The Shiv Rudrashtakam is a powerful prayer written in Sanskrit by Goswami Tulsidas Ji. He was a famous poet-saint who also wrote the Ramcharitmanas. Tulsidas Ji composed this Shiv Rudrashtakam hymn in Kashi, near the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, while praying to Lord Shiva.
This Shiv Rudrashtakam prayer is found in the Uttar kand section of the Ramcharitmanas. It has eight verses that describe the strong and divine form of Lord Shiva.
People believe that chanting the Shiv Rudrashtakam with faith brings peace, removes fear and helps overcome problems. It is also said that Lord Rama recited Shiv Rudrashtakam prayer before fighting Ravana to receive Lord Shiva’s blessings.
Shiv Rudrashtakam
Namami Shamishan Nirvan Roopam
Vibhum Vyapakam Brahma Veda Swaroopam |
Nijam Nirgunam Nirvikalpam Nireeham
Chidakaash Maakash Vaasam Bhajeham ||1||
Nirakaar Omkar Moolam Turiyam
Giragyaan Goteet Meesham Girisham |
Karaalam Mahakaal Kaalam Kripalam
Gunagaar Sansaar Paaram Naatoham ||2||
Tusharaadri Sankaash Gauram Gabheeram
Manobhoot Koti Prabha Shi Shareeram |
Sfooranmauli Kallolini Charu Ganga
Lasadbhaal Baalendu Kanthe Bhujanga||3||
Chalatkundalam Bhru Sunethram Vishaalam
Prasannananam Neelkantham Dayalam |
Mrigadheesh Charmaambaram Mundamaalam
Priyam Shankaram Sarvanaatham Bhajaami ||4||
Prachandam Prakrishtam Pragalbham Paresham
Akhandam Ajambhaanukoti Prakaasham |
Trayahshool Nirmoolanam Shoolpaanim
Bhajeham Bhawani Patim Bhaav Gamyam ||5||
Kalateet Kalyaan Kalpantkaari
Sada Sajjanaanand Daata Purari |
Chidaanand Sandoh Mohapahari
Praseed Praseed Prabho Manmathari ||6||
Nayaavad Umanath Paadaravindam
Bhajanteeha Lokey Parewa Naraanaam |
Na Tawatsukham Shaantisantapnaasham
Praseed Prabho Sarvabhootadhivaasam ||7||
Na Jaanaami Yogam Japam Naiva Poojaam
Na Toham Sada Sarvada Shambhu Tubhhyam |
Jarajanm Dukhhaudya Taapatyamaanam
Prabho Paahi Aapan Namaami Shri Shambho ||8||
Rudrashtakamidam Proktam Vipren Hartoshaye |
Ye Pathanti Naraa Bhaktaya Teyshaam Shambhu Praseedati ||
Ithi Shri Goswami Tulasidaasa krutam Sri Rudrashtakam Sampoornam ||
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Meaning of Shiv Rudrashtakam
The verse “Namami Shamishan Nirvan Roopam” begins the sacred hymn called Shiv Rudrashtakam. It was composed by Goswami Tulsidas and beautifully expresses the many divine qualities of Lord Shiva. This Shiv Rudrashtakam hymn has eight verses, each exploring a unique aspect of Shiva’s nature and greatness.
Below is a simple explanation of each verse of Shiv Rudrashtakam to help you connect more deeply with its meaning.
Verse 1: Namami Shamishan Nirvan Roopam
I bow to Lord Shiva, the Supreme Master of the universe, whose form is pure consciousness and bliss. He has no beginning, no end, and no form. He is eternal, beyond time, and beyond all qualities. He is the one who dances in the cremation grounds and whose name removes all fears.
Verse 2: Nirakar Omkara Moolam Turiyam
I bow to the peaceful Lord Shiva, who has no name or form. He is all-pervading and the Lord of all beings. He wears the sky as His robe, is limitless, and eternal. He is untouched by sorrow and desires. He is pure, enlightened, and the only truth behind all creation.
Verse 3: Tusharadrisamkasha Gauram Gabhiram
I bow to the one who resides in the hearts of yogis. He is beyond speech and the mind, yet felt through deep devotion. He is without faults, free from attachment, and full of knowledge. He removes the fear of birth and death and protects His devotees. He is kind, formless, and the ocean of compassion.
Verse 4: Chalatkundalam Bhru Sunethram Vishalam
I bow to the Lord who destroyed the pride of Kamadeva. He wears snakes as ornaments and smears ash on His body. He is the Lord of all beings and the master of time. He grants wisdom and removes ignorance. He is known through love, devotion, and surrender.
Verse 5: Prachandam Prakrishtam Pragalbham Paresham
I bow to the Supreme Being who is beyond the qualities of nature, who is formless, and who shines like millions of suns. He is beyond the reach of the mind and speech, yet dwells in every heart. He is the master of all beings, unborn, and the cause of all causes. He is the eternal truth and the source of all knowledge.
Verse 6: Kalatita Kalyan Kalpantkari
I bow to the Lord of Kailash, whose matted hair holds the sacred Ganga, whose eyes are like lotus petals, and whose throat is blue from holding poison. He is the consort of Goddess Parvati and is worshipped by gods and sages. He wears the moon on His head, holds the trident, and is full of bliss and compassion.
Verse 7: Na Yavad Umanath Padaravindam
I bow to the one whose body is covered with ashes, who is beyond the cycle of birth and death. He holds a deer in one hand and dances in ecstasy. He is adorned with snakes, wears a garland of skulls, and is worshipped by yogis. He is always pure, beyond imagination, and the destroyer of fear and sin.
Verse 8: Na Janami Yogam Japam Naiva Pujam
O Lord Shiva, I do not know how to worship you properly, nor do I possess the knowledge or devotion needed. But with a pure heart, I surrender to you completely. Please protect me and accept this humble offering of the Rudrashtakam, composed by Tulsidas with deep devotion at your feet.
Phala Shruti: The Fruit of Reciting Rudrashtakam
The one who chants the Shiv Rudrashtakam with true devotion and a clean heart, especially in front of Lord Shiva, receives his blessings. This powerful prayer brings peace, removes fears and helps in overcoming problems. It fulfills wishes, clears obstacles and brings the devotee closer to Lord Shiva.
Also Read: Why Do We Celebrate Maha Shivratri – The Powerful Story of Shiva
Conclusion
Shiv Rudrashtakam is more than just a prayer, it’s a simple and powerful way to connect with Lord Shiva. Saint Tulsidas wrote it with deep love and devotion. When you chant it with faith, it brings peace, strength and Shiva’s blessings into your life.
Make this sacred hymn a part of your daily routine, and feel Mahadev’s presence with you always. Let these verses touch not only your lips but also your soul.
Om Namah Shivaya.
