🕉️ Lingashtakam – A Devotional Hymn to Lord Shiva
Lingashtakam (ಲಿಂಗಾಷ್ಟಕಂ / लिङ्गाष्टकम्) is a sacred Sanskrit hymn traditionally attributed to Adi Shankaracharya, dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of the Shiva Linga. Comprising eight verses, it praises the Linga as the destroyer of sin, source of wisdom, and embodiment of divine power. Each verse ends with the line “Tat Pranamami Sada Shiva Lingam”, expressing deep devotion.
It is widely chanted across India and has been beautifully rendered by legendary singer S. P. Balasubrahmanyam (SPB), whose version remains one of the most popular.
The hymn highlights the Linga’s purity, radiance, and spiritual significance, and concludes with a promise: those who recite it in Lord Shiva’s presence will attain Shivaloka and eternal joy.
🕉️ Overview With S. P. Balasubrahmanyam Lingashtakam
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Lingashtakam (ಲಿಂಗಾಷ್ಟಕಂ / लिङ्गाष्टकम्) |
| Language | Sanskrit (Chanted widely in India) |
| Type | Hindu devotional stotra (hymn) |
| Deity Worshipped | Lord Shiva (in the form of Shiva Linga) |
| Lyrics by | Traditionally attributed to Adi Shankaracharya |
| Composer (Musical Setting) | Various, depending on rendition. |
| Famous Rendition by | S. P. Balasubrahmanyam (SPB) |
| Sung by | S. P. Balasubrahmanyam (not the original composer, but a popular singer of it) |
| Notable Features | Repetitive use of “Linga” to emphasize the symbolic worship of Shiva |
Lingashtakam Lyrics
Sanskrit Text and Transliteration:
Sanskrit:
ब्रह्ममुरारि सुरार्चित लिङ्गं
निर्मलभासित शोभित लिङ्गम् ।
जन्मज दुख विनाशक लिङ्गं
तत् प्रणमामि सदा शिव लिङ्गम् ॥१॥
Transliteration:
Brahma Murari Surarchita Lingam
Nirmala Bhasita Shobhita Lingam |
Janmaja Dukha Vinashaka Lingam
Tat Pranamami Sada Shiva Lingam ||1||
Translation:
I bow before the Shiva Linga, which is worshipped by Brahma, Vishnu, and other gods,
Pure, radiant, and adorned with splendor,
It destroys the sorrows arising from birth,
I constantly salute that eternal Shiva Linga.
Sanskrit:
देवमुनि प्रवरार्चित लिङ्गं
कामदहन करुणाकर लिङ्गम् ।
रावण दर्प विनाशन लिङ्गं
तत् प्रणमामि सदा शिव लिङ्गम् ॥२॥
Transliteration:
Deva Muni Pravara Archita Lingam
Kama Dahana Karunakara Lingam |
Ravana Darpa Vinashana Lingam
Tat Pranamami Sada Shiva Lingam ||2||
Translation:
I bow before the Shiva Linga, worshipped by divine sages and gods,
The destroyer of desires and the compassionate one,
It subdued the pride of Ravana,
I constantly salute that eternal Shiva Linga.
Sanskrit:
सर्व सुगंध सुलेपित लिङ्गं
बुद्धि विवर्धन कारण लिङ्गम् ।
सिद्ध सुरासुर वन्दित लिङ्गं
तत् प्रणमामि सदा शिव लिङ्गम् ॥३॥
Transliteration:
Sarva Sugandha Sulepita Lingam
Buddhi Vivardhana Karana Lingam |
Siddha Surasura Vandita Lingam
Tat Pranamami Sada Shiva Lingam ||3||
Translation:
I bow before the Shiva Linga, anointed with fragrant sandalwood paste,
The source of increasing wisdom,
Worshipped by Siddhas, gods, and demons,
I constantly salute that eternal Shiva Linga.
Sanskrit:
कनक महामणि भूषित लिङ्गं
फणिपति वेष्टित शोभित लिङ्गम् ।
दक्ष सुयज्ञ विनाशन लिङ्गं
तत् प्रणमामi सदा शिव लिङ्गम् ॥४॥
Transliteration:
Kanaka Mahamani Bhushita Lingam
Phanipati Veshtita Shobhita Lingam |
Daksha Suyajna Vinashana Lingam
Tat Pranamami Sada Shiva Lingam ||4||
Translation:
I bow before the Shiva Linga, adorned with gold and great jewels,
Encircled and glorified by the king of serpents,
It destroyed Daksha’s grand sacrifice,
I constantly salute that eternal Shiva Linga.
Sanskrit:
कुंकुम चंदन लेपित लिङ्गं
पंकज हार सुशोभित लिङ्गम् ।
संचित पाप विनाशन लिङ्गं
तत् प्रणमामि सदा शिव लिङ्गम् ॥५॥
Transliteration:
Kunkuma Chandana Lepita Lingam
Pankaja Hara Sushobhita Lingam |
Sanchita Papa Vinashana Lingam
Tat Pranamami Sada Shiva Lingam ||5||
Translation:
I bow before the Shiva Linga, smeared with kumkum and sandalwood paste,
Adorned with garlands of lotuses,
It destroys accumulated sins,
I constantly salute that eternal Shiva Linga.
Sanskrit:
देवगणार्चित सेवित लिङ्गं
भावैर्भक्ति भिरेव च लिङ्गम् ।
दिनकर कोटि प्रभाकर लिङ्गं
तत् प्रणमामि सदा शिव लिङ्गम् ॥६॥
Transliteration:
Devaganarchita Sevita Lingam
Bhavair Bhakti Bhireva Cha Lingam |
Dinakara Koti Prabhakara Lingam
Tat Pranamami Sada Shiva Lingam ||6||
Translation:
I bow before the Shiva Linga, worshipped and served by divine beings,
Adored with devotion and faith,
Radiant like millions of suns,
I constantly salute that eternal Shiva Linga.
Sanskrit:
अष्टदलोपरिवेष्टित लिङ्गं
सर्वं समुद्भव कारण लिङ्गम् ।
अष्टदरिद्र विनाशन लिङ्गं
तत् प्रणमामि सदा शिव लिङ्गम् ॥७॥
Transliteration:
Ashtadala Pariveshtita Lingam
Sarvam Samudbhava Karana Lingam |
Ashtadaridra Vinashana Lingam
Tat Pranamami Sada Shiva Lingam ||7||
Translation:
I bow before the Shiva Linga, encircled by eight-petaled lotuses,
The cause of all creation,
It destroys the eight forms of poverty,
I constantly salute that eternal Shiva Linga.
Sanskrit:
सुरगुरु सुरवर पूजित लिङ्गं
सुरवन पुष्प सदार्चित लिङ्गम् ।
परात्परं परमात्मक लिङ्गं
तत् प्रणमामि सदा शिव लिङ्गम् ॥८॥
Transliteration:
Suraguru Suravara Pujita Lingam
Suravana Pushpa Sadarchita Lingam |
Paratparam Paramatmaka Lingam
Tat Pranamami Sada Shiva Lingam ||8||
Translation:
I bow before the Shiva Linga, worshipped by the divine preceptor and noble gods,
Adored with celestial flowers,
The supreme, transcendental, and soul-like Linga,
I constantly salute that eternal Shiva Linga.
Phala Shruti (Concluding Verse):
Sanskrit:
लिङ्गाष्टकमिदं पुण्यं यः पठेत् शिव सन्निधौ ।
शिवलोकमवाप्नोति शिवेन सह मोदति ॥
Transliteration:
Lingashtakamidam Punyam Yah Pathet Shiva Sannidhau |
Shivalokam Avapnoti Shivena Saha Modati ||
Translation:
Whoever recites this sacred Lingashtakam in the presence of Lord Shiva,
Attains the abode of Shiva and rejoices with Him.
Also Read: Anjali Jain Sukh Karta Dukh Harta Lyrics
Disclaimer:
This presentation of Lingashtakam is intended for educational and devotional purposes only. The hymn is traditionally attributed to Adi Shankaracharya, and the popular rendition referenced here is by S. P. Balasubrahmanyam. All rights to musical recordings remain with their respective owners. Translations and transliterations are provided to support understanding and respect for cultural and spiritual traditions.
Available in Multiple Languages (PDF):
- Lingashtakam Lyrics in Hindi
- Lingashtakam Lyrics in Kannada
- Lingashtakam Lyrics in Tamil
- Lingashtakam Lyrics in Telugu
Also Read: Anjali Jain Sukh Karta Dukh Harta Lyrics
? FAQ Section
Q: What is Lingashtakam about?
A: Lingashtakam is a Sanskrit devotional hymn that praises Lord Shiva in the form of the Shiva Linga, highlighting his power, compassion, and divine attributes.
Q: How many verses are there in Lingashtakam?
A: The hymn contains eight verses, each ending with the line “Tat Pranamami Sada Shiva Lingam,” followed by a concluding Phala Shruti verse.
Q: Who wrote lingashtakam?
Lingashtakam is traditionally attributed to Adi Shankaracharya, a revered 8th-century Hindu philosopher and saint.
Q: What is the significance of chanting Lingashtakam?
A: Chanting Lingashtakam is believed to purify the mind, destroy sins, remove sorrow, and lead the devotee closer to Lord Shiva’s grace and spiritual liberation.
Q: What language is Lingashtakam in?
A: Lingashtakam is composed in Sanskrit, one of the most ancient and sacred languages of India.
Q: Who made Lingashtakam popular in recent times?
A: The hymn became especially popular through the melodious rendition by S. P. Balasubrahmanyam (SPB), a legendary Indian playback singer.
