In the world of spirituality and meditation, few mantras hold as much power and sacredness as “Om Namah Shivaya.” This five-syllable mantra, often called the Panchakshari Mantra, is a direct salutation to Lord Shiva — the embodiment of supreme consciousness, transformation, and cosmic balance. Repeating it 108 times is not just a ritual; it’s a deeply transformative practice that aligns your mind, body, and soul with universal energy.
In this article, we will explore what really happens when you chant “Om Namah Shivaya” 108 times — scientifically, spiritually, and psychologically. We’ll understand the meaning of each syllable, the importance of the number 108, and the inner changes this ancient chant brings.
Meaning of “Om Namah Shivaya”
Before diving into the effects of chanting it 108 times, let’s understand what this mantra actually means.
- Om (ॐ) – The primordial sound, the vibration of the universe. It represents creation, preservation, and dissolution — the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh (Shiva).
- Namah (नमः) – Means “I bow” or “I offer my respect.” It signifies surrendering the ego and aligning yourself with higher consciousness.
- Shivaya (शिवाय) – Refers to Shiva, the pure, formless aspect of divine consciousness that exists within every being.
Together, “Om Namah Shivaya” means “I bow to Lord Shiva, the supreme consciousness that dwells within and around me.”
This mantra is not limited to any religion — it is a universal vibration of peace, detachment, and self-realization.
The Power of the Number 108
You might wonder why spiritual practices often emphasize chanting mantras 108 times. This number is not random — it carries deep cosmic and scientific significance:
- 108 energy lines (nadis) converge at the heart chakra. Chanting 108 times purifies these subtle energy channels.
- There are 12 zodiac signs and 9 planets (Navagraha). Multiplying 12 × 9 = 108, symbolizing universal wholeness.
- The average distance between the Earth and the Sun is approximately 108 times the diameter of the Sun — showing a cosmic balance.
- In yogic traditions, 108 is the number of total beads in a mala, used for mantra meditation to maintain focus and rhythm.
So when you chant a mantra 108 times, you align yourself with the universal frequency and tap into cosmic harmony.
The Science Behind Chanting “Om Namah Shivaya”
Chanting affects your mind, nervous system, and energy field in measurable ways. Modern research supports the ancient belief that sound vibration can transform your inner chemistry.
- Vibrational Healing:
Every syllable of the mantra creates a specific vibration in your vocal cords, resonating through your nervous system and subtle energy centers (chakras). “Om” vibrates at the crown, while “Shivaya” energizes the throat and heart. - Activation of the Parasympathetic Nervous System:
Chanting slows your breathing and heart rate, shifting your body from a fight-or-flight state to a rest-and-heal mode. This reduces stress hormones like cortisol. - Improved Focus and Mindfulness:
Repetitive chanting trains the mind to stay present. Studies on mantra meditation show improvements in attention span and mental clarity. - Positive Brain Waves:
EEG scans show that chanting mantras like “Om” increases alpha and theta brain waves — states linked with calmness, creativity, and inner peace. - Sound Resonance and DNA Activation:
Sound is vibration, and vibration influences matter — even DNA. When you chant “Om Namah Shivaya,” your cellular structure begins to harmonize with the frequency of peace and balance.
Spiritual Benefits of Chanting “Om Namah Shivaya” 108 Times
Chanting this mantra goes far beyond relaxation. It’s a gateway to spiritual transformation. Let’s look at the deeper benefits that unfold with consistent practice.
1. Awakening of Inner Consciousness
Each repetition of “Om Namah Shivaya” is like peeling off a layer of illusion. It brings you closer to your true self — the divine consciousness hidden beneath the ego, desires, and fears. Over time, you begin to experience detachment from worldly chaos and inner stillness.
2. Cleansing of Negative Energy
Sound vibrations are powerful purifiers. When you chant 108 times, you release stuck energies — anger, guilt, fear, and resentment — from your energy body. The mantra works as a subtle detox, replacing negativity with peace and clarity.
3. Connection with Lord Shiva’s Energy
Shiva is not merely a deity; he symbolizes conscious destruction — the removal of ignorance and limitation. By chanting His name, you invite His qualities into your life: transformation, detachment, fearlessness, and spiritual wisdom.
4. Strengthening the Throat and Heart Chakras
The vibrations of “Namah Shivaya” open the Vishuddha (throat) and Anahata (heart) chakras. The throat chakra governs communication and truth, while the heart chakra governs love and compassion. Together, they help you speak from love and live authentically.
5. Karma Cleansing
Repeated chanting purifies karmic imprints stored in your subconscious mind. It burns away past patterns of negativity, making room for higher consciousness and good fortune. Many practitioners report that old emotional burdens start dissolving after consistent chanting.
6. Deep Meditation and Intuition
After 108 repetitions, the mind becomes still and introspective. This silence between chants opens the doorway to intuition and inner guidance. You start receiving insights and clarity that logic alone can’t provide.
7. Manifestation of Inner Desires
When the mind is pure and focused, your intentions become powerful. Chanting aligns your energy with the vibration of creation. If done with faith, “Om Namah Shivaya” can manifest peace, prosperity, and harmony in your outer world.
Psychological Effects of Chanting 108 Times
While spiritual transformation is subtle, the mental and emotional effects of chanting are very tangible:
- Reduces Anxiety and Depression:
Chanting activates the vagus nerve, which calms emotional turmoil and enhances mood stability. - Improves Concentration:
Repetition of the mantra keeps distractions away. It strengthens your ability to focus, similar to mindfulness meditation. - Creates Emotional Balance:
The rhythm of chanting stabilizes emotions, helping you respond with patience instead of reaction. - Enhances Self-Confidence:
Regular chanting instills a sense of surrender and trust in divine order, dissolving self-doubt and fear. - Promotes Deep Sleep:
The relaxation that follows mantra chanting helps in releasing tension, resulting in sound, uninterrupted sleep.
Physical Benefits of Chanting “Om Namah Shivaya”
Although mantra meditation seems subtle, it has direct effects on physical health:
- Improves Respiratory Health:
The controlled breathing during chanting enhances lung capacity and oxygen flow. - Lowers Blood Pressure:
Slow, rhythmic chanting calms the nervous system, helping stabilize blood pressure. - Boosts Immunity:
Stress reduction improves immune function. Chanting keeps the body in a healing state. - Strengthens Vocal Cords:
The consistent use of sound vibration massages the throat and strengthens vocal clarity. - Balances Hormones:
Regular chanting harmonizes the endocrine glands, especially the thyroid and pituitary glands.
Why 108 Times? The Energetic Explanation
When you chant a mantra once, it starts a vibration in your energy field. With every repetition, that vibration grows stronger, forming a protective spiritual aura. By the time you complete 108 repetitions, your entire aura is charged with Shiva energy.
Here’s how the energy unfolds through stages:
- 1–27 chants: Cleansing of the mind and thoughts.
- 28–54 chants: Purification of emotions and karmic energy.
- 55–81 chants: Activation of inner awareness and self-healing.
- 82–108 chants: Full alignment with divine consciousness — a state of peace and bliss.
Thus, chanting 108 times isn’t just symbolic; it’s energetic completion — the full circle of transformation.
How to Chant “Om Namah Shivaya” the Right Way
For the mantra to deliver its full benefit, it’s important to chant with the right attitude and setting. Here’s how you can practice:
1. Choose a Peaceful Environment
Select a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed. You may light a diya (lamp) or incense to create a sacred atmosphere.
2. Sit in a Comfortable Posture
Sit cross-legged on a mat or chair with your spine straight. This allows energy to flow freely through the chakras.
3. Use a Rudraksha Mala
Traditionally, devotees use a Rudraksha mala with 108 beads to count repetitions. Rudraksha beads are believed to be sacred to Lord Shiva and enhance the power of the mantra.
4. Focus on Your Breath
Take deep, slow breaths before beginning. Synchronize your chanting with your breathing for better focus.
5. Chant with Devotion
You may chant aloud or silently within. Either way, the key is faith and surrender. Feel every vibration moving through your body.
6. Maintain Consistency
Chant daily — ideally at Brahma Muhurta (early morning) or before sleep. Even 10–15 minutes daily can bring noticeable changes in your energy and mindset.
Stages of Experience During Chanting
- Initial Stage – Mental Restlessness:
The first few days, your mind may wander. Be patient and keep returning to the sound. - Middle Stage – Calm Awareness:
Gradually, thoughts slow down. You start feeling peace and a gentle warmth in your chest or forehead. - Advanced Stage – Bliss and Expansion:
After consistent practice, you may feel deep joy, tingling energy, or a sense of unity with everything around you.
These experiences are signs that your inner energy (kundalini) is awakening and aligning with higher consciousness.
Why You Should Chant Daily
Chanting “Om Namah Shivaya” 108 times daily creates a spiritual rhythm that protects and empowers you. It cleanses your aura, balances your emotions, and raises your vibration. Over time, you may notice:
- Reduced fear and anxiety
- Stronger intuition
- More compassion and patience
- Improved health and energy
- A deeper connection to divine consciousness
The mantra becomes like a shield, surrounding you with positive vibrations wherever you go.
Modern Relevance of the Ancient Mantra
In today’s fast-paced, stressful world, ancient practices like mantra chanting are not outdated — they are more relevant than ever. People across the world are rediscovering that peace and clarity do not come from external achievements but from inner alignment.
“Om Namah Shivaya” reminds us to surrender control, trust life’s process, and stay centered amidst chaos. Whether you’re spiritual or not, the sound vibration itself has the power to heal, calm, and energize.
Conclusion
When you chant “Om Namah Shivaya” 108 times, something extraordinary happens — not outside you, but within you. Your body resonates with peace, your mind quiets down, and your soul feels reconnected to its divine source.
Each repetition becomes a step toward inner purification and awakening. It transforms fear into faith, confusion into clarity, and restlessness into bliss.
The power of this mantra lies not in superstition, but in vibration and devotion. Whether whispered, sung, or meditated upon, “Om Namah Shivaya” holds the key to balance, healing, and self-realization.
So next time you sit down to chant, close your eyes, breathe deeply, and surrender to the sound. Let it echo through your being — 108 times — until you no longer chant the mantra, but become it.