Shiva mantras are a large collection of prayers dedicated to Shiva. They number in the hundreds and come from the Vedas, Upanishads, Agamas, Tantras, Puranas, and local traditions. Here is a complete and trusted collection of important Shiva mantras.
These mantras are popular, often repeated, and based on scripture. They are suitable for devotion, chanting, and study.
1. Panchakshari Mantra (The Five-Syllabled Mantra)
Sanskrit
ॐ नमः शिवाय
Om Namaḥ Śivāya
Meaning
“I bow to Lord Shiva.”
Explanation
The most respected and widely recited mantra for Lord Shiva. This mantra appears in the Yajur Veda. The five syllables—Na, Ma, Si, Va—stand for the five elements: earth, air, water, fire, and ether.
They also symbolize the letting go of the ego to reach pure consciousness. Chanting this mantra cleanses the soul and brings freedom (moksha).2. Shadakshari Mantra (Six-Syllabled Mantra)
Sanskrit
ॐ नमः शिवाय नमः
Panchakshari MantraEnglish
Om Namaḥ Śivāya Namaḥ
Meaning
“Salutations again and again to Lord Shiva.”
Explanation
An expanded form of the Panchakshari, this mantra emphasizes complete surrender and devotion.
3. Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra (Conqueror of Death)
Sanskrit
ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे
सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम् ।
उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान्
मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात् ॥
Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra English
Om Tryambakam Yajamahe
Sugandhim Pustivardhanam |
Urvarukamiva Bandhanan
Mrtyormuksiya Mamrtat ||
Meaning
“We revere the Lord of three eyes Shiva who feeds and sustains all creatures. Let Him free us from bonds and death like a cucumber freed from its vine and ensure that we live forever.”
Explanation
This Vedic mantra is chanted for health, protection, healing, longevity, and liberation from fear and death.
4. Rudra Gayatri Mantra Sanskrit
ॐ तत्पुरुषाय विद्महे
महादेवाय धीमहि ।
तन्नो रुद्रः प्रचोदयात् ॥
Rudra Gayatri Mantra English
Om Tatpuruṣaya Vidmahe
Mahādevaya Dhīmahi |
Tanno Rudraḥ Prachodayat ||
Meaning
“We meditate on the Supreme Being, Mahadeva. May Rudra enlighten our intellect.”
5. Shiva Gayatri Mantra Sanskrit
ॐ पंचवक्त्राय विद्महे
महादेवाय धीमहि ।
तन्नो शिवः प्रचोदयात् ॥
Shiva Gayatri Mantra English
Om Pancavaktraya Vidmahe
Mahadevaya Dhimahi |
Tanno Sivaḥ Prachodayat ||
Meaning
“We meditate on the five-faced Lord Shiva. May Shiva guide our intellect.”
6. Ekadasha Rudra Mantras (11 Rudra Invocations)
Sanskrit (example form)
नमो रुद्राय महते
नमो गिरिशाय शम्भवे
Transliteration
Namo Rudraya Mahate
Namo Girisaya Sambhave
Meaning
“Salutations to the great Rudra, the Lord of mountains, the auspicious one.”
Explanation
The 11 Rudras represent Shiva’s cosmic forces governing destruction, renewal, and transformation.
7. Shiva Beej Mantra
Sanskrit
ॐ ह्रीं नमः शिवाय
Transliteration
Om Hrim Namaḥ Sivaya
Meaning
“Salutations to Shiva, the source of divine energy.”
Explanation
The Beej (seed) syllable “Hrīṃ” represents cosmic vibration and spiritual awakening.
8. Shiva Moola Mantra
Sanskrit
ॐ नमः शिवाय शिवाय नमः ॐ
Transliteration
Om Namaḥ Śivāya Śivāya Namaḥ Om
Meaning
Complete surrender to Shiva, merging devotion and awareness.
9. Lingashtakam Mantra (Essence of the Shiva Linga)
Sanskrit (first verse)
ब्रह्ममुरारि सुरार्चित लिंगं
निर्मल भासित शोभित लिंगम्
Transliteration
Brahma-Murari Surarcita Liṅgam
Nirmala Bhasita Sobhita liṅgam
Meaning
Salutations to the radiant Shiva Linga worshipped by gods.
10. Shiva Ashtottara Shatanamavali (108 Names – sample)
Sanskrit (selected names)
- ॐ शिवाय नमः – Om Sivaya Namah
- ॐ महादेवाय नमः – Om Mahadevaya Namah
- ॐ शम्भवे नमः – Om Sambhave Namah
- ॐ नीलकण्ठाय नमः – Om Nilakanthaya Namah
- ॐ त्रिलोचनाय नमः – Om Trilocanaya Namah
Meaning
Each name glorifies an aspect of Shiva’s infinite nature.
11. Shiva Tandava Mantra (from Shiva Tandava Stotram)
Sanskrit (opening line)
जटाटवी गलज्जल प्रवाह पावितस्थले
Meaning
Describes the cosmic dance of Shiva that governs creation, preservation, and destruction.
12. Rudram Namakam (from Yajur Veda)
Sanskrit (opening)
नमस्ते रुद्र मन्यव उतोत इषवे नमः
Transliteration
Namaste Rudra Manyava Uto Ta Iṣave Namaḥ
Meaning
Salutations to Rudra, His wrath, and His divine weapons.
Explanation
One of the most powerful Vedic hymns, traditionally chanted with Chamakam.
13. Chamakam Mantra (Fulfillment of Desires)
Sanskrit (example)
चमे इष्टं च पूर्तं च
Meaning
Invocation for spiritual and material completeness through Shiva’s grace.
14. Shiva Kavacham Mantra (Protective Armor)
Sanskrit (opening)
ॐ नमः शिवाय शिव कवचं देहि मे प्रभो
Meaning
“Grant me the protective armor of Shiva.”
15. Nataraja Mantra
Sanskrit
ॐ नटराजाय नमः
Transliteration
Om Natarajaya Namah
Meaning
Salutations to Shiva as the cosmic dancer.
Conclusion
Lord Shiva’s mantras encompass Vedic, Tantric, Puranic and other devotional practices. No matter the reason, whether it is to find freedom (moksha), protect health, or seek peace, mantras can help. All these paths lead a person to unite with pure consciousness.
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