The Lingashtakam is a strotram (hymn) in praise of Sri Shiva, also called Maheswara, Rudra, Pasupati etc. The Linga is a symbol for Shiva, just like Sankha (conch shell) and Chakra (discus wheel) are symbolic of Sri Vishnu. Linga also means the gender of a being. We have Stree Linga (Female gender), Pumlinga (Male Gender) and Napumsaka Linga (literally non-male Gender, but meaning neutral gender).
The Lingasthakam Stotram is a prayer formed of eight salutations or invocations offered to the Supreme Deity in his aspect as Linga. Linga is the universal symbol of creation and source of everything. This prayer glorifies the Shiva Linga and details its greatness. Each stanza lists the God’s glory and the benefits of worshipping the Shiva Linga. It states that the linga is worshipped by Vishnu and Brahma as well. Filled with peace at all times, it destroys any suffering caused by the cycle of birth and rebirth.
Worshipped by sages and gods, it is powerful enough to take away the pride of dreadful demons like Ravana. It burns away sexual desire. Adorned with fragrances, the Shiva Linga brings increased intelligence. Decorated with gold and precious stones and radiating the effulgence of shining gems, it even caused the destruction of Daksha.
(Daksha was one of the sons of Lord Brahma. In the Hindu scriptures Daksha at one point insulted Shiva and Shiva destroyed him. Daksha was later forgiven by the merciful Shiva.)
It is covered by sandal paste and kumkum and adorned with garlands. It has the power to destroy the past karmas of worshippers. Whoever recites the Lingasthakam Stotram on a daily basis in the presence of Shiva would travel to the world of Shiva and live in his company.
Instructions and Benefits of Chanting the Lingashtakam:
According to the Hindu religion, regular recitation of Lingashtakam is the most powerful way to please Lord Shiva and get his blessings. A devotee should chant this stotram in the early morning and evening in front of the Shiva picture or linga to get connected with the Supreme God and get the desired results.
The Lingasthakam Stotram is a great hymn to offer prayers to Lord Shiva during Shivaratri festival. Worshipping Shiva Linga with this prayer and decorating it with garlands and flowers, offering fragrances and fruits is a nice way to please the Lord and seek his blessings.
Regular recitation of this hymn gives the devotee peace of mind and keeps him away from all evils and bad thoughts. Those who chant this mantra regularly become healthy, wealthy, prosperous and wise. The power of linga helps the person acquire positivity, confidence, and will and succeed in his endeavors.
The Lingashtakam Stotram is one of the most revered hymns in the Hindu religion. Mantras have unique power associated with them. Be it science or religion, the most important thing is belief. Every ritual we perform impacts our lives in some way or the other.
लिङ्गाश्टकम (The Lingashtakam Hymn)
ब्रह्ममुरारिसुरार्चितलिङ्गम निर्मलभासितशोभितलिङ्गम l
जन्मजदुःखविनाशकलिङ्गम तत प्रणमामि सदाशिवलिङ्गम ll
Brahma Murari Sura architha Lingam, Nirmala bashitha Shobitha Lingam l
Janmaja dukha vinasaka lingam, That pranamami sada shiva lingam lI
I bow before that Lingam, which is the eternal Shiva, Which is worshipped by Brahma, Vishnu and other Devas,
Which is pure and resplendent, And which destroys sorrows of birth.
देवमुनिप्रवरार्चितलिङ्गम कामदहम करुणाकर लिङ्गम l
रावणदर्पविनाशनलिङ्गम तत प्रणमामि सदाशिव लिङ्गम ll
Deva Murari pravarchitha Lingam, Kama dahana Karunakara lingam l
Ravana darpa vinashana lingam, That pranamami sad shiva lingam ll
I bow before that Lingam, which is the eternal Shiva, Which is worshipped by great sages and devas,
Which destroyed the god of love, Which showers mercy, And which destroyed the pride of Ravana.
सर्वसुगन्धिसुलेपितलिङ्गम बुद्धिविवर्धनकारणलिङ्गम l
सिद्धसुरासुरवन्दितलिङ्गम तत प्रणमामि सदाशिव लिङ्गम ll
Sarva sukandhi sulepitha lingam, Budhi vivarthana karana lingam l
Siddha surasura vandhitha lingam, That pranamami sada shiva lingam ll
I bow before that Lingam, which is the eternal Shiva, Which is anointed by perfumes,
Which leads to growth of wisdom, And which is worshipped by sages, devas and asuras.
कनकमहामणिभूश्हितलिङ्गम फनिपतिवेश्ह्टित शोभित लिङ्गम l
दक्शसुयघ्य़ विनाशन लिङ्गम तत प्रणमामि सदाशिव लिङ्गम ll
Kanaka mahamani bhooshitha lingam, Panipathi veshtitha shobitha lingam l
Daksha suyagna vinasana lingam, That pranamami sada shiva lingam ll
I bow before that Lingam, which is the eternal Shiva, Which is served by gods and other beings,
Which is the doorway for devotion and good thought, And which shines like billions of Suns.
कुङ्कुमचन्दनलेपितलिङ्गम पङ्कजहारसुशोभितलिङ्गम l
सञ्चितपापविनाशनलिङ्गम तत प्रणमामि सदाशिव लिङ्गम ll
Kunkuma chandana lepitha lingam, Pankaja hara sushobitha lingam l
Sanchitha papa vinasana lingam, That pranamami sada shiva lingam ll
I bow before that Lingam, which is the eternal Shiva, Which is ornamented by gold and great jewels,
Which shines with the snake being with it, And which destroyed the Yagna of Daksha.
देवगणार्चित सेवितलिङ्गम भावैर्भक्तिभिरेव च लिङ्गम l
दिनकरकोटिप्रभाकरलिङ्गम तत प्रणमामि सदाशिव लिङ्गम ll
Deva Ganarchitha sevitha lingam, Bhavair bakthi pravesa lingam l
Dinakara koti prabhakara lingam, That pranamami sada shiva lingam ll
I bow before that Lingam, which is the eternal Shiva, Which is adorned by sandal paste and saffron,
Which wears the garland of lotus flowers, And which can destroy accumulated sins.
अश्ह्टदलोपरिवेश्ह्टितलिङ्गम सर्वसमुद्भवकारणलिङ्गम l
अश्ह्टदरिद्रविनाशितलिङ्गम तत प्रणमामि सदाशिव लिङ्गम ll
Ashta dalopari veshtitha lingam, Sarva samudbhava karana lingam l
Ashta daridra vinasana lingam, That pranamami sada shiva lingam ll
I bow before that Lingam, which is the eternal Shiva, Which is surrounded by eight petals,
Which is the prime reason of all riches, And which destroys eight types of poverty.
सुरगुरुसुरवरपूजित लिङ्गम सुरवनपुश्ह्प सदार्चित लिङ्गम l
परात्परं परमात्मक लिङ्गम तत प्रणमामि सदाशिव लिङ्गम ll
Suraguru sura vara poojitha Lingam, Sura vana pushpa sadarchitha lingam l
Parathparam paramathmaka lingam, That pranamai sada shiva lingam ll
I bow before that Lingam, which is the eternal Shiva, Which is worshipped by the teacher of gods,
Which is worshipped by the best of gods, Which is always worshipped by the flowers,
From the garden of Gods, Which is the eternal abode, And which is the ultimate truth.
लिङ्गाश्ह्टकमिदं पुण्यं यः पठेत शिवसन्निधौ l
शिवलोकमवाप्नोति शिवेन सह मोदते ll
Lingashtakam, Idam Punyam padeth Shiva Sannidhow l
Shivalokam avapnothi shive na sahamodathe ll
Anyone who chants the holy octet of the Lingam, In the holy presence of Lord Shiva,
Would in the end reach the world of Shiva, And keep him company.
Author: Amrita Yoga
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