Rudrashtakam Lyrics & Meaning in English
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Rudrashtakam is a devotional hymn dedicated to Lord Shiva, aiming to praise and invoke his divine attributes. It serves as a spiritual tool for devotees seeking the blessings and grace of Shiva, embodying profound reverence and devotion.
- Hymn
- Rudrashtakam
- Deity
- Lord Shiva
- Number of verses
- 5
- Best day to chant
- Monday
- Available languages
- English, Telugu, Hindi
- Last updated
- 18 Jul 2026
Play along to learn the correct pronunciation and rhythm.
📖 Read Rudrashtakam in other languages: Rudrashtakam in Telugu, Rudrashtakam in Hindi
Rudrashtakam Full Lyrics in English (English)
📄 Download English PDF1 - 2 Listen
namāmīśamīśāna nirvāṇarūpaṃ
vibhuṃ vyāpakaṃ brahmavēda-svarūpam ।
nijaṃ nirguṇaṃ nirvikalpaṃ nirīhaṃ
chidākāśa-mākāśavāsaṃ bhajē'ham ॥ 1 ॥
nirākāramōṅkāramūlaṃ turīyaṃ
girājñānagōtītamīśaṃ girīśam ।
karālaṃ mahākālakālaṃ kṛpāluṃ
guṇāgāra-saṃsārapāraṃ natō'ham
3 - 4 Listen
tuṣārādri-saṅkāśagauraṃ gabhīraṃ
manōbhūtakōṭi-prabhāsī śarīram ।
sphuranmaulikallōlinī chārugaṅgā
lasadbhāla-bālēndu kaṇṭhē bhujaṅgam ॥ 3 ॥
chalatkuṇḍalaṃ śubhranētraṃ viśālaṃ [bhṝsunētraṃ viśālaṃ]
prasannānanaṃ nīlakaṇṭhaṃ dayālum ।
mṛgādhīśa-charmāmbaraṃ muṇḍamālaṃ
priyaṃ śaṅkaraṃ sarvanāthaṃ bhajāmi
5 - 6 Listen
prachaṇḍaṃ prakṛṣṭaṃ pragalbhaṃ parēśaṃ
akhaṇḍaṃ bhajē bhānukōṭiprakāśam ।
trayī-śūla-nirmūlanaṃ śūlapāṇiṃ
bhajē'haṃ bhavānīpatiṃ bhāvagamyam ॥ 5 ॥
kalātīta-kalyāṇa-kalpāntakārī
sadā sajjanānanda-dātā purārī ।
chidānanda sandōhamōhāpahārī
prasīda prasīda prabhō manmathārī
7 - 8 Listen
na yāvadumānātha-pādāravindaṃ
bhajantīha lōkē parē vā narāṇām ।
na tāvatsukhaṃ śānti santāpanāśaṃ
prasīda prabhō sarvabhūtādhivāsam ॥ 7 ॥
na jānāmi yōgaṃ japaṃ naiva pūjāṃ
natō'haṃ sadā sarvadā dēva tubhyam ।
jarā-janma-duḥkhaughatātapyamānaṃ
prabhō pāhi śāpānnamāmīśa śambhō
9 Listen
rudrāṣṭakamidaṃ prōktaṃ viprēṇa haratuṣṭayē ।
yē paṭhanti narā bhaktyā tēṣāṃ śambhuḥ prasīdati ॥ 9 ॥
॥ iti śrīrāmacharitamānasē uttarakāṇḍē śrīgōsvāmi tulasīdāsakṛtaṃ
śrīrudrāṣṭakaṃ sampūrṇam ॥
📄 Download PDF — Rudrashtakam
What does the Rudrashtakam mean?
Chanting the Rudrashtakam holds immense spiritual importance, as it is believed to invoke the benevolent aspects of Lord Shiva. Devotees recite it to seek protection, divine guidance, and inner peace. The hymn's verses celebrate Shiva's transcendental and immanent qualities, fostering a deep connection between the devotee and the deity.
Who wrote the Rudrashtakam and where does it come from?
Rudrashtakam is traditionally attributed to the 16th-century poet-saint Tulsidas. It originates from the 'Ramcharitmanas,' a revered text in the Hindu tradition, composed in the Awadhi language. Tulsidas's contributions have significantly enriched Hindu devotional literature.
When and how should you chant the Rudrashtakam?
The Rudrashtakam is best chanted at dawn or during the evening prayers, especially on Mondays, which are considered auspicious for Shiva worship. Devotees may repeat it 3, 5, or 11 times with a focused mind. Proper pronunciation and a meditative posture enhance its spiritual efficacy.
❤️ What are the benefits of chanting the Rudrashtakam?
- ✓ Invokes Lord Shiva's protection
- ✓ Enhances inner peace and tranquility
- ✓ Cultivates devotion and spiritual growth
- ✓ Aids in overcoming obstacles and fears
- ✓ Promotes mental clarity and focus