Ardhanarishwara Stotram
अर्धनारीश्वर स्तोत्रम्
Origin & Story
Ascribed to Adi Shankaracharya · Adi Shankaracharya · Classical
The Ardhanarishwara Stotram is traditionally ascribed to Adi Shankaracharya. A hymn to Ardhanarishwara — the form that is half Shiva and half Parvati — praising, line by line, the male half (Shiva) and the female half (Devi): His ash and Her sandal, His serpent and Her bangles, the union of Purusha and Prakriti in one body.
✦ As told in scripture
It is said that to recite the Ardhanarishwara Stotram with a sincere and devoted heart is to draw near to the grace of the Lord, who never forsakes those who lovingly call upon Him.
The Mantra
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श्रीगणेशाय नमः ॥ मन्दारमालालुलितालकायै कपालमालाङ्कितशेखराय । दिव्याम्बरायै च दिगम्बराय नमः शिवायै च नमः शिवाय ॥ १॥ एकः स्तनस्तुङ्गतरः परस्य वार्तामिव प्रष्टुमगान्मुखाग्रम् । यस्याः प्रियार्धस्थितिमुद्वहन्त्याः सा पातु वः पर्वतराजपुत्री ॥ २॥ यस्योपवीतगुण एव फणावृतैक- वक्षोरुहः कुचपटीयति वामभागे । तस्मै ममास्तु तमसामवसानसीम्ने चन्द्रार्धमौलिशिरसे च नमः शिवाय ॥ ३॥ स्वेदार्द्रवामकुचमण्डनपत्रभङ्ग- संशोषिदक्षिणकराङ्गुलिभस्मरेणुः । स्त्रीपुंनपुंसकपदव्यतिलङ्घिनी वः शम्भोस्तनुः सुखयतु प्रकृतिश्चतुर्थी ॥ ४॥ इत्यर्धनारीश्वरस्तोत्रं सम्पूर्णम् ।
śrīgaṇeśāya namaḥ || mandāramālālulitālakāyai kapālamālāṅkitaśekharāya | divyāmbarāyai ca digambarāya namaḥ śivāyai ca namaḥ śivāya || 1|| ekaḥ stanastuṅgataraḥ parasya vārtāmiva praṣṭumagānmukhāgram | yasyāḥ priyārdhasthitimudvahantyāḥ sā pātu vaḥ parvatarājaputrī || 2|| yasyopavītaguṇa eva phaṇāvṛtaika- vakṣoruhaḥ kucapaṭīyati vāmabhāge | tasmai mamāstu tamasāmavasānasīmne candrārdhamauliśirase ca namaḥ śivāya || 3|| svedārdravāmakucamaṇḍanapatrabhaṅga- saṃśoṣidakṣiṇakarāṅgulibhasmareṇuḥ | strīpuṃnapuṃsakapadavyatilaṅghinī vaḥ śambhostanuḥ sukhayatu prakṛtiścaturthī || 4|| ityardhanārīśvarastotraṃ sampūrṇam |
Meaning:A hymn to Ardhanarishwara — the form that is half Shiva and half Parvati — praising, line by line, the male half (Shiva) and the female half (Devi): His ash and Her sandal, His serpent and Her bangles, the union of Purusha and Prakriti in one body.
Benefits of Chanting Ardhanarishwara Stotram
Recitation of the Ardhanarishwara Stotram is held to bring the grace, blessings and protection of the Lord.
Cultivates devotion, calms the mind and steadies the heart in the Lord’s remembrance.
Most auspicious on Mondays, and during Maha Shivaratri, Pradosh and the month of Shravan.
A short, melodious hymn that anyone can learn and recite daily with faith.
How to Chant Ardhanarishwara Stotram
Bathe and sit facing east or north before an image of the deity. Light a lamp and recite the Ardhanarishwara Stotram slowly and with devotion. It may be chanted daily, or especially during Maha Shivaratri, Pradosh and the month of Shravan. Conclude with a prayer for grace and protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
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