Pranvamantra: The Omkara and the Origins of Sound

डमरू-ओंकार नाद ॰ परमेश्वर का प्रसाद

उसके ही महिमा से ॰ गिरी-कंदर गाजे

The Damaru, or the drum of Lord Shiva, plays the Omkar, or cosmic sound. This sound is the gift, the blessings, of Lord Almighty; the Lord who’s greatness rings loudly across the universe

The Damaru

The damaru is the drum of Lord Shiva and is considered to be the origin of sound in the universe. The vibrations of the drum originated the universe, and continues to sustain it. This vibration is called a naad.

Lord Shiva is also known Lord Nataraja, or the cosmic dancer. It is in this form that he danced the dance of creation, known as the Tandava, to the beat and vibrations of the damaru.

Some say the damaru also symbolizes the rising and falling of the universe. Its shape expands, collapses, and then expands again, mimicking the cycle of the universe.

The Pranavamantra: Omkara

The Omkara is referred to as the Pranavamantra, the source of all mantras that is synonymous to the Supreme Consciousness. The word Pranav means roar, or a loud reverberating sound. This roar of the Omkara is the naad, or sound that sparked creation. Chanted as AUM (OM), the Omkara is phonetically spoken using the sounds AA, OO, & MM. 

Swami Vivekananda has said, “…it is out of this holiest of all holy words, the mother of all names and forms, the eternal Om, that the universe may be suppose to have been created.” This naad represents the entire scope of existence, from the beginning till its end.

Omkaras are used in Yoga and Meditation for breath control & concentration. 

From a musical standpoint, the sadhana, or dedicated practice of this mantra for a vocalist is essential to voice development. The vowels mixed with the humming sounds of the MM facilitate in increasing power, resonance, throw, and richness of the voice. It increases vocal stamina to allow for longer & healthier singing, as well as adding range and flexibility to the voice. It is the key for ensuring that your singing not only improves, but is connected with the mind, body, and soul.