Shri Rudrashtakam

Shri Rudrashtakam Mantra

* Rudrashtakam is consisted of two words-Rudra and Ashtakam.
* The term "Astakam" is derived from the Sanskrit word 'ashtam', meaning "eight".
* An astakam is made up of eight stanzas.
* An astakam belong to the genre of lyric poetry, which tends to be short, extremely melodic, and contemplative. It reflects and portrays the poet's own feelings, states of mind, and perceptions about the theme or character in the Astakam.
* The Rudrashtakam is in reverence to Rudra, though the context pertains to the Shiva, the post-Vedic transformation of Rudra.
* The Rudrashtakam is a Sanskrit composition in devotion of Rudra, composed by the Hindu Bhakti poet Tulsidas, the creater of the magnum opus Ram Charit Manas.
* The devotional hymn "Rudrashtakam" appears in the Uttara Kand of the celebrated Ram Charit Manas, where Lomash Rishi composed the hymn to propitiate Lord Shiva.
* His main purpose was to set his pupil free from the curse of Shiva. He succeeded and asked also a second boon (devotion for himself).
* His pupil would be the bird ' Kaga-Bhusundi' in a next life, a devotee of Shri Rama and an excellent teller of the life story of Shri Rama.
* The Rudrashtakam is lucid and simple in style and plays an instrumental role in the Shaiva traditions.
* The Rudrashtakam narrates the qualities and deeds of Shiva.

{ Namami Shamishan Nirvan Roopam }

Namami Shamishan Nirvan Roopam
Vibhum Vyapakam Brahma Veda Swaroopam
Nijam Nirgunam Nirvikalpam Nireeham
Chidakasamaakasa Vasam Bhajeham

Niraakara Monkaara Moolam Thureeyam
Giraa Jnana Gotheethamesam Gireesam
Karalam Maha Kala Kalam Krupalam
Gunaa Gara Samsara Param Nathoham

Thushaaraadhi Sankasa Gowram Gabheeram,
Mano Bhootha Koti Prabha Sree Sareeram,
Sphuran Mouli Kallolini Charu Ganga,
Lasaddala Balendu Kante Bhujanga

Chalath Kundalam Bru Sunethram Vishaalam,
Prasannananam Neela Kandam Dhayalam,
Mugadheesa Charmambaeam Munda Malam,
Priyam Shankaram Sarva Nadham Bhajami

Prachandam Prakrushtam Prakalbham Paresam,
Akhandam Ajam Bhanu Koti Prakasam,
Thraya Soola Nirmoolanam Soola Panim,
Bhajeham Bhavani Pathim Bhava Gamyam

Kalatheetha Kalyani Kalpanthakari,
Sada Sajjananda Datha Purari,
Chidananda Sandoha Mohapahari,
Praseeda Praseeda Prabho Mamamadhari

Na Yavad Umanada Padaravindam,
Bhajantheeha Loke Pare Vaa Naraanaam,
Na Thath Sukham Shanthi Santhapa Nasam,
Praseedha Prabho Sarva Bhoothadhivasam

Na Janami Yogam, Japam, Naiva Poojaam,
Nathoham Sada Sarvadha Shambhu Thubhyam,
Jara Janma Dukhogha Thathpyamanam,
Prabho Pahi Aapannamameesa Shambho

Rudhrashtakam Idham Proktham Viprena Hara Thoshaye,
Ye Padanthi Naraa Bhakthya Thesham Shambhu Praseedathi

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For Shri Rudrashtakam Mantra in Sanskrit go to my following link:

http://festivalsofindia-bb-blog.blogspot.in/2015/02/blog-post.html

  
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