Shiva Mahimna Stotra

Shloka 34

Meaning:  One who recites every day this auspicious hymn of Dhurjati (Lord Shiva with matted hair) with supreme devotion and pure mind, acquires fame, abundance of wealth, and long life, and be blessed with a child in this life, and after death goes to the abode of Lord Shiva and becomes like Shiva.                                                                                         

Reflections:  To attract worldly-minded people to the spiritual path and to encourage them to recite hymns, like Shiva Mahimna Stotra, poets add such shlokas which tell them what worldly benefits they get by reciting the hymns. Most worldly-minded people will not think of their spiritual progress until their worldly desires are extinguished either by fulfillment or by bitter experiences. Usually, people want money, a long life, children, and name and fame. Therefore, these benefits are mentioned in this shloka.

After promising worldly pleasures, Pushpadanta reminds the devotees that after their deaths, they achieve their higher goal of life, namely, going to the Shivaloka (the abode of Lord Shiva) and becoming like Shiva. 

A sincere devotee wants the Ultimate Knowledge and devotion by reciting Shiva Mahimna Stotra. If people recite his hymn for Knowledge and devotion, then they become like Shiva in this very life and experience real fulfillment and bliss.