Shiva Panchakshara Stotram is a powerful hymn dedicated to Lord Shiva, built around the five sacred syllables “Na‑Ma‑Śi‑Va‑Ya” of the Panchakshari mantra Om Namah Shivaya. Chanting this stotram with devotion is believed to purify the mind, remove obstacles, and lead the devotee towards inner peace and the grace of Lord Shiva.omshivam.wordpress+3​

Shiva Panchakshara Stotram in Roman Transliteration

Below is a clear Roman transliteration for easy pronunciation during chanting. This version uses “yajñasvarūpāya” in the fifth verse, which matches the most widely accepted text of the stotram​

Shiva Panchakshara Stotram: Verse-by-Verse English Meaning

The Shiva Panchakshara Stotram, composed by Adi Shankaracharya, is a profound hymn glorifying Lord Shiva through the five sacred syllables of the Panchakshari mantra: Na-Ma-Śi-Va-Ya (from “Namah Shivaya”). Each verse describes Shiva’s divine attributes associated with one syllable, symbolizing the five elements (Earth, Water, Fire, Air, Ether/Space).

Below is the verse-by-verse English translation and meaning, based on traditional interpretations. I’ve used your provided transliteration for reference.

Optional Chorus (for Kirtan):

Om Namah Shivaya, Shivaya Namah Om Om Namah Shivaya, Shivaya Namah Om

Meaning: Salutations to Shiva; Shiva, salutations to You. (This is the essence of the Panchakshari mantra, invoking Shiva’s auspicious presence.)

Verse 1 – Na (न): Earth Element

Nāgendrahārāya trilocanāya
Bhasmāṅgarāgāya maheśvarāya |
Nityāya śuddhāya digambarāya
Tasmai “na”kārāya namaḥ śivāya ||1||

Literal Translation: Salutations to Shiva, who wears the king of serpents (Nāgendra) as a garland, who has three eyes, Whose body is smeared with sacred ashes, who is the Great Lord (Maheśvara), Who is eternal, pure, and clothed in the directions (sky-clad), To Him who is embodied in the syllable “Na” – salutations to Shiva.

Meaning: This verse praises Shiva as the eternal, pure destroyer and protector. The serpent garland symbolizes control over fear and death; the three eyes represent the sun, moon, and fire (knowledge); ashes signify detachment from the material world; “digambara” means He is beyond form, clothed only in space. “Na” represents the Earth element and removes ego/attachments.

Verse 2 – Ma (म): Water Element

Mandākinī-salila-candana-carcitāya
Nandīśvara-pramathanātha-maheśvarāya |
Mandāra-puṣpa-bahu-puṣpa-supūjitāya
Tasmai “ma”kārāya namaḥ śivāya ||2||

Literal Translation: Salutations to Shiva, who is anointed with the waters of the heavenly Ganga (Mandākinī) and sandalwood paste, Who is the Lord of Nandi (His bull) and the Pramathas (attendant ganas/ghosts), the Great Lord, Who is well-worshipped with Mandāra flowers and many other auspicious flowers, To Him who is embodied in the syllable “Ma” – salutations to Shiva.

Meaning: Shiva is adorned with the pure flow of Ganga (from His locks) and fragrant sandalwood, signifying cooling grace and purity. He rules over His devoted attendants and is worshipped with divine flowers, representing abundance and devotion. “Ma” symbolizes the Water element, dissolving jealousy and granting liberation.

Verse 3 – Śi (शि): Fire Element

Śivāya gaurī-vadanābja-vṛnda-
sūryāyaDakṣādhvara-nāśakāya |
Śrī-nīlakaṇṭhāya vṛṣadhvajāya
Tasmai “śi”kārāya namaḥ śivāya ||3||

Literal Translation: Salutations to auspicious Shiva, who is the sun to the lotus-like face of Gaurī (Parvati), Who destroyed Daksha’s sacrifice, Who has a blue throat (Nīlakaṇṭha) and the bull as His emblem/flag, To Him who is embodied in the syllable “Śi” – salutations to Shiva.

Meaning: Shiva brings joy to Parvati (like the sun blooming a lotus); He destroyed Daksha’s yajna to uphold dharma and humility. The blue throat recalls swallowing poison to save the world; the bull flag signifies strength and dharma. “Śi” represents the Fire element, purifying sins through divine knowledge.

Verse 4 – Va (व): Air Element

Vasiṣṭha-kumbhodbhava-gautamārya
Munīndra-devārchita-śekharāya |
Candrārka-vaiśvānara-locanāya
Tasmai “va”kārāya namaḥ śivāya ||4||

Literal Translation: Salutations to Shiva, worshipped by revered sages like Vasiṣṭha, Agastya (kumbhodbhava – pot-born), and Gautama, Whose crest (head) is worshipped by the chief of sages and gods, Whose eyes are the moon, sun, and fire, To Him who is embodied in the syllable “Va” – salutations to Shiva.

Meaning: Great rishis and devas worship Shiva’s crown (where Ganga resides and the moon adorns). His three eyes embody cosmic forces. “Va” symbolizes the Air element, bestowing freedom, knowledge, and prana (life force).

Verse 5 – Ya (य): Ether/Space Element

Yajñasvarūpāya jaṭādharāya
Pinākahastāya sanātanāya |
Divyāya devāya digambarāya
Tasmai “ya”kārāya namaḥ śivāya ||5||

Literal Translation: Salutations to Shiva, who is the embodiment/form of yajna (sacrifice), who bears matted locks (jaṭā), Who holds the Pināka bow in His hand, who is eternal (sanātana), Who is divine, the shining God, clothed in the directions, To Him who is embodied in the syllable “Ya” – salutations to Shiva.

Meaning: (Note: Some traditions read this as “Yakṣasvarūpāya” – form of a Yaksha, referencing Shiva as supreme Brahman in Kena Upanishad. Your version uses “Yajñasvarūpāya” – embodiment of sacrifice.) Shiva’s matted locks hold Ganga; Pināka is His bow of destruction/creation; He is timeless and transcendent. “Ya” represents Ether, leading to ultimate union with the infinite.

Phalaśruti (Benefits Verse):

Pañcākṣaram idaṁ puṇyaṁ yaḥ paṭhet śiva-sannidhau |
Śivalokam avāpnoti śivena saha modate ||6||

Literal Translation: This sacred five-syllabled (Panchakshara) hymn is meritorious; whoever recites it in the presence of Shiva (near the Lingam), Attains the abode of Shiva and rejoices eternally with Shiva.

Meaning: Chanting this stotram devoutly before Lord Shiva grants purification of sins, spiritual merit, and ultimately liberation (moksha) – dwelling in Shiva’s divine realm in eternal bliss.

Regular recitation of this stotram fosters devotion, inner peace, and closeness to Mahadeva. Om Namah Shivaya!

What Is Shiva Panchakshara Stotram?

Shiva Panchakshara Stotram is traditionally attributed to Adi Shankaracharya and praises Lord Shiva through five verses, each devoted to one letter of the Panchakshari mantra: Na, Ma, Śi, Va, and Ya. Each verse describes different divine qualities and forms of Shiva, helping the devotee meditate on Him with focus and love.shlokam+3​

Many devotees chant this stotram daily during Shiva puja, Rudrabhishek, or on special days like Mondays, Pradosham, and Mahashivaratri. It is popular because the Sanskrit is relatively simple, deeply devotional, and aligned with the core Shiva mantra Om Namah Shivaya.drikpanchang+2

Meaning and Spiritual Significance

The five verses connect each letter of “Na‑Ma‑Śi‑Va‑Ya” with a specific aspect of Shiva such as His serpent garland, three eyes, sacred ash, Ganga, trident, and cosmic role as the destroyer of ignorance. Reflecting on these meanings while chanting transforms the stotram into a meditative journey through Shiva’s different forms and energies.saivism+2​

The phalaśruti says that one who recites this sacred five‑letter stotram in the presence of Shiva attains Shiva‑loka and experiences bliss in the company of Lord Shiva. Devotees also believe it helps in overcoming fear, karmic burdens, and negative tendencies when recited regularly with faith.omshivam.wordpress+3​

How to Chant Shiva Panchakshara Stotram

• Choose a clean, quiet place, ideally in front of a Shiva linga, Nataraja idol, or a picture of Lord Shiva.
• Begin with a short prayer, light a lamp, and chant Om Namah Shivaya a few times to center your mind.
• Recite all six verses slowly, pronouncing each syllable clearly, and visualize Lord Shiva for each letter Na‑Ma‑Śi‑Va‑Ya.
• You can chant it once daily, 3 times, 11 times, or as per your sankalpa, especially on Mondays, Pradosham, and Mahashivaratri.i​

FAQ About Shiva Panchakshara Stotram (for FAQ Schema)​