Shivashtakam in English
Shivashtakam is a sacred Sanskrit hymn dedicated to Lord Shiva. It consists of eight verses (Ashtakam) that glorify the divine attributes, power, and grace of Lord Shiva. The hymn is deeply revered in Hinduism and is often recited by devotees to seek blessings, spiritual enlightenment, and liberation (moksha).
Meaning and Significance of Shivashtakam
The Shivashtakam praises Lord Shiva as the ultimate reality, the destroyer of ignorance, and the source of cosmic energy. Each verse describes different aspects of Shiva, including his appearance, compassion, and transcendental nature. The composition highlights Shiva’s role in creation, preservation, and destruction, emphasizing his significance in the cosmic order.
Reciting Shivashtakam with devotion is believed to bestow spiritual wisdom, inner peace, and relief from sufferings. It also purifies the mind and soul, removing obstacles and negativities from life.
Famous Versions and Composers
There are multiple variations of Shivashtakam, composed by different sages and poets. Some of the most popular ones are:
- Adi Shankaracharya’s Shivashtakam – One of the most revered compositions, emphasizing devotion and surrender to Shiva.
- Kalidasa’s Shivashtakam – A poetic and aesthetic rendition of Shiva’s beauty and divine presence.
Benefits of Chanting Shivashtakam
- Spiritual Upliftment – Brings peace, devotion, and a deeper connection with Lord Shiva.
- Removal of Negativity – Dispels fear, sorrow, and negative energies from life.
- Blessings for Success – Grants strength, wisdom, and success in endeavors.
- Path to Liberation – Helps in attaining Moksha by detaching the soul from worldly attachments.
Shivashtakam in English
prabhuṃ prāṇanāthaṃ vibhuṃ viśvanāthaṃ jagannātha nāthaṃ sadānanda bhājām ।
bhavadbhavya bhūtēśvaraṃ bhūtanāthaṃ, śivaṃ śaṅkaraṃ śambhu mīśānamīḍē ॥ 1 ॥
gaḻē ruṇḍamālaṃ tanau sarpajālaṃ mahākāla kālaṃ gaṇēśādi pālam ।
jaṭājūṭa gaṅgōttaraṅgairviśālaṃ, śivaṃ śaṅkaraṃ śambhu mīśānamīḍē ॥ 2 ॥
mudāmākaraṃ maṇḍanaṃ maṇḍayantaṃ mahā maṇḍalaṃ bhasma bhūṣādharaṃ tam ।
anādiṃ hyapāraṃ mahā mōhamāraṃ, śivaṃ śaṅkaraṃ śambhu mīśānamīḍē ॥ 3 ॥
vaṭādhō nivāsaṃ mahāṭṭāṭṭahāsaṃ mahāpāpa nāśaṃ sadā suprakāśam ।
girīśaṃ gaṇēśaṃ surēśaṃ mahēśaṃ, śivaṃ śaṅkaraṃ śambhu mīśānamīḍē ॥ 4 ॥
girīndrātmajā saṅgṛhītārdhadēhaṃ girau saṃsthitaṃ sarvadāpanna gēham ।
parabrahma brahmādibhir-vandyamānaṃ, śivaṃ śaṅkaraṃ śambhu mīśānamīḍē ॥ 5 ॥
kapālaṃ triśūlaṃ karābhyāṃ dadhānaṃ padāmbhōja namrāya kāmaṃ dadānam ।
balīvardhamānaṃ surāṇāṃ pradhānaṃ, śivaṃ śaṅkaraṃ śambhu mīśānamīḍē ॥ 6 ॥
śarachchandra gātraṃ gaṇānandapātraṃ trinētraṃ pavitraṃ dhanēśasya mitram ।
aparṇā kaḻatraṃ sadā sachcharitraṃ, śivaṃ śaṅkaraṃ śambhu mīśānamīḍē ॥ 7 ॥
haraṃ sarpahāraṃ chitā bhūvihāraṃ bhavaṃ vēdasāraṃ sadā nirvikāraṃ।
śmaśānē vasantaṃ manōjaṃ dahantaṃ, śivaṃ śaṅkaraṃ śambhu mīśānamīḍē ॥ 8 ॥
svayaṃ yaḥ prabhātē naraśśūla pāṇē paṭhēt stōtraratnaṃ tvihaprāpyaratnam ।
suputraṃ sudhānyaṃ sumitraṃ kaḻatraṃ vichitraissamārādhya mōkṣaṃ prayāti ॥
