Shivashtakam Lyrics — Complete with Sanskrit, Hindi & English Meaning
Eight Sacred Verses of Glory to the Supreme Lord Mahadeva
|| श्री शिवाष्टकम् ||
What is Shivashtakam?
The Shivashtakam — also written as Shiva Ashtakam or Shiv Ashtakam — is one of the most revered devotional hymns in the entire Shaiva tradition. The Sanskrit word Ashtakam (अष्टकम्) literally means "a composition of eight verses," and true to its name, this hymn comprises eight exquisite shlokas, each one a poetic jewel illuminating a unique facet of Lord Shiva's infinite divine nature.
Attributed to the great Adi Shankaracharya — the 8th-century philosopher-saint who revived Advaita Vedanta and Shaivism across the Indian subcontinent — the Shivashtakam stands as a timeless bridge between devotional surrender (bhakti) and philosophical depth (jnana). Every line vibrates with the sacred energy of Mahadeva, inviting the chanter into a state of deep meditative communion with the Lord of all three worlds.
Unlike simple prayers that ask for material blessings, the Shivashtakam is a profound meditation — it adorns Lord Shiva with his many cosmic attributes: the crescent moon on his matted locks, the sacred Ganga flowing from his hair, the serpent around his neck, the trident in his hand, and the ash that covers his divine body. To chant this hymn is to mentally perform the worship of Shiva in his most complete and magnificent form.
🌙 Did You Know?
There exist multiple versions of the Shivashtakam in the Shaiva literary tradition. While Adi Shankaracharya's version is the most widely recited, another beautiful version appears in the Ramcharitmanas composed by Sant Tulsidas, where Lord Rama himself is shown reciting an ashtakam in praise of Shiva before the battle of Lanka. Both versions carry immense spiritual potency and are equally beloved by devotees.
Quick Reference Guide
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Hymn Name | Shivashtakam (शिवाष्टकम्) |
| Also Known As | Shiva Ashtakam, Shiv Ashtakam, Prabhum Prananatham |
| Attributed To | Adi Shankaracharya (8th Century CE) |
| Language | Sanskrit (Original) |
| Number of Verses | 8 Shlokas (Ashtakam) |
| Deity | Lord Shiva (Mahadeva, Shankar, Rudra) |
| Type | Stotra / Devotional Hymn |
| Tradition | Shaivism / Advaita Vedanta |
| Best Time to Chant | Brahma Muhurta (pre-dawn), Pradosh Kaal, Mondays, Maha Shivratri |
| Recitation Count | 1, 3, 5, 8, or 108 times |
| Primary Benefit | Spiritual liberation, removal of sins, inner peace, and divine blessings |
Shivashtakam Complete Lyrics
Below are all eight verses of the Shivashtakam in original Sanskrit, followed by Roman transliteration for easy pronunciation, and a verse-by-verse English meaning so you can understand the depth of each sacred shloka as you chant.
ॐ नमः शिवाय ।
हर हर महादेव ।
प्रभुं प्राणनाथं विभुं विश्वनाथं जगन्नाथ नाथं सदानन्द भाजम् । भवद्भव्य भूतेश्वरं भूतनाथं शिवं शंकरं शम्भु मीशानमीडे ॥ १ ॥
Prabhum prāṇanātham vibhum viśvanātham Jagannātha nātham sadānanda bhājam | Bhavadbhavya bhūteśvaram bhūtanātham Śivam śaṅkaram śambhu mīśānamīḍe ॥ 1 ॥
गले रुण्डमालं तनौ सर्पजालं महाकाल कालं गणेशाधि पालम् । जटाजूट गंगोत्तरंगैर्विशालं शिवं शंकरं शम्भु मीशानमीडे ॥ २ ॥
Gale ruṇḍamālam tanau sarpajālam Mahākāla kālam gaṇeśādhi pālam | Jaṭājūṭa gaṅgottaraṅgair viśālam Śivam śaṅkaram śambhu mīśānamīḍe ॥ 2 ॥
मुदामाकरं मण्डनं मण्डयन्तं महामण्डलं भस्म भूषाधरं तम् । अनादिं ह्यपारं महामोह मारं शिवं शंकरं शम्भु मीशानमीडे ॥ ३ ॥
Mudāmākaram maṇḍanam maṇḍayantam Mahāmaṇḍalam bhasma bhūṣādharam tam | Anādim hyapāram mahāmoha māram Śivam śaṅkaram śambhu mīśānamīḍe ॥ 3 ॥
वटाधो निवासं महाट्टाट्टहासं महापाप नाशं सदा सुप्रकाशम् । गिरीशं गणेशं सुरेशं महेशं शिवं शंकरं शम्भु मीशानमीडे ॥ ४ ॥
Vaṭādho nivāsam mahāṭṭāṭṭahāsam Mahāpāpa nāśam sadā suprakāśam | Girīśam gaṇeśam sureśam maheśam Śivam śaṅkaram śambhu mīśānamīḍe ॥ 4 ॥
गिरीन्द्रात्मजा संगृहीतार्धदेहं गिरौ संस्थितं सर्वदापन्नगेहम् । परब्रह्म ब्रह्माधिपं ब्रह्मनाथं शिवं शंकरं शम्भु मीशानमीडे ॥ ५ ॥
Girīndrātmajā saṁgṛhītārdha deham Girau saṁsthitam sarvadāpanna geham | Parabrahma brahmādhipam brahmanātham Śivam śaṅkaram śambhu mīśānamīḍe ॥ 5 ॥
कपालं त्रिशूलं कराभ्यां दधानं पदांभोज नम्राय कामं ददानम् । बलीवर्दमानं सुराणां प्रधानं शिवं शंकरं शम्भु मीशानमीडे ॥ ६ ॥
Kapālam triśūlam karābhyām dadhānam Padāmbhoja namrāya kāmam dadānam | Balīvardam ānam surāṇām pradhānam Śivam śaṅkaram śambhu mīśānamīḍe ॥ 6 ॥
शरच्चन्द्र गात्रं गणानां सुत्रातं त्रिलोकस्य नाथं किरीटोज्ज्वलाङ्गम् । दरिद्रं प्रपन्नं भजेऽहं भवानी पतिं चेन्दु मौलिं महेशं महादेव ॥ ७ ॥
Śaraccandra gātram gaṇānām sutrātam Trilokasya nātham kirīṭojjvalāṅgam | Daridram prapannam bhaje'ham bhavānī Patim cendu maulim maheśam mahādeva ॥ 7 ॥
इदं यः पठेद् अष्टकं शम्भु मोदाद् दरिद्रो विमुच्येत सर्वापदा भ्यः । किरात त्विषं सेवते सोऽपि शीघ्रं तदैव स्फुटं ब्रह्म संज्ञां लभेत ॥ ८ ॥
Idam yaḥ paṭhed aṣṭakam śambhu modād Daridro vimucyeta sarvāpadā bhyaḥ | Kirāta tviṣam sevate so'pi śīghram Tadaiva sphuṭam brahma saṁjñām labheta ॥ 8 ॥
इति श्री शिवाष्टकम् सम्पूर्णम् ।
ॐ नमः शिवाय ॥
Meaning & Spiritual Significance of Shivashtakam
Why Shivashtakam is Uniquely Powerful
What sets the Shivashtakam apart from other Shiva hymns is its extraordinary layering of meaning. On the surface, it reads as a beautiful poetic description of Lord Shiva's divine appearance — his matted hair, crescent moon, the sacred Ganga, the trident, the skull-garland, and the ash-smeared body. But at a deeper level, every one of these symbols is a teaching in itself.
The skull garland (Mundamala) represents time's passage and the impermanence of the ego — Shiva wears the heads of Brahma himself as a reminder that even creation is subject to dissolution. The crescent moon represents the mind in its controlled, serene state. The Ganga in his locks symbolizes that the highest knowledge flows through him to purify the world. The serpent is mastery over fear and the kundalini energy within all beings.
The eighth verse's Phala Shruti (statement of fruit) is particularly remarkable: it promises that even the most spiritually destitute person who recites these eight verses with sincerity shall attain the knowledge of Brahman. This is not mere metaphor — it reflects the Vedantic understanding that recitation of divine names and attributes is itself a form of self-purification that gradually removes the veils of illusion (maya) hiding the Self's true nature.
🔱 Understanding Shiva's Cosmic Attributes in the Hymn
The Shivashtakam presents Shiva not merely as one deity among many, but as the Parabrahman — the ultimate, formless, absolute reality that has taken form for the sake of devotees. The hymn systematically moves from Shiva's role as Prabhu (Master) and Vishwanatha (Lord of the Universe) in verse one, through his fearsome cosmic attributes, his tender form as Ardhanarishvara in verse five, to his role as the fulfiller of all desires in verse six.
This progressive revelation mirrors the devotee's own spiritual journey — from initial reverence, through contemplation of Shiva's multidimensional nature, to final refuge and liberation. Chanting the Shivashtakam with this understanding transforms the act of recitation into a complete spiritual practice.
It is also worth noting the connection between the Shivashtakam and the Ardhanarishvara principle — particularly highlighted in Verse 5, which describes Parvati as having claimed half of Shiva's body. This is one of Hinduism's greatest philosophical concepts: that the divine is neither purely masculine nor purely feminine, but an inseparable union of Shiva (pure consciousness, Purusha) and Shakti (divine creative power, Prakriti). To explore this theme further, read our detailed article on the Ardhanarishvara Stotram.
Benefits of Chanting Shivashtakam
The scriptural tradition, as well as the lived experience of countless devotees across millennia, affirms the following transformative benefits of regular Shivashtakam recitation:
Spiritual Liberation
As stated in the Phala Shruti, sincere recitation leads the devotee toward Brahma Jnana — the knowledge of ultimate reality and moksha.
Purification of Sins
Like the Ganga flowing through Shiva's locks, the vibration of this hymn is believed to cleanse accumulated karmic impurities and negative karma.
Inner Peace & Calm
Regular chanting calms the restless mind, reduces anxiety, and cultivates the serene, meditative state associated with Shiva himself.
Divine Protection
The Lord who protects all beings (Bhutanatha) extends his divine shield to those who take his name with devotion, removing obstacles and dangers.
Removal of Poverty
Verse 7 and the Phala Shruti specifically mention liberation of the poor (daridra) — blessings of abundance and freedom from material lack.
Destruction of Negativity
Just as Shiva's laughter destroys the greatest sins (Verse 4), the recitation of this hymn burns away negative influences and evil energies.
Blessings of Mahadeva
Direct invocation of Lord Shiva's grace — his blessings, guided by compassion, flow to the devoted reciter in ways both seen and unseen.
Meditative Depth
Each verse is a meditation object in itself. Regular recitation trains the mind to hold the divine form of Shiva with increasing clarity and stillness.
🔱 Paired Practice Recommendation
For amplified spiritual benefit, practitioners traditionally pair the Shivashtakam with the sacred Mahamrityunjaya Mantra — the great death-conquering mantra of Lord Shiva. The Mahamrityunjaya Mantra purifies the energy field, while the Shivashtakam builds deep devotion. Together, they form a complete daily Shiva worship practice. Additionally, pairing with the Lingashtakam creates a three-part worship sequence beloved by serious Shaiva devotees.
How and When to Chant Shivashtakam
The tradition of Shaivism provides clear guidance on how to maximize the spiritual benefit of reciting the Shivashtakam. Below is a practical chanting guide for modern devotees:
-
Best Time: The most auspicious time is Brahma Muhurta (approximately 4:00–6:00 AM), when the atmosphere is sattvik and the mind is naturally calm. Evening recitation during Pradosh Kaal (the twilight hours of 13th day of each lunar fortnight) is equally powerful.
-
Special Days: Monday (Somavar) is especially sacred to Lord Shiva. The entire month of Shravan, Maha Shivratri, and Pradosh Vrat days are the most powerful times to establish a Shivashtakam recitation practice.
-
How Many Times: The minimum is one full recitation (all 8 verses). Traditional practice recommends 3, 5, 8, or 108 recitations for specific intentions. For daily practice, one complete recitation done with full attention is more powerful than multiple rushed readings.
-
Facing Direction: Face East (toward the rising sun) during morning recitation, or North during evening recitation — the direction associated with Shiva and divine knowledge.
-
Preparation: Take a bath or wash hands and face before beginning. Light a Shiva lamp (oil or ghee lamp) and, if possible, offer Bilva leaves and Dhatura flowers — both beloved by Shiva. See our article on Bilvashtakam to understand the sacred significance of Bilva in Shiva worship.
-
Mala (Rosary): Use a Rudraksha mala for counting repetitions. The 108-bead Rudraksha mala is specially consecrated to Lord Shiva and amplifies the vibration of Shaivite mantras and stotras.
-
Mental Attitude: Approach with complete surrender (sharanagati). As you recite each verse, mentally visualize the form of Shiva being described — this transforms recitation into a living meditation and deepens the devotional connection exponentially.
-
After Recitation: Sit quietly for 5 minutes after completing the Shivashtakam. Allow the vibration of the hymn to settle into silence. This period of stillness is when the deepest benefits are received. You may follow with the Shiv Aarti to complete your worship.
📿 Complementary Stotras for a Complete Shiva Worship Session
Many traditional Shiva temples recite the following sequence for comprehensive daily worship: begin with the Daridra Dahan Shiv Stotra to remove poverty and obstacles, followed by the Shivashtakam as the primary devotional hymn, then the Rudrashtakam to invoke the fierce Rudra blessings, and conclude with the Shiv Aarti. This four-part sequence covers all dimensions of Shiva worship from approach to completion.
For those wishing to explore even deeper Shaiva literature, the Shiv Mahimna Stotra is an expanded and exceptionally profound meditation on the greatness of Lord Shiva, traditionally considered one of the most powerful of all Shiva hymns.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shivashtakam
The Shivashtakam is far more than a hymn — it is a complete philosophical and devotional universe contained within eight luminous verses. Each time you chant it, you are not merely reciting words, but performing a sacred mental puja, tracing the divine form of Mahadeva from his cosmic crown to his lotus feet, offering the flowers of language and the incense of devotion at his feet.
Whether you are drawn to Shiva as the fierce destroyer, the gentle family man of Kailash, the cosmic dancer of Chidambaram, or the supreme, formless Brahman — the Shivashtakam meets you exactly where you are and carries you deeper. Chant it daily, chant it with understanding, and chant it with love. The rest, as Lord Shambhu himself promises in the Phala Shruti, will take care of itself.
Explore our complete collection of Shiva Stuti, Shambhu Stuti, and the protective Shiva Kavacham to build a rich and transformative Shiva devotion practice. Om Namah Shivaya. 🙏
— Har Har Mahadev | हर हर महादेव —