This Stotram (hymn) is a paean of praise dedicated to Lord Shiva—who is also known as Maheshwara, Rudra, and by various other names. The Lingam serves as the symbol of Shiva, much as the Conch and the Discus are the symbols of Lord Vishnu. The Lingashtakam Stotram is a prayer addressed to Lord Shiva. The Lingam is regarded as the universal symbol of creation and the source from which everything in the cosmos originates. The *Stotram* extols the divine glory of Lord Shiva; each verse describes the Lord's magnificence and enumerates the spiritual benefits derived from worshipping the Shiva Lingam. It further notes that the Lingam is revered even by the deities Vishnu and Brahma. This sacred chant, which permeates the soul with profound peace at all times, serves to alleviate any suffering arising from the cyclical nature of birth and rebirth.
ब्रह्ममुरारि सुरार्चित लिंगं निर्मलभासित शोभित लिंगम् । जन्मज दुःख विनाशक लिंगं तत्-प्रणमामि सदाशिव लिंगम् ॥ १ ॥
Brahmamurari Surarchit Lingam, Nirmal Bhasit Shobhit Lingam. Birth-sorrow destroyer of sorrows, Tat-Pranamami Sadashiv Lingam. 1॥
We offer our salutations to that Sadashiva Linga—the very one worshipped even by Brahma, Vishnu, and the Devas. You are eternally revered through pure hymns, and You are the Linga that destroys the cycle of birth and death (thereby granting salvation to all).
देवमुनि प्रवरार्चित लिंगं कामदहन करुणाकर लिंगम् । रावण दर्प विनाशन लिंगं तत्-प्रणमामि सदाशिव लिंगम् ॥ २ ॥
Devmuni Pravararchit Lingam Kamadahan Karunakar Lingam. Ravana Darp Vinashana Lingam Tat-Pranamami Sadashiv Lingam ॥ 2॥
I bow down to that Sadashiva Linga—worshipped by all gods and sages—which subdues desire, embodies the compassionate Lord Shiva, and through whose power even the arrogance of Ravana was destroyed.
सर्व सुगंध सुलेपित लिंगं बुद्धि विवर्धन कारण लिंगम् । सिद्ध सुरासुर वंदित लिंगं तत्-प्रणमामि सदाशिव लिंगम् ॥ ३ ॥
The Linga adorned with all fragrances is the reason for the expansion of intellect. Siddha Surasur Vandit Lingam Tat-Pranamami Sadashiv Lingam ॥ 3॥
Our salutations to that Sadashiva Linga—which is anointed with all manner of fragrant substances, which fosters the growth of intellect, and which is revered by all: the Siddhas, the Suras (Gods), and the Asuras alike.
कनक महामणि भूषित लिंगं फणिपति वेष्टित शोभित लिंगम् । दक्ष सुयज्ञ निनाशन लिंगं तत्-प्रणमामि सदाशिव लिंगम् ॥ ४ ॥
Kanak Mahamani Bhushit Lingam Phanipati Veshtit Shobhit Lingam. Daksh Suyajna Ninashan Lingam Tat-Pranamami Sadashiv Lingam ॥ 4॥
Salutations to You—Sadashiva, the Linga adorned with gold and magnificent gems, graced by the presence of the Lord of Serpents, and the Destroyer of Daksha's sacrifice.
कुंकुम चंदन लेपित लिंगं पंकज हार सुशोभित लिंगम् । संचित पाप विनाशन लिंगं तत्-प्रणमामि सदाशिव लिंगम् ॥ ५ ॥
Kumkum sandalwood coated Lingam Pankaj Haar adorned Lingam. Sanchit Sin Vinashana Lingam Tat-Pranamami Sadashiv Lingam ॥ 5॥
Salutations to that Lingam which is adorned with vermilion and sandalwood, and embellished with garlands of lotuses. Salutations to that Sadashiva Lingam, which grants us liberation from all our accumulated sins.
देवगणार्चित सेवित लिंगं भावै-र्भक्तिभिरेव च लिंगम् । दिनकर कोटि प्रभाकर लिंगं तत्-प्रणमामि सदाशिव लिंगम् ॥ ६ ॥
Devganarchita sevait lingam bhavai-bhaktikbhireva cha lingam. Dinkar Koti Prabhakar Lingam Tat-Pranamami Sadashiv Lingam ॥ 6॥
We offer our salutations to the Sadashiva Linga, which is worshipped by all the Devas and Ganas with pure thoughts and sentiments, and which shines with the brilliance of a million suns.
अष्टदलोपरिवेष्टित लिंगं सर्वसमुद्भव कारण लिंगम् । अष्टदरिद्र विनाशन लिंगं तत्-प्रणमामि सदाशिव लिंगम् ॥ ७ ॥
Ashtdalopariveshtit lingam sarvasamuddhav karana lingam. Ashtadidra Vinashana Lingam Tat-Pranamami Sadashiv Lingam ॥ 7 ॥
Our salutations to you, O Sadashiva Linga—revered by all eight sects, destroyer of all eight forms of poverty, and the ultimate cause of all creation.
सुरगुरु सुरवर पूजित लिंगं सुरवन पुष्प सदार्चित लिंगम् । परात्परं परमात्मक लिंगं तत्-प्रणमामि सदाशिव लिंगम् ॥ ८ ॥
Surguru Survar Pujit Lingam Survan Pushp Sadarchit Lingam. Paratparam paramatmik lingam tat-pranamami sadashiv lingam ॥ 8॥
Our salutations to that form of the Supreme Being—the Sadashiva Linga—who is worshipped by the gods and the Divine Preceptor with flowers from the celestial gardens, and who transcends all descriptions.
लिंगाष्टकमिदं पुण्यं यः पठेश्शिव सन्निधौ । शिवलोकमवाप्नोति शिवेन सह मोदते ॥
Lingashtakamidam punyam yah patheshshiv sannidhau. Shivlokamvaapnoti Shivane co-modate ॥
Any devotee who recites this meritorious Lingashtakam Stotra in the presence of Lord Shiva attains Shivloka and dwells blissfully with Lord Shiva.