Rudrashtakamरुद्राष्टकम्
Devoted to Shiva (Rudra)
Source: Tulsidas — Uttara Kanda of Ramcharitmanas
Transliteration
Namami-isham-ishana nirvana-rupam Vibhum vyapakam brahma-veda-svarupam | Nijam nirgunam nirvikalpam niriham Chid-akasham-akasha-vasam bhaje-aham
Meaning (English)
I bow to the supreme Lord Ishana, the embodiment of liberation, all-pervading, the very form of Brahman and the Vedas. I worship Him who is self-existent, beyond gunas, beyond duality, desireless, the consciousness-sky who dwells in the sky of pure being. Eight verses praise Rudra as the formless absolute who manifests as Shiva for the welfare of devotees.
Benefits (Phal)
Tulsidas composed this when distressed by sickness while writing Ramcharitmanas — Rudra granted instant healing. Daily recitation grants protection from disease, untimely death, sorcery, and bad dreams. Said to fulfill all righteous desires when chanted with single-pointed devotion.
When to Chant
Mondays, Shivratri, Sawan month daily; before/after Rudrabhishek; in illness.
How to Chant
Sit facing north or east; chant clear, melodic Hindi-Sanskrit; complete 8 verses + phalashruti take ~7 minutes; pair with bilvapatra offering on Shiva linga.
Book a pandit for Rudrashtakam 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.