Learn Rudrashtakam with lyrics, significance, and meanings. The Shiva Rudrashtakam Stotram is a revered hymn dedicated to Lord Shiva, embodying the essence of his divine attributes and cosmic significance. Simultaneously, the Sri Amit Ray tradition of activating 114 chakras offers a comprehensive approach to spiritual enlightenment and holistic well-being. In the Sri Amit Ray tradition, chakra activation involves a combination of meditation, visualization, mantra chanting, and specific yogic practices. The Rudrashtakam mantra has great significance to awaken some of the inner dormant chakras. Rudrashtakam is the mantra to connect some of the inner chakras with the cosmic.
Significance of Rudrashtakam
The Shiva Rudrashtakam is also known as Rudrashtakam, a genre of eight-versed (Ashtaka) hymns dedicated to Lord Rudra, a transformational form of Lord Shiva. These hymns are often recited to seek the blessings of Shiva, who is regarded as the destroyer of evil and ignorance, the god of meditation, and the master of cosmic rhythm.
The Shiva Rudrashtakam is a Sanskrit hymn composed by the great saint Tulsidas. It consists of eight verses (ashtakam) that praise Lord Shiva, the supreme deity representing destruction, transformation, and regeneration in the Hindu pantheon. Each verse is a tribute to Shiva’s various attributes, such as his omnipotence, omnipresence, and benevolence.
The Rudrashtakam serves as a powerful medium to invoke Shiva’s blessings, offering devotees a pathway to spiritual liberation (moksha), inner peace, and the removal of obstacles. The hymn encapsulates the essence of Shiva’s transcendental nature, his role as the cosmic dancer (Nataraja), and the destroyer of ignorance and illusion (maya).
The significance of the Rudrashtakam lies in its ability to connect the devotee with the divine energy of Lord Shiva. It is believed that regular recitation of this hymn can invoke Shiva’s blessings, leading to spiritual growth, inner peace, and the removal of obstacles. The Rudrashtakam, in particular, emphasizes Shiva’s role as the eternal, formless, and all-pervading consciousness that governs the universe.
Meaning of Shiva Rudrashtakam
To understand the deeper meaning of the Shiva Rudrashtakam, one must explore its verses, which are rich in metaphors and symbolic language. Here is a detailed analysis of the verses:
- Verse 1:
- Namami Shamishan Nirvana Rupam, Vibhum Vyapakam Brahma Veda Swaroopam,
- Nijam Nirgunam Nirvikalpam Niriham, Chidakasam Akashavasam Bhajeham.
Translation: I bow to Lord Shiva, the master of the universe, who is formless and embodies the essence of liberation. He is omnipresent, the form of the Supreme Brahman known through the Vedas. He is beyond qualities, unchanging, and desireless, residing in the space of consciousness.
- Verse 2:
- Nirakara Monkara Moolam Turiyam, Giragnana Goti Tamisham Girisham,
- Karalam Mahakal Kalam Kripalam, Gunagara Samsara Param Natoham.
Translation: I bow to the formless, primordial sound (Om), the ultimate truth beyond the states of consciousness. He is the lord of mountains and embodies supreme knowledge. Fierce and compassionate, he transcends time and death, guiding souls beyond the cycle of life and death.
- Verse 3:
- Tusaram Bhujangam Anangaam Anidram, Sumoham Sumartham Sharanyam Mahesham,
- Bhaswaroopam Surupam Suresham, Hridistham Mahantam Bhajeham Bhavani.
Translation: I bow to the one adorned with a serpent, who is bodiless, sleepless, and profoundly enchanting. He is the refuge and great lord, embodying radiant beauty and ruling over gods. He resides in the heart as the supreme soul.
- Verse 4:
- Sada Satyam Mandekaram Shiva Kevalam Avyaktam Arupam Athulya,
- Gahana Vidhi Gocharam Gandham Avighna, Hridi Bhavayami Nityam Anisham.
Translation: Always truthful, radiant, and the sole ultimate reality, Shiva is beyond expression, formless, and incomparable. He is beyond comprehension and the senses, yet ever-present in the heart, meditated upon ceaselessly.
- Verse 5:
- Anadi Madadyanta Vachyam Avyaktam, Ananaya Manadyam Asaram Asaram,
- Mahadevam Achintyam Adrishyam Avandhyam, Hridi Bhavayami Nityam Anisham.
Translation: He is without beginning, middle, or end, beyond speech and unmanifest. He is without attachment or defects, the great God, inconceivable, invisible, and never born. I meditate on him eternally in my heart.
- Verse 6:
- Dhavalam Trinetram Mahadeva Devam, Hridihm Nityam Nirvairam Anantam Ajam,
- Rudra Bhaktim Anandam Akshayam Anupamam, Hridam Bhavayami Nityam Anisham.
Translation: The pure, three-eyed great god, eternal, and without enmity, limitless and unborn, I meditate on him ceaselessly in my heart. He grants devotion to Rudra, joy, imperishability, and unmatched bliss.
- Verse 7:
- Neelakantham Atyugram Nilaambara Vyapinam, Hridikasham Ritam Purna Prasannam,
- Bhaswaroopam Suresham Anupamam, Hridi Bhavayami Nityam Anisham.
Translation: The blue-throated, extremely fierce, yet kind and all-pervading lord, residing in the heart’s space, truth and completeness personified, eternally blissful, the radiant form, and incomparable lord of gods, I meditate on him ceaselessly in my heart.
- Verse 8:
- Natirna Anya Abhayam Kshamakarma Dayam, Rudram Smarami Nityam Saptaswaram,
- Bhaktan Vighneshvaran Darpitam, Nityam Bhajeham Saptaswaram.
Translation: To none other do I offer my obeisance, seeking fearlessness, forgiveness, and grace. I remember Rudra eternally in the seven tones, meditating on the remover of obstacles. I bow eternally in the seven tones.
Benefits of Reciting Shiva Rudrashtakam
The recitation of the Rudrashtakam brings numerous spiritual and psychological benefits:
- Spiritual Growth: Regular recitation helps deepen one’s connection with Lord Shiva, fostering spiritual growth and inner transformation.
- Inner Peace: The hymn’s vibrations have a calming effect on the mind, helping reduce stress and anxiety.
- Removal of Obstacles: It is believed to remove obstacles from the devotee’s path, both material and spiritual.
- Protection: Reciting the hymn invokes Lord Shiva’s protection against negative forces and influences.
- Health Benefits: The vibrations of the hymn are said to have healing effects on the body and mind, promoting overall well-being.
- Fulfillment of Desires: Devotees believe that sincere recitation can help fulfill their righteous desires and aspirations.
When to Recite Siha Rudrashtakam
The Siha Rudrashtakam can be recited at any time; however, there are specific times considered more auspicious for its recitation:
- During Pradosha Kala: This is the time during sunset, approximately 1.5 hours before and after sunset, considered highly auspicious for worshipping Lord Shiva.
- On Mondays: Monday is traditionally dedicated to Lord Shiva, making it an ideal day for reciting this hymn.
- During Mahashivaratri: The festival of Mahashivaratri, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is an excellent occasion for reciting the Siha Rudrashtakam.
- During Special Pujas: Reciting the hymn during special Shiva Pujas or rituals amplifies its benefits.
How to Reciting Rudrashtakam
Here are some guidelines for reciting the Shiva Rudrashtakam:
- Purity of Body and Mind: Ensure that you are clean and in a peaceful state of mind. Taking a bath before recitation is recommended.
- Sacred Space: Choose a quiet and clean place for recitation, preferably in front of a Shiva idol or image.
- Posture: Sit in a comfortable posture, such as Padmasana (Lotus Pose) or Sukhasana (Easy Pose), keeping your spine erect.
- Devotion: Recite the hymn with devotion and focus, visualizing Lord Shiva and feeling his presence.
- Chanting: Chant the verses clearly and melodiously, allowing the vibrations to resonate within you.
- Regular Practice: Make it a regular practice to recite the Rudrashtakam, ideally daily or at least on Mondays and special occasions.
Rudrashtakam Lyrics
श्री शिव रुद्राष्टकम् स्तोत्रम्
नमामीशमीशान निर्वाण रूपं
विभुं व्यापकं ब्रह्म वेदस्वरूपम्।
निजं निर्गुणं निर्विकल्पं निरीहं
चिदाकाशमाकाशवासं भजेऽहम्॥१॥
निराकारमोंकारमूलं तुरीयं
गिरा ज्ञान गोतीतमीशं गिरीशम्।
करालं महाकाल कालं कृपालं
गुणागार संसार पारं नतोऽहम्॥२॥
तुषाराद्रि संकाश गौरं गभीरं
मनोभूत कोटि प्रभा श्री शरीरम्।
स्फुरन्मौलि कल्लोलिनी चारु गंगा
लसद्भालबालेन्दु कण्ठे भुजंगा॥३॥
चलत्कुण्डलं भ्रू सुनेत्रं विशालं
प्रसन्नाननं नीलकण्ठं दयालम्।
मृगाधीश चर्माम्बरं मुण्डमालं
प्रियं शंकरं सर्वनाथं भजामि॥४॥
प्रचण्डं प्रकृष्टं प्रगल्भं परेशं
अखण्डं अजं भानु कोटि प्रकाशम्।
त्रयः शूल निर्मूलनं शूलपाणिं
भजेऽहं भवानीपतिं भाव गम्यम्॥५॥
कलातीत कल्याण कल्पान्तकारी
सदा सज्जनानन्द दाता पुरारी।
चिदानन्द सन्दोह मोहापहारी
प्रसीद प्रसीद प्रभो मन्मथारी॥६॥
न यावत् उमानाथ पादारविन्दं
भजंतीह लोके परे वा नराणाम्।
न तावत्सुखं शांति सन्तापनाशं
प्रसीद प्रभो सर्वभूताधिवासं॥७॥
न जानामि योगं जपं नैव पूजां
नतोऽहं सदा सर्वदा शम्भु तुभ्यम्।
जराजन्म दुःखौघ तातप्यमानं
प्रभोपाहि आपन्नमामीश शंभो॥८॥
रुद्राष्टकमिदं प्रोक्तं विप्रेण हरतोषये।
ये पठन्ति नरा भक्त्या तेषां शंभुः प्रसीदति॥
Conclusion
The Shiva Rudrashtakam and the activation of the 114 chakras in the Sri Amit Ray tradition offer a comprehensive approach to spiritual growth and well-being. By integrating these practices, one can experience profound transformation, inner peace, and a deeper connection with the divine. Whether you are seeking spiritual awakening, healing, or enhanced well-being, these timeless practices provide a powerful pathway to achieving your goals.