The Shiv Mahimna Stotram is very popular among the devotees of Lord Shiva and is considered one of the best among all Stotras offered to Lord Shiva.
The Stotra is sung by Pushhpadanta who had lost his divine powers. Pushhpadanta designed a prayer to Lord Shiva for forgiveness. In this prayer, he sang the greatness of the Lord.
This very prayer became well known as the Mahimna Stotra’.
Lord Shiva became pleased by this Stotram and returned Pushhpadanta’s divine powers.
Whoever reads this faultless hymn of Shiva daily, with pure mind and great devotion, ultimately reaches Shiva’s domain and becomes equal to him; in this world, he is endowed with children, great wealth, long life, and fame.
The Stotra is very popular among the devotees of Lord Shiva and is considered one of the best among all Stotras (or Stutis) offered to Lord Shiva.
The legend about the circumstances leading to the composition of this Stotra is as follows.
A king named Chitraratha had constructed a nice garden. There were beautiful flowers in this garden. These flowers were used every day by the king in worshipping Lord Shiva.
One day a Gandharva (Singer in the court of Indra, the Lord of the Heaven) named PuShpadanta being fascinated by the beautiful flowers, began to steal them, as a consequence of which king Chitraratha could not offer flowers to Lord Shiva.
He tried very hard to capture the thief, but in vain, because the Gandharvas have divine power to remain invisible.
Finally, the king spread the Shiva NirmAlya in his garden. Shiva NirmAlya consists of the Bilva leaves, flowers, et cetera which have been used in worshipping Lord Shiva.
The Shiva NirmAlya is considered holy. The thief PuShpadanta, not knowing this, walked on the Shiva NirmAlya, and by that, he incurred the wrath of Lord Shiva and lost the divine power of invisibility. He then designed a prayer to Lord Shiva for forgiveness.
In this prayer, he sang the greatness of the Lord. This very prayer became well known as the Shiva Mahimna Stotra’. Lord Shiva became pleased by this Stotram and returned PuShpadanta’s divine powers.
The legend has some basis since the name of the author is mentioned in verse number 38 of the Stotram. The recital of this stotra is very beneficial.
Shiv Mahimna Stotram Meaning
||शिवमहिम्न स्तोत्र श्री पुष्पदन्त विरचितं ||
महिम्नः पारं ते परमविदुषो यद्यसदृशी
स्तुतिर्ब्रह्मादीनामपि तदवसन्नास्त्वयि गिरः
अथाऽवाच्यः सर्वः स्वमतिपरिणामावधि गृणन्
ममाप्येष स्तोत्रे हर निरपवादः परिकरः
Mahimna Paaram They Parama Vidhusho Yadhya Sadhrushi,
Sthuthi Brahmadheenama Api Thadava Anna Sthwayi Gira,
Adhavachya Sarva Swamathi Parinamam Avadhi Grunan,
Mamapyesha Sthothre Hara Nirapavadha Parikara. 1
Very Wise People Have Not Seen The Other Shore Of Your Greatness,
And Even The Gods Like Brahma Are Not Capable Of Praising You,
And Despite That, Those Like Me Who Consider You As Everything,
If They Attempt To Sing Your Praise, Will It Be Considered As Improper?
अतीतः पंथानं तव च महिमा वाङ्मनसयोः
अतद्व्यावृत्त्या यं चकितमभिधत्ते श्रुतिरपि
स कस्य स्तोतव्यः कतिविधगुणः कस्य विषयः
पदे त्वर्वाचीने पतति न मनः कस्य न वचः
Atheetha Panthanaam Thavacha Mahimaa Vang Manasayo-
Thadhvya Vruthyayam Chakitham Abhi Dathe Sruthirapi,
Sa Kasya Sthothavya Kathi Vithi Guna Kasya Vishaya,
Padhe Thwart Vaacheena Pathathi Na Mana Kasya Na Vacha. 2
Your Praise Is Beyond The Words And Mind Of Everyone,
For He Who Is Identified As “Not That, Not This” By Vedas,
Cannot Be Praised By Any One, For No One Can Say Your Properties,
Nor Can One Define You, As The Subject Of Any One Or Anything,
But The Mind Or Word Can Easily Describe Your Assumed Form.
मधुस्फीता वाचः परमममृतं निर्मितवतः
तव ब्रह्मन् किं वागपि सुरगुरोर्विस्मयपदम्
मम त्वेतां वाणीं गुणकथनपुण्येन भवतः
पुनामीत्यर्थेऽस्मिन् पुरमथन बुद्धिर्व्यवसिता
Madhu Sphreetha Vacha Parama Amruthan Nirmitha Vatha,
Sthava Brahman Kim Vagapi Sura Guror Vismaya Padam,
Mama Thwenaam Vaanim Guna Kadhana Punyena Bhavatha,
Punam Eethyrthesmin Pura Madhana Budhir Vyavasitha. 3
You Are The Great God, Who Used Words Dripping In Honey,
In Writing The Vedas And For You Even Words Of Brihaspati Are Not Great,
Hey, Destroyer Of Cities, My Words About You Are For Gaining Your Grace,
And Do Not To Even Attempt To Show That I Know Anything About You.
तवैश्वर्यं यत्तज्जगदुदयरक्षाप्रलयकृत्
त्रयीवस्तु व्यस्तं तिस्रुषु गुणभिन्नासु तनुषु
अभव्यानामस्मिन् वरद रमणीयामरमणीं
विहन्तुं व्याक्रोशीं विदधत इहैके जडधियः
Thwa Aishwaryam Yathad Jagad Udhaya Raksha Pralaya Kruth,
Thrayee Vasthu Vyastham Thisrushu Guna Bhinnasu Thanushu,
Abhavyanam Asmin Varadha, Ramaneeyama Ramaneem,
Vihethum Vyakroseem Mvidhadadha Ihaike Jadadhiya. 4
The Greatness That You Have Is Capable of Creation, Upkeep and Deluge of All Worlds,
But the Vedas Made It into Three Qualities and Ascribed It to Three People,
And Oh My God Who Blesses, It Simply Does Not Happen That Prettier Than Pretty,
Words Can Be Written by Fools About You, Who Are One Without Any Cause.
किमीहः किंकायः स खलु किमुपायस्त्रिभुवनं
किमाधारो धाता सृजति किमुपादान इति च
अतर्क्यैश्वर्ये त्वय्यनवसर दुःस्थो हतधियः
कुतर्कोऽयं कांश्चित् मुखरयति मोहाय जगतः
Kimeeha Kim Kaya Sa Khalu Kim Upaya Sthribhuvanam,
Kimadharo Dhatha Srujathi Kimupadhena Ithi Cha,
Atharkyaisvarye Thwayyan Avasara Dustho Hatha Dhiya,
Kutharkkoyam Kaam Schin Mukharayathi Mohaya Jagatha. 5
“Who Is He, What Is His Form, How Has He Created the Three Worlds,
What Is His Basis for His Giving, On What Cause Does He Depend On?”
Enquire People About, You Who Has the Power Which Cannot Be Questioned,
And Which Are Not the Questions Which Should Be Asked About You,
And These Silly Arguments Are Only Meant to Impress the World.
अजन्मानो लोकाः किमवयववन्तोऽपि जगतां
अधिष्ठातारं किं भवविधिरनादृत्य भवति
अनीशो वा कुर्याद् भुवनजनने कः परिकरो
यतो मन्दास्त्वां प्रत्यमरवर संशेरत इमे
Ajanmano Lokaa Kimayava Vanthopi Jagatha,
Madhishtantharam Kim Bhava Vidhi Ra Nadbruthya Bhavathi,
Aneeso Vaa Kuryath Bhuvana Janane Ka Parikaro,
Yatho Mandhasthwam Prathyamara Vara Samseratha Yime. 6
This World with Several Parts Can Never Be Told as Not Created,
And for Everything That Is Born There Should Surely Be A Creator,
And That Creator Can Not Be Anyone Except You, The God Himself,
And Then Why Do These Silly People Do Research About You, In This Way?
त्रयी साङ्ख्यं योगः पशुपतिमतं वैष्णवमिति
प्रभिन्ने प्रस्थाने परमिदमदः पथ्यमिति च
रुचीनां वैचित्र्यादृजुकुटिल नानापथजुषां
नृणामेको गम्यस्त्वमसि पयसामर्णव इव
Thrayee Sankhyam Yoga Pasupathi Matham Vaishnavam Ithi,
Prabhinne Prasthan Paramidhamadha Padhyamithi Cha,
Rucheenaam Vaichithryaadhrujhoo Kutila Nana Padha Jhooshwam,
Nrunaam Yeka Gamyathwam Aasi Payasamarnava Yiva. 7
Three Types of Sankhya Yoga, School of Shiva, That of Vishnu.
Are Among the Many Type of Difference of Opinions,
And the People Try to Find Which One Is Better Among Them,
And the Men with Differing Taste Preferences,
Do Not Depend Only on The Right Way, But Adopt the Wrong Way Also,
But Just Like All the Water Reaches the Sea, They Ultimately Reach You.
महोक्षः खट्वाङ्गं परशुरजिनं भस्म फणिनः
कपालं चेतीयत्तव वरद तन्त्रोपकरणम्
सुरास्तां तामृद्धिं दधति तु भवद्भूप्रणिहितां
न हि स्वात्मारामं विषयमृगतृष्णा भ्रमयति
Mahoksha , Gadwangam , Parasurajinam , Bhasma Phanina,
Kapalan Chethi Yathva Varada Thathropakaranam,
Suraasthaam Thamrudheem Dadadhimthu Bhavadhabru Prani Hithaam,
Nahi Swathamaramam Vishaa Mruga Thrushana Bramayathi. 8
Great Bull, Sword, White Axe, Hide, Ash, Serpents,
And Skull Are the Equipment’s, That You Own, Oh God,
And the Devas, Ordered by The Movement of Your Eyelids,
Make Some These types of equipment as Theirs but You, Oh God,
Who Plays with Your Soul Within Your Soul,
Are Not Ever Bothered by Animal-Like Desires.
ध्रुवं कश्चित् सर्वं सकलमपरस्त्वध्रुवमिदं
परो ध्रौव्याऽध्रौव्ये जगति गदति व्यस्तविषये
समस्तेऽप्येतस्मिन् पुरमथन तैर्विस्मित इव
स्तुवन् जिह्रेमि त्वां न खलु ननु धृष्टा मुखरता
Dhruvam , Kaschiddsavam Sakala Maparasthwa Dhruvamidham,
Parodhrou Vyadhrouvye Jagadhi Gadhadhi Vyastha Vishaye,
Samasthepyethasmin Pura Madhana Thair Vismitha Yiva,
Sthuvan Jihremi Thwam Nakhalu Nanu Dhrushta Mukharatha. 9
Some Say They Are Permanent, Others Say They Are Not,
Some Say Some of Them Are Permanent but Others Say Some of Them Are Not,
Oh God, Who Churned the Towns, I Who Do Not Know the Opinions of Such People,
Am Feeling Inadequate to Sing Your Praise but The Loquacious Ones Are Never Ashamed.
तवैश्वर्यं यत्नाद् यदुपरि विरिञ्चिर्हरिरधः
परिच्छेतुं यातावनिलमनलस्कन्धवपुषः
ततो भक्तिश्रद्धा-भरगुरु-गृणद्भ्यां गिरिश यत्
स्वयं तस्थे ताभ्यां तव किमनुवृत्तिर्न फलति
Thavaiswaryam Yathnadhyad Upari Virincho Hariradha,
Parichethum Yathavanala Manalaskanda Vapusha,
Thatho Bhakthi Sradha Bhara Guru Granadhbhyam Gireesa Yath,
Swayam Thasthe Thabhyam Thava Kimanu Vruthir Na Phalathi. 10
Brahma and Vishnu Went Up and Down, To Search for Your Greatness, Oh Lord of Hills,
And Failed to Find Anything of You Who Stood Burning and Shining Like the Fire,
And Later You Showed Them Your Form When They Prayed You with Concentrated Devotion,
And When I Think About This, I Do Feel That No Prayer to You Would End Without Result.
अयत्नादासाद्य त्रिभुवनमवैरव्यतिकरं
दशास्यो यद्बाहूनभृत-रणकण्डू-परवशान्
शिरःपद्मश्रेणी-रचितचरणाम्भोरुह-बलेः
स्थिरायास्त्वद्भक्तेस्त्रिपुरहर विस्फूर्जितमिदम्
Ayathnadapadhya Tribhuvana Ma Vaira Vyathikaram,
Dasasyo Yad Bahuna Bhrutha Rana Kundu Paravasan,
Sira Padma Sreni Rachitha Charanambhoru Bhale,
Sthiraya Thwad Bhakthe Sthripura Hara Visphoorjithamidham. 11
Ravana With Ten Heads Who Won Over Three Worlds, Without Any Effort,
And Spread His Hands Which Were Seeking More And More of War,
But Offered His Lotus Like Heads at Your Lotus Like Feet,
Because Of His Unflinching Devotion to You, Oh Destroyer of Three Cities.
अमुष्य त्वत्सेवा-समधिगतसारं भुजवनं
बलात् कैलासेऽपि त्वदधिवसतौ विक्रमयतः
अलभ्यापातालेऽप्यलसचलितांगुष्ठशिरसि
प्रतिष्ठा त्वय्यासीद् ध्रुवमुपचितो मुह्यति खलः
Amushya Thwad Seva Samadhi Gatha Saram Bhujavanam,
Balad Kailasepi Thwad Adhi Vasathou Vikramayatha,
Alabhya Patale Apya Lasa Chalitham Angushta Sirasi,
Prathishta Thwayassed Dhruva Mupachitho Muhyathi Khala. 12
Due to the Strength of His Forest of Hands Got by Serving You,
He with Velour Even Shook the Kailash Mountain Where You Live,
But Just by The Movement of Your Toe, Did Not Have Even Place in Patala,
And This Shows That If Wicked People Prosper, They Would Become Proud.
यदृद्धिं सुत्राम्णो वरद परमोच्चैरपि सतीं
अधश्चक्रे बाणः परिजनविधेयत्रिभुवनः
न तच्चित्रं तस्मिन् वरिवसितरि त्वच्चरणयोः
न कस्याप्युन्नत्यै भवति शिरसस्त्वय्यवनतिः
Yad Rudhim Suthramno Varada Pramochai Rapi Sathee,
Madaschakre Baana Parijna Vidheya Thribhuvana,
Na Thachithram Thasmin Vari Vasathari Thwacharanayo,
Rna Kasya Unnathyai Bhavathi Shirasasthwayya Vanathi. 13
Oh, Giver of Boons, Bana Conquered All the Worlds and Its Attendants,
And Even Suppressed Devendra Who Was Very Rich and At the Top,
Due to His Keeping You in His Mind and Constant Service to Your Great Feet,
Showing That Any One Who Bends His Head Before You Would Get All the Riches.
अकाण्ड-ब्रह्माण्ड-क्षयचकित-देवासुरकृपा
विधेयस्याऽऽसीद् यस्त्रिनयन विषं संहृतवतः
स कल्माषः कण्ठे तव न कुरुते न श्रियमहो
विकारोऽपि श्लाघ्यो भुवन-भय-भङ्ग-व्यसनिनः
Akaanda Brahmaanda Kshaya Chakitha Devasura Krupa,
Vidheya Syaseedhya Sthrinayana Visham Sahruthavatha,
Sakalmasha Kande Thava Na Kuruthe Na Sriyam Aaho,
Vikaraopi Slaghyo Bhuvana Bhaya Bhanga Vyasanina. 14
To Show Mercy to Devas and Asuras Who Were Afraid of The Destruction of The Entire World,
Oh, Three-Eyed God Who Is Amenable to His Devotees, You Swallowed the Poison,
And You Had A Black Scarred Neck but Even That Was Pretty to You,
Showing That Even Bad Looks Are Praiseworthy to Those Who Kill, Fear of This World.
असिद्धार्था नैव क्वचिदपि सदेवासुरनरे
निवर्तन्ते नित्यं जगति जयिनो यस्य विशिखाः
स पश्यन्नीश त्वामितरसुरसाधारणमभूत्
स्मरः स्मर्तव्यात्मा न हि वशिषु पथ्यः परिभवः
Asidhartha Naiva Kwachidhapi Sa Devasura Nare,
Nivarthanthe Nithyam Jagathi Jayino Yasya Visikhaa,
Na Pasayan Eesa Thwam Ithara Sura Sadharana Mabhooth,
Smara Smarthvyathma Nahi Vasishta Padhya Paribhava. 15
Being Proud That His Arrows Never Return Without Victory,
In the Case of Devas, Asuras And Men, The Cupid Who Won Everywhere,
Not Seeing You Lord, As Different from Other Ordinary People,
Became Only A Memory, Because Insulting Masters Does Not Do One Good.
मही पादाघाताद् व्रजति सहसा संशयपदं
पदं विष्णोर्भ्राम्यद् भुज-परिघ-रुग्ण-ग्रह-गणम्
मुहुर्द्यौर्दौस्थ्यं यात्यनिभृत-जटा-ताडित-तटा
जगद्रक्षायै त्वं नटसि ननु वामैव विभुता
Mahee Pada Aghaadhad Vrajathi Sahasa Samsaya Padam,
Padam Vishnor Brahmyadv Bhuja Pari Gharughna Gruha Ganam,
Muhoordhyor Dhousthyaa Yathya Nibhrutha Jada Thaditha Thata,
Jagad Rakshayai Thwam Natasi Nanu Vamaiva Vibhutha. 16
The Position of Earth Becomes Untenable with Your Dancing Steps,
And the Sky Becomes Full of Scattering Planets and Gods Due to It,
And the Flowing Hairs of Your Mane Makes Heaven Distressed Due to It Hitting the Walls,
But Your Dance Is Meant for Protection of The World,
Showing the Great Can-Do Whatever Action That They Want.
वियपी तारा-गण-गुणित-फेनोद्गम-रुचिः
प्रवाहो वारां यः पृषतलघुदृष्टः शिरसि ते
जगद्द्वीपाकारं जलधिवलयं तेन कृतमिति
अनेनैवोन्नेयं धृतमहिम दिव्यं तव वपुः
Viyad Vyapi Thara Gana Gunitha Phenodhgama Ruchi,
Pravaho Vaaraam Ya Prasha Thalaghu Drushti Sirasi They,
Jagad Dweepaakaaram Jaladhi Valayam Thena Kruthami,
Thyena Naivonneyam Drutha Mahima Divyam Thava Vapu. 17
The Great Torrential River Flowing All Over the Sky,
With the Stars Appearing as Form in The Body of Water,
Which Appears Like A Drop, Let on Your Divine Head,
Makes the Entire Universe Look Like, An Island in The Sea,
And Brings Out, The Immensity of Your Form.
रथः क्षोणी यन्ता शतधृतिरगेन्द्रो धनुरथो
रथाङ्गे चन्द्रार्कौ रथ-चरण-पाणिः शर इति
दिधक्षोस्ते कोऽयं त्रिपुरतृणमाडम्बर विधिः
विधेयैः क्रीडन्त्यो न खलु परतन्त्राः प्रभुधियः
Ratha Kshoni Yanthaa Satha Druthi Ragendro Dhanu Radho ,
Radhange Chandra Arkou Radha Charana Pani Sara Jathi,
Thidhakshosthe Koyam Tripura Thruna Madambara Vidhi,
Vidheyaou Kreedanthyo Na Khalu Para Thanthra Prabhudhiya. 18
With Earth as Chariot, With Brahma as The Charioteer,
With Sun and Moon as The Wheels of The Chariot,
With the Meru Mountain as Your Bow and Lord Vishnu As Arrow,
You Organized the Destruction of The Three Cities,
And I Ask “What Was the Necessity for A Great Lord Like You,
To Playfully Engage Them, Even When You Alone Did It All?”
हरिस्ते साहस्रं कमल बलिमाधाय पदयोः
यदेकोने तस्मिन् निजमुदहरन्नेत्रकमलम्
गतो भक्त्युद्रेकः परिणतिमसौ चक्रवपुषः
त्रयाणां रक्षायै त्रिपुरहर जागर्ति जगताम्
Haristhe Sahasrammkamala Bali Madhaya Padayo,
Aryadhe Kone Thasmin, Nijamudhaharan Nethra Kamalam,
Gatho Bhakthyudreka Parinathimasou Chakra Vapusha,
Thrayanaam Rakshayai Thripura Hara Jagarthi Jagatham. 19
Vishnu When He Started Worshipping Your Feet with Thousand Lotuses,
Found One Short and Plucked His Lotus Like Eyes and Worshipped Your Feet,
And This Ebbing Devotion on His Part Transformed Into The Holy Wheel,
Which Is Ready to Protect the Three Worlds, In His Hands.
क्रतौ सुप्ते जाग्रत् त्वमसि फलयोगे क्रतुमतां
क्व कर्म प्रध्वस्तं फलति पुरुषाराधनमृते
अतस्त्वां सम्प्रेक्ष्य क्रतुषु फलदान-प्रतिभुवं
श्रुतौ श्रद्धां बध्वा दृढपरिकरः कर्मसु जनः
Krathou Supthe Jagrathwamasi Phalayoge Krathu Maam,
Kwa Karma Pradhwastham Phalathi Purusharadhanaruthe,
Athasthwaam Samprekshya Krathushu Phala Dhana Prathi Bhuvam,
Sruthou Sradham Badhwa Druda Parikara Karmasu Jana. 20
All the Results of Actions Done Are Purely Temporary and Vanish Quickly,
And for Attaining Salvation These Results Will Not Be of Any Help,
Without Worshipping You but People Perform Vedic Sacrifices,
With the Deep Faith That You Would Reward Them with Desired Results.
क्रियादक्षो दक्षः क्रतुपतिरधीशस्तनुभृतां
ऋषीणामार्त्विज्यं शरणद सदस्याः सुर-गणाः
क्रतुभ्रंशस्त्वत्तः क्रतुफल-विधान-व्यसनिनः
ध्रुवं कर्तुं श्रद्धा विधुरमभिचाराय हि मखाः
Kriya Daksho Daksha Krathu Pathira Dheesasthanubratha,
Mreeshsheenaamarthwijyam Saranadha, Sadasya Sura Gana,
Krathur Breshaswatha Krathu Phla Vidhana Vyasnino,
Dhruvam Karthu Sradha Vidhura Mabhicharaya Hi Makha. 21
Even Though the Fire Sacrifice Was Done by Daksha,
Who Was A Master Performer, Even Though Great Sages?
Were Presiding Over It, Even Though Devas Were the Audience,
You Who Are Always Interested in Giving Results of Such Acts,
Destroyed It, For Acts Done Without Attention Do Not Yield Results.
प्रजानाथं नाथ प्रसभमभिकं स्वां दुहितरं
गतं रोहिद् भूतां रिरमयिषुमृष्यस्य वपुषा ।
धनुष्पाणेर्यातं दिवमपि सपत्राकृतममुं
त्रसन्तं तेऽद्यापि त्यजति न मृगव्याधरभसः ॥ २२॥
Prajaanaatham Naatha Prasabhamabhikam Svaam Duhitaram
Gatam Rohid Bhootaam Riramayishumri’shyasya Vapushaa .
Dhanushpaaneryaatam Divamapi Sapatraakri’tamamum
Trasantam Te’dyaapi Tyajati Na Mri’gavyaadharabhasah’ .. 22..
O, Protector! Once Brahma Became Infatuated with His Daughter.
When She Fled Taking the Form of a Female Deer, He Also Took The
Form of A Male Deer and Chased Her. You Took the Form of a Hunter
And Went After Him, With A Bow in Hand. Struck by Your Arrow And
Very Much Frightened, Brahma Fled to The Sky Taking the Form Of A
Star. Even Today He Stands Frightened By You.
स्वलावण्याशंसा धृतधनुषमह्नाय तृणवत्
पुरः प्लुष्टं दृष्ट्वा पुरमथन पुष्पायुधमपि ।
यदि स्त्रैणं देवी यमनिरत-देहार्ध-घटनात्
अवैति त्वामद्धा बत वरद मुग्धा युवतयः ॥ २३॥
Svalaavanyaashamsaa Dhri’tadhanushamahnaaya Tri’navat
Purah’ Plusht’am Dri’sht’vaa Puramathana Pushpaayudhamapi .
Yadi Strainam Devee Yamanirata-Dehaardha-Ghat’anaat
Avaiti Tvaamaddhaa Bata Varada Mugdhaa Yuvatayah’ .. 23..
O, Destroyer of The Three Cities! Boon-Giver! Practitioner Of
Austerities! Before the Very Eyes of Parvati, You Reduced
Manmatha (The God of Love) To Ashes, The Moment He Tried To
Arouse Passion in You for Parvati, By Shooting His Famous
Flower Arrows. Even After Witnessing This, If Parvati, Thinks
What You Are Attracted by Her Physical Charm, based on
Your Sharing Half the Body with Her, Certainly Women Are
Under Self- Delusion.
श्मशानेष्वाक्रीडा स्मरहर पिशाचाः सहचराः
चिता-भस्मालेपः स्रगपि नृकरोटी-परिकरः ।
अमङ्गल्यं शीलं तव भवतु नामैवमखिलं
तथापि स्मर्तॄणां वरद परमं मङ्गलमसि ॥ २४॥
Shmashaaneshvaakreed’aa Smarahara Pishaachaah’ Sahacharaah’
Chitaa-Bhasmaalepah’ Sragapi Nri’karot’ee-Parikarah’ .
Amangalyam Sheelam Tava Bhavatu Naamaivamakhilam
Tathaapi Smartree’naam Varada Paramam Mangalamasi .. 24..
O, Boon Giver! O, Destroyer of Cupid! You Play in The Burning Ghats. Your
Friends Are the Ghosts. Your Body Is Smeared with The Ashes of The Dead
Bodies. Your Garland Is of Human Skulls. Every Aspect of Your Character Is
Thus Inauspicious. Let It Be.
It Does Not Matter. Because With All These
Known Oddness, You Are Quick to Grant All Auspicious Things to The People
Who Just Think of You? (It Is Interesting to Note Here That in His Devi
Aparadha Kshamapana Stotra Shankaracharya Says That Despite His Poor And
Deficient Possessions, Shiva Got the Power to Grant Boons Entirely Because
Because Of His Having Taken the Hand of Parvathi In Marriage;
In The Previous Shloka, PuShpadanta Calls It Naive on The Part of Parvati, If She
Thinks That Shiva Is Attracted by Her Charm Simply Because He Is Sharing
Half the Body with Her. This Dichotomy Etc. Is Due to The Custom That When A
Particular Lord Is to Be Extolled, The Other Gods Are to Be Belittled To
Some Extent).
मनः प्रत्यक् चित्ते सविधमविधायात्त-मरुतः
प्रहृष्यद्रोमाणः प्रमद-सलिलोत्सङ्गति-दृशः ।
यदालोक्याह्लादं ह्रद इव निमज्यामृतमये
दधत्यन्तस्तत्त्वं किमपि यमिनस्तत् किल भवान् ॥ २५॥
Manah’ Pratyak Chitte Savidhamavidhaayaatta-Marutah’
Prahri’shyadromaanah’ Pramada-Salilotsangati-Dri’shah’.
Yadaalokyaahlaadam Hrada Iva Nimajyaamri’tamaye
Dadhatyantastattvam Kimapi Yaminastat Kila Bhavaan .. 25..
The Great Yogis Regulate Their Breath, Control and Still Their Mind, Look
Inward and Enjoy the Bliss with Their Hair Standing on Edge and Eyes Filled
With Tears of Joy. It Looks as Though They Are Immersed in Nectar. That
Bliss Which They See in Their Heart and Exult Thus, Is Verily
You!
त्वमर्कस्त्वं सोमस्त्वमसि पवनस्त्वं हुतवहः
त्वमापस्त्वं व्योम त्वमु धरणिरात्मा त्वमिति च ।
परिच्छिन्नामेवं त्वयि परिणता बिभ्रति गिरं
न विद्मस्तत्तत्त्वं वयमिह तु यत् त्वं न भवसि ॥ २६॥
Tvamarkastvam Somastvamasi Pavanastvam Hutavahah’
Tvamaapastvam Vyoma Tvamu Dharaniraatmaa Tvamiti Cha .
Parichchhinnaamevam Tvayi Parinataa Bibhrati Giram
Na Vidmastattattvam Vayamiha Tu Yat Tvam Na Bhavasi .. 26..
You Are the Sun, The Moon, The Air, The Fire, The Water, The
Sky (Ether/Space), And the Earth (The Five Elements Or Bhuta’s). You Are
The Omnipresent Self. Thus, People Describe in Words Every
Attribute as Yours. On the Other Hand, I Do Not Know Any Fundamental
Principle or Thing or Substance, Which You Are Not!
त्रयीं तिस्रो वृत्तीस्त्रिभुवनमथो त्रीनपि सुरान्
अकाराद्यैर्वर्णैस्त्रिभिरभिदधत् तीर्णविकृति ।
तुरीयं ते धाम ध्वनिभिरवरुन्धानमणुभिः
समस्त-व्यस्तं त्वां शरणद गृणात्योमिति पदम् ॥ २७॥
Trayeem Tisro Vri’tteestribhuvanamatho Treenapi Suraan
Akaaraadyairvarnaistribhirabhidadhat Teernavikri’ti .
Tureeyam Te Dhaama Dhvanibhiravarundhaanamanubhih’
Samasta-Vyastam Tvaam Sharanada Gri’naatyomiti Padam .. 27..
O, Grantor of Refuge and Protection! The Word 'Om’ Consists of The Three
Letters A’, U’ And M’. It Refers to The Three Vedas (Rik, Yajuh And
Sama), The Three States (Jagrat, Swapna, And Sushupti-Awakened,
Dreaming and Sleeping), The Three Worlds (Bhuh, Bhuvah, And Suvah) And The
Three Gods (Brahma, Vishnu, And Mahesha). It Refers to You Both
Through the Individual Letters as Well as Collectively; In the Latter Form
भवः शर्वो रुद्रः पशुपतिरथोग्रः सहमहान्
तथा भीमेशानाविति यदभिधानाष्टकमिदम् ।
अमुष्मिन् प्रत्येकं प्रविचरति देव श्रुतिरपि
प्रियायास्मैधाम्ने प्रणिहित-नमस्योऽस्मि भवते ॥ २८॥
Bhavah’ Sharvo Rudrah’ Pashupatirathograh’ Sahamahaan
Tathaa Bheemeshaanaaviti Yadabhidhaanaasht’akamidam .
Amushmin Pratyekam Pravicharati Deva Shrutirapi
Priyaayaasmaidhaamne Pranihita-Namasyo’smi Bhavate 28
I Salute You as The Deer Abode of The Following 8 Names: Bhava,
Sharva, Rudra, Pashupati, Ugra, Sahamahan, Bhima, And Ishana;
The Vedas’ Also Discusses Individually These Names.
नमो नेदिष्ठाय प्रियदव दविष्ठाय च नमः
नमः क्षोदिष्ठाय स्मरहर महिष्ठाय च नमः ।
नमो वर्षिष्ठाय त्रिनयन यविष्ठाय च नमः
नमः सर्वस्मै ते तदिदमतिसर्वाय च नमः ॥ २९॥
Namo Nedisht’haaya Priyadava Davisht’haaya Cha Namah’
Namah’ Kshodisht’haaya Smarahara Mahisht’haaya Cha Namah’.
Namo Varshisht’haaya Trinayana Yavisht’haaya Cha Namah’
Namah’ Sarvasmai Te Tadidamatisarvaaya Cha Namah’ .. 29..
O, Destroyer of Cupid! O, The Three-Eyed One! Salutations to You, Who Is
The Forest-Lover, The Nearest and The Farthest; The Minutest and The
Biggest, The Oldest, and The Youngest; Salutations to You Who Is Everything
And Beyond Everything!
बहुल-रजसे विश्वोत्पत्तौ भवाय नमो नमः
प्रबल-तमसे तत् संहारे हराय नमो नमः ।
जन-सुखकृते सत्त्वोद्रिक्तौ मृडाय नमो नमः
प्रमहसि पदे निस्त्रैगुण्ये शिवाय नमो नमः ॥ ३०॥
Bahula-Rajase Vishvotpattau Bhavaaya Namo Namah’
Prabala-Tamase Tat Samhaare Haraaya Namo Namah’ .
Yana-Sukhakri’te Sattvodriktau Mri’d’aaya Namo Namah’
Pramahasi Pade Nistraigunye Shivaaya Namo Namah’ .. 30..
Salutations to You in The Name Of ‘bhava’ In as Much as You Create the World By
Taking The Rajas’ as The Dominant Quality; Salutations to You in The Name
Of Hara’ In as Much as You Destroy the World by Taking The Tamas’ As The
Dominant Quality; Salutations to You in The Name Of Mrida’, In as Much As
You Maintain and Protect the World by Taking Satva’ As the Dominant
Quality. Again, Salutations to You in The Name of Shiva In as Much as You Are
Beyond the Above-Mentioned Three Qualities and Are the Seat of The Supreme
Bliss.
कृश-परिणति-चेतः क्लेशवश्यं क्व चेदं
क्व च तव गुण-सीमोल्लङ्घिनी शश्वदृद्धिः ।
इति चकितममन्दीकृत्य मां भक्तिराधाद्
वरद चरणयोस्ते वाक्य-पुष्पोपहारम् ॥ ३१॥
Kri’sha-Parinati-Chetah’ Kleshavashyam Kva Chedam
Kva Cha Tava Guna-Seemollanghinee Shashvadri’ddhih’.
Iti Chakitamamandeekri’tya Maam Bhaktiraadhaad
Varada Charanayoste Vaakya-Pushpopahaaram .. 31..
O, Boon-Giver! I Was Very Perplexed to Sing Your Praise Considering Me
Little Awareness and Afflicted Mind Vis-A-Vis Your Ever Increasing
Limitless Quality; However, My Devotion to You Made Me Set Aside This
Diffidence and Place These Floral Lines at Your Feet.
असित-गिरि-समं स्यात् कज्जलं सिन्धु-पात्रे
सुर-तरुवर-शाखा लेखनी पत्रमुर्वी ।
लिखति यदि गृहीत्वा शारदा सर्वकालं
तदपि तव गुणानामीश पारं न याति ॥ ३२॥
Asita-Giri-Samam Syaat Kajjalam Sindhu-Paatre
Sura-Taruvara-Shaakhaa Lekhanee Patramurvee .
Likhati Yadi Gri’heetvaa Shaaradaa Sarvakaalam
Tadapi Tava Gunaanaameesha Paaram Na Yaati .. 32..
O, Great Master! Even, If One Were to Assume That the Blue Mountain, The
Ocean, The Heavenly Tree, and The Earth Are the Ink, The Ink-Pot, The Pen And
The Paper Respectively and The Goddess of Learning (Saraswathi) Herself Is
The Writer, She Will Not Be Able to Reach the Frontiers of Your
Greatness, However Long She Was to Write!
असुर-सुर-मुनीन्द्रैरर्चितस्येन्दु-मौलेः
ग्रथित-गुणमहिम्नो निर्गुणस्येश्वरस्य ।
सकल-गण-वरिष्ठः पुष्पदन्ताभिधानः
रुचिरमलघुवृत्तैः स्तोत्रमेतच्चकार ॥ ३३॥
Asura-Sura-Muneendrairarchitasyendu-Mauleh’
Grathita-Gunamahimno Nirgunasyeshvarasya .
Sakala-Gana-Varisht’hah’ Pushpadantaabhidhaanah’
Ruchiramalaghuvri’ttaih’ Stotrametachchakaara .. 33.
The Best One Among All Groups (Gandharvas?), PuShpadanta By Name, Composed
This Charming Hymn in None Too Short Meters, In Praise of The Great Lord
Who Wears the Moon in His Head (Shiva), Who Is Worshipped and Glorified By?
All Demons, Gods and Sages, and Who Is Beyond All Attributes and Forms. (33)
अहरहरनवद्यं धूर्जटेः स्तोत्रमेतत्
पठति परमभक्त्या शुद्ध-चित्तः पुमान् यः ।
स भवति शिवलोके रुद्रतुल्यस्तथाऽत्र
प्रचुरतर-धनायुः पुत्रवान् कीर्तिमांश्च ॥ ३४॥
Aharaharanavadyam Dhoorjat’eh’ Stotrametat
Pat’hati Paramabhaktyaa Shuddha-Chittah’ Pumaan Yah’.
Sa Bhavati Shivaloke Rudratulyastathaa’tra
Prachuratara-Dhanaayuh’ Putravaan Keertimaamshcha .. 34..
Whoever Reads This Faultless Hymn of Shiva Daily, With Pure Mind and Great
Devotion, Ultimately Reaches Shiva’s Domain and Becomes Equal to Him; In
This World, He Is Endowed with Children, Great Wealth,
Long Life and Fame.
महेशान्नापरो देवो महिम्नो नापरा स्तुतिः ।
अघोरान्नापरो मन्त्रो नास्ति तत्त्वं गुरोः परम् ॥ ३५॥
Maheshaannaaparo Devo Mahimno Naaparaa Stutih’ .
Aghoraannaaparo Mantro Naasti Tattvam Guroh’ Param .. 35..
There Is No God Higher Than Mahesha; There Is No Hymn Better Than This One.
There Is No Mantra’ Greater Than Om’ And There Is No Truth or Principle
Beyond One’s Teacher/Spiritual Guide.
दीक्षा दानं तपस्तीर्थं ज्ञानं यागादिकाः क्रियाः ।
महिम्नस्तव पाठस्य कलां नार्हन्ति षोडशीम् ॥ ३६॥
Deekshaa Daanam Tapasteertham Jnyaanam Yaagaadikaah’ Kriyaah’ .
Mahimnastava Paat’hasya Kalaam Naarhanti Shod’asheem .. 36..
Initiation (Into Spiritual Development), Charity, Penance,
Pilgrimage, Spiritual Knowledge, and Religious Acts Like Sacrifices Are Not
Capable of Yielding Even One-Sixteenth of The Return That Will Result From
The Reading of This Hymn.
कुसुमदशन-नामा सर्व-गन्धर्व-राजः
शशिधरवर-मौलेर्देवदेवस्य दासः ।
स खलु निज-महिम्नो भ्रष्ट एवास्य रोषात्
स्तवनमिदमकार्षीद् दिव्य-दिव्यं महिम्नः ॥ ३७॥
Kusumadashana-Naamaa Sarva-Gandharva-Raajah’
Shashidharavara-Maulerdevadevasya Daasah’ .
Sa Khalu Nija-Mahimno Bhrasht’a Evaasya Roshaat
Stavanamidamakaarsheed Divya-Divyam Mahimnah’ .. 37..
Kusumadanta (Equivalent of PuShpadanta) Was the King of All Gandharvas And
He Was A Devotee of The Lord of Lords, Shiva, Who Wears the Baby Moon (With
A Few Digits Only) In His Head. He Fell from His Glorious Position Due To
Shiva’s Wrath at His Misconduct. It Was Then That the Gandharvas Composed
This Hymn Which Is the Most Divine.
सुरगुरुमभिपूज्य स्वर्ग-मोक्षैक-हेतुं
पठति यदि मनुष्यः प्राञ्जलिर्नान्य-चेताः ।
व्रजति शिव-समीपं किन्नरैः स्तूयमानः
स्तवनमिदममोघं पुष्पदन्तप्रणीतम् ॥ ३८॥
Suragurumabhipoojya Svarga-Mokshaika-Hetum
Pat’hati Yadi Manushyah’ Praanjalirnaanya-Chetaah’ .
Vrajati Shiva-Sameepam Kinnaraih’ Stooyamaanah’
Stavanamidamamogham Pushpadantapraneetam .. 38..
If an Aspirant for Heaven and Liberation, Worships Shiva, The Teacher Of
Gods, At First and Then Reads This Unfailing Hymn, Composed By
PuShpadanta, With Folded Hands and Single-Mindedness, He Attains Shiva’s
Abode, Being Praised By Kinnaras'(A Group of Semi-Gods Known for Them
Singing Talent).
आसमाप्तमिदं स्तोत्रं पुण्यं गन्धर्व-भाषितम् ।
अनौपम्यं मनोहारि सर्वमीश्वरवर्णनम् ॥ ३९॥
Aasamaaptamidam Stotram Punyam Gandharva-Bhaashitam .
Anaupamyam Manohaari Sarvameeshvaravarnanam .. 39..
Here Ends This Meritorious, Charming and Incomparable Hymn, Uttered by The
Gandharvas, All in Description of The Great Master.
इत्येषा वाङ्मयी पूजा श्रीमच्छङ्कर-पादयोः ।
अर्पिता तेन देवेशः प्रीयतां मे सदाशिवः ॥ ४०॥
Ityeshaa Vaangmayee Poojaa Shreemachchhankara-Paadayoh’ .
Arpitaa Tena Deveshah’ Preeyataam Me Sadaashivah’ .. 40.
Thus, This Worship in The Form of Words, Is Dedicated at The Feet of Shri
Shankara; May the Ever-Auspicious Lord of The Gods Be
Pleased with This. (40)
तव तत्त्वं न जानामि कीदृशोऽसि महेश्वर ।
यादृशोऽसि महादेव तादृशाय नमो नमः ॥ ४१॥
Tava Tattvam Na Jaanaami Keedri’sho’si Maheshvara.
Yaadri’sho’si Mahaadeva Taadri’shaaya Namo Namah’ .. 41..
I Do Not Know the Truth of Your Nature and How You Are. O, Great God! My
Salutations Are to That Nature of Yours of Which You Are. (41)
एककालं द्विकालं वा त्रिकालं यः पठेन्नरः ।
सर्वपाप-विनिर्मुक्तः शिव लोके महीयते ॥ ४२॥
Ekakaalam Dvikaalam Vaa Trikaalam Yah’ Pat’hennarah’ .
Sarvapaapa-Vinirmuktah’ Shiva Loke Maheeyate .. 42..
Whoever Reads This Once, Twice or Thrice (In A Day) Revels in The Domain Of
Shiva, Bereft of All Sins.
श्री पुष्पदन्त-मुख-पङ्कज-निर्गतेन
स्तोत्रेण किल्बिष-हरेण हर-प्रियेण ।
कण्ठस्थितेन पठितेन समाहितेन
सुप्रीणितो भवति भूतपतिर्महेशः ॥ ४३॥
Shree Pushpadanta-Mukha-Pankaja-Nirgatena
Stotrena Kilbisha-Harena Hara-Priyena .
Kant’hasthitena Pat’hitena Samaahitena
Supreenito Bhavati Bhootapatirmaheshah’ .. 43.
This Hymn Which Is Dear to Shiva, Has Emerged Out of The Lotus-Like Mouth
Of PuShpadanta And Is Capable of Removing All Sins. May the Lord of All
Beings Become Greatly Pleased with Anyone Who Has Learnt This by Heart
And/or Reads or Recalls This with Single-Mindedness!
॥ इति श्री पुष्पदन्त विरचितं शिवमहिम्नः
स्तोत्रं समाप्तम् ॥
