Strotam is a type of popular devotional literature and is not bound by the strict rules as some other ancient Indian scriptures, such as the Vedas. In Sanskrit literature, poetry written for the praise of God are called Stotras. Such Stotras like the Shiva Panchakshara Stotram can be chanted like Mantras and also sung like a bhajan.
The word “Panchakshara” (Sanskrit: पञ्चाक्षर) literally means Panch Akshar, i.e. “five letters” in Sanskrit and refers to the five holy letters ‘Na’, ‘Ma ‘, ‘Shi’, ‘Va’, ‘Ya’. Shiva Panchakshara Stotram is a prayer to Lord Shiva and is associated with Shiva’s Mantra Om Namah Shivaya, of which Namah Shivaya is also called the Shiva Panchakshari Mantra.
The holy word chant to worship him is made of five letters and is popularly called Panchakshara- Na Ma Shi Va Ya. According to Hindu traditions, the human body is considered to be made up of five elements and these holy letters represent these elements. ‘Na’ Consecrates Prithvi Tatva, ‘Ma’ does the same with Jal Tatva (Water factor) ‘Shi’ energizes Agni Tatva (Fire element) ‘Va’ energizes Vayu Tatva (Air factor) and finally ‘Ya’ energizes Akash Tatva (Sky element).
The Shiva Panchakshari mantra also corresponds to the Chakras in the body. Starting from the Muladhara, the five syllables denote the five Charkas as we ascend towards the head Chakra
In this popular Stotra, each of these holy letters is considered as representing MAHADEV and the Lord is praised for his great qualities and is written by the great Shri Adi Shankaracharya, who is also considered as the incarnation of Shiva.
Shiva Panchakshara Stotram Lyrics In English and Hindi
नागेन्द्रहाराय त्रिलोचनाय
भस्माङ्गरागाय महेश्वराय ।
नित्याय शुद्धाय दिगम्बराय
तस्मै न_काराय नमः शिवाय ॥१॥मन्दाकिनीसलिलचन्दनचर्चिताय
नन्दीश्वरप्रमथनाथमहेश्वराय ।
मन्दारपुष्पबहुपुष्पसुपूजिताय
तस्मै म_काराय नमः शिवाय ॥२॥शिवाय गौरीवदनाब्जवृन्द_
सूर्याय दक्षाध्वरनाशकाय ।
श्रीनीलकण्ठाय वृषध्वजाय
तस्मै शि_काराय नमः शिवाय ॥३॥वशिष्ठकुम्भोद्भवगौतमार्य_
मूनीन्द्रदेवार्चितशेखराय ।
चन्द्रार्कवैश्वानरलोचनाय
तस्मै व_काराय नमः शिवाय ॥४॥यज्ञस्वरूपाय जटाधराय
पिनाकहस्ताय सनातनाय ।
दिव्याय देवाय दिगम्बराय
तस्मै य_काराय नमः शिवाय ॥५॥पञ्चाक्षरमिदं पुण्यं यः पठेच्छिवसंनिधौ ।
शिवलोकमावाप्नोति शिवेन सह मोदते ॥६॥
Shiva Panchakshara Stotram Meaning
Naagendra-Haaraaya Tri-Locanaaya
Bhasma-Angga-Raagaaya Mahe[a-Ii]shvaraaya |
Nityaaya Shuddhaaya Dig-Ambaraaya
Tasmai Na_Kaaraaya Namah Shivaaya ||1||
Meaning-
My salutations to the letter “Na”, which is Shiva, Who wears the king of snakes as garland. Who has three eyes and Who wears ash all over Him, Who is the greatest Lord, Who is forever, Eternal, Who is the most pious and pure, And who wears the directions themselves as His Clothes, (signifying that He is ever free). Salutations to that Shiva, Who is represented by syllable “Na”, The first syllable of the Panchakshara mantra “Na-Ma-Shi-Va-Ya”.
Mandaakinii-Salila-Candana-Carcitaaya
Nandi-Iishvara-Pramatha-Naatha-Mahe[a-Ii]shvaraaya |
Mandaara-Pusspa-Bahu-Pusspa-Su-Puujitaaya
Tasmai Ma_Kaaraaya Namah Shivaaya ||2||
Meaning-
My salutations to the letter “Ma”, which is Shiva, Who is bathed by waters of the Rivers Ganges and Mandakini, Who applies sandal paste all over him, Who has Lord Nandi as his chieftain, Who is the greatest Lord, And who is worshipped by flowers like Mandaara and many other flowers. Salutations to that Shiva, Who is represented by syllable “Ma”, The second syllable of the Panchakshara mantra “Na-Ma-Shi-Va-Ya.
Shivaaya Gaurii-Vadana-Abja-Vrnda-
Suuryaaya Dakssa-Adhvara-Naashakaaya |
Shrii-Niilakanntthaaya Vrssa-Dhvajaaya
Tasmai Shi_Kaaraaya Namah Shivaaya ||3||
Meaning-
My salutations to the letter “Shi” , which is Shiva, Who is peace personified, Who is auspicious like the Sun, causing the Lotus face of Ma Gauri to blossom, Who destroyed the fire sacrifice of Daksha and his arrogance, Who has a blue throat because of the lethal venom, And who has a symbol of a bull as an emblem on his flag. Salutations to that Shiva, Who is represented by syllable “Shi”, The third syllable of the Panchakshara mantra “Na-Ma-Shi-Va-Ya”.
Vashissttha-Kumbhodbhava-Gautama-Aarya-
Muuni-Indra-Deva-Aarcita-Shekharaaya |
Candra-Aarka-Vaishvaanara-Locanaaya
Tasmai Va_Kaaraaya Namah Shivaaya ||4||
Meaning-
My salutations to the letter “Va”, which is Shiva, Who is worshipped by the Great sages like, Vasishta, Agasthya, and Gautama, As also the devas and who is the Crown of the Universe. And who has Sun (Surya), Moon (Chandra) and Fire (Agni) as his three eyes. Salutations to that Shiva, Who is represented by syllable “Va”, The fourth syllable of the Panchakshara mantra “Na-Ma-Shi-Va-Ya”.
Yajnya-Svaruupaaya Jattaa-Dharaaya
Pinaaka-Hastaaya Sanaatanaaya |
Divyaaya Devaaya Dig-Ambaraaya
Tasmai Ya_Kaaraaya Namah Shivaaya ||5||
Meaning-
My salutations to the letter “Ya” , which is Shiva, Who is the Embodiment of Yajna (Sacrifice) and Who has Matted Hairs, Who has the Trident in His Hand and Who is Eternal, Who is Divine, Who is the Shining One and Who has the Four Directions as His Clothes (signifying that He is ever Free), Salutations to that Shiva, Who is represented by syllable “Ya”, The fifth syllable of the Panchakshara mantra “Na-Ma-Shi-Va-Ya”.
Pancaakssaram-Idam Punnyam Yah Patthe-Shiva-Samnidhau |
Shivalokam-Aavaapnoti Shivena Saha Modate ||6||
Meaning-
Which means, Whoever Recites this Panchakshara Strotra (hymn in praise of the five syllables of Na-Ma-Shi-Va-Ya) near Shiva (Lingam), Will Attain the Abode of Shiva and enjoy His Bliss.
Shiva Panchakshari Mantra Benefits
Shiva Panchakshari Stotra is very effective in impressing Lord Shiva and acquiring his blessings. Chanting the Shiva Panchakshara Stotram is believed to have several spiritual and mental benefits according to Hindu tradition. While individual experiences may vary, here are some commonly attributed benefits.
- The stotram is a devotional expression of praise and surrender to Lord Shiva. Chanting it regularly is believed to strengthen one’s connection with the divine and foster a sense of devotion.
- The repetition of sacred verses is thought to have a purifying effect on the mind. Chanting the Shiva Panchakshara Stotram may help in calming the mind, reducing stress, and promoting mental clarity.
- Regular chanting can contribute to spiritual growth. The stotram emphasizes the eternal and pure nature of Lord Shiva, Chanting this mantra leads a person to gain self knowledge and be free from the circle of life and death (Liberation), which is the ultimate goal of human life.
- Lord Shiva is often considered the remover of obstacles (Vighneshwara). Chanting the Panchakshara Stotram with devotion is believed to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva in overcoming challenges and obstacles in life.
- Devotees often turn to Lord Shiva for protection. Chanting the stotram is thought to invoke the protective energy of Lord Shiva, shielding the devotee from negative influences.
- Chanting sacred hymns is believed to generate positive energy, when regularly chanting the Shiva Panchakshara Stotram one will feel a sense of upliftment and positive energy which helps achieve success in all fields and living a healthy and prosperous life.
- This mantra can purify the body, mind, and soul and help perfect the different aspects of human personality.
It’s important to note that the benefits are often subjective and can vary from person to person. The sincerity, devotion, and regularity of the practice are considered key factors in experiencing the positive effects of chanting this stotram. Additionally, individual spiritual beliefs and cultural contexts may influence the perceived benefits.
General Instructions On When And How To Chant
When to Chant?
- Shiva Panchakshara Stotram can be chanted as part of their daily prayer and meditation routine. Morning or evening is often considered an auspicious time for such practices.
- The night of Shivaratri (the night dedicated to Lord Shiva, usually falling in February or March) is a highly auspicious time to chant the Shiva Panchakshara Stotram.
- Monday is considered particularly sacred to Lord Shiva in Hindu tradition. Chanting the Shiva Panchakshara Stotram on Mondays can be a dedicated practice.
How to Chant?
- Choose a clean and quiet place for your practice. You may set up an altar with an image or idol of Lord Shiva if available.
- Before starting, set a positive and devotional intent. Focus your mind on Lord Shiva and the meaning of the stotram.
- If possible, learn the correct pronunciation of the Sanskrit verses. There are audio recordings and videos available online that can help you with the pronunciation.
- You can chant the Shiva Panchakshara Stotram a specific number of times, such as 108 times (one mala) or multiples of that.
- Try to maintain concentration on the mantra and its meaning. This helps deepen the spiritual connection.
- Chant with a sense of devotion and surrender to Lord Shiva. Let the chanting become a heartfelt prayer.
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