25 Indian Spiritual (ॐ) Om Tattoo Designs And Their Meanings

The word “Om” (ॐ) has an exceptional value spiritually and religiously. Om, which has an upward and downward curve as a symbol, beautifully depicts the start and end of life, in fact, the source of life. The Om tattoo designs has gained immense popularity of late following a vivid exposure to the eastern religion manuscripts, popularly followed by Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain communities for many centuries.

om tattoo designs

This has inspired many tattoo artists, for the exceptional meaning and the value of Om tattoo designs holds. Although most people like to be inked with spiritual symbols, especially the Hindu om tattoo, not many know the om tattoo meaning in real sense.

Hidden Meaning Of The Om (ॐ) Sign Tattoo Designs

Om according to the Deva Bhasha Sanskrit actually is a syllable which has three sounds “aa” “oo” and “maa”. While the three sounds are referred to the three main Hindu deities, the syllable is widely used in almost every Sanskrit prayer. Om is “something that has no Aadi and no Antham,” which means there is no start no end, which is the core essence of the life (janma) taught by most gurus.

Most of the Indian om tattoos and the other ohm symbol tattoo designs although look very trendy and stylish, they still retain the vital spiritual touch.

Sneak-peak into the Om Tattoo Ideas

Tattoo artists in India and elsewhere have grabbed the pulse of the tattoo trend with a tinge of spiritual flavour. There are many variations put to practice by tattoo artists where the om style tattoo is beautifully coupled with other traditional Indian symbols to create a typical Om mantra tattoo that is subtle yet elegant.

Most of the ohm tattoo designs are coupled with a lotus that efficiently reflects deep consciousness and beauty.

om tattoo designs

Some of the Om tattoo designs actually are neatly designed with Lord Ganesha’s head in a rounded form with the arches. Some exclusive 3d om tattoo designs also have specific Sanskrit chants written in a circular design to show the eternal circle of life. They can be done in black ink or many-colored patterns as per your requirement.

Traditional Indian Unisex Om Tattoo Designs:

While tattoos have been mostly considered man-things for decades, with the changing times and fashion trends, tattoos, especially om tattoos have made an exceptional mark in enhancing a girl’s beauty.

There are an exuberant range of designs of Om tattoos for girls available today. Be it a permanent tattoo or a temporary small om tattoo or a Mehendi design, Om Trishul tattoo and Om Ganesh tattoo have grabbed a special place in the hearts of female tattoo lovers.

Today they are also used to do many tattoo designs and in mehndi as well. They look really authentic at the same time too modern. Here are some traditional om tattoo designs for both men and women you can quickly pick and get inked.

1. Indian Ganesh Om Tattoo Design:

The Indian Ganesh Om tattoo is an authentic Indian tattoo design portraying Lord Ganapati holding a flower in his hand giving out a pleasant yet spiritual feel. The Ganesha’s head is rounded and the arches of the om flow into each other quite naturally.The design is not complicated and is very enchanting. The Ganapathi is fitted in such a way to give this tattoo a perfect look. The flow of the Ganapati trunk and the word om is written in its best way to make it look very natural.

  • Best for: This spiritually elegant tattoo is unisex in nature as the Lord Ganesha is an obstacle-remover. Therefore, both men and women can get this inked without any second thoughts.
  • Preferable ink: The om Ganesh tattoo looks amazing when done with dark black ink.
  • Where: This popular om Ganesha tattoo is best when inked on the inner side of the hand right above the wrist and the elbow.
  • Size: The Ganesha om tattoos are preferably inked in a medium-size as the design has to present the pleasant face of the lord with an expression of eyes and the other facial parts perfectly showing.
  • Skin tone: This tattoo is best suitable for those with Wheatish to fair skin.

2. Gautama Buddha Om Tattoo Design:

The Gautama Buddha Om tattoo is a complicated yet very mesmerizing tattoo design. It has a meditating Buddha inside the om tattoo design. The face of Lord Buddha with closed eyes that make it a modern Indian tattoo design idea. This makes it look really appealing.

  • Best for: If you are spiritually inclined towards the Buddha’s preaching or an ardent fan of Buddhism for some reason, this tattoo is best for you irrespective of whether you are a man or a woman.
  • Preferable ink: This tattoo is mostly inked in dark colour ink so as to make it visible and look vibrant.
  • Where: This spiritually inclined tattoo looks best when inked on the arm or on the inner side of the hand in between the wrist and the elbow.
  • Size: Such eminent tattoos are got to be in medium size to throw those positive vibes all over.
  • Skin tone: The Gautama Buddha om tattoo is best suitable for those with wheatish or fair skin.

3. Complicated Om Tattoo Designs:

This om tattoo design again has a Buddha drawing included in it. This time the tattoo is enhanced by adding earthy colors to it. This has the om symbol that is inked in shades of black on the arms. The flow of the design is really amazing and the detailing, with dots, chakras, eyes and the lotus flower, is just perfect for any follower of Buddha.

  • Best for: Since this design has a blend of colours playing their part to enhance the beauty of this tattoo, it is best for women or men based on their personal choices.
  • Preferable ink: The ink used for this tattoo is primarily a dark one, mostly black with a tinge of lighter shades that enrich the design elegance.
  • Where: This tattoo is best when inked on the inner side of the hand.
  • Size: This tattoo also looks best when inked in medium size as it has a lot of detailing.
  • Skin tone: This tattoo looks good on people with fair or wheatish skin tones.

4. Simple Om Tattoo Designs:

This is a simple yet mind-blowing om tattoo design. It is really cute, small and has very little detailing. But, still looks very gorgeous.

This small om symbol is inked in jet black color that has simple flowy black patterns and curves to complete the look. It is one of the cutest om symbol tattoos.

  • Best for: With its simplicity and little detailing, this small om tattoo is best for those who are in professional jobs yet want to get inked. Both men and women can get this inked.
  • Preferable ink: The ink is primarily a darker shade, either black or a shade closer to it.
  • Where: This tattoo looks elegant on the inner side of the hand or on the neck if it’s for a female or on the arm if it’s a man who has good biceps.
  • Size: This tattoo also looks best when inked in small size as it has not much detailing.
  • Skin tone: This is for those with fair or wheatish skin tones.

5. Trishul Of Shiva Om Tattoo Design:

The design of this tattoo is really appealing. This has too much of detailing that only professionals can create. This om tattoo has the Trishul of Shiva and the whole tattoo is the exact replica of Shiva. This tattoo with sides highlighted efficiently actually is giving out a 3d effect with an amazing vibrant look.

  • Best for: Since this design has a lot of detailing and demands for a strong nature to portray it, it is undoubtedly for men.
  • Preferable ink: A darker shade ink with a tinge of lighter shades here and there to give the 3d effect will be great for this tattoo.
  • Where: This tattoo is for those with bigger arm space and the bicep area.
  • Size: It has to be a bigger tattoo for its detailing.
  • Skin tone: It goes good with people having fair or wheatish skin tones.

6. Half Sun Om Tattoos:

This tattoo design is simple with an astonishing look. This has half Surya (the sun) as its border. The om inside the sun gives it a spiritual and modern yet ethnic look.

  • Best for: This is mainly suitable for males, as it reflects the god Surya and Shiva.
  • Preferable ink: Definitely a darker shade ink to perfectly design the border details.
  • Where: This tattoo is meant for those with a great chest for it’s the manly tattoo.
  • Size: This should be a small to medium size tattoo due to its specific yet minimal detailing.
  • Skin tone: This tattoo is mainly for people with fair or wheatish skin tones.

7. Om Tattoo Designs On Neck:

The flow of this tattoo is just amazing. It’s simple design gives this a very ethnic look. This om tattoo design looks graceful with long lines and curves made by the om symbol in this tattoo. If you see this very clearly, you can observe that the om also looks like being inside the heart, which may be the best message by the one who has this tattoo. This is one of the best om tattoos.

  • Best for: For its elegance and ethnicity, this tattoo is definitely great for both men and women.
  • Preferable ink: Thick outlines of this design demand a darker shade ink.
  • Where: This tattoo is meant for those with a great neck space.
  • Size: This should be a small size tattoo due to its specific yet minimal detailing.
  • Skin tone: This tattoo is mainly for people with fair or wheatish skin tones.

[ See More: Tattoo On Shoulder For Girls ]

8. Om Tattoo Design With Star:

This om tattoo design has a starry border which is just amazing. This adds elegance to the overall look of the tattoo. The design is just not filled that looks cluttered sometimes. Many parts of the section are kept a little empty to highlight the om design. This is great tattoo idea.

  • Best for: For its exemplary look, it is undoubtedly for men.
  • Preferable ink: Thick outlines of this design demand a darker shade ink.
  • Where: This tattoo is meant for those with a good shoulder space. If you have a broad shoulder space, this tattoo is for you.
  • Size: This should be bigger size tattoo for its detailing.
  • Skin tone: This tattoo is great on any skin tone.

9. 3D Om Tattoo Designs:

If you are looking to flaunt a 3d om tattoo designs, this one can be the best. This is styled with the strong flowing lines. This om tattoo has outline that is shaded to give this a touch of 3d effect. The flow of the tattoo is simply marvelous. The highlight and shadow in the om design gives this a 3d effect. Also, the sides of the design looks like sword that gives masculine touch to this tattoo.

  • Best for: For its elegance and power-packed look, this is surely for the masculine folk – the men!
  • Preferable ink: Sharper outlines of this design demand a darker shade ink with a tinge of a relatively lighter shade to do up the curves.
  • Where: This tattoo is for men with a nice arm-shoulder structure irrespective of the biceps space.
  • Size: This should be a medium to bigger size tattoo due to its specific detailing.
  • Skin tone: This tattoo is mainly for people with wheatish to fair skin tones.

10. Om Namah Shivaya Tattoo Design:

There is full presence of lord Shiva included in this om tattoo design. The tattoo looks amazing mainly because it is highlighted with some earthy red-brown color. The presence of Shiva is made very beautifully and very creatively. The shape of om has a face of a smiling Shiva that makes it a modern Indian design. This tattoo symbolizes peace and prosperity. Shiva when combined with om gives a peaceful mind, body and soul.

  • Best for: For its ethnicity and spiritual coherence, this tattoo is more inclined towards the masculine force. However this is definitely good for both men and women.
  • Preferable ink: Thick outlines of this design demand a darker shade ink with other lighter shades that are needed for fillings.
  • Where: This tattoo is meant for those with a great arm space.
  • Size: This should be a medium to bigger size tattoo due to its detailing.
  • Skin tone: This tattoo is mainly for people with fair or wheatish skin tones.

11. Sun Om Tattoo Designs:

This tattoo is for an ardent fan of spiritual consciousness with a little favourism to Hinduism. This has om inside a circle which is then extended with the sun rays that reflect lord Surya. This has strong lines of the om that draws anyone’s eye to this bold tattoo. This is surrounded by delicately lined patterned sun rays in the tattoo design. The fire patterns frame in the symbol is just amazing. The detailing of om is done very efficiently, for it is clearly visible even from a distance.

  • Best for: This simple yet eminent tattoo design is best suitable for both men and women, for its unisex appearance.
  • Preferable ink: This design demands thick black shade ink.
  • Where: This is a tattoo for the arm area.
  • Size: This tattoo can be either small or medium or big in size, for its appearance is elegant however it is done.
  • Skin tone: Best suitable for all skin tones.

12. Om Tattoo Designs with Effects and letters:

This is the most unique of all the om tattoo designs. This has om that is highlighted with a tinge of red color giving it a very good background. Then this is covered with the triangle mark which has the “Chandra Bindu” over it. This whole image is shown inside the eye and the pupil that resembles the third eye of Shiva. This tattoo design also has sun rays to complete the look, which is again highlighted with a lighter shade. The tattoo portrays a visual message, “grant me serenity”.

  • Best for: The tattoo is traditional in nature and is best suitable for anyone irrespective of their gender.
  • Preferable ink: The inks usually used in this design are one darker shade and a couple of lighter shades for exclusive designing.
  • Where: This tattoo is meant for those with a great shoulder-arm space.
  • Size: This is got to be a medium to bigger size tattoo for its multi-colour detailing.
  • Skin tone: This tattoo is best for those with fair skin tone.

13. Elegant Om Tattoos with a touch of beauty:

om tattoos

This beautiful om design tattoo has carefully added curves, paisley motifs, and flower petal shapes that make this a traditional om tattoo design. The design incorporates some Mehendi designs giving it a look of traditional Mehendi with a tinge of ethnicity.

  • Best for: For its elegance, ethnicity and eminence, this tattoo is definitely for women.
  • Preferable ink: Thick outlines of this design demand a darker shade ink with a lighter shade, specifically pinkish shade to add certain highlights.
  • Where: This tattoo are for women who love to show off their long neck space.
  • Size: This should be a small to medium size tattoo for its female elegance detailing.
  • Skin tone: This tattoo is mainly for people with fair or wheatish skin tones.

14. Om Tattoo Designs On Hand:

This om tattoo design is the complicated of all. This is something that only a designer or professional tattoo artist can do it for you. The flow of writing om is just amazing that is surrounded by dots and two circles. The bottom of om is filled with writing “Datta Narayan”, which means god. The circle is adjoined with the flower petals, which are not feminine. This is again filled with loads of dots. The upper part of the tattoo has horns that resemble bull.

This also has three eyes of the lord Shiva at the top pest part of it. The patterns in design is huge that adds to its beauty.

  • Best for: This surely looks very masculine and suits men who have a nicely built body.
  • Preferable ink: In this design, the om symbol is inked in a solid black color that sits surrounded by delicate dots everywhere.
  • Where: Looks amazing when inked on the shoulder-arm area.
  • Size: This should be a bigger size tattoo due to exquisite0.
  • Skin tone: This tattoo is mainly for people with fair or wheatish skin tones.

[ See More: Best Wrist Tattoo Designs ]

15. Maha Mrityunjaya/ Tryambakam Mantra Om Tattoos:

The style of writing om in this tattoo design is simply amazing and the best of all. This om is surrounded by a Sanskrit shloka – the mahamrityunjaya mantra. This mantra is also called the tryambakam mantra. The om is framed in a circular line of this mantra symbolizes the eternal circle of life. This resembles the third eye Shiva lord. This whole chant is encircled by the Trishul and an eye on the top. Also, the sides have three pillars on each side and the Trishul end at the bottom.

  • Best for: For its spiritual and religious elegance, this tattoo is definitely great for both men and women, although it is a little inclined towards the masculine force.
  • Preferable ink: This design demands a darker shade ink.
  • Where: This tattoo is meant for those with a broad shoulder joint.
  • Size: This should be a bigger size tattoo, specific to one’s shoulder space.
  • Skin tone: This tattoo goes good on any skin tone.

16. Geometric Om Tattoo Designs:

Here is a unique Om tattoo design. This om tattoo idea is widely accepted by geometric lovers. The design includes Om design in black which is surrounded by several box designs. The tattoo is made with a black and white shading design which looks quite trendy on the backside for a full vision. A simple Om with a dark outline gives a digital look to the tattoo. The tattoo design also gives a message to the people that the solution to all your life problems is Om which means peace and eternity.

  • Best for: For its geometrical structure, this tattoo is good for both men and women based on their personal likes.
  • Preferable ink: This design demands a mixture of dark and lighter shade inks.
  • Where: This is surely a backspace tattoo
  • Size: This should be a bigger size tattoo for its exclusive detailing and amazing structure.
  • Skin tone: This tattoo is good on any skin tone.

17. Om Tattoo Designs with Quotes:

The youth today are very much attracted to having quote tattoos. A similar tattoo is made using Om design along with a quote about fate and luck. Made from black ink, the tattoo is made on the wrist with curvy designs with quotes printed on it. The end of the tattoo is made with an Om tattoo. The attractive fonts add to the beauty of the tattoo which symbolises the trust on hard work. The tattoo henceforth defines the nature, thoughts or the principles of life the men is living with.

  • Best for: For its bold look and message, it is good for both men and women.
  • Preferable ink: Thick outlines of this design demand a darker shade ink.
  • Where: This tattoo is best on the inner side of the hand in between the wrist and the elbow.
  • Size: This is a tattoo that spreads all over the inner hand area with a lot of minute details. So it is relatively big and covering.
  • Skin tone: This tattoo is good on any lighter skin tone.

18. Tribal Om Tattoo Designs:

Tribal om tattoo designs have always been selected by the youth for a funky and inspirational look. Similarly, a tribal tattoo with Om design gives the best Om tattoo design in this category. The tattoo is made with dark black ink and given several curves moving out of the Om design to give it a tribal look.

  • Best for: It is a bold and beautiful design and therefore, best suits the masculine force – men with a good body!
  • Preferable ink: Thick outlines of this design demand a darker shade ink.
  • Where: It looks stunning on the arms.
  • Size: This should be relatively medium-bigger size tattoo for its bold detailing.
  • Skin tone: This looks great on any skin tone.

19. Colourful Floral Om Tattoos:

Looking for something religious and colourful too? A colourful Om tattoo along coupled with an astonishing flower is the best you can carry on your body. The Om tattoo on the neck is designed in black ink border with two lovely curves in opposite directions. The centre of the flower is given yellow colour with the Om design in dark black who shows the glory of the symbol. Om is a symbol of peace and prosperity while the lotus flower is the symbol of purity and rebirth.

  • Best for: Although some men like floral designs, this design is purely inclined towards the feminine force – the beautiful women!
  • Preferable ink: This is a multi-colour beauty!
  • Where: This tattoo is meant for those with a great neck space or for those who flaunt their beautiful back.
  • Size: This can be anywhere between small and large size based on individual choice.
  • Skin tone: This tattoo is mainly for people with fair skin tone.

20. Om with Shiva Tattoo:

This truly ethnic Om symbol tattoo is at its best hosting Lord Shiva. Om originates from Lord Shiva and the tattoo design shows the same. The design is made with all the symbols of Shiva such as the damru, Trishul and omkar. The base is designed with a damru while the middle portion is half given the look of a Trishul and half the face of Lord Shiva. The top of the tattoo is designed with the Om with simple outlines. The design symbolises the true role of God, the creator, preserver and the destroyer.

  • Best for: For its powerful look, this design is best for strong men.
  • Preferable ink: Shades of darker colour and a couple of lighter colours used for detailing.
  • Where: This tattoo is meant for those with a larger arm space narrowing down from a broad shoulder.
  • Size: This will be a bigger size tattoo covering the biceps area.
  • Skin tone: This tattoo looks great on any skin tone.

[ See More: Hand Tattoo Designs ]

21. Om Tattoo For Girls on Side of the Hand:

This elegant yet unique om tattoo design presents spiritual motive and the two rudrakshas, the most powerful beads that lord Shiva wears upon him, are beautifully designed on the top and bottom sides of the tattoo. The little feathery extension towards the end makes the tattoo more exquisite and truly feminine in nature.

  • Best for: For its simple look, this om tattoo design is best for girls.
  • Preferable ink: Shades of darker colour are used for detailing.
  • Where: This tattoo looks amazing when inked on the side of the hand in between the wrist and elbow areas. The side of the hand and the inner side of the hand running from the wrist to the elbow are the best body places for such amazing tattoos.
  • Size: This will be medium size tattoo adding elegance to the hand side.
  • Skin tone: This tattoo looks great on any skin tone.

22. Small Om Style Tattoo Design:

This quintessential om tattoo design on the hands displays a sense of value and richness for culture. Namaskar, the traditional Indian “hello” done by bringing two palms together is exquisitely enriched with this beautiful om tattoo carefully partitioned to fit the sides of either of the palms. The Om symbol looks complete only when one does a Namaskar. This design is the most inspirational om tattoo in trend right now! How beautiful! Isn’t it?

  • Best for: This tiny om tattoo design looks beautiful for both men and women
  • Preferable ink: Shades of darker colour
  • Size: This will be a small tattoo adding elegance to the palm side.
  • Skin tone: This tattoo looks great on any skin tone.

23. Om Tattoo Design on Fingers:

This is one of the most sought om design tattoos for girls. Most young girls or even those who are little older but are spiritually inclined like this tattoo. The Om design tattoo which is one of the most loved designs by celebrity women is a permanent and beautiful replacement for rings that have om engraved on them. This design in the most fancy om design in trend now!

  • Best for: For its elegance, this tattoo is definitely for women.
  • Preferable ink: Shades of darker colour
  • Where: This cute and beautiful tattoo usually looks appealing when inked on the ring finger.
  • Size: This will be a small tattoo adding elegance to the finger.
  • Skin tone: This tattoo looks great on any skin tone.

24. 3D Om Tattoo Designs for Men:

This most colourful om design tattoo is a 3D look one with a tinge of beauty, power and richness overloaded. With the richness of the lotus booming alongside the most elegant om symbol adds great value to this 3D tattoo designs.

  • Best for: It is a bold and beautiful design for men to add more elegance
  • Preferable ink: Shades of darker colour for the primary tattoo with multi-colours for the filling.
  • Where: This beautiful tattoo should go only on the arm.
  • Size: This will be a bigger tattoo covering the arm with richness and power.
  • Skin tone: This tattoo looks great on any skin tone.

25. Om Tattoo Design for a Beautiful Back:

This extraordinary floral enriched om tattoo design turns a woman’s back into nature’s delight. This design is not so complicated but takes in a good amount of effort to add value. Also, the multi-colour shades are carefully inked to give the tattoo a perfect look.

  • Best for: Mostly women like floral designs this design is purely inclined towards the feminine force – the beautiful women!
  • Preferable ink: Shades of darker colour for the primary tattoo with multi-colours for the filling.
  • Where: This beautiful tattoo should go only on the back.
  • Size: This will be a bigger tattoo covering the upper back with elegance.
  • Skin tone: This tattoo looks great on fair to wheatish skin tone.

Additional Tips to Retain the Elegance of Om Tattoos:

Now that you know which om tattoo goes where and how they are made, here are a few tips for you to retain that elegance!

  • Be sport! Choose the om design tattoo that best suits your skin tone.
  • Pick the one that you can flaunt! So get it inked on the body part you can flaunt. If you are not comfortable flaunting your back, what’s the point in spending so much and getting inked there?
  • Choose colours wisely. Certain colours do not go well with certain skin tones. So choose the om tattoo design colors according to your skin texture
  • Make it a point to talk to your tattoo artist and show him your choice of design well in advance.
  • Don’t be in a hurry. Have patience. Choose smartly and go for it!

Be it on the wrist, finger, arm, neck or on the back, the om tattoo designs are just too good to skip getting inked! The next time you are at the tattoo store, you know what to get inked! When you get one of these designs inked on yourself, please do share your thoughts with us by commenting below. Happy Tattooing!