What it means
"I bow to Shambhu." The name joins sham, wellbeing, with bhu, the source of it. It points to Shiva's gentle side rather than the fierce Rudra.
Where it comes from
It's less famous than Om Namah Shivaya, but many people pair the two in morning puja. Those drawn more to Shiva's calm than to his fierceness often find this name feels like their own.
How to chant it
On a rudraksha mala, slowly and softly. It also works while offering water on a Shivling.
When: Mornings, and Mondays.
Try it now
The japa counter opens with this mantra selected and keeps count for you.
Questions people ask
Both are names of Shiva and both carry the idea of wellbeing. Shankar is the one who does good; Shambhu is the one from whom good arises.