OṂ NAMASTE ASTU BHAGAVĀN
oṃ namaste astu bhagavana
viśrveśrvarāya mahādevāya
tryambakāya tripurāntakāya
trikālāgnikālāya
kālāgnirudrāya nīlakaṇṭhāya mṛtyuṃjayāya
sarveśrvarāya sadāśivāya
śrīman mahādevāya namaḥ
Oh Lord, salutations to you
Oh Lord of the Universe, Greatest of them all
He who has three eyes, he who gives enlightenment which is beyond three worlds
He who like fire, devours all three times (Past, Present, Future) within himself
Like Time, he who ends everything, Vast like the blue sky, Over-powerer of death
Lord of all Beings, Conscousness which is untouched by the world yet everything in the world is because of him. Oh great Lord, salutations to you
This is a devotional salutation mantra, generally used to honor a deity, guru, or supreme being, acknowledging their divine presence and invoking blessings.
History and Origin
Traditional Source:
This mantra is rooted in classical Vedic and Smarta traditions. While it is widely used in Hindu rituals, pujas, and meditation, it is primarily an oral salutation formula rather than a verse from a specific scripture.
Its earliest usage can be traced to Vedic and Purāṇic traditions, where invocations often begin with Oṃ, followed by respectful salutations to deities.
Cultural Context:
Historically recited in temple rituals, homas, and spiritual gatherings.
Used as a prelude to meditation or mantra chanting, invoking reverence, humility, and focus.
Popularized further during the Bhakti movement, emphasizing personal devotion and respectful surrender to God or the Guru.
Etymology and Meaning
Oṃ – The primordial sound representing Brahman, the universal consciousness.
Namaste – “I bow to you” or “Salutations to you.”
Astu – “May it be so” or “let it be.”
Bhagavān – “The revered Lord, God, or divine being.”
Combined Meaning:
“Om, salutations to the revered Lord. May it be so.”
This mantra acknowledges the divine presence in all beings and the universe, invoking protection, blessings, and auspiciousness.
Benefits
Spiritual Benefits:
Cultivates devotion (bhakti) and surrender.
Creates spiritual alignment and receptivity to divine grace.
Enhances inner purity and awareness of divinity.
Psychological Benefits:
Reduces stress and mental agitation.
Promotes calmness, emotional balance, and mindfulness.
Strengthens focus during meditation or spiritual practice.
Energetic / Subtle Benefits:
Invokes protective vibrations around the practitioner.
Harmonizes subtle body energies and aura, fostering positive vibrations.
Contraindications / Cautions
No physical contraindications; safe for all individuals.
Most effective when recited with sincerity, devotion, and proper pronunciation.
Reciting mechanically without understanding may limit spiritual and psychological benefits.
Scientific Perspective
Neurophysiological Effects:
Chanting “Oṃ” and related Sanskrit sounds activates the parasympathetic nervous system, lowering heart rate and inducing relaxation.
Cognitive and Emotional Benefits:
Regular recitation enhances attention, concentration, and emotional regulation.
Promotes mental clarity, stress reduction, and resilience.
Vibrational Effects:
The sound vibrations affect the nervous system and cranial cavities, aligning subtle energies and promoting a sense of inner harmony.