AUM (Pranava)

AUM (Pranava) is the primordial sound and the most sacred syllable in Hinduism, regarded as the sound manifestation of Brahman, the ultimate reality. Its earliest mention occurs in the Rigveda (1.164.39), where the syllable is described as the essence of all speech. The Mandukya Upanishad, a foundational text on AUM, expounds its metaphysical significance: the syllable is divided into three matras (sounds) — 'A', 'U', and 'M' — which correspond to the waking, dream, and deep sleep states of consciousness, while the silence after the syllable represents the fourth state (turiya), the transcendent reality beyond time.

The Bhagavad Gita (8.13) instructs that one who departs the body while chanting AUM attains the highest goal. In the Puranas, the Skanda Purana (Maheshvara Khanda) narrates that AUM arose from the cosmic vibration of the universe, containing the essence of all mantras and the Vedas. Iconographically, AUM is represented by the written symbol ॐ, which is often depicted as the source of all sound and creation, with the curve and dot symbolizing the waking and dream states, and the tail representing the deep sleep state.

AUM is central to Hindu cosmology: it is the first sound from which all creation emerged, and it pervades the past, present, and future, as well as that which transcends time. In regional worship traditions, AUM is revered pan-India, often inscribed on temples, used as a meditative focus, and chanted at the beginning and end of rituals. It is considered the Shabda Brahman (Brahman as sound) and the essence of the Vedas.

The syllable is also associated with the Trimurti: 'A' represents Brahma (creation), 'U' represents Vishnu (preservation), and 'M' represents Shiva (destruction). AUM is not merely a symbol but the sonic embodiment of the cosmos, and its meditation is said to lead to liberation (moksha).

Represented by the written symbol ॐ. Often depicted as the source of all sound and creation.