What Does
Om Hreem Shreem Mean?
Om Hreem Shreem 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, Hreem is symbolic of divine goddess energy and Shreem is the bija mantra of Lakshmi, Hindu goddess of abundance and prosperity. Om Hreem Shreem is therefore considered to be a powerful mantra, invoking the spirit of Lakshmi to connect the practitioner to divine energy within.
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 Shreem mantra can help individuals to connect with the universal consciousness, in addition to uniting the body, breath and mind.
Yogapedia Explains Om Hreem Shreem
Although bija mantras are typically not translatable, Om Hreem Shreem can be broken down into three sounds of symbolic significance. Hreem is often likened with Om, the sacred vibration which represents brahman and the sound of the universe.
Hreem is the bija mantra of goddess Bhuvaneshwari, one of many forms of Shiva’s consort, Parvati. Parvati symbolizes divine feminine energy known as Shakti, and so this sound 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.
Shreem comes from the Sanskrit root Shree (also translated as Sri), which is an honorific used as a sign of respect or to denote wealth and prosperity. The ‘m’ sound is thought to belong to divine powers, and so uniting this sound with Shree is symbolic of paying respect to the divine.
Shreem is also associated with the third-eye chakra and Lakshmi, Goddess of abundance and prosperity. Lakshmi is associated with feminine lunar energy and known for her blessings of wealth, material comfort, generosity and tenderness.
Uniting Om, Hreem and Shreem is believed to amplify the effects of each sound. Recitation of this mantra can help practitioners to reach higher states of consciousness, illuminate higher wisdom and call forth the blessings of Lakshmi. It can be chanted for success in business, wealth, marriage and health, and is said to bring harmony and happiness to its practitioners.
For maximum benefit, Om Hreem Shreem 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 inner vibration of this mantra while chanting, in order to connect with the divine power within.