Adi Shankaracharya
brahma-murari-sura-arcita-linggam nirmal-bhasita-shobhita-linggam |
janmaja-duhkha-vinaashaka-linggam tat Pranna-maami-sada-shiva-linggam ||1||
dev-muni-pravar-chhita-lingam kam-daham-karuna-kar-linggam |
ravan-darpan-vinashan-lingam tat-pranamami-sada-shiva-lingam||2||
sarva-sugandhi-sule-pita-linggam buddhi-vivardhan-karan-linggam |
siddha-sura-asura-vandita-linggam tat-pranamami-sadashiva-linggam ||3||
kanaka-maha-mani-bhusita-linggam fani-pati-veshtita-shobita-linggam |
daksha-suyagya-vinashan-linggam tat-pranamami-sadashiva-linggam ||4||
kumkum-chandan-lepita-linggam pankaja-hara-sushobita-linggam |
sanchita-paap-vinashana-linggam tat-pranamami-sadashiva-linggam ||5||
dev-ganar-chita-sevita-linggam bhavair-bhakti-bhireva-cha-linggam |
dinkara-koti-prabhakar-linggam tat-pranamami-sadashiva-linggam ||6||
ashta-dalo-pariveshtita-linggam sarva-samud-bhava-karana-linggam |
ashta-daridra-vinashita-linggam tat-pranamami-sadashiva-linggam ||7||
suraguru-suravara-pujita-linggam suravana-pushpa-sada-arcita-linggam |
paratparam param-atmaka-linggam tat pranamami sadashiva-linggam ||8||
linggashtakam-idam punyam yah patthet shiva-sannidhau |
shiva-lokam-avaapnoti shivena-saha-modate ||
Reverence to the Divine: Understanding the Lingashtakam
Introduction: The Lingashtakam is a powerful stotra dedicated to Lord Shiva, praising his form as the Shiva Lingam in eight Sanskrit verses, followed by a concluding verse. This sacred hymn is believed to be written by Adi Shankaracharya which extols the glory, power, and compassionate nature of Shiva, and is a profound expression of devotion. On our website, Stotra Ratnavali, we provide the complete Lingashtakam with its English translation, meaning, and description to help devotees deepen their understanding and connection with Lord Shiva.
Verse-by-Verse Description:
Verse 1: This verse glorifies the Shiva Lingam as a symbol revered by all deities, including Brahma and Vishnu. It emphasizes the purity and brilliance of the Lingam, which has the power to eradicate the sorrows of life.
Verse 2: The Lingam is worshipped by gods and sages. It has the power to burn away worldly desires and embodies Shiva's compassionate nature, as well as his victory over the demon king Ravana.
Verse 3: Described here is the Lingam adorned with fragrant pastes that enhance the devotee's intelligence and wisdom. It is universally praised by enlightened beings, gods, and even demons.
Verse 4: The richly adorned Lingam symbolizes prosperity and power, with serpents wrapped around it, signifying Shiva's disruption of Daksha's sacrificial fire and asserting his supreme authority.
Verse 5: This verse emphasizes the auspicious decorations of the Lingam, symbolizing purity and beauty with its divine fragrance. It also speaks of its power to cleanse the devotee of sins accumulated over lifetimes.
Verse 6: The Lingam is depicted as the object of sincere devotion by gods, radiating an intense brilliance akin to millions of suns, symbolizing its supreme spiritual energy.
Verse 7: Surrounded by eight-petalled flowers, the Lingam represents the universe's creative force and its power to eradicate various forms of poverty, highlighting its cosmic significance.
Verse 8: The final verse glorifies the Lingam as the highest and greatest form, worshipped by the gods and their teachers with divine flowers, symbolizing ultimate reverence.
Concluding Verse: The concluding verse assures devotees that reciting the Lingashtakam with devotion near the Shiva Lingam will lead to attaining Shiva's divine abode and eternal bliss.
Summary: The Lingashtakam is a profound hymn that encapsulates the essence of devotion to Lord Shiva through its vivid descriptions and praise of the Shiva Lingam. Each verse highlights different attributes of Shiva and his Lingam, offering devotees a way to connect deeply with the divine. Our page on Stotra Ratnavali provides the complete Lingashtakam with English translation, meaning, and detailed descriptions to enrich your spiritual journey.