Om Jai Shiv Omkara Aarti — Word-by-Word Meaning
ॐ जय शिव ओमकारा आरती
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
ॐ
Om
The primordial cosmic sound
जय
Jai
Victory, glory, hail
शिव
Shiv
Lord Shiva, the auspicious one
ओमकारा
Omkara
The form of Om, the cosmic sound incarnate
स्वामी
Swami
Lord, master
ब्रह्मा
Brahma
The creator god
विष्णु
Vishnu
The preserver god
सदाशिव
Sadashiv
The eternal Shiva, the destroyer
अर्द्धांगी
Ardhangi
The one whose half body is occupied by his consort
एकानन
Ekanan
One-faced (Brahma's original form)
चतुरानन
Chaturanan
Four-faced (Brahma)
पंचानन
Panchanan
Five-faced (Shiva)
हंसासन
Hansasan
Seated on a swan (Brahma's vehicle)
गरुड़ासन
Garudhasan
Seated on Garuda eagle (Vishnu's vehicle)
वृषवाहन
Vrishvahan
Riding the bull Nandi (Shiva's vehicle)
त्रिगुण
Trigun
Three qualities — Sattva, Rajas, Tamas
त्रिभुवन
Tribhuvan
Three worlds — heaven, earth, netherworld
अक्षमाला
Akshamala
Rosary of Rudraksha beads
वनमाला
Vanmala
Garland of forest flowers
मुण्डमाला
Mundmala
Garland of skulls
चन्दन
Chandan
Sandalwood paste
मृगमद
Mrigmad
Musk (deer fragrance)
शशिधारी
Shashidhari
Bearer of the crescent moon on his forehead
श्वेताम्बर
Shwetambar
White-robed (Brahma's form)
पीताम्बर
Pitambar
Yellow-robed (Vishnu's form)
बाघम्बर
Baaghambar
Tiger-skinned (Shiva's form)
कमण्डलु
Kamandalu
Water pot carried by ascetics
चक्र
Chakra
The divine discus (Vishnu's weapon)
त्रिशूल
Trishul
The trident (Shiva's weapon)
सुखकारी
Sukhkari
Giver of happiness
दुखहारी
Dukh-hari
Remover of sorrows
जगपालनकारी
Jagpalankari
Sustainer and protector of the world
प्रणवाक्षर
Pranavakshar
The syllable of Pranava (Om)
मनवांछित
Manvanchhit
Heart's desire, wished-for
फल
Phal
Fruit, result, reward
Complete Translation
Om glory to Lord Shiva Omkara, glory to Lord Shiva Omkara!
Brahma, Vishnu and eternal Shiva — you hold your consort as half your body.
Om glory to Lord Shiva Omkara!
One-faced, four-faced, five-faced — you reign supreme.
Seated on the swan, the eagle, and the bull — you are beautifully adorned.
Om glory to Lord Shiva Omkara!
With two arms, four arms, ten arms — you look magnificent.
Beholding your three-fold form, the people of the three worlds are enchanted.
Om glory to Lord Shiva Omkara!
You wear a rosary, a forest garland, and a garland of skulls.
Sandalwood and musk adorn you, and the crescent moon graces your forehead.
Om glory to Lord Shiva Omkara!
White robes, yellow robes, and tiger skin adorn your body.
Sanak and other sages, Garuda and others, spirits and beings — all accompany you.
Om glory to Lord Shiva Omkara!
In your hands you hold the water pot, the discus and the trident.
You are the giver of happiness, the remover of sorrow, and the sustainer of the world.
Om glory to Lord Shiva Omkara!
Brahma, Vishnu and Sadashiv — the ignorant consider them separate.
But in the syllable Om, all three shine as one.
Om glory to Lord Shiva Omkara!
Whoever sings this aarti of the three-formed Lord,
Says Swami Shivanand — they shall attain all that their heart desires.
Om glory to Lord Shiva Omkara!
Origin & History
Source: Traditional Hindu devotional composition
Author: Unknown (folk tradition)
Period: Medieval period
Om Jai Shiv Omkara is the most popular Shiva aarti, sung in temples and homes across India during evening worship. The aarti describes Shiva's divine attributes — crescent moon, Ganga, trident, bull Nandi, and the snake.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Om Jai Shiv Omkara?▼
Om Jai Shiv Omkara is the most popular and widely sung aarti dedicated to Lord Shiva. It describes Shiva's divine form, his attributes, his weapons, and his role as the supreme deity who encompasses the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. It is traditionally attributed to Swami Shivanand.
When should I sing this aarti?▼
This aarti is ideally sung during evening puja (Sandhya Kaal). It is especially auspicious on Mondays (Shiva's day), during the month of Shravan (July-August), on Maha Shivaratri, and on Pradosh Vrat days. However, it can be sung any time you wish to worship Lord Shiva.
What is the meaning of Omkara in the aarti?▼
Omkara means 'the form of Om' or 'the one who is Om.' The aarti addresses Shiva as the embodiment of the sacred syllable Om — the primordial cosmic sound from which all creation emerged. This establishes Shiva as the supreme, formless Brahman.
Why does the aarti mention Brahma and Vishnu along with Shiva?▼
The aarti presents Shiva as the supreme being who manifests as all three members of the Hindu trinity — Brahma the creator, Vishnu the preserver, and Shiva the transformer. The key verse states that in the syllable Om, all three are one. This reflects the Shaivite philosophical view.
Who wrote Om Jai Shiv Omkara?▼
The aarti is traditionally attributed to Swami Shivanand, as mentioned in the final verse. It is a beloved devotional composition that has been part of Hindu worship tradition for generations and is sung in temples and homes across India every evening.
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