The “AUM” symbol (or OM – the symbol in the center) symbolizes the Universe and the ultimate reality. It is the most important Hindu symbols. At the dawn of creation, from emptiness first emerged a syllable consisting of three letters – A-U-M (often written as OM). AUM is considered an original (primal) sound that rang out in the created universe. It is the root mantra. Mantra is a word of great power, usually a combination of Sanskrit syllables used as an invocation, prayer, recited loudly and repeatedly. MA means “the soul, the mind’”, and TRA means “protect, lead.” Among several mantras, there is one, most important: mantra OM. It is considered AUM (OM) which represents the three aspects of God: the Brahma (A), the Vishnu (U) and the Shiva (M).
