Mahakatha
Shivashtakam
Shiva Mantra sanskrit

Shivashtakam — Hindi Lyrics

Shivashtakam Mantra is a sacred Sanskrit hymn honoring Shiva that destroys ego and ignorance through transcendent meditation.

Shivashtakam (Shiva + ashtakam = eight verses) is a sacred hymn composed by Adi Shankaracharya, the 8th-century Advaita philosopher and saint. Each of the eight verses describes one of Lord Shiva's divine manifestations and cosmic qualities, concluding with the refrain "Namah Shivaya" (I bow to Shiva). The first verse addresses Shiva as the supreme cause of all existence, with blazing eyes like fire; the second portrays him adorned with the crescent moon and serpents; subsequent verses unveil his ash-covered ascetic form, his fierce Bhairava aspect, his role as destroyer of the ego-bound world, and finally his form as the eternal shepherd of all beings.

Spiritually, Shivashtakam bridges devotion and Advaita philosophy. Adi Shankaracharya composed this not merely as personal prayer but as a philosophical celebration of Shiva as Brahman—the non-dual absolute reality. Each verse employs paradox: Shiva is both fierce destroyer and gentle ascetic, both formless consciousness and embodied deity with serpent crown and tiger skin. The repetition of "Namah Shivaya" anchors the seeker in surrender and recognition that all apparent multiplicity arises from Shiva's eternal consciousness. Chanting this hymn cultivates both bhakti (devotion) and jnana (discriminative wisdom).

Recite Shivashtakam during Shiva puja, on Mondays, and especially during Mahashivaratri (the great night of Shiva). The full eight verses take 8–10 minutes at a meditative pace. Light incense and bilva leaves before beginning. Focus on sound and meaning rather than rushing through words. After completion, rest in silence for 3–5 minutes. Chanting with genuine devotion—allowing each image of Shiva to penetrate consciousness—multiplies the mantra's transformative power.

Curated by The Mahakatha Team · Original Composition: Mahakatha · Lyric: Adi Shankaracharya (8th century CE)

Shivashtakam

Shiva · Preview · 2:00

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Lyrics

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1

तस्मै नमः परम कारण कारणाय। दीप्तोज्ज्वल ज्ज्वलित पिङ्गल लोचनाय। नागेन्द्र हार कृत कुण्डल भूषणाय। ब्रह्मेन्द्र विष्णु वरदाय नमः शिवाय॥

तस्मै नमः परम कारण कारणाय। दीप्तोज्ज्वल ज्ज्वलित पिङ्गल लोचनाय। नागेन्द्र हार कृत कुण्डल भूषणाय। ब्रह्मेन्द्र विष्णु वरदाय नमः शिवाय॥

मैं उन्हें प्रणाम करता हूँ, जो समस्त कारणों के कारण हैं,

जिनके गहरे भूरे नेत्रों का तेजस्वी प्रकाश ब्रह्मांड को प्रकाशित करता है

जिनके शरीर पर राजसी सर्प शोभायमान है

जो सृष्टि और पालन के देवताओं को आशीर्वाद देते हैं, मैं उन सर्वशक्तिमान शिव को समर्पित हूँ

2

|| श्रीमत्प्रसन्नाशाशिपन्नगभूषणाय || || शैलेन्द्रजवदनाचुम्बितलोचनाय || || कैलाशमन्दरमहेन्द्रनिकेतनया || || लोकत्रयार्थीहरणाय नमः शिवाय ||

|| श्रीमत्प्रसन्नाशाशिपन्नगभूषणाय || || शैलेन्द्रजवदनाचुम्बितलोचनाय || || कैलाशमन्दरमहेन्द्रनिकेतनया || || लोकत्रयार्थीहरणाय नमः शिवाय ||

वे, जिनका मस्तक चमकते चंद्रमा के मुकुट से सुशोभित है

जिनके मंत्रमुग्ध करने वाले नेत्र पर्वत की पुत्री पार्वती का शुद्ध प्रतिबिंब दर्शाते हैं

जो कैलाश, मंदार और महेन्द्र पर्वत श्रृंखलाओं के शिखर पर निवास करते हैं

जिनकी उपचार शक्ति समस्त सांसारिक दुखों को पराजित करती है, मैं उन सर्वशक्तिमान शिव को समर्पित हूँ

3

पद्म अवदात मणिकुण्डल गो वृषाय। कृष्णागरु प्रचुर चन्दन चर्चिताय। भस्मानुशक्त विकचोत्पल मल्लिकाय। नीलाभ कण्ठ सदृशाय नमः शिवाय॥

पद्म अवदात मणिकुण्डल गो वृषाय। कृष्णागरु प्रचुर चन्दन चर्चिताय। भस्मानुशक्त विकचोत्पल मल्लिकाय। नीलाभ कण्ठ सदृशाय नमः शिवाय॥

वे, जो अपने कानों में चमकती पद्मराग मणि धारण करते हैं

जिनका शरीर दिव्य और मधुर सुगंधित चंदन के लेप से सुशोभित है,

और पूर्ण विकसित कमल और मल्लिका के पुष्पों से सजा है, जो उनकी पवित्र भस्म से चिपके हुए हैं,

जिनका नीला कंठ कमल के समान है, मैं उन सर्वशक्तिमान शिव को समर्पित हूँ

4

लम्बत्स पिङ्गल जटा मुकुटोत्कटाय। दंष्ट्र करालविकटोत्कट भैरवाय। व्याघ्राजिन अम्बरधराय मनोहराय। त्रैलोक्य नाथ नमिताय नमः शिवाय॥

लम्बत्स पिङ्गल जटा मुकुटोत्कटाय। दंष्ट्र करालविकटोत्कट भैरवाय। व्याघ्राजिन अम्बरधराय मनोहराय। त्रैलोक्य नाथ नमिताय नमः शिवाय॥

वे, जिनके बाल लंबी जटाओं के रूप में हैं

जो भयंकर भैरव का रूप धारण करते हैं

जो व्याघ्र चर्म धारण करते हैं

और तीनों लोकों द्वारा पूजित हैं, मैं उन सर्वशक्तिमान शिव को समर्पित हूँ

5

दक्ष प्रजापति महा मख नाशनाय। क्षिप्रम् महात्रिपुर दानव घातनाय। ब्रह्मो उर्जितोर्ध्वग करोति निक्रुन्तनाय। योगाय योग नमिताय नमः शिवाय॥

दक्ष प्रजापति महा मख नाशनाय। क्षिप्रम् महात्रिपुर दानव घातनाय। ब्रह्मो उर्जितोर्ध्वग करोति निक्रुन्तनाय। योगाय योग नमिताय नमः शिवाय॥

वे, जिन्होंने दक्ष प्रजापति के यज्ञ को विध्वंस किया,

जिन्होंने त्रिपुरासुरों का भयंकर वध किया,

जिन्होंने अहंकार से भरे ब्रह्मा के ऊपरी सिर को काटने का साहस किया

जो योग के माध्यम से पूजित और आराधित हैं, मैं उन सर्वशक्तिमान शिव को समर्पित हूँ

6

संसार सृष्टि घटना परिवर्तनाय। रक्षः पिशाच गण सिद्ध समाकुलाय। सिद्धोरग ग्रह गणेन्द्र निषेविताय। शार्दूल चर्मवसनाय नमः शिवाय॥

संसार सृष्टि घटना परिवर्तनाय। रक्षः पिशाच गण सिद्ध समाकुलाय। सिद्धोरग ग्रह गणेन्द्र निषेविताय। शार्दूल चर्मवसनाय नमः शिवाय॥

वे, जो संपूर्ण ब्रह्मांड का विनाश और पुनर्निर्माण करते हैं

जो आत्माओं की ढाल से सुरक्षित हैं

जिनकी सेवा समस्त उत्कृष्ट प्राणी करते हैं

जो व्याघ्र चर्म का वस्त्र धारण करते हैं, मैं उन सर्वशक्तिमान शिव को समर्पित हूँ

7

भस्मांग राग कृतरूप मनोहराय। सौम्यावदात वनम् आश्रितम् आश्रिताय। गौरी कटाक्ष नयनार्ध निरीक्षणाय। गो क्षीर धार ध्वलाय नमः शिवाय॥

भस्मांग राग कृतरूप मनोहराय। सौम्यावदात वनम् आश्रितम् आश्रिताय। गौरी कटाक्ष नयनार्ध निरीक्षणाय। गो क्षीर धार ध्वलाय नमः शिवाय॥

वे, जिनका शरीर पवित्र भस्म से लदा हुआ है

जो ध्यान करने वाली शुद्ध आत्माओं के लिए सुरक्षित आश्रय हैं

वे, जिन्हें गौरी अपनी अर्ध मुंदी आँखों के कोने से देखती हैं

जो शुद्ध दूध के समान उज्ज्वल चमकते हैं, मैं उन सर्वशक्तिमान शिव को समर्पित हूँ

8

आदित्य सोम वरुणानिल सेविताय। यज्ञाग्निहोत्र वर धूम निकेतनाय। ह्रुक् सामवेद मुनिभिः स्तुति संयुताय। गोपाय गोप नमिताय नमः शिवाय॥

आदित्य सोम वरुणानिल सेविताय। यज्ञाग्निहोत्र वर धूम निकेतनाय। ह्रुक् सामवेद मुनिभिः स्तुति संयुताय। गोपाय गोप नमिताय नमः शिवाय॥

वे, जिनकी सेवा वृषभ, सूर्य, चंद्रमा और वर्षा तथा अग्नि के देवता करते हैं

जो यज्ञ की अग्नि से पवित्र किए गए स्थानों में निवास करते हैं

जिनकी स्तुति ऋषियों द्वारा लिखी गई है और वेदों में भरी हुई है

जो सभी के रक्षक हैं, और रक्षकों द्वारा पूजित हैं, मैं उन सर्वशक्तिमान शिव को समर्पित हूँ

9

॥ शिवाष्टकमिदं पुण्यं यः पठेत् शिवसंनिधौ ॥ ॥ शिवलोकमवाप्नोति शिवेन सह मोदते ॥

॥ शिवाष्टकमिदं पुण्यं यः पठेत् शिवसंनिधौ ॥ ॥ शिवलोकमवाप्नोति शिवेन सह मोदते ॥

जो इस शिव मंत्र का पूर्ण एकाग्रता और समर्पण के साथ जाप करेगा,

वह शिव के लोक में प्रवेश करेगा और उनके मार्गदर्शन में आनंदित रहेगा।

How to Chant Shivashtakam

  1. 1

    Find a quiet, clean space

    Sit in a comfortable, undisturbed environment. Face east or north if possible. You may light incense or a candle to set a contemplative atmosphere.

  2. 2

    Settle into a comfortable posture

    Sit cross-legged on the floor or upright in a chair. Keep the spine erect and place the hands on the knees with palms facing upward.

  3. 3

    Take three cleansing breaths

    Inhale slowly through the nose, hold briefly, and exhale completely. Repeat three times to calm the mind and prepare for mantra recitation.

  4. 4

    Begin chanting Shivashtakam

    Chant the mantra clearly and with devotion — aloud, in a whisper, or silently. Use a mala (108 beads) to count repetitions. Aim for a consistent, unhurried rhythm throughout the session.

  5. 5

    Rest in stillness

    After completing your chanting, sit quietly for two to five minutes. Allow the vibration of the mantra to settle within. Close the practice with a moment of gratitude.

Benefits of Shivashtakam

  • Destroys ego and ignorance (avidya) by meditating on Shiva's transcendent form beyond all conceptual limitation.

    Source: Adi Shankaracharya's Advaita commentaries; Upanishads (Kena, Katha)

  • Invokes Shiva's aspect as Mrityunjaya—conqueror of death—for protection from illness, fear, and existential suffering.

    Source: Mrityunjaya Mantra tradition; Rudram (Yajurveda)

  • Cultivates vairagya (dispassion) and samadhi (meditative absorption) through contemplating Shiva's absolute detachment.

    Source: Traditional Yoga and Tantra practice; Shiva Sutras

  • Purifies the subtle body (nadis and chakras) and awakens kundalini shakti through rhythmic invocation.

    Source: Tantric tradition; Hatha Yoga Pradipika

  • Removes obstacles to spiritual progress and bestows grace (kripa) through Shiva's role as supreme guru.

    Source: Guru Gita; Traditional devotional practice

Deity Shiva
Composition Mahakatha (Original) · Adi Shankaracharya (8th century CE) (Lyric)
Also called Shivashtakam · Shiva Ashtakam · Shiva Stotram · Shivashtakam Mantra · Shiva Ashtak · Shiva Hymn
Shiva also known as Mahadeva · Maheshwara · Shankar · Bholenath · Nataraja
Good for
Mantras for Sleep

Story & Symbolism

Adi Shankaracharya (788–820 CE), the towering figure of Hindu philosophy and spirituality, composed Shivashtakam as both a devotional hymn and a philosophical treatise. Shankaracharya revitalized Hinduism during a period of decline, establishing four cardinal monasteries (mathas) and systematizing Advaita Vedanta—the philosophy that recognizes non-duality (Brahman as the sole ultimate reality). Though Shankaracharya is celebrated primarily as a philosopher, he was equally a devotee. He composed numerous hymns and ashtakams (eight-verse liturgies) to Shiva, Devi, Vishnu, and other manifestations of the divine. Shivashtakam stands as his supreme offering to Shiva, weaving philosophical depth with emotional reverence.

Shiva occupies a unique place in Hindu spirituality: he is simultaneously the fierce destroyer of ignorance, the transcendent ascetic beyond all form, and the compassionate guru who grants liberation. Shankaracharya's eight verses unveil these paradoxes, moving from Shiva as supreme cause (Parama Karana) through his fierce forms (Bhairava, Rudra) to his role as eternal protector and guide. Each verse addresses a different facet of Shiva's manifestation—his cosmic eyes, his serpent ornaments, his ash-covered body, his dance of dissolution—while the refrain "Namah Shivaya" anchors the seeker in surrender. Through Shivashtakam, Shankaracharya teaches that worship is not mere external ritual but a pathway to recognizing one's own identity with Shiva-Brahman, the non-dual consciousness.

From Shankaracharya's era to the present day, Shivashtakam has remained a cornerstone of Hindu devotional and monastic practice. It is chanted in temples, ashrams, and homes across India and the global Hindu diaspora. The hymn has been preserved in multiple Sanskrit recensions and remains a living tradition, transmitted from guru to disciple through oral lineage. Today, Shivashtakam continues to guide millions of seekers—both as a meditation on Shiva's transcendent nature and as a practical tool for spiritual awakening.

How to Use in Daily Life

Early Morning Chanting

Chant Shivashtakam during brahma muhurta (pre-dawn), when the mind is naturally calm and the atmosphere is charged with sattvic (pure) energy. This is the optimal time for deepest meditation and spiritual reception.

Meditation Anchor

Use Shivashtakam as an anchor for meditation. Chant slowly, allowing each image of Shiva to dissolve into pure sound and awareness. Let the words and their meanings flow through you without grasping.

Ritual Offering

Recite Shivashtakam before Shiva worship (puja), temple visits, or on Mondays. Light incense, offer bilva leaves or flowers, and chant with full heart. This transforms routine worship into direct communion with Shiva's grace.

Evening Reflection

Chant Shivashtakam in the evening to release the day's tensions and ego-clinging. The hymn's message of detachment (vairagya) helps purify the mind before sleep, inviting peaceful, sattvic dreams.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Shivashtakam Mantra?
Shivashtakam is an eight-verse Sanskrit hymn to Lord Shiva composed by Adi Shankaracharya, the 8th-century founder of Advaita Vedanta philosophy. Each verse unveils a different cosmic aspect of Shiva—from supreme creator-cause to fierce destroyer of ignorance—and ends with the sacred refrain "Namah Shivaya" (I bow to Shiva). It is not a single mantra but a devotional hymn that combines bhakti (devotion) with jnana (wisdom). The hymn takes approximately 8–10 minutes to chant at a meditative pace. Chanting Shivashtakam is a complete spiritual practice—one that honors Shiva's transcendent nature while inviting his grace into the practitioner's life. Unlike some mantras that focus on a single intention, Shivashtakam opens the seeker to the full spectrum of Shiva's divine qualities: destroyer of ego, giver of liberation, ascetic renunciate, cosmic dancer, and eternal consciousness itself.
What are the benefits of chanting Shivashtakam Mantra?
Chanting Shivashtakam offers profound spiritual and psychological benefits. It dissolves the illusion of ego and separateness by meditating on Shiva as non-dual reality—the source from which all apparent multiplicity arises. The practice invokes Shiva's protective aspect (Mrityunjaya) to overcome fear, illness, and suffering. Regular chanting cultivates vairagya (dispassion) and samadhi (absorption), preparing the mind for meditation and higher states of consciousness. The hymn also purifies the subtle energy channels (nadis) and awakens the dormant kundalini shakti through the vibrational resonance of sacred syllables. Beyond personal benefits, chanting Shivashtakam generates auspiciousness (mangala) in the household and surrounding environment, dispersing accumulated negative vibrations. Most importantly, it opens the heart to Shiva's grace (kripa)—the transformative power that liberates the seeker from ignorance and suffering.
When and how should I chant Shivashtakam Mantra?
Chant Shivashtakam on Mondays (Shiva's sacred day) and especially during Mahashivaratri—the great night of Shiva—for maximum potency. Early morning (brahma muhurta, before sunrise) is ideal, when the mind is naturally calm and pure. Before beginning, light incense and place a bilva leaf offering or flower before a Shiva image or simple altar. Sit in a clean, quiet space with spine upright and heart open. Chant the eight verses slowly and mindfully at a pace that allows you to absorb the meaning—approximately 8–10 minutes. Do not rush. After completing the hymn, sit in silence for 3–5 minutes, allowing the vibrations to settle into your being. You may chant daily or as often as inspiration guides you. Even chanting one verse with full attention carries profound benefit. Consistency matters more than speed.
Who composed Shivashtakam and why?
Adi Shankaracharya (788–820 CE), the legendary philosopher and saint who founded Advaita Vedanta, composed Shivashtakam. Shankaracharya composed several ashtakams (eight-verse hymns) to different deities as expressions of both personal devotion and philosophical teaching. Shivashtakam is his masterpiece to Shiva—a distillation of non-dual wisdom wrapped in devotional beauty. Shankaracharya created this hymn not merely for personal worship but as a spiritual text for all seekers: it teaches that worship of Shiva's transcendent form leads to recognition of one's own true nature as Brahman (eternal consciousness). The hymn bridges the apparent gap between devotion and wisdom, showing that sincere bhakti naturally flowers into jnana. Through Shivashtakam, Shankaracharya invites the seeker to bow before Shiva while recognizing that the one bowing and the one bowed to are ultimately one.
How do I pronounce Shivashtakam correctly?
Pronounce "Shivashtakam" as: SHEE-vah-SHTAH-kam. Break it into syllables: Shi-va-ash-ta-kam. "Shiva" (the deity) is pronounced SHEE-vah with emphasis on the first syllable. "Ashtakam" (eight verses) is pronounced ASH-tah-kam, with the 'ash' sounding like the 'ash' in 'ashamed.' Each verse concludes with "Namah Shivaaya"—NAH-mah SHEE-vah-YAH—meaning "I bow to Shiva." If you are new to Sanskrit, listen to a recorded version by a traditional chanter to absorb the correct pronunciation and melodic flow. Sanskrit pronunciation emphasizes clarity and elongation of vowels; each syllable should be articulated distinctly. While perfect Sanskrit pronunciation is valuable, sincere intention and devotion matter more than flawless accent. Chant with your whole heart, and the mantra's power will reach you.
What happens if we chant Shivashtakam Mantra?
Regular chanting of Shivashtakam Mantra creates measurable shifts in your mental, emotional, and spiritual state. Destroys ego and ignorance (avidya) by meditating on Shiva's transcendent form beyond all conceptual limitation. Invokes Shiva's aspect as Mrityunjaya—conqueror of death—for protection from illness, fear, and existential suffering. Cultivates vairagya (dispassion) and samadhi (meditative absorption) through contemplating Shiva's absolute detachment. Most practitioners notice a tangible difference within the first week of daily practice — start with 108 repetitions using a mala and observe how your inner state transforms.

Related Prayers & Chants

aarti

Om Jai Shiv Omkara
japa

Om Namah Shivaya Japa (108x)
japa

Maha Mrityunjaya Japa
kavach

Shiva Kavach
kavach

Batuk Bhairav Kavach

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From the Bhagavad Gita

10.23

BG 10.23

I Am Shiva Among the Rudras

Of the Rudras I am Shankara — Shiva, the auspicious one who dissolves what no longer serves.

Read full verse →

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