The Shiv Rudrashtakam, a powerful hymn in praise of Lord Shiva, is found in Sri Ram Charitamanas. This sacred chant is steeped in spirituality and is believed to bestow manifold blessings upon those who recite it faithfully. The Shiv Rudrashtakam is not merely a prayer; it is a spiritual journey, a means of attaining peace, prosperity, and ultimately, unity with the divine.
Rudrashtakam Stotram Lyrics
Shri Rudrashtakam is mentioned in the Uttara Kanda section of Ram Charitamanas. Lomash Rishi recites this hymn as a gesture of reverence towards Lord Shiva, seeking his intervention.
Source: RamCharitmanas
Author: Goswami Tulsidas
Poetry meter: Jagati
Stanza: 8 (Ashkatam) with 48 syllabus each stanza
Verse form: Bhujangaprayat chhand
Verse #1
नमामीशमीशान निर्वाण रूपं,
विभुं व्यापकं ब्रह्म वेदः स्वरूपम् ।
निजं निर्गुणं निर्विकल्पं निरीहं,
चिदाकाश माकाशवासं भजेऽहम् ॥
Namaam-Iisham-Iishaana Nirvaanna-Ruupam
Vibhum Vyaapakam Brahma-Veda-Svaruupam |
Nijam Nirgunnam Nirvikalpam Niriiham
Cidaakaasham-Aakaasha-Vaasam Bhaje-[A]ham ||
I honor Sri Rudra, also known as Lord Ishana, whose form embodies the ultimate state of Nirvana, the cessation of all desires and passions leading to supreme bliss. Although He pervades everywhere, He manifests in a form that encapsulates the most profound knowledge of Brahman found at the core of the Vedas.
He remains immersed in His own Self, beyond the influence of the three Gunas – Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas, free from changes and manifoldness, and devoid of any motion induced by desires. He resides in the spiritual sky, the Chidakasha; it is to that Ishana I offer my reverence.
Verse #2
निराकार मोंकार मूलं तुरीयं,
गिराज्ञान गोतीतमीशं गिरीशम् ।
करालं महाकाल कालं कृपालुं,
गुणागार संसार पारं नतोऽहम् ॥
Niraakaaram-Ongkara-Muulam Turiiyam
Giraa-Jnyaana-Go-[A]tiitam-Iisham Giriisham |
Karaalam Mahaakaala-Kaalam Krpaalam
Gunna-[A]agaara-Samsaara-Paaram Nato-[A]ham ||
I pay homage to Sri Rudra, who is formless, the origin of the sacred Omkara, dwelling in the state of Turiya, the realm where Brahman is experienced during meditation. He is the supreme Lord, beyond the reach of spoken knowledge and perceptible by the senses; He is Girisha, the Lord of the Mountains.
Assuming the formidable form of Mahakala, He can shatter Time itself, yet towards his devotees, He emanates immense compassion. I prostrate before Him, who aids in navigating through Samsara, this world of delusion, built from the Gunas.
Verse #3
तुषाराद्रि संकाश गौरं गभीरं,
मनोभूत कोटि प्रभा श्री शरीरम् ।
स्फुरन्मौलि कल्लोलिनी चारू गंगा,
लसद्भाल बालेन्दु कण्ठे भुजंगा॥
Tussaara-Adri-Samkaasha-Gauram Gabhiram
Mano-Bhuuta-Kotti-Prabhaa-Shrii Shariiram |
Sphuran-Mauli-Kallolinii Caaru-Ganggaa
Lasad-Bhaala-Baale[a-I]ndu Kanntthe Bhujanggaa ||
Honoring Sri Rudra, who shines as bright as a snow-covered mountain, and whose nature is incredibly profound. Within his mind, there are countless rays of light that shine out, reflecting on his blessed body.
On top of his head, the beautiful river Ganga moves energetically, flowing towards all worlds. Above his forehead, the newly appeared moon shines, spreading its light, and around his neck, beautiful snakes can be seen.
Verse #4
चलत्कुण्डलं शुभ्र नेत्रं विशालं,
प्रसन्नाननं नीलकण्ठं दयालम् ।
मृगाधीश चर्माम्बरं मुण्डमालं,
प्रिय शंकरं सर्वनाथं भजामि ॥
Calat-Kunnddalam Bhruu-Sunetram Vishaalam
Prasanna-[A]ananam Niila-Kannttham Dayaalam |
Mrga-Adhiisha-Carma-Ambaram Munndda-Maalam
Priyam Shangkaram Sarva-Naatham Bhajaami ||
I pay respect to Sri Rudra, whose earrings dance close to his magnificent face, adorned with a prominent eyebrow and large, captivating eyes. His face, radiant with joy and grace, houses a blue throat, a symbol of his sacrifice during the churning of the ocean, demonstrating his immense compassion.
He wears the skin of the king of beasts as his garment, and around his neck, a necklace of skulls adorns him. I honor him, the beloved of his followers, known also as Shankara, the one who is the supreme ruler of all.
Verse #5
प्रचण्डं प्रकष्टं प्रगल्भं परेशं,
अखण्डं अजं भानु कोटि प्रकाशम् ।
त्रयशूल निर्मूलनं शूल पाणिं,
भजेऽहं भवानीपतिं भाव गम्यम् ॥
Pracannddam Prakrssttam Pragalbham Pare[a-Ii]sham
Akhannddam Ajam Bhaanu-Kotti-Prakaasham |
Tryah-Shuula-Nirmuulanam Shuula-Paannim
Bhaje[a-A]ham Bhavaanii-Patim Bhaava-Gamyam ||
I pay respect to Sri Rudra, who is formidable, distinguished, and immensely powerful; He is the Supreme Lord. Who is eternally unborn and complete, radiating with the brilliance of a million suns.
He holds a trident in His hand, the three prongs of which have the power to uproot the binding effects of the three Gunas – Tamas, Rajas, and Sattva. I honor the partner of Devi Bhavani, who can only truly be reached through devotion.
Verse #6
कलातीत कल्याण कल्पान्तकारी,
सदा सच्चिनान्द दाता पुरारी।
चिदानन्द सन्दोह मोहापहारी,
प्रसीद प्रसीद प्रभो मन्मथारी ॥
Kalaatiita-Kalyaanna Kalpa-Anta-Kaarii
Sadaa Sajjana-[A]ananda-Daataa Pura-Arii |
Cid-Aananda-Samdoha Moha-Apahaarii
Prasiida Prasiida Prabho Manmatha-Arii ||
I salute Sri Rudra, whose auspicious nature transcends the tangible elements of the material world, and who brings closure to a Kalpa, a cycle of creation wherein all gross elements dissolve. Who continually bestows immense joy upon the wise, and who is the adversary, the destroyer, of the Tripurasuras, symbolic of Adharma.
By eradicating the grand illusion, He immerses the ready soul in the expansive bliss of Cidananda, the joy of pure consciousness or Brahman. Oh, the foe of Manmatha, bestow your grace upon me; kindly be gracious, oh Lord.
Verse #7
न यावद् उमानाथ पादारविन्दं,
भजन्तीह लोके परे वा नराणाम् ।
न तावद् सुखं शांति सन्ताप नाशं,
प्रसीद प्रभो सर्वं भूताधि वासं ॥
Na Yaavad Umaa-Naatha-Paada-Aravindam
Bhajanti-Iha Loke Pare Vaa Naraannaam |
Na Taavat-Sukham Shaanti Santaapa-Naasham
Prasiida Prabho Sarva-Bhuuta-Adhi-Vaasam ||
Paying homage to Sri Rudra, until the sacred Lotus Feet of the Lord of Uma, that are revered in this life or the next by humankind. Until that time, true joy, peace, and an end to sorrows will not be experienced in life. Therefore, O Lord, who resides within all beings, I humbly request your grace.
Verse #8
न जानामि योगं जपं नैव पूजा,
न तोऽहम् सदा सर्वदा शम्भू तुभ्यम् ।
जरा जन्म दुःखौघ तातप्यमानं,
प्रभोपाहि आपन्नामामीश शम्भो ॥
Na Jaanaami Yogam Japam Naiva Puujaam
Natoham Sadaa Sarvadaa Shambhu-Tubhyam |
Jaraa-Janma-Duhkhau-[A]gha Taatapyamaanam
Prabho Paahi Aapanna-Maam-Iisha Shambho ||
I pay my respects to Sri Rudra, acknowledging that I am unversed in the practice of Yoga, Japa, or Puja. My sole constant action, at every moment, is to bow before You, O Shambhu.
I beseech You to shield me from the pains of birth, aging, and the sins that lead to distress. Please guard me against tribulations, O Lord; protect me, my revered Lord Shambhu.
Ending Verse
रूद्राष्टकं इदं प्रोक्तं विप्रेण हर्षोतये
ये पठन्ति नरा भक्तयां तेषां शंभो प्रसीदति।।
Rudraassttaka-Idam Proktam Viprenna Hara-Tossaye
Ye Patthanti Naraa Bhaktyaa Tessaam Shambhuh Prasiidati ||
This Rudrashtaka, a composition of eight verses extolling Rudra, has been crafted by the wise to delight Hara, another name for Sri Shiva. Those individuals who recite this with sincere devotion will always find favor in the eyes of Sri Shambhu.
॥ इति श्रीगोस्वामितुलसीदासकृतं श्रीरुद्राष्टकं सम्पूर्णम् ॥
Benefits of Shri Shiva Rudrashtajam Stroram
It’s believed that the committed chanting of Shiv Rudrashtakam for a minimum of 108 days produces remarkable results. It is even said to guarantee a visit to “Shivalok,” the abode of Lord Shiva, provided good deeds are performed alongside. Above all, it earns the devotee the blessings of Lord Shiva.
Here are some benefits that arise from consistently chanting the Shiv Rudrashtakam:
- If the Shiv Rudrashtakam is faithfully chanted each morning and evening for a continuous period of seven days, it can help to conquer enemies.
- The hymn helps quiet the restless mind. It dispels troubling thoughts, aiding concentration and unity with the Self. As a result, the Shiv Rudrashtakam is considered a purifier of the mind.
- Regular recitation contributes to achieving success in various life pursuits.
- The hymn works to eliminate all kinds of fear and stress, bringing peace to the mind.
- It promotes overall well-being and joy in life. The chant revitalizes the body, mind, and spirit, offering a sense of renewal.
- The hymn has the power to mitigate the negative effects of unfavorable planetary alignments. Chanting the hymn brings peace and stability to one’s life.
- When chanted with utmost devotion, the hymn has the potential to fulfill your desires. Regular recitation of Shri Rudrashtakam can encourage positivity and good events in your life.