In the previous
post, we have seen that the "OM" mantra is the pranava mantra. We shall
see the meaning of the 'OM' mantra in this post.
The pranava mantra "OM" has to be added in the beginning of any other mantra and chanted.
It is also called as thaaraka mantra and pranavam. The thaaraka mantra
means the one that makes you cross something. Ship has thaarakam as
another name for the reason that it hepls us to cross the ocean. Like
wise the mantra is considered as pranavam mantra as it helps to cross
the ocean of life.
The word Pranavam means pra - Universe, na - no, va - for you, means
your relationship with the world will be cut if we chant the mantra.
All the vedas have been originated from the "OM" mantra. Hence whoever
chants this mantra would get the benefit of chanting all the mantras.
In kaasikandam, it is said that Brahma has got that position of brahma
only after chanting the "OM" mantra. In kandhapuranam, it is told that
when Brahma was unable to tell the meaning of this pranava mantra he was
put in jail by Lord Muruga. Then Muruga has taught the meaning of the
pranava mantra to Lord Siva also and thereby he got the name
Swaminaadhar.
For the earthly creations and its protection, the small drum in the hand
of Lord Siva and the conch in Vishnu's hand named as Paanja sanyam keep
making the sounds of "OM" mantra.
This thaaraka mantra is called as Panchatcharam by Saivites and Sutchuma
sadatcharam by Vaishnavites. The siththars have also stressed about the
importance of this "OM" mantra.
"ஓங்காரத் துள்ளே உதித்த ஐம் பூதங்கள்
oangaarath thullae uthiththa aim poothangal
ஓங்காரத் துள்ளே உதித்த சராசரம்
oangaarath thullae uthiththa saraasaram
ஓங்காரத் தீதத்து உயிர் மூன்றும் உற்றன
oangaarath theethaththu uyir moonrum utrana
ஓங்கார சீவ பரசிவ ரூபமே!
oangaara seeva parasiva roobamae!"
says Thirumoolar about the greatness of OM mantra.
