What is Hindu Om?

Answer 1

BRAHMAN - THE HINDU GOD OF THE VEDIC PERIOD:

In the Vedic period Brahman was considered as the Hindu god. However, though it was undoubtedly the ideal god, it was beyond the comprehension of ordinary Hindus.

THE PURANIC GODS:

In the Puranic period it was realized that the subordinate gods of Brahman were more suitable for ordinary Hindus than Brahman itself.

Even during the Vedic period it was known that Brahman had seven states (Manu Smriti 1.19) and each of them could be used as a god by an ordinary Hindu. However, each of them was a specialist god, meant for a specific purpose only.

They are,

1. Indra - god of dreaming

2. Shakti - god of illusion

3. Brahma - god of creativity

4. Vishnu - god of stabilization

5. Shiva - god of determination

6. Shani - god of status alteration

7. Yama - god of compulsion

THE SELECTION OF HINDU GODS:

Images of Hindu gods were created so that looking at the idol/ image of a god one could be under the command of the god associated with that idol/ image.

However, the method was not very reliable and there was always the danger of unintentional change of god resulting in unexpected results.

Therefore, there was a need for a way by which a Hindu could select a Hindu god at will, be under its command for desired duration and change the god if needed.

OM - THE HINDU SYMBOL:

The word 'Om' finds no mention in Vedas. It is is mentioned in Mandukya, Chandogya and Katha Upanishads and in the Bhagavadgita.

The word 'Om' has no meaning and it shouldn't.

1. The alphabet 'O' is selected because it originates from the root of our tongue.

2. The long vowel 'oo' is selected because the sound has to become involuntary / automatic, sooner than later.

3. The word 'm.. ' is selected because it is the only consonant that we can utter with our mouth closed.

Even though the mantra is uttered just once it actually gets repeated infinite times. This is because the vowel 'O' would be uttered throughout and 'm...' would interrupt it infinite times.

Thus, the word 'Om not only blanks the mind but also gives control over the entire duration of a breath, due to interruptions caused by 'm..'.

PURPOSE OF 'OM':

'Om', enables us to be under the command of the god of our choice for any desired duration and to change them at will.

Thus, the 'Om' symbol is displayed in all Hindu temples and in houses because it enables a Hindu to select the god of his choice.

THE ACTUAL SYMBOL OF HINDUISM:

It has to be mentioned that, strictly speaking, 'Om' is not a Hindu symbol because it divides Hindus by enabling them to worship different Hindu gods. Moreover, it is also not unique to Hinduism as it is used in Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism also.

The real symbol of Hinduism that unites all Hindus is 'Shunya', which symbolizes Brahman and unique to Hinduism. However, Brahman is a god most Hindus don't know.

Thus, for all practical purposes, 'Om' is the symbol of Hinduism because it enables all Hindus to be under the command of the god of their choice.

Answer 2

OM as us hindus believe is a universal sound. When the world was being created by lord vishnu, lord Shiv and lord Bhrama then all you could hear was Ommmmm. Om was then used when you pray to represent the unity or strength of the sound. Your body is made of chakras and this sound aligns the chakras which helps find you innder peace and self, which is why you say om while meditating or praying...

hope this answers you question

nfjn..

Answer 3

Hinduism believes God is one.

OM is the ONE name given by Vedas to God - who is All Powerful, Omni present, Formless, Imperishable, Omnipotent, All Creator, Eternal, Just and Supreme.

Om is the Only Name which has been attributed with all these qualities.

All the deities or gods goddesses are representing only one of these powers and as such they are remembered differently

Answer 4

Om is very important in Hinduism, since it is a very powerful word that energizes a person who chants it while meditating. When you say Om you could feel your whole skull region is vibrating. And in Hinduism it is believed that the word OM is beginning of world. Which symbolizes world is created by thoughts.

Answer 5

In regards to religion, the om symbol is found in both Hindi and Buddhist texts. It is often used as a pattern for jewelry and on healing items. It is also used as an alpha symbol to represent the start or creation of something.

Answer 6

The supreme and most sacred syllable, consisting in Sanskrit of the three sounds (a), (u), and (m), representing various fundamental triads and believed to be the spoken essence of the universe. It is uttered as a mantra and in affirmations and blessings.

Also it represents the trinity - Brahma Vishnu and Maheswara (Shiva)

Answer 7

The Hindu 'OM' means God

Answer 8

Om or AUM is the Primary Name of God