Nirvana Shatakam: The Ultimate Lord Shiva Stotra

True spiritual awakening requires stripping away the illusions of the material world to uncover the eternal soul within. Written by the great sage Adi Shankaracharya, the Nirvana Shatakam stands as a profound poetic summary of non-duality (Advaita Vedanta). While structured as a philosophical text, it is widely chanted as a powerful bhajan and kirtan dedicated to the ultimate formless reality of Lord Shiva. We have honored this ancient declaration of freedom by weaving its timeless verses into a deeply immersive musical arrangement crafted to bring complete clarity and stillness to your daily practices.

Meaning and Sanskrit Lyrics of Nirvana Shatakam

Aligning your awareness with the ultimate message of absolute liberation requires contemplating the iconic opening verse and core refrain of this sacred stotra.

Lyrics:

मनोबुद्ध्यहङ्कार चित्तानि नाहं

न च श्रोत्रजिह्वे न च घ्राणनेत्रे ।

न च व्योम भूमिर्न तेजो न वायुः

चिदानन्दरूपः शिवोऽहम् शिवोऽहम् ॥

Mano buddhi ahankara chittani naham
Na cha shrotra jihve na cha ghrana netre
Na cha vyoma bhumir na tejo na vayuhu
Chidananda rupah shivoham shivoham

I am not the mind, intellect, ego, or memory.
I am not the ears, the tongue, the nose, or the eyes.
I am not space, nor earth, nor fire, nor wind.
I am the form of consciousness and bliss, I am the eternal Shiva.

न च प्राणसंज्ञो न वै पञ्चवायुः

न वा सप्तधातुः न वा पञ्चकोशः ।

न वाक्पाणिपादं न चोपस्थपायु

चिदानन्दरूपः शिवोऽहम् शिवोऽहम् ॥

Na cha prana sangyo na vai pancha vayuhu
Na va sapta dhatur na va pancha koshah
Na vak pani-padam na chopastha payu
Chidananda rupah shivoham shivoham

I am not the life energy, nor the five vital breaths.
I am not the seven physical elements, nor the five sheaths of the body.
I am not the organ of speech, nor hands, nor feet, nor the organs of generation or excretion.
I am the form of consciousness and bliss, I am the eternal Shiva.

न मे द्वेषरागौ न मे लोभमोहौ

मदो नैव मे नैव मात्सर्यभावः ।

न धर्मो न चार्थो न कामो न मोक्षः

चिदानन्दरूपः शिवोऽहम् शिवोऽहम् ॥

Na me dvesha ragau na me lobha mohau
Mado naiva me naiva matsarya bhavah
Na dharmo na chartho na kamo na mokshah
Chidananda rupah shivoham shivoham

I have no hatred or dislike, nor affiliation or liking, nor greed, nor delusion.
I have no pride or haughtiness, nor feelings of envy or jealousy.
I have no duty, nor wealth, nor desire, nor liberation.
I am the form of consciousness and bliss, I am the eternal Shiva.

न पुण्यं न पापं न सौख्यं न दुःखं

न मन्त्रो न तीर्थं न वेदा न यज्ञाः ।

अहं भोजनं नैव भोज्यं न भोक्ता

चिदानन्दरूपः शिवोऽहम् शिवोऽहम् ॥

Na punyam na papam na saukhyam na duhkham
Na mantro na tirtham na veda na yajnah
Aham bhojanam naiva bhojyam na bhokta
Chidananda rupah shivoham shivoham

I have no virtue or vice, nor pleasure or pain.
I need no mantras, nor pilgrimages, nor scriptures, nor rituals.
I am not the experiencer, nor the experience, nor the object of experience.
I am the form of consciousness and bliss, I am the eternal Shiva.

न मृत्युर्न शङ्का न मे जातिभेदः

पिता नैव मे नैव माता न जन्मः ।

न बन्धुर्न मित्रं गुरुर्नैव शिष्यं

चिदानन्दरूपः शिवोऽहम् शिवोऽहम् ॥

Na mrityur na shanka na me jati bhedah
Pita naiva me naiva mata na janmah
Na bandhur na mitram gurur naiva shishyam
Chidananda rupah shivoham shivoham

I have no fear of death, nor do I have any distinction of caste.
I have no father, nor mother, nor was I ever born.
I have no relatives, nor friends, nor guru, nor disciple.
I am the form of consciousness and bliss, I am the eternal Shiva.

अहं निर्विकल्पो निराकाररूपो

विभुत्वाच्च सर्वत्र सर्वेन्द्रियाणाम् ।

न चासङ्गतं नैव मुक्तिर्न मेयः

चिदानन्दरूपः शिवोऽहम् शिवोऽहम् ॥

Aham nirvikalpo nirakara rupo
Vibhutvatcha sarvatra sarvendriyanam
Na cha sangata naiva muktir na meyah
Chidananda rupah shivoham shivoham

I am devoid of dualities and am without form.
I exist everywhere, pervading all senses.
I am neither attached, nor free, nor captive.
I am the form of consciousness and bliss, I am the eternal Shiva.

Spiritual Significance of Praying to Lord Shiva

Chanting or absorbing the repetitive cadence of this stotra serves as a profound energetic reset for the human mind. By seeking the truth of Lord Shiva through the practice of Neti Neti (“not this, not this”), you systematically strip away the labels, anxieties, and societal expectations that burden your daily experience.

Psychologically, this kirtan acts as an absolute shield against stress by reminding you that your true essence is untouched by temporary worldly suffering or failure. Spiritually, it functions as an essential pillar of a meditative devotional routine because it shifts the practitioner away from seeking external favors toward realizing internal divinity. Integrating this chant into your routine brings an unshakeable sense of peace, anchoring your day in absolute freedom and clarity.

Listen to Nirvana Shatakam by 99 Mantras

Step into a space of deep meditative stillness and inner liberation. The captivating rendition by 99 Mantras masterfully pairs the classical Sanskrit text with sweeping, atmospheric instrumentation designed to lower the heart rate and calm turbulent thoughts. Perfect for yoga, deep meditation, or creating a sacred sanctuary in your home, let these transcendent vibrations guide you back to your true self. Stream the track on your preferred musical platform today.

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99 Mantras: Divine collection of Hindi Bhajans, Mantras, Chants, and other spiritual content in Hindi and Sanskrit. Immerse yourself in soulful melodies, uplifting prayers, and sacred chants that bring peace, positivity, and spiritual connection to your daily life. To listen to our Mantras & Bhajans, checkout 99 Mantras on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music.