Namaha is a Sanskrit term, often used within mantras as a humble salutation. The literal translation of na-maha is "not mine," derived from the Sanskrit negation na, paired with ma, meaning "mine’."

In contemporary interpretation, namaha means I ‘offer my deepest respect to’, ‘bow', 'obeisance', or 'adoration’ and is often added to Hindu prayers and Sanskrit mantras as a means of expressing total dedication of oneself towards Divinity. So, it is an expression of humility and a means of submitting to a higher power, reflecting the notion that one’s life is in the hands of the universe. When we chant Namaha, we are letting go of personal agency of our prayers and saying ‘Thy Will be done’.

Mantra chanting can be used to develop concentration and still the mind in preparation for meditation. Namaha is commonly used in yogic mantras, helping to release the practitioner from ego and serving as a reminder of one’s connection to universal consciousness and the higher self.