Significance Of The Word Om In Hinduism

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"Om" is considered to be the 'primordial sound'. According to scriptures, it is said that even before the material creation came into existence, the word Om came into being.

It is referred to the only natural humming energy. In Hinduism, Om mantra is included in many of the ancient texts related to yoga. In the Upanishads, Om represents everything that is manifest and yet has its roots in the unmanifest.

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This primordial sound is a sacred sound and a spiritual icon in the Indian religions. Apart from being a mantra in Hinduism, it is also a part of Buddhism and Jainism.

Om is also an iconography found in ancient and medieval-era manuscripts, temples, monasteries and spiritual retreats in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.

So, what is the importance and significance of the two-letter word, OM? Read on to know more about Om:

How Do You Pronounce Om?
Om is pronounced from beginning at the root of the tongue and ending at the lips and it is the matrix of all sounds. To pronounce OM correctly, the sound is pronounced "om", as in the word 'home'.

What Does The 30 Symbol Mean?
The syllable 'Om' is composed of the three sounds a-u-m, which in Sanskrit are the vowels a and u that coalesce to become o. The 3 represents the important triads, which are the three worlds, i.e., the earth, atmosphere and heaven. It also connects to the three major Hindu Gods who are Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva.

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What Does A-U-M Mean?
A - is the waking state, U - is the dream state and M - is the state of deep sleep. When this word is said, there is a pause at the end, a silence. This silence is the state known as Turiya or the Infinite Consciousness.

What Does The Visual Appearance Of OM Signify?
The symbol OM visually consists of three curves, one semicircle and a dot. The large bottom curve represents the waking state and the middle curve of the word Om stands for the state of deep sleep. The dot on the top of the Om signifies the fourth state of consciousness, which is called the Turiya.

The semi circle at the top represents Maya and separates the dot from the other three curves. It signals to us that it is the illusion of Maya that is an obstacle to realisation of the Highest.

Which God Is Om Related To?
It is believed the physical form of Lord Ganesha is said to be that of the 'OM', in which the upper curve is the face of the Lord, the lower curve is the belly and the twisted curve, which is on the right side of the Om, is the trunk of Lord Ganesha.