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How To Chant Rudrashtakam In Hindu Religion?

The Rudrashtakam is a powerful Sanskrit hymn composed by the saint Tulsidas in praise of Lord Shiva. This devotional chant holds significant spiritual importance in Hinduism. Here's an expanded guide covering its various aspects:


1. Importance of Rudrashtakam

The Rudrashtakam extols Lord Shiva as the Supreme Reality, beyond time and form. Chanting it is believed to:

  • Grant inner peace and liberation (moksha).
  • Remove negative energies and obstacles.
  • Help devotees develop a deeper connection with Lord Shiva.
  • Aid in mental clarity and spiritual growth.

2. The Rudrashtakam Mantra

Sanskrit

नमामीशमीशान निर्वाणरूपं  
विभुं व्यापकं ब्रह्म वेदस्वरूपम्।  
निजं निर्गुणं निर्विकल्पं निरीहम्  
चिदाकाशमाकाशवासं भजेऽहम्।  
... (full hymn continues for 8 stanzas)

Hindi Transliteration

नमामीशमीशान निर्वाणरूपं  
विभुं व्यापकं ब्रह्म वेदस्वरूपम्।  
निजं निर्गुणं निर्विकल्पं निरीहम्  
चिदाकाशमाकाशवासं भजेऽहम्।  
... (पूरे 8 छंदों में पाठ जारी है)

English Transliteration

Namami shamishan nirvana rupam  
Vibhum vyapakam brahma veda svaroopam.  
Nijam nirgunam nirvikalpam nireeham  
Chidakasha makasha vasam bhaje’ham.  
... (continues for 8 stanzas)

3. Meaning

The Rudrashtakam glorifies Lord Shiva as:

  • The embodiment of formlessness, omnipresence, and ultimate truth.
  • Free from qualities, desires, and duality.
  • The essence of the cosmos and eternal bliss.

Each stanza reveals profound spiritual truths, highlighting Shiva’s role as the destroyer of illusion and the provider of liberation.


4. Benefits of Chanting Rudrashtakam

  1. Spiritual Growth: Deepens devotion and awareness of the divine.
  2. Mental Clarity: Clears confusion and strengthens focus.
  3. Healing Energy: Invokes positive vibrations for emotional and physical healing.
  4. Protection: Shields the devotee from negative influences.
  5. Inner Peace: Calms the mind and reduces stress.
  6. Karmic Relief: Purifies sins and negative karmas.
  7. Divine Connection: Strengthens the bond with Lord Shiva.
  8. Manifestation Power: Helps fulfill spiritual and worldly desires.
  9. Courage: Fills the devotee with strength to overcome challenges.
  10. Liberation: Assists in attaining moksha.

5. Symbolism

  • Shiva as Nirguna Brahman: Represents the formless, attribute-less aspect of God.
  • Shiva’s Attributes: Trident, crescent moon, and snake symbolize the mastery over ego, time, and desires.
  • Rudrashtakam's Structure: Its eight verses symbolize harmony with the eight directions of the universe.

6. Attire and Preparation

  • Wear clean, comfortable, preferably white or light-colored clothes.
  • Optionally, wear rudraksha beads for a spiritual connection.
  • Sit in a clean and quiet place, ideally facing north or east.

7. How to Chant Rudrashtakam

  1. Time: Preferably during Brahma Muhurta (pre-dawn) or during evening prayers.
  2. Ritual:
    • Light a diya (lamp) and incense near Lord Shiva's image or lingam.
    • Sit comfortably with a straight back.
    • Begin with a short meditation to calm the mind.
    • Chant slowly and melodically, focusing on the meaning of the words.
  3. Frequency: Chant 3, 11, or 108 times based on your time and commitment.

8. Chanting Anywhere

  • Mental Chanting: If in public or unable to vocalize, repeat the hymn silently in your mind. This has equal spiritual potency.
  • Portable Practice: Use a mobile app or carry a pocketbook for reference.
  • Travel-friendly Accessories: Keep a small rudraksha mala for counting chants.

9. Mental Chanting Benefits

  • Enhances focus and concentration.
  • Reduces distractions as it requires inward attention.
  • Creates a soothing vibration within the body and mind.

10. How to Focus the Mind on Chanting

  1. Preparation:
    • Choose a peaceful setting.
    • Close your eyes and take deep breaths before starting.
  2. Techniques:
    • Visualize Lord Shiva or his attributes.
    • Concentrate on the sound of each syllable.
    • Use a mala to keep track of repetitions.
  3. Avoiding Distractions:
    • Eliminate external noise as much as possible.
    • Practice mindfulness to gently bring the mind back when it wanders.

11. Number of Times to Chant

  • Chanting 11 or 108 times is considered highly auspicious, though even once with devotion is beneficial.
  • For regular practice, aim for a manageable count (e.g., 3 or 11 times daily).

Incorporating the Rudrashtakam into your spiritual routine can bring profound benefits. Remember, devotion and consistency are key to experiencing its transformative effects.