Om Hreem

Last Updated: September 18, 2020

Definition - What does Om Hreem mean?

Om Hreem is a Sanskrit mantra, made up of one-syllable sounds known as bija, or "seed," mantras. Om is believed to be the sacred sound of the universe, symbolic of the ultimate realities known as brahman (universal consciousness) and atman (individual consciousness).

Hreem is often likened to Om, and is considered to be the most powerful mantra for illuminating higher wisdom. The combination of these two bija mantras creates potent vibrations that can help to open the mind to higher states of consciousness.

Bija mantras are used to still the mind in preparation for meditation, by enabling the practitioner to maintain focus on sacred sounds. The real power of a mantra is believed to stem from the sound vibrations created by chanting, either aloud or silently.

The resonance of the Om Hreem mantra can help individuals to connect individual and universal consciousness, in addition to uniting the body, breath and mind.

Om Hreem mantra in English and Sanskrit inside a golden circle

Yogapedia explains Om Hreem

Although bija mantras are typically not translatable, Om Hreem can be broken down into several sounds of symbolic significance:

Om is the sound of brahman and atman.

Ha is symbolic of Shiva, one of the main Hindu deities.

Ra represents prakriti, or nature in all of its forms.

Ee refers to Mahamaya, the mother of the universe.

Mm is the sound of brahman, or universal consciousness.

Additionally, Hreem is the bija mantra of goddess Bhuvaneshwari, one of many forms of Shiva’s consort, Parvati. Parvati symbolises divine feminine energy known as Shakti, and so this mantra is believed to connect the practitioner to the energies of Shiva and Shakti simultaneously. It can also be used to call upon divine goddess energy, as a means of promoting healing, creativity, compassion and purity.

Like all bija mantras, Om Hreem can either be chanted alone or as part of another longer mantra such as Om Hreem Shreem or Om Hreem Namah.

For maximum benefit, Om Hreem should be chanted 108 times daily. It may be practiced in any stable seated posture such as sukhasana (easy pose) or padmasana (lotus pose) and can be chanted at any time of day. It is important to focus on the inn




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