Verse 1

Sanskrit Text:

ब्रह्ममुरारिसुरार्चितलिंगं निर्मलभासितशोभितलिंगम् ।
जन्मजदुःखविनाशकलिंगं तत्प्रणमामि सदाशिवलिंगम् ॥१॥

English Translation:

O Lingam, worshipped by Brahma, Vishnu, and gods divine,
Radiant with pure splendor, a celestial light that shines.
Destroyer of birth’s sorrows, freeing the soul’s eternal spring,
To that ever-auspicious Shiva Lingam, my heart’s devotion I bring.

Explanation:

This opening verse of the Lingashtakam is a divine melody, a heartfelt offering to Shiva in His sacred Lingam form, revered by the mightiest celestial beings—Brahma, the creator; Vishnu, the preserver; and all the gods who bow in awe before His boundless glory. The Lingam glows with a pure, radiant light, like a beacon in the spiritual sky, casting away darkness and filling our hearts with peace and wonder. It is Shiva’s divine compassion embodied, gently dissolving the pains and burdens of life’s endless cycles of birth and suffering. When we bow to the Shiva Lingam, offering our pranams, we are not just showing respect—we are surrendering our hearts, our fears, and our entire being to Shiva’s eternal embrace. Picture yourself standing before the Lingam, its luminous glow enveloping you, melting every worry as Shiva’s loving presence whispers, “I am with you, forever your refuge.” This verse is a sacred invitation to fall deeply in love with Shiva, to let His radiant light guide us toward liberation, where each chant becomes a pulse of devotion, drawing us ever closer to His infinite, unchanging love.

Verse 2

Sanskrit Text:

देवमुनिप्रवरार्चितलिंगं कामदहं करुणाकरलिंगम् ।
रावणदर्पविनाशन लिंगं तत्प्रणमामि सदाशिवलिंगम् ॥२॥

English Translation:

O Lingam, adored by sages and celestial beings so wise,
Burning desires to ashes, with compassion in your eyes.
Vanquisher of Ravana’s pride, humbling the ego’s sting,
To that ever-auspicious Shiva Lingam, my heart’s devotion I bring.

Explanation:

This verse sings of the Shiva Lingam, worshipped with deep reverence by divine sages and the most exalted gods, whose hearts are captivated by its divine radiance. It is Shiva’s sacred form that consumes worldly desires, like a gentle fire that purifies the soul, leaving only peace in its wake. With infinite compassion, the Lingam showers grace upon all who seek it, soothing their hearts with love. This is the same Lingam that humbled the mighty Ravana, whose pride melted before Shiva’s divine power, teaching us that true strength lies in surrender to the Supreme Divine. Imagine standing before the Lingam, feeling its warmth dissolve your desires and fears, as Shiva’s compassionate gaze wraps you in eternal love. This verse calls us to bow to Shiva, to let go of our ego, and to immerse ourselves in His boundless mercy, where every chant becomes a step closer to His divine heart.

Verse 3

Sanskrit Text:

सर्वसुगंधिसुलेपितलिंगं बुद्धिविवर्धनकारणलिंगम् ।
सिद्धसुरासुरवंदितलिंगं तत्प्रणमामि सदाशिवलिंगम् ॥३॥

English Translation:

O Lingam, anointed with fragrant sandal, divine and sweet,
Bestowing wisdom’s clarity, where heart and truth do meet.
Revered by siddhas, gods, and asuras, in sacred offering,
To that ever-auspicious Shiva Lingam, my heart’s devotion I bring.

Explanation:

This verse paints a divine picture of the Shiva Lingam, lovingly adorned with fragrant sandalwood paste, its sweet aroma filling the air with sanctity and peace. This sacred Lingam is the source of true wisdom, awakening our minds to the divine truth and guiding us toward clarity and understanding. It is worshipped not only by perfected saints and gods but also by asuras, for all beings, regardless of their nature, find solace in Shiva’s grace. Picture the Lingam, glowing with divine fragrance, inviting you to offer your heart and receive the gift of wisdom that lights up your soul. When we bow to this Lingam, we surrender our confusion and ignorance, letting Shiva’s divine light guide us to truth. This verse is a call to embrace Shiva’s wisdom, to let His love transform us, and to chant His glories with a heart full of devotion.

Verse 4

Sanskrit Text:

कनकमहामणिभूषितलिंगं फणिपतिवेष्टितशोभितलिंगम् ।
दक्षसुयज्ञविनाशनलिंगं तत्प्रणमामि सदाशिवलिंगम् ॥४॥

English Translation:

O Lingam, adorned with gold and gems, a vision so divine,
Encircled by the serpent king, in radiant glory you shine.
Destroyer of Daksha’s flawed sacrifice, pride’s fleeting wing,
To that ever-auspicious Shiva Lingam, my heart’s devotion I bring.

Explanation:

This verse glorifies the Shiva Lingam, beautifully decorated with shimmering gold and precious jewels, a sight that captivates the heart with its divine splendor. Encircled by the serpent king, Vasuki, it radiates majestic power, a symbol of Shiva’s eternal protection and grace. This is the Lingam that disrupted Daksha’s imperfect sacrifice, teaching the lesson that true devotion surpasses pride and ritualistic arrogance. Imagine gazing upon the Lingam, its golden glow and serpentine embrace filling you with awe, as Shiva’s power humbles all ego and invites you into His divine presence. When we bow to this Lingam, we offer our pride and imperfections, trusting Shiva to transform us with His boundless love. This verse is a song of surrender, urging us to let Shiva’s divine beauty and power guide us to humility and devotion.

Verse 5

Sanskrit Text:

कुंकुमचंदनलेपितलिंगं पंकजहारसुशोभितलिंगम् ।
संचितपापविनाशन लिंगं तत्प्रणमामि सदाशिवलिंगम् ॥५॥

English Translation:

O Lingam, anointed with kumkum and sandal, sacred and bright,
Adorned with lotus garlands, a vision of pure delight.
Washer of accumulated sins, cleansing the soul’s deep spring,
To that ever-auspicious Shiva Lingam, my heart’s devotion I bring.

Explanation:

This verse is a divine offering to the Shiva Lingam, lovingly smeared with kumkum and sandalwood paste, its fragrance filling the heart with purity and peace. Draped with garlands of lotus flowers, it shines as a beacon of divine beauty, drawing every soul closer to Shiva’s grace. This Lingam has the sacred power to wash away all accumulated sins, purifying the heart and freeing us from the burdens of past mistakes. Picture yourself before the Lingam, its vibrant colors and sweet scent enveloping you, as Shiva’s mercy cleanses your soul, leaving it light and free. When we bow to this Lingam, we surrender our guilt and regrets, trusting Shiva to renew us with His infinite compassion. This verse is a call to let Shiva’s love purify us, to chant His name with devotion, and to feel His divine embrace in every heartbeat.

Verse 6

Sanskrit Text:

देवगणार्चितसेवितलिंगं भावैर्भक्तिभिरेव च लिंगम् ।
दिनकरकोटिप्रभाकरलिंगं तत्प्रणमामि सदाशिवलिंगम् ॥६॥

English Translation:

O Lingam, served by celestial hosts with devotion pure and true,
Worshipped with heartfelt faith, where love and grace accrue.
Shining brighter than a million suns, a radiant divine spring,
To that ever-auspicious Shiva Lingam, my heart’s devotion I bring.

Explanation:

This verse celebrates the Shiva Lingam, worshipped with pure devotion by divine beings and celestial hosts, their hearts overflowing with love for Shiva. It is a sacred form that invites heartfelt faith, where every offering of love and sincerity deepens our connection to the Supreme Divine. The Lingam shines with a brilliance surpassing a million suns, its divine light illuminating the soul and dispelling all darkness. Imagine standing before this radiant Lingam, feeling its warmth and glow envelop you, as Shiva’s love fills your heart with unshakable faith. When we bow to this Lingam, we offer our deepest emotions, our purest devotion, trusting Shiva to guide us to eternal light. This verse is a divine call to surrender our hearts to Shiva, to let His radiant love shine within us, and to chant His glories with every breath.

Verse 7

Sanskrit Text:

अष्टदलोपरिवेष्ठित लिंगं सर्वसमुद्भवकारणलिंगम् ।
अष्टदरिद्रविनाशनलिंगं तत्प्रणमामि सदाशिवलिंगम् ॥७॥

English Translation:

O Lingam, encircled by the eight-petaled lotus, sacred and grand,
Source of all creation, where life’s divine roots stand.
Destroyer of eightfold poverty, blessing with abundant spring,
To that ever-auspicious Shiva Lingam, my heart’s devotion I bring.
Explanation:

This verse glorifies the Shiva Lingam, beautifully encircled by an eight-petaled lotus, a symbol of purity and divine perfection. It is the source of all creation, the sacred origin from which the entire universe flows, embodying Shiva’s infinite power. This Lingam has the divine ability to destroy the eight forms of poverty—material, spiritual, and emotional—showering blessings of abundance and fulfillment. Picture the Lingam, radiant within its lotus embrace, filling your heart with hope and divine grace, as Shiva’s power uplifts you from all lack. When we bow to this Lingam, we surrender our fears of scarcity, trusting Shiva to fill our lives with His boundless blessings. This verse is a song of gratitude, inviting us to chant Shiva’s name and feel His divine abundance flow through us, enveloping us in His eternal love.

Verse 8

Sanskrit Text:

सुरगुरुसुरवरपूजितलिंगं सुरवनपुष्पसदार्चितलिंगम् ।
परात्परं परमात्मकलिंगं तत्प्रणमामि सदाशिवलिंगम् ॥८॥

English Translation:

O Lingam, worshipped by divine gurus and gods with flowers fair,
Adorned with celestial blossoms, divine fragrance in the air.
Beyond the beyond, the Supreme Soul, eternal truth you sing,
To that ever-auspicious Shiva Lingam, my heart’s devotion I bring.

Explanation:

This verse is a divine hymn to the Shiva Lingam, revered by the greatest spiritual gurus and celestial gods, who offer fragrant flowers from divine gardens in their worship. The Lingam is adorned with these celestial blooms, its sacred presence filling the air with purity and grace. It is the embodiment of the Supreme Soul, beyond all that exists, the ultimate truth that transcends the universe. Imagine standing before this Lingam, its divine fragrance enveloping you, as Shiva’s infinite essence draws you into His eternal presence. When we bow to this Lingam, we surrender to the Supreme Divine, offering our hearts to the truth that is Shiva Himself. This verse is a call to immerse ourselves in Shiva’s boundless divinity, to chant His glories with awe, and to feel His eternal love guide us to the ultimate truth.

Verse 9

Sanskrit Text:

लिंगाष्टकमिदं पुण्यं यः पठेच्छिवसन्निधौ ।
शिवलोकमवाप्नोति शिवेन सह मोदते ॥९॥

English Translation:

This sacred Lingashtakam, so pure, when chanted with devotion’s flame,
In Shiva’s presence, it leads the soul to His divine realm’s eternal claim.
With Shiva’s grace, forever united, in joy the heart shall sing,
To that ever-auspicious Shiva Lingam, my heart’s devotion I bring.

Explanation:

This concluding verse is a divine promise, a radiant assurance of the blessings that flow from chanting the Lingashtakam with love and devotion in Shiva’s sacred presence. By reciting this holy hymn, we invite Shiva’s grace into our hearts, paving the way to His divine abode, where the soul finds eternal joy in His company. Imagine chanting these verses before the Lingam, each word a thread weaving your heart closer to Shiva, as His love carries you to a realm of endless peace and bliss. This verse is a celebration of devotion, reminding us that every chant is a step toward Shiva, a journey to His divine embrace where we rejoice forever. Let your heart sing this hymn, surrendering to Shiva’s infinite love, and feel His presence fill your soul with eternal joy.

Significance and Benefits of Chanting Lingashtakam

Chanting the Lingashtakam is a sacred act of devotion that brings the devotee closer to Shiva, the Supreme Divine. This hymn, with its eight verses glorifying the Shiva Lingam, is a powerful spiritual practice that purifies the mind, heart, and soul. By reciting it with love and sincerity, devotees cleanse their accumulated sins, as the Lingam’s divine energy washes away impurities and negative karma. It awakens inner wisdom, dispels ignorance, and grants clarity to navigate life’s challenges. The Lingashtakam also bestows peace, removing fears, sorrows, and worldly desires, filling the heart with divine calm. Chanting it regularly is believed to destroy poverty—material, emotional, and spiritual—showering blessings of abundance and fulfillment. Most profoundly, it opens the path to Shiva’s divine abode, granting liberation and eternal union with Him, where the soul rejoices in His boundless love. Every chant is a heartfelt offering, a bridge to Shiva’s grace, transforming the devotee’s life with divine light and love.

Pauranic History of Lingashtakam

The Lingashtakam is a revered stotra found in various sacred texts and is traditionally attributed to the great sage Vedavyasa, the compiler of the Vedas and Puranas, whose works are imbued with divine wisdom. While the exact origins are not explicitly detailed in a single Pauranic source, it is widely accepted in Hindu tradition that such hymns were composed by enlightened sages inspired by Shiva’s divine presence. The Lingashtakam is often included in collections of devotional hymns and is chanted during worship of the Shiva Lingam, particularly in temples and during sacred rituals. Its verses reflect the essence of Pauranic narratives that celebrate Shiva’s supreme power, compassion, and role as the destroyer of ego, sin, and suffering. Stories such as Ravana’s humbling and Daksha’s sacrifice, mentioned in the hymn, are drawn from texts like the Shiva Purana and Ramayana, where Shiva’s divine interventions teach profound spiritual lessons. This stotra is a timeless offering, crafted to guide devotees toward Shiva’s eternal grace, uniting their hearts with the Supreme Divine through devotion and surrender.

English Lyrics for Lingashtakam

Brahma Muraari Suraarchita Lingam
Nirmala Bhashita Shobhita Lingam
Janmaja Dukha Vinaashaka Lingam
Tat Pranamaami Sadaa Shiva Lingam

Devamuni Pravaraarchita Lingam
Kaamadaham Karunaakara Lingam
Raavana Darpa Vinaashaka Lingam
Tat Pranamaami Sada Shiva Lingam

Sarva Sugandha Sulepitha Lingam
Buddhi Vivardhana Kaarana Lingam
Siddha Suraasura Vanditha Lingam
Tat Pranamaami Sadaa Shiva Lingam

Kanaka Mahaamani Bhushitha Lingam
Phanipathi Veshtitha Shobhitha Lingam
Daksha Suyajna Vinaashaka Lingam
Tat Pranamaami Sadaa Shiva Lingam

Kumkuma Chandana Lepitha Lingam
Pankaja Haara Sushobhitha Lingam
Sanchitha Paapa Vinaashaka Lingam
Tat Pranamaami Sadaa Shiva Lingam

Devaganaarchitha Sevitha Lingam
Bhaavair Bhakti Bhirevacha Lingam
Dinakara Koti Prabhakara Lingam
Tat Pranamaami Sadaa Shiva Lingam

Ashta Dalopari Veshtitha Lingam
Sarva Samudbhava Kaarana Lingam
Ashta Daridra Vinaashaka Lingam
Tat Pranamaami Sadaa Shiva Lingam

Suraguru Suravara Pujitha Lingam
Suravana Pushpa Sadaarchitha Lingam
Paraatparam Paramatmaka Lingam
Tat Pranamaami Sadaa Shiva Lingam

Lingashtakam Idam Punyam Padeth Shiva Sannidhow
Shivalokam Avapnothi Shive Na Sahamodathe

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