivāya,” ideally with steady attention (dhyāna) and devotional intent (bhakti), especially in Śiva-pūjā and Mahāśivarātri observances.