Parvati Vallabha Nilakantha Ashtakam — Benefits & How to Chant
पार्वतीवल्लभनीलकण्ठाष्टकम्
Complete guide to chanting correctly for maximum benefit
Benefits of Chanting Parvati Vallabha Nilakantha Ashtakam
Deepens loving devotion to Shiva as Nilakantha, who drank poison to save creation
Invoked as Maha-Kashta-Nasham
destroyer of great troubles and hardships
The repeated refrain 'Bhaje Parvati-Vallabham Nilakantham' cultivates one-pointed remembrance of Shiva
A vivid meditation on Shiva's form
trident, serpents, crescent moon, ash and tiger-skin
Calls upon Shiva as Bhutanatha and lord of spirits, traditionally for protection from negative influences
Honours Shiva together with Parvati on his left (Ardhanarishvara aspect), invoking harmony and grace
How to Chant Parvati Vallabha Nilakantha Ashtakam
Instructions
Sit facing east or north before an image or Lingam of Shiva. Recite the eight verses with devotion, letting the refrain 'Bhaje Parvati-Vallabham Nilakantham' settle the mind on the form of Nilakantha. Meditate on Shiva drinking the halahala poison out of compassion for the worlds. It may be chanted once daily or 8 times on Shiva festivals. Offering bilva (bel) leaves while chanting is especially auspicious.
Spiritual Significance
When the churning of the milk-ocean released the halahala, a poison fierce enough to consume the universe, Shiva alone could bear it; he drank it down and Parvati pressed his throat, holding the venom there, where it shone forever blue. This hymn holds that the Lord who could swallow the world's deadliest poison can surely consume the lesser poisons of his devotees' troubles — hence his name here, Maha-Kashta-Nasham, the destroyer of great suffering.
Origin & History
Source: Traditional Shaiva stotra (Parvati Vallabha Nilakantha Ashtakam)
Author: Traditional (attributed to the Shaiva devotional tradition)
This ashtakam celebrates Shiva in his Nilakantha aspect — the supreme compassion by which he held in his throat the halahala poison that arose from the churning of the cosmic ocean, saving gods and demons alike. Built as a garland of his names and forms, it pictures him as the ash-smeared, serpent-wreathed, trident-bearing lord of the cremation ground who is at once the fierce Bhutanatha and the gracious beloved of Parvati.