A Lord Shiva Stotra, in short, is a type of hymn that is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the principal Hindu deities. Stotras generally glorify Lord Shiva, express devotion for him, and seek his blessings. There exist two most popular Lord Shiva stotra.
- Shiva Tandava Stotra – Highly energetic hymn that provides a description of the Shiva cosmic dance.
- Lingashtakshara Stotra – A kind of hymn that says the significance of the Shiva Linga.
Reciting these Lord Shiva stotra is thought to confer spiritual benefits, peace, and prosperity.
Powerful Lord Shiva Stotra Lyrics and Meaning
Shiv Tandav Stotra
The Shiv Tandav Stotra is a very intense hymn in praise of Lord Shiva, composed by the demon king Ravana. It depicts glory, beauty, and power by Lord Shiva and holds great deep devotion and grandeur as a poem.
This Lord Shiva stotra describes the praise that Ravana makes of Lord Shiva and his cosmic dance, which is symbolic of creation, preservation, and destruction. It describes aspects of Shiva’s nature: he is as fearsome as he is benevolent.
The verses are very full of imagery, invoking his matted hair, third eye, or the blue throat of Shiva. The Shiv Tandav Stotra is held to confer peace, power, and love to the speaker of these words.
Shiv Tandav Stotra lyrics in English and meaning
‘Jatatavigalajjala pravahapavitasthale
Galeavalambya lambitam bhujangatungamalikam
Damad damad damaddama ninadavadamarvayam
Chakara chandtandavam tanotu nah shivah shivam’
With his neck consecrated by the flow of water that flows from his hair,
And on his neck a snake, which is hung like a garland,
And the Damaru drum that emits the sound “Damat Damat Damat Damat”,
Lord Shiva did the auspicious dance of Tandava. May he give prosperity to all of us.
‘Jata kata hasambhrama bhramanilimpanirjhari
Vilolavichivalarai virajamanamurdhani
Dhagadhagadhagajjva lalalata pattapavake
Kishora chandrashekhare ratih pratikshanam mama’
I have a deep interest in Shiva
Whose head is glorified by the rows of moving waves of the celestial Ganga river,
Which stir in the deep well of his hair in tangled locks.
Who has the brilliant fire burning on the surface of his forehead,
And who has the crescent moon as a jewel on his head.
‘Dharadharendrana ndinivilasabandhubandhura
Sphuradigantasantati pramodamanamanase
Krupakatakshadhorani nirudhadurdharapadi
Kvachidigambare manovinodametuvastuni’
May my mind seek happiness in Lord Shiva,
In whose mind all living beings of the glorious universe exist,
Who is the companion of Parvati (daughter of the mountain king),
Who controls unsurpassed adversity with his compassionate gaze, Which is all-pervading
And who wears the Heavens as his raiment.
‘Jata bhujan gapingala sphuratphanamaniprabha
Kadambakunkuma dravapralipta digvadhumukhe
Madandha sindhu rasphuratvagutariyamedure
Mano vinodamadbhutam bibhartu bhutabhartari’
May I find wonderful pleasure in Lord Shiva, who is the advocate of all life.
With his slinking snake having a reddish-brown hood and the glimmer of his gem on it
Variegated colors are spread upon the beautiful faces of the Goddesses of the Directions,
That’s draped by an effulgent shawl made of an intoxicated elephant’s skin.
‘Sahasra lochana prabhritya sheshalekhashekhara
Prasuna dhulidhorani vidhusaranghripithabhuh
Bhujangaraja malaya nibaddhajatajutaka
Shriyai chiraya jayatam chakora bandhushekharah’
May Lord Shiva prosper us,
He is wearing the Moon for His crown,
Whose hair is bound by the red snake-garland,
Whose footrest is darkened by the flow of dust from flowers
Which fall from the heads of all the gods – Indra, Vishnu and others.
‘Lalata chatvarajvaladhanajnjayasphulingabha
nipitapajnchasayakam namannilimpanayakam
Sudha mayukha lekhaya virajamanashekharam
Maha kapali sampade shirojatalamastunah’
May we obtain the riches of the Siddhis from the tangled strands Shiva’s hair,
Who devoured the God of Love with the sparks of the fire that burns on his forehead,
Which is worshiped by all the heavenly chiefs,
Which is lovely with a crescent moon.
‘Karala bhala pattikadhagaddhagaddhagajjvala
Ddhanajnjaya hutikruta prachandapajnchasayake
Dharadharendra nandini kuchagrachitrapatraka
Prakalpanaikashilpini trilochane ratirmama’
My interest is in Lord Shiva, who has three eyes,
Who offered the powerful God of Love to fire.
The terrible surface of his forehead burns with the sound “Dhagad, Dhagad.”
He is the only artist expert in tracing decorative lines
on the tips of the breasts of Parvati, the daughter of the mountain king.
‘navina megha mandali niruddhadurdharasphurat
Kuhu nishithinitamah prabandhabaddhakandharah
nilimpanirjhari dharastanotu krutti sindhurah
Kalanidhanabandhurah shriyam jagaddhurandharah’
May Lord Shiva give us prosperity,
The one who bears the weight of this universe,
Who is enchanting with the moon,
Who has the celestial river Ganga
Whose neck is dark as midnight on a new moon night, covered in layers of clouds.
‘Praphulla nila pankaja prapajnchakalimchatha
Vdambi kanthakandali raruchi prabaddhakandharam
Smarachchidam purachchhidam bhavachchidam makhachchidam
Gajachchidandhakachidam tamamtakachchidam bhaje’
I pray to Lord Shiva, whose neck is bound with the brightness of the temples
hanging with the glory of fully bloomed blue lotus flowers,
Which look like the blackness of the universe.
Who is the slayer of Manmatha, who destroyed the Tripura,
Who destroyed the bonds of worldly life, who destroyed the sacrifice,
Who destroyed the demon Andhaka, who is the destroyer of the elephants,
And who has overcome the God of death, Yama.
‘Akharvagarvasarvamangala kalakadambamajnjari
Rasapravaha madhuri vijrumbhana madhuvratam
Smarantakam purantakam bhavantakam makhantakam
Gajantakandhakantakam tamantakantakam bhaje’
I pray to Lord Siva, who has bees flying all around because of the sweet
Scent of honey coming from the beautiful bouquet of auspicious Kadamba flowers,
Who is the slayer of Manmatha, who destroyed the Tripura,
Who destroyed the bonds of worldly life, who destroyed the sacrifice,
Who smashed the demon Andhaka, who is the slayer of elephants,
And who has won over the God of death, Yama.
‘Jayatvadabhravibhrama bhramadbhujangamasafur
Dhigdhigdhi nirgamatkarala bhaal havyavat
Dhimiddhimiddhimidhva nanmrudangatungamangala
Dhvanikramapravartita prachanda tandavah shivah’
Shiva, whose dance of Tandava is in tune with the series of loud
Sounds of drum making the sound “Dhimid Dhimid”,
Who has fire on his great forehead, the fire that is spreading out because of the
The breathing of the serpent, moving in whirling motion in the glorious sky.
‘Drushadvichitratalpayor bhujanga mauktikasrajor
Garishtharatnaloshthayoh suhrudvipakshapakshayoh
Trushnaravindachakshushoh prajamahimahendrayoh
Sama pravartayanmanah kada sadashivam bhaje’
When can I be able to pray before Lord Sadashiva, the eternally auspicious God,
With equanimous vision towards people or emperors,
Toward a blade of grass and a lotus, toward friends and enemies,
Toward the most precious gem and a lump of dirt,
To a serpent or a garland and to the various shapes of the world?
‘Kada nilimpanirjhari nikujnjakotare vasanh
Vimuktadurmatih sada shirah sthamajnjalim vahanh
Vimuktalolalochano lalamabhalalagnakah
Shiveti mantramuchcharan sada sukhi bhavamyaham’
When I can be happy, dwelling in a cave near the divine river Ganga,
Bringing my hands clasped on my head all the time,
With my evil thoughts washed away, speaking the mantra of Shiva,
Attentive to the God with a majestic forehead and with bright eyes?
‘Imam hi nityameva muktamuttamottamam stavam
Pathansmaran bruvannaro vishuddhimeti santatam
Hare gurau subhaktimashu yati nanyatha gatim
Vimohanam hi dehinam sushankarasya chintanam’
Whoever reads, remembers and recites this Lord Shiva stotra as stated here
Is purified forever and obtains devotion in the great Guru Shiva.
For this devotion, there is no other way or refuge.
Just the mere thought of Shiva removes the delusion.
Lingashtakshara Stotra
The Lingashtakshara Stotra is an offering of devotion to Lord Shiva, and is a sacred hymn of deep reverence and devotion. The term “Aṣṭakṣara” literally means “eight letters,” and the mantra central to the prayer is “Om Namah Shivaya.” This Lord Shiva stotra speaks of the importance of Lord Shiva, his attributes, and the power of the name.
The chant is considered to offer peace, prosperity, and spiritual liberation to the chanter. Many devotees chant the Lingashtakshara Stotra for establishing a strong bond with Shiva and asking for blessings for their lives with harmony and fulfillment.
Lingashtakshara Stotra Lyrics in English with Meaning
Brahma Muraari Suraarchita Lingam
Nirmala Bhashita Shobhita Lingam
Janmaja Dukha Vinaashaka Lingam
Tat Pranamaami Sadaa Shiva Lingam
Meaning: I bow before that Sada Shiva Linga, which is adored by Brahma, Vishnu and other Gods, which is praised by pure and holy speeches and which destroys the cycle of births and deaths.
Devamuni Pravaraarchita Lingam
Kaamadaham Karunaakara Lingam
Raavana Darpa Vinaashaka Lingam
Tat Pranamaami Sada Shiva Lingam
Meaning: I am bowing before that destroyer of desires, which is worshipped by the Devas as well as the sages, which is infinite in terms of compassion and which subdued the pride of Raavana.
Sarva Sugandha Sulepitha Lingam
Buddhi Vivardhana Kaarana Lingam
Siddha Suraasura Vanditha Lingam
Tat Pranamaami Sadaa Shiva Lingam
Meaning: I bow before that Sada Shiva Linga, which is lavishly smeared with variegated perfumes and scents, which elevates the power of thought and enkindles the light of discrimination, and before which the Siddhas and Suras and Asuras prostrate.
Kanaka Mahaamani Bhushitha Lingam
Phanipathi Veshtitha Shobhitha Lingam
Daksha Suyajna Vinaashaka Lingam
Tat Pranamaami Sadaa Shiva Lingam
Meaning: I bow before that Sada Shiva Linga, destroyer of Daksha’s sacrifice, which is ornamented with various ornaments studded with different gems and rubies and which glows with the garland of the serpent Lord coiled around it.
Kumkuma Chandana Lepitha Lingam
Pankaja Haara Sushobhitha Lingam
Sanchitha Paapa Vinaashaka Lingam
Tat Pranamaami Sadaa Shiva Lingam
Meaning: I bow to that Sada Shiva Linga, smeared with saffron and sandal paste, decorated with lotus garlands, which cleanses all the sins that have been gathered in the past.
Devaganaarchitha Sevitha Lingam
Bhaavair Bhakti Bhirevacha Lingam
Dinakara Koti Prabhakara Lingam
Tat Pranamaami Sadaa Shiva Lingam
Meaning: I bow before that Sada Shiva Linga which is worshipped by the multitude of Gods with genuine thoughts full of faith and devotion and whose splendor is like that of a million suns.
Ashta Dalopari Veshtitha Lingam
Sarva Samudbhava Kaarana Lingam
Ashta Daridra Vinaashaka Lingam
Tat Pranamaami Sadaa Shiva Lingam
Meaning: I bow before that Sada Shiva Linga, destroyer of all poverty and misery in its eight aspects, which is the cause of all creation and which stands on the eight petalled Lotus.
Suraguru Suravara Pujitha Lingam
Suravana Pushpa Sadaarchitha Lingam
Paraatparam Paramatmaka Lingam
Tat Pranamaami Sadaa Shiva Lingam
Meaning: I bow before that Sada Shiva Linga which is the Transcendent Being and the Supreme Self, worshipped by all Suras and their preceptor (Brhaspathi), with innumerable flowers from the celestial gardens.
Read: 5 Powerful Shiva Mantras
Benefits of Lord Shiva Stotra
Spiritual Enlightenment and Connection
Lord Shiva Stotra serve as a bridge between the devotee and the divine. The recital of these mantras also serves as an opportunity to build the personal connection that leads an individual towards awareness about being spiritual. When the devotee chants these shlokas, they get centered and connect well with what they believe. This may thus lead them into the pursuit of understanding more about his life and other surroundings since it may become easy by knowing one’s self.
Peace Within and Clarity in Mentality
Inner peace is lost in this world full of stress and distractions. Shiv Stotras meditation and mindfulness can be considered a powerful tool. The soothing sound in the voice, while one chants, coupled with profound meaning in words, helps relax and quiet one’s mind. Research has shown that repetitive chanting can reduce anxiety and lead to a peaceful state, which enables the practitioners to gain clarity of mind and be better focused on their daily lives. This mental serenity is important for emotional well-being, building resilience to the challenges of life.
A Source of Strength and Courage
Lord Shiva is often visualized with the strength of overcoming the limitation and the fear within. Lord Shiv Stotra can strengthen the person through confidence and courage. Many turn to these prayers when times get tough, taking inspiration from Shiva’s story of transformation and resilience. This emotional build-up might lead to a greater level of self-belief and the ability to pursue goals despite the presence of obstacles.
Blessings and Protection
It is considered that certain Stotras can bring about divine blessings and protection through recitation. These hymns are chanted by devotees for getting guidance from Lord Shiva when they are distressed or are in confusion. Connection with the divine power often provides safety and security through the energy of devotion. Regular recitation is believed to keep negative energies and bad influences at bay and hence bring about balance and happiness in life.
Physical Benefits
Interestingly, Shiv Stotras can even bring good health to the body. Vibration created while chanting would increase the efficiency of the respiratory system, help relax the mind, and enhance the immune system. Regular practice of this would sometimes prompt regular sitting and breathing practices, which can improve one’s health. If these practices are done collectively – group prayers or community meetings, for example – then the resultant energy and vibrations could translate to a shared sense of well-being and joy.
Cultivation of Discipline and Routine
Lord Shiva Stotra can easily be included in one’s daily rituals, thereby giving one a sense of discipline and routine. The devotees often set apart specific times for prayer and recitation, thus instilling in them a commitment to their spiritual practices. A more structured approach leads to greater organization in life and has the benefit of spilling over into all aspects of daily living. Routines built around such spiritual practices can enhance overall time management and productivity.
Community and Belonging
A great experience of belongingness is inculcated among those sharing a similar thought pattern through Lord Shiv Stotra chanting in society. Spiritual discussions, experiences, and mutual encouragement to their spiritual journey occur. Social bonding is thus developed and their commitment to practice is intensified. The positive energy associated with such recitations goes much beyond and helps create an atmosphere of powerful devotion and love.
Developing Favorable Energy and Vibes
The reciting of Lord Shiva Stotra releases positive vibrations to the environment and people within. Devotees often realize that chanting makes their homes and space less stressful and more energetic. This change enhances an atmosphere of happiness, creativity, and growth. It is for this reason that positive benefits of chanting extend out into the surroundings and communities too.
Manifestation of Desires and Goals
Many practitioners believe that by invoking Lord Shiva through Lord Shiva Stotra, they can manifest their desires and goals. It is a kind of prayer, appealing for guidance to achieve personal ambitions. As long as a person maintains focused intention and devotion, his or her aspirations start to materialize, which generates a belief in the power of devotion and intention-setting.
Cultural Heritage and Tradition
Chanting Lord Shiva Stotra is not only a personal spiritual practice but also a means of bonding with India’s rich cultural heritage and tradition. Every hymn is full of history, mythology, and lore that remind one of the values and teachings of Hinduism. Interacting with these texts helps people learn more about their own culture and spirituality and instill pride and belonging.
Conclusion
The benefits of reciting Lord Shiv Stotra include spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Such hymns, through sound, intention, and devotion, offer a pathway to transformation and connection with the divine. For anyone wanting to explore the depths of spirituality, enhance inner peace, or simply imbibe the sense of strength and courage, Lord Shiva Stotra are an invaluable resource. Whether as a daily practice or a much-loved ritual, the power of these sacred chants has the ability to uplift and enrich lives, making it an important part of Hindu spiritual practice.
