Shiva Mantras and Stotras for Sawan Somwar: Text, Transliteration & Meaning
The principal Shiva mantras and stotras recited on Sravana Somavaram — Om Namah Shivaya, the Maha Mrityunjaya mantra, Bilvashtakam and Lingashtakam — with transliteration and meaning for reading aloud during puja.
The principal Shiva mantras and stotras recited on Sravana Somavaram — Om Namah Shivaya, the Maha Mrityunjaya mantra, Bilvashtakam and Lingashtakam — with transliteration and meaning for reading aloud during puja.
Quick answer: The principal Shiva mantras for Sawan Somwar are the Panchakshari Om Namah Shivaya, the Maha Mrityunjaya mantra, the Bilvashtakam (for the bilva offering) and the Lingashtakam, recited during abhishekam and puja with devotion.
On the Mondays of Sravana, devotees recite Shiva mantras and stotras during abhishekam and puja. Below are the principal texts with transliteration and meaning, so anyone can read along during worship.
Om Namah Shivaya (Panchakshari)
ॐ नमः शिवाय — Om Namah Shivaya. The five-syllable (panchakshari) mantra, meaning “salutations to Shiva.” It is chanted throughout abhishekam and as japa, traditionally on a rudraksha mala.
Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra
ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम् । उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान् मृत्योर्मुक्षीय माऽमृतात् ॥ — Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam; Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat. A revered Vedic prayer to the three-eyed Lord for well-being and liberation. It is recited for its traditional spiritual significance; it is not a treatment or cure for any illness.
Bilvashtakam
The Bilvashtakam is the eight-verse hymn recited while offering bilva patra to Shiva, praising the three-lobed leaf as sacred to the Lord. It is especially apt during Sravana, when bilva is the central offering — see our bilva patra guide.
Lingashtakam
ब्रह्ममुरारि सुरार्चित लिङ्गं… — the Lingashtakam is an eight-verse hymn in praise of the Shiva lingam, sung during puja. Its refrain, “tat pranamami sadashiva lingam,” means “I bow to that eternal Shiva lingam.”
For beginners
If you are starting out, Om Namah Shivaya is the simplest and most complete mantra — begin there. Recite slowly and clearly; the traditional japa counts (such as 108 on a mala) are conventions described here, not prescriptions. Reciting with children, even a few repetitions of Om Namah Shivaya, is a gentle introduction.
Pair these with the Shiva abhishekam vidhi and the bilva patra guide.
Part of our Sravana Masam 2026 calendar and dates guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main Shiva mantra for Sawan Somwar?
Om Namah Shivaya, the five-syllable Panchakshari mantra meaning “salutations to Shiva,” chanted throughout abhishekam and as japa.
What is the Maha Mrityunjaya mantra?
It is a revered Vedic prayer to the three-eyed Lord (Tryambaka) for well-being and liberation. It is recited for its traditional spiritual significance and is not a treatment or cure for illness.
What is the Bilvashtakam?
The Bilvashtakam is the eight-verse hymn recited while offering bilva patra to Shiva, especially apt during Sravana when bilva is the central offering.
What is the Lingashtakam?
An eight-verse hymn in praise of the Shiva lingam, sung during puja, with the refrain “tat pranamami sadashiva lingam” — “I bow to that eternal Shiva lingam.”
How many times should I chant Om Namah Shivaya?
Traditional conventions include 108 repetitions on a rudraksha mala, but these are described here, not prescribed. Chant with devotion at whatever count suits your practice.
Which mantra should a beginner start with?
Om Namah Shivaya — it is the simplest and most complete Shiva mantra. Recite it slowly and clearly.
Can children recite these mantras?
Yes. A few repetitions of Om Namah Shivaya is a gentle, suitable introduction for children during Sravana worship.
When are these recited?
During the Monday abhishekam and puja — Om Namah Shivaya throughout, the Bilvashtakam with the bilva offering, and the Lingashtakam and Maha Mrityunjaya per your practice.
