Powerful Lord Shiva Chants and Mantras

For thousands of years, people have known and realized the power of the ‘mantras’. In Vedic times, warriors used the power of these mantras to create desired effects on the opposite army. In addition to this, the mantras can help influence behavior in positive ways.

Read More: All About Lord Shiva

What are Mantras

In simple language, Mantras are the sacred syllables or phrases (mostly in the Sanskrit language), which are repeated to produce a powerful effect. These mantras have a spiritual significance and are believed to have a profound effect on our day-to-day lives.

Lord Shiva

Shiva, meaning auspicious, is one of the main deities of Hinduism. Believed to be one of three gods among the ‘tridevs’ (trinity of gods), Shiva is one of the most revered gods. While Lord Brahma is believed to be the creator and Lord Vishnu, the preserver, Lord Shiva is believed to be the destroyer of the evil.

Read More: Shivji and his Avataars

Shiva Chants and Mantras

There are several shlokas, chants, and mantras dedicated to Lord Shiva. Each mantra has its own unique significance and is very powerful.

According to Hindu mythology, there are many Shiva mantras to chant.  Given below are 6 of the most powerful mantras. If someone chants these mantras sincerely with proper devotion, it pleases Lord Shiva and he gives the desired results. All these 6 mantras, mentioned below, are very simple, can be remembered and chanted easily.

Mahamrityunjaya Mantra

This is a very powerful mantra and sacred mantra. Being a very sacred mantra, it cannot be chanted anytime. ‘Mrityunjaya’ means “victory over the death”. This has a very specific significance. The Mahamrityunjaya Mantra is one of the most potent and revered mantras dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is also known as the Tryambakam Mantra or the Death Conquering Mantra. This mantra is used for a person, who wants to remove the fear of untimely death and overcome other forms of physical suffering. In such cases, it is very powerful and useful.

Mantra:

ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम्।
उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान् मृत्योर्मुक्षीय माऽमृतात्॥

Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam
Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat

Meaning:

“We meditate on the three-eyed one (Lord Shiva), who permeates and nourishes all like a fragrance. May he liberate us from the bondage of worldly attachments and death, bestowing us with the nectar of immortality.”

Rudra Mantra

The Rudra Mantra is a powerful invocation dedicated to Lord Rudra, an aspect of Shiva known for his fierce and destructive form. This mantra is often recited to seek protection and blessings.

The Rudra Gayatri mantra is very useful and powerful to fulfill your desires. Mantra is the best way to please Lord Shiva and get his blessings. By chanting this mantra, you get Rudra’s blessing.

Mantra:

ॐ नमो भगवते रुद्राय

Om Namo Bhagavate Rudraya

Meaning:

“I bow to the mighty Lord Rudra.”

Shiva Gayatri /Tatpurushaya Mantra

The Shiva Gayatri Mantra is a powerful invocation that seeks the blessings and guidance of Lord Shiva. It is often recited to attain spiritual wisdom and enlightenment.

Mantra:

ॐ तत्पुरुषाय विद्महे महादेवाय धीमहि।
तन्नो रुद्रः प्रचोदयात्॥

Om Tatpurushaya Vidmahe Mahadevaya Dhimahi
Tanno Rudrah Prachodayat

Meaning:

“We meditate on the great Purusha (Supreme Being), contemplating upon Mahadeva (the Great God). May Lord Rudra (Shiva) enlighten our minds and lead us towards the path of righteousness.”

Om Shrikanthaya Namah (Of Glorious Neck)

This mantra is dedicated to Lord Shiva, glorifying his auspicious and beautiful neck adorned with serpents and the crescent moon.

Mantra:

ॐ श्रीकण्ठाय नमः

Om Shrikanthaya Namah

Meaning:

“I bow to Lord Shiva, the one with the glorious neck.”

Om Namaste Astu Bhagawan

This mantra is a respectful salutation to Lord Shiva, acknowledging his supreme power and presence.

Mantra:

ॐ नमस्ते अस्तु भगवन्

Om Namaste Astu Bhagawan

Meaning:

“I bow to you, O Lord.”

Om Ugraya Namah

This mantra is dedicated to the fierce and powerful form of Lord Shiva, known as Ugra.

Mantra:

ॐ उग्राय नमः

Om Ugraya Namah

Meaning:

“I bow to the fierce and powerful Lord Shiva.”

Shivashtakam

The Shivashtakam is a popular hymn consisting of eight verses that extol the virtues and glory of Lord Shiva.

Stotra:

प्रभुमीशमिनादं वन्देऽहं शशिधरमिन्द्र्यान्तरं सर्वदेवं।
लशुलिनमपर्वणं शम्भुंशिवं महेशं महाज्ञानदं सर्वभूताधिवासं॥१॥

शरणागतदीनार्त्तपरित्राणपरायणं।
सर्वस्यार्तिहरं देवं चण्डं वन्दे महेश्वरं॥२॥

प्रलयः कलयः कालः कल्पान्ते केशवाध्वान्नाशकः।
सर्वात्मा चोत्तमः शम्भुः शर्वोऽहं वन्दे महेश्वरं॥३॥

सर्वशक्तिस्वरूपं च शम्भुं शशिनाम्बुधेः सुतम्।
सर्वेशं चुमाकान्तं वन्देऽहं परमेश्वरं॥४॥

महाकायं महावीर्यं महाबलपराक्रमं।
महाबुद्धिं महाशक्तिं वन्देऽहं परमेश्वरं॥५॥

सर्वमङ्गलमाङ्गल्यं सर्वपापप्रणाशनं।
सर्वसिद्धिप्रदातारं वन्देऽहं परमेश्वरं॥६॥

महायोगीश्वरं चापि मन्दारधुपभूषितम्।
सर्वलोकैकनायकं वन्देऽहं परमेश्वरं॥७॥

सर्वपापविनाशं च सर्वसंकटनाशनं।
सर्वदुःखप्रणाशं च वन्देऽहं परमेश्वरं॥८॥

Prabhum Isham Anaadam Vande’ham Shashidharam Indrayantraam Sarva Devam
Lashulinam Aparvanam Shambhum Shivam Mahesham Mahajnaanadam Sarvabhootaadhivaasam

Sharanagatadeenaarttaparitranaparayanam
Sarvasyaartiharam Devam Chandam Vande Maheshwaram

Pralayah Kalayah Kalah Kalpante Keshavadhvan Naashakah
Sarvaatma Chottamah Shambhuh Sharvo’ham Vande Maheshwaram

Sarvashaktisvaroopam Cha Shambhum Shashinambudheh Sutam
Sarvesham Cha Umaakantam Vande’ham Parameshwaram

Mahakaayam Mahaveeryam Mahabala Parakramam
Mahabuddhim Mahashaktim Vande’ham Parameshwaram

Sarvamangalam Aangalyam Sarvapapapranashanam
Sarvasiddhipradaataram Vande’ham Parameshwaram

Mahaayogeeshwaram Chaapi Mandaaradhupabhooshitam
Sarvalokaikanayakam Vande’ham Parameshwaram

Sarvapapavinaasham Cha Sarvasankatanaashanam
Sarvaduhkhapranasham Cha Vande’ham Parameshwaram

Meaning:

“I bow to Lord Shiva, the master of the universe, who wears the moon on his head, who is supreme among the gods. I bow to the all-powerful Lord who resides in the hearts of all beings. I bow to the fierce and powerful Lord who destroys all obstacles and fears. I bow to the supreme Lord who grants all forms of blessings and spiritual wisdom.”

Om Shambhave Namah

This mantra is a respectful salutation to Lord Shiva, recognizing him as Shambhu, the auspicious one.

Mantra:

Meaning:

“I bow to Lord Shiva, the auspicious one.”

Om Shankaraya Namah

This mantra is a respectful salutation to Lord Shiva, recognizing him as Shankara, the beneficent one.

Mantra:

Meaning:

“I bow to Lord Shiva, the beneficent one.”

Shiv Dhyaana Mantra

This shloka is a bedtime prayer to God that seeks forgiveness from Lord Shiva for any sin that you may have done along the course of work and life, knowingly or unknowingly. By your grace, we have completed one more day of our life. So, in order to thank Lord Shiva, who is the lord of mercy and compassion, and ask for his mercy.

Mantra:

करचरण कृतं वाक्कायजं कर्मजं वा ।

श्रवणनयनजं वा मानसं वापराधं ।

विहितमविहितं वा सर्वमेतत्क्षमस्व ।

जय जय करुणाब्धे श्रीमहादेव शम्भो ॥

“Karcharankritam Vaa Kaayjam Karmjam Vaa

Shravannayanjam Vaa Maansam Vaa Paradham

Vihitam Vihitam Vaa Sarv Metat Kshamasva

Jay Jay Karunaabdhe Shree Mahadev Shambho”

Meaning of the Mantra: Oh lord of mercy, Please forgive all my sins performed consciously or unconsciously. I request you to pardon the sinful actions committed by my hands and feet, or produced by my words spoken or deeds done. Please pardon the sinful acts committed by my senses like ears and eyes or sinful thoughts that entered my mind. Please forgive me for all sins committed while performing my duties as well as the action not explicitly prescribed. Please forgive me for all my sins. Victory to you, Mahadev, Shambho, you are the ocean of compassion

The Right Way to Chant Shiva Mantra

1. Wake up early, take a bath and wear clean clothes and go to a temple.

2. Carry a mixture of water, kachha doodh (milk which is not boiled), and honey to the temple, and offer it the Shivling.

3. Light a diya before chanting the mantras.

4. Sit in front of the Shivling; close your eyes and recite the Shiva mantra with complete devotion.

5. Offer Bel leaves, Dhatura, Fresh fruits, and flowers to Lord Shiva.6. At the end of the puja, chant the Aarti mantra before lighting the Aarti.

Benefits of Chanting Shiva Mantras

Compared to all other mantras, the Shiv Mantras are believed to be very powerful. Chanting Shiva Mantra invokes Lord Shiva to remove all the obstacles and destroy enemies from your path. 

The Shiv mantras and Shiv Strotas are believed even to have the ability to defy untimely death. That’s why ‘Shiv Mantras’ are also called ‘Raksha Kawach’ (shield of protection). They have immense power to heal. The Mahamrityunjaya mantra is chanted for protection from untimely death, fears, and misdeeds.