Rudraashtakam is a powerful hymn dedicated to Lord Shiva. The term “Rudra” refers to one of Shiva’s fierce manifestations, while “ashtakam” means “eight stanzas.” This collection of eight verses is believed to dispel fear, confusion, and mental turmoil.
Everyone experiences fear in some form. By chanting Rudraashtakam regularly with devotion and focus, individuals can overcome various anxieties and stresses. It’s considered a universal remedy for illnesses, discomforts, and diseases, promoting overall well-being and happiness.
When feeling drained, Rudraashtakam can revitalize the body, mind, and spirit. It’s said to counteract harmful planetary influences, bringing peace and stability to one’s life. Moreover, it can enhance the positive effects of favorable planetary positions and mitigate the negative impacts of unfavorable combinations.
Verse with English Explaination
Verse 1.
Namamishmishan Nirvanarupam
(Salutations to Sri Rudra) I Salute the Lord Ishana (another name of Sri Shiva) whose Form represents the state of the highest Nirvana (extinction of all desires and passions leading to the highest bliss)
Vibhum Visharamp Brahmavedaswaroopam
Who Manifests taking a Form though in essence He is Pervading everywhere; and His Form embodies the Highest Knowledge of Brahman present in the core of the Vedas.
Nijn Nirgunam Nirvikalpam Niriham
Who remain absorbed in His Own Self which is Beyond the three Gunas (Sattva, Rajas and Tamas), which is Beyond any Vikalpas (Change and Manifoldness), and which is Free from any Movement (due to desires etc),
Chidakaashmakashvasam Bhajeham ||1||
Who Abides in the Sky of the Chidakasha (Spiritual Sky); I Worship that Ishana.
Verse 2
Nirakaaramonkaramoolam turiyam
(Salutations to Sri Rudra) Who is Formless and the very Root from where the Sacred Omkara arises; Who Abides in the state of Turiya (the fourth state in which Brahman is experienced in meditation)
girajnanagotitamisham girisham.
He is the Lord Who is Beyond the Knowledge which Speech can express and Beyond the Perception which Sense Organs can perceive; He is Girisha (another name of Sri Shiva literally meaning the Lord of the Mountains)
Karalam Mahakalkalam Kripalam
Taking the Terrible form of Mahakala He can tear apart Kala (Time) himself; at the same time He is an embodiment of Compassion to His devotees,
Gunagarsamsarparam Natoham ||2||
I Bow down to Him Who helps in Crossing this Samsara (delusion of worldly existence) which is like a Dwelling Place made of Gunas.
Verse 3.
Thusharadrisankashgauram gabhiram
(Salutations to Sri Rudra) Who is Shining White Resembling a Mountain of Snow; and His Being is very very Deep,
manobhootkotiprabhashree shariram.
in the depth of Whose Mind exist Millions of Rays of Splendour, which expresses themselves on His Auspicious Body,
Sphuranmouli kallolinicharu ganga,
Over Whose Head, the Beautiful Ganga Throbs and Surges forth towards the Worlds,
Lasaddalabalendukante bhujanga ||3||
Over Whose Forehead the Newly Risen Moon Shines spreading its Rays, and around Whose Neck adorns the beautiful Serpents.
Verse 4.
Chalatkundalam bhrusunetran visalam
(Salutations to Sri Rudra) Whose Ear-Rings Sway near His beautiful face, which is adorned with a striking Eyebrow and Large Beautiful Eyes,
prasannananam neelkanthaam dayalam.
Whose Face is beaming with Joy and Grace, Whose Throat is Blue (due to drinking the poison during samudra manthana) and Who is extremely Compassionate,
Mrigadhishcharamambaram mundamalam
Whose Clothes are the Skin of the Lord of Animals (signifying Tiger) and Whose neck is adorned with a Garland of Skulls,
priya shankaram sarvanatham bhajaami ||4||
I Worship Him Who is Beloved of His Devotees, Who is Shankara (another name of Sri Shiva) and Who is the Lord of All.
Verse 5.
Prachandham Prakrishtam Pragalbham Paresham
(Salutations to Sri Rudra) Who is Terrible, Eminent and extremely Strong; Who is the Highest Lord,
Akhandam Ajam Bhanukotiprakasham.
Who is ever Unborn and Whole; and with the Effulgence of Million Suns,
Tryahshulnirmoolnam shoolpaanim
Who has a Trident in Hand, the Three Spikes of which Uproots the bondages of the Three Gunas (Tamas, Rajas and Sattva),
bhajeham bhavanipatim bhaavgamyam ||5||
I Worship the Consort of Devi Bhavani Who can be Attained only by Devotion.
Verse 6.
Kalatitakalyan kapantakari
(Salutations to Sri Rudra) Whose Auspicious Nature is Beyond the Elements of the gross material world and Who Brings an End to a Kalpa (a cycle of creation when all gross elements are dissolved),
always sajjanananddata purari.
Who Always Give Great Joy to the Wise Men and Who is the Enemy (signifying Destroyer) of the Tripurasuras (who represents Adharma),
Chidanandsandoh Mohapahari
By Taking Away the Great Delusion, He plunges the prepared Soul in the Fullness of Cidananda (the Bliss of Brahman or Pure Consciousness),
Prasid Prasid Prabho Manmathari ||6||
O, the Enemy (signifying Destroyer) of Manmatha; Please be Gracious to me; Please be Gracious to me, O Lord.
Verse 7.
Na yavad umanathpadarvindam
(Salutations to Sri Rudra) As Long as the Lotus Feet of the Lord of Uma
bhajantih loke pare wa naranaam.
… is not Worshipped in This World or Later by the Human Beings,
Na tavatsukham peace santapanasam
… So Long (i.e. Till then) Joy, Peace and End of Sorrows will not be experienced in life.
prasid prabho sarvabhutadhivasam ||7||
Therefore O Lord, Please be Gracious, You Who Reside within All Beings.
Verse 8.
Na janami yogam japam naiva pujaam
(Salutations to Sri Rudra) I do Not Know how to perform Yoga, Japa or Puja.
natoham sada sarvada shambhutubhyam.
I Always at All Times only Bow down to You, O Shambhu (another name of Sri Shiva),
Jajajanmadukhogha thathpyamanam
Please Protect me from the Sorrows of Birth and Old Age, as well as from the Sins which lead to Sufferings,
Prabhopahi aapannamameesa Shambho ||8||
Please Protect me O Lord from Afflictions; Protect me O My Lord Shambhu.
Verse 9.
Rudhrashtakam Idham Proktham Viprena Hara Thoshaye,
This Rudrashtaka (eight verses in praise of Rudra) has been Said (i.e. Composed) by the Wise for Pleasing Hara (another name of Sri Shiva),
Ye Padanthi Naraa Bhakthya Thesham Shambho Praseedathi ||9||
Those Persons who Recite this with Devotion, with them Sri Shambhu will be always Pleased.
Doha
Ithi Shri Goswami Tulasidaasa krutam Sri Rudrashtakam Sampoornam ||
Thus ends Rudrashtakam composed by Sri Goswami Tulsidas.
