Shri Pashupati Ashtakam

Introduction to Shri Pashupati Ashtakam

Shri Pashupati Ashtakam - Lord Shiva

The Shri Pashupati Ashtakam beginning with "Pashupatim Dyupatim Dharanipatim" is a powerful eight-verse hymn that glorifies Lord Shiva in His compassionate form as Pashupati — the lord and protector of all living beings (pashu). The opening verse itself reveals Shiva's universal lordship: He is the lord of heaven (Dyupati), the lord of earth (Dharanipati), and the lord of all creatures (Pashupati).

The name Pashupati has profound spiritual significance. In the yogic tradition, "pashu" refers to all bound souls entangled in the web of maya (illusion), and "pati" means lord or master. Thus, Pashupati is the compassionate lord who liberates all bound souls from their ignorance and leads them toward spiritual freedom. The famous Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, Nepal, is one of the most sacred Shiva temples in the world, drawing millions of devotees who seek the lord's blessings.

Reciting the Pashupati Ashtakam with devotion is believed to invoke Lord Shiva's protective grace over all aspects of life, free the soul from bondage, and grant the ultimate blessing of spiritual liberation. It is especially powerful when chanted during Maha Shivaratri, on Mondays, and during pilgrimages to Shiva temples.

Shri Pashupati Ashtakam: Sanskrit, English & Tamil Verses

॥ श्री पशुपत्यष्टकम् ॥

॥ ध्यानम् ॥
ध्यायेन्नित्यं महेशं रजतगिरिनिभं चारुचन्द्रावतंसं
रत्नाकल्पोज्ज्वलाङ्गं परशुमृगवराभीतिहस्तं प्रसन्नम्।
पद्मासीनं समन्तात्स्तुतममरगणैर्व्याघ्रकृत्तिं वसानं
विश्वाद्यं विश्वबीजं निखिलभयहरं पञ्चवक्त्रं त्रिनेत्रम्॥

॥ अथ स्तोत्रम् ॥

पशुपतिं द्युपतिं धरणीपतिं भुजगलोकपतिं च सतीपतिम्।
प्रणतभक्तजनार्तिहरं परं भजत रे मनुजा गिरिजापतिम्॥1॥

न जनको जननी न च सोदरो न तनयो न च भूरिबलं कुलम्।
अवति कोऽपि न कालवशं गतं भजत रे मनुजा गिरिजापतिम्॥2॥

मुरजडिण्डिमवाद्यविलक्षणं मधुरपञ्चमनादविशारदम्।
प्रमथभूतगणैरपि सेवितं भजत रे मनुजा गिरिजापतिम्॥3॥

शरणदं सुखदं शरणान्वितं शिव शिवेति शिवेति नतं नृणाम्।
अभयदं करुणावरुणालयं भजत रे मनुजा गिरिजापतिम्॥4॥

नरशिरोरचितं मणिकुण्डलं भुजगहारमुदं वृषभध्वजम्।
चितिरजोधवलीकृतविग्रहं भजत रे मनुजा गिरिजापतिम्॥5॥

मखविनाशकरं शशिशेखरं सततमध्वरभाजिफलप्रदम्।
प्रलयदग्धसुरासुरमानवं भजत रे मनुजा गिरिजापतिम्॥6॥

मदमपास्य चिरं हृदि संस्थितं मरणजन्मजराभयपीडितम्।
जगदुदीक्ष्य समीपभयाकुलं भजत रे मनुजा गिरिजापतिम्॥7॥

हरिविरञ्चिसुराधिपपूजितं यमजनेशधनेशनमस्कृतम्।
त्रिनयनं भुवनत्रितयाधिपं भजत रे मनुजा गिरिजापतिम्॥8॥

पशुपतेरिदमष्टकमद्भुतं विरचितं पृथिवीपतिसूरिणा।
पठति संश‍ृणुते मनुजः सदा शिवपुरीं वसते लभते मुदम्॥9॥

॥ इति श्रीपृथिवीपतिसूरिविरचितं श्रीपशुपत्यष्टकम् सम्पूर्णम् ॥
                        
॥ Shri Pashupatyashtakam ॥

॥ Dhyanam ॥
Dhyayennityam Mahesham Rajatagirinibham Charuchandravatamsam
Ratnakalpoijjvalangam Parashumrigavarabhitihastam Prasannam।
Padmasinam Samantatstutamamaraganairvyaghrakrittim Vasanam
Vishvadyam Vishvabijam Nikhilabhayaharam Panchavaktram Trinetram॥

॥ Atha Stotram ॥

Pashupatim Dyupatim Dharanipatim Bhujagalokapatim Cha Satipatim।
Pranatabhaktajanartiharam Param Bhajata Re Manuja Girijapatim॥1॥

Na Janako Janani Na Cha Sodaro Na Tanayo Na Cha Bhuribalam Kulam।
Avati Ko'pi Na Kalavasham Gatam Bhajata Re Manuja Girijapatim॥2॥

Murajadindimavadyavilakshanam Madhurapanchamanadavisharadam।
Pramathabhutaganairapi Sevitam Bhajata Re Manuja Girijapatim॥3॥

Sharanadam Sukhadam Sharananvitam Shiva Shiveti Shiveti Natam Nrinam।
Abhayadam Karunavarунalayam Bhajata Re Manuja Girijapatim॥4॥

Narashirorachitam Manikundalam Bhujagaharamudam Vrishabhadhvajam।
Chitirajodhavalidhritavиgraham Bhajata Re Manuja Girijapatim॥5॥

Makhavinashakaram Shashishekharam Satatamadhvarabhajiphalapradam।
Pralayadagdhasurasuramanavam Bhajata Re Manuja Girijapatim॥6॥

Madamapasya Chiram Hridi Samsthitam Maranajanamajarabhaypиditam।
Jagadudikshya Samipabhayakulam Bhajata Re Manuja Girijapatim॥7॥

Hariviranchisuradhipapujitam Yamajaneshadhaneshanamaskritam।
Trinayanam Bhuvanatritayadhipam Bhajata Re Manuja Girijapatim॥8॥

Pashupateridamashtakamadbhutam Virachitam Prithivipatisuurina।
Pathati Samshrinute Manujah Sada Shivapurim Vasate Labhate Mudam॥9॥

॥ Iti Shriprithivipatisuurivirachitam Shri Pashupatyashtakam Sampurnam ॥
                        
॥ ஶ்ரீ பஶுபத்யஷ்டகம் ॥
॥ த்யானம் ॥
த்யாயேந்நித்யம் மஹேஶம் ரஜதகிரினிபம் சாருசந்த்ராவதம்ஸம்
ரத்னாகல்போஜ்ஜ்வலாங்கம் பரஶும்ருகவராபீதிஹஸ்தம் ப்ரஸன்னம்।
பத்மாஸீனம் ஸமந்தாத்ஸ்துதமமரகணைர்வ்யாக்ரக்ருத்திம் வஸானம்
விஶ்வாத்யம் விஶ்வபீஜம் நிகிலபயஹரம் பஞ்சவக்த்ரம் த்ரிநேத்ரம்॥

॥ அத ஸ்தோத்ரம் ॥
பஶுபதிம் த்யுபதிம் தரணீபதிம் புஜகலோகபதிம் ச ஸதீபதிம்।
ப்ரணதபக்தஜனார்திஹரம் பரம் பஜத ரே மனுஜா கிரிஜாபதிம்॥1॥

ந ஜனகோ ஜனனீ ந ச ஸோதரோ ந தனயோ ந ச பூரிபலம் குலம்।
அவதி கோ(அ)பி ந காலவஶம் கதம் பஜத ரே மனுஜா கிரிஜாபதிம்॥2॥

முரஜடிண்டிமவாத்யவிலக்ஷணம் மதுரபஞ்சமநாதவிஶாரதம்।
ப்ரமதபூதகணைரபி ஸேவிதம் பஜத ரே மனுஜா கிரிஜாபதிம்॥3॥

ஶரணதம் ஸுகதம் ஶரணான்விதம் ஶிவ ஶிவேதி ஶிவேதி நதம் ந்ருணாம்।
அபயதம் கருணாவருணாலயம் பஜத ரே மனுஜா கிரிஜாபதிம்॥4॥

நரஶிரோரசிதம் மணிகுண்டலம் புஜகஹாரமுதம் வ்ருஷபத்வஜம்।
சிதிரஜோதவலீக்ருதவிக்ரஹம் பஜத ரே மனுஜா கிரிஜாபதிம்॥5॥

மகவிநாஶகரம் ஶஶிஶேகரம் ஸததமத்வரபாஜிபலப்ரதம்।
ப்ரலயதக்தஸுராஸுரமானவம் பஜத ரே மனுஜா கிரிஜாபதிம்॥6॥

மதமபாஸ்ய சிரம் ஹ்ருதி ஸம்ஸ்திதம் மரணஜன்மஜராபயபீடிதம்।
ஜகதுதீக்ஷ்ய ஸமீபபயாகுலம் பஜத ரே மனுஜா கிரிஜாபதிம்॥7॥

ஹரிவிரஞ்சிஸுராதிபபூஜிதம் யமஜனேஶதனேஶநமஸ்க்ருதம்।
த்ரிநயனம் புவனத்ரிதயாதிபம் பஜத ரே மனுஜா கிரிஜாபதிம்॥8॥

பஶுபதேரிதமஷ்டகமத்புதம் விரசிதம் ப்ருதிவீபதிஸூரிணா ।
படதி ஸம்ஶ்ருணுதே மனுஜः ஸதா ஶிவபுரீம் வஸதே லபதே முதம்॥9॥

॥ இதி ஶ்ரீப்ருதிவீபதிஸூரிவிரசிதம் ஶ்ரீபஶுபத்யஷ்டகம் ஸம்பூர்ணம் ॥
                        
॥ శ్రీ పశుపత్యష్టకం ॥
॥ ధ్యానం ॥
ధ్యాయేన్నిత్యం మహేశం రజతగిరినిభం చారుచంద్రావతంసం

రత్నాకల్పోజ్జ్వలాంగం పరశుమృగవరాభీతిహస్తం ప్రసన్నం।

పద్మాసీనం సమంతాత్స్తుతమమరగణైర్వ్యాఘ్రకృత్తిం వసానం

విశ్వాద్యం విశ్వబీజం నిఖిలభయహరం పంచవక్త్రం త్రినేత్రం॥

॥ అథ స్తోత్రం ॥
పశుపతిం ద్యుపతిం ధరణీపతిం భుజగలోకపతిం చ సతీపతిం।

ప్రణతభక్తజనార్తిహరం పరం భజత రే మనుజా గిరిజాపతిం॥1॥

న జనకో జననీ న చ సోదరో న తనయో న చ భూరిబలం కులం।

అవతి కోఽపి న కాలవశం గతం భజత రే మనుజా గిరిజాపతిం॥2॥

మురజడిండిమవాద్యవిలక్షణం మధురపంచమనాదవిశారదం।

ప్రమథభూతగణైరపి సేవితం భజత రే మనుజా గిరిజాపతిం॥3॥

శరణదం సుఖదం శరణాన్వితం శివ శివేతి శివేతి నతం నృణాం।

అభయదం కరుణావరుణాలయం భజత రే మనుజా గిరిజాపతిం॥4॥

నరశిరోరచితం మణికుండలం భుజగహారముదం వృషభధ్వజం।

చితిరజోధవలీకృతవిగ్రహం భజత రే మనుజా గిరిజాపతిం॥5॥

మఖవినాశకరం శశిశేఖరం సతతమధ్వరభాజిఫలప్రదం।

ప్రలయదగ్ధసురాసురమానవం భజత రే మనుజా గిరిజాపతిం॥6॥

మదమపాస్య చిరం హృది సంస్థితం మరణజన్మజరాభయపీడితం।

జగదుదీక్ష్య సమీపభయాకులం భజత రే మనుజా గిరిజాపతిం॥7॥

హరివిరంచిసురాధిపపూజితం యమజనేశధనేశనమస్కృతం।

త్రినయనం భువనత్రితయాధిపం భజత రే మనుజా గిరిజాపతిం॥8॥

పశుపతేరిదమష్టకమద్భుతం విరచితం పృథివీపతిసూరిణా ।

పఠతి సంశృణుతే మనుజః సదా శివపురీం వసతే లభతే ముదం॥9॥

॥ ఇతి శ్రీపృథివీపతిసూరివిరచితం శ్రీపశుపత్యష్టకం సంపూర్ణం ॥
                        

Verse-by-Verse Meaning of Shri Pashupati Ashtakam

Dhyanam (Meditation Verse)

ध्यायेन्नित्यं महेशं रजतगिरिनिभं चारुचन्द्रावतंसं
रत्नाकल्पोज्ज्वलाङ्गं परशुमृगवराभीतिहस्तं प्रसन्नम्।
पद्मासीनं समन्तात्स्तुतममरगणैर्व्याघ्रकृत्तिं वसानं
विश्वाद्यं विश्वबीजं निखिलभयहरं पञ्चवक्त्रं त्रिनेत्रम्॥
Word Meanings: ध्यायेत् (dhyayet) = one should meditate; नित्यं (nityam) = always; महेशं (Mahesham) = on the Great Lord; रजत-गिरि-निभं (rajata-giri-nibham) = resplendent like a silver mountain (Kailash); चारु-चन्द्र-अवतंसं (charu-chandra-avatamsam) = adorned with the beautiful crescent moon; रत्न-आकल्प-उज्ज्वल-अङ्गं (ratna-akalpa-ujjvala-angam) = limbs brilliant with jeweled ornaments; परशु-मृग-वर-अभीति-हस्तं (parashu-mriga-vara-abhiti-hastam) = holding axe, deer, boon-granting and fearlessness gestures in His hands; प्रसन्नम् (prasannam) = serene/gracious; पद्म-आसीनं (padma-asinam) = seated on a lotus; स्तुतं (stutam) = praised; अमर-गणैः (amara-ganaih) = by hosts of gods; व्याघ्र-कृत्तिं (vyaghra-krittim) = tiger skin; वसानं (vasanam) = wearing; विश्व-आद्यं (vishva-adyam) = the origin of the universe; विश्व-बीजं (vishva-bijam) = the seed of the universe; निखिल-भय-हरं (nikhila-bhaya-haram) = remover of all fears; पञ्चवक्त्रं (pancha-vaktram) = five-faced; त्रिनेत्रं (tri-netram) = three-eyed
Translation: One should always meditate upon the Great Lord (Maheshvara), who shines like a silver mountain, adorned with the beautiful crescent moon, whose limbs are radiant with jeweled ornaments, who holds an axe, a deer, and displays the boon-conferring and fearlessness gestures in His hands, who is serene, seated upon a lotus, praised by all the gods, wearing a tiger skin, who is the origin and seed of the universe, the remover of all fears, five-faced and three-eyed.

1 First Verse

पशुपतिं द्युपतिं धरणीपतिं भुजगलोकपतिं च सतीपतिम्।
प्रणतभक्तजनार्तिहरं परं भजत रे मनुजा गिरिजापतिम्॥
Word Meanings: पशुपतिं (Pashupatim) = Lord of all beings/creatures; द्युपतिं (Dyupatim) = Lord of heaven; धरणीपतिं (Dharanipatim) = Lord of the earth; भुजगलोकपतिं (Bhujagalokapatim) = Lord of the serpent world (Patala); सतीपतिम् (Satipatim) = husband of Sati (Parvati); प्रणत (pranata) = those who bow; भक्तजन (bhaktajana) = devoted people; आर्ति (arti) = suffering; हरं (haram) = remover; परं (param) = supreme; भजत (bhajata) = worship!; रे (re) = O!; मनुजा (manuja) = O humans; गिरिजापतिम् (Girijapatim) = the husband of Girija (Parvati, daughter of the mountain)
Translation: (Worship) the Lord of all beings (Pashupati), the Lord of heaven (Dyupati), the Lord of the earth (Dharanipati), the Lord of the serpent world (Bhujagalokapati), and the husband of Sati — the Supreme One who removes the sufferings of all devoted souls who bow to Him. O humans, worship the Lord of Girija (Parvati)!

2 Second Verse

न जनको जननी न च सोदरो न तनयो न च भूरिबलं कुलम्।
अवति कोऽपि न कालवशं गतं भजत रे मनुजा गिरिजापतिम्॥
Word Meanings: न (na) = not; जनकः (janakah) = father; जननी (janani) = mother; सोदरः (sodarah) = brother; तनयः (tanayah) = son; भूरिबलं (bhuribalam) = of great strength; कुलम् (kulam) = family/clan; अवति (avati) = saves/protects; कः अपि (kah api) = anyone at all; काल-वशं (kala-vasham) = under the power of time/death; गतं (gatam) = gone/fallen
Translation: Neither father, nor mother, nor brother, nor son, nor even a mighty and powerful family — no one at all can save one who has fallen under the power of Time (Death). O humans, worship the Lord of Girija!

3 Third Verse

मुरजडिण्डिमवाद्यविलक्षणं मधुरपञ्चमनादविशारदम्।
प्रमथभूतगणैरपि सेवितं भजत रे मनुजा गिरिजापतिम्॥
Word Meanings: मुरज (muraja) = a kettle drum; डिण्डिम (dindima) = a small drum; वाद्य (vadya) = musical instruments; विलक्षणं (vilakshanam) = extraordinary/unique; मधुर (madhura) = sweet; पञ्चम (panchama) = the fifth note (Pa) in Indian music; नाद (nada) = sound; विशारदम् (visharadam) = expert/adept; प्रमथ (pramatha) = Shiva's attendants; भूत (bhuta) = spirits/beings; गणैः (ganaih) = by hosts/troops; सेवितं (sevitam) = served/worshipped
Translation: (Worship) Him who is extraordinary in the music of drums (muraja and dindima) and other instruments, who is the master of the sweet Panchama note, who is served by the hosts of Pramathas (Shiva's attendants) and Bhutas (spirits). O humans, worship the Lord of Girija!

4 Fourth Verse

शरणदं सुखदं शरणान्वितं शिव शिवेति शिवेति नतं नृणाम्।
अभयदं करुणावरुणालयं भजत रे मनुजा गिरिजापतिम्॥
Word Meanings: शरणदं (sharanadam) = giver of refuge/shelter; सुखदं (sukhadam) = giver of happiness; शरणान्वितं (sharananvitam) = to/for those who take refuge; शिव शिवेति शिवेति (Shiva Shiveti Shiveti) = (who responds when called) "Shiva! Shiva!"; नतं (natam) = bowed/inclined; नृणाम् (nrinam) = of people/humans; अभयदं (abhayadam) = bestower of fearlessness; करुणा (karuna) = compassion; वरुण-आलयं (varuna-alayam) = ocean-like abode (i.e., an ocean of compassion)
Translation: (Worship) Him who grants refuge and happiness to those who seek shelter, who bows towards the people chanting "Shiva! Shiva!", who bestows fearlessness, and who is an ocean of compassion. O humans, worship the Lord of Girija!

5 Fifth Verse

नरशिरोरचितं मणिकुण्डलं भुजगहारमुदं वृषभध्वजम्।
चितिरजोधवलीकृतविग्रहं भजत रे मनुजा गिरिजापतिम्॥
Word Meanings: नर-शिरः-रचितं (nara-shirah-rachitam) = adorned with a garland of human skulls; मणि-कुण्डलं (mani-kundalam) = wearing gem-studded earrings; भुजग-हारम् (bhujaga-haram) = wearing serpents as necklaces; उदं (udam) = exalted/generous; वृषभ-ध्वजम् (vrishabha-dhvajam) = having the bull (Nandi) as His banner; चिति-रजः (chiti-rajah) = ashes of the cremation ground; धवलीकृत (dhavalikrita) = whitened/smeared; विग्रहं (vigraham) = body/form
Translation: (Worship) Him who wears a garland of skulls, adorned with gem-studded earrings, who wears serpents as necklaces, the exalted One whose banner bears the bull (Nandi), whose body is whitened with the sacred ashes of the cremation ground. O humans, worship the Lord of Girija!

6 Sixth Verse

मखविनाशकरं शशिशेखरं सततमध्वरभाजिफलप्रदम्।
प्रलयदग्धसुरासुरमानवं भजत रे मनुजा गिरिजापतिम्॥
Word Meanings: मख-विनाश-करं (makha-vinasha-karam) = the destroyer of the sacrifice (of Daksha); शशि-शेखरं (shashi-shekharam) = the moon-crested One; सततम् (satatam) = constantly; अध्वर (adhvara) = Vedic sacrifice; भाजि (bhaji) = to those who perform; फल-प्रदम् (phala-pradam) = bestower of the fruits; प्रलय (pralaya) = cosmic dissolution; दग्ध (dagdha) = burnt/consumed; सुर (sura) = gods; असुर (asura) = demons; मानवं (manavam) = humans
Translation: (Worship) the destroyer of Daksha's sacrifice, the moon-crested One, who constantly bestows the fruits upon those who perform sacred Vedic rites, who (at the time of) cosmic dissolution consumes gods, demons, and humans alike. O humans, worship the Lord of Girija!

7 Seventh Verse

मदमपास्य चिरं हृदि संस्थितं मरणजन्मजराभयपीडितम्।
जगदुदीक्ष्य समीपभयाकुलं भजत रे मनुजा गिरिजापतिम्॥
Word Meanings: मदम् (madam) = pride/arrogance; अपास्य (apasya) = casting aside; चिरं (chiram) = for a long time/eternally; हृदि (hridi) = in the heart; संस्थितं (samsthitam) = established; मरण (marana) = death; जन्म (janma) = birth; जरा (jara) = old age; भय (bhaya) = fear; पीडितम् (piditam) = afflicted/tormented; जगत् (jagat) = the world; उदीक्ष्य (udikshya) = observing/seeing; समीप (samipa) = near/close; भय-आकुलं (bhaya-akulam) = filled with fear/distressed
Translation: Casting aside pride, (seeing Him) who is eternally established in the heart — and observing this world tormented by death, birth, old age, and fear, distressed with dangers on every side — O humans, worship the Lord of Girija!

8 Eighth Verse

हरिविरञ्चिसुराधिपपूजितं यमजनेशधनेशनमस्कृतम्।
त्रिनयनं भुवनत्रितयाधिपं भजत रे मनुजा गिरिजापतिम्॥
Word Meanings: हरि (Hari) = Lord Vishnu; विरञ्चि (Viranchi) = Lord Brahma; सुराधिप (Suradhipa) = Indra (king of gods); पूजितं (pujitam) = worshipped by; यम (Yama) = god of death; जनेश (Janesha) = lord of beings; धनेश (Dhanesha) = Kubera (lord of wealth); नमस्कृतम् (namaskritam) = saluted/bowed to by; त्रिनयनं (trinayanam) = three-eyed; भुवन-त्रितय (bhuvana-tritaya) = the three worlds; अधिपं (adhipam) = lord/ruler
Translation: (Worship) Him who is worshipped by Vishnu, Brahma, and Indra (king of the gods), saluted by Yama (god of death), Janesha (lord of beings), and Kubera (lord of wealth) — the three-eyed Lord, the sovereign ruler of the three worlds. O humans, worship the Lord of Girija!

✦ Phala Shruti (Verse 9)

पशुपतेरिदमष्टकमद्भुतं विरचितं पृथिवीपतिसूरिणा।
पठति संशृणुते मनुजः सदा शिवपुरीं वसते लभते मुदम्॥
Word Meanings: पशुपतेः (Pashupateh) = of Lord Pashupati; इदम् (idam) = this; अष्टकम् (ashtakam) = eight-verse hymn; अद्भुतं (adbhutam) = wonderful/marvelous; विरचितं (virachitam) = composed; पृथिवीपतिसूरिणा (Prithivipatisuurina) = by the wise Prithivipati (the author); पठति (pathati) = recites; संशृणुते (samshrinute) = listens attentively; मनुजः (manujah) = a person; सदा (sada) = always; शिवपुरीं (Shivapurim) = in Shiva's abode (Kailash); वसते (vasate) = dwells; लभते (labhate) = attains; मुदम् (mudam) = joy/bliss
Translation: This wonderful eight-verse hymn of Lord Pashupati, composed by the wise Prithivipati — whoever recites it or listens to it attentively, that person always dwells in Shiva's divine abode and attains supreme bliss.

Spiritual Benefits of Reciting Shri Pashupati Ashtakam

  • Freedom from Bondage: Liberates the soul from the bonds of maya and worldly attachments
  • Universal Protection: Invokes Pashupati's protective grace over all living beings
  • Spiritual Liberation: Opens the path to moksha through the lord of all souls
  • Removes Fear: Eliminates fear of death and the unknown through Shiva's grace
  • Purifies Karma: Burns away negative karmic bonds accumulated over lifetimes
  • Divine Compassion: Awakens compassion for all beings, reflecting Pashupati's nature
  • Inner Peace: Bestows deep tranquility and freedom from anxiety
  • Yogic Advancement: Enhances meditation practice and spiritual discipline

Chanting Instructions

  • Sit facing east or north in a clean, quiet place
  • Light a diya (lamp) and incense before Lord Shiva's image or Shiva Lingam
  • Offer bilva leaves, water, and white flowers to Mahadeva
  • Chant with pure devotion and clear pronunciation
  • Ideal times: early morning, during Maha Shivaratri, or Mondays
  • Recite 1, 3, or 11 times for maximum spiritual benefit
  • Conclude with a prayer seeking Lord Pashupati's continued blessings

Frequently Asked Questions about Shri Pashupati Ashtakam

What is the Pashupati Ashtakam?

The Pashupati Ashtakam (श्री पशुपत्यष्टकम्) is a sacred eight-verse hymn that glorifies Lord Shiva in His compassionate form as Pashupati — the lord and protector of all living beings. Beginning with "Pashupatim Dyupatim Dharanipatim," each verse ends with the powerful refrain "Bhajata Re Manuja Girijapatim" — "O humans, worship the Lord of Girija (Parvati)." It includes a Dhyanam (meditation verse) and a Phala Shruti describing the fruits of recitation.

Who composed the Pashupati Ashtakam?

The Pashupati Ashtakam was composed by Shri Prithivipati Suri, as stated in the colophon ("Iti Shri Prithivipatisuri Virachitam Shri Pashupatyashtakam Sampurnam"). The phala shruti (verse 9) also confirms this: "Virachitam Prithivipatisuurina" — composed by the wise Prithivipati. He was a learned Sanskrit scholar deeply devoted to Lord Shiva.

What does "Pashupati" mean?

"Pashupati" is a compound of two Sanskrit words: "Pashu" (पशु) meaning all living beings or bound souls, and "Pati" (पति) meaning lord, master, or protector. In the yogic tradition, "pashu" refers to individual souls (jivas) bound by the ropes of maya (illusion), and Pashupati is the compassionate lord who liberates these bound souls. The name thus signifies Shiva as the supreme protector and liberator of all sentient beings in the universe.

When is the best time to chant the Pashupati Ashtakam?

The most auspicious times for chanting the Pashupati Ashtakam are during Maha Shivaratri, on Mondays (Shiva's sacred day), and during the Pradosha Kala (twilight hours). The holy month of Shravan is especially powerful. It is ideal to chant early in the morning after a bath, or during evening Sandhya. Reciting it 1, 3, or 11 times with one-pointed devotion is recommended. The hymn is also traditionally chanted during pilgrimages to Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, Nepal.

What are the benefits of reciting the Pashupati Ashtakam?

The Phala Shruti (verse 9) promises that whoever recites or listens to this hymn will dwell in Shiva's divine abode (Shivapuri/Kailash) and attain supreme bliss (mudam). The ashtakam liberates the soul from the bonds of maya, removes the fear of death and old age (as described in verse 7), bestows the fearlessness (abhaya) mentioned in verse 4, purifies negative karma, and awakens compassion for all beings — reflecting Pashupati's own compassionate nature as the protector of every living creature.

What is the significance of the refrain "Bhajata Re Manuja Girijapatim"?

The refrain "भजत रे मनुजा गिरिजापतिम्" translates to "O humans, worship the Lord of Girija!" — "Girija" (गिरिजा) meaning "born of the mountain" is a name for Parvati, and "Pati" (पति) means lord/husband. The word "भजत" (bhajata) is an imperative — a direct, urgent call to worship. "रे मनुजा" (re manuja) is a passionate address: "O humans!" This refrain serves as both a mantra and a wake-up call, reminding listeners that in a world tormented by death and suffering (as verse 7 describes), the only true refuge is the worship of Lord Shiva, the compassionate husband of Parvati.

Is Shri Pashupati Ashtakam available in Tamil?

Yes. This page includes Shri Pashupati Ashtakam in Tamil script along with Sanskrit (Devanagari) and English transliteration for easier chanting and study.

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