Namah Shivashtakam
नमः शिवाष्टकम् in English · English
Origin & Story
Traditional · Traditional · Classical
The Namah Shivashtakam is a cherished traditional hymn. Eight verses to Shiva, each ending in the great salutation "Namah Shivaya" — a rhythmic offering of obeisance to the calmer of the forest-fire of worldly existence, the Lord serene and supreme.
✦ As told in scripture
It is said that to recite the Namah Shivashtakam 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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saṃsāradāvānalaśāmakāya mṛtyuñjayāyāmitavikramāya | surāsuraughārcitapādukāya śivāsametāya namaḥ śivāya || 1|| kundenduśaṅkhasphaṭikopamāya maheśvarāyāśritavatsalāya | śrīnīlakaṇṭhāya yamāntakāya śivāsametāya namaḥ śivāya || 2|| bhujaṅgacakrādhipabhūṣaṇāya nānāmaṇibhrājitakuṇḍalāya | karpūragaurāya sureśvarāya śivāsametāya namaḥ śivāya || 3|| ghorādhikāghaughanivāraṇāya svargāpavargādiphalapradāya | nirāmayāyāndhakasūdanāya śivāsametāya namaḥ śivāya || 4|| trikāgnikālāya manonmanāya | triyambakāya tripurāntakāya | kālāgnirudrāya jaganmayāya śivāsametāya namaḥ śivāya || 5|| dayāsamudrāya nidhīśvarāya dhaneśamitrāya sudhāmayāya | kāruṇyarūpāya manaskarāya śivāsametāya namaḥ śivāya || 6|| brahmendraviṣṇvādisurārcitāya devādidevāya digambarāya | anantakalyāṇaguṇārṇavāya śivāsametāya namaḥ śivāya || 7|| vedāntavedyāya jaganmayāya kailāsavāsāya śivādharāya | śivasvarūpāya sadāśivāya śivāsametāya namaḥ śivāya || 8|| iti stutvā mahādevaṃ sarvavyāpinamīśvaram | punaḥ punaḥ praṇamyātha skandastasthau kṛtāñjaliḥ || 9|| || iti śrīnamaśśivāṣṭakaṃ sampūrṇam ||
Meaning:Eight verses to Shiva, each ending in the great salutation "Namah Shivaya" — a rhythmic offering of obeisance to the calmer of the forest-fire of worldly existence, the Lord serene and supreme.
Benefits of Chanting नमः शिवाष्टकम्
Recitation of the Namah Shivashtakam 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 नमः शिवाष्टकम्
Bathe and sit facing east or north before an image of the deity. Light a lamp and recite the Namah Shivashtakam 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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Read the full नमः शिवाष्टकम् with verse-by-verse meaning, or explore more sacred texts