The Lingashtakam stands as a deeply cherished devotional hymn within the Hindu tradition, specifically dedicated to Lord Shiva. This stotram, whose name translates to “the eight verses on the Lingam,” serves a purpose far greater than simple praise. It acts as a spiritual guide, using vivid poetry to direct the devotee’s mind from a physical symbol toward an infinite cosmic principle. The hymn’s power lies in its ability to bridge the gap between the tangible and the intangible, making the formless divine accessible to the human heart.
At the core of this composition is the worship of the Shiva Lingam. To the uninitiated, this may appear as a simple iconic representation. However, within the philosophy it signifies, the Lingam is understood as a sacred mark or symbol of the unmanifest supreme reality. It represents the formless absolute, the source of all creation, preservation, and dissolution. The Lingashtakam does not merely describe a stone or an object; it uses that form as a focal point to contemplate attributes that are beyond physicality, such as eternal bliss, boundless light, and ultimate purity.
The value of regularly reciting these eight verses is a central theme in the text itself. Devotees believe that chanting the Lingashtakam with sincere devotion purifies the heart and mind, washing away past sins and negative karma. It is said to bring inner peace, spiritual prosperity, and a gradual awakening of higher consciousness. The hymn is particularly associated with Mondays and the holy month of Shravan, periods dedicated to Lord Shiva, where its recitation is thought to be especially potent for receiving divine grace and blessings.
Ultimately, the Lingashtakam is more than a prayer; it is a tool for contemplation. Each stanza lovingly describes the Lingam’s splendor, comparing it to the most radiant jewels and precious metals, only to assert its superiority over all material wealth. This process slowly elevates the worshipper’s understanding from the physical to the metaphysical. By meditating on the words and their deeper meaning, the devotee is guided on a journey from acknowledging a form to ultimately realizing the formless, all-pervading essence of Shiva that resides within and beyond all creation. श्री नारायण कवच | वीर हनुमाना अति बलवाना भजन लिरिक्स | Shri Sai Chalisa Lyrics PDF | Hanuman Chalisa MP3 Download
Lingashtakam Lyrics With Meaning
ब्रह्ममुरारि सुरार्चित लिङ्गं
निर्मलभासित शोभित लिङ्गम् ।
जन्मज दुःख विनाशक लिङ्गं
तत्-प्रणमामि सदाशिव लिङ्गम् ॥ 1 ॥
brahmamurāri surārcita liṅgaṃ
nirmalabhāsita śobhita liṅgam .
janmaja duḥkha vināśaka liṅgaṃ
tat-praṇamāmi sadāśiva liṅgam .. 1
I bow before that Lingam, which is the eternal Shiva,
Which is worshipped by Brahma, Vishnu and other Devas,
Which is pure and resplendent,
And which destroys sorrows of birth.
देवमुनि प्रवरार्चित लिङ्गं
कामदहन करुणाकर लिङ्गम् ।
रावण दर्प विनाशन लिङ्गं
तत्-प्रणमामि सदाशिव लिङ्गम् ॥ 2 ॥
devamuni pravarārcita liṅgaṃ
kāmadahana karuṇākara liṅgam .
rāvaṇa darpa vināśana liṅgaṃ
tat-praṇamāmi sadāśiva liṅgam .. 2
I bow before that Lingam, which is the eternal Shiva,
Which is worshipped by great sages and devas,
Which destroyed the god of love,
Which showers mercy,
And which destroyed the pride of Ravana.
सर्व सुगन्ध सुलेपित लिङ्गं
बुद्धि विवर्धन कारण लिङ्गम् ।
सिद्ध सुरासुर वन्दित लिङ्गं
तत्-प्रणमामि सदाशिव लिङ्गम् ॥ 3 ॥
sarva sugandha sulepita liṅgaṃ
buddhi vivardhana kāraṇa liṅgam .
siddha surāsura vandita liṅgaṃ
tat-praṇamāmi sadāśiva liṅgam .. 3
I bow before that Lingam, which is the eternal Shiva,
Which is anointed by perfumes,
Which leads to growth of wisdom,
And which is worshipped by sages, devas and asuras.
कनक महामणि भूषित लिङ्गं
फणिपति वेष्टित शोभित लिङ्गम् ।
दक्ष सुयज्ञ निनाशन लिङ्गं
तत्-प्रणमामि सदाशिव लिङ्गम् ॥ 4 ॥
kanaka mahāmaṇi bhūṣita liṅgaṃ
phaṇipati veṣṭita śobhita liṅgam .
dakṣa suyajña nināśana liṅgaṃ
tat-praṇamāmi sadāśiva liṅgam .. 4
I bow before that Lingam, which is the eternal Shiva,
Which is ornamented by gold and great jewels,
Which shines with the snake being with it,
And which destroyed the Yagna of Daksha.
कुङ्कुम चन्दन लेपित लिङ्गं
पङ्कज हार सुशोभित लिङ्गम् ।
सञ्चित पाप विनाशन लिङ्गं
तत्-प्रणमामि सदाशिव लिङ्गम् ॥ 5 ॥
kuṅkuma candana lepita liṅgaṃ
paṅkaja hāra suśobhita liṅgam .
sañcita pāpa vināśana liṅgaṃ
tat-praṇamāmi sadāśiva liṅgam .. 5
I bow before that Lingam, which is the eternal Shiva,
Which is adorned by sandal paste and saffron,
Which wears the garland of lotus flowers,
And which can destroy accumulated sins.
देवगणार्चित सेवित लिङ्गं
भावै-र्भक्तिभिरेव च लिङ्गम् ।
दिनकर कोटि प्रभाकर लिङ्गं
तत्-प्रणमामि सदाशिव लिङ्गम् ॥ 6 ॥
devagaṇārcita sevita liṅgaṃ
bhāvai-rbhaktibhireva ca liṅgam .
dinakara koṭi prabhākara liṅgaṃ
tat-praṇamāmi sadāśiva liṅgam .. 6
I bow before that Lingam, which is the eternal Shiva,
Which is served by gods and other beings,
Which is the doorway for devotion and good thought,
And which shines like billions of Suns.
अष्टदलोपरिवेष्टित लिङ्गं
सर्वसमुद्भव कारण लिङ्गम् ।
अष्टदरिद्र विनाशन लिङ्गं
तत्-प्रणमामि सदाशिव लिङ्गम् ॥ 7 ॥
aṣṭadalopariveṣṭita liṅgaṃ
sarvasamudbhava kāraṇa liṅgam .
aṣṭadaridra vināśana liṅgaṃ
tat-praṇamāmi sadāśiva liṅgam .. 7
I bow before that Lingam, which is the eternal Shiva,
Which is surrounded by eight petals,
Which is the prime reason of all riches,
And which destroys eight types of poverty.
सुरगुरु सुरवर पूजित लिङ्गं
सुरवन पुष्प सदार्चित लिङ्गम् ।
परात्परं परमात्मक लिङ्गं
तत्-प्रणमामि सदाशिव लिङ्गम् ॥ 8 ॥
suraguru suravara pūjita liṅgaṃ
suravana puṣpa sadārcita liṅgam
parātparaṃ paramātmaka liṅgaṃ
tat-praṇamāmi sadāśiva liṅgam .. 8
I bow before that Lingam, which is the eternal Shiva,
Which is worshipped by the teacher of gods,
Which is worshipped by the best of gods,
Which is always worshipped by the flowers,
From the garden of Gods,
Which is the eternal abode,
And which is the ultimate truth.
लिङ्गाष्टकमिदं पुण्यं यः पठेश्शिव सन्निधौ ।
शिवलोकमवाप्नोति शिवेन सह मोदते ॥ 9 ॥
liṅgāṣṭakamidaṃ puṇyaṃ yaḥ paṭheśśiva sannidhau .
śivalokamavāpnoti śivena saha modate .. 9
Any one who chants the holy octet of the Lingam,
In the holy presence of Lord Shiva,
Would in the end reach the world of Shiva,
And keep him company.
॥ ॐ तत् सत् ॥
Download Lingashtakam Lyrics With Meaning
The Benefits of Chanting the Lingashtakam
Why do millions of people chant this hymn every day, especially on Mondays and during the month of Shravan? The believed benefits are both tangible and spiritual:
- Purification of the Mind: The rhythmic Sanskrit verses have a calming effect, quieting mental chatter and reducing anxiety.
- Absolution of Negative Karma: It is widely believed that sincere recitation helps dissolve the effects of past mistakes, clearing a path for a more positive life.
- Fulfillment of Desires: Devotees chant it for divine blessings to overcome obstacles and achieve righteous goals in life.
- A Path to Liberation (Moksha): Ultimately, the hymn is a tool for spiritual evolution, gradually detaching the seeker from the material world and guiding them toward self-realization.
How to Incorporate the Lingashtakam Into Your Practice
You don’t need an elaborate setup to benefit from this powerful prayer.
- Find a Quiet Time: Mornings or evenings are ideal.
- Listen and Learn: Start by finding a peaceful rendition on YouTube. Listen to the melody and pronunciation.
- Chant With Understanding: As you learn, try to understand the meaning of each verse. This makes the practice infinitely more powerful.
- Be Consistent: Even chanting one verse a day with full focus and devotion is more valuable than a rushed recitation of the entire hymn.
FAQs –
Lingashtakam Lyrics
The term Lingashtakam lyrics typically refers to the original Sanskrit verses of the hymn. These eight stanzas are composed in a specific poetic meter and are known for their rhythmic and devotional quality. People often search for the lyrics to aid in memorization, correct pronunciation, or to follow along during prayers. The lyrics are widely available on religious websites, blogs, and video descriptions, providing the text in various Indian scripts and transliterations for a global audience.
Lingashtakam PDF
A search for a Lingashtakam PDF is usually made by individuals seeking a downloadable, portable, and often printable version of the hymn. These PDFs are valuable because they can be saved on devices for offline use, making them convenient for daily practice or travel. They frequently include the Sanskrit text, a transliteration for those unfamiliar with the script, a word-by-word meaning, and sometimes a full English translation and commentary for deeper study.
Lingashtakam Telugu
For Telugu-speaking devotees, finding the Lingashtakam in Telugu is essential for accessible and meaningful recitation. This search yields the hymn’s verses written in the Telugu script, allowing readers to chant using their native language’s characters. Many resources also provide a Telugu translation of the Sanskrit verses, which helps devotees fully understand the philosophical meaning and devotional sentiments expressed in each stanza, thereby enhancing their spiritual experience.
Lingashtakam PDF in Sanskrit
A Lingashtakam PDF in Sanskrit is specifically sought by purists, scholars, or those who wish to practice the hymn in its most authentic written form. This PDF contains the original verses in the Devanagari script, preserving the traditional integrity of the text. It is a preferred resource for those who can read Sanskrit and want a digital copy that is free from translation or transliteration, often used for academic purposes or by temples for printing prayer leaflets.
Lingashtakam Lyrics in Hindi
Searching for Lingashtakam lyrics in Hindi provides the text in two primary formats. The first is the original Sanskrit verses written in the Devanagari (Hindi) script, which is how the hymn is commonly published in North India. The second, and often more popular, is a Hindi translation of the meaning of the stanzas. This allows Hindi-speaking devotees who may not understand Sanskrit to comprehend the profound philosophy and praises within the hymn, deepening their connection to the prayer.
लिङ्गाष्टकं स्तोत्रम् in Hindi
This search query, written in Hindi, is used by native Hindi speakers looking for the Lingashtakam stotram. The results typically include the full eight verses presented in the Devanagari script. The purpose is to find a resource that requires no knowledge of English, offering the text, and often a detailed Hindi explanation or commentary (vyakhya), on websites and blogs tailored specifically for a Hindi-speaking audience seeking religious content in their mother tongue.
Lingashtakam Lyrics in English
Lingashtakam lyrics in English is a highly common search, especially for devotees and spiritual seekers outside of India or those unfamiliar with Indian scripts. The results provide two key things: a transliteration (writing the Sanskrit words using English letters) to aid in pronunciation, and a full English translation that conveys the meaning of each verse. This dual format is crucial for non-native speakers to both chant the hymn correctly and understand its deep spiritual significance.
What is Lingashtakam?
The Lingashtakam is a revered eight-verse hymn from the Hindu tradition dedicated to worshipping the Lingam, the sacred symbol of Lord Shiva. The name itself breaks down into ‘Lingam’, representing the formless divine reality, and ‘Ashtakam’, meaning a composition of eight stanzas. It is far more than a simple prayer; it is a profound philosophical text that uses the physical form of the Lingam as a focal point to meditate on Shiva’s infinite, formless nature. The hymn is celebrated for its devotional depth and is widely chanted for spiritual purification, seeking blessings, and attaining liberation.
Who wrote Lingashtakam?
The Lingashtakam is traditionally attributed to the 8th-century philosopher and saint, Adi Shankaracharya. He is renowned for consolidating the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta (non-dualism) and revitalizing Hinduism through his extensive commentaries and devotional compositions. While definitive historical proof is challenging to establish, the hymn’s deep philosophical alignment with Advaita Vedanta—emphasizing the worship of the formless absolute through a form—strongly supports its connection to his lineage of thought. His authorship is widely accepted within the tradition.
What is the meaning of Lingashtakam?
The overall meaning of the Lingashtakam is the glorification of the Shiva Lingam as the ultimate, formless source of the universe. It describes the Lingam as more radiant than any jewel, the destroyer of all sins, and the bestower of both worldly prosperity and ultimate liberation (moksha). Each verse elaborates on its divine qualities, asserting that it is the embodiment of supreme bliss and compassion. The core meaning transcends physical description, guiding the devotee to see the Lingam not as an object, but as a symbol of the infinite cosmic power from which all creation emerges and into which it dissolves.
What is Lingashtakam Stotram?
The term Lingashtakam Stotram specifically highlights the hymn’s identity as a stotram, which is a Sanskrit word for a hymn of praise. Referring to it as a stotram emphasizes its liturgical and devotional function within Hindu practice. It is a rhythmic, melodic composition designed for recitation, often during Shiva puja (worship), on Mondays, or during the holy month of Shravan. As a stotram, its purpose is to focus the mind, express devotion, and invoke the divine presence and blessings of Lord Shiva through the power of sacred sound and vibration.
What is the meaning in English of the Lingashtakam?
The meaning of the Lingashtakam in English conveys the profound philosophical ideas expressed in each Sanskrit verse. A proper English translation provides more than a literal word-for-word conversion; it offers an explanation of the core sentiments. It describes the Lingam as the source of infinite joy, the destroyer of the fear of death and cycle of rebirth, and an entity worshipped by gods like Brahma and Vishnu. The translated meaning emphasizes that true worship is performed with devotion, faith, and simple offerings, and it reveals the hymn’s ultimate purpose: to lead the seeker from the recognition of a form to the realization of the formless absolute.
