Shri Shiva Panchakshara Strotam - Anandita Basu

This song is an offering to Shri Shiva, the pure God who cleans our souls and destroys what is impure. Lyrics He who has the king of snakes as his garland and who has three eyes, He whose body is smeared with sacred ashes and who is the great Lord, He who is eternal, who is ever pure with the four directions as his clothes, Salutations to that Shiva, who is represented by the syllable “na“ He who is worshipped with water from the Mandakini river and smeared with sandal paste, He who is the lord of Nandi and of the ghosts and goblins, the great Lord, He who is worshipped with Mandara and many other flowers, Salutations to that Shiva, who is represented by the syllable “ma“ He who is auspicious and who is like the newly risen sun causing the lotus-face of Gauri to blossom, He who is the destroyer of the sacrifice of Daksha, He who has a blue throat and has a bull as his emblem, Salutations to that Shiva, who is represented by the syllable “shi“ He who is worshipped by the best and most respected sages – Vasishtha, Agastya and Gautama, and also by the gods, and who is the crown of the universe, He who has the moon, sun and fire as his three eyes, Salutations to that Shiva, who is represented by the syllable “va“ He who is the embodiment of yagna (sacrifice) and who has matted locks, He who has the trident in his hand and who is eternal, He who is divine, who is the shining one and who has the four directions as his clothes, Salutations to that Shiva, who is represented by the syllable “ya“ He who recites this Panchakshara near Shiva, Will attain the abode of Shiva and enjoy bliss. May Shiva, whose dreadful forehead has oblations of plentiful, turbulent and wandering snake-hisses - first coming out and then sparking, whose fierce tandava dance is set in motion by the sound series of the auspicious and best drum (damar), which is sounding with “dhimit-dhimit” sounds, be victorious. I bow to Lord Shiva, the description, of whose great Tandava Dance sends a thrill of Blessedness throughout the devotees. During the time of completion of the Puja, those who recite this song for Shambhu in the evening. To Him, who is Steadfast in this workshop, will come chariots yoked with King of elephants and horses (signifying prosperity) And Devi Lakshmi will always show Her graceful face to Him, Shri Shambhu will bestow this boon.