Shiv Mahimna Stotra — Benefits & How to Chant
शिव महिम्न स्तोत्र
Complete guide to chanting correctly for maximum benefit
Benefits of Chanting Shiv Mahimna Stotra
Considered the greatest of all hymns to Lord Shiva
the stotra itself declares: 'there is no hymn beyond the Mahimna' (verse 35)
Composed by the gandharva Pushpadanta, who regained Shiva's grace and his lost divine powers through this very hymn
Verse 36 declares that initiation, charity, austerity, pilgrimage and sacrifice together do not equal one-sixteenth of its recitation
Daily recitation is said to bestow wealth, long life, progeny and fame here, and Shiva's own world hereafter (verse 34)
Reciting it once, twice or thrice a day frees one from all sins (verse 42)
Especially recited in the month of Sawan (Shravan), on Maha Shivratri, on Mondays and during Pradosh
Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa is said to have entered samadhi upon reciting just a few of its verses
How to Chant Shiv Mahimna Stotra
Instructions
Recite after a bath, before a Shivling or an image of Lord Shiva, ideally after offering water, bilva leaves and a lamp. The hymn is long (43 verses) — recite it slowly with attention to the meaning; the stotra itself says that even reciting it once a day frees one from sins. Many devotees recite it daily in Sawan and on Shivratri night. Begin with 'Om Namah Shivaya' and conclude by offering the recitation at Shiva's feet as the hymn's own closing verses do.
Origin & History
Source: Composed by the gandharva Pushpadanta
Author: Pushpadanta
Pushpadanta, chief of the gandharvas — the celestial singers — used to gather flowers each day for his worship from the beautiful garden of King Chitraratha, remaining invisible by his divine power. Unable to catch the unseen thief, the king at last spread Shiva-nirmalya — bilva leaves and flowers already offered to Lord Shiva — across the garden. Pushpadanta, not seeing it, walked over the sacred offerings, and by Shiva's displeasure his divine powers fell away. Realising his offence, he poured out this hymn of forty-three verses on the measureless greatness (mahimna) of the Lord — his deeds, his paradoxes and his grace — and Shiva, pleased, restored him to glory. The stotra has been treasured ever since as the king of Shiva hymns; Sri Ramakrishna is said to have passed into samadhi on reciting but a few of its verses.