Om Symbol - ॐ

Hinđī and Sanskṛiŧ words are written here in Roman as well as in the ĐevaNāgarī Alphabet.

This page contains a little mythology. The symbol ॐ is discussed here both as a visual symbol and as a sacred sound in Sanskṛiŧ. A visual symbol here means a sign (चिह्न), an icon, or a letter (अक्षर) in the ĐevaNāgarī (देवनागरी) script. It is traditionally considered a syllable (एकाक्षर), but some pronounce it as long form of nasalized ओ (i.e. ओँ३) and short म्. So, I think it make some sense to write it as ओँ३म्. This is very close to ओ३म् popularised by Đayānanđ Sarasvaŧī. Some say ॐ represents the “primordial” sound (नाद).

What is Om?

It is the smallest manŧra (मंत्र). It is also called "mūl-manŧra"; mūl (मूल) means fundamental and primordial. It is also known as the praṇav-manŧra. 'Praṇav' (प्रणव) is a Sanskṛiŧ term referring to the sacred syllable "Om", and is derived from the root "नु" (nu), meaning "to sound [out]" or "to praise".

A shlok (श्‍लोक) is a Sanskṛiŧ verse, typically of two lines. A manŧra is a phrase (or sometimes a single word) used for meditation and chanting.

Sacred ancient Indian texts like Veđ (वेद) are collections of shlok/s. Some of these shlok/s are used as manŧra/s.

It is common practice to begin other manŧra/s with Om, such as:
  1. 'Om namaḥ Shivāya' – ॐ नमः शिवाय
  2. 'Om shānŧi(ħ) shānŧi(ħ)' – ओम शांति: शांति:

Jainism, Buđđhism, and Sikhism originated in India after Hinđūism. These religions adopted some of the Hinđū philosophies and practices. These religions have their own forms and interpretations of 'Om'.

Sikhism, while distinct, has its own invocation 'Ik Oṇkār' (एक ओंकार).

Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism are together referred to as Đhārmik (धार्मिक) religions. Some followers of Đhārmik religions believe that 'Om' is the ultimate, supernatural sound!

In ĐevaNāgarī, this word (sound) is generally written as 'ओम्' or 'ओम'. It is general practice in Hinđī to drop the final 'halant' ('‍्'). So 'ओम' becomes the standard spelling. The form 'ओम' is used in literature (mostly as a noun); while the symbol 'ॐ' is used for religious purposes.

As per Sanskṛiŧ phonetics or grammar (Vyākaraṇ; व्याकरण), the vowel 'O' (ओ) is substituted for two consecutive vowels 'A' (अ) and 'U' (उ). This is why 'Om' is sometimes represented as 'AUm' (अ-उ-म्). Because I am not comfortable with 'O' being pronounced as 'AU' (a diphthong), I prefer 'Om'.

The Meaning of Om or AUm

We are not yet very sure of the precise meaning of the word 'Om'! It is certainly related to God or Heaven! Twelve verses of Veđ collectively called the Māṇdūk`ya Upaniṣhađ (माण्डूक्य उपनिषद) try to explain this sacred word 'AUm'.

Gāyaŧrī Manŧra (गायत्री मंत्र), like many other Veđik shlok/s starts with Om. Because of that, I once assumed that Om (ओम) means 'O my (our) Lord' ('हे परमेश्वर'), but I may be mistaken.

Some people suggest a relation between 'Om' and 'Amen'; others disagree.

The Om symbol - ओंकार

The 'Om symbol' is a sign (glyph, shape) used to write (scribe, represent) the 'Om' sound.

The 'Om symbol' is called 'Oṅkār' (ओंकार = ओङ्कार) or 'Omkār' (ओम्-कार) in Hinđī.

The sound 'Om' is written as ओम in ĐevaNāgarī. Thus, ॐ is a symbolic representation of the word ओम.

People use this sign or symbol for meditation and worship.

It is typeset as:

It is also drawn as:

Evolution of the Om Symbol

The visual symbol ॐ (Om) evolved over centuries. This modern symbol does not appear in the earliest Veđik manuscripts.

The present form of ॐ is standardized in modern ĐevaNāgarī typography, though handwritten forms may vary.

Is Om a Religious Symbol?

Yes. It is the foremost religious symbol for Hinđū/s and Buđđhists (Bauđđh; बौद्ध). Sikhs use a derived form (invocation) called 'Ik Oṅkār' (इक ओंकार).

In Hinđī and Sanskṛiŧ, 'sign' means 'chihn' (चिह्न), and 'religion' is 'đharm' (धर्म). So a religious symbol is a 'đhārmik chihn' (धार्मिक चिह्न).

In Hinđī, “symbol” is translated as 'प्रतीक' or 'प्रतीक चिह्न'.

Also in Hinđī and Sanskṛiŧ : shape means “Ākār” (आकार) or “Ākṛiŧi” (आकृति);  glyph means “Akṣhar” (अक्षर) or “Akṣharākṛiŧi” (अक्षराकृति);  indicate means “san'keŧ” (संकेत);  So symbol can be called a “san'keŧākṣhar” (संकेताक्षर), derived from “san'keŧ” + “Akṣhar” (संकेत + अक्षर = संकेत-अक्षर).

What is ओ३म् (O3m)?

Đayānanđ Sarasvaŧī (दयानन्द सरस्वती) was the founder of the 'Ārya Samāj'. He used to write ओ३म् instead of ओम. The ३ (ĐevaNāgarī digit 3) between 'O' and 'm' is called 'plūŧ' (प्लूत). The digit ३ (plūŧ) indicates prolonged pronunciation. So, the members of the 'Ārya Samāj' prefer 'ओ३म्'.

ओ३म् is to be pronounced as a prolonged "OOOm" sound.

Is Om the Most Powerful Symbol?

There is no scientific evidence that ॐ is more powerful than other symbols. Though chanting 'Om' may have calming effects. No symbol can bring good luck, wealth, or power. This symbol has sometimes been misused by certain individuals for personal gain.

Can the Om Symbol Help You in Meditation?

IMHO, if a dark circle or dot can help you meditate, so can the Om symbol.

Proper Use of Om

Someone once wrote that a reversed (flipped) Om brings bad luck. Fortunately, most Hinđū/s do not believe in such superstitions. However, if you care about the sentiments of Hinđū/s (who are mostly peace-loving), avoid drawing this symbol on footwear, near dirty places, etc. If you want to get a tattoo of this symbol, please try to maintain its proper shape and avoid placing it on the leg, thigh, or similar areas.

Designers should use the symbol ॐ sensitively, especially avoiding its application on bovine leather products, as most Hinđū/s regard the cow as a sacred and motherly creature.

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