Shantam Padmasanastham (Shiva Dhyana Shloka) — Word-by-Word Meaning
शान्तं पद्मासनस्थं (शिव ध्यान श्लोक)
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
शान्तं
Śāntaṃ
The serene, peaceful one
पद्मासनस्थं
Padmāsanasthaṃ
Seated in the lotus posture (padmasana)
शशधरमकुटं
Śaśadharamakuṭaṃ
Wearing the moon (shashadhara) as his crown
पञ्चवक्त्रं
Pañcavaktraṃ
Five-faced (the five faces of Sadashiva)
त्रिनेत्रं
Trinetraṃ
Three-eyed
शूलं वज्रं च खड्गं परशुम्
Śūlaṃ vajraṃ cha khaḍgaṃ paraśum
The trident, the thunderbolt, the sword and the axe
अभयदं
Abhayadaṃ
The gesture of granting fearlessness (abhaya mudra)
दक्षिणाङ्गे वहन्तम्
Dakṣiṇāṅge vahantam
Holding (these) on his right side
नागं पाशं च घण्टां
Nāgaṃ pāśaṃ cha ghaṇṭāṃ
The serpent, the noose and the bell
डमरुकसहितं च अङ्कुशं
Ḍamarukasahitaṃ cha aṅkuśaṃ
Together with the damaru (drum) and the goad
वामभागे
Vāmabhāge
On his left side
नानालङ्कारदीप्तं
Nānālaṅkāradīptaṃ
Shining with various ornaments
स्फटिकमणिनिभं
Sphaṭikamaṇinibhaṃ
Radiant like a crystal gem (pure white, luminous)
पार्वतीशं
Pārvatīśaṃ
The Lord of Parvati
नमामि
Namāmi
I bow / I offer my salutations
Complete Translation
I bow to the Lord of Parvati — serene, seated in the lotus posture, crowned with the moon, five-faced and three-eyed; bearing on his right side the trident, the thunderbolt, the sword, the axe and the gesture of fearlessness; holding on his left the serpent, the noose, the bell, the damaru drum and the goad; shining with manifold ornaments and luminous like a crystal gem.
Origin & History
Source: Traditional Shiva dhyana shloka (Shaiva agama / upasana tradition)
Author: Unknown (traditional)
Period: Classical
Dhyana verses such as this are drawn from the agama and upasana tradition, where each deity is contemplated through a precisely described form before worship begins. This verse meditates on Sadashiva in his five-faced, three-eyed aspect, seated serenely in the lotus posture, crystal-bright, bearing ten attributes across his right and left sides. It is a favourite opening contemplation for Shiva worshippers, distilling the iconography of Sadashiva into a single flowing shloka.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a dhyana shloka?▼
A dhyana shloka is a meditation verse that describes the form of a deity in detail, recited at the beginning of worship or japa so the devotee can visualize and hold the deity's image steadily in the mind.
Why is Shiva described as five-faced here?▼
This verse meditates on Sadashiva in his Panchamukha (five-faced) form, representing the five great functions and the five elements. Each face symbolizes an aspect of his all-pervading nature.
What do the weapons in Shiva's hands signify?▼
Each attribute carries meaning: the trident represents the three gunas and his power over them, the damaru the primordial sound, the noose his binding power over time, the abhaya mudra his promise of fearlessness, and so on. Together they show Shiva as the complete master of creation.
When should I recite Shantam Padmasanastham?▼
Recite it just before beginning Shiva puja, abhishekam or meditation, on Mondays, Pradosha, and especially on Maha Shivaratri, to establish the form of Shiva in your mind before worship.
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