Vedic Mantra · Lord Shiva
शिव पंचाक्षर — नमः शिवाय
Shiv Panchakshara
Sanskrit (Devanagari)
नमः शिवाय पञ्चाक्षर स्तोत्रम् (प्रथम श्लोक): नागेन्द्रहाराय त्रिलोचनाय भस्माङ्गरागाय महेश्वराय नित्याय शुद्धाय दिगम्बराय तस्मै नकाराय नमः शिवाय
Transliteration
Namah Shivaya Panchakshara Stotra (first verse): Nagendraharaya Trilochanaya Bhasmangaraagaya Maheshvaraya Nityaya Shuddhaya Digambaraya Tasmai Nakaraya Namah Shivaya
Meaning
I bow to the auspicious Shiva. The five syllables Na-Ma-Shi-Va-Ya: Na = Lord of the earth element, who purifies earth; Ma = Lord of water, who purifies water; Shi = Lord of fire; Va = Lord of wind; Ya = Lord of space (akasha). The Panchakshara Stotra reveals the cosmic meaning: Na = one who wears the serpent king as a garland, who has three eyes, smeared with sacred ash, the great Lord, eternal, pure, and sky-clad.
Last updated: 20 April 2026 · Traditional Vedic mantra
Benefits of Shiv Panchakshara
- ·The pure Panchakshara (without Om) is the most sacred Shaiva mantra
- ·Purifies all five elements in the body, mind, and environment
- ·Destroys all sins and negative karmas accumulated over lifetimes
- ·Grants liberation at the time of death — Shiva himself whispers this mantra
- ·Ideal for Japa meditation — can be chanted millions of times continuously
- ·Practiced by the greatest Shaiva saints: Adi Shankaracharya, Appayya Dikshitar
How to Chant
- 1.The Panchakshara is traditionally chanted without "Om" for pure Shaiva practice
- 2.Synchronize with breath: inhale "Na-Ma-Shi", exhale "Va-Ya"
- 3.Can be chanted 24 hours a day — no restrictions on time, place, or condition
- 4.Most powerful when chanted in Shiva temples, especially during Pradosh
- 5.Maha Shivratri: chant continuously through all four prahar (watches) of the night
- 6.Advanced practice: chant while performing Shiva abhisheka (ritual bathing of Shiva Linga)
Best Time
Any time. Pradosh Kaal (1.5 hours before sunset, especially on Triyodashi). Maha Shivratri. Mondays.
Recommended Count
No fixed count. Daily: 108 to 1008. Purashcharan: 1.25 crore. Maha Shivratri: as many as possible through the night.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.Should I chant Namah Shivaya with or without Om?
Both are valid. "Namah Shivaya" (five syllables, Panchakshara) is the traditional Shaiva mantra and is considered the purer form by classical Shaiva texts. "Om Namah Shivaya" (six syllables, Shadakshara) is the popular form with the Pranava added. Traditional Shaiva initiates chant just "Namah Shivaya" as that is what is whispered during initiation. Beginners usually find "Om Namah Shivaya" more accessible.
Q.What is the Panchakshara Stotra?
The Panchakshara Stotra is a famous hymn by Adi Shankaracharya with five verses, each beginning with one of the five syllables (Na, Ma, Shi, Va, Ya). Each verse describes Shiva through the cosmic meaning of that syllable. Reciting the full stotra before or after the mantra practice deepens the understanding and energy of the Panchakshara.