Linga Ashtakam

Sai Sundareshwara Lingam installed by Swami at Sundaram, Chennai in January 2007

1) Brahmamuraari Suraarchita Lingam

Nirmala Bhaashita Shobhita Lingam

Janmaja Dukhah Vinaashaka Lingam

Tat Pranamaami Sadaashiva Lingam.

2) Devamunih Pravaraarchita Lingam, 

Kaamadahana Karunaakara Lingam

Raavana Darpa Vinaashaka Lingam,

Tat Pranamaami Sadaashiva Lingam.

3) Sarva Sugandha Sulepita Lingam, 

Buddhi Vivardhana Kaarana Lingam

Siddha Suraasura Vandita Lingam,

Tat Pranamaami Sadaashiva Lingam.

4) Kanaka Mahaamani Bhooshita Lingam,

Phanipati Veshtita Shobhita Lingam

Dakshasuyagna Vinaashaka Lingam,

Tat Pranamaami Sadaashiva Lingam.

5) Kumkuma Chandana Lepita Lingam, 

Pankaja Haara Sushobhita Lingam

Sanchita Paapa Vinaashaka Lingam,

Tat Pranamaami Sadaashiva Lingam.

6) Deva Ganaarchita Sevita Lingam, 

Bhaavair Bhaktibhireva Cha Lingam

Dinakara Koti Prabhaakara Lingam,

Tat Pranamaami Sadaashiva Lingam.

7) Ashtadalo Pariveshtita Lingam, 

Sarva Samudbhava Kaarana Lingam

Ashta Daridra Vinaashaka Lingam,

Tat Pranamaami Sadaashiva Lingam.

8) Suraguru Suravara Poojita Lingam,

Suravana Pushpa Sadaarchita Lingam

Paramapadam Paramaatmaka Lingam,

Tat Pranamaami Sadaashiva Lingam. (3)

Lingaashtakam Idam Punyam Yah Pathet Shiva Sannidhau

Shivalokam Avaapnoti Shivena Saha Modate.

MEANING

1. I prostrate to the ever auspicious Linga, which is worshipped by Brahma, Vishnu and other Gods and which shines with pure radiance and which destroys all sorrows arising out of the cycle of birth and death. 

2. I prostrate to the ever auspicious Linga, which is adored by the best among deities and sages, which is most compassionate and which burns down passion and which has destroyed the pride of Ravana. 

3. I prostrate to the ever auspicious Linga, which is decorated with all types of fragrant flowers and is saluted by the great sages, deities and demons and which causes the blossoming of our intelligence. 

4. I prostrate to the ever auspicious Linga, which is decorated with gold and effulgent gems, which shines with the king of serpents around it and which has destroyed the sacrifice of Daksha.

5. I prostrate to the ever auspicious Linga, smeared with vermillion and sandal paste, and which is adorned by the garland of lotuses and which destroys sins accumulated over many lives.

6. I prostrate to the ever auspicious Linga, which is worshipped by groups of deities with a deep feeling of devotion and which shines with the effulgence of crores of suns. 

7. I prostrate to the ever auspicious Linga surrounded by the eight-petalled lotus, which is the great cause of all creation and which destroys the affliction of eight types of poverties. 

8. I prostrate to the ever auspicious Linga, which is worshipped by the preceptor of the demi-Gods (Brihaspati) and the best among angels with fragrant flowers grown in the gardens of heavens and which is the most supreme state and the ever embodiment of supreme Divinity. 

The Creator and His Creation

Whosoever chants this Linga Ashtakam (eight verses glorifying the Linga) in the presence of Shiva (with devotion to Lord Shiva) attains the abode of Lord Shiva and revels in His presence. 

Source: Vandana: Students Prayer Book, Section 2, Sanskrit Hymns, Hymn 14