Celebrating Maha Shivaratri
February 21, 2020
Today, all over the world the devotees of Lord Shiva are celebrating Shivaratri. During the day, and at night, special worships being offered to Lord Shiva in the temples and in the homes of the devotees. On this day, I would like to think about the meaning of an inspiring hymn of Lord Shiva written by Saint Tulsidas Goswami. This hymn describes various qualities of Lord Shiva and is filled with devotion. It creates a picture of Lord Shiva which is helpful to meditate and feel his presence.
Shri Rudrashtakam
(Written by Saint Goswami Tulsidasa)
- I salute to Lord Shiva, who is
- Ishwara – the Lord of the Universe, Ishaana
- Nirvana Rupam – Free from all bondages – Upadhis
- Vibhum – Manifested from Brahma to the blade of grass
- Vyapakam – Omnipresent
- Brahma and Veda Swaroopa – is Brahman and Vedas
- Nijam – Established in one’s true identity – Pure Consciousness
- Nirgunam – Devoid of three gunas – beyond the three gunas
- Nirvikalpam – devoid of Dvanda – duality
- Niriham – Desireless
- Lives in Chit-Akasha (pure consciousness)
- I salute to Lord Shiva, who is
- Nirakara – formless
- Omkara Mula – the root of the Omkara – Nirguna Brahman
- Turiyam – Being one with Brahman (beyond Jargrata, Dream and deep sleep
- Gira Jnana Go-atitam – beyond speech, knowledge, and senses
- Isham – Lord
- Girisham – one who lives on the mountain Kailash
- Karalam – Terrible when we remain in the material plane
- Mahakala Kalam – The Time of the time
- Kripalam – Gracious
- Gunagara – Full of virtues
- Samsara Param – Beyond the Samsara
- I salute Lord Shiva, who is
- Tusharadri Sankash Gauram – Having complexion like Himalaya
- Gabhiram – Serene
- Manobhuta…- in whose body there is a divine luster of millions of Kamadeva
- Sphurana…- on whose head there is beautiful Ganga with charming sound
- Lasat Bhaaal Balendu – on whose head there is a crescent moon
- Kanthe bhujanga – one whose neck there is a snake
- I salute Lord Shiva, who
- is wearing beautiful earrings which move
- Has a beautiful eye-bros
- Has beautiful big eyes
- Prasana ananam – is always happy
- Nilakatham – has a blue neck
- Dayalam – is Compassionate
- Mrugadhish charma ambaram – is wearing the tiger skin
- Munda malam – is wearing a garland of human skulls
- is my most beloved and
- is the lord of the universe
- I take the name of Lord Shiva who is
- Prachandam – Huge, Virat, Terrible
- Prakrutha – the best
- Pragalbham – Luminous
- Paresham – The supreme Lord
- Akhandam – The only One
- Ajam – Birthless
- Bhanu Koti Prakasham – Shining like thousands of suns have risen
- Trayah shula…- Holding Trishula and removing three kinds of sufferings
- Bhavani Patim – Husband of Goddess Parvati
- Bhava Gamyam – who can be realized by devotion
- O Lord Shiva, who is
- Kalatita – Changeless
- Kalyan – Auspicious
- Kalpantakari – In whom the cycles of the universe end
- Sada sajjannanda data – who always give joy to the devotees
- Purari – destroyer of Tripura
- Chidananda – Satchidananda – the embodiment of Bliss
- Sandoha – purifies the mind
- Mohapahari – Remover of the Moha (delusion)
- Manmathari – the remover of the lust
Be pleased with me and give me your vision
- People do not get happiness and peace of mind and their sorrows won’t be removed until they take refuge at the feet of Lord Shiva (the husband of Goddess Parvati) and take his name. O, Lord Shiva! You reside in all beings. Be pleased and gracious to me and give me your vision.
- O Lord Shiva! I do not know any Yoga, how to do japa, and the way of worship. I just take refuge at your feet. I am burnt with the sufferings of life and the cycles of birth and death. Please save me from these sufferings. I salute you again and again.
(Thanks to Shri Ghanashyambhai Senjalia for providing the Sanskrit text.)
mahendrajani 