What is Ohm, really? Almost everyone is familiar with it, even in the West. I've noticed people sporting Ohm tattoos, including those in the West. Some of us are even aware of its pronunciation, and occasionally, people come across information about it through YouTube podcasts. I'd like to share my knowledge of it, something that is certainly not readily available on Google or podcasts.
Some background of Ohm and the great Shiva Panchakshar mantra: according to the Shivamahapuran (Vidveshwar Samhita), when a group of rishis asked Sutaji for the correct method of meditating on Shiva and attaining Moksha (salvation), Sutaji guided them towards the “Pra” – The Pranav. Derived from Prakirti (the nature), Pranav is the energy that functions like a boat, guiding you across the river. Therefore, Pranav serves as the grammar behind the Ohmkar—the Panchakshar mantra – Ohm Namah Shivay, explaining why one of the meanings of the name “Pranav” (if it happens to be yours) is an “intelligent person.” Pranav consists of two parts: sthul (physical) and sukshm (subtle) as per Vidveshwar Samhita. Ohm is the “sukshm” (subtle) “Pranav” of the great mantra, and the rest of the mantra is the “sthul” (physical) “Pranav” of this great mantra.
It is said that mantra chanting in Kalyug never goes in vain (as you may have heard on social media). This assertion aligns with the teachings of the Vedas and Puranas; however, the true and enduring benefits of mantra chanting can only be experienced when one's mind and soul are worthy of it and it is far more complicated than we all can imagine.
Returning to the theme of existence and transitioning to the Rudra Samhita, I assume that many of us with some understanding of the existence of Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh are familiar with the story wherein Vishnu and Brahma engage in a dispute over who is the greatest, leading to the appearance of the agnistambh (as depicted in the TV show 'Shiva Mahapurana' featuring Mohit Raina). However, the subsequent events in the Rudra Samhita are not portrayed in the show.
Baffled by the sudden appearance of the agnistambh, Vishnu and Brahma board on an exploration, spending nearly 1000 years attempting to measure it. They ultimately give up upon realizing its endless nature. It is at this point that Vishnu and Brahma recognize it as the ultimate power, humbly bowing and requesting it to reveal its true form, seeking to identify its true nature. According to the Samhita, the request from Vishnu and Brahma to Shiva to appear before them took a million years, and this is the period when creation on Earth initiated.
And, BOOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
After a million years had passed, and they persisted in their meditation, they began to perceive the sound of the Damru (NAAD). In English, the closest comparison to this instrument's sound is that of a drum. This resonated with Vishnu and Mahesh as the clear sound of "Ohm," deepening their sense of bewilderment. When they went to the south of the agnistambh, they heard the sound of "AKAAR"; exploring the north, they heard "UKAAR," and upon returning to the center, they heard "MAKAAR." The combination of Akaar, Ukaar, and Makaar created the sound of Ohm, and when heard together, they experienced the unified sound of "Ohm."
At this moment, a rishi appeared before them. Metaphorically, when we are perplexed and attempting to resolve an issue, wise thoughts often come to us after a period of mental exertion and sifting through thoughts. This marked the moment of enlightenment for Brahma and Vishnu. The rishi began by saying, "Guys, the agnistambh and the sound you are currently experiencing are none other than Shiva—the carefree, the one who remains unperturbed. The 'Aa' represents Shiva; the 'Uhh' represents Uma (Adi Shakti), and the 'Makaar' is the unification of both. He added that Shiva is known through this single alphabet that comes from 'PRANAV.' The 'AKAAR' is the perception of you, Brahma; the 'Ukaar' is the perception of you, Vishnu, and 'Makaar' is Shiva himself—the Mahesh. Therefore, he is Lord Maheshwar himself, who is 'Ohm,' the form you are witnessing and hearing in the manifestation of fire (Agnistambh/the Ling) and sound (damru/drum-like sounds).
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