Om- in Hinduism

पिताहमस्य जगतो माता धाता पितामह :I

वेद्यं पवित्रमोंकार ऋक्साम यजुरेव च II

... Geeta ( Chapter 9, Slok 17)

God Describes that I am Om in all words...

Aum’ () by far is the most popular and sacred symbol and sound in Hinduism and volumes have been written that seek to illustrate its significance. "From the beginning of creation, the three words Om Tat Sat were used to indicate the Supreme Absolute Truth. These three symbolic representations were used by brahmanas while chanting the hymns of the Vedas and during sacrifices for the satisfaction of the Supreme" (Bhagavad Gita, 17.23).

The various Upanishads also comment on the centrality of Om in Hindu thought, especially the Taittiriya, Chandogya and Mundaka Upanishads. For example, the Katha Upanishad states:

The goal, which all Vedas declare, which all austerities aim at, and which humans desire when they live a life of continence, I will tell you briefly it is Om. The syllable Om is indeed Brahman. This syllable Om is the highest. Whosoever knows this symbol obtains all that he desires. This is the best support; this is the highest support. Whosoever knows this support is adored in the world of Brahman. (I, ii, 15-17)

In the popular Bhagavad Gita Krishna says, "I am Om" (Ch. 7.8 and 9.17), and one must chant "Om" while thinking of Krishna in order to attain Him personally (Ch. 8.13). The popular prayer and chant to Shiva, "Om Namah Shiva" also utilizes the sacred sound of Om.

Hindu Gods and Goddesses are sometimes referred to as Aumkar, which means “Form of ‘Aum.’” ‘Aum’ can be seen as Sri Ganesh, whose figure is often represented in the shape of ‘Aum.’ He is thus known as Aumkar (“Shape of ‘Aum’”). Sri Nataraja, or the Hindu god 'Shiva' dancing his dance of destruction, is seen as mirroring the image of ‘Aum.’