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.
Origin
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 told him to moved away from him, as per the custom in those days. The Chandala then asked him question in two verses which is -
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.
Manisha Panchakam
First Verse -
Second Verse -
Third Verse -
Fourth Verse -
The word manisha appears in the last line in all the five Verdes. 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.