04 March 2008

The Linga Ashtakam


(Eight verses glorifying the Shiva Linga. One chants these mantras when performing abhishekam. This ashtakam pleases Lord Shiva tremendously)

Brahma-murari surachita lingam
Nirmal bhakchit shobhita lingam
Janma ja dukha vinashaka lingam
Tat pranamami sadaa shiva-lingam


I bow before that Sada-Shivalinga, which is adored by Brahma, Vishnu and revered by others, praised in mantras and which destroys the cycle of births and deaths.

Deva muni prawa-rarchita lingam
Kamadahang karunakara lingam
Ravan darp vinashana lingam
Tat pranamami sadaa shiva-lingam


I bow before that Sada-Shivalinga, which is the focus of the worship of Saints, infinitely compassionate and the subduer of the pride and passion.

Sarva-sugandhi sulaypita lingam
Budhi vivardhan kaarana lingam
Sidha-surasur vandita lingam
Tat pranamami sadaa shiva-lingam


I bow before that Sada-Shivalinga, smeared with Vibhuti, scented with perfumes and which elevates the power of the mind and kindles the light of discrimination, to which the Suras and Asuras prostrate.

Kanak maha-mani bhukchita lingam
Phani-pati veksh-tita shobhit lingam
Daksha suyagya vinashana lingam
Tat pranamami sadaa shiva-lingam


I bow before that Sada-Shivalinga, destroyer of King Daksh’s ego, and which is decorated with various ornaments glowing within the embrace of the coiled serpent.

Kumkum chandana laypita lingam
Pankaj haar sushobhita lingam
Sanchit paap vinashana lingam
Tat pranamami sadaa shiva-lingam


I bow before that Sada-Shivalinga, adorned with Saffron, Sandal- paste & garlands of lotus flowers, which exonerates all sinful actions.

Deva ganarchit sayvita lingam
Bhavai bhakti bherewa-chaa lingam
Dinakar koti prabha kara lingam
Tat pranamami sadaa shiva-lingam


I bow that before Sada-Shivalinga, worshipped by the Sages & Saints with full faith and devotion and which is the source of unlimited brilliance.

Ashta dalopari veksh-tita lingam
Sarva samudbhava kaarana lingam
Ashta daridra vinashana lingam
Tat pranamami sadaa shiva-lingam


I bow that before Sada-Shivalinga, destroyer of manifold wretchedness, which is the cause of creation and dissolution.

Soorguru soorwar poojita lingam
Soorwan pushpa sadachita lingam
Paraatparam paramatmaka lingam
Tat pranamami sadaa shiva-lingam


I bow before that Sada-Shivalinga, the Transcendent Being, worshipped by the learned and all devotees, offering Bael leaves, flowers, fruits and water.

Phalashruti
Lingaashtak medang punyang yuh, pathay-chiva sannidhow
Shiva-loka mawapanoti, shivena saha moditay

Whomsoever repeat these eight Slokas glorifying the Shivalinga in the divine presence of Lord Shiva attains final and everlasting relationship in the abode of Shiva Loka (if that's what you want and where you want to reside).