Nirvana Shatakam Mantra — Hindi Lyrics
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
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मनो बुद्धि अहङ्कार चित्तानि नाहं न च श्रोत्रजिह्वे न च घ्राण नेत्रे न च व्योम भूमिर्न तेजो न वायुः चिदानन्द रूपः शिवोऽहं शिवोऽहम्
मनो बुद्धि अहंकार चित्तानी नाहं न च श्रोत्र जिह्वे न च घ्राण नेत्रे न च व्योम भूमिर् न तेजो न वायुः चिदानंद रूपः शिवोऽहं शिवोऽहम्
मैं मन, बुद्धि, अहंकार और चित्त नहीं हूँ, न ही कान, जीभ, नाक और आँख हूँ, न ही आकाश, पृथ्वी, अग्नि और वायु हूँ - मैं चिदानंद स्वरूप, शिव ही हूँ।
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
न च प्राण संज्ञा न वै पंच वायुः न व सप्त धातुर् न व पंच कोशः न वाक् पणि-पादम् न चोपस्थ पायु चिदानंद रूपः शिवोऽहं शिवोऽहम्
मैं प्राण, पंचवायु, सप्त धातु, पंचकोश, वाणी, हाथ, पैर, उपस्थ और गुदा नहीं हूँ - मैं चिदानंद स्वरूप, शिव ही हूँ।
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
न मे द्वेष रागौ न मे लोभ मोहौ मदो नैव मे नैव मत्सर्य भावः न धर्मो न चार्थो न कामो न मोक्षः चिदानंद रूपः शिवोऽहं शिवोऽहम्
मेरे में द्वेष, राग, लोभ, मोह, मद, मत्सर्य नहीं है, न ही धर्म, अर्थ, काम, मोक्ष हैं - मैं चिदानंद स्वरूप, शिव ही हूँ।
न पुण्यम्न पापम्न सौख्यम्न दुःखम् न मन्त्रो न तीर्थ न वेद न यज्ञः अहं भोजनैवम्न भोज्यम्न भोक्ता चिदानन्द रूपः शिवोऽहं शिवोऽहम्
न पुण्यम् न पापम् न सौख्यम् न दुःखम् न मंत्रो न तीर्थ न वेद न यज्ञः अहं भोजनैवम् न भोज्यम् न भोक्ता चिदानंद रूपः शिवोऽहं शिवोऽहम्
मेरे में न तो पुण्य है, न पाप, न सुख, न दुःख, न मंत्र, न तीर्थ, न वेद, न यज्ञ, न मैं भोजन, भोज्य या भोक्ता हूँ - मैं चिदानंद स्वरूप, शिव ही हूँ।
न मृत्युर्न शङ्का न मे जाति भेदः पिता नैव मे नैव माता न जन्म न बन्धुर्न मित्रम्गुरुर्नैव शिष्यः चिदानन्द रूपः शिवोऽहं शिवोऽहम्
न मृत्युर् न शंका न मे जाति भेदः पिता नैव मे नैव माता न जन्म न बंधुर् न मित्रम् गुरुर् नैव शिष्यः चिदानंद रूपः शिवोऽहं शिवोऽहम्
न मेरे में मृत्यु है, न भय, न जाति भेद, न पिता, न माता, न जन्म, न बंधु, न मित्र, न गुरु, न शिष्य - मैं चिदानंद स्वरूप, शिव ही हूँ।
अहं निर्विकल्पो निराकार रूपो विभुर्व्याप सर्वत्र सर्वेन्द्रियाणाम् न च सङ्गतम्नैव मुक्तिर्न बन्ध चिदानन्द रूपः शिवोऽहं शिवोऽहम्
अहं निर्विकल्पो निराकार रूपो विभुर् व्याप सर्वत्र सर्वेंद्रियाणाम् न च संगतम् नैव मुक्तिर् न बंध चिदानंद रूपः शिवोऽहं शिवोऽहम्
मैं निर्विकल्प, निराकार रूप हूँ, सर्वव्यापी, सभी इंद्रियों का अधिकारी हूँ, न संग है, न मुक्ति है, न बंधन - मैं चिदानंद स्वरूप, शिव ही हूँ।
Word-by-Word Meaning
| Sanskrit | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Mano | Mind; the faculty of thought and mental processes. From root 'man' meaning to think. |
| buddhi | Intellect; the faculty of discernment and rational understanding. From root 'budh' meaning to awaken or perceive. |
| ahankara | Ego; the sense of individual identity and self-assertion. Literally 'I-making' (aham-kara). |
| chittani | Consciousness; the field of awareness and mental impressions. From root 'chit' meaning conscious awareness. |
| naaham | Not I; negation of individual identity. Combination of 'na' (not) and 'aham' (I). |
| Na | Not; negation particle used to deny or refute. |
| cha | And; conjunction used to join words or clauses. |
| shrotajihve | Ears and tongue; the organs of hearing and taste. Compound of 'shrota' (ear) and 'jihva' (tongue). |
| ghraana | Nose; the organ of smell. From root 'ghran' meaning to smell. |
| netre | Eyes; the organs of sight. Plural of 'netra' from root 'nri' meaning to lead or guide vision. |
| vyoma | Space or sky; the ether element representing empty space. |
| bhumir | Earth; the solid element. From root 'bhuj' meaning to support or nourish. |
| tejo | Fire; the element of light and energy. From root 'tej' meaning to shine. |
| vaayuhu | Air or wind; the element of movement and vitality. From root 'va' meaning to blow. |
| Chidananda | Consciousness-Bliss; the nature of pure awareness combined with eternal joy. Compound of 'chit' (consciousness) and 'ananda' (bliss). |
| rupah | Form or appearance; the manifest shape or body. From root 'rup' meaning to shine or appear. |
| Shivo'ham | I am Shiva; assertion of identity with pure consciousness. Compound of 'Shiva' and 'aham' (I am). |
| prana | Life force or vital breath; the cosmic energy animating all life. |
| vai | Certainly; emphatic particle meaning indeed or truly. |
| pancha | Five; the number five representing the five elements. |
| vayuhu | Air or wind; the element of movement and vitality. From root 'va' meaning to blow. |
| va | Or; disjunctive particle offering alternatives. |
| sapta | Seven; the number seven often referring to seven layers or sheaths of existence. |
| dhatur | Element or constituent; the primary substances forming existence. From root 'dha' meaning to support. |
| koshah | Sheath or layer; one of the five coverings of the soul in Vedanta philosophy. |
| vak | Speech or word; the power of utterance and expression. From root 'vac' meaning to speak. |
| pani-padam | Hands and feet; the organs of action. Compound of 'pani' (hand) and 'pada' (foot). |
| payu | Anus; the organ of elimination. From root 'pay' meaning to purify or eliminate. |
| Chidandanda | Consciousness-Bliss; same as 'Chidananda' (variant spelling). |
| me | My or mine; possessive pronoun in first person. |
| dvesha | Aversion or hatred; one of the fundamental afflictions blocking liberation. From root 'dvis' meaning to hate. |
| ragau | Attachment or passion; emotional clinging to objects. Dual form of 'raga'. |
| lobha | Greed; excessive desire for possessions and gain. From root 'lubh' meaning to be confused by desire. |
| mohau | Delusion; ignorance and confusion about true nature. Dual form of 'moha'. |
| Mado | Pride or intoxication; arrogance and false ego. From root 'mad' meaning to be proud or intoxicated. |
| naiva | Not even; emphatic negation combining 'na' (not) and 'eva' (even). |
| matsarya | Jealousy or malice; envious feelings toward others' success. |
| bhavaha | Existence or being; the state of manifestation. From root 'bhav' meaning to become or exist. |
| dharmo | Dharma or righteousness; moral law and cosmic order. From root 'dhr' meaning to support. |
| chartho | Artha or prosperity; material well-being and wealth, one of the four goals of life. |
| kamo | Desire or pleasure; sensory gratification, one of the four goals of life. From root 'kam' meaning to desire. |
| mokshaha | Liberation or freedom; ultimate spiritual emancipation from the cycle of rebirth. From root 'muc' meaning to release. |
| punyam | Merit or virtue; positive karmic accumulation from righteous deeds. From root 'pu' meaning to purify. |
| papam | Sin or demerit; negative karmic consequence of unrighteous actions. From root 'pap' meaning to harm. |
| saukhyam | Happiness or pleasure; comfort and well-being. From root 'sukh' meaning ease. |
| duhkham | Suffering or pain; discomfort and sorrow. From root 'duh' meaning difficulty or distress. |
| mantro | Mantra; a sacred sound, word, or phrase for spiritual practice. From root 'man' meaning mind with 'tra' meaning protection. |
| teertha | Sacred pilgrimage site or holy water; a crossing place to liberation. From root 'tri' meaning to cross. |
| veda | Vedas; the ancient sacred scriptures of Hindu wisdom. From root 'vid' meaning to know. |
| yajnah | Sacrifice or ritual; sacred ceremony for spiritual advancement. From root 'yaj' meaning to worship or honor. |
| Aham | I am; the individual self or ego. From root 'as' meaning to be. |
| bhojyam | Food to be eaten; that which is consumed as nourishment. |
| bhokta | Eater or enjoyer; one who consumes or experiences. From root 'bhuj' meaning to enjoy or eat. |
| mrityur | Death; the ending of the physical body. From root 'mr' meaning to die. |
| shanka | Doubt or fear; uncertainty and apprehension. From root 'shank' meaning to be afraid. |
| bhedaha | Separation or distinction; the sense of duality and difference. From root 'bhid' meaning to divide. |
| Pita | Father; male parent. From root 'pa' meaning to protect. |
| mataa | Mother; female parent. From root 'ma' meaning to measure or create. |
| janmaha | Birth; the coming into existence. From root 'jan' meaning to be born. |
| bandhur | Relative or kinsman; one bound by family ties. From root 'bandh' meaning to bind. |
| mitram | Friend; one who shows affection and goodwill. |
| gurur | Guru or teacher; a spiritual master who dispels ignorance. From 'gu' (darkness) and 'ru' (remover). |
| shishyaha | Student or disciple; one who learns from a teacher. From root 'shis' meaning to instruct. |
| nirvikalpo | Without thought constructs; free from mental modifications and conceptualization. Compound of 'nir' (without) and 'vikalpa' (alternatives/thoughts). |
| nirakara | Formless; without shape or specific form. Compound of 'nir' (without) and 'akara' (form). |
| rupo | Form or appearance; the visible manifestation. From root 'rup' meaning to shine or appear. |
| Vibhur | Pervading or omnipresent; the all-pervading consciousness. From root 'vibh' meaning to tremble or pervade. |
| vyaapa | All-pervasive; spreading throughout all existence. From root 'vyap' meaning to pervade. |
| sarvatra | Everywhere; in all places simultaneously. Compound of 'sarva' (all) and 'tra' (place). |
| sarvendriyanam | All the senses; the totality of sense faculties. Compound of 'sarva' (all) and 'indriya' (senses). |
| muktir | Liberation; freedom from bondage and cycle of rebirth. From root 'muc' meaning to release. |
| bandha | Bondage or binding; imprisonment in ignorance and conditioned existence. From root 'bandh' meaning to bind. |
How to Chant Nirvana Shatakam Mantra
- 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
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
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
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
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
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 0 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
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From the Bhagavad Gita
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.
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