The Shiv Panchakshar Stotram is a five-verse Sanskrit hymn composed by Adi Shankaracharya in praise of Lord Shiva. Each of the five verses is built around one syllable of the sacred Panchakshara mantra, "Na-Ma-Shi-Va-Ya," making the stotram both a hymn of praise and a meditation on the mantra itself.
Tradition attributes this stotram to Adi Shankaracharya, the eighth-century philosopher and reformer credited with reviving Shaiva and Advaita devotional literature across India. Like his other short stotrams, it was composed to make deep philosophical reverence for Shiva accessible through simple, rhythmic verse suited for daily recitation.
The Panchakshara mantra, "Namah Shivaya," is considered one of the most fundamental mantras in Shaivism. This stotram unpacks the mantra syllable by syllable, so each verse becomes a standalone meditation on one letter, one attribute of Shiva, and one facet of surrender.
Chanting the stotram is traditionally seen as a way to internalize the qualities of Shiva described in each verse — his simplicity, his fearlessness, his detachment, and his compassion — rather than only reciting words. Many practitioners pair it with japa of the Panchakshara mantra itself.
Regular recitation is associated with steadier concentration, a calmer mind before meditation, and a felt sense of closeness to Shiva. Its short length makes it approachable for daily practice, including for those new to Sanskrit chanting.
Each verse ends with a name built on one syllable — Nakaraya, Makaraya, Shikaraya, Vakaraya, Yakaraya — said slowly to let the syllable land clearly. Use the Play button above to hear each line paced correctly, and toggle Auto Scroll and Highlight in Settings to follow along visually.