Shiv Panchakshar Stotra
The Shiv Panchakshar Stotra (Sanskrit: शिवपञ्चाक्षरस्तोत्र, Shiva-Panchakshara-Stotra, meaning “Hymn to the Five Syllables of Shiva”) is one of the most revered devotional hymns in Hinduism, dedicated to Lord Shiva, the supreme deity known as the destroyer of evil, the transformer, and the embodiment of consciousness. Composed by the illustrious philosopher and spiritual master Adi Shankaracharya (8th century CE), this stotra encapsulates the essence of Shiva’s divine attributes through the five sacred syllables of the Panchakshara Mantra: Na-Ma-Shi-Va-Ya (ॐ नमः शिवाय, Om Namah Shivaya).
॥ Shiva Panchakshara Stotram ॥
Nagendraharaya Trilochanaya
Bhasmangaragaya Maheshvaraya।
Nityaya Shuddhaya Digambaraya
Tasmai Na karaya Namah Shivaya॥1॥
Mandakinisalila chandanacharchitaya
Nandishvara pramathanatha mahesvaraya।
Mandarapushpa-bahupushpa-supujitaya
Tasmai Ma Karaya Namah Shivaya॥2॥
Shivaya Gaurivadanabjavrinda
Suryaya Dakshadhvaranashakaya।
Shrinilakanthaya Vrishabhvajaya
Tasmai Shi Karaya Namah Shivaya॥3॥
Vasishtha kumbhodbhava gautamarya
Munindradevarchita shekharaya।
Chandrarka vaishvanara lochanaya
Tasmai Va Karaya Namah Shivaya॥4॥
Yakshasvarupaya Jatadharaya
Pinakahastaya Sanatanaya।
Divyaya Devaya Digambaraya
Tasmai Ya Karaya Namah Shivaya॥5॥
Panchaksharamidam Punyam Yah Pathechchhivasannidhau।
Shivalokamavapnoti Shivena Saha Modate॥6॥
॥ Iti Shrimachchhkdaracharyavirachitam Shivapanchakshara Stotram Sampurnam ॥
Shiv Panchakshar Stotra Meaning in English
Salutations to Lord Shiva, adorned with serpents as garlands, with three eyes,
Whose body is smeared with sacred ash, the great lord (Maheshwara),
Who is eternal, pure, and wears the directions as his garment (Digambara),
To that Shiva, represented by the syllable Na, I bow down.
Salutations to Lord Shiva, anointed with the waters of the Mandakini (Ganges) and sandalwood paste,
The lord of Nandi and his divine attendants, the great lord (Maheshwara),
Worshipped with Mandara flowers and many other blossoms,
To that Shiva, represented by the syllable Ma, I bow down.
Salutations to Lord Shiva, the radiant sun to the lotus-like face of Gauri (Parvati),
Who destroyed the sacrifice of Daksha,
The blue-throated lord (Nilakantha) with the bull as his emblem,
To that Shiva, represented by the syllable Shi, I bow down.
Salutations to Lord Shiva, worshipped by great sages like Vashishta, Agastya, and Gautama,
The supreme lord revered by celestial beings,
Whose eyes are the moon, sun, and fire,
To that Shiva, represented by the syllable Va, I bow down.
Salutations to Lord Shiva, the embodiment of sacrifice, with matted locks,
Holding the trident (Pinaka) in his hand, the eternal one,
The divine lord who wears the directions as his garment,
To that Shiva, represented by the syllable Ya, I bow down.
Whoever recites this sacred five-syllable hymn (Panchakshara Stotra) in the presence of Shiva,
Attains the abode of Shiva (Shivaloka) and rejoices eternally with him.
Origins and Authorship
The Shiv Panchakshar Stotra is attributed to Adi Shankaracharya, a pivotal figure in the Advaita Vedanta school of Hindu philosophy. Shankaracharya is renowned for revitalizing Vedic traditions and composing numerous devotional hymns (stotras) that bridge intellectual philosophy with heartfelt devotion. His works, including the Shiv Panchakshar Stotra, reflect a profound understanding of Shiva’s cosmic role as both transcendent and immanent.
The stotra derives its name from the term Panchakshara, meaning “five syllables” in Sanskrit, referring to the mantra Om Namah Shivaya. This mantra, considered the essence of Shiva worship, is found in ancient Vedic texts, notably the Shri Rudram Chamakam of the Yajurveda, one of the oldest scriptural sources in Hinduism. Shankaracharya’s composition elaborates on this mantra, dedicating each verse to one of the five syllables (Na, Ma, Shi, Va, Ya), thereby creating a poetic and spiritual meditation on Shiva’s divine qualities.
The Five Syllables and the Elements
The Panchakshara Mantra (Na-Ma-Shi-Va-Ya) is believed to represent the five elements (Panchabhutas) that constitute the universe and the human body:
- Na: Earth (Prithvi), symbolizing stability and grounding.
- Ma: Water (Jala), representing purity and flow.
- Shi: Fire (Agni), signifying transformation and energy.
- Va: Air (Vayu), denoting movement and life force.
- Ya: Space (Akasha), embodying infinite consciousness.
By chanting the stotra, devotees align themselves with these elements, harmonizing their physical and spiritual existence with the universe. This connection underscores Shiva’s role as the source and sustainer of creation.
Benefits of Recitation
The Shiv Panchakshar Stotra is celebrated for its transformative effects on devotees’ lives. Some of the widely recognized benefits include:
- Spiritual Growth: Enhances understanding of divine truths and fosters a closer connection with Shiva.
- Mental Peace: Calms the mind, reduces stress, and alleviates anxiety through its soothing rhythm.
- Protection from Negativity: Creates a spiritual shield against evil influences and harmful energies.
- Prosperity and Success: Guides devotees toward righteous paths, attracting abundance and stability.
- Healing: Promotes physical and emotional well-being, with some devotees reporting improved health.
- Karma Purification: Helps mitigate the effects of past negative actions, paving the way for spiritual liberation.
- Fulfillment of Desires: Sincere recitation is believed to manifest righteous aspirations through Shiva’s grace.
How to Chant the Shiv Panchakshar Stotra
To maximize the stotra’s benefits, devotees are encouraged to follow these guidelines:
- Environment: Chant in a clean, quiet space, ideally before a Shiva idol or Shivalinga.
- Timing: Early morning (Brahma Muhurta), evening (Pradosh), or during auspicious occasions like Shivratri are ideal.
- Preparation: Bathe, wear clean clothes, and maintain a focused, devotional mindset.
- Pronunciation: Learn the correct Sanskrit pronunciation to preserve the mantra’s vibrational potency.
- Repetition: Chant the stotra 3, 11, or 108 times, using a mala (prayer beads) for japa.
- Integration: Combine with meditation, offerings (e.g., bilva leaves, milk), or abhishekam rituals for enhanced efficacy.
