Nirvana Shatakam Mantra
Nirvana Shatakam, also known as Atma Shatakam, is a highly renowned Vedanta hymn composed by Adi Shankaracharya. It is a divine composition consisting of six verses that describe the true nature of the Self (Atman). The core message of this hymn is that a human being's true nature is not the body, mind, intellect, or ego, but the Atman—which is pure consciousness and bliss.
Each verse of Nirvana Shatkam ends with “Chidanand Roopah Shivo’ham Shivo’ham”, which means – “I am Shiva in the form of pure consciousness and bliss.”
Nirvana Shatakam (Self Shatakam)
No mental intellect, no ego, no consciousness.
Neither the hearing tongue nor the olfactory eyes.
Na cha vyom bhumirn tejo na vayu:
Chidanandarupah Shivoham Shivoham ॥1॥
Na cha pranasangyo na va panchavayuh
Neither Saptadhaturna nor Panchakosha.
Neither Vakpanipadau nor Chopasthapayu
Chidanandarupah Shivoham Shivoham ॥2॥
I am neither a hater nor a greedy person
Naive Matsaryabhavah in Mado Naive.
Neither dharma nor chartho nor kamo nor moksha.
Chidanandarupah Shivoham Shivoham ॥3॥
neither virtue nor sin nor happiness nor sorrow
Neither mantras, nor pilgrimages, nor Vedas, nor yagyas.
Aham Bhojanam Naive Bhojyaam Na Bhokta
Chidanandarupah Shivoham Shivoham ॥4॥
Neither fear of death nor casteism:
Naive father and naïve mother.
Na Bandhurna Mitram Gururnava Shishya:
Chidanandarupah Shivoham Shivoham ॥5॥
ego nirvikalpo formararupo
Vibhutvachcha everywhere sarvendriyanam.
Na chasangatam naiva muktirna meyah
Chidanandarupah Shivoham Shivoham ॥6॥
Meaning of Nirvana Shatkam
In this stotra the seeker says that -
- I am not the mind.
- I am not the intellect.
- I am not the ego.
- I am not the body.
- I am not the senses. I am.
- I am beyond birth and death.
My real form is only Consciousness, Bliss and the soul of Shiva.
Meaning of “Shivoham”
Here, the term "Shiva" refers not merely to the personal deity Lord Shiva, but to auspiciousness, purity, and infinite consciousness.
"Shivoham" means—
"My true nature is pure, conscious, blissful, and divine."
Spiritual Significance of Nirvana Shatakam
Nirvana Shatakam teaches us that the purpose of life is not merely material achievement, but also the attainment of self-realization.
This hymn—
- Inspires introspection.
- Conveys the message of rising above the ego.
- Shows the path to mental peace.
- Explains the principles of Advaita Vedanta in a simple manner.
- Strives to facilitate the experience of the oneness of the individual soul and the Supreme Soul.
Spiritual Benefits of Nirvana Shatakam
According to religious and spiritual beliefs, reciting it with faith and contemplation—
1. Enhances mental concentration.
2. Aids in meditation and yoga practice.
3. Fosters a sense of introspection and self-realization.
4. Creates a spiritual atmosphere that helps reduce stress and mental unrest.
5. Cultivates a sense of detachment and equanimity.
6. Helps in understanding the profound principles of Advaita Vedanta.
Important Note: The benefits mentioned above are based on religious and spiritual traditions. These should not be viewed as a guarantee of any medical or scientific outcome.
When should one recite Nirvana Shatakam?
Reciting this *stotra* (hymn) is considered especially beneficial on the following occasions—
- Every morning
- During *Brahma Muhurta* (the auspicious pre-dawn period)
- Before meditation and yoga
- Mondays
- Mahashivaratri
- The month of Shravan
- Guru Purnima
- While studying Vedanta
Method of Recitation
- Bathe and wear clean clothes.
- Sit in a quiet and clean place.
- Meditate upon Lord Shiva or your chosen deity (Ishta Devata).
- Calm your mind by taking deep breaths for a few minutes.
- Recite Nirvana Shatakam with devotion and clear pronunciation.
- After the recitation, observe silence for a while and contemplate the essence of "*Shivoham*" (I am Shiva).
Teachings of Nirvana Shatakam
Nirvana Shatakam teaches us that—
- Our true nature is the Soul (*Atman*), not the body.
- Ego and attachment are the causes of suffering.
- True peace is attained only through self-realization.
- The same divine consciousness resides in all beings.
- Truth, compassion, and self-awareness constitute the highest path of life.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Who is the author of Nirvana Shatakam?
Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya is considered the author of Nirvana Shatakam.
2. What is the difference between Nirvana Shatakam and Atma Shatakam?
There is no difference; both names refer to the same *stotra*.
3. Can it be recited daily?
Yes, it can be recited daily with devotion and contemplation.
4. What does “Shivoham” mean?
It means that the true nature of the soul is pure consciousness, bliss and divinity.
5. Can only devotees of Lord Shiva recite it?
No. This is a philosophical hymn of Advaita Vedanta and any devotee can study and recite it.
Nirvana Shatakam (Atma Shatakam) is not just a hymn but an invaluable message of enlightenment. Its six verses make us realize that our true nature is not the body, mind or ego, but the pure, conscious and blissful soul. Its recitation with devotion, regular study and meditation propels the seeker towards inner peace, self-realization and spiritual progress.
Related Shiva Mantras and Stotras
If you liked Nirvana Shatkam, you can also read these texts -
- Shiva Tandava Stotra
- Mahamrityunjaya Mantra
- Om Namah. Shivay
- Rudra Gayatri Mantra
- Shiva Panchakshari Stotra
- Lingashtakam
- Shiva Chalisa
- Kaalbhairav Ashtakam
- Rudrashtakam
- Shiva Mahimna Stotra