Tat Pranamami Sadashiva Lingam
Tat Pranamami Sadashiva Lingam in English · English
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✦ Meaning
This is the celebrated opening verse of the Lingashtakam, the most popular eight-verse hymn to the Shiva Linga, ending with its signature refrain 'Tat Pranamami Sadashiva Lingam' (I bow to that eternal Shiva Linga). It hails the Linga as worshipped by Brahma, Vishnu and the gods, radiant with immaculate purity, and the destroyer of all the sorrows of birth.
Origin & Story
Lingashtakam, verse 1 (traditional Shaiva hymn) · Unknown (attributed to the ancient Shaiva tradition) · Ancient
This is the opening stanza of the Lingashtakam, the most widely sung hymn to the Shiva Linga, ending with its refrain 'Tat Pranamami Sadashiva Lingam'. According to the Shiva Purana, when Brahma and Vishnu disputed who was supreme, an infinite pillar of light (Jyotirlinga) appeared between them; neither could find its beginning or end, and Shiva revealed himself from it. The verse 'Brahma Murari Surarchita Lingam' captures this truth — that the Linga is revered even by Brahma and Vishnu — and opens the eight-verse adoration of Sadashiva.
✦ As told in scripture
The Shiva Purana relates that even unlettered devotees who simply bowed before the self-manifested Jyotirlingas, uttering Shiva's name, had lifetimes of karma dissolved. This first verse of the Lingashtakam enshrines that promise — that bowing to the Linga worshipped by Brahma and Vishnu destroys the sorrows born of birth itself.
The Mantra
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Brahma Murari Surarchita Lingam Nirmala Bhasita Shobhita Lingam Janmaja Duhkha Vinashaka Lingam Tat Pranamami Sadashiva Lingam
Meaning:I bow to that Sadashiva Linga — worshipped by Brahma, Vishnu and all the gods, shining with immaculate purity and splendour, the destroyer of all the sorrows born of worldly existence.
Word-by-Word Meaning
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Benefits of Chanting Tat Pranamami Sadashiva Lingam
The most beloved opening verse of the Lingashtakam — establishes Shiva's supremacy as worshipped even by Brahma and Vishnu
Invokes the formless (Nirguna) aspect of Lord Shiva through the sacred Linga
Believed to destroy the sorrows and sufferings born of worldly existence (janmaja duhkha)
Ideal short verse to chant while performing abhishekam of a Shiva Linga, bowing at the refrain
Especially powerful on Mondays, Pradosh and Maha Shivaratri
Easy to memorise and chant, making it perfect for daily Shiva worship
How to Chant Tat Pranamami Sadashiva Lingam
Chant this verse while performing abhishekam (ritual bathing) of a Shiva Linga with water, milk or Ganga water, bowing at the refrain 'Tat Pranamami Sadashiva Lingam'. If no Linga is available, meditate on the formless divine light. It may be recited on its own or as the opening of the full Lingashtakam. Finish with 'Om Namah Shivaya'.
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Read the full Tat Pranamami Sadashiva Lingam with verse-by-verse meaning, or explore more sacred texts