Lingashtakam
Lingashtakam in English · English
✦ Meaning
The Lingashtakam is a beloved eight-verse hymn in praise of the Shiva Linga, each verse ending with the refrain "I bow forever to that Sada-Shiva Linga." It adores the Linga as worshipped by Brahma, Vishnu and the gods, fragrant with sandal, and the destroyer of sins and sorrows. Singing it with devotion is believed to dissolve suffering and lead the devotee to Shiva’s abode.
Origin & Story
Traditional Sanskrit hymn (Shaiva tradition) · Unknown (attributed to ancient Shaiva tradition) · Ancient
The Lingashtakam celebrates the Shiva Lingam — the most sacred symbol in Shaivism. According to the Shiva Purana, when Brahma and Vishnu argued over who was supreme, an infinite pillar of fire (Jyotirlinga) appeared between them. Neither could find its beginning or end. Shiva revealed himself from the pillar, establishing his supremacy. The Lingam represents this infinite, formless divine presence, and the Lingashtakam is the most popular hymn praising it.
✦ As told in scripture
The Shiva Purana narrates that the 12 Jyotirlingas across India are self-manifested Lingams of light where Shiva appeared. At Somnath, after the Lingam was destroyed by invaders multiple times, it was always rebuilt because devotees who chanted before it reported visions, healings, and the dissolving of lifetimes of karma in a single night of worship. The final verse declares the Lingam as 'Paratparam' — beyond even the concept of 'beyond'.
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Complete Text with Meaning
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Brahma Murari Surarchita Lingam Nirmala Bhasita Shobhita Lingam Janmaja Duhkha Vinashaka Lingam Tat Pranamami Sadashiva Lingam
Meaning:I bow to that Sadashiva Lingam, which is worshipped by Brahma, Vishnu and all the gods, which shines with immaculate purity, which destroys all sorrows born of life.
Deva Muni Pravararchita Lingam Kama Dahana Karunakara Lingam Ravana Darpa Vinashana Lingam Tat Pranamami Sadashiva Lingam
Meaning:I bow to that Sadashiva Lingam, worshipped by the greatest gods and sages, which burned Kama yet is an ocean of compassion, which destroyed Ravana's pride.
Sarva Sugandhi Sulepita Lingam Buddhi Vivardhana Karana Lingam Siddha Surasura Vandita Lingam Tat Pranamami Sadashiva Lingam
Meaning:I bow to that Sadashiva Lingam, anointed with all fragrances, which enhances intellect, which is revered by Siddhas, gods and demons alike.
Kanaka Mahamani Bhushita Lingam Phanipati Veshtita Shobhita Lingam Daksha Suyajna Vinashana Lingam Tat Pranamami Sadashiva Lingam
Meaning:I bow to that Sadashiva Lingam, adorned with gold and great jewels, beautifully encircled by the lord of serpents, which destroyed Daksha's sacrifice.
Kunkuma Chandana Lepita Lingam Pankaja Hara Sushobhita Lingam Sanchita Papa Vinashana Lingam Tat Pranamami Sadashiva Lingam
Meaning:I bow to that Sadashiva Lingam, anointed with saffron and sandalwood, adorned with lotus garlands, which destroys all accumulated sins.
Deva Ganarchita Sevita Lingam Bhavair Bhaktibhireva Cha Lingam Dinakara Koti Prabhakara Lingam Tat Pranamami Sadashiva Lingam
Meaning:I bow to that Sadashiva Lingam, served and worshipped by hosts of gods, approached only through devotion, whose brilliance equals a billion suns.
Ashta Dalopari Veshtita Lingam Sarva Samudbhava Karana Lingam Ashta Daridra Vinashita Lingam Tat Pranamami Sadashiva Lingam
Meaning:I bow to that Sadashiva Lingam, encircled by eight petals, the cause of all creation, the destroyer of eight types of poverty.
Sura Guru Sura Vara Poojita Lingam Suravana Pushpa Sadarchita Lingam Paratparam Paramatmaka Lingam Tat Pranamami Sadashiva Lingam
Meaning:I bow to that Sadashiva Lingam, worshipped by the guru of gods and the greatest deities, always adorned with celestial flowers — that Lingam which is the Supreme Soul, beyond all that is beyond.
Word-by-Word Meaning
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Benefits of Chanting Lingashtakam
Deep connection with Lord Shiva in his formless (Nirguna) aspect
Each verse describes a different quality of the divine — comprehensive Shiva worship
Destroys sorrows, sins, pride, poverty and ignorance (as stated in each verse)
Enhances intellect and spiritual understanding
Extremely powerful when chanted while performing Shiva Lingam abhishekam
Regular recitation on Mondays and Maha Shivaratri brings Shiva's direct grace
How to Chant Lingashtakam
Ideally chanted while performing abhishekam (ritual bathing) of a Shiva Lingam with water, milk, or Ganga water. If no Lingam is available, chant while meditating on the formless divine. Each verse ends with 'Tat Pranamami Sadashiva Lingam' — bow at each refrain. The eight verses systematically describe eight aspects of the divine, making this a complete meditation on Shiva.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Read the full Lingashtakam with verse-by-verse meaning, or explore more sacred texts