a salutation to Uma and Maheshvara
Om Umamaheshvarabhyam Namah
A short salutation to Uma and Maheshvara, Parvati and Shiva together. Here is the Sanskrit, a word-by-word meaning, some context and a recitation to listen to.
The mantra
Meaning in one line: “Om. Salutations to Uma and Maheshvara.”
Word-by-word meaning
| Sanskrit | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ॐ | Om | the sacred opening syllable, a sound of reverence |
| उमामहेश्वराभ्यां | Umāmaheśvarābhyām | to Uma and Maheshvara, the two together. Umā is Parvati and Maheśvara (“the great Lord”) is Shiva; the ending means “to the two” |
| नमः | namaḥ | a bow, a salutation, “I bow” |
What the mantra means
The mantra is a salutation to a divine pair: “Om. Salutations to Uma and Maheshvara.” Uma is a name of Parvati, and Maheshvara, meaning the great Lord, is a name of Shiva. The two names are joined into one word and given a special “to the two” ending in Sanskrit, which is why the word looks long.
Many people see Shiva and Parvati together as a picture of balance and togetherness. This is a mantra of respect, offered without asking for anything in return.
Context
Shiva and Parvati are widely worshipped as a divine couple, and they appear together in temples, stories and devotional art across India and beyond. This short salutation is used by devotees of both. I have not traced it to a single scripture, and the exact wording differs between traditions, so please check with your own teacher or family tradition if you need a specific source.
How to chant it
- Sit quietly and take a few slow breaths.
- Say the mantra at a gentle pace: om u-mā-ma-he-śva-rā-bhyāṁ na-maḥ.
- Let the last syllable fade softly. The “ḥ” at the end is a light breath, like “na-ma-hah”.
- Repeat for a few minutes, or on a mala if you like to count, then rest in quiet for a moment.
Pronunciation tip: the long word is easier in parts: u-mā · ma-he-śva-rā · bhyāṁ. Go slowly the first few times and listen to the recording.
Frequently asked questions
What does Umamaheshvarabhyam mean?
It means “to Uma and Maheshvara”, the two together. Uma is Parvati and Maheshvara is Shiva. The ending -ābhyām is the Sanskrit “to the two” form.
Who are Uma and Maheshvara?
Uma is a name of Parvati, and Maheshvara, meaning the great Lord, is a name of Shiva. They are honoured together as a divine couple.
Is this a Shiva mantra?
It is a salutation to Shiva together with Parvati. Devotees of either may use it, and it is a mantra of respect rather than a request.
How do I pronounce Umamaheshvarabhyam?
Break it into parts: u-mā, ma-he-śva-rā, bhyāṁ. The final “ṁ” is a soft nasal sound, so the word ends like “bhyam”.
How many times should I chant it?
There is no fixed number. Some people chant it for a few minutes, and others use a 108-bead mala. Choose a pace you can keep calmly.
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