Lingashtakamलिङ्गाष्टकम्
Devoted to Shiva
Source: Adi Shankaracharya
Transliteration
brahma-murari-surarcita-lingam nirmala-bhasita-sobhita-lingam janma-ja-duhkha-vinasaka-lingam tat-pranamami sadasiva-lingam
Meaning (English)
I bow eternally to that Sadashiva Linga which is worshipped by Brahma, Vishnu and the devas; which shines with pure radiance; which destroys the sorrows of repeated births. It is adored by sages, burns desire to ash, pours mercy, humbled the pride of Ravana, is anointed with fragrances and sandal, sharpens the intellect, saluted by siddhas, suras and asuras, adorned with gold and gems, encircled by the serpent-king, shattered Daksha sacrifice, smeared with kunkuma, garlanded with lotuses, consumes sin, blazes like ten million suns, seated on the eight-petalled lotus that is source of all creation.
Benefits (Phal)
Whoever recites this eightfold hymn to the Linga in the presence of Shiva attains the supreme abode of Shiva and is freed from sins accumulated across countless births. Dissolves the eight kinds of poverty (ashta-daridra), removes obstacles, calms lustful agitation, awakens dispassion, grants steadiness of mind. Regular recitation brings liberation, protection from untimely death, harmony in family, grace to behold Shiva in every form of worship.
When to Chant
Brahma Muhurta, morning or evening Shiva puja, Mondays, every Pradosham, Shravan month, Maha Shivaratri night, during abhishekam with water, milk or bilva leaves on a Shiva Linga.
How to Chant
Bathe, wear clean clothes, sit facing north or east before a Shiva Linga. Light a ghee lamp and offer bilva leaves or bhasma. Begin with three Om chants and prayer to Ganesha. Recite all eight verses slowly pausing on the refrain. Conclude with Om Namah Shivaya 11 times.
Book a pandit for Lingashtakam jaap
Major sankalp (1.25 lakh count or more) traditionally requires a trained pandit. Verified pandits perform on your behalf with full video proof + sankalpa with your gotra/nakshatra.