Articles — Ashtakam

This beautiful Ashtakam song was composed by Shri Vishwanath Chakravarti Thakur, one of the acharyas of the Gaudiya Vaishnava sect. Devotees sing Shri Govardhan ashtakam and invoke the grace of the Lord Krishna. Under this, the praises of Govardhan Parvata and Lord Shri Krishna have been sung. || श्रीगोवर्धनाष्टकम् ||   कृष्णप्रसादेन समस्तशैल साम्राज्यमाप्नोति च वैरिणोऽपि । शक्रस्य यः प्राप बलिं स साक्षा- द्गोवर्धनो मे दिशतामभीष्टम् ॥ १॥ स्वप्रेष्ठहस्ताम्बुजसौकुमार्य सुखानुभूतेरतिभूमि वृत्तेः । महेन्द्रवज्राहतिमप्यजानन् गोवर्धनो मे दिषतामभीष्टम् ॥ २॥ यत्रैव कृष्णो वृषभानुपुत्र्या दानं गृहीतुं कलहं वितेने । श्रुतेः स्पृहा यत्र महत्यतः श्री गोवर्धनो मे दिषतामभिष्टम् ॥ ३॥ स्नात्वा सरः स्वशु समीर...

The Rudrashtakam is an ashtakam or octet (a prayer with eight rhyming verses) dedicated to the manifestation of Bhagwan Shiva. This eightfold hymn of praise was sung to please Shiv Shankara. Lord Shiva will be pleased with whomever heartfully recites it or listens it. श्री रुद्राष्टकम नमामि शमीशान निर्वाण रूपं विभु व्यापकं ब्रह्म वेदस्वरूपं ।। निजं निर्गुणं निर्विकल्पं निरीहं चिदाकाशमाकाशवासं भजेऽहं ।। निराकारमोंकारमूलं तुरीयं गिरा ग्यान गोतीतमीशं गिरीशं ।। करालं महाकाल कालं कृपालं । गुणागार संसारपारं नतोऽहं ।। तुषाराद्रि संकाश गौरं गभीरं मनोभूत कोटि प्रभा श्री शरीरं ।। स्फुरन्मौलि कल्लोलिनी चारू गंगा लसद्भालबालेन्दु कंठे भुजंगा ।। चलत्कुंडलं भ्रू सुनेत्र विशाल प्रसन्नानं...

Shri Kalabhairava Ashtakam in Kannada  || ಶ್ರೀ ಕಾಲಭೈರವಾಷ್ಟಕಮ್ || ಕಾಲ ಭೈರವ ಅಷ್ಟಕಂದೇವ ರಾಜ ಸೇವ್ಯ ಮಾನ ಪಾವನಂಗರಿ ಪಂಕಜಂವ್ಯಾಲ ಯಜ್ಞ ಸೂತ್ರ ಮಿಂದು ಶೇಖರಂ ಕೃಪಾಕರಮ್ನಾರದಾದಿ ಯೋಗಿ ವೃಂದ ವಂದಿತ ದಿಗಂಬರಂಕಾಶಿಕಾ ಪುರಾಧಿ ನಾಥ ಕಾಲಭೈರವ ಭಜೇಭಾನು ಕೋಟಿ ಭಾಸ್ವರಂ, ಭವಾಬ್ದಿ ತಾರಕಂ ಪರಂನೀಲಕಂಠ ಮೀಪ್ಸಿದಾತ ದಾಯಕಂ ತ್ರಿಲೋಚನಮ್ಕಾಲಕಾಲ ಮಂಬು ಜಾಕ್ಷ ಮಾಕ್ಷ ಶೂಲ ಮಕ್ಷರಂಕಾಶಿಕಾ ಪುರಾಧಿ ನಾದ ಕಾಲಭೈರಂ ಭಜೇಶೂಲ ತಂಗ ಪಾಶ ದಂಡ ಪಾಣಿ ಮಾಧಿ ಕಾರಣಂಶ್ಯಾಮ ಕಾಯ ಮಧಿ ದೇವ ಮಕ್ಷರಂ ನಿರಾಮಯಮ್ಭೀಮ ವಿಕ್ರಮಂ ಪ್ರಭುಂ ವಿಚಿತ್ರ ತಾಂಡವ ಪ್ರಿಯಂಕಾಶೀಕಾ ಪುರಾಧಿ ನಾದ ಕಾಲಭೈರವಂ ಭಜೇಭಕ್ತಿ ಮುಕ್ತಿ ದಾಯಕಂ ಪ್ರಶಾಸ್ತ ಚಾರು ವಿಗ್ರಹಂಭಕ್ತ ವತ್ಸಲಂ ಸ್ಥಿತಂ ಸಮಸ್ತ ಲೋಕ ವಿಗ್ರಹಂವಿನಿಕ್ ಮಣನ್ಮ ಮನೋಜ್ಞ ಹೇಮ ಕಿಂಕಿಣಿ ಲಾಸ್ತ ಕಟೀಮ್ಕಾಶೀಕಾ ಪುರಾಧಿ ನಾಧ ಕಾಲಭೈರವಂ ಭಜೇಧರ್ಮ ಸೇತು ಪಾಲಕಂ ತ್ವಧರ್ಮ ಮಾರ್ಗ ನಾಶಕಂಕರ್ಮ ಪಾಶ ಮೋಚಕಂ ಸುಶರ್ಮ ದಾಯಕಂ ವಿಭುಮ್ಸ್ವರ್ಣ ವರ್ಣ ಶೇಷ ಪಾಶ...

Shri Pradosha Strotra Ashtakam is mentioned in Skanda Purana . Pradosha kaal is period which starts just at the time of Sunset, and it lasts up to two Muhurtas or four Ghatis. Pradosh Kaal (time) is the most auspicious time to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. One who chants Shri Pradosha Strotra Ashtakam during Pradosha kaal will get constant growth in wealth, grains , property and happiness of their kids , its mentioned in ashtakam. श्री प्रदोषस्तोत्राष्टकम् श्री गणेशाय नमः ॥ सत्यं ब्रवीमि परलोकहितं ब्रवीमि सारं ब्रवीम्युपनिषद् हृदयं ब्रवीमि । संसारमुल्बणमसारमवाप्य जन्तो: सारोऽयमीश्वरपदाम्बुरुहस्य सेवा ॥ १ ॥ ये नाऽर्चयन्ति गिरिशं समये प्रदोषे ये...

श्री कालभैरव अष्टक भगवान काल भैरव को समर्पित है। आद्य शंकराचार्य जी द्वारा रचित यह दिव्य स्तोत्र भगवान कालभैरव के विकराल और भयंकर स्वरूप की स्तुति करता है। भगवान काल भैरव का रूप उग्र और प्रचंड है लेकिन वे बहुत ही भोले और सरल स्वभाव के हैं, वे अपने भक्तो से प्रेम करते हैं एवं अपने भक्तों की रक्षा के लिए वे सदैव तत्पर रहते हैं।। श्री काल भैरव अष्टकम हिंदी अर्थ सहित ।। ॐ देवराजसेव्यमानपावनाङ्घ्रिपङ्कजंव्यालयज्ञसूत्रमिन्दुशेखरं कृपाकरमनारदादियोगिवृन्दवन्दितं दिगंबरंकाशिकापुराधिनाथ कालभैरवं भजे॥ १॥ जिनके पवित्र चरर्णों की सेवा देवराज इंद्र भगवान सदा करते हैं, जिन्होंने शिरोभूषण के रुप में चंद्र और सांप (सर्प) को...

Shri Hanuman Sathika is a powerful hymn in praise of Lord Hanuman. It has a total of sixty 'Chopais' hence the name 'Sathika'. This was composed by Great devotee saint poet Shri Tulsidas Ji. Recitation of this removes diseases, debts, enemies and obstacles in the path of success and brings happiness in one's life. Shri Hanuman Sathika can be started from any Tuesday. One should chant this for 60 days unbroken to get above mentioned benefits. One should rise early in morning, do proper pooja of Shri Rama and then Shri hanumana, after this one should start chanting Shri Hanuman Sathika....

Sri Vinayaga sapthakam (tamil)   (The seven stanza prayer addressed to Ganesa) Translated by Shri P.R,Ramachander    1.Guruve, Paraman kozhunde panithen, Kuvalayam pothum Gana Nadha, Varuvai ninaivil Vandhu yenai aalvai, Vadivelanin sodharane, Arulvai, unaye anu dinam paniven, Annai Parashakthi arul magane, Dheena rakshagane , Gana nadhaa.   Oh teacher, Oh darling baby of Shiva, I bow before you, Oh Lord of Ganas who is praised by all the world, Come in to my thoughts and rule over me, Oh brother of Vadi vela(Subrahmanya), Shower your grace, I would daily bow before you, Oh divine son of Goddess Para Shakthi, Oh...

Shri Shiva Mangalashtakam  (Mangala Octet on Lord Shiva) Translated by Shri P.R.Ramachander   (Mangala stotras are normally recited at the end of reciting several stotras or the end of singing several songs or at the end of an auspicious function. The devotee wishes auspiciousness to the Lord. Mangalam may also mean “good wishes”, or “wishes for a happy ending”.) Bhavvaya Chandra choodaya , Nirgunaya gunathmane, Kalakalaya rudhraya Neelagreevaya Mangalam, 1   Mangalam to him who has a blue neck, Who makes things happen, Who wears the crescent of moon, Who is without properties, Who is the soul of good conduct,...

Durgai ashtakam is an Octad to Goddess Durga. It is also known as Apaduddharaka stotram and is said to be the "stava raja " or the king among the hymns to Goddess Durga. Durga Ashtakam means 8 shlokas of goddess durga. It is said in 9th shloka that one who listens or recites this stotram everyday morning will get desired results in life. Durga Ashtakam Stotra is very divine stotra to listen. Shri Durgai ashtakam in Tamil By Durgai Chithar Translated by Shri P.R.Ramachander 1. Inba nalan alippavalai, Iniyanave  tharubavalai, Anbudaya  annayavalai, Arum  sivanai  mananthavalai, Yennudaya idhayathe, Ponnuyiraai iruppavalai, Nan malarial  pojithu, Namo durga  yendriduven. She who  grants joyful  pleasant life, She who gives only...

Maa Dhumavati is the seventh of the ten Mahavidya Goddesses. Devi Dhumavati is an old widow and is associated with things considered inauspicious and unattractive. She is always hungry and thirsty who initiates quarrels. Maa Dhumavati Ashtak stotra is dedicated to Maa Dhumavati and chanting of this stotra regularly destroys enemies. शत्रुओं का नाश कर देता हैं धूमावती अष्टक स्तोत्रं का पाठ, अवश्य पढ़ें । यह तो सभी जानते हैं कि मां धूमावती दस महाविद्याओं में ७वीं स्थान की साधना मानी गई है। दस महाविद्या की विशेष देवी मां धूमावती के अष्टक स्तोत्र का पाठ करने से समस्त शत्रुओं का जड़ से नाश...

Lord Subramanya also known as Murugan, Skanda, Kumara and Kartikeya is elder son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. He is brother of Lord Ganesha. Shri Subramanya Ashtakam also known as Swaminatha Karavalambam is an octet composed by Sri Adi Shankaracharya, praising Lord Subramanya. Shri Subramanya Ashtakam is recited to get rid of all present and past birth sins. The stotra is an octet composed by Sri Guru Adi Shankaracharya, praising Lord Subrahmanya. Swaminatha Ashtakam has 8 stanzas similar to Astakams and each stanza ends with sentence Vallisa Nadha Mama Dehi Karavalambam asking Lord Murugan to extend a hand of support and save...

Bala Mukunda Ashtakam begins as 'Kararavindena Padaravindam'. It is a prayer dedicated to Lord Krishna. Shri Bilvmangal Thakur has written this song ”kararavindena padaravindam”.Shri Bilvmangal Thakur Sri Krishna Chaitanya opulence, childhood forms, Sri Krishna’s past time held in Vrindavana. करारविन्देन पदारविन्दं मुखारविन्दे विनिवेशयन्तम्।वटस्य पत्रस्य पुटे शयानं बालं मुकुन्दं मनसा स्मरामि।। kararavindena padaravindam mukharavinde vinivesayantam vatasya patrasya putesayanam balam mukundam manasa smarami I meditate on that infant Mukunda (Krsna) who is sleeping on the leaf of a banyan tree with his the lotus like foot placed in his lotus like mouth with his lotus like hand. सम्हृत्य लोकान् वटपत्रमध्ये शयानमाद्यन्तविहीनरूपम्। सर्वेश्वरं सर्वहितावतारं बालं मुकुन्दं मनसा...

Lord Murugan or Subramanya is elder son of Shiva and Parvati and hence the brother of Sri Ganesha. Sri Subramanya Ashtakam, also known as Swaminatha Karavalambam is an octet composed by Sri Adi Shankaracharya, praising Lord Subramanya. Shri Subramanya Ashtakam is recited to get rid of all present and past birth sins. The stotra is an octet composed by Sri Guru Adi Shankaracharya, praising Lord Subrahmanya. Swaminatha Ashtakam has 8 stanzas similar to Astakams and each stanza ends with sentence Vallisa Nadha Mama Dehi Karavalambam asking Lord Murugan to extend a hand of support and save the devotee. Sri Subramanya is worshipped on Tuesday...

Sri Vaidyanatha Ashtakam is a beautiful Hymn Composed by Sri Adi Shankara devoted to Lord Shiva, Who is known as Vaidyanatha. Lord Shiva is considered as the king among physicians (Lord Vaidyanatha) and many people pray to him for curing serious illness/disease when they or their family members are affected by it .Devotees who are desirous of getting cured of diseases should recite Shri Vaidyanatha Ashtakam thrice a day. Shri Vaidyanatha Ashtakam has been translated in english by Sh. P. R. Ramachander. श्री वैद्यनाथाष्टकम् Shri Vaidyanatha Ashtakam श्रीराम सौमित्रि जटायुवॆद-षडाननादित्य कुजार्चिताय ।श्री नीलकण्ठाय दयामयायश्री वैद्यनाथाय नमः शिवाय ॥ १ ॥ Sree rama soumithri jatayu veda,Shadanadithya kujarchithya,Sree neelakandaya...

Shri Venkatesha ashtakam is a powerful hymn devoted to Lord Tirupati balaji or Venkatesha as he is popularly known. Shri Venkatesha ashtakam is mentioned in Brahmanda Purana, which occurs in the chapter 4 on “ Greatness of the Venkata mountain”, which occurs in the midst of the discussion between Lord Brahma and sage Narada. Shri Venkatesha ashtakam has been translated in english by Shri P.R.Ramachander.    Shri Venkatesha ashtakam (from Brahmanda Purana.) (The octet on Venkatesha) , Translated by Shri P.R.Ramachander 1.Venkatesho , Vasudeva, pradhyumno , amitha Vikrama,Sankarshano anirudhascha Seshadri patireva cha.He is Lord of Venkata mountain , son of Vasudeva , Pradhyumna,The greatly valorous Sankarshana...

Shri Ganesha Mangalashtakam is one of the powerful prayer dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Shri Ganesha Mangalashtakam means The Mangala Octet of Ganesha. Mangala stotras are normally recited at the end of reciting several stotras or the end of singing several songs or at the end of an auspicious function. The devotee wishes auspiciousness to the Lord. Mangalam may also mean good wishes or wishes for a happy ending. He who reads Shri Ganesha Mangalashtakam with devotion, Which causes good, Would without effort remove all obstacles in his way. The recitation of the Shri Ganesha Mangalashtakam also brings happiness in the life of the worshippers and...

Shri Sudarshana Ashtakam was composed by Shri Vedanta Desika. Shri sudarshana Ashtakam is a highly powerful prayer dedicated to Lord Sudarshana, the main weapon of Lord Vishnu. It is believed that those who chant Sudarshana Ashtakam with devotion will fulfill all his desires and will be able to remove any obstacles in life because of the glorious boon granting powers of the Lord Sudarshana. Those, who recite Shri Sudarshana Ashtakam Stotram consisting of 8 verses in praise of Sudarsana comprehend the deep references to the glory of Lord Sudarsana and will have the fulfillment of all their wishes.The Boon-granting powers of Lord Sudarsana...

Shri Shiva Bilvashtakam was composed by Jagad Guru Sri Adi Shankaracharya. Shri Shiva Bilvashtakam is a powerful chant that speaks of the power and glory of offering bilva leaves to Lord Shiva. They are to be offered in a group of three leaves and are said to have features that identify them with Lord Shiva himself. Bilva Patra shares a very special relationship with Lord Shiva. Shiva is very fond of Belpatra or the Bilva leaves. If a person prays to Shiva with a clear mind and offers a Belpatra to the Shivalinga, the Lord blesses them with whatever they desires....

Sri Durga Aapadudhdaara ashtakam is dedicated at the lotus feet of Goddess Durga. The word "Durga" in Sanskrit means a fort, or a place which is difficult to overrun. Another meaning of "Durga" is "Durgatinashini," which literally translates into "the one who eliminates sufferings.  Sri Durga Aapadudhdaara ashtakam is chanted by devotees of Maa Durga to get rid of sorrows, sufferings and problems in their life. Sri Durga Aapadudhdaara ashtakam is a great prayer which is exclusively meant for people to get saved from perils and dangers. श्री दुर्गा आपदुद्धाराष्टकम् नमस्ते शरण्ये शिवे सानुकम्पे नमस्ते जगद्व्यापिके विश्वरूपे |नमस्ते जगद्वन्द्यपादारविन्दे नमस्ते जगत्तारिणि त्राहि दुर्गे...

Shri Vishwanathashtakam is composed by Sri Adi Shankaracharya. According to Hindu mythology, Varanasi was founded by Lord Shiva. The city also known as Kashi and Benaras is one of the seven sacred cities of Hindus. To the Hindus, the Ganges is a sacred river and any town or city on its bank is believed to be auspicious. But Varanasi has a special sanctity, for it is believed, this is where Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati stood when time started ticking for the first time. Hindus believe that a person who breaths his last in Kashi, is blessed with eternal salvation, thus freed from...

Shri Rama Ashtakam ( श्री रामाष्टकम् ) was composed by Sage Vyasa in Sanskrit. Rishi Vyasa says in this Rama Ashtakam that he worships Rama since Sri Rama removes all the sins of the devotees. Sri Rama always makes his devotees happy. He removes fear of his devotees. The teachings of Lord Rama reminds us that sorrow and joy, fear and anger, gain and loss, life and death, indeed everything that happens, is due to the action of fate. Sri Ram's life and journey is one of perfect adherence to dharma despite harsh tests of life and time. He is pictured as the...

Surya Dev is one of the main deities of Hinduism. Surya Dev is considered the life giver and one who nourishes. Shri Surya Mandala ashtakam is from Aditya Hrudaya. Shri Surya Mandala ashtakam is hyme in praise of God Surya. It is said in the stotra that Surya mandal vanishes poverty and sorrow. Surya dev is the only Navgrah that is easily visible to the naked eye. Many scriptures uphold his importance as the chief among these nine planets.All life generates from the heat and light of the Sun. Without Surya, the entire universe would be covered in deep darkness and creation itself...

Shri Pandurang ashtakam (Pandurangashtakam) Stotra is a very beautiful creation of Shri  Adi Shankaracharya. Pandurangashtakam stotra was composed in Sanskrit. It is sung in praise of God Panduranga who is standing on a brick for his devotees, to give them blessings, peace and happiness and every thing they deserve. God Panduranga is Lord Vishnu’s avatar. Adi Shankaracharya tells us why he worships God Panduranga. Shri Panduranga is also known as Vitthal , Vithal or Panduranga Vithal. Lord Vithal, or Panduranga Vittala, is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and is worshipped in the world famous Pandarpur Rukmini Vithal Temple at Pandarpur in Maharashtra....

Shri Mahalakshmi Ashtakam in Sanskrit Is the prayer dedicated to  Goddess Lakshmi Devi. Shri Mahalakshmi Ashtakam is taken from Padma Purana and this devotional prayer was chanted by Lord Indra in praise of Goddess Mahalakshmi. Goddess Lakshmi means Good Luck to Hindus. The word 'Lakshmi' is derived from the sanskrit word "Laksya", meaning 'aim' or 'goal', and she is the goddess of wealth and prosperity, both material and spiritual In Hindu mythology, Goddess Lakshmi, also called Shri, is the divine spouse of Lord Vishnu and provides him with wealth for the maintenance and preservation of the creation. One should chant Shri Mahalakshmi Ashtakam daily to...

Sri Annapurna Ashtakam is written by guru Adi Shankaracharya to praise and invoke the grace of Mother Goddess Annapurneswari. Maa Annapurna is the Hindu goddess of food and cooking. She is the goddess who holds in one hand a jeweled vessel containing food and in the other a golden spoon to distribute the food among her devotees. She has the power to distribute food to an unlimited amount of people. Annapurna in Sanskrit is a combination of two words Anna + purna; 'Anna' means food and 'purna' means complete, together the term Annapurna literally means "one who is full of food." The verses...

Shri Jagannath Ashtakam was composed by Adi Sankracharya in praise of Lord Jagannath on his visit to Puri. The most important of hymns of Lord Jagannath, the Ashtakam was recited by Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu on his visit to Jagannath temple. The merit of reciting the sacred Jagannath ashtakam carefully is such that, one becomes sinless and pure hearted and gains entrance to Vishnuloka. कदाचित् कालिन्दी तट विपिन सङ्गीत तरलोमुदाभीरी नारी वदन कमला स्वाद मधुपःरमा शम्भु ब्रह्मामरपति गणेशार्चित पदोजगन्नाथः स्वामी नयन पथ गामी भवतु मे ॥१॥ kadācit kālindī-taṭa-vipina-saṅgīta ta ralomudābhīrī-nārī-vadana-kamalāśvāda-madhupaḥramā-śambhu-brahmāmara-pati-gaṇeśārcita-padojagannāthaḥ svāmī nayana-patha-gāmī bhavatu me (1) Sometimes in great happiness Lord Jagannatha, with His...

Shree Krishna Madhurashtakam (श्री कृष्णमधुराष्टकम), composed by Sri Vallabhacharya (1478 A.D), is a unique stotra, describing the Sweetness of Lord Sri Krishna. Shree Krishna Madhurashtakam (श्री कृष्णमधुराष्टकम) was originally written in Sanskrit and is easily understood. Only one word, madhuram, is repeated seven times each in this ashtakam. Ashta means 8, this stotra has 8 verses in it. Shree Krishna Madhurashtakam (श्री कृष्णमधुराष्टकम) uses just one adjective, "madhuram", meaning sweet or beautiful etc., to describe the lovely attributes of Lord Sri Krishna's beautiful form, who is the master of Sweetness and Sweetness personified. It is evident from the ashtakam that the...

Sri Ganesha ashtakam is an octet meaning eight versus in glorification and praise of Lord Ganesha. Sri Ganesha Ashtakam is a powerful Hindu mantra of Lord Ganesha - the remover of obstacles in life.Those who sing Sri Ganesha Ashtakam with an ocean of devotion inside, having liberated from all their sins, go towards the Rudra-Loka.  श्री गणेश अष्टाकम Sri Ganesha ashtakam एकदन्तं महाकायं तप्तकांचनसन्निभम् । लम्बॊदरं विशालाक्षं वन्दॆऽहं गणनायकम् ॥१॥ Ekadantam Mahaakaayam Taptakaajnchana sannibham Lambodaram Vishaalaaxam Vande Ham Gananaayakam ॥1॥ Salutations to the God who is the leader of Ganas,Who has only one tusk, Who has a very big body, Who looks like molten...

भगवान भैरव शिव के स्वरूप हैं। वे कलियुग की बाधाओं का शीघ्र निवारण करने वाले देवता माने जाते हैं। खासतौर से प्रेत व तांत्रिक बाधा के दोष उनके पूजन से दूर हो जाते हैं। संतान की दीर्घायु हो या गृहस्वामी का स्वास्थ्य, भगवान भैरव स्मरण और पूजन मात्र से उनके कष्टों को दूर कर देते हैं।भगवान भैरव के पूजन से राहु-केतु शांत हो जाते हैं। उनके पूजन में भैरव अष्टक और भैरव कवच का पाठ जरूर करना चाहिए। इससे शीघ्र फल मिलता है। साथ ही तांत्रिक व प्रेत बाधा का संकट टल जाता है। काल भैरव अष्टक देवराजसेव्यमानपावनांघ्रिपङ्कजं व्यालयज्ञसूत्रमिन्दुशेखरं कृपाकरम् ।...

The Rudrashtakam is an ashtakam or octet (a prayer with eight rhyming verses) dedicated to the manifestation of Shiva. It was composed by Swami Tulsidas in the fifteenth century. Rudra is considered as the fearsome manifestation of Shiva who is to be feared.This eightfold hymn of praise was sung to please Shankara. Lord Shiva will be pleased with whomever heartfully recites it. Rudrashtakam has its origins in the Ramayana, the great Sanskrit epic, written by Goswami Tulsidas(16th century AD) in Varanasi, the city sacred to Lord Shiva. Tulsidasji was writing the Ramcharitmanas in the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, when this...