Lingashtakam

The Lingashtakam is a revered hymn consisting of eight verses praising the Shiva Lingam, symbolizing Lord Shiva formless aspect and seeking his blessings for spiritual growth and liberation.

The Lingashtakam is a revered Sanskrit stotra (hymn) composed of eight shlokas (verses) dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva in his form as the Shiva Lingam, a symbolic representation of the Supreme Being. This hymn extols the greatness and glory of the Shiva Lingam and is often recited by devotees to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. Here are the full details about the Lingashtakam:

Sanskrit:

ब्रह्ममुरारिसुरार्चितलिङ्गं निर्मलभासितशोभितलिङ्गम्।
जन्मजदुःखविनाशकलिङ्गं तत् प्रणमामि सदाशिवलिङ्गम्॥१॥

देवमुनिप्रवरार्चितलिङ्गं कामदहनकरुणाकरलिङ्गम्।
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॥

अष्टदलोपरिवेष्टितलिङ्गं सर्वसमुद्भवकारणलिङ्गम्।
अष्टदरिद्रविनाशितलिङ्गं तत् प्रणमामि सदाशिवलिङ्गम्॥७॥

सुरगुरुसुरवरपूजितलिङ्गं सुरवनपुष्पसदार्चितलिङ्गम्।
परात्मलिङ्गं प्रवक्ष्यामि लिङ्गं तत् प्रणमामि सदाशिवलिङ्गम्॥८॥

Transliteration:

Brahma Murari Surarchita Lingam Nirmala Bhasita Shobhita Lingam
Janmaja Dukha Vinashaka Lingam Tat Pranamami Sadasiva Lingam॥1॥

Deva Muni Pravara Archita Lingam Kama Dahana Karunakara Lingam
Ravana Darpa Vinashaka Lingam Tat Pranamami Sadasiva Lingam॥2॥

Sarva Sugandhi Sulepita Lingam Buddhi Vivardhana Karana Lingam
Siddha Surasura Vandita Lingam Tat Pranamami Sadasiva Lingam॥3॥

Kanaka Maha Mani Bhushita Lingam Phanipati Veshtita Shobhita Lingam
Daksha Suyajna Vinashana Lingam Tat Pranamami Sadasiva Lingam॥4॥

Kunkuma Chandana Lepita Lingam Pankaja Hara Su Shobhita Lingam
Sanchita Papa Vinashana Lingam Tat Pranamami Sadasiva Lingam॥5॥

Deva Ganarchita Sevita Lingam Bhavair Bhaktibhir Eva Cha Lingam
Dinakara Koti Prabhakara Lingam Tat Pranamami Sadasiva Lingam॥6॥

Ashta Dalopari Veshtita Lingam Sarva Samudbhava Karana Lingam
Ashta Daridra Vinashita Lingam Tat Pranamami Sadasiva Lingam॥7॥

Suraguru Suravara Pujita Lingam Suravana Pushpa Sadar Chita Lingam
Paratparam Param Atmaka Lingam Tat Pranamami Sadasiva Lingam॥8॥

Translation and Meaning:

Verse 1: "I bow before the Lingam, which is worshiped by Brahma, Vishnu, and other gods, which shines with a pure white glow, and which destroys the cycle of birth and rebirth."

Verse 2: "I bow before the Lingam, which is worshiped by the best of gods and sages, which grants desires and showers mercy, and which destroyed the pride of Ravana."

Verse 3: "I bow before the Lingam, which is smeared with all kinds of fragrances, which enhances intelligence and is worshiped by all Siddhas, Suras, and Asuras."

Verse 4: "I bow before the Lingam, which is adorned with gold and great gems, around which the king of serpents is coiled, and which destroyed the Yagna of Daksha."

Verse 5: "I bow before the Lingam, which is smeared with saffron and sandalwood paste, which is decorated with a lotus garland, and which destroys accumulated sins."

Verse 6: "I bow before the Lingam, which is served by gods and demi-gods, which is worshipped with true devotion, and which shines like a million suns."

Verse 7: "I bow before the Lingam, which is surrounded by eight petals, which is the cause of all creation, and which removes eight kinds of poverty."

Verse 8: "I bow before the Lingam, which is worshiped by the Guru of the gods, which is worshipped with flowers from the divine gardens, and which is the supreme eternal soul."

Significance and Symbolism

Worship of the Shiva Lingam: The Lingashtakam focuses on the worship of the Shiva Lingam, which is a symbolic representation of Lord Shiva. The Lingam represents the formless and infinite nature of the Supreme Being.

Attributes of Lord Shiva: Each verse of the Lingashtakam highlights different attributes and qualities of Lord Shiva, such as his purity, power, mercy, and his ability to destroy evil and ignorance.

Spiritual Benefits: Chanting the Lingashtakam is believed to purify the mind and soul, remove sins, and lead to spiritual growth and enlightenment. It is a powerful prayer for protection, prosperity, and liberation.

Historical and Scriptural Context

Puranic Tradition: The Lingashtakam is found in various Puranas and other religious texts dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is a traditional hymn recited by devotees during worship and rituals.

Shaivism: The hymn holds a special place in Shaivism, the tradition that worships Lord Shiva as the Supreme Being. It is often recited during the worship of the Shiva Lingam.

How to Chant

Preparation: Find a quiet and peaceful place. Sit comfortably in a meditative posture. Close your eyes and take deep breaths to calm your mind.

Recitation: Begin by chanting "Om" to center yourself. Then, recite the Lingashtakam with devotion and focus. It can be chanted aloud, whispered, or silently within the mind.

Timing: The hymn can be chanted at any time, but early morning (Brahma Muhurta) and during twilight (Sandhya) are considered particularly auspicious times for chanting.

Intention: Chant with a pure heart and a clear intention. Visualize the blessings and presence of Lord Shiva while chanting.

Practical Tips

Consistency: Regular and consistent practice is key to experiencing the benefits of the hymn.

Purity: Maintain physical and mental purity while chanting. Avoid negative thoughts and distractions.

Meditative Focus: Use the recitation as a form of meditation to deepen your connection with Lord Shiva.

Benefits of Chanting Lingashtakam

1. Spiritual Upliftment: Regular chanting leads to spiritual awakening and self-realization.

2. Mental Clarity: It helps in achieving mental clarity, focus, and concentration.

3. Emotional Balance: The hymn brings emotional stability and reduces stress and anxiety.

4. Physical Health: It is believed to have healing properties that improve physical health and well-being.

5. Divine Connection: Enhances the connection with Lord Shiva and imbues the chanter with divine energy and protection.

Conclusion

The Lingashtakam is a powerful and revered hymn that extols the greatness and glory of the Shiva Lingam, the symbolic representation of Lord Shiva. Its regular practice is believed to purify the mind, body, and soul, leading to spiritual growth, inner peace, and divine protection. By chanting this hymn with devotion and sincerity, one can invoke the grace and blessings of Lord Shiva in their life.