the Shiva Panchakshara Stotram

 

The first verse of the Shiva Panchakshara Stotram, traditionally attributed to Adi Shankaracharya.

नागेन्द्रहाराय त्रिलोचनाय
भस्माङ्गरागाय महेश्वराय।
नित्याय शुद्धाय दिगम्बराय
तस्मै नकाराय नमः शिवाय॥

Transliteration

Nāgendra-hārāya trilocanāya
Bhasmāṅga-rāgāya Maheśvarāya
Nityāya śuddhāya digambarāya
Tasmai nakārāya namaḥ śivāya.

English Meaning

Salutations to Lord Shiva,

• Who wears the king of serpents as a garland,
• Who is three-eyed, symbolizing wisdom beyond time,
• Whose body is adorned with sacred ash,
• Who is Maheshwara, the Great Lord,
• Who is eternal and ever pure,
• Who is Digambara, clothed in the directions (symbolizing freedom from all worldly attachments).

I bow to Him, who is represented by the syllable "Na" of the sacred mantra "Na-Ma-Shi-Va-Ya."

Spiritual Significance

This verse praises Shiva's transcendental nature:

• Serpent (Nāga): Mastery over fear, death, and the ego.
• Three Eyes: The Sun, Moon, and Fire; or the past, present, and future; and the eye of divine wisdom.
• Sacred Ash (Bhasma): A reminder that all material existence is temporary.
• Digambara: Complete detachment from worldly possessions and absolute freedom.
• "Na" is the first syllable of the Pañchākṣarī Mantra (Na-Ma-Śi-Vā-Ya), each syllable representing a profound aspect of Shiva and the five elements of creation.

ॐ नमः शिवाय।
हर हर महादेव। 🙏