Shiva Lingashtakam is chanted during the Shiva Puja that is performed on every day during this month. The holy month of Shravan (fifth month of the Hindu Calendar) is considered to be an auspicious time to offer prayers to Lord Shiva. Shiva Lingashtakam lists Lord Shiva’s glories and the benefits of worshipping the Shivalinga. Shivalinga is a symbolic representation of the creation of the Universe from the eternal play of Shiva and Shakti. The prayer is a declaration of faith, obedience, loyalty, and devotion towards Lord Shiva. Penned by Adi Shankaracharya, himself considered to be an avatar of Lord Shiva, Shiva Lingashtakam is a prayer offered to Lord Shiva in the form of linga (meaning symbol in Sanskrit). A countless number of people wake up every day to the holy sounds of this composition set to a melodious tune that reflects the cultural ethos of that particular region. One such ashtakam that is beamed from temples across India is the Shiva Lingashtakam. This is evident from the dozens of ashtakam found in the annals of the Indian culture.

They were one of the favorite poetic instruments of the rishis (sage) of the past. Ashtakam is a poetic composition in Sanskrit of eight stanzas or verses.

Lingashtakam meaning in english