Nityaनित्य
Lingashtakam
लिङ्गाष्टकम्
Lingashtakam is a Sanskrit hymn of eight verses in praise of the Shiva Linga. Every verse ends with "Tat Pranamami Sada Shiva Lingam", which means "to that Linga of Shiva I always bow", and a closing phalashruti says that whoever recites it near Shiva reaches Shiva's abode. Devotees sing it during abhishekam, on Mondays and through the night of Maha Shivratri.
Shloka 1
Brahma Murari Surarchita Lingam
Nirmala Bhasita Shobhita Lingam
Janmaja Dukha Vinashaka Lingam
Tat Pranamami Sada Shiva Lingam
The Linga worshipped by Brahma, by Vishnu and by the gods; the Linga pure, shining and resplendent; the Linga that ends the sorrow born of birth. To that Linga of Shiva I always bow.
Shloka 2
Deva Muni Pravararchita Lingam
Kamadaham Karunakara Lingam
Ravana Darpa Vinashana Lingam
Tat Pranamami Sada Shiva Lingam
The Linga worshipped by the foremost of gods and sages; the Linga that burnt away Kama, yet is an ocean of compassion; the Linga that humbled the pride of Ravana. To that Linga of Shiva I always bow.
Shloka 3
Sarva Sugandha Sulepita Lingam
Buddhi Vivardhana Karana Lingam
Siddha Surasura Vandita Lingam
Tat Pranamami Sada Shiva Lingam
The Linga anointed with every fragrance; the Linga that makes wisdom grow; the Linga revered alike by siddhas, gods and asuras. To that Linga of Shiva I always bow.
Shloka 4
Kanaka Mahamani Bhushita Lingam
Phanipati Veshtita Shobhita Lingam
Daksha Suyajna Vinashana Lingam
Tat Pranamami Sada Shiva Lingam
The Linga adorned with gold and precious gems; the Linga resplendent with the king of serpents coiled around it; the Linga that brought Daksha's proud sacrifice to an end. To that Linga of Shiva I always bow.
Shloka 5
Kumkuma Chandana Lepita Lingam
Pankaja Hara Sushobhita Lingam
Sanchita Papa Vinashana Lingam
Tat Pranamami Sada Shiva Lingam
The Linga smeared with kumkum and sandalwood paste; the Linga beautified with garlands of lotuses; the Linga that destroys the sins gathered over many lives. To that Linga of Shiva I always bow.
Shloka 6
Devaganarchita Sevita Lingam
Bhavair Bhaktibhireva Cha Lingam
Dinakara Koti Prabhakara Lingam
Tat Pranamami Sada Shiva Lingam
The Linga worshipped and served by the hosts of gods; the Linga reached through true feeling and devotion alone; the Linga radiant as ten million suns. To that Linga of Shiva I always bow.
Shloka 7
Ashtadalopari Veshtita Lingam
Sarva Samudbhava Karana Lingam
Ashta Daridra Vinashana Lingam
Tat Pranamami Sada Shiva Lingam
The Linga set upon an eight-petalled lotus; the Linga from which all creation arises; the Linga that removes the eight kinds of poverty. To that Linga of Shiva I always bow.
Shloka 8
Suraguru Suravara Pujita Lingam
Suravana Pushpa Sadarchita Lingam
Paratparam Paramatmaka Lingam
Tat Pranamami Sada Shiva Lingam
The Linga worshipped by Brihaspati, guru of the gods, and by the best of the gods; the Linga ever worshipped with flowers from the celestial gardens; the Linga beyond the highest, the Supreme Self itself. To that Linga of Shiva I always bow.
Phalashruti (closing)
Lingashtakamidam Punyam Yah Pathet Shivasannidhau
Shivalokam Avapnoti Shivena Saha Modate
Whoever recites this sacred Lingashtakam in the presence of Shiva attains the abode of Shiva and rejoices there with Shiva.