Table of Contents
8 Key Highlights of the Lingashtakam
Reciting the eight verses purifies the mind.
The Lingashtakam promotes spiritual growth.
It protects from black magic and spells.
The Lingashtakam Enhances concentration, wisdom, and intelligence.
It Increases love and devotion for Lord Vishnu.
It balances Yin and Yang energies for well-being.
The Great Stotram removes obstacles with Lord Ganesha’s blessings.
It frees the soul from sins and brings peace.
As the name suggests, Lingashtakam praises the Shiva Lingam, the formless representation of Lord Shiva.
It was composed by Adi Shankaracharya, the great Advaitin philosopher of non-duality.
It comprises 8 distinct verses quite true to the class of Stotrams to which it belongs, Ashtakam.
What is the Lingashtakam?
The Lingashtakam mentions pastimes of Lord Shiva such as punishing Ravana on his attempt to lift the Kailasa mountain, and the destruction of Daksha Yagna. The first lines of the 3, 4 and 5 verses of the Lingashtakam describe the Shringar or embellishments on the Shiva lingam.
Lord Shiva is Our Eternal Refuge
It is thus very conducive for Smaranam or divine contemplation. The Ashtakam describes the Shiva Linga with fragrant pastes, Kumkuma, Chandan, gold, precious gems and garlands of lotuses. The best of serpents wrap themselves around the linga thus taking complete refuge in Mahadev.
Lord Shiva is the only refuge to all lowly forms of existence. He accepts all undesirable elements of society such as ghosts, goblins and snakes. Thus he is so merciful that he welcomes the lowest of beings to his abode, if their love is sincere.
The Many Legends of Lord Shiva
There are many legends associated with the Shiva Linga. Sri Rama worshiped the Shiva linga in Rameswaram before defeating the demon Ravana. Sage Markandeya hugged the Shiva linga and got immunity from Death. Lord Brahma and Sri Vishnu, both were unsuccessful in reaching the terminals of the cosmic pillar.
Some Striking Benefits of the Lingashtakam
The Benefits of Lingashtakam are like any other Shiva Mantra. Some benefits are-
We accept reality as it is. The Lingashtakam grants us individuality, the boldness to stand apart from the rest, to live life righteously, and fearlessly. Lord Shiva strictly orders his Bhoota Ganas and serpents to stay away from his Bhaktas and instead support them in their spiritual pursuits.
Black magic and spells shall not affect the reciter. Whoever recites Lingashtakam near Sivalingam attains the abode of Lord Shiva and enjoys His bliss. The Shiva Lingam is a symbol of knowledge and wisdom. Hence, reciting the eight stanzas enhances concentration, wisdom and intelligence.
One wins the affection of Lord Ganesha and Mother Parvati. As a result, obstacles clear away and power permeates your entire being. One becomes confident and strong-willed. The recitation burns the sins committed by body, mind and speech freeing the soul from all evil. Negative qualities such as jealousy, pride, lust and dejection vacate the heart.
7/8 Questions from Sanatana Dharma
The scores generated in this Quiz may or may not be absolute. There may be right or wrong answers to each Question. A percentage towards 100 indicates that you are more aligned to the overall subject matter.
Even Vaishnavas Can Recite the Lingashtakam
Even Vaishnavas can recite the Lingashtakam to increase love for Lord Vishnu. Vishnu bhakti blossoms when Lord Shiva is pleased. As a result, the Lord’s name shall bring tears to your eyes. The Shiva Linga comprises both masculine and feminine counterparts as Linga and Yoni.
Hence reciting the Lingashtakam balances the Yin and Yang energies resulting in effective metabolism, stable mood and high energy levels. Also, the recitation gives us peace of mind, which is rare to find today. The modern day man is busy upgrading his living standards, increasing his bank balance, and aimlessly struggling to earn a good name in society.
Bhagawan Shiva is Our Eternal Father
Thus, his entire world revolves around ‘me’ and ‘mine’. Nobody is genuinely concerned about the other person. The Lingashtakam connects us to our eternal father, who is ever ready to embrace us for who we are, who cares for us unconditionally and who knows the nature of our worries. He is a perfect psychologist with whom we can confide our darkest of fears.
When He becomes our goal, He does not let desires disturb us or cause inner ruffles. Desires stop dominating a genuine Shiva Bhakta. Presently, we feel desires are our world, We feel that without Desires, life is meaningless. But, the power of true devotion kills the urge to seek enjoyment.
A Genuine Shiva Bhakta is Free of Material Desires
A satiated man does not want to eat, however delicious the food is. His stomach just does not permit it. Similarly, a person filled with love for Lord Shiva rejects all forms of material enjoyment. This is bound to happen.
The Shiva Lingam Pooja Vidhi
Now, I shall reveal how to chant the Lingashtakam complemented with Shiva linga Pooja Vidhi. But before revealing the process, there are a few rules which I must discuss. During Satvik Shiva Puja, one must strictly observe celibacy and abstain from non-vegetarian food.
It is best to stick to a purely Sattvic diet with the exclusion of onion and garlic. I assure you that one’s self-restraint shall not go in vain. We please Lord Shiva to the extent of having his Divine Darshan (Holy Experience).
Restraint on taste buds is the highest form of austerity. Mahadev acknowledges our extent of sacrifice and earnestness to attain Him. He is happy to see His children take little steps and immediately reveals himself to us just as mother surprises her child from the back of a curtain.
We must Avoid Aparadha Against the Shiva Lingam
It is just that we do not want him, but we want from him. One can recite the Lingashtakam in front of Shiva Linga or a Vigraha of Lord Shiva. The difficulty with Shivaling is that we need to follow a set of rules or else we may commit aparadha against the deity.
The rules however are less stringent for a Vigraham. If one has installed a Shiva Linga at home, keep an idol of Lord Ganesha and Gauri beside Him. The Shiva Linga should face the north or east direction; north preferably since the abode of Lord Shiva, Mount Kailash lies in the northern direction.
How to Offer Respect to the Shiva Lingam
Also wrap an artificial snake around the Shivaling. We need to perform regular Abhishekam for the Lingam. Note that- the effulgent lingam representation of Lord Shiva heats up due its fiery energy. So, regularly give it a bath with cold milk, apply sandalwood paste on it and decorate it with flowers.
Humility Alone Wins Over Lord Bholenath
Do not offer Tulsi leaves, Champa or Ketaki flowers to Shiva Linga. One must not use them in Shiva Puja. Recite the Lingashtakam, folding your palms and bowing your head in submission.
Indeed, your humility draws the attention of Bholenath. Offer a sweet dish to the Lingam every day before reciting your prayers. Carry out this process for at least 1 year without missing a single day. Consistency is the key to success both in material and spiritual life.
You display your love by reading this valuable material. So kindly read and consider financially supporting us to keep our efforts going with renewed vigor! Supporters in India can donate via Razorpay while those abroad can use PayPal!
