SIVA-MAHIMNAH STOTRAM

The Shiva Mahimna 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 Pushhpadanta 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 Nirmaalya in his garden. Shiva
Nirmaalya consists of the Bilva leaves, flowers, etcetera which has
been used in worshipping Lord Shiva. The Shiva Nirmaalya is
considered holy. The thief Pushhpadanta, not knowing this, walked on
the Shiva Nirmaalya, 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 sung the greatness of the
Lord.

This prayer became well known as the `Shiva Mahimna Stotra'. Lord
Shiva became pleased by this Stotra, and returned Pushhpadanta's
divine powers.

The legend has some basis since the name of the author is mentioned in
verse number 38 of the stotra. The recital of this stotra is very
beneficial, and Shri Ramakrishna, one of the famous saints of the
nineteenth century, went to samadhi just by reciting a few verses from
this hymn.

Let its recitation be beneficial to you as well!

Pushpadanta Uvaacha

1 Mahimnah paaram te’ parama vidusho yadyasadrishi

stutir brahmaa dinaamapi tadavasannaastvayi girah I
 athaa vaachyah sarvah svamati parimaanaavadhi grinan
mamaapyeshah stotre hara nirapavaadah parikarah II

Sri Pushpadanta said if one wishes to praise your greatness, it is

sure that he is making an ignorant effort. Even The great Creator
Brahma and all Gods were not able to narrate your qualities and
virtues. All people are forgiven by you, as they were unable to
describe you in a proper manner. I presume my attempt of making
an effort to pay tributes to you through these hymns would not
blemish me.

2 Atiitah panthaanam tava cha mahimaa vaanmanasayoh

atadvyaavrittyaa yam chakita mabhi dhatte shrutirapi I
sa kasya stotavyah katividha gunah kasya vishayah
pade tvarvaachiine patati na manah kasya na vachah II

No human mind can understand, no speech can describe you

manifestations. Even the great Vedas are confused to describe you
properly. Out of perplexity, Vedas narrated that Lord’s greatness shall
be interpreted this way and at the same time/context the way of
interpretation was altered (Neti, Neti). However, Vedas made a futile
effort to describe what the qualities do Lord Posses, Who are qualified
to perceive Lord in their minds, who through their minds and speech
can understand the Suguna form of Lord.

3 Madhu sphitaa vaachah paramam amritam nirmitavatah

tava Brahman Kim vaagapi suragurorvismaya padam I
mama tvetaam vaaneem guna kathana punyena bhavatah
 punaamityarthe'smin puramathana buddhir vyavasitaa II

Prabhu, There is no surprise even Dev Guru who is a scholar and the
author for creating the Vedas that are like sweetest nectar, cannot
describe you. The author says that his speech is purified and mind
became sharp by mere thought of Lord’s glory that will enable him to
sing Lord’s glory.

4 Tavaiswaryam yat tajjagadudaya rakshaa pralayakrit

trayivastu vyastam tisrishu guna-bhinnaasu tanushu I
abhavyaa-naamasmin varada ramaniyama-ramaneem
vihantum vyaakrosim vidadhata ihaike’ jadadhiyah II

In fact you are the sole origin for three activities of Creation, protection
and termination as described in three Vedas i.e. Rig, Yajur and Sama
ved. These three activities are performed by three divinities (Brahma,
Vishnu and Shiva) according to three Gunas they possess (Satva, Rajo
and Tamas). However, it is unpleasant that some foolish and head
strong persons are making foolish arguments the pleasure to malign
your holiness which is worthless in reality.

5 Kimih kimkaayah sa khalu kimupaayastri-bhuvanam

kimaadhaaro dhaataa srijati kimupaadaana iti cha I
atarkyaisvarye tvayyanavasara dristho hatadhiyah
kutarko’yam kaamshchint mukharayati mohaaya jagatah II
Some foolish people raised questions what is the purpose of Lord in
creating the entire universe. What is his plan? What are his implements
to make this creation? What is the source? How his body appears to be?
They have created all these questions to divert the people’s attention by
depleting your grandeur. However, they do not know that you are
beyond the raucous imagination or perception of any mind or senses.

6. Ajanmaano lokaah kimavayava vanto'pi jagataam

adhisthaataaram Kim bhavavidhir anaadritya bhavati,
athisho vaa kuryaad bhuvana janane kah parikaro
yato mandaastvaam pratyamaravara samsherata ime II

It is foolish to imagine that the entire universe is created with out an

architect. Is that the universe is inborn and innate? If this is not so what
are the implements with which this entire universe is made? Without
any basis, these critics are creating doubt about your existence.
7 Trayi saankhyam yogah pasupati matam vaishnavamiti
prabhinne prasthaane paramidamadah pathyamiti cha I
rucheenaam vaichitryaadriju kutila naanaa pathajushaam
nrinaameko gamyas tvamasi payasaa marnava iva.

The Three Vedas have provided different paths like Saankhya, Yoga,
Shaiva, and Vaishnava to reach the ultimate goal of merging with you.
Based on the attitude, people choose different paths whether straight or
zigzag. Whatever path might be selected, you are the final destiny. It is
as if all Rivers are merging with the sea.

8 Mahokshah khatvaangam parashurajinam bhasma phaninah

kapaalam chetiyat tava varada tantropakaranam I
suraastaam taamriddhim dadhati tu bhavanga pranihitaam
Na hi svaatmaa raamam vishaya mriga trishnaa bhramayati
II
Nandi (Your Vehicle), Leg of wooden cot, an axe (are your
implements), the Elephant’s Skin (Your robes), Ashes (To apply all
over your body), Serpents (As Ornaments), and A skull in your hand
shows your great simplicity. Yet, by mere movement of your eyebrows
unbound wealth is granted to Gods. The author says I know worldly
pleasures are like mirages to the people who wish derive pleasure in
merging with you.

9 Dhruvam kaschit sarvam sakala mapara stva dhruva midam

paro dhrau vyaadhrauvye jagati gadati vyasta vishaye I
samaste’apye’tasmin puramathana tair vismita iva
stuvan jihremi tvaam na khalu nanu dhrishtaa mukharataa II

Author says I am bewildered with the different beliefs of the people

about the universe. Some people say the entire universe is eternal
perpetual and unending where as the other group of people hold the
opinion that it is transitory, momentary and illusive. Though I got
thoroughly confused yet I am stubborn not leave a moment without
praising you.

10 Tavaisvaryam yatnaad yadupari virinchir-hari-radhah

paricchetum yaataavanala manala skandha vapushah I
tato bhakti sraddhaa bhara-guru-grinad-bhyaam girishayat
svayam tasthe taabhyaam tava kimanuvrittirna phalati II
O’ Lord Girisha, once Brahma and Vishnu wished to fathom the height
and depth of your mighty. Then you have taken a form of column of
Fire extending over the space above and below the Earth. While
Brahma took the form of a swan and flew, high to reach the top, while
Vishnu took the form of a boar and went down by digging the earth to
arrive at the bottom point. Neither of them could succeed. (While
Vishnu confessed the truth of not reaching the bottom most point, but
Brahma falsely claimed that he could reach the top with the production
of a false witness of Ketaki, the folwer. Shiva was infuriated and
punished Brahma by chopping off one of his five heads and cursed
Ketaki flower not to fit anymore for his worship). Both of them realized
and praised you with will full faith and devotion. Then you appeared
before them by revealing your normal form. The author says whoever
surrenders you will get the fruit beyond doubt.

11 Yatnaadaasaadya tribhuvanam-vairavya-tikaram
dashaasyo yadbaahoonabhrita ranakandoo paravashaan I
sthirah padmasreni rachita charanaam bhoruhabaleh
sthiraayaa stvad bhaktes tripurahara visphoor jitamidam II

O’ Lord, the destroyer of three cities, it obvious that Ravan, the great
king of Raakshasaa, could get all his mightiness by offering by cutting
his ten heads and offered as lotuses at your holy feet. He could conquer
all three worlds and cold bring them under his feet. With all freshness
and eager he was ready for fight by stretching his arms. The author says
this is all possible because of the extreme dedication to the Lord’s lotus
feet.

12 Amushya tvatsevaa samadhigata-saaram bhujavanam

balaat-kailaase'pi tvadadhivasatau vikramayatah,
alabhyaa paataale pyalasa-chalitaan-gustha-shirasi
 pratishthaa tvayyaasid dhruvamupachito muhyati khalah

With so much faith in his strength that which was obtained by

worshipping you, wished to lift Kailash Mountain that is your house of
stay. (Once Ravan was denied entry to Kailash by Nandi who is
providing security at the gate way. Ravan was given the information
that Lord and his concert cannot be disturbed at that moment. Ravan
out of fury he tried to lift Kailash Mountain. Lord Shiv wished to
subdue Ravan’s temper and pressed the mountain with his thumb of the
toe. Ravan could not bear the pressure and crumbled. His entire ego
vanished. Out of repentance, Ravan tore his stomach, stretched his
intestines to make them as stringed instrument, and started playing
Rudra veena. Shiva was pleased with his devotion and appeared before
him). By mere movement of your toe, Ravan could not find a place
even in nether world. The ego of Ravan subsided and became ever
faithful to you.

13 Adriddhim sutraamno varada paramo-cchairapi satim

adhashchakre baanah parijana vidheya tribhuvanah,
na tacchitram tasmin varivasitari tvac charanayor
na kasyaa unnatyai bhavati srirasastvay yavanatih.

O’ Lord, there is no surprise that who cannot get all wealth and
prosperity by bowing to your lotus feet. Baana, the king of Rakshsa
could bring all three worlds under his control even with all servants and
attendants. Even the wealth of Indra, the king of Gods was too little to
him. This was possible because he had extreme faith on you lotus feet.

14 Akaanda brahmaanda kshaya chakita devaasura

kripaa
 vidheya syaasidyas trinayana visham samhrita vatah I
sa kalmaashah kanthe tava na kurute na shriya maho
vikaaro’pi shlaadhyo bhuvana-bhaya-bhangavyasaninah II

When powerful poison (kaalkut vish) evolved during the churning of

milk of ocean, threatened the entire world. All Gods and Raakshasas
feared that entire universe is drawn to a close. O’ Lord as you are so
compassionate; you have detached the dread of all by consuming the
poison. You have retained the poison at your neck; as a result, your
neck was burnt blue and made a scar. This scar stands as mark to you
greatness.

Once, Gods and Raakshasas wished to make nectar (Amrit) by

churning the Milk of Ocean. By drinking this nectar, one becomes
immortal. They brought Mandara Mountain to churn the milk of
ocean, using Vasuki (The great Serpent) as rope to revolve
Mandara Mountain. Lord Vishnu took the form of Tortoise to hold
the mountain in position. Raakshasas were on the head side of
Vasuki and Gods were on the tail side. Powerful Poison in the name
of Kaalakut was evolved as the First and foremost product of
churning. This poison had high-rise blue flames and started
burning whichever that comes in its way. It threatened entire
universe and all started running helter-skelter out of fear.
Everybody started feeling that universe is being terminated.

All Gods and Rakshasas approached Goddess Parvati and

requested her to show them a way. She assured them and asked
Lord Shiva to consume it. Shiva drank the poison and retained it in
his throat. The poison burnt his neck and made it blue. Since then
Shiva is known as Neel Khanth (Blue Neck) and Parvathi became
Sarvamangala (The lady whose Maangalya is immortal)

After wards, there evolved so many things one after another say
Goddess Lakshmi, Kalpa Vriksha, Kamadhenu, etcetera and the
nectar as final product.

15 Asiddhaarthaa naiva kvachidapi sadevaa suranare

nivartante nityam, jagati jayino yasya vishikhaah I
sa pashyannisa tvaamitara surasaadharana mabhoot
 smarah smarta-vyaatma na hi vasishu pathyah paribhavah II

Manmadh (Cupid’s) whose arrow had never failed, shot an arrow of

love on you without any discrimination. He was burnt to ashes with in
no time due to your wrath. The people who do not realize the greatness
of you who conquered the senses will certainly have a great misery.

16 Mahi paadaaghaataad vrajati sahasaa samshaya-

padam
padam vishnor-bhraamyad bhujaparigha-rugna-graha-
ganam I
muhur-dyaur-dausthyam yaat-yanibhrita-jataa-taaditatataa
jagad-rakshaayai tvam natasi nanu vaamaiva vibhutaa II

O’ Lord it is clear that you dance in rhythm to protect the universe.

However, the swift movements of your feet brought pressure on earth
to make it unstable and a feeling cropped up that it may come to an
end. Even Vishnu, Brahma loks shivered with terror. Your scepter like
arms wallops the planets and stars. Your swinging matted hair when
spank heavens made them glum.

17 Viyad-vyaapi taaraa gana-gunita phenod-gama-ruchih

pravaaho vaaraam yah prishata-laghu-dristah shirasi te I
jagad-dvipaakaaram jaladhivalayam tena kritamiti
ane-naivon-neyam dhrita-mahima divyam tava vapuh II
While you dance the holy River Ganga, which is located in the matted
hair of your head is thrown out vigorously and flowing through the
heavens. Due to its violent flow, massive foam was made where stars
appeared on the peaks of the foam as though they are decorating it like
tiny dots. From the heavens, the holy River Ganga flown to the earth as
a turbulent river, such huge river appeared as small spot on your hair.
How any person can understand the vastness of your divine Physique?

18 Rathah kshoni yantaa shata-dhriti-ragendro

dhanuratho
rathaange chandraarkau rathacharana-paanih shara iti I
didhakshoste ko’yam tripura-trina-maadambara-vidhir
vidheyaih kridantyo na khalu paratantraah prabhu-dhiyah II

Prabhu, you made chariot as Earth, Brahma as charioteer, Mountain

Meru as Bow, Sun and the Moon are the wheels of the chariot, Vishnu
as arrow to teriminate Three Asuras of Tripura. The Author says, I don’t
think you need all of them. When you are the Master of universe, you
alone can do it as it is like a straw before your mightyness.

19 Hariste saahasram kamala-balimaa-dhaaya padayoh

yadekone tasmin nija-mudaharan-netra-kamalam I
gato bhaktyu-drekah parinatim-asau chakra-vapushah
trayaanaam rakshaayai tripura-hara jaagarti jagataam II
Vishnu once brought 1000 lotus flowers to offer to your Lotus feet.
During the offer, he could found one missing out of the lot. There, at
once he plucked one of his eyeballs and offered you. You are extremely
satisfied with his devotion and offered him the great weapon,
Sudarshan chakra. Vishnu is using this weapon for the protection of
universe.

20 Kratau supte jaagrat tvamasi phalayoge kratumataam

kva karma pradhvastam phalati purushaa-raadhana-mrite I
atas-tvam sam-preksya kratushu phala-daana-pratibhuvam
shrutau shraddhaam vaddhvaa dridha-parikarah karmasu
janah II

It is obvious that every sacrifice will result in achieving the fruit of it. It
is certain that by worshipping you people get the fruit for the sacrifices
they made. This brings faith in them to follow Vedas and in performing
Worship.

21 kriyaadaksho dakshah kratupati-radhisha-stanubhritaam

rishinaamaartvijyam sharanada sadasyaah suraganaah I
kratu-bhramshas-tvattah kratuphala-vidhaana-vyasaninah
dhruvam kartuh shraddhaa vidhura-mabhichaaraaya hi
makhaah II

O’ the Lord of Protection, Daksha is the Lord of Creation and

expert in making Sacrifices (Yajna), who performed a sacrifice
(Yajna) with Rishis as priests, Gods as invitees. Such yajna was
destroyed by you though you are responsible for rendering the
fruit. So there is in no doubt a sacrifice may cause damage or
destruction to the performer, when there is no dedication devotion
in the performer.

22 Prajaa naatham naatha prasabha-mabhikam svaam

 duhitaram
gatam rohid-bhootaam rira-mayishumrishyasya vapushaa I
dhanus paaner yaatam divamapi sapatraa kritamamum
trasantam te'dyapi tyajati na mriga-vyaadharabhasah II

Brahma made you furious by head over heels in love with his own
daughter, who chased her in the form of a stag when she runs off from
him as a deer. Lord, you became the hunter shot an arrow on him. With
utmost fear, Brahma ran away with fear and disappeared in to the sky.
Even to this date he fears you a lot.

23.Svalaavanyaa-shamsaa dhrita-dhanusha-mahnnaaya
trinavat
purah plustam drishtvaa pura-mathana pushpaa-yudhamapi
I
yadi strainam Devi yama-nirata dehaardha-ghatanaat
avaiti tvaam-addhaa bata varada mugdhaa yuvatayah.

O Lord, Devi Parvathi, had witnessed that the God of love was charred
to ashes due to your resentment, when he tried to shot a flowery arrow
of love on you. Even after beholding it, Maa Parvati thinks that you are
moved by her heavenly beauty. She made to think in this way as you
have dedicated half of your body to her. What a surprise, after all
women are always under the influence of delirium.

24.Shmashaanesvakrida smarahara pishaachah sahacharaah

chitaa bhasma lepah sragapi nrikaroti-parikarah I
Amangalyam shilam tava bhavatu namaiva-makhilam
tathapi smartrinam varada paramam mangalamasi II
In this stanza Pushpadanta describes the Lord as the power of granting
auspicious things to all his devotees. He says though Lord is roaming
around in all burial grounds, smearing his body with ashes, wearing
human skulls as his garland, with all this simplicity he has the power to
grant greatest boons to his disciples.

25. Manah pratyak chitte savidha mavadhyatta marutah

prahrishyadromaanah pramada salilot sangitadrisah I
yadaa lokyaahlaadam hrada iva nimajyaa mritamaye
dadhat yantas tattvam kimapi yaminas tat kila bhavaan II

The great saints (Rishis and minis) could realize reality of truth through
their minds by controlling breath through their dedication and devotion.
By attaining this extreme bliss their minds are filled with delight, their
ogles are over flowing with drops of ecstasy (Aanand bhaashp). It
appears as though they are swimming in the ocean of nectar (Amrita).

26 Tvamarkastvam somas tvamasi pavanastvaM hutavahaH

Stvamaapastvam vyoma tvamu dharaniraatmaa tvamiti cha
I
Parichhinnaa mevam tvayi parinataa bibhrati giram
Na vidmas tat tattvam vayamiha tu yat tvam na bhavasi

त्वमरर्कस्त्वव ससोमस्त्वमसस पवनस्त्वव हहतवह

स्त्वममापस्त्वव व्यसोम त्वमह धरणणिरमात्ममा त्वसमतत च ।
पररचचच्छिन्नमाममेवव त्वतयपररणितमा बबिभ्रतह गगिरव
न ववद्मस्तत्तत्वव वयसमह तह यत्त्वव न भवसस ॥२६॥

You are the sole owner of Pancha bhutas (The Earth, Water, Fire, Air
and the space or ether). You are the Sun and Moon. You are everywhere
omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent. You are the incarnation of
Soul. By learning all these things I could not find any thing or any
place where your presence is not felt.

27. Trayeem tisro vrittis tribhuvana matho trinapi suraa

Akaaraadyair varnais tribhir abhi dadhat tirnavikriti I
turiyam te dhaama dhvanibhi rava rundhaana manubhih
samastam vyastam tvaam sharanada grinaatyomiti padam II

Pushpadanta says Lord is the personification of the sound of AUM, the

three Vedas, three states (Rik, Yajur, and Sama), the three worlds
(Bhulok, Bhuvarlok, and Suvalok), and the trinity (Brahma, Vishnu and
Maheswar). He continues to explain that even the forth state Turiya
(The state of ecstasy) is also the Lord.

28. Bhavah sarvo rudrah pasupati rathograh sahamahaan

tathaa bhimeshaanaaviti yadabhi dhaanaash takamidam I
amushmin pratyekam pravicharati deva shrutirapi
priyaayaasmai dhaamne pranihita namasyo'smi bhavate II

Pushpadanta says I pay homage and worship the eight holy names of
yours such as Bhava, Sharva, Rudra, Pashupati, Ugra, Mahadeva,
Bhima, and Ishaana that were described in detail in Vedas. I pay utmost
respect to you in the name of Shankara.

29. Namo nedisthaaya priyadava davishthaaya cha namah

namah kshodisthaaya smarahara mahishthaaya cha namah I
namo varshishthaaya trinayana yavishthaaya cha namo
namah sarvasmai te tadida-mitisarvaaya cha namah II
Pushpadanta says I salute the Lord who is the destroyer of Cupid
(Manmad), to the Lord who loves forests for performing penances, to
the Lord who is easily available (Nearest) and who is difficult to please
(Farthest), To the Lord who is in atomic form (Minutest) and at the
same time mammoth (Largest) form, to the Lord who is no beginning
or birth (Oldest) and fresh in all times (Youngest), To the Lord who is
having three eyes on his face, to the Lord who is omnipresent and is
beyond the limits of everything.

30. Bahula-rajase vishvot-pattau bhavaaya namo namah

prabala-tamase tat-samhaare haraaya namo namah I
jana-sukhakrite sattvo-driktau mridaaya namo namah
pramahasi pade nistraigunye shivaaya namo namah II

Pushpadanta explains that Lord is in the form of trinity, created the

world as Bhava having the quality (Guna) of “rajas” prevailed in him.
While terminating the Lord took the form of Hara having the quality
(Guna) of “Tamas” in him. Where as Lord is in the form of Mrida
(Vishnu) protecting the world having the quality (Guna) of “Satva”.
Thus I salute to You, as Shiva, who is beyond afore said qualities.

31. Krishna parinati chetah klesha-vashyam kva chedam

kva cha tava gunasimol langhini shashva driddhih,
iti chakita-mamandi kritya maam bhakti-raadhaad
varada charanayoste vaakya-pushpo-pahaaram.
Pushpadanta says so confused is my mind to describe your qualities as
they are all beyond my capacity. But due to my dedication and
increasing devotion I could set aside all these fears to and made these
series of stanza and placing on your lotus feet as a garland.

32. Asita-giri-samam syaat kajjalam sindhu-paatre

sura-taruvara-shaakhaa lekhani patra-murvi I
likhati yadi grihitvaa shaaradaa sarva-kaalam
tadapi tava gunaanaamisha paaram na yaati II

अससतगगिररसमवस्यमात त रज्जलव ससवधहपमातमे

सहरतरुवरशमाखमा लमेणखनन पतमहववर्क ।
सलखतत यदद गिह
ग हीत्वमा शमारदमा सवर्करमालव
तदवप तव गिहणिमानमा मनश पमारव न यमातत ॥३२॥

Even Saraswati, The Goddess of literature, cannot accomplish the task

of describing you completely by using the blue mountain (Neelgiri) as
ink pot, the great ocean as ink, the branch of Kalpavriksha as pen, The
entire Earth as paper.

33. Asura-sura-munindrair architasyendumauleh

grathita-guna-mahimno nirguna-syesvarasya I
sakala-gana-varisthah pushpadantaabhidhaano
ruchiramalaghu-vrittaih stotra-metacchakaara II

Pushpadanta by name, famous among Gandharvas, composed in

great devotion these beautiful stanzas in the name of Lord, who is
worshipped by demons, gods, and the best of sages, whose
greatness have been sung, who has the moon on His forehead, and
who is attribute less.

34. Ahara-harana-vadyam dhoorjateh stotra-metat

pathati paramabhaktyaa shuddhachittah pumaanyah I
SA bhavati shivaloke rudra-tulya-stathaatra
prachuratara-dhanaayuh putravaan-keertimaanshcha.
One who chants these sacred hymns of Shiva daily, with a pure mind
and great devotion, would ultimately reaches Lord Shiva's domain and
enjoys equivalent status of Lord. While in this world, one enjoys great
wealth, long life, endowed with children and fame

35. Maheshaannaparo devo mahimno napara stutih I

aghoraannaparo mantro nasti tattvam guroh param II

There is no God higher than Maheshwar; there is no hymn better than

this one. There is no `mantra' greater than Lord’s and there is no truth
or principle to be learnt beyond the one revealed by one's teacher /
spiritual guide.

36. Deekshaa daanam tapas teertham jnanam yaagaadikaah

kriyaah,
mahimnah stava paathasya kalaam naarhanti shodasheem

Initiation (into spiritual development), charity, penance, pilgrimage,

spiritual knowledge and religious deeds like sacrifices can not reap fruit
even one-sixteenth effect that is gained by chanting these hymns.

37. Kusuma dashana-naamaa sarva-gandharva-raajah

shashidharavara-mauler deva-devasya daasah I
Sa khalu nija-mahimno bhrashta evaasya roshaat
stavanamidamakaarsid divya-divyam mahimnah II
Kusumadanta, (Alternate name of Pushhpadanta) who is the king of all
Gandharvas, and is a devotee of Lord of lords i.e. Shiva. Shiva, the
Lord who wears moon (with a few digits only) on his head. The King
fell from his glorious position due to Lord's wrath for his misconduct. It
was then the Gandharva composed these hymns, which are the most
divine.

38. Suragurumabhi-poojyam sarvagamokshaikahetum

pathati yadi manushyah praanjalir-naanyachetaah I
vrajati shiva-sameepam kinnaraih stooyamaanah
stavanamidamamogham puspadanta-pranitam II

One who chants these hymns after worshipping Lord Shiva with folded
hands and utmost dedicated mind would certainly go to heaven and is
served by Kinneras, followed by liberation. This happens as these
hymns written by Puspadanta and are adored by great Gods and Munis.

39. Asamaapta-midam stotram punyam gandharva bhaashitam

I
anaupamyam manohhri sarva-meeshvara-varnanam II

Here ends, this meritorious, charming and incomparable hymn,

articulated by Pushpadanta, the Gandharva, describing the glory of the
great Lord.

40. Ityeshaa vaanmayi poojaa shrimachhankara paadayoh I

arpitaa tena devesah priyataam me sadaashivah II

These stanzas are offered to the lotus feet of the Lord with a hope that
Lord would shower his bliss on me.
41. Tava tattwam na janami kidrishosi maheshwara I
yadrashosi mahadeva tadrashaya namo namah II

O’ Maheswara (Great God), I do not know anything about your

characters and nature, but O’ Mahdevaa (Lord of Lords) I offer
my salutations to your true nature.

42. Eka kalam dwikalam va trikalam yah pathennarah I

sarva papa vinirmuktah shivaloke mahiyate II

Any person chants these slokas at least once in a day or twice (Morning
and evening) would be absolved all the sins. If chanted thrice in a day
would attain Shiva lok after death.

43. Sri Pushpadanta mukha pankaja nirgatena

stotrena kilbisha harena hara-priyena I
kanthasthitena pathitena samaahitena
supranito bhavati bhutapatir maheshah II

Any person who gets all these Slokas gets by heart, which were
flown out of the lotus mouth of Sri Pushpadanta, would be
discharged off all sins. Such person shall be conferred equal status
with all Gods by Mahesha (Lord EESWAR)

Here ends the Hymns on the Greatness of Siva composed by

Pushpadanta