In Jainism and in Hinduism the written sign “ॐ” looks almost the same – but its meaning and use are different.

1. What “Om” means in Jainism (Jain Om / Aum)

In Jain Dharma, Om (ॐ) is a short form of the Namokar Mantra. It is made from the first letters of the five Parmeshthis:

• A – Arihant
• A – Ashariri / Siddha (liberated souls)
• A – Acharya
• U – Upadhyaya
• M – Muni (sādhu / sādhvī)

So Jain “Om” really means:

> “Namo Arihantanam, Namo Siddhanam, Namo Ayariyanam, > Namo Uvajjhayanam, Namo Loe Savva Sahunam”

It is not a sound for a creator‑God, but a bowing to these five types of supreme souls and their pure qualities.

2. What “Om” generally means in Hinduism

In most Hindu traditions:

• Om is the “pranava”, the sound of Brahman / ultimate reality.
• It is often linked with the Trimūrti (Brahmā, Viṣṇu, Śiva) or with the idea of creator–preserver–destroyer.
• It is used to remember one supreme Ishvara (God) or the total universe.

So in Hinduism, Om is more about God / cosmic reality.

3. Main differences in simple words

1. Meaning

- Jain Om = bowing to five Parmeshthis (Arihant, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyaya, Muni). - Hindu Om = symbol/sound of God or ultimate reality (Brahman).

1. Idea of God

- Jainism: No creator‑God; every soul can become Siddha. Om reminds us of perfect souls and gurus. - Hinduism: Om often stands for Ishvara / Brahman, the supreme divine being.

1. Use in practice

- Jains: Use Om mainly as a short, respectful form of the Navkar Mantra, or before/after it. - Hindus: Use Om at the start of many mantras, meditations, and names of deities.

1. Symbol shape

- The written sign “ॐ” is very similar, but - Its inner meaning in Jainism is fixed to Panch‑Parmeshthi, - In Hinduism it is tied to their own philosophy of God and universe.

So, same looking symbol, but very different meaning and philosophy behind it.