Shiva Panchakshara Stotram: The Divine Hymn of Lord Shiva’s Glory and Blessings
| Hindi/Sanskrit | Translation | Meaning |
| नागेंद्रहाराय त्रिलोचनाय भस्मांग रागाय महेश्वराय । नित्याय शुद्धाय दिगंबराय तस्मे “न” काराय नमः शिवायः॥ (1) |
Naagendra-Haaraaya Tri-Locanaaya Bhasma-Angga-Raagaaya Mahe[a-Ii]shvaraaya |
Nityaaya Shuddhaaya Dig-Ambaraaya Tasmai Nakaaraaya Namah Shivaaya ||1|| |
He who has the king of snakes as his garland and who has three eyes, He whose body is smeared with sacred ashes and who is the great Lord, He who is eternal, who is ever pure with the four directions as his clothes, Salutations to that Shiva, who is represented by the syllable “na” |
| मंदाकिनी सलिल चंदन चर्चिताय नंदीश्वर प्रमथनाथ महेश्वराय । मंदारपुष्प बहुपुष्प सुपूजिताय तस्मे “म” काराय नमः शिवायः॥ (2) |
Mandaakinii-Salila-Candana-Carcitaaya Nandi-Iishvara-Pramatha-Naatha-Mahe[a-Ii]shvaraaya |
Mandaara-Pusspa-Bahu-Pusspa-Su-Puujitaaya Tasmai Makaaraaya Namah Shivaaya ||2|| |
He who is worshipped with water from the Mandakini river and smeared with sandal paste, He who is the lord of Nandi and of the ghosts and goblins, the great Lord, He who is worshipped with Mandara and many other flowers, Salutations to that Shiva, who is represented by the syllable “ma” |
| शिवाय गौरी वदनाब्जवृंद सूर्याय दक्षाध्वरनाशकाय । श्री नीलकंठाय वृषभद्धजाय तस्मै “शि” काराय नमः शिवायः॥ (3) |
Shivaaya Gaurii-Vadana-Abja-Vrnda-Suuryaaya Dakssa-Adhvara-Naashakaaya |
Shrii-Niilakanntthaaya Vrssa-Dhvajaaya Tasmai Shikaaraaya Namah Shivaaya ||3|| |
He who is auspicious and who is like the newly risen sun causing the lotus-face of Gauri to blossom, He who is the destroyer of the sacrifice of Daksha, He who has a blue throat and has a bull as his emblem, Salutations to that Shiva, who is represented by the syllable “shi” |
| वषिष्ठ कुम्भोद्भव गौतमाय मुनींद्र देवार्चित शेखराय । चंद्रार्क वैश्वानर लोचनाय तस्मै “व” काराय नमः शिवायः॥ (4) |
Vashissttha-Kumbhodbhava-Gautama-Aarya-Muuni-Indra-Deva-Aarcita-Shekharaaya |
Candra-Aarka-Vaishvaanara-Locanaaya Tasmai Vakaaraaya Namah Shivaaya ||4|| |
He who is worshipped by the best and most respected sages – Vasishtha, Agastya and Gautama, and also by the gods, and who is the crown of the universe, He who has the moon, sun and fire as his three eyes, Salutations to that Shiva, who is represented by the syllable “va” |
| यक्षस्वरूपाय जटाधराय पिनाकस्ताय सनातनाय । दिव्याय देवाय दिगंबराय तस्मै “य” काराय नमः शिवायः॥ (5) |
Yajnya-Svaruupaaya Jattaa-Dharaaya Pinaaka-Hastaaya Sanaatanaaya |
Divyaaya Devaaya Dig-Ambaraaya Tasmai Yakaaraaya Namah Shivaaya ||5|| |
He who is the embodiment of yagna (sacrifice) and who has matted locks, He who has the trident in his hand and who is eternal, He who is divine, who is the shining one and who has the four directions as his clothes, Salutations to that Shiva, who is represented by the syllable “ya” |
| पंचाक्षरमिदं पुण्यं यः पठेत् शिव सन्निधौ । शिवलोकमवाप्नोति शिवेन सह मोदते॥ (6) |
Pan.caakssaram-Idam Punnyam Yah Patthe-Shiva-Samnidhau |
Shivalokam-Aavaapnoti Shivena Saha Modate ||6|| |
He who recites this Panchakshara near Shiva, Will attain the abode of Shiva and enjoy bliss. |
Benefits of Shiva Panchakshara Stotram:
Harmonizing Energies: Each syllable of the stotram represents a specific aspect of Lord Shiva’s divine attributes. Chanting the syllables “na-ma-shi-va-ya” repeatedly can help align and harmonize the energies within oneself, promoting balance, peace, and spiritual well-being.
Enhancing Devotion and Love for Shiva: Regular recitation of the stotram deepens one’s devotion and love for Lord Shiva. It cultivates a sense of reverence and awe towards the divine, fostering a closer relationship with the deity and promoting a spiritual connection.
Protection and Fearlessness: Lord Shiva is known as the protector of the universe. Chanting the Shiva Panchakshara Stotram is believed to invoke his protective energies, creating a shield against negative influences and fostering a sense of fearlessness in the devotee.Purification and Inner
Transformation: The stotram highlights Lord Shiva’s sacred attributes, such as his garland of snakes, his smeared ashes, and his three eyes. Meditating or reciting these verses can inspire inner purification and transformation, helping individuals let go of negative tendencies and embrace higher virtues.
Removal of Obstacles: Lord Shiva is considered the remover of obstacles and the bestower of auspiciousness. Reciting the Shiva Panchakshara Stotram with sincerity and faith is believed to help remove obstacles and challenges from one’s life, allowing for a smoother and more successful journey.
