The entire Universe is reverberating. When there is reverberation, there is sound. In other words, the entire cosmos is simply a manifestation of sound energy. The ancient Vedic sages through penance, were able to download cosmic data directly. They received cosmic truths in the form of sounds that they envisioned. These truths were recited as received and passed on generation after generation.
Various truths downloaded by various Rishis gave rise to the ocean of Vedas. Veda Vyasa later compiled these Vedas and classified them. This is how the 4 Vedas came into existence. Each of these Vedas had many branches. Each branch had 4 components :
The Shivopasana mantra begins with 22 names which end with 'namaha'.Namaha comes from two roots. Na = not , maha = me. So Namaha means = not me. So by uttering 'namaha', we disidentify ourselves from all illusions - our identification with the body and mind. Ultimately,we become empty and realise that we are Atma. Each of the description of Lord Shiva manifests in ourself like nectar which fills an empty cup. Namaha does not mean salutations. Namaha is the secret code to empty ourselves like a cup to receive the nectar in the form of Shiva- to ultimately realise that WE are that which is Shiva.
S.No
Chant
Word meaning
Veda pushpanjali meaning
Meaning
1
Nidhanapataye namah
Nidhana – dissolutionPataye – lordNamah – Na + MaH – not mine (or) Salutations
Salutations to Nidhanapati, the Lord of the dissolution of the Universe.
Salutations (namah) to the Lord (pataye) of the dissolution (nidhana) of the Universe.
2
Nidhanapatantikaya namah
Pataantikaaya – who puts an end to the Lord of Death.
Salutations to Nidhanapatantika, (i.e. Siva) who puts an end to the God of death (i.e.) Yama
Salutations to Shiva, who puts an end to the Lord of death (pataantikaaya) by granting us immortality.
3
Urdhvaya namah
Urdhva – highest principle
Salutations to Urdva, who is the unity of power and the power holder
Salutations to the highest principle (Urdhva)
4
Urdhvalingaya namah
Lingam – li + ngam = Symbol of divinity
Salutations to Urdva linga, the principle of Sadasiva, embodying the power of intelligence.
Salutations to the lingam which is the embodiment of Urdhva
5
Hiranyaya namah
Hiranya – Golden, one who is beneficial and charming to creatures.
Salutations to Hiranya, who is beneficial and charming to creatures.
Salutations to the one who is both beneficial and charming to all creatures.
6
Hiranya lingaya namah
Salutations to Hiranya-linga, who is visualized as a linga made of gold.
Salutations to the One who is visualized as the Linga made of Gold.
7
Suvarnaya namah
Suvarna – one who is endowed with attractive splendor.
Salutations to Suvarna, who is endowed with attractive splendor.
Salutations to the One who is endowed with attractive Splendor!
8
Suvarna lingaya namah
Salutations to Suvarna linga, who is the form of linga made of suvarna (gold)
Salutations to that lingam which is the embodiment of splendor.
9
Divyaya namah
Divya – source of bliss in heaven, divine.
Salutations to Divya, who is the source of bliss in heaven.
Salutations to the One who is the source of bliss in heaven.
10
Divyalingaya namah
Salutations to Divya-linga, who is worshipped as the divine emblem.
Salutations to Divya-linga
11
Bhavaya namah
Bhava – source of universe, of the cycle of birth and death.
Salutations to the Bhava, who is the source of cycle of birth and death.
Salutations to the One, who destroys the cycle of birth and death.
12
Bhavalingaya namah
Salutations to Bhava-linga, who is worshipped as linga by human beings.
Salutations to the lingam which is the embodiment of Bhava.
13
Sharvaya namah
Sharva – one who causes the final dissolution of the Universe.
Salutations to Sarva, who is the suppresser of the Universe at the time of final dissolution.
Salutations to the One, who is the suppresser of the Universe at the final time of dissolution.
14
Sharvalingaya namah
Salutations to Sarva-linga, who is worshipped as linga (emblem of Sarva), who gives bliss.
Salutations to the lingam which is the embodiment of Sharva.
15
Sivaya namah
Siva – One who is most auspicious
Salutations to Siva, who is most auspicious
Salutations to One, who is the most auspicious of all.
16
Sivalingaya namah
Salutations to Siva-linga, who is worshipped in the form of linga.
Salutations to the lingam, which is the embodiment of auspiciousness
17
Jvalaya namah
Jvala – one who is radiant as a flame.
Salutations to Jvala, who is as splendorous as a flame.
Salutations to the One who is as splendorous as a flame.
18
Jvala lingaya namah
Salutations to Jvala-linga who is the form of brilliant linga.
Salutations to that lingam which is the embodiment of splendor.
19
Aatmaya namah
Aatma – one who resides in the inner self of all beings.
Salutations to the Atma, who is the Spirit (aatma) dwelling in all beings.
Salutations to the one who is the spirit dwelling in all beings.
20
Aatma lingaya namah
Salutations to Aatmalinga, who is concealed in the heart of all beings, being their inmost self.
Salutations to the Aatma linga who is concealed in the heart of all beings, being their inner most self.
21
Paramaya namah
Parama – One who is unsurpassed
Salutations to the Parama, who is unsurpassed.
Salutations to the one who is Unsurpassed.
22
Paramalingaya namah
Salutations to Paramalinga, who is the supreme lord of bliss and liberation (indicated by the linga emblem).
Salutations to the lingam who is the Supreme lord of bliss and liberation.
Somasya – MoonSuryasya – SunSarvalingagg – These 22 names of lingams (Above)Sthapayati – InstallPavithram – consecrate (Make holy)
By the 22 names ending with salutations, they consecrate the Sivalinga for all – this linga which is representative of soma and surya, and by holding this in the hands, holy formulas are repeated, which is a source that purifies all. ( The lord described here is the embodiment of all knowledge and it refers to Mahadeva, visualized as having five faces, facing the four quarters and upwards.)
Holding the lingam in hand, these holy mantras (The 22 above) are recited to consecrate and install the lingam. This lingam embodies the Sun and the Moon. After the lingam is installed, the five faces of the linga is worshipped in the following verses.
24
Sadyojattam prapadyami Sadyojataya vai namo namaH Bhave bhave nati bhave bhavasva mamBhavodbhavaya namah.
Sadyojatta – who is the source of all existence. Prapadyami – take refugeVai – verily Bhava – repeated birthAthibhave – beyond birth Maam - Consign me.Bhavodbhavaya – cycle of birth and death
I take refuge in Sadyojaata. Verily, I salute Sadyojaata again and again. O Sadyojaata, do not consign me to repeated birth lead me beyond birth, into the state of bliss and liberation. I bow down to Him who is the source of trans migratory existence.
Prayer to Western Face – Sadyojaatam I take refuge (Prapadyami) in Sadyojatta – who is the source of all existence. Verily (vai), I salute Sadyojaatam again and again. Do not consign me (maam) to repeated birth (Bhava). Lead me beyond birth (athibhave), into the state of bliss and liberation. I offer my salutations (namaH) to One who can lead me through the cycle of birth and death (Bhavodbhavaya)
25
Vamadevaya namo Jyesthaya nama Sreshtaya namo Rudraya namah Kalaya namah Kalavikaranaya namo Balavikaranaya namo Balaya namo Balapramathanaya nama Sarva bhoota damanaya namo Manonmanaya namaH
Vamadeva – who is beautiful, effulgent Jyesthaya – (old) who is ever in existence. (Even before Creation) ShreshThaaya – (Best) who is noble, most worthy and excellent. Rudraaya – who is the cause of beings to weep at the time of dissolution. (or one who makes problems melt away) Kaalaaya – who is the Lord of Time of One who transcends time. Kala-vikaraNaaya – who causes many changes (vikarNa – many or variety) in the evolution of the Universe.
Salutations to Vaaamadeva, who is beautiful and effulgent Salutations to Jyeshta, who is ever in existence (He existed even before the creation and He continues to exist). Salutations to Srestha, who is noble and admirable. Salutations to Rudra, who is the cause of beings to weep at the time of dissolution. Salutations to Kala, who is the lord of time (past, present and future) Salutations to Kalavikarana, who causes changes in the evolution of the Universe beginning with Prakrti. Salutations to Balavikarana, who is the producer of varieties and degrees of strength. Salutations to Bala, who is the source of all strength. Salutations to Balapramatana, who suppress all power at the time of retractions. Salutations to Sarva Bhutadamana, who is the ruler of all created beings. Salutaitons to Manonmana, who kindles the light of the soul.
Prayer to the Northern Face – Vaamadeva Salutations to Vaamadevaa – who is beautiful, effulgent Jyeshthaaya – (old) who is ever in existence (even before creation) Shreshthaaya – (Best) who is noble, most worthy and excellent Rudraaya – who is the cause of beings to weep at the time of dissolution. (or one who makes problems melt away) Kaalaya – Who is the Lord of Time or One who transcends time Kala-vikaraNaaya – who causes many changes (vikarNa – many or variety) in the evolutions of the Universe Bala-VikaraNaya – Who is the source of the many varieties or degrees of strength. Balaaya – who is the source of all strength Bala-pramathanaaya – who suppresses all power at the time of dissolution. Sarva-bhuuta-damanaaya – who is the ruler of all created beings. Manonmanaaya – who kindles the light of the soul.
Ghora – terrifyingAghora – not terrifyingGhora tara –very terrifying
Now, O Sarva, my salutations be at all time and at all places to Thy Rudra forms, benign, splendid and destructive.
Prayer to the Southern face My salutations to all forms of Rudra –Ghora – terrifying Aghora – not terrifyingGhora tara – very terrifying To all these forms - benign, splendid and destructive – at all times and at all places I surrender. (Note : Ghora and Aghora represent two aspects of Shiva – Aspect for creation and dissolution of the Universe.)
Tat Purushha – Realize the Supreme PersonVidmahe – may we knowDhimahi – meditatePrachodayaat – fertilize (our intellect)
Let us realize that Tat-Purusha the Supreme person, may we meditate on the Great Lord Mahadeva, may Lord Rudra illumine us.
Prayer to the Eastern face May we know or realize the Supreme person (tat Purusha). For that, may we meditate upon Lord Mahaadeva.May Lord Rudra fertilize our intellect such that our intelligence blossoms into wisdom and we get illumined.
Ishaana – RulerSarva-vidya – all knowledgeSarva-bhuutaanaaM – all creaturesBrahmaa – Vedas (here)Adhipati – Lord of VedasBrahmaNo – those who impart the knowledge of VedasAdhipati – Lord of BrahmaNo Shiva – benign, kindMe – to me
May the Supreme who is the ruler of all knowledge, controller of all created beings, the preserver of the Vedas and the one overlord of Hiranyagarbha (Brahma), be benign to me. I am the Sadasiva described this, and denoted by Pranava.
Prayer to the Above Facing Ishaana The Supreme is the ruler (Ishaana) of all knowledge and controller of all created beings. The Supreme is the Lord of the Vedas and those who impart the knowledge of the Vedas. May the Supreme be benign to me. I am the Sadashiva described this and denoted by ‘AUM’.
29
Namo Hiranya baahaveHiranya varNaayaHiranya RupaayaHiranya PatayeAmbikaapataya Uma patayePasu patayeNamo NamaH
Hiranya Baahave – Golden handsHiranya VarNaaya – Golden Hue or Golden Words (VarNaaya can be meant as Hue or Shade and also as Words)Hiranaya Rupaaya – Golden FormHiranya Pataye – Lord of Gold (all wealth)Ambika Pataye – Lord of Mother AmbikaUma Pataye – Lord of Mother UmaPashu pataye – Lord of all beings (Animals)
Salutations to the Linga Salutations to the One who has golden hands, who is of golden hue or whose speech is charming, who is of golden form or whose form is charming, who is Lord of all wealth or gold, who is the Lord of Mother Ambika, who is the Lord of Mother Uma and who is the Lord of all beings.
R’ita(gm) – Embodiment of Right Satyam – truthKrishna – dark complexionPi-Ngalam – Red colored complexion
I offer my salutations to that Supreme Person –· Who is the embodiment of Right and truth.· Whose complexion is both dark and red.
31
Uurdhva-retam virupaakshamVishva ruupaaya vai namo namaH
Uurdhva-retam – highest powerViruupaakshaM – odd number of eyesVishva-ruupaya – cosmic form
· Who is a great yogi or One who has the highest power · Who has odd number of eyes· One whose cosmic form envelops the entire Universe.
32
Sarvo vai rudras tasmai rudraaya namo astu Purushho Vai rudras sanmaho namo namaH
Vai – verilyNamo – saluteAstu – be it soMaho – light
Verily, all this is Rudra I salute that Rudra. The great Purusha is Himself Rudra – who is the Light within all beings. I salute that Rudra
33
Vishvam bhuutaM bhuvanaM chitraM Bahudhaa jaatam jaayamaanaM cha yat Sarvo hyesha rudras tasmai Rudraaya namo astu
Vishvam – Material universeBhuutam – beings (in this world)BhuvanaM – worldChitraM – variedBahudaa – numerousJaatam – all that are bornJaayamaanam – yet to be bornSarvo – allTasmai – Rudra and to Him
This material universe and the beings in this world are varied and numerous. All that are born and those yet to be born are Rudra indeed. All this is Rudro and to Him, I offer my salutations again and again.
Kadrudaaya – praiseworthyPrachetase – endowed with knowledge and awarenessMiDhushta – fulfills all desires Maa – myTavyasse – all powerfulShantama(gm) – auspiciousnessHride – heart Sarvo –allHyeshha – This (This last line symbolizes the journey of the worshipper from duality to non-duality.)
We pray to Rudra· Who is praiseworthy · Who is endowed with knowledge and awareness· Who fulfills all desires· Who is all powerful· Who bestows all auspiciousness · Who resides in the heartAll this is Rudra We offer our salutations to Rudra.
Prayer to the western face - sadyojaatam ( creation aspect of Paramashiva ) :
I take refuge ( prapadyaami ) in sadyojaata - who is the source of all existence.Verily ( vai ) , Namaha to sadyojaatam again and again.Do not consign me ( maam ) to repeated birth ( bhava )
bhave bhave naatibhave bhavasva maam
bhavodbhavaaya namaha
Lead me beyond birth ( atibhave ) into the state of bliss and liberation.Namaha ( namah ) to the One who can lead me through the cycle of death and birth. ( bhavodbhavaaya )
Prayer to the southern face : Aghora (The aspect of Rejuvenation of Paramashiva)
Namaha to all forms for Rudra ;
ghora -ferocious
aghora - non ferocious
ghora tara - very ferocious
To all these forms - benign,splendid and destructive- at all times and all places, I surrender ( ghora and aghora denote two aspects of Paramashiva - aspect of creation and dissolution of the universe )
Prayer to Eastern Face ( Aspect of Delusion of Paramashiva )
May we know ( vidmahe ) or realise the Supreme Person ( tat Purusha ).For that,may we meditate upon ( dhiimahi ) Lord Mahadeva.May lord Rudra inspire our intellect ( prachodayaat ) such that our intelligence blossoms into wisdom and we get enlightened
The supreme is the ruler ( iishana ) of all knowledge ( sarva-vidyaa) and controller of all created beings ( sarva bhuutaanaM )
bramhaa dhipatir-bramhaNo dhipatir-bramhaa shivo
me astu sadashivoom
The Supreme is the Lord ( adhipati ) of the Vedas ( bramhaa - bramhaa here denotes the word , i.e, Vedas ) and those who impart the knowledge of the Vedas ( bramhaNo).May that Supreme be benign ( shiva ) to me ( me ) .I am verily Sadashiva described thus and denoted by OM.
The fourth limb. Pranayama is typically practiced alongside yoga. It is known as the fourth anga, or limb, of yoga. Pranayama is regarded as a science. It’s believed that you can control the power of your mind through regulating your breath.
The word pranayama comes from two separate words: prana and ayama. Prana translates to breath, while ayama has many different meanings including expansion, length, and rising.
In yogic beliefs, it is thought that you can control your inner force, also known as prana, through a pranayama practice. In yoga, prana also represents the physical forces of light, heat, magnetism, and energy. These meanings center on the ability that a pranayama practice has to develop breath control and improve mental well-being. A strong pranayama breath is also believed to help detoxify your body.
Three phases. A pranayama cycle has three phases:
Puraka, or inhalation
Kumbhaka, or retention
Rechaka, or exhalation
Recite this mantra with each phase and repeat 3 times
Om Bhur Bhuvaḥ Suvaha
Tat-savitur Vareñyaṃ
Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi
Dhiyo Yonaḥ Prachodayāt
General meaning: We meditate on that most adored Supreme Lord, the creator, whose effulgence (divine light) illumines all realms (physical, mental and spiritual). May this divine light illumine our intellect.
Sankalpa, a Sanskrit term translating to "intention" or "resolve", holds a deep significance in yogic and Vedic traditions. It is a powerful practice of setting a positive and affirmative intention aligned with one's true purpose to manifest change and transformation.
The meaning of this is: ‘For the pleasure of Sri Parameswara through effacing of all the sins I have earned’. We have earned many sins till to date. That load is tough; we have to get rid of it; wash it off. What is the use of it? Our heart is the abode of Parameswara. There is a lot of dirt there. If there is dirt at the place we do Puja, we feel sad. We should remove the dirt. We have to remove the dirt from our heart. Only then the form (of Iswara) will be visible. Now it is all dirty, obstructing the light. We keep accumulating dirt. ‘Durita-kshayadvara’, through the route the sin goes away, Parameswara’s happiness will come.
All types of karmas are aimed at that only. Whatever be the meaning of other mantras, if we utter this mantra knowing its meaning, only then it will be useful.
Apni Khuda Se Hai Ye Dua,
Zurrat Sau Baar Rahe,
Apni Khuda Se Hai Ye Dua,
Zurrat Sau Baar Rahe,
