The Shri Shiv Panchakshar Stotra, also known as the Panchakshara Mantra, is a revered hymn dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. Composed in Sanskrit, this mantra encapsulates the essence of Lord Shiva's divine attributes and symbolism. Each syllable of this mantra holds profound significance and is chanted with deep devotion by millions of devotees around the world.
The Mantra:
Om Namah Shivaya.
Meaning:
The mantra consists of five syllables:
ॐ (Om): Represents the universal sound and the infinite cosmic energy.
नमः (Namah): Denotes salutation, submission, and surrender.
शिवाय (Shivaya): Refers to Lord Shiva, the auspicious and benevolent one.
The five verses of this stotra have Na, Ma, Shi, Va and Ya respectively, that is, Namah Shivay. This entire hymn is in the form of Shiva.
Nāgēndrahārāya trilōcanāyā bhasmaṅgārāgāya mahēśvarāya |
Nitya śud'dhāya digambarāya tasmai "n" kārāya namaḥ śivāya ॥
Hey Maheshwar! You are going to wear Nagraj as a necklace. O (three-eyed) Trilochan, you are adorned with ashes, eternal (eternal and infinite) and pure. Digambara Shiva, who wears amber like a garment, salutations to your form known by the letter 'N'.
Mandākinī salīla candana prasid'dha nandīśvara pramathanātha mahēśvarāya |
Mandārapuṣpā bahupuṣpa supūjitāya tasmai 'ma' karāya namaḥ śivāya ॥
Adorned with sandalwood, and adorned by the stream of the Ganges, you, Lord of Nandishvara and Pramathnath Maheshvara, are always worshiped with flowers obtained from temples and many other sources. O Shiva, I bow to your form known by the letter 'M'.
Śivāya gaurī vadanābjavr̥nda sūryāyā dakṣadhvarṇaśākāyā |
Śrī nīlakaṇṭhaya vr̥ṣadhvajaya tasmai 'shi' karāya namaḥ śivāya॥
O Lord of the Dharmadhwaj, Neelkanth, known by the letter Shi, it was you who destroyed the arrogant sacrifice of Daksha. Salutations to your form known by the letter 'Shi', Shiva, who gives the lotus face of Maa Gauri as bright as the sun.
Vasiṣṭha kumbhōdbhava gautamārya munīndra dēvārcita śēkharāya |
Candrārka vaiśvānara lōcanāya tasmai 'va' karāya namaḥ śivāya ॥
Devadhidev worshiped by Devgan and Vasishtha, Agastya, Gautam etc. sages! Sun, moon and fire are like your three eyes. Hey Shiva!! Greetings to your form known by the letter 'Va.
Yakṣasvarūpāya jaṭādhārāya pinākahastaya sanātanaya |
Divya dēva digambarāya tasmai "ya" kārāya namaḥ śivāya ॥
O Yaksha Swarup, Jatadhari Shiva, you are eternal without beginning, middle and end. Oh Divine Chidakash form of Amber Dhari Shiva!! Greetings to your form known by the letter 'Ya'.
Pan̄cākṣarāmidaṁ puṇya ya: Pathēta śiva sannidhau |
Śivalōkamavāpnōti śivēna sahi mōḍatē ॥
Anyone who recites this Panchakshara Mantra of Lord Shiva daily in front of him attains the auspicious abode of Shiva and resides happily with Shiva.
॥ Iti śrīcaṅkārācāraviracitaṁ śrīśivapan̄cākṣarastōtraṁ samūrpanama ॥
The Panchakshara Mantra holds immense spiritual significance in Hinduism. It encompasses the devotion, reverence, and aspiration of a devotee towards Lord Shiva. Each syllable corresponds to a divine aspect of Lord Shiva's persona, creating a powerful vibration when chanted.
Om (ॐ): The primordial sound, representing the ultimate reality and the source of all existence.
Namah (नमः): Expresses humility and surrender, acknowledging the supreme divine authority.
Shivaya (शिवाय): Highlights the divine qualities of Lord Shiva, including auspiciousness, purity, and infinite compassion.
Chanting the Shri Shiv Panchakshar Stotra with devotion is believed to bestow various spiritual and material benefits:
Purification: The mantra purifies the mind, body, and soul, eliminating negative energies and thoughts.
Inner Peace: Regular chanting brings inner tranquility, reducing stress and promoting mental calmness.
Spiritual Awakening: The mantra aids in awakening spiritual consciousness and deepening one's connection with the divine.
Protection: Lord Shiva's blessings through this mantra offer protection from adversities and challenges.
Removal of Obstacles: Chanting helps remove obstacles on the spiritual and material paths.
Devotees often incorporate the Panchakshara Mantra into their daily spiritual practices. The ideal way to chant is to find a serene space, sit in a comfortable posture, and focus on each syllable's meaning as you chant. Regular repetition with devotion amplifies the mantra's positive effects.
You can recite Shiv Panchakshar Stotra at any time and on any day. Because by reciting this source daily, positive energy is transmitted.
Mahashivaratri: Reciting Shiva Panchakshara Stotra on Mahashivaratri festival is considered extremely auspicious.
Monday: Monday is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered as Mahadev's day.
Shravan month: The Shravan month of the Hindu calendar is known as the Shiva month.
Brahma Muhurt: Reciting Shiva Panchakshar Stotra in the early morning Brahma Muhurt has special significance. At this time an atmosphere of intimacy, peace and stability is created.
The Shri Shiv Panchakshar Stotra encapsulates the essence of Lord Shiva's divine attributes and symbolizes devotion, surrender, and connection with the divine. Chanting this mantra with sincerity and reverence not only invokes the blessings of Lord Shiva but also nurtures spiritual growth, inner peace, and overall well-being.