Manisha Panchakam

Manisha Panchakam is a stotra containing five verses (slokas)[1] composed by Shri Adi Shankaracharya,[2] the Hindu philosopher. It is said that in these five verses Shankara brings out the essence of Advaita Vedanta.

The word Manisha means firm conviction, and Panchak means five. So the name of the stotra can be translated as "Five verses of firm conviction". Adi Shankara wrote the Manisha Panchakam at Varanasi (Kashi/Benaras), the ancient sacred city of India, and the home to the famous Kashi Visvanatha temple.

According to the story, Adi Shankaraachaarya, was on his way to the temple after finishing his bath in Ganga. Suddenly he saw a chandaala (an outcaste) and his four dogs on the way, and moved away from him, as per the custom in those days. The Chandala then asked him questions which form the substance of two verses which are a prelude to the main work. Among the questions asked, the significant one was like this- "Whether My body should give way to you or my Soul?". On hearing this question, Shankara replied to these questions in five verses and touched the feet of Chandala, as a way to show respect towards him.

The word manisha appears in the last line in all the five verses.

Manisha Panchakam conveys the message that the Paramatman (consciousness) is same within all beings regardless bodily distinctions of caste. Once a person has attained Self-knowledge, considerations such as his caste are totally irrelevant.

References
  1. Dr.R.Venkataraman (2004). Power Thyself: Strive for Excellence and a Better Future : Pathway to Enlightened Management of Mission with Vision and Values. SKM Consultants. pp. 621–. ISBN 978-81-901351-2-2. Retrieved 28 June 2012.
  2. S. N. Sadasivan (1 January 2000). A Social History Of India. APH Publishing. pp. 202–. ISBN 978-81-7648-170-0. Retrieved 28 June 2012.

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