Rudrashtakam Mantra
Rudrashtakam Mantra

Rudrashtakam Mantra

Rudrashtakam Mantra Lyrics, Meaning, Benefits, Download

Learn everything about this Shiva mantra that inspires courage and fearlessness
 
 
The Rudrashtakam mantra is a devotional hymn dedicated to Lord Shiva and was composed by the saint Tulsidas.
The Rudrashtakam beautifully describes Shiva's attributes, including his formlessness, his role as the destroyer of ignorance, and his cosmic presence.
Each verse of this hymn is a poetic expression of reverence and surrender, and chanting this mantra is believed to bring inner peace, spiritual growth, and protection from negativity.
The Rudrashtakam mantra is the latest addition to our library of mantras which includes Devi, Ganesha, Vishnu, and Shiva mantras.
 

Lyrics of the Mantra

Verse 1:
|| namamishamishana nirvanarupam
vibhum vyapakam brahmavedasvarupam
nijam nirgunam nirvikalpam niriham
chidakashamakashavasam bhajeham ||
 
Verse 2:
|| nirakaramonkaramulam turiyam
girajnanagotitamisham girisham
karalam mahakalakalam kripalam
gunagarasansaraparam natoham ||
 
Verse 3:
|| tusharadrisankashagauram gabhiram
manobhutakotiprabhashri shariram
sphuranmaulikallolini charuganga
lasadbhalabalendu kanthe bhujanga ||
 
Verse 4:
|| chalatkundalam bhrusunetram vishalam
prasannananam nilakantham dayalam
mrigadhishacharmambaram mundamalam
priyam shankaram sarvanatham bhajami ||
 
Verse 5:
|| prachandam prakrishtam pragalbham paresham
akhandam ajam bhanukotiprakasham
tryahshulanirmulanam shulapanim
bhajeham bhavanipatim bhavagamyam ||
 
Verse 6:
|| kalatitakalyana kalpantakari
sada sajjananandadata purari
chidanandasandoha mohapahari
prasida prasida prabho manmathari ||
 
Verse 7:
|| na yavad umanathapadaravindam
bhajantiha loke pare va naranam
na tavatsukham shanti santapanasham
prasida prabho sarvabhutadhivasam ||
 
Verse 8:
|| na janami yogam japam naiva pujam
natoham sada sarvada shambhutubhyam
jarajanmaduhkhaugha tatapyamanam
prabho pahi apannamamisha shambho ||
 
Concluding Verse:
|| iti shrigosvamitulasidasakritam shrirudrashtakam sampurnam ||
 

Meaning of the Mantra

Verse 1:
|| namamishamishana nirvanarupam
vibhum vyapakam brahmavedasvarupam
nijam nirgunam nirvikalpam niriham
chidakashamakashavasam bhajeham ||
-
Meaning:
Salutations to Lord Ishana, whose form represents the blissful state of Nirvana
He manifests everywhere and embodies the ultimate knowledge found in the Vedas
Absorbed in His own Self, He is beyond the three gunas, change, and movement
Abiding in the spiritual sky, I worship Ishana.
 
Verse 2:
|| nirakaramonkaramulam turiyam
girajnanagotitamisham girisham
karalam mahakalakalam kripalam
gunagarasansaraparam natoham ||
-
Meaning:
Salutations to the formless Rudra, the source of Omkara, who resides in the state of Turiya
He is beyond speech, senses, and thought, and is the Lord of the mountains
As Mahakala, He transcends time and showers compassion on His devotees
I bow to Him, who helps us cross the illusion of worldly existence.
 
Verse 3:
|| tusharadrisankashagauram gabhiram
manobhutakotiprabhashri shariram
sphuranmaulikallolini charuganga
lasadbhalabalendu kanthe bhujanga ||
-
Meaning:
Salutations to Rudra, radiant like a mountain of snow, whose depth is infinite
From His being radiates countless rays of splendor, illuminating His auspicious form
The sacred Ganga flows from His head, blessing the worlds
The crescent moon adorns His forehead, and serpents grace His neck.
 
Verse 4:
|| chalatkundalam bhrusunetram vishalam
prasannananam nilakantham dayalam
mrigadhishacharmambaram mundamalam
priyam shankaram sarvanatham bhajami ||
-
Meaning:
Salutations to Rudra, whose earrings sway near His beautiful face with large, striking eyes
His joyful face radiates compassion, and His blue throat reflects His selfless deeds
He wears tiger skin and a garland of skulls, embodying renunciation
I worship Shankara, beloved of devotees and Lord of all beings.
 
Verse 5:
|| prachandam prakrishtam pragalbham paresham
akhandam ajam bhanukotiprakasham
tryahshulanirmulanam shulapanim
bhajeham bhavanipatim bhavagamyam ||
-
Meaning:
Salutations to Rudra, who is formidable, supreme, and radiant with the brilliance of a million suns
He is eternal, unborn, and whole
His trident removes the bonds of the three gunas, liberating the soul
I worship the consort of Devi Bhavani, attainable only through devotion.
 
Verse 6:
|| kalatitakalyana kalpantakari
sada sajjananandadata purari
chidanandasandoha mohapahari
prasida prasida prabho manmathari ||
-
Meaning:
Salutations to Rudra, who transcends material elements and dissolves creation at the end of a cycle
He brings joy to the wise and destroys adharma represented by Tripurasuras
By dispelling delusion, He immerses the soul in the bliss of pure consciousness
O destroyer of Manmatha, be gracious to me, O Lord.
 
Verse 7:
|| na yavad umanathapadaravindam
bhajantiha loke pare va naranam
na tavatsukham shanti santapanasham
prasida prabho sarvabhutadhivasam ||
-
Meaning:
Salutations to Rudra, whose lotus feet should be worshipped by all beings
Without worship, true joy, peace, and freedom from sorrow cannot be attained
Therefore, O Lord, be gracious and bless those who seek You
You who reside in all beings, please grant Your grace.
 
Verse 8:
|| na janami yogam japam naiva pujam
natoham sada sarvada shambhutubhyam
jarajanmaduhkhaugha tatapyamanam
prabho pahi apannamamisha shambho ||
-
Meaning:
Salutations to Shambhu, as I do not know how to perform Yoga, Japa, or Puja
I only bow to You at all times, seeking refuge in Your grace
Protect me from the sorrows of birth, old age, and sins that bring suffering
O Lord Shambhu, save me from all afflictions and grant me peace.
 
Concluding Verse:
|| iti shrigosvamitulasidasakritam shrirudrashtakam sampurnam ||
-
Meaning:
Thus ends the Rudrashtakam, composed by Goswami Tulsidas.
 

Variations of the Mantra

The Rudrashtakam mantra is a set of eight verses dedicated to Lord Shiva and is also known by other names based on which aspect of Shiva is referenced.
It can also be referred to as a "stotra" instead of a mantra, emphasizing its poetic and hymn-like structure. So you might see references to the Rudrashtakam Stotram in other sources.
One of the common names is Shivashtakam, which is derived from content that extensively praises Lord Shiva's various aspects.
Since it was composed by the saint Tulsidas, it is occasionally associated with the name Tulsidas Rudrashtakam to differentiate it from other ashtakams dedicated to Shiva.
Some versions include added invocations or refrains to enhance its musicality during kirtans or temple rituals.
 

Preview Rudrashtakam Mantra

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Benefits of the Mantra

The Rudrashtakam Mantra holds several benefits for the mind of both the chanter and the listener.
Listening to this powerful Shiva mantra along with meditation helps you in the following ways.
 
Benefit 1 - Removes pride
A prideful person can find humility through this prayer to Shiva when chanted regularly
 
Benefit 2 - Brings calmness
Without negative qualities making you stray from the path, you become more calm and focused
 
Benefit 3 - Grants courage and strength
Through this chant, you will find courage and strength beyond your wildest dreams, as no challenge seems intimidating
 

History of the Mantra

The Rudrashtakam was composed by the saint-poet Goswami Tulsidas, known for his immense devotion to Lord Rama. However, in this hymn, Tulsidas praises Lord Rudra (Shiva), showcasing the unity of Shiva and Vishnu.
It was written during the 16th century, a time of Bhakti revival in India, which emphasized heartfelt devotion over rituals.
The hymn was a means to glorify Shiva’s transcendental nature and seek his blessings for spiritual growth and liberation. It reflects Tulsidas’s deep understanding of divine grace and the path to moksha.