Lingashtakam Stotram (लिङ्गाष्टकम् स्तोत्रं) is a revered hymn dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. Comprising eight shlokas, or verses, this stotram venerates the Shiva Linga, the sacred symbol of Lord Shiva, representing his infinite nature and eternal presence.
Each verse of the Lingashtakam glorifies different aspects of the Shiva Linga, highlighting its spiritual significance and the divine attributes of Lord Shiva. Chanting or listening to the Lingashtakam is believed to purify the mind, remove negative karma, and bring the devotee closer to achieving moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
This ancient hymn holds a special place in the hearts of devotees, often recited during the holy month of Shravan, Maha Shivaratri, and other auspicious occasions dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The origin of the Lingashtakam is attributed to the great sage Adi Shankaracharya, a philosopher and theologian who consolidated the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta.
Through his composition, Adi Shankaracharya sought to emphasize the importance of devotion (bhakti) and the realization of the formless, omnipresent nature of the divine through the worship of the Linga.
The profound verses of the Lingashtakam encapsulate the essence of Lord Shiva’s attributes—his omnipotence, omniscience, and benevolence. They serve as a reminder of the cosmic principles he embodies and his role as the destroyer of ignorance and the transformer of the universe.
लिङ्गाष्टकम् स्तोत्रं हिंदी में
ब्रह्ममुरारिसुरार्चितलिङ्गं निर्मलभासितशोभितलिङ्गम् ।
जन्मजदुःखविनाशकलिङ्गं तत् प्रणमामि सदाशिवलिङ्गम् ॥१॥
देवमुनिप्रवरार्चितलिङ्गं कामदहं करुणाकरलिङ्गम् ।
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 ।
परात्परं परमात्मकलिङ्गं तत् प्रणमामि सदाशिवलिङ्गम् ॥८॥
लिङ्गाष्टकमिदं पुण्यं यः पठेत् शिवसन्निधौ।
शिवलोकमवाप्नोति शिवेन सह मोदते॥
Lingashtakam Stotram in English
Brahma Muraari Sura Aarcita Linggam Nirmala Bhaasita Shobhita Linggam।
Janmaja Duhkha Vinaashaka Linggam Tat Prannamaami Sadaashiva Linggam॥1॥
Deva Muni Pravara Aarcita Linggam Kaama Dahan Karunnaa Kara Linggam।
Raavanna Darpa Vinaashana Linggam Tat Prannamaami Sadaashiva Linggam॥2॥
Sarva Sugandhi Sulepita Linggam Buddhi Vivardhana Kaaranna Linggam।
Siddha Sura Asura Vandita Linggam Tat Prannamaami Sadaashiva Linggam॥3॥
Kanaka Mahaamanni Bhuussita Linggam Phanni Pati Vessttita Shobhita Linggam।
Dakssa Su Yajnya Vinaashana Linggam Tat Prannamaami Sadaashiva Linggam॥4॥
Kungkuma Candana Lepita Linggam Pangkaja Haara Su Shobhita Linggam।
San.cita Paapa Vinaashana Linggam Tat Prannamaami Sadaashiva Linggam॥5॥
Deva Ganna Aarcita Sevita Linggam Bhaavair Bhaktibhir Eva Ca Linggam।
Dinakara Kotti Prabhaakara Linggam Tat Prannamaami Sadaashiva Linggam॥6॥
Asstta Dalo Parivessttita Linggam Sarva Samudbhava Kaaranna Linggam।
Asstta Daridra Vinaashita Linggam Tat Prannamaami Sadaashiva Linggam॥7॥
Suraguru Suravara Puujita Linggam Suravana Pusspa Sada Aarcita Linggam।
Paraatparam Paramaatmaka Linggam Tat Prannamaami Sadaashiva Linggam॥8॥
Linggaassttakam Idam Punnyam Yah Patthet Shiva Sannidhau।
Shivalokam Avaapnoti Shivena Saha Modate॥
Conclusion
The Lingashtakam Stotram is more than just a series of verses; it is a spiritual tool that fosters inner peace and divine connection. By reciting the Lingashtakam, devotees can immerse themselves in the boundless grace and protective aura of Lord Shiva.
Each verse meticulously crafted by Adi Shankaracharya serves as a spiritual beacon, guiding devotees toward a path of righteousness and enlightenment. The stotram's deep-rooted significance in Hindu spirituality underscores its timeless relevance, making it a cherished practice among devotees across the world.
Whether one is seeking solace, spiritual growth, or liberation, the Lingashtakam offers a profound means to experience the divine presence of Lord Shiva.
In a world often clouded by material pursuits and transient distractions, the Lingashtakam stands as a beacon of devotion, reminding us of the eternal truth and the omnipresence of the divine.
Its recitation not only honors Lord Shiva but also invokes his blessings, paving the way for a life imbued with wisdom, compassion, and divine insight.
As devotees chant these sacred verses, they are enveloped in the transformative power of Lord Shiva’s love and protection, drawing closer to the ultimate goal of self-realization and inner peace.