Introduction
This is one of the most popular Hindu mantras and the most important mantra in Shaivism. It is part of the Shri Rudram Chamakam, a Hindu prayer taken from the Yajurveda, and thus predates the use of Shiva as a proper name for God.
Shiva in this context retains its original meaning as an adjective, meaning “auspicious”. Shiva is the supreme reality, the inner Self. It is the name given to the consciousness that dwells in all of us.
Sanskrit
Om Namah Shivaya
Om Namah Shivaya Meaning
I honour the divinity within myself.
or,
I honour that which I am capable of becoming.