Shri Shivashtakam Stotram

Shri Shivashtakam Stotram (literally meaning "Eight Verses to Lord Shiva") is an 8-verse devotional hymn composed by Sri Adi Shankaracharya.

This stotram begins with the celebrated opening line: "Prabhuṃ Prāṇanāthaṃ Vibhuṃ Viśvanāthaṃ Jagannātham-Nāthaṃ Cirādbhūta-Bhūṣam" ("I praise the Lord who is the master of breath, all-pervading ruler of the universe, decorated with sacred ash").

Each verse of the Shivashtakam portrays Lord Shiva's supreme attributes—His trident, blue throat, matted locks, compassion for devotees, and victory over death. The hymn concludes with a Phalashruti declaring that chanting it leads to Lord Shiva's presence.

• Verse 1: I worship Parvati's Lord, master of breath, all-pervading lord of the universe, decorated with ash.
• Verse 2: I worship Parvati's Lord with matted hair holding Ganga, sport of supreme bliss, delight of Parvati.
• Verses 3–7: I worship Parvati's Lord, destroyer of demons, blue-necked, riding Nandi, beyond Gunas, worshipped by sages.
• Verse 8: I worship Parvati's Lord, three-eyed, all-pervading, supreme bliss, holding moon and Ganga on head.
• Verse 9 (Phalashruti): Reciting Shivashtakam near Shiva leads to Shivaloka and eternal bliss.

Spiritual Significance

Shivashtakam praises Shiva as Parvati's consort:

1. Parvatinatham Isam Bhajami: Each verse ends affirming devotion to the Lord of Parvati (Parvatinatham).
2. : Praises Shiva as —the inner life-breath () within all living beings.

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

• Eradication of Sins (Papa Nashana): Destroys sins of mind, speech, and body.
• Freedom from Rebirth Cycle: Grants mental purity and liberation (Moksha).
• Peace and Protection: Shields against negative vibrations and fear of death.
• Attainment of Shivaloka: Grants residence in Kailasha with Lord Shiva.

Śivāṣṭakam-Idaṃ Puṇyaṃ Yaḥ Paṭhet Śiva-Saṃnidhau ।
Śivalokam-Avāpnoti Śivena Saha Modate ॥ 9 ॥

Meaning of Phalashruti

Whoever recites this holy Shivashtakam in the presence of Lord Shiva with devotion will attain the realm of Shiva (Shivaloka) and rejoice eternally with Shiva.

1. When should Shivashtakam be chanted?

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

2. Can beginners sing Shivashtakam easily?

Yes! Its simple, rhythmic meter (Bhaje Parvatinatham Isam Bhajami) makes it very easy to sing.