In the quiet of the morning, the sound of a temple bell or soft mantras often fills homes across the country. Almost invariably, these chants begin with a single, powerful syllable: Om.
Far from being a coincidence,
in Hinduism, starting a mantra with ‘Om’ is considered as natural as taking a breath.
While millions recite mantras daily, many still wonder: why is Om placed at the beginning of every chant? Is it essential, or merely symbolic? Experts point to scriptures, yoga practices, and personal experience for the answers.
Om: Not Just A Word, But A Sound
Bhopal-based astrologer and vastu consultant Pandit Hitendra Kumar Sharma explains that Om is not a simple word, it is a sound, also called Pranav. According to scriptures, Om is composed of three letters: A, U, and M.
- A represents the beginning of creation.
- U signifies preservation and continuity.
- M stands for ending and rhythm.
Together, these three letters cover the entire cycle of life, making Om a sound that embodies the universe itself.
Om In Yoga And Meditation
Many yoga practitioners believe that chanting Om brings body, mind, and breath into harmony. That is why Om is often said before meditation or pranayama.
Mantras, as described in scriptures, are carriers of energy, but energy needs a base to flow properly. Om acts as this base, aligning the practitioner and the mantra.
Scriptural Significance Of Om
The Bhagavad Gita mentions that starting any Vedic mantra with Om is virtuous and fruitful. Om works like tuning an instrument before playing it, purifying the mantra and enhancing its vibrational power.
Even if the pronunciation of a mantra is slightly off, Om helps reduce errors, allowing people without deep scriptural knowledge to chant correctly and benefit from the mantra.
Modern Science And Om
Modern research confirms the benefits of chanting Om. It calms brain waves, deepens breath, focuses the mind, and slows down negative thoughts. Om prepares the practitioner’s mental state, making it easier to connect emotionally with the mantra.
Without Om, chanting may be mechanically correct, but the deeper feeling or connection is often missing.
Om: The First Sound Of Creation
In the Vedas, Om is described as the first sound of creation. It is believed to contain the basic vibrations of the sun, sky, and five elements.
Om is considered the essence of all scriptures, and saying Om before a mantra is akin to remembering all sacred texts.
Why A Mantra Needs Om
Traditionally, a mantra without Om is not impure but considered incomplete. Adding Om:
- Purifies the mantra
- Increases its intensity and vibrational power
- Helps the practitioner’s wish transform into resolve faster
Om is the soul of the mantra. It enhances focus, purifies the energy, and makes the chanting more effective. This is why saying Om before every mantra is seen as essential.
