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Sometimes amidst the ringing of bells in the temple, sometimes in a quiet corner of the house, the mind automatically stops after listening to the chanting of “Namah Shivay”. These five letters, which Shiva devotees call “Panchakshar Mantra”, are a very vibrant part of India’s spiritual tradition. The glory of this mantra is expressed in words in the Panchakshar Stotram, which is traditionally considered to be the creation of Adi Shankaracharya. In this stotra, the nature, qualities and philosophy of Lord Shiva have been summed up in five verses – each verse is associated with a letter of “Namah Shivay”. Interestingly, this stotra is not just a part of worship but also gives a perspective on life – reminding of simplicity, compassion, detachment and inner peace.
What is Panchakshara Stotram?
Panchakshar Stotram is a praise song of five main verses, in which the five forms and qualities of Shiva are worshiped through these five letters “Na-Ma-Shi-Va-Ya”. In each verse, different symbols of Shiva – like Bhasma, Ganga, Naga, Chandra and Trinetra – are mentioned.
Complete Panchakshara Stotram (Original Text)
1.
Nagendraharaya Trilochanay
Bhasmangaragaya Maheshwaraya.
Nityaya Shuddhay Digambaraya
Tasmai nakarai namah shivay॥
2.
Mandakinisalilchandancharchitaay
Nandishwarpramthanathmaheshwaraya.
Mandarapushpabahupushpasupujitaay
Tasmai Makarai Namah Shivay॥
3.
Shivay Gaurivadnabjavrindasuryaay
Effective antidote.
Srineelkanthaya Vrishadhwajaya
Tasmai Shikarai Namah Shivay॥
4.
Vashishtha Kumbhodbhav Gautamarya Munindra
Devarchitashekharai.
Chandrarkavaishwanarlochnaya
Tasmai Vakaray Namah Shivay॥
5.
Yagyaswaroopaya Jatadharaya
Pinakahastaya Sanatanay.
Divyay Devay Digambarai
Tasmai Yakarai Namah Shivay॥
Simple meaning of each verse
1. Meaning of the letter “Na”
This verse describes Shiva’s form of renunciation and simplicity – defeat of snakes, ashes on his body, without clothes (Digambara) and eternal existence. The message is clear: not external ostentation, but inner purity is the real identity.
2. Meaning of the letter “M”
Here the gentle and compassionate form of Shiva is shown – decorated with Ganga water and sandalwood, lord of Nandi and Ganas, worshiped with flowers. This verse tells that Shiva is an easy and accessible god among the devotees.
3. Meaning of the letter “Shi”
In this verse, the protective form of Shiva is praised – Daksh, the destroyer of Yagya, Neelkanth, and the bearer of the Vrishabha flag. There is an indication of standing against injustice and ego in life.
4. Meaning of the letter “va”
Here Shiva has been described as worshiped by sages and gods and having bright eyes like sun, moon and fire. Meaning that Shiva is the ultimate source of knowledge, light and consciousness.
5. Meaning of the letter “Y”
The last verse bows to Shiva in the form of Yagya, Jatadhari, Pinakdhari and Sanatan Dev. Message: Shiva is both the beginning and the end of the universe – eternal and omnipresent.
Spiritual message of Panchakshara Mantra
“Namah Shivay” is considered a symbol of the five elements – earth, water, fire, air and sky. That means this mantra is not just worship, but also a sense of balance of nature and consciousness. When people chant this mantra in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, they feel stable and confident – as if there is a calm rhythm going on within.
Relevance in today’s life
It is interesting that this hymn, which is thousands of years old, is still relevant to people’s lives. Chanting it in yoga and meditation is considered helpful in reducing mental stress. Many people start their morning with this mantra – like a short pause, which balances the mind before the hustle and bustle of the day.
Panchakshar Stotram is not just a hymn of five verses, but a simple philosophy of looking at life – of simplicity, balance and self-realization. Every letter, every symbol invites us to look within. Perhaps this is the reason why “Namah Shivay” has remained in the lips and hearts of people for centuries.
