Shiv Lingashtakam
The Shiv Lingashtakam is a revered hymn dedicated to Lord Shiva, particularly in his symbolic representation as the Shivling. Comprising eight stanzas (ashtakam), this devotional chant glorifies the attributes and cosmic significance of the Shivling, a sacred symbol in Hinduism representing Shiva’s formless aspect. In this blog, we’ll delve into the meaning and importance of the Shiv Lingashtakam, exploring its verses and the deep spiritual insights they offer.
Lingashtakam ( लिङ्गाष्टकं स्तोत्रम् ) Lyrics In Hindi
ब्रह्ममुरारिसुरार्चितलिङ्गं निर्मलभासितशोभितलिङ्गम् ।
जन्मजदुःखविनाशकलिङ्गं तत् प्रणमामि सदाशिवलिङ्गम् ॥१॥
देवमुनिप्रवरार्चितलिङ्गं कामदहं करुणाकरलिङ्गम् ।
रावणदर्पविनाशनलिङ्गं तत् प्रणमामि सदाशिवलिङ्गम् ॥२॥
सर्वसुगन्धिसुलेपितलिङ्गं बुद्धिविवर्धनकारणलिङ्गम् ।
सिद्धसुरासुरवन्दितलिङ्गं तत् प्रणमामि सदाशिवलिङ्गम् ॥३॥
कनकमहामणिभूषितलिङ्गं फणिपतिवेष्टितशोभितलिङ्गम् ।
दक्षसुयज्ञविनाशनलिङ्गं तत् प्रणमामि सदाशिवलिङ्गम् ॥४॥
कुङ्कुमचन्दनलेपितलिङ्गं पङ्कजहारसुशोभितलिङ्गम् ।
सञ्चितपापविनाशनलिङ्गं तत् प्रणमामि सदाशिवलिङ्गम् ॥५॥
देवगणार्चितसेवितलिङ्गं भावैर्भक्तिभिरेव च लिङ्गम् ।
दिनकरकोटिप्रभाकरलिङ्गं तत् प्रणमामि सदाशिवलिङ्गम् ॥६॥
देवगणार्चितसेवितलिङ्गं भावैर्भक्तिभिरेव च लिङ्गम् ।
दिनकरकोटिप्रभाकरलिङ्गं तत् प्रणमामि सदाशिवलिङ्गम् ॥६॥
अष्टदलोपरिवेष्टितलिङ्गं सर्वसमुद्भवकारणलिङ्गम् ।
अष्टदरिद्रविनाशितलिङ्गं तत् प्रणमामि सदाशिवलिङ्गम् ॥७॥
सुरगुरुसुरवरपूजितलिङ्गं सुरवनपुष्पसदार्चितलिङ्गम् ।
परात्परं परमात्मकलिङ्गं तत् प्रणमामि सदाशिवलिङ्गम् ॥८॥
लिङ्गाष्टकमिदं पुण्यं यः पठेत् शिवसन्निधौ।
शिवलोकमवाप्नोति शिवेन सह मोदते॥
Before we dive into the hymn, it’s essential to understand the Shivling. The Shivling is a smooth, rounded cylindrical stone that symbolizes Lord Shiva. It represents the cosmic pillar (Skambha) and the axis of the universe, embodying both the masculine (linga) and feminine (yoni) principles. This union signifies creation, preservation, and the cyclical nature of the cosmos. The worship of the Shivling is a practice aimed at purification, spiritual growth, and alignment with universal energies.
Verse-by-Verse Breakdown of the Shiv Lingashtakam
Verse 1: Om Namah Shivaya
Brahma Murari Surarchita Lingam, Nirmala Bhashita Shobhita Lingam, Janmaja Dukha Vinashaka Lingam, Tat Pranamami Sada Shiva Lingam. This verse praises the Shivling worshipped by Brahma, Vishnu (Murari), and other deities. It describes the Lingam as pure and radiant, capable of destroying the sorrows of birth and existence. Devotees bow to this eternal symbol of Shiva.
Verse 2: The Destroyer of Sins
Deva Murari Pravarchita Lingam, Kama Dahana Karunakara Lingam, Ravana Darpa Vinashaka Lingam, Tat Pranamami Sada Shiva Lingam. Here, the Lingam is honored as worshipped by divine beings. It is depicted as the compassionate destroyer of desires (kama) and the pride of the demon king Ravana. The verse highlights the Lingam’s role in eradicating ego and fostering humility.
Verse 3: The Bestower of Prosperity
Sarva Sugandha Sulepita Lingam, Buddhi Vivardhana Karan Lingam, Siddha Sura Suravandita Lingam, Tat Pranamami Sada Shiva Lingam. This stanza emphasizes the Lingam anointed with fragrant substances, symbolizing prosperity and intellectual growth. It is revered by perfected beings (siddhas), gods (suras), and even demons (asuras), indicating its universal veneration.
Verse 4: The Symbol of Purity
Kanaka Maha Mani Bhushita Lingam, Phanipati Veshtita Shobhita Lingam, Daksha Suyajna Vinashaka Lingam, Tat Pranamami Sada Shiva Lingam. The Lingam adorned with gold and precious stones represents purity and brilliance. Encircled by the serpent king (Phanipati), it signifies the energy (kundalini) rising through spiritual practice. This verse also recalls Shiva’s role in ending Daksha’s sacrificial rites, affirming his supremacy.
Verse 5: The Eternal Protector
Kunkuma Chandana Lepita Lingam, Pankaja Hara Sushobhita Lingam, Sanchita Papa Vinashana Lingam, Tat Pranamami Sada Shiva Lingam. Anointed with saffron and sandalwood, the Lingam is associated with divine fragrance and beauty. It is a protector that destroys accumulated sins, symbolizing the cleansing of karmic debts and the path to liberation.
Verse 6: The Resplendent One
Deva Ganarchita Sevita Lingam, Bhavair Bhaktibhi Revacha Lingam, Dinakara Koti Prabhakara Lingam, Tat Pranamami Sada Shiva Lingam. This verse praises the Lingam served by hosts of deities and devotees with devotion (bhakti). Its brilliance is compared to millions of suns, highlighting its resplendent and life-giving nature.
Verse 7: The Source of Liberation
Ashta Dalopari Veshtita Lingam, Sarva Samudbhava Karan Lingam, Ashta Daridra Vinashita Lingam, Tat Pranamami Sada Shiva Lingam. Encircled by a lotus of eight petals, the Lingam is the source of all creation. It destroys eight types of poverty (physical, mental, and spiritual), symbolizing the granting of holistic prosperity and liberation (moksha).
Verse 8: The Eternal Truth
Suraguru Suravara Pujita Lingam, Suravana Pushpa Sadarchita Lingam, Paratparam Paramatmaka Lingam, Tat Pranamami Sada Shiva Lingam. Worshipped by the guru of gods (Brihaspati) and other deities, the Lingam is continuously adorned with divine flowers. It represents the supreme truth and the ultimate soul (Paramatma), transcending all worldly existence.
The Shiv Lingashtakam is more than just a hymn; it is a profound meditation on the nature of Shiva and the cosmos. Each verse encapsulates the essence of Shiva’s attributes, his role in the universe, and his benevolence towards devotees. Reciting or meditating on these verses can bring peace, spiritual clarity, and a deeper connection to the divine. As we honor the Shivling, we align ourselves with the eternal, transformative energy of Lord Shiva, inviting grace and enlightenment into our lives.
