lingashtakamidam punyam yah pathechchhivasannidhau। shivalokamavapnoti shivena saha modate॥
Frequently asked questions about Lingashtakam
What does the Lingashtakam praise?
The Shiva linga itself - eight verses each closing tat pranamami sadashiva lingam, to that linga of the eternal Shiva I bow. It is worship of the formless mark rather than of an image with limbs.
What does the linga represent?
A sign - that is what the word means. The tradition reads it as the formless taking just enough shape to be worshipped, which is why the linga has no face, no arms and no story attached to its form.
When is it recited?
During abhishek, on Mondays and Pradosh, through Shravan and at Maha Shivaratri. It is short and easy, so it is one of the first Shiva hymns children are taught.
What does its closing verse promise?
That whoever recites these eight verses in Shiva's presence attains Shiva loka and dwells with him. Phalashruti verses of this kind are the traditional way of stating that a hymn is complete worship in itself.
Is it recited with the Bilvashtakam?
Very often - the Bilvashtakam as the leaves are offered and this as the water is poured, with the Panchakshari as japa afterwards.
About the Lingashtakam
The Lingashtakam - eight verses in adoration of the Shiva Linga, the formless symbol of Lord Shiva.
Meaning
Each verse bows to the Linga worshipped by Brahma, Vishnu and the gods - describing it as adorned with fragrance, gold and gems, destroyer of sin, sorrow and the cycle of birth.
Benefits
Recited daily or during Shiva puja; reciting the eight verses is said to lead the devotee to Shiva's abode and free them from sins and rebirth.
The Lingashtakam above is given in both Devanagari (Sanskrit) and Roman transliteration so you can read it in whichever script you are comfortable with - switch between the two using the buttons above, share the link, or download a PDF.
A stotram is a longer Sanskrit hymn of praise, not a forty-verse chalisa and not the lamp-song of an aarti. Browse every stotra on the Stotram index. For japa of a short formula use a mantra. The steps of worship around the recitation are in Puja Vidhi.
