Shiva Mantra
(मंत्र)Literal Meaning
The sacred chant formula
Etymology & Sanskrit Root
'Man' (to think) plus 'tra' (to protect); one of the Ashtavarana — the five-syllable 'Om Namah Shivaya' mantra given by the Guru at Ishtalinga initiation.
Spiritual Insight & Context
Repeating the five-syllable mantra with every breath turns continuous connection with Shiva into the background hum of daily life.