Nirvana Shatakam | Stotra Lyrics, Meaning and Significance

Last Updated on January 19, 2026 by Yatrapur

Nirvana Shatakam (निर्वाण षट्कम्), also known as 'Atma Shatakam' (आत्म षट्कम्). Adi Shankaracharya composed the group of these 6 verses, which explain the true nature of the soul. Acharya Shankaracharya was a great Hindu philosopher and theologian from India. The Nirvana Shatakam is a powerful tool for those who seek to understand their true nature and achieve spiritual liberation.

It is the essence of all the knowledge of Advaita Vedanta philosophy. Its verses explain the basic characteristic or form of the true self (Atma) having the same quality as the ultimate reality (Brahman). It makes a person realize the form of pure consciousness and bliss that is within him. According to it, the true nature of a person is the same as Shiva. And the soul has nothing to do with this material world. Nirvana Shatakam is widely chanted and studied in the spiritual world. It is available as a musical song on various platforms. Here,

• "Nirvana" means liberation, peace and freedom.
• "Atma" means the true nature of a person, the 'Self'.
• "Shatakam (षट्कम)" means a group of six verses.

Table of Contents

1. Nirvana Shatakam: Lyrics and Meaning
   1. Verse 1: The Mind and Senses
   2. Verse 2: Life Force and Body
   3. Verse 3: Desires and Emotions
   4. Verse 4: Karma and Rituals
   5. Verse 5: Life and Death
   6. Verse 6: The Ultimate Truth
2. Benefits of Chanting

Nirvana Shatakam: Lyrics and Meaning

Each verse follows a pattern. First, it lists things we usually identify with (like our body or feelings) and says, "I am not these." Then, it ends with the famous chorus: Chidananda Roopah Shivoham Shivoham, which means "I am the form of pure consciousness and bliss. I am Shiva."

Verse 1: The Mind and Senses

Sanskrit:
मनोबुद्ध्यहङ्कार चित्तानि नाहं, न च श्रोत्रजिह्वे न च घ्राणनेत्रे ।
न च व्योम भूमिर्न तेजो न वायुः, चिदानन्दरूपः शिवोऽहम् शिवोऽहम् ॥

Transliteration:
Mano-Buddhy-Ahankara Chittani Naham, Na Cha Shrotra-Jihve Na Cha Ghrana-Netre
Na Cha Vyoma Bhumir Na Tejo Na Vayuh, Chidananda Roopah Shivoham Shivoham

Meaning:
I am not the mind, the intellect, the ego, or the memory. I am not the ears, the tongue, the nose, or the eyes. I am not the sky, the earth, the light, or the wind. I am pure consciousness and bliss. I am Shiva!

Verse 2: Life Force and Body

Sanskrit:
न च प्राणसंज्ञो न वै पञ्चवायुः, न वा सप्तधातुः न वा पञ्चकोशः ।
न वाक्पाणिपादं न चोपस्थपायु, चिदानन्दरूपः शिवोऽहम् शिवोऽहम् ॥

Transliteration:
Na Cha Prana-Samjno Na Vai Pancha-Vayuh, Na Va Sapta-Dhatur Na Va Pancha-Koshah
Na Vak-Pani-Padam Na Chopastha-Payu, Chidananda Roopah Shivoham Shivoham

Meaning:
I am not the life-force (Prana), nor the five vital breaths. I am not the seven elements of the body or the five sheaths that cover the soul. I am not the organs of speech, the hands, or the feet. I am pure consciousness and bliss. I am Shiva!

Verse 3: Desires and Emotions

Sanskrit:
न मे द्वेषरागौ न मे लोभमोहौ, मदो नैव मे नैव मात्सर्यभावः ।
न धर्मो न चार्थो न कामो न मोक्षः, चिदानन्दरूपः शिवोऽहम् शिवोऽहम् ॥

Transliteration:
Na Me Dvesha-Ragau Na Me Lobha-Mohau, Mado Naiva Me Naiva Matsarya-Bhavah
Na Dharmo Na Chartho Na Kamo Na Mokshah, Chidananda Roopah Shivoham Shivoham

Meaning:
I have no hatred or liking, no greed or confusion. I have no pride or jealousy. I am not bound by duty, wealth, desire, or even the hunger for liberation. I am pure consciousness and bliss. I am Shiva!

Verse 4: Karma and Rituals

Sanskrit:
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 ॥

Transliteration:
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

Meaning:
I am not touched by sin or merit, nor by happiness or sorrow. I do not need mantras, holy places, scriptures, or rituals. I am not the food, nor the act of eating, nor the one who eats. I am pure consciousness and bliss. I am Shiva!

Verse 5: Life and Death

Sanskrit:
न मृत्युर्न शङ्का न मे जातिभेदः, पिता नैव मे नैव माता न जन्मः ।
न बन्धुर्न मित्रं गुरुर्नैव शिष्यं, चिदानन्दरूपः शिवोऽहम् शिवोऽहम् ॥

Transliteration:
Na Mrityur Na Shanka Na Me Jati-Bhedah, Pita Naiva Me Naiva Mata Na Janma
Na Bandhur Na Mitram Gurur Naiva Shishyah, Chidananda Roopah Shivoham Shivoham

Meaning:
I have no death or fear. I have no caste or social class. I have no father, no mother, and I was never born. I have no relatives, no friends, no teacher, and no student. I am pure consciousness and bliss. I am Shiva!

Verse 6: The Ultimate Truth

Sanskrit:
अहं निर्विकल्पो निराकाररूपो, विभुत्वाच्च सर्वत्र सर्वेन्द्रियाणाम् ।
न चासङ्गतं नैव मुक्तिर्न मेयः, चिदानन्दरूपः शिवोऽहम् शिवोऽहम् ॥

Transliteration:
Aham Nirvikalpo Nirakara-Roopo, Vibhutvach-cha Sarvatra Sarvendriyanam
Na Chasangatam Naiva Muktir Na Meyah, Chidananda Roopah Shivoham Shivoham

Meaning:
I am all-pervading. I have no form or shape. I am present everywhere and in all senses. I am not attached to anything, and I am always free. I am pure consciousness and bliss. I am Shiva!

Why is Nirvana Shatakam Important?

• Mental Peace: Chanting these verses helps calm the mind during stressful times.
• Self-Confidence: It reminds us that we are not our mistakes or our bodies, but something much greater.
• Universal Appeal: Even though it is an ancient Sanskrit prayer, the message is for everyone, regardless of their religion.
• Popular Versions: Today, many people listen to the "Sounds of Isha" or "Sadhguru" versions of this mantra to help with meditation.

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