The Shiva Rudrashtakam is an eight-stanza hymn composed in praise of Lord Shiva, written in the Awadhi language by Goswami Tulsidas. This hymn glorifies both the fierce and compassionate aspects of Shiva.
Reciting it purifies the mind, body, and soul, and destroys all fears, sorrows, and sins.
Verses of Shiva Rudrashtakam
Namaam-Iisham-Iishaana Nirvaanna-Rupam
Vibhum Vyaapakam Brahma-Veda-Svarupam ।
Nijam Nirgunnam Nirvikalpam Niriiham
Cidaakaasham-Aakaasha-Vaasam Bhaje-Aham ॥1॥
Niraakaaram-Ongkara-Muulam Turiiyam
Giraa-Jnyaana-Go-Atiitam-Iisham Giriisham
Karaalam Mahaakaala-Kaalam Krpaalam
Gunna-Aagaara-Samsaara-Paaram Nato-Aham ॥2॥
Tussaara-Adri-Samkaasha-Gauram Gabhiram
Mano-Bhuuta-Kotti-Prabhaa-Shrii Shariiram ।
Sphuran-Mauli-Kallolinii Caaru-Ganggaa
Lasad-Bhaala-Baale-Indu Kanntthe Bhujanggaa ॥3॥
Calat-Kunnddalam Bhruu-Sunetram Vishaalam
Prasanna-Aananam Niila-Kannttham Dayaalam ।
Mrga-Adhiisha-Carma-Ambaram Munndda-Maalam
Priyam Shangkaram Sarva-Naatham Bhajaami ॥4॥
Pracannddam Prakrssttam Pragalbham Pare-Iisham
Akhannddam Ajam Bhaanu-Kotti-Prakaasham ।
Tryah-Shuula-Nirmuulanam Shuula-Paannim
Bhaje-Aham Bhavaanii-Patim Bhaava-Gamyam ॥5॥
Kalaatiita-Kalyaanna Kalpa-Anta-Kaarii
Sadaa Sajjana-Aananda-Daataa Pura-Arii ।
Cid-Aananda-Samdoha Moha-Apahaarii
Prasiida Prasiida Prabho Manmatha-Arii ॥6॥
Na Yaavad Umaa-Naatha-Paada-Aravindam
Bhajanti-Iha Loke Pare Vaa Naraannaam ।
Na Taavat-Sukham Shaanti Santaapa-Naasham
Prasiida Prabho Sarva-Bhuuta-Adhi-Vaasam ॥7॥
Na Jaanaami Yogam Japam Naiva Puujaam
Natoham Sadaa Sarvadaa Shambhu-Tubhyam ।
Jaraa-Janma-Duhkhau-Agha Taatapyamaanam
Prabho Paahi Aapanna-Maam-Iisha Shambho ॥8॥
Rudraassttaka-Idam Proktam Viprenna Hara-Tossaye ।
Ye Patthanti Naraa Bhaktyaa Tessaam Shambhuh Prasiidati ॥
॥ Eti Shri Goswami Tulasidas Kratm Shri Rudrashtakam Sampoornam ॥
Meaning and Significance of Shiva Rudrashtakam
This hymn glorifies the non-dual, formless, and infinite nature of Lord Shiva. It describes Shiva as the creator, preserver, and destroyer of the universe.
Tulsidas Ji has depicted Shiva as the "foundation of knowledge," the "embodiment of detachment," and the "protector of devotees."
Importance of Reciting Shiva Rudrashtakam
- Reciting the Rudrashtakam provides liberation from all troubles in life.
- It grants peace of mind and stability to the soul.
- By the grace of Lord Shiva, one attains wealth, happiness, and prosperity.
- It destroys sins and opens the path to liberation (moksha).
Method of Reciting Shiva Rudrashtakam
- Take a bath in the morning and wear clean clothes.
- Light a lamp in front of the idol or Shivalinga of Lord Shiva.
- Offer Bilva leaves, water, milk, and incense.
- Chant the mantra “Om Namah Shivaya” and recite the Rudrashtakam.
- Finally, pray to Lord Shiva for the fulfillment of your desires.
Benefits of Reciting Shiva Rudrashtakam
- Increases peace of mind and spiritual energy.
- Helps in achieving success in difficult tasks.
- Destroys negative energy and fear.
- Increases stability, balance, and devotion in life.
Shiva Rudrashtakam is not just a hymn, but a means of devotion that leads the seeker on the path of self-realization and the worship of Paramashiva.
Regular recitation of this hymn surely brings the grace of Lord Shiva and ensures success in every endeavor of life.
