The Apara Shiva Dhyana Mantra is a meditative invocation focusing on the immanent aspect of Shiva, known as Apara Shiva, who is the divine consciousness manifest within the entire universe. Unlike the transcendent Para Shiva, Apara Shiva is the active, creative principle that pervades all creation. This mantra is rooted in the Shaiva Agamas, which elaborate on the dual aspects of Shiva as both transcendent and immanent. The Shiva Purana (Vidyeshvara Samhita, Chapter 10) describes Apara Shiva as the one who, through His maya, becomes the universe, yet remains unaffected.
The mantra is used for dhyana (meditation) to realize the presence of Shiva in every atom, fostering a non-dual awareness that 'all is Shiva' (Shivam advaitam). The beej-akshara (seed syllable) often associated with this practice is 'Hraum' or 'Om', with 'Om' representing the primordial sound that embodies both the unmanifest and manifest. Phonetically, 'Om' consists of A-U-M, symbolizing creation, preservation, and dissolution, aligning with Apara Shiva's role in the cosmic cycle. Traditional purposes include attaining sakshatkara (direct realization) of the divine in daily life, dissolving the illusion of separateness, and experiencing the world as a play of Shiva's consciousness.
The Mantra Mahodadhi (Chapter 3) recommends chanting this dhyana mantra 108 times daily, preferably at dawn or dusk, in a seated posture with a focused mind. It is often chanted before performing puja or during meditation on Shiva's form as the universe. No specific cautions are noted, but as with all dhyana mantras, purity of intention and regularity are emphasized. The mantra is widely used in Shaiva traditions across India and globally, especially during Maha Shivaratri, when devotees meditate on both the transcendent and immanent aspects of Shiva.
Salutations to Apara Shiva, the immanent divine consciousness.
The mantra includes the beej-akshara 'hrauṁ', which is a seed syllable associated with Shiva's manifest form. 'Oṁ' itself is a beej representing the primordial sound. Together, they invoke the immanent aspect of Shiva.