The mantra has gained wider use outside India as a result of Siddha Yoga, founded by Swami Muktananda, in which it is the main mantra used for meditation and chanting. The nature of the mantra is the calling upon the higher self it is the calling upon Shiva. Many Hindu teachers consider that the recitation of these syllables is sound therapy for the body and nectar for the Ātman. Soulful recitation of this mantra brings peace to the heart and joy to the Ātman or soul. Traditionally, it is accepted to be a powerful healing mantra beneficial for all physical and mental ailments. It also keeps the devotee close to Shiva and within His protective global fellowship. When done correctly, it allegedly calms the mind and brings spiritual insight and knowledge. This mantra is associated with qualities of prayer, divine-love, grace, truth, and blissfulness. The guru whispers the mantra into the disciple’s right ear, along with instructions on how and when to chant it. This initiation is often part of a temple ritual, such as a puja, japa, homa (fire ceremony), dhyana or and while smearing vibhuti. Before this initiation which is called mantra diksha, the guru will usually require a period of study. It is freely sung and chanted by everyone, but it is most powerful when given by one's guru. Traditionally it is repeated 108 times a day while keeping count on a strand of rudraksha beads. This mantra is repeated verbally or mentally, drawing the mind in upon itself to Lord Shiva's infinite, all-pervasive presence. Traditional 108+1 Rudraksha mala used for chanting Om Namah Shivaya Mantra
The mantra appears without the initial Om in the eighth hymn of Namakam(TS 4.5.8.1) as Namaḥ śivāya ca śivatarāya ca ( Sanskrit: नमः शिवाय च शिवतराय च). Name of both chapters are Namakam (chapter five) and Chamakam (chapter seven) respectively. Each chapter consist of eleven anuvaka or hymns. Shri Rudram Chamakam is taken from two chapters in fourth book of Taittiriya Samhita (TS 4.5, 4.7) of Krishna Yajurveda. This mantra is present in the Shri Rudram Chamakam, which is part of the Krishna Yajurveda.