What is Shiva Panchakshari Sadhana?

In this article, you will learn about the glorious Shiva Panchakshari Sadhana and its benefits.

In the month of Shravan, Ma Parvati sat on a bare rock under the Himalayan sky. She went on with the same intensity and single pointed devotion through lashing rains and snowstorms. With every passing day, her sadhana got more intense. She had begun her penance by eating simple food. Then she ate only fruits. Thereafter, she started eating only leaves. Ultimately she gave up even that, earning the name Aparna— "The One who would not even consume leaves.” Ma Parvati had become one with the mantra she chanted. Her entire being echoed with its vibrations. This powerful mantra was Om Namah Shivaya. 

The Glorious Lineage

In the Shiva Purana, Sage Vyasa describes Goddess Parvati's penance as "Jigaya tapasa munim," (She won over even the sages through her penance.) As a result of her intense Sadhana of Panchakshari (the five-lettered) mantra, Ma Parvati got the grace and affection of Mahadeva and became his eternal consort.

Such is the glorious lineage of the Panchakshari mantra sadhana. It vibrates with the tapas and blessings of Ma Parvati and many sages who, over thousands of years, have invoked and pleased Lord Over Shiva with this mantra’s sadhana. 

Panchakshari is one of the most famous and potent Shiva mantras from the Shukla Yajur Veda. Just like the Lord himself, this mantra is incredibly simple to chant and meditate upon. 

In the Shiva Panchakshari Stotra Adi Shankaracharya praises the mantra saying that whoever recites the five syllables of Na-Ma-Shi-Va-Ya near a Shiva Lingam, will attain the Abode of Lord Shiva and experience the Bliss of union with him.

Mantra for Powerful Sadhana 

In Sadhana, by meditating on our Ishta’s attributes, we slowly imbibe the same qualities in ourselves. Similarly, when one chants the sacred Panchakshari mantra that glorifies God as Perfection and Auspiciousness (Shiva), the devotee progresses towards that union with the Lord who is—Sat Chit Anand—(Truth, Consciousness, Bliss.), attaining the same bliss and truth in his life.

Panchakshari sadhana is not just the chanting of a mantra but is a symbol of complete surrender to Lord Shiva. It awakens inner strength and leads the practitioner on the path of Shiva-hood.

Sadhana purifies our mind and thoughts. We can attain the highest goals of life through sadhana. In his discourses, Shri Om Swami often refers to a verse from the Ramcharitmanas:

"Jani acharaju karahu man mahin,
sut tapa ten durlabh kachu nahin,
tapa bal ten jag srijai vidhata,
tapa bal Vishnu bhaye paritrata,
tapa bal sambhu kari samhara,
tapa te agam na kachu sansara."
(Ram Charita Manas: 1.162.1-2)

"O dear, do not be surprised. Nothing is impossible through sadhana. By the power of Sadhana, Brahma creates the world, Vishnu preserves it, and Shiva destroys it. Through Sadhana, there is nothing unattainable in the three worlds."

A devotee who performs the Panchakshari sadhana with complete devotion and dedication can experience the energy and protection of Lord Shiva within themselves.

Let's discuss some benefits of performing the Panchakshari mantra sadhana.

Benefits of Panchakshari Sadhana 

• Panchakshari sadhana is especially beneficial for householders who do not have enough time for an elaborate worship. They can establish harmony in their family life by practicing this sadhana.
• The Panchakshari mantra is extremely simple, but its effects are profound and swift. It is the first mantra that originated from the Pranav (Om: the universal sound) for the welfare of humanity.
• This mantra is ideal for those practitioners who are unable to follow rigid rules and rituals but still wish to progress on the spiritual path.
• This mantra strengthens willpower and focuses the mind on the pursuit of divinity.
• Regular chanting of the Panchakshari mantra purifies the mind and brings a sense of inner peace.

Shravan is the most auspicious period to invoke Lord Shiva. Deepen your connection with Mahadev by performing the Panchakshari Sadhana (from 22 July-11 August) on the Sadhana App.

Har Har Mahadev!