Shri Shiv Raksha Stotram Lyrics & English Meaning

Shri Shiv Raksha Stotram: The Impenetrable Divine Shield of Mahadev

In the vast tradition of Hindu Dharma and Shiva Bhakti, there are numerous mantras and hymns that provide a new direction to human life. Among these, one of the most auspicious and powerful stotrams is the Shri Shiv Raksha Stotram. As the name suggests, this hymn is a ‘Divine Shield’ (Raksha Kavach) bestowed upon devotees by Lord Shiva himself, providing protection from all types of negativity, fear, and crises. Today, through theshivling.com, we will delve deep into this sacred Shri Shiv Raksha Stotram and understand every aspect of it.

Legend and History of Shri Shiv Raksha Stotram

The creation of this stotram is backed by an extremely fascinating story. It was composed by the supremely wise Sage Yajnavalkya. According to mythological beliefs, the great Sage Yajnavalkya was deeply immersed in rigorous penance. Pleased with his unwavering devotion, Lord Sadashiva appeared in his dream and revealed this Shri Shiv Raksha Stotram. Upon waking from the dream, the sage transcribed this divine armor so that the beings of Kali Yuga could also benefit from Mahadev’s protection.

Lord Shiva himself instructed Sage Yajnavalkya in this dream, granting him the knowledge of the Shri Shiv Raksha Stotram. The Shiva Purana also grants a special place to this armor for devotion and protection. Whenever a devotee feels surrounded by crises, reciting the Shri Shiv Raksha Stotram awakens their self-confidence and becomes the easiest path to attaining Mahadev’s grace.

The Shri Shiv Raksha Stotram is not merely a collection of words; it is a protective circle of Mahadev’s actual energy. In Sanatan Dharma, stotrams hold immense significance, and when it concerns the conqueror of death, Lord Shiva himself, the power becomes infinite. In this first chapter of theshivling.com’s “108 Shiva Stotram Series,” we discuss this great composition by Sage Yajnavalkya that protects humans from untimely death, diseases, and mental afflictions.

Shri Shiv Raksha Stotram – Complete Sanskrit Text

For the convenience and purity of the devotees, the complete and original Sanskrit text of the Shri Shiv Raksha Stotram is provided below:

॥ श्रीशिवरक्षास्तोत्रम् (Shri Shiv Raksha Stotram) ॥

Viniyoga (Invocation): Asya Shri-Shiva-Raksha-Stotra-Mantrasya Yajnavalkya Rishih | Anushtup Chandah Shri-Sadashivo Devata | Shri-Sadashiva-Prityartham Shiva-Raksha-Stotra-Jape Viniyogah ||

Stotram (The Main Hymn): Charitam Deva-Devasya Mahadevasya Pavanam | Aparam Paramo-Daram Chatur-Vargasya Sadhanam || 1 ||

Dhyatva Nilotpala-Shyamam Chandra-Chudam Trilochanam | Bhasmoddhulita-Vigraham Pinakinam Shivam Smaret || 2 ||

Shivo Me Mastakam Patu Bhalam Patu Maheshvarah | Drishau Me Patu Vamadevah Shruti Me Patu Dhurjatih || 3 ||

Ghranam Patu Shashankanko Mukham Patu Ganadhipah | Jihvam Patu Shivah Kantham Shri-Kanthah Patu Me Sada || 4 ||

Skandhau Patu Girishashcha Bhujau Me Patu Chandramaulih | Karau Patu Pinaki Cha Hridayam Patu Shankarah || 5 ||

Jatharam Patu Girijeshah Katim Patu Pinakidhrik | Uru Patu Sureshavarah Sakthini Patu Someshvarah || 6 ||

Gulphau Patu Jagat-Karta Padau Patu Jagad-Guruh | Sarvangam Patu Me Shambhuh Sada Sarveshvarah Shivah || 7 ||

Phalashruti (Benefits of Recitation): Etam Shiva-Balopetam Raksham Yah Sukriti Pathet | Sa Bhuktva Sakalan Kaman Shiva-Sayujyam-Apnuyat || 8 ||

Graha-Bhuta-Pishachadya Antariksha-Charashcha Ye | Pathach-Chravanato Vapi Nasante Durato Bhayat || 9 ||

Mrityunjaya-Prasadena Yajnavalkyen-Edam Kritam | Yatha Svapne Yathadishtam Tatha Likhitavan-Rishih || 10 ||

॥ Iti Shri-Shiva-Raksha-Stotram Sampurnam ॥

Detailed English Explanation of Shri Shiv Raksha Stotram

For your spiritual growth, here is the subtle meaning of each verse of the Shri Shiv Raksha Stotram:

1. The Glory of Shiva’s Character: The first verse of the Shri Shiv Raksha Stotram tells us that Mahadev’s character is infinite. It is so sacred that merely remembering it washes away the sins of many lifetimes. The phrase ‘Chatur-Vargasya Sadhanam’ means this stotram is a tool to achieve the four goals of life: Dharma (Duty), Artha (Wealth), Kama (Desire), and Moksha (Liberation).

2. The Divine Form of Mahadev: The sage instructs us to remember Shiva, who is as dark as a blue lotus, adorned with the crescent moon on his head, and whose three eyes provide knowledge of the past, present, and future. When we meditate on this form while reciting the Shri Shiv Raksha Stotram, our mental concentration reaches its peak.

3. Protection from Head to Ears (Anga-Nyasa): The greatest strength of this stotram is that it invokes a specific name of Mahadev for every subtle part of the body. ‘Shivo Me Mastakam Patu’—meaning may Shiva protect my brain/head. ‘Dhurjati’ protects my ears. Here, the Shri Shiv Raksha Stotram acts like a scientific shield protecting our sensory organs from negative vibrations.

4. Protection of Face and Throat: Ganadhipa (Lord of the Ganas) protects our mouth, and Shri-Kanthah (whose throat is blue from poison) protects our throat. Regular recitation of the Shri Shiv Raksha Stotram brings sweetness and truth to one’s speech.

5. Support for Heart and Arms: The heart is the center of our emotions, protected by Lord Shankara himself. Pinaki provides strength to our arms so that we never back down in the struggles of life.

Miraculous Benefits: Why Should You Read Shri Shiv Raksha Stotram?

If you recite the Shri Shiv Raksha Stotram daily, you may experience the following:

Ending the Fear of Untimely Death: Since this is the shield of the conqueror of death (Mrityunjaya), it grants longevity and a disease-free body to the practitioner.
End of Ghost-Vampire and Planetary Obstacles: Verse 9 clearly states that planets, ghosts, vampires, and evil forces flee just by hearing the sound of the Shri Shiv Raksha Stotram.
Mental Strength: In today’s stressful era, this stotram works as a ‘meditation tool’ to fight depression and anxiety.
Attaining Good Fortune: ‘Shiva-Sayujyam-Apnuyat’ means that ultimately, the person finds a place in the abode of Lord Shiva.
Destruction of Fear: If you feel afraid at night or insecure in life, the Shri Shiv Raksha Stotram provides spiritual courage.
Freedom from Diseases: In this stotram, protection for every part of the body is prayed for, resulting in the attainment of health (Aarogya).
Planetary Peace: Reciting the Shri Shiv Raksha Stotram is considered particularly fruitful for reducing the effects of cruel planets like Saturn (Shani), Rahu, and Ketu.
Concentration (Focus): For students, reciting the Shri Shiv Raksha Stotram is helpful in calming and concentrating the mind.

The Correct Method to Recite Shri Shiv Raksha Stotram

Mahadev hungers for devotion, but if we follow the proper method, results are attained swiftly:

Time: Brahma Muhurta (4 AM to 6 AM) is the best.
Asana: Use a Kusha grass mat or a woolen mat.
Abhishek: If possible, offer water to the Shiva Linga before starting the recitation.
Lamp: Keep a lamp of pure ghee lit.
Resolution (Sankalpa): Take water in your hand, state your wish, and then begin the Shri Shiv Raksha Stotram.
Recite the Shri Shiv Raksha Stotram with complete faith.
If possible, chant ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ 108 times using a Rudraksha mala.

Conclusion

It is impossible to describe the infinite glory of Lord Bholenath in words, but the Shri Shiv Raksha Stotram is a drop from that infinite ocean that saturates our lives. Stay connected with us on this journey of 108 stotrams at theshivling.com.

Har Har Mahadev! Shri Shivaye Namastubhyam!

इसे भी पढ़ें: