Om, called Pranavam or Omkaram, is the most sacred syllable in Hindu dharma. It is made of three sounds — A, U and M — followed by silence, and the Upanishads describe it as a symbol of Brahman, the Supreme. Almost every Vedic mantra, stotram and puja begins with Om. The simplest way to chant it is slowly and attentively, then resting for a few moments in the silence that follows.
What is Om, and why is it called Pranavam?
Om is called 'ekaksharam' — a single syllable that holds everything. In the Bhagavad Gita, Sri Krishna says 'Om ity ekaksharam brahma': the one syllable Om is Brahman. The Upanishads also present Om as the chief support for meditation.
Elders explain the word Pranavam in different ways. One reading is 'pra' (especially) + 'navam' (new) — a mantra that stays ever fresh however often it is chanted. Another connects it to a root meaning 'to praise' — the sound that praises the Supreme. Both point to the same idea: Om is the name closest to the Divine.
What do A, U and M mean?
Om breaks into A + U + M, with silence at the end. In Sanskrit, A and U combine to form O, which is why it is written 'Om'. Tradition sees many symbols in these parts:
- A: beginning and creation — linked by some to Brahma.
- U: continuity and sustenance — linked to Vishnu.
- M: completion and dissolution — linked to Shiva.
- Silence: the Supreme reality beyond all three, beyond words.
What does the Mandukya Upanishad say?
The Mandukya Upanishad, only twelve mantras long, is entirely about Om. Put simply, it links the three sounds to the three states we pass through every day:
| Sound | State | Name in the Upanishad | Simple idea |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Jagrat (waking) | Vaishvanara | Experiencing the outer world through the senses |
| U | Svapna (dream) | Taijasa | Experiences the mind creates within itself |
| M | Sushupti (deep sleep) | Prajna | A restful state with no desire or dream |
| Silence | Turiya (the fourth) | Atma | Pure consciousness that witnesses and transcends all three |
So when we chant Om, we move through the whole range of experience and, in the final silence, try to touch our true nature. This deeper teaching can be studied with a guru and through commentaries such as Adi Shankaracharya's.
Where is Om used?
- At the start of Vedic mantras — for example 'Om bhur bhuvah svah' before the Gayatri.
- Before divine names: Om Namah Shivaya, Om Namo Narayanaya.
- In ashtottara shatanamavali, where each name begins with Om and ends with namah.
- In shanti mantras ending with 'Om shantih shantih shantih'.
- As an independent japam in meditation and yoga.
How to chant Om — simple steps
- Place: choose a quiet, clean spot. Sunrise or evening is ideal, though any time works.
- Posture: sit on an asanam or a chair with the spine upright; gently close your eyes.
- Breath: take two or three slow, deep breaths.
- A: breathe in and begin with an open 'A' sound.
- U: round the lips and flow naturally into 'U'.
- M: close the lips and let 'M' hum slowly; notice the gentle vibration in the head and face.
- Silence: when the sound ends, do not rush on — rest a few moments in the stillness.
- Repeat: start with 3, 11 or 21 rounds; later you can do 108 with a japa mala.
Five to ten minutes a day is a good start. Regularity matters more than duration — the same time and place each day helps the mind settle quickly.
How can Om become part of daily life?
Om is not only for yogis and sannyasis; any household can make it part of everyday life. Some simple habits many families follow:
- Chanting Om three times on waking, to begin the day calmly.
- Chanting Om together as a family after lighting the deepam at the start of home puja.
- Children taking a minute of Om before beginning their studies.
- Sitting quietly before sleep and remembering Om mentally.
Teaching children the three sounds A, U and M playfully keeps them interested. These are only suggestions — adapt them to your family custom and your guru's advice.
Points of care
- Never force or hold the breath, and do not strain the throat; chant at a comfortable pitch.
- If you feel dizzy or tired, stop and breathe normally.
- Anyone with breathing or other health conditions should check with a doctor about deep-breathing practice and go gently.
- Om japam is a devotional and meditative practice, not a substitute for medical care.
- If chanting aloud is not possible, chant mentally.
Key points
- Om, or Pranavam, is the sacred syllable symbolising Brahman.
- It is made of A, U, M and the silence that follows.
- The Mandukya Upanishad links them to waking, dream, deep sleep and turiya.
- Sit upright, chant slowly and rest in the final silence.
- Practise comfortably, without forcing the breath.