Shri Rudrashtakam Stotram

Shri Rudrashtakam Stotram (literally meaning "Eight Verses to Lord Rudra") is one of the most melodious and popular hymns dedicated to Lord Shiva. Composed in classical Sanskrit meters by Goswami Tulsidas, this stotram appears in the Uttara Kanda of his immortal masterpiece, Shri Ramcharitmanas.

In the Ramcharitmanas, the Brahmana devotee Lomasa (Lomash Rishi) sings this stotram in praise of Lord Shiva to appease Him. Impressed by the Brahmana's unconditional devotion, Shiva grants him liberation.

The Rudrashtakam begins with the majestic invocation: "Namāmīśamīśāna Nirvāṇarūpaṃ Vibhuṃ Vyāpakaṃ Brahma Vedasvarūpam" ("I bow to Lord Ishana, the embodiment of Moksha, all-pervading Brahman Himself"). Reciting this hymn bestows supreme peace, devotion, and freedom from all fears.

• Verse 1: Salutations to Ishana, embodiment of Moksha, all-pervading Brahman, formless, beyond desires.
• Verse 2: Salutations to the origin of Omkara, beyond three Gunas, terrifying as Mahakala, source of all virtues.
• Verse 3: White like snow, radiant as millions of Kamadevas, wearing Ganga in hair, crescent moon on forehead, snakes on neck.
• Verse 4: Wearing tiger skin and skull garland, blue-necked, merciful, Lord of all.
• Verse 5: Shining like millions of suns, holding the trident, destroyer of the three worldly afflictions.
• Verse 6: Beyond time, bestower of bliss, destroyer of Tripura and delusion, be pleased O Lord!
• Verse 7: Mankind finds no peace until they worship Your lotus feet, O Lord of Uma!
• Verse 8: I know no yoga or rituals; save me from old age, birth, and suffering, O Shambhu!
• Verse 9 (Phalashruti): Reciting Rudrashtakam pleases Lord Shiva.

According to scriptural tradition and verse 9 of this stotram, daily recitation of Shri Rudrashtakam grants the following blessings:

• Attainment of Lord Shiva's Pleasure (Shambhu Prasada): Pleases Lord Shiva instantly.
• Freedom from Rebirth Cycle: Grants inner peace and ultimate liberation (Moksha).
• Destruction of Sorrows and Afflictions: Eradicates mental distress and grief.
• Grant of Devotion and Wisdom: Bestows pure devotion (Bhakti) and self-knowledge.

Rudrāṣṭakamidam proktaṃ vipreṇa haratoṣaye ।
Ye paṭhanti narā bhaktyā teṣāṃ śambhuḥ prasīdati ॥ 9 ॥

Meaning of Phalashruti

This Rudrashtakam was spoken by the Brahmana to please Lord Shiva. Whoever recites these 8 verses with devotion will be blessed with the eternal grace and presence of Lord Shambhu.

1. When should Rudrashtakam be chanted?

Mondays, Pradosham, Shivaratri, and during daily morning/evening prayers.

2. Is Rudrashtakam easy to sing?

Yes! It is set in a beautiful, flowing meter (Bhujangaprayata) that sounds sublime when sung aloud.