Shloka 127
Praṇava-Māhātmya and the Twofold Mantra (Sūkṣma–Sthūla) in Śaiva Sādhanā
पुनश्च पंचलक्षेण मंत्रब्राह्मण उच्यते । शूद्र श्चैव नमओंतेन पंचविंशतिलक्षतः
punaśca paṃcalakṣeṇa maṃtrabrāhmaṇa ucyate | śūdra ścaiva namaoṃtena paṃcaviṃśatilakṣataḥ
Further, by completing five lakhs of mantra-japa one is spoken of as a “mantra-brāhmaṇa,” purified and established in mantra-discipline. And even a Śūdra, by the japa of the Nama–Oṁ mantra, attains that status through twenty-five lakhs (2,500,000) repetitions.
Suta Goswami (narrating the Shiva Purana teachings to the sages at Naimisharanya)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Īśāna
Significance: Affirms universal eligibility for Śiva-mantra through sustained japa; pilgrimage-fruit is interiorized as purification and adhikāra rather than mere travel.
Mantra: namaḥ oṃ (as ‘nama–oṃ’ formula, per verse wording)
Type: panchakshara
FAQs
It teaches that sustained mantra-japa purifies and elevates the practitioner; spiritual qualification is grounded in disciplined sadhana rather than mere birth-status, aligning with Shaiva emphasis on inner purification through Shiva-mantra.
Mantra-japa—especially Nama/Oṁ-based Shiva invocation—supports Saguna Shiva worship (Linga-puja) by steadying devotion, focusing mind and prana, and making the devotee fit for ritual and contemplative absorption in Shiva.
Regular, counted japa of Shiva’s Name with Oṁ (commonly linked with Om Namaḥ Śivāya), ideally alongside Linga worship, purity observances, and steady daily practice until the prescribed lakhs are completed.