Om Namah Shivaya in Bhupali Raga
Chanting with Gurumayi Chidvilasananda
© Ⓟ 1989 SYDA Foundation®. All rights reserved. Please do not copy, record, or distribute.
The full recording of this namasankirtana is available in the Siddha Yoga Bookstore.
I am grateful that this recording of Gurumayi chanting the mantra is available on the Siddha Yoga path website. My mother, a longtime Siddha Yogi, has been in the hospital since last week. I have been playing this recording to help her feel calm. The many hours that I spend with her in the hospital have been transformed into satsang as we listen to the mantra and to Shri Guru Gita. The more my mother listens, the calmer she seems to feel; her expression becomes peaceful.
Rosario, Argentina
Yesterday I chanted Om Namah Shivaya with this beautiful melody. My four-year-old son, who had been playing around the house, came over and sat quietly with me. I chanted many repetitions of the mantra. I felt like I was bathing in the waves of this mantra. Gurumayi ji’s voice was filled with so much sweet power. I saw peace on my son’s face. He seemed very happy listening to the chanting of the mantra. I experience that chanting the mantra deepens my sadhana and brings a sense of calm to my home.
Udhana, India
As I chanted this version of the mantra with Gurumayi today, I felt the tenderness of mantra, as well as the sweet tenderness of my heart and strong currents of love flowing within. I have been wanting to offer a prayer to a beloved departed animal and I found this chant the perfect way to pray. I found solace for myself, and sensed my departed friend wrapped in Gurumayi’s protection and benevolence.
Warrnambool, Australia
Om Namah Shivaya in the Bhupali raga is my “constant companion.” I listen to it while I am out for walks, and it plays through the night in my bedroom while I sleep. It is so beautiful to listen to and chant. When life gets hard, this chant is the one I turn to because it always offers a soothing vibrational balm to whatever is going on.
West Vancouver, Canada
This chant in this raga is what brought me to the Siddha Yoga path twenty-five years ago—on Mahashivaratri! Hearing it again brings me a sense of endlessly returning grace. The gentle waves of the mantra Om Namah Shivaya, played in this raga, fill me with joy and peace. I find myself, here, in grace. This solace has held me through many challenges before and since 2020. I offer my love and gratitude from the depths of my heart.
California, United States
To me, Om Namah Shivaya in the Bhupali raga is incredibly beautiful. I feel that as I listen and chant, the mantra becomes almost like honey and melts my soul.
Years ago, when the mantra Om Namah Shivaya became my most faithful companion, my state, my consciousness—and as a consequence, my life changed for the better.
I remember that before then, I questioned the meaning of my life because the world seemed to me to be so full of suffering and illusion. But through the help of the mantra and a focus on ongoing contemplation, my awareness of who I am and what the world is started to evolve. For me, that continuing evolution is the most interesting and liberating quest of my life!
I am infinitely grateful for being shown the great value of my life and for being taught how to polish my consciousness like a rough diamond until it begins to reflect the divine light unhindered.
Years ago, when the mantra Om Namah Shivaya became my most faithful companion, my state, my consciousness—and as a consequence, my life changed for the better.
I remember that before then, I questioned the meaning of my life because the world seemed to me to be so full of suffering and illusion. But through the help of the mantra and a focus on ongoing contemplation, my awareness of who I am and what the world is started to evolve. For me, that continuing evolution is the most interesting and liberating quest of my life!
I am infinitely grateful for being shown the great value of my life and for being taught how to polish my consciousness like a rough diamond until it begins to reflect the divine light unhindered.
Unterlangenegg, Switzerland
This morning my mind was as foggy as it was active. But as I listened to the mantra Om Namah Shivaya in the Bhupali raga, the power of the syllables drew me into a state of full attention and harmony. I felt love for everyone around me. It was simple and yet so mysterious.
I am grateful for this mantra, enlivened by Gurumayi’s shakti! I am honored to taste its delicious flavor.
I am grateful for this mantra, enlivened by Gurumayi’s shakti! I am honored to taste its delicious flavor.
Rome, Italy
Tonight I resolved to honor Lord Shiva by reciting Shri Rudram and chanting the divine mantra Om Namah Shivaya. When I began my recitation, I offered my devotion to the Lord, which filled my heart with sweetness.
My heart melted when I chanted the mantra Om Namah Shivaya, and I understood that the mantra is one with the Lord, the Guru, and my own Self. After the chant I glided into a deep, joyful meditation.
I am grateful for the awareness that the whole world is the blissful manifestation of Shiva.
My heart melted when I chanted the mantra Om Namah Shivaya, and I understood that the mantra is one with the Lord, the Guru, and my own Self. After the chant I glided into a deep, joyful meditation.
I am grateful for the awareness that the whole world is the blissful manifestation of Shiva.
Vienna, Austria
I made a firm effort to honor Lord Shiva on this auspicious day. I chanted Shri Guru Gita and Om Namah Shivaya during the day. Before bed I chanted the mantra in the Bhupali raga , and it felt like a divine lullaby. My entire sushumna nadi shimmered with the vibrations of the mantra. My state was permeated with deep peace. I’m so grateful to have experienced such a purified, sacred space.
Highett, Australia
It was a warm summer night in Shree Muktananda Ashram when I first heard the mantra Om Namah Shivaya in this raga. It was being chanted in the Shakti Mandap, which was filled with Siddha Yogis from around the world. I was at Lake Nityananda across the road, preparing to offer seva after the program, when everyone would be coming to the lake to place small oil lamps on the water as they offered prayers.
As I sat on the bobbing dock at the lake, a light rain was falling. The chant was carried over through the mist. I had never heard anything so beautiful in my life! It was mystical. I felt the unity of the mantra, the Guru, and my own Self. It was a palpable experience of pure grace.
I treasure the mantra in the Bhupali raga as a most precious gift. Every time I hear it, I feel myself bobbing up and down on the dock at Lake Nityananda as the mantra crosses the road through the gentle mist and enters my heart.
As I sat on the bobbing dock at the lake, a light rain was falling. The chant was carried over through the mist. I had never heard anything so beautiful in my life! It was mystical. I felt the unity of the mantra, the Guru, and my own Self. It was a palpable experience of pure grace.
I treasure the mantra in the Bhupali raga as a most precious gift. Every time I hear it, I feel myself bobbing up and down on the dock at Lake Nityananda as the mantra crosses the road through the gentle mist and enters my heart.
Florida, United States
After chanting Om Namah Shivaya in the Bhupali raga, I heard the mantra in this raga within me and without all day! It sounded to me like a sweet lullaby a mother was singing to her child. I chanted it when I offered seva, and it still reverberated inside me when I meditated later on. It felt as if Gurumayi were chanting it to me to draw me deeper into meditation. I felt loved and protected.
Mumbai, India
Chanting this mantra daily has become like a special gathering that I have with my Self. When I listen to Gurumayi during the chanting, I can really feel her love and protection. When I join in the chant, I experience that I am part of a divine communication with my beloved Shri Guru. It feels to me like the chant of the soul that is longing to reconnect with the Self.
Milan, Italy
This morning I awoke feeling a deep sadness. Then I opened the Siddha Yoga path website and saw the mantra Om Namah Shivaya. I was reminded of a dream that I had early in my sadhana in which I was in the dark and scared until I started to repeat Om Namah Shivaya. Then a light appeared to illumine my steps, and I was able to keep going without fear.
I decided to listen to the mantra all morning. As a result, I felt better. I also gained a renewed understanding that faith is essential, because when I know that the Guru is always within my heart, there to protect me, then I have nothing to fear.
Through faith, I can face life without panic and with acceptance. I can always take refuge in the sacred and powerful syllables of the mantra Om Namah Shivaya, which shed light on every step I take.
I’m so grateful that this experience has led me to rediscover my faith.
I decided to listen to the mantra all morning. As a result, I felt better. I also gained a renewed understanding that faith is essential, because when I know that the Guru is always within my heart, there to protect me, then I have nothing to fear.
Through faith, I can face life without panic and with acceptance. I can always take refuge in the sacred and powerful syllables of the mantra Om Namah Shivaya, which shed light on every step I take.
I’m so grateful that this experience has led me to rediscover my faith.
Milan, Italy
When I listen to this chant, I feel as if Gurumayi is holding my hand and guiding me to do pradakshina around Babe Baba. I feel happy, content, strong, creative, and blessed. I experience the dissolution of myself into the expansiveness of the supreme Self. It reestablishes the stillness within me.
In my daily activities, I often take a pause to connect with that stillness by remembering the mahamantra and Bade Baba.
In my daily activities, I often take a pause to connect with that stillness by remembering the mahamantra and Bade Baba.
Bhubaneswar, India
Whenever I hear or chant the mantra Om Namah Shivaya in the Bhupali raga, it draws me inside to the Self. When I chant this mantra, a flow of love and gratitude arises within me for Gurumayi ji’s gift of mantra diksha, mantra initiation, through Om Namah Shivaya. Mantra repetition makes my mind calm and focused.
a Gurukula student in Gurudev Siddha Peeth
I first heard this version of Om Namah Shivaya when I went to meet a friend at a place where we’d be offering seva in preparation for Gurumayi’s visit to Melbourne in 1991. I’d arrived after a series of synchronistic experiences. The mantra in the Bhupali raga was playing quietly in the background. I was so struck by the beauty and serenity of this chant, which seemed to be coming from heaven.
It kept on playing through me for a very long time afterward. I asked my friend if one ever tires of this melody, like one often does with other music. She smiled and said, “No, one never tires of it.”
Now I understand that this sacred chant is the vibration of my very own Self and has never left me since I first heard it. It soothes, calms, and protects me as it reminds me of this Truth and leads me into the splendor of my heart. It never leaves and only expands. I am forever grateful to have received this mantra.
It kept on playing through me for a very long time afterward. I asked my friend if one ever tires of this melody, like one often does with other music. She smiled and said, “No, one never tires of it.”
Now I understand that this sacred chant is the vibration of my very own Self and has never left me since I first heard it. It soothes, calms, and protects me as it reminds me of this Truth and leads me into the splendor of my heart. It never leaves and only expands. I am forever grateful to have received this mantra.
The Patch, Australia
Many years ago, someone gave me a CD of this mantra in this raga. That day she was going over to the Siddha Yoga Ashram in Oakland to “see a Guru.” She said if I played this mantra “when you have a lot of things to do,” it would help me. Little did I know that Om Namah Shivaya in the Bhupali raga was the connection to Gurumayi that I would make years later when I went to my first chant at that same Ashram on a Friday night—and never left!
This mantra is my salvation in times of confusion, grief, or overwhelming circumstances—and in times of devotion. I am so appreciative that our beloved Gurumayi graces us with the most beautiful music and continues to compose and share her incredible melodies with us.
This mantra is my salvation in times of confusion, grief, or overwhelming circumstances—and in times of devotion. I am so appreciative that our beloved Gurumayi graces us with the most beautiful music and continues to compose and share her incredible melodies with us.
Delaware, United States
One cannot overestimate the power of this chant.
Occasionally, Mahashivaratri is celebrated on my exact birthday, as happened once over thirty years ago. On that day I was resting on my bed in Anugraha at Shree Muktananda Ashram, joyfully anticipating attending the evening satsang with Gurumayi. As I began to sit upright, I felt an invisible force field pushing me back down. My attempts to resist were futile. Realizing my powerlessness, I surrendered. “How disappointing,” I thought, “to miss this rare opportunity to celebrate this birthday with Gurumayi on Mahashivaratri!”
As I lay back down, this most wondrous chant, Om Namah Shivaya in the Bhupali raga, together with a gentle, undulating energy, began coursing over my body like ocean waves and embracing my entire being—seemingly endlessly. It was a transcendent experience of floating in the heavens ever so peacefully.
I am eternally grateful to the bestowal of this everlasting gift upon me.
Occasionally, Mahashivaratri is celebrated on my exact birthday, as happened once over thirty years ago. On that day I was resting on my bed in Anugraha at Shree Muktananda Ashram, joyfully anticipating attending the evening satsang with Gurumayi. As I began to sit upright, I felt an invisible force field pushing me back down. My attempts to resist were futile. Realizing my powerlessness, I surrendered. “How disappointing,” I thought, “to miss this rare opportunity to celebrate this birthday with Gurumayi on Mahashivaratri!”
As I lay back down, this most wondrous chant, Om Namah Shivaya in the Bhupali raga, together with a gentle, undulating energy, began coursing over my body like ocean waves and embracing my entire being—seemingly endlessly. It was a transcendent experience of floating in the heavens ever so peacefully.
I am eternally grateful to the bestowal of this everlasting gift upon me.
New York, United States
The first time I met Gurumayi in person was during a Shaktipat Intensive, when chanting this version of Om Namah Shivaya reunited me completely with everything I always knew this life could be.
Gurumayi had already shown me galaxies and solar systems within the Blue Pearl as I walked up to the Intensive, and had given me the experience of the mantra pulsating throughout my body so strongly that I kept uttering, “I am God.” But it was at the end, as we chanted this chant in a huge tent while Gurumayi slowly walked the length of the tent to leave, that I knew Gurumayi was my Guru. And I knew this chant had the ability to give me the peace, contentment, love, and total perfection I was yearning for.
Gurumayi had already shown me galaxies and solar systems within the Blue Pearl as I walked up to the Intensive, and had given me the experience of the mantra pulsating throughout my body so strongly that I kept uttering, “I am God.” But it was at the end, as we chanted this chant in a huge tent while Gurumayi slowly walked the length of the tent to leave, that I knew Gurumayi was my Guru. And I knew this chant had the ability to give me the peace, contentment, love, and total perfection I was yearning for.
Washington, United States
Today I decided to chant for fifteen minutes while watching its effect on my heart rate, since I have a heart condition. Before, my heart rate was 89 beats per minute, and after chanting, it was 60. This showed me the power of the mantra in not only relaxing me but infusing me with the calmness to go about my day.
I love this particular rendition of Om Namah Shivaya as it brings back memories of time I’ve spent in the Ashram and especially of Shaktipat Intensives. I am so grateful to have this instant method of finding peace in my being!
I love this particular rendition of Om Namah Shivaya as it brings back memories of time I’ve spent in the Ashram and especially of Shaktipat Intensives. I am so grateful to have this instant method of finding peace in my being!
California, United States
Several years ago, after a significant operation, I remained for a week in the hospital. I had the CD of Om Namah Shivaya in the Bhupali raga playing twenty-four hours a day. Everything went wonderfully and successfully. The time was like a never-ending meditation.
I also sang this to my son when he was an infant and toddler to ease him to sleep. I am so grateful for the gift of the mantra in this sweet raga. What a grace-filled blessing!
I also sang this to my son when he was an infant and toddler to ease him to sleep. I am so grateful for the gift of the mantra in this sweet raga. What a grace-filled blessing!
Massachusetts, United States
In 1992 I attended my first satsang with Gurumayi. It was in a beautiful theater in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. We chanted Om Namah Shivaya in the old, acoustically resonant hall, and I felt the vibrations deep in my being. As I sat with Gurumayi and hundreds of fellow seekers, I sensed the vibrations of the chant fill the hall and the city beyond, as it flowed out into the world. I felt connected with everyone and everything, especially my own heart.
Whenever I hear the mantra chanted in the Bhupali raga, as it was that day, I am transported to that moment—to that supreme understanding. I know I am in the company of the Guru, and my own Self, always.
Whenever I hear the mantra chanted in the Bhupali raga, as it was that day, I am transported to that moment—to that supreme understanding. I know I am in the company of the Guru, and my own Self, always.
Michigan, United States
I attended my first Shaktipat Intensive in 1993. It was a Valentine’s Day Intensive and I was privileged to be in the Intensive with Gurumayi at Shree Muktananda Ashram.
Om Namah Shivaya in the Bhupali raga was chanted throughout the Intensive and to this day, whenever I listen to or chant the mantra in this raga, I am instantly transported back into the Intensive with Gurumayi. I am so grateful for the priceless gift of grace that I have received.
Om Namah Shivaya in the Bhupali raga was chanted throughout the Intensive and to this day, whenever I listen to or chant the mantra in this raga, I am instantly transported back into the Intensive with Gurumayi. I am so grateful for the priceless gift of grace that I have received.
New York, United States
Om Namah Shivaya in the Bhupali raga was the first CD I received through the Prison Project. This was the first time I heard Gurumayi’s voice. I still get chills remembering the moment. At the time I didn’t have the appreciation of grace that I do now, but that grace sustained and transformed me as my prison karma unfolded over the next fifteen years.
Now that I’m out of prison, Om Namah Shivaya in the Bhupali raga accompanies my morning hatha yoga routine every day and reminds me that everything truly does happen for the best.
Now that I’m out of prison, Om Namah Shivaya in the Bhupali raga accompanies my morning hatha yoga routine every day and reminds me that everything truly does happen for the best.
Oregon, United States
Many years ago I played the mantra at night for my young children to soothe them and keep away bad dreams. It was so peaceful and calming for us. Now my five-year- old grandson listens to the mantra, and it also has helped him sleep peacefully. He has become very interested in Gurumayi and has requested that we listen to the mantra and dance as we listen! I am so happy that the beautiful and protective mantra from Gurumayi has blessed me and my family throughout the years.
Nebraska, United States
I first heard this chant at a Blue Pearl course many years ago. Since then, whenever I hear it, I immediately feel connected with my inner Self and experience stillness within. Listening to or chanting Om Namah Shivaya in the Bhupali raga during challenging situations gives me inner strength and peace. It helps me glide into meditation spontaneously.
Sydney, Australia
I listen to Om Namah Shivaya in the Bhupali raga every morning and every night before going to bed. It connects me to a special, peaceful feeling in the heart. As I listen, I often feel a yearning for oneness with Gurumayi. Whether I am experiencing gratitude or longing, this raga supports me in feeling tangibly connected to Gurumayi. I am so grateful this chant is available on the Siddha Yoga path website. It is my sweet companion and allows me to begin my morning and end my day in the experience of the Guru’s presence.
Nagpur, India
I am sitting here at my desk while working from home. The mantra Om Namah Shivaya is playing softly in the background and has been my constant companion today, calming the atmosphere and keeping thoughts of Gurumayi and the global Siddha Yoga sangham in my mind. The day is gliding by, and I am feeling endlessly blessed.
The Siddha Yoga path website continues to be a never-ending source of upliftment and calm for me. I am so grateful for both the content and all the shares from around the world.
The Siddha Yoga path website continues to be a never-ending source of upliftment and calm for me. I am so grateful for both the content and all the shares from around the world.
Queenstown, New Zealand
I first heard the mantra in the Bhupali raga in the chanting and meditation cave at the Siddha Yoga Ashram in Oakland thirty years ago. At that time, I visited the cave most days after work, and as I chanted and meditated, I could feel the stress and activity of the day fall away, replaced by a sense of deep serenity and well-being.
I feel thankful for this opportunity to recognize that, after all these years, my experience of the power of the mantra remains essentially the same!
I feel thankful for this opportunity to recognize that, after all these years, my experience of the power of the mantra remains essentially the same!
California, United States
I began playing this version of Om Namah Shivaya in the Bhupali raga as soon as I found it on the Siddha Yoga path website.
I had been feeling a bit anxious about the weather conditions here in Mexico, and I was also concerned about my solar power system. However, as soon I heard Gurumayi chanting, I became calm and centered, and my mind was at peace. I continued to listen to Gurumayi and chanted along with her in call and response. Chanting was a wonderful remedy for my anxieties, and nature seemed to respond as well—the weather cleared, and the threats I had perceived disappeared.
I had been feeling a bit anxious about the weather conditions here in Mexico, and I was also concerned about my solar power system. However, as soon I heard Gurumayi chanting, I became calm and centered, and my mind was at peace. I continued to listen to Gurumayi and chanted along with her in call and response. Chanting was a wonderful remedy for my anxieties, and nature seemed to respond as well—the weather cleared, and the threats I had perceived disappeared.
San Felipe, Mexico
I experience such profound peace listening to Gurumayi chant along with the musicians in the ensemble. On what feels like a challenging day ahead for me, this is a beautiful gift of reassurance, full of compassion. I feel that a grace-filled offer has arrived to meet me and my family for deep healing.
Thornbury, Australia
Finding this chant today brought me back to visiting the Siddha Yoga path website for the first time, where I heard Gurumayi singing. She was chanting the mantra in this raga. I had met Baba years earlier through his books, and tears of remembrance started flowing down my cheeks. Those tears felt like a baptism of spiritual cleansing and an opening of my heart at my deepest core. They were tears of coming home, of recognizing something both ancient and new at the same time.
I have been following the Siddha Yoga path since then, and I have played the mantra every night while I sleep and throughout much of my day. The mantra chanted in the Bhupali raga is so precious to me. It is enfolded in the fabric of my being.
I have been following the Siddha Yoga path since then, and I have played the mantra every night while I sleep and throughout much of my day. The mantra chanted in the Bhupali raga is so precious to me. It is enfolded in the fabric of my being.
New Jersey, United States
Recently it has been difficult for me to keep my sense of equilibrium amidst feelings of sadness. This morning I prayed to Gurumayi to help me find my way back to joy. Immediately I began to remember moments of deep connection with Gurumayi, and I experienced gratitude. When I looked at the Siddha Yoga path website, I felt that Gurumayi’s loving answer to my prayers was there in the form of the mantra in the Bhupali raga . My heart began to sing. This was what I chanted when I visited the Ashram for the first time.
Washington, United States
The magic of this chant is almost instantaneous. I feel totally at peace whenever I listen to it. When I hear the AUM in the beginning, I feel like I am connecting with the universe.
Indore, India
The minute I hear this chant, I am reminded of the Blue Pearl Course that I participated in many years ago, and again I am filled with an abundance of love and light that is pure and eternal and with me always.
Arizona, United States
What a powerful and melodious chant led by Gurumayi! Listening to it draws me into deep meditation, and I can feel the shakti spiraling up to the top of my head. And while in deep meditation, I can still hear the mantra reverberating within me. It is such a blissful state I want it to last forever and ever!
Illinois, United States
For me, chanting Om Namah Shivaya with Gurumayi is the ultimate experience! It makes me feel the fullness of my love, joy, and gratitude for the most compassionate one my Guru. Nothing can surpass this union of devotion and compassion when Gurumayi and I become one.
Ajijic, Mexico
Every time I hear Gurumayi sing Om Namah Shivaya in this exquisite raga, it seems like the most beautiful thing I’ve ever heard. It takes me back to the Blue Pearl courses in the Oakland Ashram, which left such a deep impact on my life. For me, this chant in this raga is a storehouse I can count on whenever I need to go inside, become still, and find peaceful bliss!
California, United States
Listening to this beautiful recording transported me to the Shakti Mandap in Shree Muktananda Ashram. I recalled the sunlight streaming in through the glass windows, and how each call and response of this powerful mantra filled my heart with joy and more joy.
New Jersey, United States