Kashi Panchakam
काशी पञ्चकम् in English · English
Origin & Story
Ascribed to Adi Shankaracharya · Adi Shankaracharya · Classical
The Kashi Panchakam is traditionally ascribed to Adi Shankaracharya. Adi Shankaracharya’s five verses on Kashi (Varanasi) — revealing the holy city not only as a place but as the inner seat of consciousness: the stilling of the mind is Kashi, and the light of awareness its eternal Ganga.
✦ As told in scripture
It is said that to recite the Kashi Panchakam with a sincere and devoted heart is to draw near to the grace of the divine, which never forsakes those who lovingly call upon it.
The Mantra
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manonivṛttiḥ paramopaśāntiḥ sā tīrthavaryā maṇikarṇikā ca | jñānapravāhā vimalādigaṅgā sā kāśikāhaṃ nijabodharūpā || 1|| yasyāmidaṃ kalpitamindrajālaṃ carācaraṃ bhāti manovilāsam | saccitsukhaikā paramātmarūpā sā kāśikāhaṃ nijabodharūpā || 2|| indravajrā chanda - kośeṣu pañcasvadhirājamānā buddhirbhavānī pratidehageham | sākṣī śivaḥ sarvagato'ntarātmā sā kāśikāhaṃ nijabodharūpā || 3|| anuṣṭup chanda - kāśyāṃ hi kāśyate kāśī kāśī sarvaprakāśikā | sā kāśī viditā yena tena prāptā hi kāśikā || 4|| sragdharā chanda - kāśīkṣetraṃ śarīraṃ tribhuvana-jananī vyāpinī jñānagaṅgā | bhaktiḥ śraddhā gayeyaṃ nijaguru-caraṇadhyānayogaḥ prayāgaḥ | viśveśo'yaṃ turīyaḥ sakalajana-manaḥsākṣibhūto'ntarātmā dehe sarvaṃ madīye yadi vasati punastīrthamanyatkimasti || 5|| iti śrīmad śaṅkarācāryaviracitaṃ kāśīpañcakaṃ samāptam |
Meaning:Adi Shankaracharya’s five verses on Kashi (Varanasi) — revealing the holy city not only as a place but as the inner seat of consciousness: the stilling of the mind is Kashi, and the light of awareness its eternal Ganga.
Benefits of Chanting काशी पञ्चकम्
Recitation of the Kashi Panchakam is held to bring the grace, blessings and protection of the deity.
Cultivates devotion, calms the mind and steadies the heart in the Lord’s remembrance.
Most auspicious on Mondays, and during Maha Shivaratri and Shravan.
A treasured Sanskrit hymn, suitable for daily recitation with faith.
How to Chant काशी पञ्चकम्
Bathe and sit facing east or north before an image of the deity. Light a lamp and recite the Kashi Panchakam slowly and with devotion. It may be chanted daily, or especially on Mondays and during Maha Shivaratri and Shravan.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Read the full काशी पञ्चकम् with verse-by-verse meaning, or explore more sacred texts