RA

 

Rudrashtakam

Rudrashtakam (रुद्राष्टकम्) is a famous Sanskrit hymn dedicated to Lord Shiva (Rudra form).

Meaning of the Name

• Rudra = A fierce form of Lord Shiva
• Ashtakam = A hymn of eight verses
  So, Rudrashtakam literally means “Eight verses in praise of Rudra (Shiva)”.

Composer

It is traditionally attributed to Tulsidas, the great devotee who also composed the Ramcharitmanas.

Language & Style

• Written in Sanskrit
• Deeply devotional (Bhakti)
• Describes Shiva as:
  
• Formless and infinite
• Beyond time and space
• Destroyer of ignorance
• Ocean of compassion
• 
  

Opening Verse (First Line)

नमामीशमीशान निर्वाणरूपं

विभुं व्यापकं ब्रह्मवेदस्वरूपम्

Meaning (brief):

“I bow to the Supreme Lord of Lords, whose form is liberation itself, who is all-pervading and the embodiment of Brahman and the Vedas.”

Spiritual Significance

• Recited for peace, protection, and removal of fear
• Often chanted during Mahashivratri
• Believed to calm the mind and invoke divine grace

If you’d like, I can provide:

• Full Sanskrit text
• Hindi meaning
• English translation
• Or word-by-word explanation 😊