Lingashtakam is a beautiful hymn dedicated to Lord Shiva. Lingashtakam comprises eight stanzas that extol the glory of the lingam, a symbol of Lord Shiva’s infinite and eternal nature.
Editor's note: People have asked a lot about the author of this beautiful octet. It is sometimes said to have been composed by Adi Shankaracharya, however we couldn't find any good reference about the author so far. We will update here if we come across any significant source with right reference.
In this blog, we will explore the background, overview, benefits, and chanting techniques of Lingashtakam.
What is the purpose of Lingashtakam?
Lord Shiva is known as the destroyer and transformer of the universe. He is the supreme godhead and is worshipped in various forms and manifestations. The lingam is a symbol that represents Lord Shiva’s formless and timeless essence. It is a reminder of the infinite nature of the universe and the indivisible nature of the divine. The process of worshiping the Shivalingam with eight stanzas is Lingashtakam.
Chanting and reciting Lingashtakam is believed to bring spiritual purity and inner peace and can help overcome obstacles and challenges in life, and can bring blessings and prosperity. By chanting Lingashtakam, one can experience the divine presence of Lord Shiva and the eternal creative energy that he represents.
Also check Powerful Hanuman Mantras.
Why Shiva is worshipped in a Linga form?
Shiva is worshiped in the Linga form because everything contained in the universe is present in the form of Lingam of which Shiva is the humanised representation. In the Linga Purana [part 2 chapter 46]. Once sages were doing endless shastrartha regarding why Lingam is worshipped, Goddess Saraswati visted the place to resolve the mystery and said…
अथांतरिक्षे विपुला साक्षाद्देवी सरस्वती ।
अलं मुनीनां प्रश्नोऽयमिति वाचा बभूव ह ।।
सर्वं लिंगमयं लोकं सर्वं लिंगे प्रतिष्ठितम् ।
तस्मात्सर्वं परित्यज्य स्थापयेत्पूजयेच्च तत् ।।
athāntarikṣe vipulā sākṣāddevī sarasvatī
alaṃ munīnāṃ praśno’yamiti vācā babhūva ha
sarvaṃ liṅgamayaṃ lokaṃ sarvaṃ liṅge pratiṣṭhitam
tasmātsarvaṃ parityajya sthāpayetpūjayecc tat ।।
Meaning: May the questions of the sages stop. The whole world is identical with the Linga. Everything is founded on the Linga. Hence, one shall eschew everything, install the Linga and worship it.
She further explained:
ब्रह्मा हरश्च भगवान्विष्णुर्देवी रमा धरा ।।
लक्ष्मीर्धृति: स्मृति: प्रज्ञा धरा दुर्गा शची तथा ।
रुद्राश्च वसव: स्कन्दो विशाख: शाख यव च ।।
नैगमेशश्च भगवाँल्लोकपाला ग्रहास्तथा ।
सर्वे नंदिपुरोगाश्च गणा गणपति: प्रभु: ।।
पितरो मुनय: सर्वे कुबेराद्याश्च सुप्रभा: ।
आदित्या वसव: सांख्या अश्चिनौ च भिषग्वरौ ।।
विश्वेदेवाश्व साध्याश्च पशव: पक्षिणों मृगा:।
ब्रह्मादिस्थावरांतं च सर्वं लिंगे प्रतिष्ठितम् ।।
तस्मात्सर्वं परित्यज्य स्थापयेल्लिंगमव्ययम् ।
यत्नेन स्थापितं सर्वं पूजितं पूजयेद्यदि ।।
brahmā haraśca bhagavānviṣṇurdevī ramā dharā
lakṣmīrdhṛtiḥ smṛtiḥ prajñā dharā durgā śacī tathā
rudrāśca vasavaḥ skando viśākhaḥ śākha yava ca
naigameśaśca bhagavānlokapālā grahāstathā
sarve nandipurogāśca gaṇā gaṇapatiḥ prabhuḥ
pitaro munayaḥ sarve kuberādyāśca suprabhāḥ
ādityā vasavaḥ sāṃkhyā aścinau ca bhiṣagvarau
viśvedevāśva sādhyāśca paśavaḥ pakṣiṇoṃ mṛgāḥ
brahmādisthāvarāṃtaṃ ca sarvaṃ linge pratiṣṭhitam
tasmātsarvaṃ parityajya sthāpayelligamavyayam
yatnena sthāpitaṃ sarvaṃ pūjitaṃ pūjayedyadi
Meaning: Brahma, Hara, Vishnu, Rama, Dhari, Lakshmi, Dhriti, Smrti, Prajni, Dhara, Durga, Sachi, Rudras, Vasus, Skanda, Visakha, Sakha, Naigamesa, guardians of the quarters, planets, the Ganas, Nandin, Ganapati, Pitras, sages, those lustrous ones beginning with Kubera, Adityas, Vasus, Samkhyaa, the excellent physicians Asvins, Visvedevas, Sadhyas, Pasus, birds: and animals— everything beginning with Brahma and ending with an immobile thing is founded on the Linga. Hence, one shall eschew everything and install the unchanging Linga. If one worships it, it is as good as worshipping everything installed assiduously.
We have covered this topic in more detail here.
Lingashtakam Lyrics:
The eight stanzas of Lingashtakam are rich in symbolism and meaning. Each stanza praises a different aspect of Lord Shiva and the lingam.
Lingashtakam stanza -1: Brahma Murari Suraarchita Lingam – Salutations to the lingam worshipped by Brahma, Indra, and other gods.
Sanskrit:
ब्रह्ममुरारिसुरार्चितलिङ्गं निर्मलभासितशोभितलिङ्गम् । जन्मजदुःखविनाशकलिङ्गं तत् प्रणमामि सदाशिवलिङ्गम् ॥
Transliteration:
Brahmamurārisurārchitalingaṃ nirmalabhāsitashobhitalingam
Janmajaduḥkhavināśakalingaṃ tatpraṇamāmi sadāśivalingam
Meaning: “I bow to the eternal Shiva Lingam, which is worshipped by Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and other Gods and is pure and radiant. It is the destroyer of the cycle of birth and death and removes all the sorrows of life.”
This shloka highlights the significance of the Sadashiva Linga, which is worshipped by both gods and humans alike. The Linga is described as pure and radiant, and is believed to have the power to bring about liberation from the cycle of birth and death. It is considered as the ultimate symbol of Lord Shiva’s formless and timeless essence.
Lingashtakam stanza -2: Deva Munipravarchita Lingam – Salutations to the lingam worshipped by the celestial beings and the holy sages.
Sanskrit:
देवमुनिप्रवरार्चितलिङ्गं कामदहम् करुणाकर लिङ्गम् । रावणदर्पविनाशनलिङ्गं तत् प्रणमामि सदाशिव लिङ्गम् ॥
Transliteration:
devamunipravarārcitaliṅgaṃ kāmadaham karuṇākara liṅgam
rāvaṇadarpa vināśanaliṅgaṃ tat praṇamāmi sadāśiva liṅgam
Meaning:
“I bow down to the Sada Shiva Linga, which is worshipped by great sages and is capable of destroying the effects of desire. It is the embodiment of compassion, and it destroys the arrogance of Ravana.”
In essence, this verse describes the divine qualities of the Sada Shiva Linga, which is worshipped by sages and is capable of removing one’s desires and arrogance. The lingam is also seen as a symbol of compassion, as it has the power to destroy the arrogance of Ravana, a demon known for his excessive pride. Overall, this verse highlights the significance of worshipping the Sada Shiva Linga and the transformative power it holds.
Lingashtakam stanza -3: Sarva Sugandhi Sulepita Lingam – Salutations to the adorned with fragrance of sandalwood
Sanskrit:
सर्वसुगन्धिसुलेपितलिङ्गं बुद्धिविवर्धनकारणलिङ्गम् । सिद्धसुरासुरवन्दितलिङ्गं तत् प्रणमामि सदाशिव लिङ्गम्
Transliteration:
sarva sugandhi sulepita lingam buddhi vivardhana karana lingam
siddha surasura vandita lingam tat pranamami sada shiva lingam
Meaning:
“I bow to the eternal Shiva Lingam, which is worshipped by gods, sages, and demons, and is adorned with fragrant sandalwood paste. It is the cause of intellectual growth and is worshipped by all, including the Siddhas, Suras, and Asuras.”
The shloka describes the greatness of the Shiva Lingam, which is worshipped by all beings, whether they are gods, sages, or demons. It is adorned with fragrant sandalwood paste, which adds to its beauty and purity. The Shiva Lingam is the cause of intellectual growth and is worshipped by everyone, including the Siddhas, Suras, and Asuras. The shloka highlights that the Shiva Lingam is an embodiment of divinity, knowledge, and wisdom, and is revered by all who seek spiritual enlightenment.
Lingashtakam stanza -4: Kanaka Mahamani bhusita Lingam – Salutations to the lingam adorned with gold and precious stones
Sanskrit:
कनकमहामणिभूषितलिङ्गं फणिपतिवेष्टित शोभित लिङ्गम् ।
दक्षसुयज्ञविनाशन लिङ्गं तत् प्रणमामि सदाशिव लिङ्गम् ॥
Transliteration:
kanaka mahāmaṇi bhūṣita liṅgaṃ, phaṇipati veṣṭita śobhita liṅgam
dakṣa suyajña vināśana liṅgaṃ, tat praṇamāmi sadāśiva liṅgam
Meaning: “I offer my salutations to the eternal lingam of Lord Shiva, which is adorned with gold and precious stones, and is surrounded by the divine serpent. It is the destroyer of the sacrifice of Daksha and Yajna and it is the source of all illumination and knowledge.”
This shloka describes the glory of Lord Shiva’s Linga or the divine symbol of his power and presence. The shloka says that the Linga is adorned with gold and precious gems, and it shines brilliantly. The Lord is also adorned with a serpent, and he wears the skin of a tiger.
Furthermore, the shloka describes Lord Shiva as the destroyer of the Daksha Yajna, which was a sacrificial ceremony organized by Daksha, the father-in-law of Lord Shiva. When Daksha insulted Lord Shiva during the ceremony, Lord Shiva destroyed the Yajna, and the Linga represents his power to do so.
Therefore, the shloka praises Lord Shiva as the ultimate destroyer of all that is evil and impure. It encourages people to bow down to the Linga of Lord Shiva, who is known as SadaShiva or the eternal and ever-lasting Lord.
Lingashtakam stanza -5: Kunkum Chandana Lepita Lingam – Salutations to the lingam adorned with kunkum and sandalwood paste
Sanskrit:
कुङ्कुमचन्दनलेपितलिङ्गं पङ्कजहारसुशोभितलिङ्गम् । सञ्चितपापविनाशनलिङ्गं तत् प्रणमामि सदाशिव लिङ्गम् ॥
Transliteration:
Kunkumachandanalepitalingam, Pankajaharasa shobhitalingam
Sanchitapapavinashanalingam, Tat pranamami sadashivalingam.
Meaning: “I offer my salutations to the eternal Shiva Lingam, which is adorned with kunkum and sandalwood paste, and shines bright with the light of lotus flowers. It destroys all accumulated sins and leads one towards liberation.”
The shloka talks about how the Lingam is adorned with kunkum and sandalwood paste, which are considered sacred in Hinduism. These substances are used in various rituals and are believed to enhance the spiritual power of the Lingam.
It further describes how the Lingam is shining bright with the light of lotus flowers, which symbolize purity, enlightenment, and spiritual growth. The lotus is considered to be the most divine of all flowers, and is often used in Hindu mythology to represent spiritual purity.
The Lingam destroys all accumulated sins and leads one towards liberation. It is believed that worshipping the Lingam with devotion and sincerity can help one to overcome their past sins and attain moksha, which is the ultimate goal of human life according to Hinduism.
Lingashtakam stanza -6: Devaganarcita Sevita Lingam – Salutations to the lingam that is worshipped by the multitudes of Gods
Sanskrit:
देवगणार्चित सेवितलिङ्गं भावैर्भक्तिभिरेव च लिङ्गम् । दिनकरकोटिप्रभाकरलिङ्गं तत् प्रणमामि सदाशिव लिङ्गम्
Transliteration:
devagaṇārcita sevitalingaṃ bhāvair-bhaktibhireva ca lingam
dinakara-koṭi-prabhākara-lingaṃ tat praṇamāmi sadāśivalingam
Meaning: “I always adore the Sadashiva Linga, worshipped by the multitudes of Gods, with devotion in my mind. The Linga shines brightly like the million suns rising together and destroys all the sins.”
This shloka is a prayer to Lord Shiva in his form of Sadashiva Linga. The shloka describes the linga as being worshipped by the gods and shines brightly like the million suns rising together, which signifies the divine light and power of Lord Shiva. The devotee expresses his devotion and reverence to Lord Shiva and seeks his blessings to remove all the sins and obstacles from his life. This shloka is often recited during the worship of Lord Shiva and is believed to bring peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth to the devotee.
Also check Beej Mantras.
Lingashtakam stanza -7: Asṭadalopari vestita Lingam – Salutations to the lingam that which is surrounded by eight petals
Sanskrit:
अष्टदलोपरिवेष्टितलिङ्गं सर्वसमुद्भवकारणलिङ्गम् । अष्टदरिद्रविनाशनलिङ्गं तत् प्रणमामि सदाशिव लिङ्गम् ॥
Transliteration:
Aṣṭadalopari veṣṭita liṅgaṃ sarva samudbhava kāraṇa liṅgam
Aṣṭadaridra vināśana liṅgaṃ tat praṇamāmi sadāśiva liṅgam
Meaning: “I always worship the Sadashiva Linga, which is surrounded by eight petals, represents the cause of the entire universe, and destroys the eight types of poverty.”
This shloka is a prayer to Lord Shiva and describes the Lingam form of Lord Shiva. The lingam is surrounded by eight petals which represents the eight directions. The Lingam is considered as the cause of the entire universe and is worshipped as the embodiment of Lord Shiva. This Lingam is said to destroy the eight types of poverty (Aṣṭadaridra) which are lack of knowledge, lack of wealth, lack of good health, lack of progeny, lack of success in work, lack of intelligence, lack of speech, and lack of happiness.
The shloka is a reminder of the omnipotent nature of Lord Shiva and his ability to remove the obstacles in the life of his devotees.
Lingashtakam stanza -8: Sura Guru Suravarapujita Lingam – Salutations to the lingam which is worshipped by the great gurus, gods and sages
Sanskrit:
सुरगुरुसुरवरपूजित लिङ्गं सुरवनपुष्प सदार्चित लिङ्गम् । परात्परं परमात्मक लिङ्गं तत् प्रणमामि सदाशिव लिङ्गम् ॥
Transliteration:
Suragurusuravarapujita lingam, suravanapushpa sadarchita lingam
paratparam paramatmaka lingam, tat pranamami sadashiva lingam.
Meaning: “I bow to the eternal Shiva Lingam, which is worshipped by the great gurus, gods and sages, and adorned with the beautiful flowers of the forest. It is the supreme and transcendental form of the Divine, the embodiment of the ultimate reality, the soul of the universe.”
This shloka praises the glory of Shiva Lingam and its various aspects. The lingam is described as Suraguru (worshipped by great gurus), Suravar (worshipped by gods), and Sadarchita (worshipped with flowers). It is also called Paratparam (supreme) and Paramatmaka (transcendental), signifying its divine and cosmic nature. This shloka emphasizes the importance of devotion and reverence towards the Shiva Lingam, which is the symbol of the formless and eternal divine consciousness.
Benefits of chanting Lingashtakam
In Sanskrit culture, every strotam or mantra also includes at the end, the benefits of chanting it. Here is that for Lingashtakam.
Sanskrit:
लिङ्गाष्टकमिदं पुण्यं यः पठेत् शिवसन्निधौ । शिवलोकमवाप्नोति शिवेन सह मोदते ॥
Transliteration:
Lingashtakam idam punyam yah pathet shiva sannidhau
Shivalokam avapnoti shivena saha modate
Meaning: “This holy Lingashtakam, if recited in the presence of Lord Shiva, grants the devotee the attainment of Shiva’s abode and the joy of being with Shiva.”
The shloka emphasizes the importance of reciting the Lingashtakam in the presence of Lord Shiva, as it is believed to lead to the attainment of Shiva’s abode and experiencing divine bliss in his company. This shloka, therefore, encourages the devotee to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva through the recitation of the Lingashtakam.
Chanting Lingashtakam has numerous spiritual and mental benefits. It can help:
- Develop devotion and faith in Lord Shiva
- Purify the mind and heart
- Increase concentration and focus
- Promote inner peace and tranquility
- Enhance spiritual growth and awareness
Historical accounts and personal experiences testify to the efficacy of Lingashtakam. Many devotees have reported profound changes in their lives after chanting this hymn regularly.
Also read: Important Ganpati Mantras.
Lingashtakam chanting:
Here is the chant of Lingashtakam in the voice of Kailash Kher.
