Rudrashtakam
Eight verses by Goswami Tulsidas praising Lord Shiva — from formless Brahman to Neelkanth with Ganga and trident. Recited on Mondays, Shravan, and Maha Shivaratri for peace, grace, and liberation from birth-sorrow.
Chaupai 1
नमामीशमीशान निर्वाणरूपं विभुं व्यापकं ब्रह्मवेदस्वरूपम् । निजं निर्गुणं निर्विकल्पं निरीहं चिदाकाशमाकाशवासं भजेऽहम् ॥
Namamiishamishaana nirvaanarupam vibhum vyaapakam brahmavedasvarupam. Nijam nirgunam nirvikalpam niriham chidaakaashamaakaashavaasam bhaje'ham.
I bow to Lord Ishana — formless liberation, all-pervading, Veda-incarnate Brahman; attributeless, desireless, sky-clad consciousness — I worship Him.
Chaupai 2
निराकारमोंकारमूलं तुरीयं गिराज्ञानगोतीतमीशं गिरीशम् । करालं महाकालकालं कृपालं गुणागारसंसारपारं नतोऽहम् ॥
Niraakaaramomkaaramoolam tureeyam giraajnaanagoteetamisham giriisham. Karaalam mahaakaalakaalam kripaalam gunaagaarasamsaarapaaram nato'ham.
Formless, rooted in Om, beyond the three states, beyond speech and knowledge — Lord of Kailash, terrifying yet merciful, beyond the gunas — to Him I bow.
Chaupai 3
तुषाराद्रिसंकाशगौरं गभीरं मनोभूतकोटिप्रभाश्रीशरीरम् । स्फुरन्मौलिकल्लोलिनी चारुगङ्गा लसद्भालबालेन्दु कण्ठे भुजङ्गा ॥
Tusharaadrisankaashagauram gabhiram manobhootakotiprabhaashreeshareeram. Sphuranmaulikallolinee chaarugangaa lasadbhaalabaalendu kanthe bhujangaa.
Fair as snow-mountain, serene, radiant as a crore Kamadevas; Ganga waves on His matted locks, crescent moon on forehead, serpent at His throat.
Chaupai 4
चलत्कुण्डलं भ्रूसुनेत्रं विशालं प्रसन्नाननं नीलकण्ठं दयालम् । मृगाधीशचर्माम्बरं मुण्डमालं प्रियं शंकरं सर्वनाथं भजामि ॥
Chalatkundalam bhrusunetram vishaalam prasannaananam neelakantham dayaalam. Mrigaadheeshacharmaambaram mundamaalam priyam shankaram sarvanaatham bhajaami.
Swinging earrings, beautiful brows and eyes, cheerful blue-throated Lord — deer-skin clad, skull-garlanded, beloved Shankara, Lord of all — I worship Him.
Chaupai 5
प्रचण्डं प्रकृष्टं प्रगल्भं परेशं अखण्डं अजं भानुकोटिप्रकाशम् । त्र्यःशूलनिर्मूलनं शूलपाणिं भजेऽहं भवानीपतिं भावगम्यम् ॥
Prachandam prakrishtam pragalbham paresham akhandam ajam bhaanukotiprakaasham. Tryahshoolanirmoolanam shoolapaanim bhaje'ham bhavaanipatim bhaavagamyam.
Fierce, supreme, indivisible, unborn, radiant as a crore suns — uprooter of the threefold sorrow, trident-bearing Bhavani's Lord — attained through devotion — I worship Him.
Chaupai 6
कलातीतकल्याण कल्पान्तकारी सदा सज्जनानन्ददाता पुरारी । चिदानन्दसंदोह मोहापहारी प्रसीद प्रसीद प्रभो मन्मथारी ॥
Kalaateetakalyaana kalpaantakaaree sadaa sajjanaanandadaataa puraaree. Chidaanandasandoh mohaapahaaree praseed praseed prabho manmathaaree.
Beyond time, welfare incarnate, destroyer at world's end, giver of joy to the good, enemy of Tripura, ocean of bliss, remover of delusion — be pleased, O foe of Kamadeva.
Chaupai 7
न यावद् उमानाथपादारविन्दं भजन्तीह लोके परे वा नराणाम् । न तावत्सुखं शान्ति सन्तापनाशं प्रसीद प्रभो सर्वभूताधिवासं ॥
Na yaavad umaanaathapaadaaravindam bhajanteeha loke pare vaa naraanaam. Na taavat sukham shaanti santaapanaasham praseed prabho sarvabhootaadhivaasam.
Until men worship Uma's Lord's lotus feet here or in the hereafter, they find no true peace or end of suffering — be pleased, O Lord who dwells in all beings.
Chaupai 8
न जानामि योगं जपं नैव पूजां नतोऽहं सदा सर्वदा शम्भुतुभ्यम् । जराजन्मदुःखौघ तातप्यमानं प्रभो पाहि आपन्नमामीश शंभो ॥
Na jaanaami yogam japam naiva poojaam nato'ham sadaa sarvadaa shambhutubhyam. Jaraajanmaduhkhaugha taatapyamaanam prabho paahi aapannamaameesha shambho.
I know not yoga, japa, or ritual worship — yet I bow always to You, Shambhu. Burning in the ocean of birth, old age, and sorrow — protect me, O Lord, in my distress.
Chaupai phalashruti
रुद्राष्टकमिदं प्रोक्तं विप्रेण हरतोषये । ये पठन्ति नरा भक्त्या तेषां शम्भुः प्रसीदति ॥
Rudrashtakamidam proktam viprena haratoshaye. Ye pathanti naraa bhaktyaa teshaam shambhuh prasidati.
This Rudrashtakam was composed by the wise to please Hara. Those who recite it with devotion — upon them Shambhu bestows His grace.
About Rudrashtakam
Rudrashtakam is one of the most revered devotional hymns in the Hindu tradition, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Recited by millions of devotees, it invokes divine grace, mental steadiness, and protection from negative influences.
- Planetary Remedy for Saturn (Shani): In Vedic astrology, this hymn is widely recommended during Saturn (Shani) Mahadasha, Antardasha, or challenging transits to harmonize planetary energy and reduce karmic pressure.
Benefits of Recitation
- Removes sorrow, fear, and the weight of accumulated karma
- Invokes Shiva's grace without requiring elaborate ritual knowledge
- Strengthens devotion during Shani Mahadasha and difficult Saturn transits
- Traditionally recited on Mondays, Shravan Maas, and Maha Shivaratri
Best Time and Method
Recite on Monday before a Shiva Linga or image. Offer bilva leaves, water, and milk. Pair with Om Namah Shivaya or Shiva Chalisa during Saturn periods. Best during Pradosh Kaal (twilight on Trayodashi).
Astrological Significance
Regular recitation aligns the mind with dharmic discipline — the foundation of all Vedic remedies. Pair this practice with honest conduct, seva (selfless service), and consistency rather than fear-based ritual alone.