Shiva Raksha Stotram
The Shiva Raksha Stotram (Sanskrit: शिवरक्षास्तोत्रम्), attributed to the revered sage Yajnavalkya, is a powerful devotional hymn dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Supreme Consciousness and Destroyer of Evil in Hinduism. This sacred composition is chanted by devotees seeking divine protection, spiritual strength, and liberation from worldly fears and afflictions. Rooted in the rich tradition of Vedic and Puranic literature, the Shiva Raksha Stotram is a testament to the profound spiritual legacy of Yajnavalkya and the timeless reverence for Lord Shiva.
Shiva Raksha Stotram
Om Asya Shreeshivarakshaastotramantrasya. Yaajnyavalkya-Rishih. Shreesadaashivo Devataa.
Anushtup Chhandah. Shreesadaashivapreetyarthe Shivarakshaastotrajape Viniyogah.
Charitam Devadevasya Mahaadevasya Paavanam.
Apaaram Paramodaaram Chaturvargasya Saadhanam.
Gaureevinaayakopetam Panchavaktram Trinetrakam.
Shivam Dhyaatvaa Dashabhujam Shivarakshaam Pathennarah.
Gangaadharah Shirah Paatu Bhaalamardhendushekharah.
Nayane Madanadhvamsee Karnau Sarpavibhooshanah.
Ghraanam Paatu Puraaraatirmukham Paatu Jagatpatih.
Jihvaam Vaageeshvarah Paatu Kandharaam Shitikandharah.
Shreekanthah Paatu Me Kantham Skandhau Vishvadhurandharah.
Bhujau Bhoobhaarasamhartaa Karau Paatu Pinaakadhrik.
Hridayam Shankarah Paatu Jatharam Girijaapatih.
Naabhim Mrityunjayah Paatu Katee Vyaaghraajinaambarah.
Sakthinee Paatu Deenaartta- Sharanaagatavatsalah.
Ooroo Maheshvarah Paatu Jaanunee Jagadeeshvarah.
Janghe Paatu Jagatkartaa Gulphau Paatu Ganaadhipah.
Charanau Karunaasindhuh Sarvaangaani Sadaashivah.
Etaam Shivabalopetaam Rakshaam Yah Sukritee Pathet.
Sa Bhuktvaa Sakalaan Kaamaan Shivasaayujyamaapnuyaat.
Grahabhootapishaachaadyaastrailokye Vicharanti Ye.
Dooraadaashu Palaayante Shivanaamaabhirakshanaat.
Abhayankaranaamedam Kavacham Paarvateepateh.
Bhaktyaa Bibharti Yah Kanthe Tasya Vashyam Jagattrayam.
Imaam Naaraayanah Svapne Shivarakshaam Yathaadishat.
Praatarutthaaya Yogeendro Yaajnyavalkyastathaalikhat.
Historical and Scriptural Context
Yajnavalkya is one of the most celebrated sages in Vedic tradition, renowned for his contributions to philosophy, law, and spirituality. He is the author of the Yajnavalkya Smriti, a key Dharmashastra text, and is prominently featured in the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, where his dialogues with scholars like Gargi and Maitreyi reveal his profound wisdom. According to tradition, Yajnavalkya composed the Shiva Raksha Stotram after receiving divine inspiration from Lord Narayana (Vishnu) in a dream, as mentioned in the stotram itself:
“Imam Narayana swapne Shiva raksham yatha dishati, Pratarutthaya yogindro Yajnavalkya tatha likhat.”
Spiritual Significance
The Shiva Raksha Stotram is more than a hymn; it is a spiritual practice that fosters a deep connection with Lord Shiva. Its significance lies in several key aspects:
1. Symbolism of Protection
The act of assigning Shiva’s guardianship to different parts of the body reflects the Vedic concept of the body as a microcosm of the universe. By invoking Shiva’s presence, the stotram purifies and sanctifies the devotee, aligning them with cosmic order.
2. Devotional Bhakti
The stotram is an expression of bhakti (devotion), encouraging surrender to Shiva’s will. Its vivid imagery—Shiva’s matted locks, serpent ornaments, and third eye—helps devotees visualize and meditate on his divine form, deepening their spiritual experience.
3. Universal Appeal
While rooted in Shaivism, the stotram’s emphasis on protection and liberation resonates with devotees across Hindu traditions. Its reference to Lord Narayana’s role in its revelation also highlights the harmony between Vaishnavism and Shaivism, reinforcing the unity of divine forces.
Comparison with Other Shiva Stotras
The Shiva Raksha Stotram shares similarities with other hymns dedicated to Shiva, such as:
- Shiva Tandava Stotram by Ravana, which glorifies Shiva’s cosmic dance.
- Shiva Panchakshara Stotram by Adi Shankaracharya, which extols the five syllables of Namah Shivaya.
- Shiva Ashtakam, a hymn praising Shiva’s compassion and glory.
However, the Shiva Raksha Stotram is unique in its focus on protection as a central theme, structured as a kavacha (armor) that systematically invokes Shiva’s guardianship. Its attribution to Yajnavalkya also ties it to the Vedic tradition, distinguishing it from later compositions.
