OṂ NAMASTE ASTU BHAGAVĀN VIŚRVEŚVARĀYA MAHĀDEVĀYA
oṃ namaste astu bhagavana
viśrveśrvarāya mahādevāya
tryambakāya tripurāntakāya
trikālāgnikālāya
kālāgnirudrāya nīlakaṇṭhāya mṛtyuṃjayāya
sarveśrvarāya sadāśivāya
śrīman mahādevāya namaḥ
I bow to you, O the Supreme God
He who is the Lord of the Universe, Greatest among the Gods
Who has three eyes, the destroyer of three cities of demons (Tripuras)
The one who is beyond and has the power to destroy the past, present, and future (Trikalas). The Rudra who with his fire, ends the cosmos (to recreate)
The one with blue throat, O the conqueror of Death
He who is Lord of all the beings, Called with the name Lord Sada Shiva (The eternal one)
O the God of the Gods, Greatest among all, my salutations to you.
Mantra
“Oṃ Namaste Astu Bhagavān Viśrveśvarāya Mahādevāya”
This is a salutation to Lord Śiva, recognizing him as the supreme deity and ruler of all worlds.
History and Origin
Traditional Source:
The mantra is part of Shaiva devotional traditions and is widely used in temple rituals, Śiva pujas, and meditation practices.
While it is not directly cited in the main Upanishads or Purāṇas, it derives from classical Sanskrit salutations in Smarta and Śaiva pūjā texts, which formalized invocations to deities.
Cultural Background:
It has been transmitted orally through guru-disciple lineages for centuries.
Its primary purpose is devotional salutation and surrender, often recited at the beginning of prayers, rituals, or meditation sessions.
Historical Significance:
Reflects Bhakti movement principles, emphasizing direct personal devotion (śraddhā and bhakti) to Mahādeva.
Invokes Lord Śiva as Viśrveśvara – the ruler of all worlds, and as Mahādeva – the great, all-encompassing deity.
Scientific Perspective
Neurophysiological Effects:
Activation of the Parasympathetic Nervous System:
Chanting “Oṃ” or other Sanskrit mantras can reduce heart rate, lower blood pressure, and induce calmness.
Brainwave Modulation:
Regular recitation enhances alpha and theta brainwaves, associated with meditation, relaxation, and focus.
Psychological Benefits:
Stress Reduction:
Repetition of the mantra promotes mental clarity, emotional stability, and inner peace.
Enhanced Focus and Mindfulness:
Chanting anchors attention, creating a ritualized meditative state, improving cognitive control and awareness.
Energetic Effects:
Vibrational Resonance:
Sanskrit sounds, especially “Oṃ” and “Mahādevāya”, resonate in the cranial cavity and thoracic cavity, affecting the nervous system and promoting a sense of harmony.
Alignment of Subtle Energies:
Recitation may help balance chakras and nadis, facilitating a state of energetic equilibrium.
Summary
History & Origin: A classical Shaiva mantra used for devotion and ritual salutation, passed down through guru-disciple traditions over centuries.
Scientific Perspective: Chanting produces measurable neurological, psychological, and energetic benefits, including stress reduction, emotional balance, focus, and energetic alignment.
Purpose: Primarily used to salute and surrender to Lord Śiva as the supreme, all-pervading cosmic deity.