Rudrashtakam - English

Namamishamishana Nirvana Rupam Vibhum Vyapakam Brahma Vedasvarupam।

Nijam Nirgunam Nirvikalpam Nireeham Chidakasha Makashavasam Bhaje’ham ॥1॥

I bow to the Lord Ishana (Shiva), who embodies the form of liberation (Nirvana), who is all-pervading and the essence of Brahma and the Vedas. He is all-powerful, all-pervasive, and the embodiment of Brahma and the Vedas. He resides within His self, devoid of qualities, free from dualities, and without desires. He resides in the sky of consciousness; I worship that, Lord Shiva.

Nirakaramonkaramoolam Turiya Gira Dhyana Gotitamisham Girisham ।

Karalam Mahakala Kalam Kripalam Gunagara Sansaraparam Natahaham ॥2॥

He is formless, the root of Omkara, and is established in the Turiya (fourth) state.

He is beyond speech and meditation, the Lord of mountains (Girish).

He is fierce, the great time (Mahakala), the time of all times, and yet compassionate.

He is the repository of all virtues, beyond this world; I bow to Him.

Tusharadrisankasha Gauram Gabhiram Manobhutakoti Prabha Shreeram ।
Sphuranmauli Kallolini Charu Ganga Lasadbhala Balendu Kanthe Bhujanga ॥3॥

He is as radiant as the Himalayas, serious and of fair complexion.

His body shines with the radiance of millions of Cupids.

From whose head flows the beautiful Ganga, who is resplendent.
On whose forehead is the crescent moon, and around his neck is a snake.

Chalatkundalam Shubhanetram Vishalam Prasannanam Neelakantha Dayalam ।

Mrigadheesha Charmambaram Mundamalam Priya Shankaram Sarvanatham Bhajami ॥4॥

Whose earrings swing, whose eyes are auspicious and vast.

Whose face is pleasant, whose throat is blue, and who is merciful.

Who wears the hide of a lion and a garland of skulls.

I worship the beloved Shankara, the Lord of all.

Prachandam Prakashtam Pragalbham Paresham Akhanda Ajam Bhanu Koti Prakasham ।
Trayashula Nirmoolanam Shula Panim Bhaje’ham Bhavani Patim Bhava Gamyam ॥5॥

Who is intense, exalted, bold, and the Supreme Lord. Who is undivided, unborn, and shines like millions of suns. Who uproots all sins with His trident, holding the trident in hand. I worship the consort of Bhavani (Parvati), who is accessible through devotion.

Kalatita Kalyana Kalpanta Kari Sada Sacchidananda Data Purari ।

Chidananda Sandhoha Mohapahari Prasida Prasida Prabho Manmathari ॥6॥

Who is beyond time, the bestower of welfare, and the one who ends the cosmic cycle.

Who is the eternal giver of truth, consciousness, and bliss, the destroyer of the three cities (Tripura). Who is the embodiment of knowledge and bliss, the remover of delusion.
O Lord, the destroyer of Kamadeva (desire), be pleased, be pleased.

Na Yavadumanatha Padaravindam Bhajantiha Loke Pare Va Naranam ।
Na Tavad Sukham Shanti Santapa Nasham Prasida Prabho Sarva Bhutadhi Vasam ॥7॥

As long as one does not worship the lotus feet of Umanatha (Shiva).

Neither in this world nor in the next can they attain happiness, peace, or relief from suffering.
Until then, they cannot find happiness, peace, or relief from distress.

O Lord, who resides in all beings, be merciful.

Na Janami Yogam Japam Pooja Na Toham Sada Sarvada Shambhu Tubhyam ।
Jara Janma Dukhogha Tatapyamanam Prabho Pahi Apannamamisha Shambho ॥8॥

I do not know yoga, japa, or worship. O Shambhu, I am always and forever at your feet.
I am suffering from the afflictions of old age and the cycle of birth. O Lord, O Shiva, protect me, who am afflicted, and bow to you.

Rudrashtakamidam Proktam Vipren Hartoshaye ।

Ye Pathanti Naraa Bhaktaya Teyshaam Shambhu Praseedati ॥9॥

"This Rudrashtakam (hymn of eight verses) has been composed by a learned Brahmin for the pleasure of Lord Shiva." "Those devotees who recite this with devotion, Lord Shiva becomes pleased with them."

Ithi Shri Goswami Tulasidasa krutam Sri Rudrashtakam Sampoornam

"Thus, the Shri Rudrashtakam composed by Shri Goswami Tulasidas is complete."