Shivashtakam

Shivashtakam
(Octet to Lord Shiva)
Translated by
P.R.Ramachander
(This very musical stotra, describes oneself is a useless human being and not a devotee or fit to be a devotee but requests Lord Shiva for safety. The style of the sthothram points out, it to be a work of Aadhi Sankara. But this work is not listed in the complete works of Sankara. If any one knows the author, please communicate with me.)

Asaa vasa dashta digantharale,
Desanthara brantha masantha budhim,
Aakara mathra adahavanisuram maam,
Akruthya kruthyam, Shiva pahi Shambho. 1

In all the eight directions, I am full of desires.
I am mad at travelling to countries outside,
I am having a mind which does not have peace,
My form looks like a way faring Asura.
And I am the one whose duties are never done,
So save me Lord Shiva who is Shambhu.


Mamsa asthi majja mala moothra pathra,
Gathrabhi manojjaditha kruthya jalam,
Mad bhavanam manmatha peedithangam,
Maya mayam maam Shiva pahi Shambho. 2

A vessel of flesh, bones, fat , shit and urine,
A body which is but a trick of imagination by the mind,
My thoughts tying my body with the vile of cupid,
And my thoughts are completely filled with illusion,
So save me Lord Shiva who is Shambhu.

Samsara mayaa jaladhi pravaha,
Sammagna mad brantha masantha chitham,
Thwath pada seva vimukham sakamam,
Sudurjjanam, maam Shiva pahi Shambho. 3

My life is flowing ocean of illusions,
Drowned in imaginations leading to tumultuous mind,
And my desire being not serving your feet,
I am the worst among bad people,
So save me Lord Shiva who is Shambhu.

Ishtanrutham brashta manishta dharmam,
Nasthathma bodham, naya lesa heenam,
Kashtari shad varga nipeedithangam,
Dushtothamam maam, Shiva pahi Shambho. 4

With banned and undesirable Dharma dancing in my mind,
With a defeatist attitude , without any doubt,
With all my body affected by the six types of problems,
I am the worst of the bad ones,
So save me Lord Shiva who is Shambhu.

Vedagamabhya sarasanabignam,
Padaravindam thava na archayantham,
Vedoktha karmani vilopayantham,
Vedakruthe maam Shiva pahi Shambho. 5

Expert in passion rather than in Vedas,
Not worshipping your lotus like feet,
And not doing ritual according to Vedas,\
I am not some one who follows Vedas.
So save me Lord Shiva who is Shambhu.

Anyaya vitharjana saktha chitham,
Anyasu narashwanuragavantham,
Anyanna bhoktharamashudha deham,
Acharaheenam, Shiva pahi Shambho. 6

Interested in earning money by unfair means,
In love with ladies belonging to others,
Eating others food , having a dirty body,
I am one who does not follow rules,
So save me Lord Shiva who is Shambhu.

Puratha thapa thraya thaptha deham,
Paraam gathim gandhumupaya varjam,
Paravamanaika parathma bhavam,
Naradhamam, Shiva pahi Shambho. 7

My body is subject of three types of sufferings,
I have forsaken the way for seeking salvation,
I have the feeling of having done bad to every one else,
And I am baser than the base human being,
So save me Lord Shiva who is Shambhu.

Pitha Yadha rakshati puthram eesa,
Jagat pitha thwam jagatha sahaya,
Krthaparadham thava sarva karye,
Krupanidhe, maam shiva pahi Shambho. 8

The father always protects his son, Oh God,
And you are father and helper of the universe.
And I have committed sins in all your works,
But you are the treasure house of Mercy,
So save me Lord Shiva who is Shambhu.