Nirvana Shatakam Lyrics And Meaning: Contemplate To Realise Your Real Self!

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Nirvana Shatakam, also known as Atma Shatakam by Adi Shankara is a beautiful composition consisting of six verses or slokas. Nirvana Shatakam is a compelling work for all to not only read but also to dive into its profound meaning as well.

How and when Adi Shankara composed Nirvana Shatakam

It is said when Adi Shankara was a boy of eight, was wandering on the banks of River Narmada in search of a guru. He encountered the seer Govinda Bhagavatpada who asked Shankara, "Who are you?" The answer poured forth as these verses and Govinda Bhagavatpada accepted Adi Shankara as his disciple. Chanting of Nirvana Shatakam helps one to progress in contemplation, which will lead to Self-Realisation.

Nirvana Shatakam lyrics and meaning

1) mano buddhi ahankara chittani naaham
na cha shrotravjihve na cha ghraana netre |
na cha vyoma bhumir na tejo na vaayuhu
chidananda roopah shivoham shivoham ||

I am not the mind, nor the intellect, nor the ego sense, nor the store-house of memories. I am not the ear, nor the tongue, nor the nose, nor the eyes. Nor am I the sky (space), or the earth, or fire or air. I am that eternal knowing and bliss. I am the form of consciousness and bliss. I am the eternal Shiva (auspiciousness).

2) na cha praana sangyo na vai pancha vayuhu
na va sapta dhatur na va pancha koshah |
na vak pani-padam na chopastha payu
chidananda roopah shivoham shivoham ||

I am not what is known as the life-breath, nor am I the five vital airs. I am not the seven constituents of the body. I am not the five sheaths. I am not speech, nor hands nor feet. I am not the genital organ, nor the organ of excretion. I am the form of consciousness and bliss. I am the eternal Shiva (auspiciousness).

3) na me dvesha ragau na me lobha mohau
na me vai mado naiva matsarya bhavaha |
na dharmo na chartho na kamo na mokshaha
chidananda roopah shivoham shivoham ||

I don't have any aversion or attachment, nor do I have greed, delusion, pride or jealousy. I do not hanker after Dharma, wealth, pleasures or liberation. I am the form of consciousness and bliss. I am the eternal Shiva (auspiciousness).

4) na punyam na papam na saukhyam na duhkham
na mantro na tirtham na veda na yajnah |
aham bhojanam naiva bhojyam na bhokta
chidananda roopah shivoham shivoham ||

There is no such thing as merit (virtue) or sin for me. Nor is there joy or sorrow. I have no need for mantras or pilgrimage, Vedas, rituals or sacrifices. I am neither the enjoyed, nor enjoyer nor enjoyment. I am the form of consciousness and bliss. I am the eternal Shiva (auspiciousness).

5) na me mrtyu shanka na mejati bhedaha
pita naiva me naiva mataa na janmaha |
na bandhur na mitram gurur naiva shishyaha
chidananda roopah shivoham shivoham ||

I have no death, or distinction of caste. I have no father nor mother. I have no birth. I have no relations, nor friend nor guru, nor disciple. I am the form of consciousness and bliss. I am the eternal Shiva (auspiciousness).

6) aham nirvikalpo nirakara rupo
vibhut vatcha sarvatra sarvendriyanam |
na cha sangatham naiva muktir na meyaha
chidananda roopah shivoham shivoham ||

I am unconditioned. I am formless. I am all pervading. I am beyond the organs. I am ever the same. There is neither bondage or liberation for me. I am the form of consciousness and bliss. I am the eternal Shiva (auspiciousness).