In the vast ocean of Vedic hymns, the Lingashtakam holds a special place. While mantras like the Maha Mrityunjaya are for healing, the Lingashtakam is a hymn of pure adoration and surrender.
The word Lingashtakam is derived from Linga (the symbol of Lord Shiva representing the formless Universe) and Ashtakam (a set of eight verses). Chanted often during Rudrabhishekam (ritual bathing of the Shiva Linga), this stotram describes the greatness of the Linga—how it is worshipped by Gods, sages, and the Trinity (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva).
Whether you are performing a simple water offering at home or visiting a Jyotirlinga, reciting these verses connects you to the eternal, infinite energy of Shiva.
Lingashtakam Stotram: Lyrics and Meaning
Verse 1
Sanskrit: ब्रह्ममुरारिसुरार्चितलिङ्गं निर्मलभासितशोभितलिङ्गम् । जन्मजदुःखविनाशकलिङ्गं तत्प्रणमामि सदाशिवलिङ्गम् ॥१॥
Transliteration: Brahma-Murāri-Surārcita-Liṅgaṁ Nirmala-Bhāsita-Śobhita-Liṅgam | Janmaja-Duḥkha-Vināśaka-Liṅgaṁ Tat-Praṇamāmi Sadāśiva-Liṅgam ||1||
Meaning: “I bow to that Sada-Shiva Linga, which is worshipped by Brahma, Murari (Vishnu), and the Gods. It is pure, shining, and beautifully adorned. It destroys the sorrows arising from birth and death.”
Verse 2
Sanskrit: देवमुनिप्रवरार्चितलिङ्गं कामदहम करुणाकरलिङ्गम् । रावणदर्पविनाशनलिङ्गं तत्प्रणमामि सदाशिवलिङ्गम् ॥२॥
Transliteration: Deva-Muni-Pravarārcita-Liṅgaṁ Kāma-Dahanam Karuṇākara-Liṅgam | Rāvaṇa-Darpa-Vināśana-Liṅgaṁ Tat-Praṇamāmi Sadāśiva-Liṅgam ||2||
Meaning: “I bow to that Sada-Shiva Linga, worshipped by the foremost of Gods and Sages. It destroyed the God of Love (Kama) and is full of compassion. It destroyed the arrogance of the demon king Ravana.”
Verse 3
Sanskrit: सर्वसुगन्धिसुलेपितलिङ्गं बुद्धिविवर्धनकारणलिङ्गम् । सिद्धसुरासुरवन्दितलिङ्गं तत्प्रणमामि सदाशिवलिङ्गम् ॥३॥
Transliteration: Sarva-Sugandhi-Sulepita-Liṅgaṁ Buddhi-Vivardhana-Kāraṇa-Liṅgam | Siddha-Surāsura-Vandita-Liṅgaṁ Tat-Praṇamāmi Sadāśiva-Liṅgam ||3||
Meaning: “I bow to that Sada-Shiva Linga, which is anointed with various fragrant pastes. It is the cause of the growth of intellect (Buddhi). It is worshipped by Siddhas, Gods, and Asuras alike.”
Verse 4
Sanskrit: कनकमहामणibhūṣita-Liṅgaṁ फणिपतिवेष्टितशोभितलिङ्गम् । दक्षसुयज्ञविनाशनलिङ्गं तत्प्रणमामि सदाशिवलिङ्गम् ॥४॥
Transliteration: Kanaka-Mahāmaṇi-Bhūṣita-Liṅgaṁ Phaṇipati-Veṣṭita-Śobhita-Liṅgam | Dakṣa-Suyajña-Vināśana-Liṅgaṁ Tat-Praṇamāmi Sadāśiva-Liṅgam ||4||
Meaning: “I bow to that Sada-Shiva Linga, adorned with gold and precious gems. It shines, wrapped by the King of Serpents (Vasuki). It destroyed the sacrifice of Daksha.”
Verse 5
Sanskrit: कुङ्कुमचन्दनलेपितलिङ्गं पङ्कजहारसुशोभितलिङ्गम् । सञ्चितपापविनाशनलिङ्गं तत्प्रणमामि सदाशिवलिङ्गम् ॥५॥
Transliteration: Kuṅkuma-Candana-Lepita-Liṅgaṁ Paṅkaja-Hāra-Suśobhita-Liṅgam | Sañcita-Pāpa-Vināśana-Liṅgaṁ Tat-Praṇamāmi Sadāśiva-Liṅgam ||5||
Meaning: “I bow to that Sada-Shiva Linga, smeared with Kumkum (saffron) and Chandan (sandalwood). It is beautifully adorned with garlands of lotuses. It destroys the accumulated sins (Sanchita Karma) of many lifetimes.”
Verse 6
Sanskrit: देवगणार्चितसेवितलिङ्गं भावैर्भक्तिभिरेव च लिङ्गम् । दिनकरकोटिप्रभाकरलिङ्गं तत्प्रणमामि सदाशिवलिङ्गम् ॥६॥
Transliteration: Devagaṇārcita-Sevita-Liṅgaṁ Bhāvair-Bhaktibhir-Eva Ca Liṅgam | Dinakara-Koṭi-Prabhākara-Liṅgaṁ Tat-Praṇamāmi Sadāśiva-Liṅgam ||6||
Meaning: “I bow to that Sada-Shiva Linga, served by the troops of Gods. It is approached with true emotion (Bhava) and devotion (Bhakti). It shines with the brilliance of ten million suns.”
Verse 7
Sanskrit: अष्टदलोपरिवेष्टितलिङ्गं सर्वसमुद्भवकारणलिङ्गम् । अष्टदरिद्रविनाशनलिङ्गं तत्प्रणमामि सदाशिवलिङ्गम् ॥७॥
Transliteration: Aṣṭa-Dalopari-Veṣṭita-Liṅgaṁ Sarva-Samudbhava-Kāraṇa-Liṅgam | Aṣṭa-Daridra-Vināśana-Liṅgaṁ Tat-Praṇamāmi Sadāśiva-Liṅgam ||7||
Meaning: “I bow to that Sada-Shiva Linga, seated upon an eight-petaled lotus. It is the cause of all creation. It destroys the eight types of poverty.”
Verse 8
Sanskrit: सुरगुरुसुरवरपूजितलिङ्गं सुरवनपुष्पसदार्चितलिङ्गम् । परात्परं परमात्मकलिङ्गं तत्प्रणमामि सदाशिवलिङ्गम् ॥८॥
Transliteration: Suraguru-Suravara-Pūjita-Liṅgaṁ Suravana-Puṣpa-Sadārcita-Liṅgam | Parātparaṁ Paramātmaka-Liṅgaṁ Tat-Praṇamāmi Sadāśiva-Liṅgam ||8||
Meaning: “I bow to that Sada-Shiva Linga, worshipped by the Preceptor of Gods (Brihaspati) and the best of Gods. It is always worshipped with flowers from celestial gardens. It is the Supreme Self, greater than the great.”
Phala Shruti (Benefits)
Sanskrit: लिङ्गाष्टकमिदं पुण्यं यः पठेच्छिवसन्निधौ । शिवलोकमवाप्नोति शिवेन सह मोदते ॥
Meaning: “Whoever recites these holy eight verses in the presence of Shiva (or a Shiva Linga), attains the abode of Shiva and rejoices with Him eternally.”
Benefits of Chanting Lingashtakam
- Destruction of Sins: As mentioned in Verse 5, it helps burn away Sanchita Papa (accumulated karmic baggage).
- Mental Peace: The rhythmic flow of the stotram calms the mind, making it ideal for meditation.
- Removal of Poverty: Verse 7 explicitly states it destroys “Ashta Daridra” (the eight forms of poverty/misfortune).
- Divine Connection: It is the perfect accompaniment for offering water, milk, or Bilva leaves to the Shiva Linga.
Vastu Shastra Tips for Placing a Shiva Linga at Home
Since you are reciting the Lingashtakam, it is auspicious to ensure your place of worship aligns with the laws of nature (Vastu Shastra). Here are the essential rules for keeping a Shiva Linga at home:
- The Best Direction (Ishan Kona): The ideal spot for a Shiva Linga is the Northeast corner of your home or your Puja room. This direction represents water and divinity, aligning perfectly with Lord Shiva’s energy.
- Direction of the Spout (Jaladhara): When placing the Shiva Linga, ensure that the water outlet (the spout or Yoni base) faces North.
- Facing While Praying: When you sit to chant the Lingashtakam or perform Abhishekam, you should face East or North. Avoid facing South.
- Size Matters: According to scriptures, the Shiva Linga kept at home for daily worship should generally not be larger than the size of your thumb (unless you strictly follow complex temple rituals). A smaller Narmadeshwar or Spatika (Crystal) Linga is considered best for household harmony.