Ashtakam is a poetic composition in Sanskrit of eight stanzas or verses. They were one of the favorite poetic instruments of the rishis (sage) of the past. This is evident from the dozens of ashtakam found in the annals of the Indian culture.
One such ashtakam that is beamed from temples across India is the Shiva Lingashtakam. A countless number of people wake up every day to the holy sounds of this composition set to a melodious tune that reflects the cultural ethos of that particular region.
Penned by Adi Shankaracharya, himself considered to be an avatar of Lord Shiva, Shiva Lingashtakam is a prayer offered to Lord Shiva in the form of linga (meaning symbol in Sanskrit). The prayer is a declaration of faith, obedience, loyalty, and devotion towards Lord Shiva. Shivalinga is a symbolic representation of the creation of the Universe from the eternal play of Shiva and Shakti. Shiva Lingashtakam lists Lord Shiva’s glories and the benefits of worshipping the Shivalinga.
The holy month of Shravan (fifth month of the Hindu Calendar) is considered to be an auspicious time to offer prayers to Lord Shiva. Shiva Lingashtakam is chanted during the Shiva Puja that is performed on every day during this month. Devotees chant this hymn early in the morning or in the evening, preferably during sunrise and sunset, while performing Shiva Puja in front of a Shivalinga or while remembering Lord Shiva.
Shiva Lingashtakam Lyrics
Brahma Muraari Suraarchita Lingam
Nirmala Bhashita Shobhita Lingam
Janmaja Dukha Vinaashaka Lingam
Tat Pranamaami Sadaa Shiva Lingam
1.1: (I salute that eternal Shiva Lingam) Which is adored by Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and the Gods, which is pure, shining, and well-adorned,
1.2: And which destroys the sorrows associated with birth (and human life). I salute that eternal Shiva Lingam.
Devamuni Pravaraarchita Lingam
Kaamadaham Karunaakara Lingam
Raavana Darpa Vinaashaka Lingam
Tat Pranamaami Sada Shiva Lingam
2.1: (I salute that eternal Shiva Lingam) Which is worshipped by the Gods and the best of Sages, which burns all desires, which is compassionate,
2.2: And which destroyed the pride of even Ravana. I salute that eternal Shiva Lingam.
Sarva Sugandha Sulepitha Lingam
Buddhi Vivardhana Kaarana Lingam
Siddha Suraasura Vanditha Lingam
Tat Pranamaami Sadaa Shiva Lingam
3.1: (I salute that eternal Shiva Lingam) Which is beautifully smeared with various fragrant pastes, which is the cause behind the elevation of a person’s (spiritual) intelligence and discernment,
3.2: And which is praised by the Siddhas, Devas and the Asuras. I salute that eternal Shiva Lingam.
Kanaka Mahaamani Bhushitha Lingam
Phanipathi Veshtitha Shobhitha Lingam
Daksha Suyajna Vinaashaka Lingam
Tat Pranamaami Sadaa Shiva Lingam
4.1: (I salute that eternal Shiva Lingam) Which is decorated with Gold and other precious gems, which is adorned with the best of the serpents wrapped around it,
4.2: And which destroyed the grand yajna (sacrifice) of Daksha. I salute that eternal Shiva Lingam.
Kumkuma Chandana Lepitha Lingam
Pankaja Haara Sushobhitha Lingam
Sanchitha Paapa Vinaashaka Lingam
Tat Pranamaami Sadaa Shiva Lingam
5.1: (I salute that eternal Shiva Lingam) Which is anointed with Kumkuma (Saffron) and Chandana (Sandal paste), which is beautifully decorated with garlands of Lotuses,
5.2: And which destroys the accumulated sins (of several lives). I salute that eternal Shiva Lingam.
Devaganaarchitha Sevitha Lingam
Bhaavair Bhakti Bhirevacha Lingam
Dinakara Koti Prabhakara Lingam
Tat Pranamaami Sadaa Shiva Lingam
6.1: (I salute that eternal Shiva Lingam) Which is worshipped and served by the group of Devas (Gods) with true Bhava (emotion or contemplation) and Bhakti (devotion),
6.2: And which has the splendor of a million suns. I salute that eternal Shiva Lingam.
Ashta Dalopari Veshtitha Lingam
Sarva Samudbhava Kaarana Lingam
Ashta Daridra Vinaashaka Lingam
Tat Pranamaami Sadaa Shiva Lingam
7.1: (I salute that eternal Shiva Lingam) Which is surrounded by eight-petalled flowers, which is the cause behind all creation,
7.2: And which destroys the eight poverties. I salute that eternal Shiva Lingam.
Suraguru Suravara Pujitha Lingam
Suravana Pushpa Sadaarchitha Lingam
Paraatparam Paramatmaka Lingam
Tat Pranamaami Sadaa Shiva Lingam
8.1: (I salute that eternal Shiva Lingam) Which is worshipped by the Preceptor of Gods (Lord Brihaspati) and the Best of the Gods, which is always worshipped by the flowers from the celestial garden,
8.2: Which is superior to even the best and which is the greatest. I salute that eternal Shiva Lingam.
Lingashtakam Idam Punyam Padeth Shiva Sannidhow
Shivalokam Avapnothi Shive Na Sahamodathe
9.1: Whoever recites this Lingasthakam near Shiva Lingam,
9.2: Will, in the end, attain the abode of Lord Shiva and enjoy his bliss.
Benefits of Chanting Shiva Lingashtakam
The last stanza is an appendix that summarizes the benefits of chanting Shiva Lingashtakam. Regular recitation of this hymn gives:
- Peace of mind and helps in keeping negative energy, evils, and negative thoughts away.
- Good health, prosperity, and wisdom dawns.
- Induces positivity, confidence, and willpower as well as the removal of obstacles in endeavors.
