Mahakatha
Nirvana Shatakam Mantra
Shiva Mantra sanskrit

Nirvana Shatakam Mantra

Nirvana Shatakam Mantra is an ancient Sanskrit hymn honoring Shiva that dissolves ego-identification by negating false self-concepts.

Nirvana Shatakam is a six-verse Sanskrit hymn attributed to Adi Shankara, systematically negating the limited ego-self. Each verse declares "I am not the mind, intellect, ego, senses, vital forces, elements, emotions, virtues, vices, death, family, or relationships." Through progressive negation (neti-neti, "not this, not this"), the chanter dissolves identification with body, mind, and conditioning. The refrain Chidananda rupah Shivo'ham — "I am consciousness-bliss form; I am Shiva" — reveals the witness-consciousness underlying all phenomena.

This mantra embodies Advaita Vedanta philosophy, the non-dual realization central to Shaivism. Shiva represents pure consciousness (Chit), untouched by creation, free from bondage and liberation itself. By chanting these negations, the seeker undermines the illusion of separation and gradually realizes their true nature as infinite, eternal consciousness. The mantra dissolves the tyranny of the ego and conditioning, revealing the immutable Atman (Self) identical with Brahman (Ultimate Reality). This is not intellectual rejection but experiential disidentification.

Chant Nirvana Shatakam during meditation, preferably at dawn or in quiet evening hours. Begin with 3–7 full recitations, allowing each negation to penetrate your awareness. Rather than mechanical repetition, contemplate what each line negates—feel the release from false identity. Use it when experiencing anxiety, attachment, or ego-driven conflict. Best results come from consistent practice combined with self-inquiry: observe thoughts and emotions without claiming them as "I."

Curated by The Mahakatha Team · Original Composition: Mahakatha · Lyric: Adi Shankaracharya (8th century CE)

Nirvana Shatakam Mantra

Shiva · Preview · 2:00

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Lyrics

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1

मनो बुद्धि अहङ्कार चित्तानि नाहं न च श्रोत्रजिह्वे न च घ्राण नेत्रे न च व्योम भूमिर्न तेजो न वायुः चिदानन्द रूपः शिवोऽहं शिवोऽहम्

Mano buddhi ahankara chittani naaham Na cha shrotajihve na cha ghraana netre Na cha vyoma bhumir na tejo na vaayuhu Chidananda rupah Shivo’ham Shivo’ham

I am not the mind, the intellect, the ego or the memory

I am not the ears, the skin, the nose or the eyes

I am not space, not earth, not fire, water or wind

I am the form of consciousness and bliss, I am the eternal Shiva

2

न च प्राण सङ्ग्यो न वै पञ्च वायुः न व सप्त धातुर्न व पञ्च कोशः न वाक् पणि-पादम्न चोपस्थ पायु चिदानन्द रूपः शिवोऽहं शिवोऽहम्

Na cha prana sangyo na vai pancha vayuhu Na va sapta dhatur na va pancha koshah Na vak pani-padam na chopastha payu Chidandanda rupah Shivo’ham Shivo’ham

I am not the breath, nor the five elements

I am not matter, nor the five sheaths of consciousness

Nor am I the speech, the hands, or the feet

I am the form of consciousness and bliss, I am the eternal Shiva

3

न मे द्वेष रागौ न मे लोभ मोहौ मदो नैव मे नैव मत्सर्य भावः न धर्मो न चार्थो न कामो न मोक्षः चिदानन्द रूपः शिवोऽहं शिवोऽहम्

Na me dvesha ragau na me lobha mohau Mado naiva me naiva matsarya bhavaha Na dharmo na chartho na kamo na mokshaha Chidananda rupah Shivo’ham Shivo’ham

There is no like or dislike in me, no greed or delusion

I know not pride or jealousy

I have no duty, no desire for wealth, lust or liberation

I am the form of consciousness and bliss, I am the eternal Shiva

4

न पुण्यम्न पापम्न सौख्यम्न दुःखम् न मन्त्रो न तीर्थ न वेद न यज्ञः अहं भोजनैवम्न भोज्यम्न भोक्ता चिदानन्द रूपः शिवोऽहं शिवोऽहम्

Na punyam na papam na saukhyam na duhkham Na mantro na teertha na veda na yajnah Aham bhojanaivam na bhojyam na bhokta Chidananda rupah Shivo’ham Shivo’ham

No virtue or vice, no pleasure or pain

I need no mantras, no pilgrimage, no scriptures or rituals

I am not the experienced, nor the experience itself

I am the form of consciousness and bliss, I am the eternal Shiva

5

न मृत्युर्न शङ्का न मे जाति भेदः पिता नैव मे नैव माता न जन्म न बन्धुर्न मित्रम्गुरुर्नैव शिष्यः चिदानन्द रूपः शिवोऽहं शिवोऽहम्

Na mrityur na shanka na mejati bhedaha Pita naiva me naiva mataa na janmaha Na bandhur na mitram gurur naiva shishyaha Chidananda rupah Shivo’ham Shivo’ham

I have no death, nor the fear of death, no caste or creed

I have no father, no mother, for I was never born

I am not a relative, nor a friend, nor a teacher nor a student

I am the form of consciousness and bliss, I am the eternal Shiva

6

अहं निर्विकल्पो निराकार रूपो विभुर्व्याप सर्वत्र सर्वेन्द्रियाणाम् न च सङ्गतम्नैव मुक्तिर्न बन्ध चिदानन्द रूपः शिवोऽहं शिवोऽहम्

Aham nirvikalpo nirakara rupo Vibhur vyaapa sarvatra sarvendriyanam Na cha sangatham naiva muktir na bandha Chidananda rupah Shivo’ham Shivo’ham

I am devoid of duality, my form is formlessness

I exist everywhere, pervading all senses

I am neither attached, neither free nor captive

I am the form of consciousness and bliss, I am the eternal Shiva

How to Chant Nirvana Shatakam Mantra

  1. 1

    Find a quiet, clean space

    Sit in a comfortable, undisturbed environment. Face east or north if possible. You may light incense or a candle to set a contemplative atmosphere.

  2. 2

    Settle into a comfortable posture

    Sit cross-legged on the floor or upright in a chair. Keep the spine erect and place the hands on the knees with palms facing upward.

  3. 3

    Take three cleansing breaths

    Inhale slowly through the nose, hold briefly, and exhale completely. Repeat three times to calm the mind and prepare for mantra recitation.

  4. 4

    Begin chanting Nirvana Shatakam Mantra

    Chant the mantra clearly and with devotion — aloud, in a whisper, or silently. Use a mala (108 beads) to count repetitions. Aim for a consistent, unhurried rhythm throughout the session.

  5. 5

    Rest in stillness

    After completing your chanting, sit quietly for two to five minutes. Allow the vibration of the mantra to settle within. Close the practice with a moment of gratitude.

Benefits of Nirvana Shatakam Mantra

  • Dissolves ego-identification and false self-concept through systematic negation of limited identities

    Source: Advaita Vedanta philosophy; Adi Shankara's teachings

  • Reduces anxiety and existential fear by anchoring awareness in eternal consciousness beyond death and change

    Source: Traditional practice; Upanishadic wisdom on the deathless Self

  • Liberates from attachment and emotional reactivity (raga-dvesha) by revealing the witness consciousness

    Source: Yoga Sutras (II.7); Advaita Vedanta

  • Cultivates equanimity and detachment from dual emotions—pleasure/pain, praise/blame, gain/loss

    Source: Bhagavad Gita (II.48); Traditional practice

  • Accelerates spiritual maturity by shifting identity from body-mind to infinite consciousness

    Source: Mandukya Upanishad; Aitareya Upanishad

Deity Shiva
Composition Mahakatha (Original) · Adi Shankaracharya (8th century CE) (Lyric)
Also called Nirvana Shatakam · Nirvana Shatak · Adi Shankara Nirvana Shatakam · Nirvana Ashtakam · Atma Shatakam
Shiva also known as Mahadeva · Maheshwara · Shankar · Bholenath · Nataraja

Story & Symbolism

The Nirvana Shatakam, traditionally attributed to the great philosopher-saint Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century, emerged from a profound spiritual realization rather than scholarly composition. According to tradition, Shankaracharya composed this six-stanza hymn as an expression of direct experiential knowledge of non-duality, the ultimate truth that the individual self (Atman) is inseparable from the universal consciousness (Brahman). Though some scholars suggest the text may have earlier roots within Advaita Vedanta philosophy, it crystallized around Shankaracharya's transformative spiritual insights and became a cornerstone text for understanding the nature of liberation. The mantra's origin is thus rooted not merely in intellectual inquiry but in the lived experience of transcendence that Shankaracharya sought to transmit to seekers.

Dedicated to Shiva, the supreme consciousness in Hindu philosophy, the Nirvana Shatakam embodies the very essence of Shiva's nature as the eternal witness beyond all dualities, desires, and limitations. Shiva represents the principle of pure awareness untouched by the world's constant flux—formless, timeless, and complete in himself. By invoking Shiva through this mantra, the practitioner aligns with the archetype of the liberated being who has transcended the cycles of birth and death, freed from the illusions that bind the mind to temporal existence. The deity symbolism within these verses reflects Shiva's fundamental role as the destroyer of ignorance and the revealer of ultimate truth.

The Nirvana Shatakam remains spiritually significant because it articulates the direct path to liberation through the simple recognition of one's true nature. Rather than prescribing elaborate rituals or ascetic practices, the mantra invites practitioners to contemplate their essential identity as pure consciousness—untouched by thoughts, emotions, the body, or the world. For countless seekers across centuries, chanting these verses has served as a liberating meditation, dissolving the boundaries between the individual and infinite, and kindling the recognition that true freedom lies not in acquiring something external, but in unveiling what has always been present within. This timeless teaching continues to guide spiritual aspirants toward the peace and completeness that Shiva eternally embodies.

How to Use in Daily Life

🌅

Morning Affirmation

Recite Verse 1 upon waking to establish non-identification with body and mind. This grounds you in pure consciousness, setting a serene tone for the day ahead.

🧘

Meditation Practice

Chant verse 5 during meditation to internalize the concept of formless, infinite consciousness. Repeat slowly 11 times with focus on breath, allowing ego-dissolution.

🙏

Emotional Release

When attached to desires or fears, recite verse 2 and 3. These verses dissolve attachment to duality, desire, merit, and demerit, liberating you from emotional reactivity.

💤

Evening Reflection

Before sleep, whisper verse 4 softly. This releases fear of death and false relationships, allowing the mind to rest in its natural state of pure consciousness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Nirvana Shatakam Mantra?
The Nirvana Shatakam, also known as Dasa Shloki or the 'Song of Liberation,' is a revered Sanskrit composition traditionally attributed to Adi Shankara, the great Advaita Vedanta philosopher. This sacred mantra consists of six verses (shatakam means 'group of six') that form a profound meditation on non-duality and the nature of the Self. The mantra is dedicated to Lord Shiva and serves as a philosophical declaration of spiritual liberation. Each verse begins with the powerful negation 'Mano Buddhi Ahankara Chittani' and progressively describes what the eternal Self (Atman) is not, ultimately leading to the realization that the individual soul is one with Brahman, the ultimate reality. The text functions both as a mantra for chanting and as a philosophical guide for understanding the illusory nature of the material world and the ego. It represents one of the most concise and accessible teachings of Advaita Vedanta philosophy, making complex spiritual concepts understandable to practitioners of all levels. The Nirvana Shatakam remains widely studied in ashrams and spiritual centers throughout India and the world, serving as a bridge between intellectual understanding and direct spiritual experience.
What are the spiritual benefits of chanting the Nirvana Shatakam Mantra?
According to traditional Hindu philosophy, chanting the Nirvana Shatakam Mantra offers profound spiritual and psychological benefits. Practitioners traditionally believe that regular recitation dissolves the ego and weakens identification with the body and mind, facilitating the recognition of one's true nature as consciousness itself. The mantra is believed to promote mental clarity and peace by repeatedly affirming the illusory nature of worldly concerns, thereby reducing anxiety and fear rooted in material attachment. Many spiritual seekers report experiencing enhanced meditation depth and clarity of thought after consistent practice. The mantra traditionally believed to purify the intellect (buddhi) and remove mental obstacles that obstruct spiritual progress. By contemplating the meaning of each verse, practitioners develop dispassion toward material pursuits and cultivate genuine renunciation. Scholars suggest that the philosophical affirmations within the mantra create a cognitive shift, gradually reorienting consciousness toward the eternal and unchanging Self rather than temporary phenomena. Additionally, chanting is traditionally associated with developing compassion and universal love, as the realization of non-duality naturally extends to recognizing divinity in all beings. Regular practice is believed to accelerate the journey toward self-realization and moksha (liberation), while simultaneously improving emotional resilience and inner stability in daily life.
How should I chant the Nirvana Shatakam Mantra for maximum benefit?
To practice the Nirvana Shatakam Mantra effectively, begin by finding a clean, quiet space where you can sit comfortably in a meditative posture, ideally facing east or north. Traditional guidance suggests practicing early morning hours, particularly during brahma muhurta (before sunrise), when the mind is naturally clearer and spiritual energy is considered most potent. Start by chanting the mantra aloud three to seven times, allowing the vibrations to resonate throughout your body and consciousness. Pronounce each word carefully and deliberately, focusing on the meaning rather than merely reciting mechanically. After chanting aloud, continue silently, allowing the mantra to flow naturally through your mind without forced concentration. Many practitioners benefit from studying the English translation or Sanskrit commentary before or after chanting to deepen intellectual understanding and contemplative awareness. A consistent daily practice of 20-30 minutes is traditionally recommended over sporadic longer sessions. Maintain a sattvic (pure) lifestyle supporting your practice through vegetarian diet, ethical conduct, and limited sensory indulgence. Some practitioners use a meditation mala (108 beads) to count recitations, completing 108 repetitions daily. Regular practice over extended periods—weeks or months—is traditionally believed to produce more significant transformations than occasional practice. Finally, approach the mantra with sincere devotion and genuine desire for spiritual transformation rather than expecting mechanical results.
What is the historical origin and significance of the Nirvana Shatakam Mantra?
The Nirvana Shatakam is traditionally attributed to Adi Shankara (788-820 CE), the legendary philosopher and saint who single-handedly revitalized and systematized Advaita Vedanta philosophy across India. According to traditional accounts, Shankara composed this powerful text as a concise summary of non-dual wisdom, capturing the essence of Vedantic teachings in accessible verse form. The composition emerged during a period of significant spiritual and intellectual activity in medieval India, when Shankara traveled extensively, established four cardinal ashrams, and engaged in philosophical debates defending the Advaita perspective. Scholars suggest that while the text is attributed to Shankara, it may represent a compilation of wisdom teachings that evolved within the Advaita lineage, though his authorship remains the predominant tradition. The mantra draws directly from Upanishadic teachings, particularly the Mandukya and Aitareya Upanishads, presenting their non-dual philosophy in poetic form. Throughout centuries, the Nirvana Shatakam has maintained its status as one of Hinduism's most influential spiritual texts, studied extensively in monasteries and taught by realized masters. Its enduring popularity reflects its remarkable ability to distill complex metaphysical concepts into memorable verses that inspire both intellectual contemplation and direct experience. The text has been translated into numerous languages and remains a cornerstone text in contemporary Advaita Vedanta, continuing Shankara's legacy of liberating consciousness through the power of non-dual wisdom.
What is the correct Sanskrit pronunciation of key phrases in the Nirvana Shatakam Mantra?
Proper pronunciation is essential for experiencing the full vibrational benefits of the Nirvana Shatakam Mantra. The opening phrase 'Mano Buddhi Ahankara Chittani' is pronounced as: MAH-no BOO-dhee AH-hun-KAH-rah CHIT-tah-nee. The 'a' sounds are pronounced as in 'father,' 'u' as in 'put,' and 'i' as in 'see.' The word 'Nirvana' is pronounced NEER-VAH-nah with emphasis on the first syllable. Key verses include 'Na Cha Sangnananda Bandah' (nah chah sung-nah-nahn-dah bun-duh) and 'Chidananda Rupa Shivoham' (CHID-ah-nund-ah ROO-puh SHEE-vo-hum). When chanting, maintain a steady rhythm and allow each syllable to flow naturally without forcing pronunciation. Traditionally, practitioners are encouraged to listen to authentic recordings by experienced Sanskrit scholars or spiritual teachers to calibrate their accent and intonation. Sanskrit pronunciation relies significantly on proper vowel length and nasal sounds (anusvara and visarga), which affect the mantra's energetic resonance. Websites like Mahakatha and reputable spiritual organizations offer audio recordings demonstrating correct pronunciation. Don't be discouraged by initial mispronunciation—sincere effort and consistent practice gradually refine your chanting. Many teachers suggest that genuine devotion and sincere intention matter more than perfect pronunciation, though correct pronunciation is traditionally believed to maximize the mantra's spiritual potency and vibrational benefits.
What happens if we chant Nirvana Shatakam Mantra?
Regular chanting of Nirvana Shatakam Mantra creates measurable shifts in your mental, emotional, and spiritual state. Dissolves ego-identification and false self-concept through systematic negation of limited identities. Reduces anxiety and existential fear by anchoring awareness in eternal consciousness beyond death and change. Liberates from attachment and emotional reactivity (raga-dvesha) by revealing the witness consciousness. Most practitioners notice a tangible difference within the first week of daily practice — start with 108 repetitions using a mala and observe how your inner state transforms.

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From the Bhagavad Gita

10.23

BG 10.23

I Am Shiva Among the Rudras

Of the Rudras I am Shankara — Shiva, the auspicious one who dissolves what no longer serves.

Read full verse →

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