Sri Adi Shankara(788 – 820 CE), the great mystic saint of India was wandering in search of a Guru, a True Master who has embodied the truth and reached Self-realization. At that time, he met Sri Govindapada, who asked him: “Who are you?”.

In response, Shankara, who was eight years old at that time, spontaneously composed six verses in reply. This is known as Nirvana Shatakam. It was indeed

Sri Govindapada who was the Guru for whom Adi Shankara was wandering and searching for. Following is its  approximated translation after its original in Sanskrit.

Mano Buddhi Ahankara Chitta Ninaham
Nacha Shrotra Jihve Na Cha Ghrana Netre
Nacha Vyoma Bhoomir Na Tejo Na Vayu
Chidananda Rupa Shivoham Shivoham

I am not mind, nor intellect, nor ego, 
nor the reflections of inner self.
I am not the five senses, beyond that I am.
I am not the five elements: neither ether, 
nor earth, wind, or fire. 
I am indeed That eternal knowing and bliss, 
eternal love, pure consciousness.

Na Me Dvesha Ragau Na Me Lobha Mohau
Mado Naiva Me Naiva Matsarya Bhavah
Na Dharmo Na Chartho Na Kamo Na Mokshah
Chidananda Rupa Shivoham Shivoham

I have no hatred or dislike, 
nor affiliation or liking, 
nor greed,nor delusion, 
nor pride or haughtiness, 
nor feelings of envy or jealousy. 
I have no care, nor any wealth,
nor any desire I am, 
nor even liberation. 
I am indeed That eternal knowing and bliss,
boundless love, pure awareness.

Na Me Mrityu Shanka Na Me Jati Bhedah
Pita Naiva Me Naiva Mata Na Janma
Na Bandhur Na Mitram Gurur Naiva Shishyah
Chidananda Rupa Shivoham Shivoham

No fear of death I have,
I have no separation from my true self, 
no doubt about my existence, 
nor have I discrimination on the basis of birth.
I have no father or mother, nor did I have a birth. 
I am not the relative, nor the friend, 
nor the guru, nor the disciple. 
I am indeed, That eternal knowing and bliss, 
immaculate love, fully awake.