Shiva Lingashtakam
The Shiva Lingashtakam (शिव लिंगाष्टकम), which consists of eight verses, is a Sanskrit hymn composed by Adi Shankaracharya, and it is a salutation and praise to the Shiva Linga.
ब्रह्ममुरारिसुरार्चितलिंगं निर्मलभासितशोभितलिंगम् ।
जन्मजदुःखविनाशकलिंगं तत् प्रणमामि सदाशिवलिंगम् ॥१॥
Brahma Murari Surarchita Lingam, Nirmala Bhasita Sobhita Lingam, Janmaja Dukha Vinashaka Lingam, Tat Pranamami Sadasiva Lingam.
“I bow before that Sadasiva Lingam, which is adored by Brahma, Vishnu, and other gods, praised by pure and holy speeches, and which destroys the cycle of births and deaths.”
देवमुनिप्रवरार्चितलिंगं कामदहं करुणाकरलिंगम् ।
रावणदर्पविनाशकलिंगं तत् प्रणमामि सदाशिवलिंगम् ॥२॥
Devamuni Pravara Archita Lingam, Kamadaham Karunakara Lingam, Ravana Darpa Vinashaka Lingam, Tat Pranamami Sadasiva Lingam.
“I bow before that Sadasiva Lingam, which is worshipped by the gods and the best of sages, which burns the desires, is compassionate, and destroys the pride of the demon Ravana.”
सर्वसुगन्धिसुलेपितलिंगं बुद्धिविवर्धनकारणलिंगम् ।
सिद्धसुरासुरवन्दितलिंगं तत् प्रणमामि सदाशिवलिंगम् ॥३॥
Sarva Sugandha Sulepitha Lingam, Buddhi Vvardhana Karana Lingam, Siddha Sura Asura Vanditha Lingam, Tat Pranamami Sadasiva Lingam.
“I bow before that Sadasiva Lingam, which is lavishly smeared with variegated perfumes and which increases the power of thought. Sages, gods, and demons worship that.”
कनकमहामणिभूषितलिंगं फनिपतिवेष्टितशोभितलिंगम् ।
दक्षसुयज्ञविनाशनलिंगं तत् प्रणमामि सदाशिवलिंगम् ॥४॥
Kanaka Maha Mani Bhooshita Lingam, Phanipati Veshtitha Sobhita Lingam, Daksha Suyajna Vinashana Lingam, Tat Pranamami Sadasiva Lingam.
“I bow before that Sadasiva Lingam, which is decorated with gold and other precious jewels, adorned with the king of serpents coiled around it, and which destroyed the Yagna of Daksha.”
कुंकुमचन्दनलेपितलिंगं पङ्कजहारसुशोभितलिंगम् ।
सञ्चितपापविनाशकलिंगं तत् प्रणमामि सदाशिवलिंगम् ॥५॥
Kumkuma Chandana Lepitha Lingam, Pankaja Haara Sushobhita Lingam, Sanchitha Papa Vinashaka Lingam, Tat Pranamami Sadasiva Lingam.
“I bow before that Sadasiva Lingam, smeared with sandalwood paste and kumkum, decorated with lotus garlands that can destroy accumulated sins.”
देवगणार्चितसेवितलिंगं भावैर्भक्तिभिरेव च लिंगम् ।
दिनकरकोटिप्रभाकरलिंगं तत् प्रणमामि सदाशिवलिंगम् ॥६॥
Devaganarchitha Sevitha Lingam, Bhavair Bhakti Bhireva Cha Lingam, Dinakara Koti Prabhakara Lingam, Tat Pranamami Sadasiva Lingam.
“I bow before that Sadasiva Lingam, which is worshipped by the gods and their kings, worshipped by the best of devotees with their minds full of devotion, and shines like billions of Suns.”
अष्टदलोपरिवेष्टितलिंगं सर्वसमुद्भवकारणलिंगम् ।
अष्टदरिद्रविनाशकलिंगं तत् प्रणमामि सदाशिवलिंगम् ॥७॥
Ashta Dalopari Veshtitha Lingam, Sarva Samudbhava Karana Lingam, Ashta Daridra Vinashaka Lingam, Tat Pranamami Sadasiva Lingam.
“I bow before that Sadasiva Lingam, surrounded by eight petals, which is the cause of all creation and destroys eight types of poverty.”
सुरगुरु सुरवर पूजित लिंगं सुरवन पुष्प सदार्चित लिंगं ।
परात्परं परमात्मकं लिंगं तत् प्रणमामि सदाशिव लिंगं ॥८॥
Suraguru Suravara Poojitha Lingam, Suravana Pushpa Sadaarchitha Lingam,
Paraatparam Paramatmaka Lingam, Tat Pranamami Sadasiva Lingam.
“I bow before that Sadasiva Lingam, which is worshipped by the preceptor of gods (Brihaspati) and the best of gods, which is always worshipped by the flowers from the celestial garden, and which is the eternal abode, and which is the ultimate truth.”
By chanting the Shiva Lingashtakam, one can invoke the blessings of Lord Shiva, freeing them from sins and facilitating their spiritual growth.
