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5 Shiva Mantras, Chants, Shivarathri Hymn, Shiva Worship

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Maha Shivarathri is the most auspicious of festivals dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. Here are 5 Shiva Mantras to help you celebrate Lord Shiva! It is believed that on this day Lord Shiva appeared to the world in the form of a pillar of light, or Jyotirlinga. Lord Shiva, the primordial teacher, is believed to be easily pleased; thus, any worship offered to him – regardless of its simplicity or grandeur – is thought to bring about great merit. All across India, and in many Hindu communities around the world, nightlong vigils are observed in honor of Lord Shiva. Devotees offer abhisheka, or a ritual bath, to bronze and stone sculptures of Lord Shiva in his many forms. Among the most popular of the forms that receive worship on this day are the Shiva Linga, Lord Dakshinamurthy, Lord Bhairava, and Lord Somaskanda.

Since Shiva is easily pleased, offering milk, water, leaves, flowers, clothes, fruits, or even an oil lamp is commendable. Simply meditating upon the form of Shiva with a pure mind and utmost devotion is considered the highest form of worship. The sage Adi Shankara wrote Shiva Manasa Puja as an affirmation of this notion. In this beautifully composed hymn, Shankara performs the Puja of Lord Shiva with vivid and devout imagination. Reciting this hymn on the night of Maha Shivarathri is the best way to begin or end the night’s festivities!

“Ratnaiḥ kalpitamāsanaṃ himajalaiḥ snānaṃ ca divyāmbaraṃ
nānāratna vibhūṣitaṃ mṛgamadā modāṅkitaṃ candanam
jātī campaka bilvapatra racitaṃ puṣpaṃ ca dhūpaṃ tathā
dīpaṃ deva dayānidhe paśupate hṛtkalpitaṃ gṛhyatām”

Meaning:
Oh ocean of compassion! Oh lord of those bound by the noose!
I imagine a throne made of precious gemstones to seat you, cool water trickling from the Himalayas to bathe you, divine clothed embroidered with various jewels to adorn you, flowers composed of jasmine, champak, and Bilva leaves, divine incense, and a bright oil lamp.
Oh Lord, please accept these offerings which I imagine in my heart for you!

“Sauvarṇe navaratnakhaṇḍa racite pātre ghṛtaṃ pāyasaṃ
bhakṣyaṃ pañcavidhaṃ payodadhiyutaṃ rambhāphalaṃ pānakam
śākānāmayutaṃ jalaṃ rucikaraṃ karpūra khaṇḍojjcalaṃ
tāmbūlaṃ manasā mayā viracitaṃ bhaktyā prabho svīkuru“

Meaning: Rice pudding and ghee in a golden bowl studded with the nine precious gems, five dishes prepared with milk and curd, plantains, juice, tasty water infused with herbs, and the aromatic betel leaf. These I have prepared in my mind with utmost devotion. Please accept them oh Lord!

“Chatraṃ cāmarayoryugaṃ vyajanakaṃ cādarśakaṃ nirmalaṃ
vīṇā bheri mṛdaṅga kāhalakalā gītaṃ ca nṛtyaṃ tathā
sāṣṭāṅgaṃ praṇatiḥ stuti-rbahuvidhā-hyetat-samastaṃ mayā
saṅkalpena samarpitaṃ tava vibho pūjāṃ gṛhāṇa prabho“

Meaning: I offer a splendid umbrella to shade you, fly whisks and a fan to cool you, a spotless mirror to see you, music from the vīṇā, bheri, and mṛdaṅga to please you, sweet songs and dances to entertain you, a full prostration to respect you, and abundant forms of hyms to praise you. Please accept my puja oh Lord!

“ātmā tvaṃ girijā matiḥ sahacarāḥ prāṇāḥ śarīraṃ gṛhaṃ
pūjā te viṣayopabhoga-racanā nidrā samādhisthitiḥ
sañcāraḥ padayoḥ pradakṣiṇavidhiḥ stotrāṇi sarvā giro
yadyatkarma karomi tattadakhilaṃ śambho tavārādhanam”

Meaning: You are my soul, Parvathi is my intellect, your attendants are my five vital breaths, my body is your abode. My involvement in the world is nothing but worship unto you. My roaming feet are constantly in the divine act of walking around you, all my speech is in praise to you. All the work I do is a form of worship to you, oh Lord!

“kara caraṇa kṛtaṃ vākkāyajaṃ karmajaṃ vā
śravaṇa nayanajaṃ vā mānasaṃ vāparādham
vihitamavihitaṃ vā sarvametat-kṣamasva
jaya jaya karuṇābdhe śrī mahādeva śambho“

Meaning: Whatever may be the sins I have committed with my hands and feet, those sins born of my hands and body, or the sins arising from my work. Whatever may be the sins born of my ears and eyes, or of my mind, or those sins arising from my doing what has been prescribed and not prescribed. Please forgive all of these sins, oh Lord. Victory unto you, oh ocean of compassion, the greatest and most auspicious of gods!

View All Our Mantras to Hindu Gods
including English and Sanskrit translations

10 Kali Mantras	15 Saraswati Mantras	4 Ganesha Mantras
6 Murugan Mantras	8 Krishna Mantras	7 Hanuman Mantras
3 Lakshmi Mantras	8 Vishnu Mantras	5 Shiva Mantras

Hari-Hara, The Unity of Shiva and Vishnu

In the early centuries of the Common Era, sectarian strife was a major issue between the followers of Shiva and the followers of Vishnu. With the advent of Advaita or non-dualistic philosophy, the differences between these two sects and many others have been partially reconciled. The unity of the major god’s Shiva and Vishnu has become increasingly popular, and many temples now house the image of Hari-Hara.

South Indian Bronze Hari-Hara Statue

The iconographical depiction of Hari-Hara or Shankara-Narayana combines the two deities, Shiva and Vishnu, into a single body. The icon itself is aesthetically pleasing; however, the underlying philosophy is even more beautiful.

The Hindu trinity is comprised of Brahma, the creator, Vishnu the preserver, and Shiva the dissolver. Brahma represents the creation of the universe, this world, and everything within it. There is no way to refuse that the creation of all that surrounds us, as well as ourselves, is astonishing. Therefore Brahma does not find himself to be the subject of sectarian division. The argument instead revolves around the relative greatness of Vishnu, the guardian of Brahma’s creation versus Shiva, the one capable of destroying the entire creation and providing a blank canvas for Brahma to begin again.

Vishnu reclining on Adi Sesha

When looking at the descriptions of Shiva and Vishnu according to various texts, it is interesting to see the juxtaposition between them. Vishnu, who represents the Sattvic Guna is depicted as cloudy black in color, while Shiva who represents the Tamasic Guna is depicted as crystalline white. If that is not confusing enough, Vishnu who is responsible for the protection of the world is depicted as lounging on the back of a snake in the depths of the ocean while Shiva who is responsible for various culminations, one of which being sleep, is depicted as ever-awake and deep in contemplation.

Shiva in deep meditation

While perplexing at first, the hidden symbolism is very significant. Vishnu is described to be the color of a dark rain cloud. In this context, he is associated with water, which is appropriate because water is the basic necessity of survival. Only with water can plants grow to be later used for food, lumber, and clothing. Shiva is described to be the color of ash. From his third-eye emanates a ferocious fire. Fire is the basic element that causes destruction and stimulates renewal. After burning anything, the result is white ash, which represents the transient nature of life. The cycle of life can also be understood in the context of this symbolism. Vishnu resides in the bottom of the ocean while Shiva resides at the top of the Himalayas. This shows how man starts at the very bottom and is nurtured by Vishnu, then as he gains knowledge, prosperity, and energy (think Saraswathi, Lakshmi, and Parvathi!) he soars to the heights of this world and will eventually receive Moksha, another culmination granted by Shiva.

While this is only a drop in the vast ocean of symbolism and philosophy regarding these two major deities, it is an introduction to understanding the profound beauty behind the sculpture of Hari Hara. On the right stands Shiva, clad in tiger skins and yielding the ax that cuts our ties to this universe. On the left stands Vishnu clad in silk garments and yielding the conch that signals the victory of good and the mace that represents the power of the mind and body. Together on a single pedestal they stand and reassure us that our good qualities will be preserved and our bad qualities destroyed.

śivasya hridayam viṣṇur viṣṇoscha hridayam śivaḥ
Vishnu is the heart of Shiva; Shiva is the heart of Vishnu

~Svasti~

7 Hanuman Mantras for pleasing Lord Hanuman

Wood Hindu God Lord Hanuman statue — View all our Hindu Lord Hanuman statues here

Hindu God Lord Hanuman (The Monkey God) or Hanuman Ji is the greatest devotee of Lord Rama and plays a vital role in the Hindu epic Ramayana. He is the son of Vayu or Marut (The Wind God) and Anjani. Anjaneya, Anjani Putra, Hanumat, Bajarangabali, Hanuman, Mahaveer (the great hero), Maruti, Pavanputra (son of air) are some of His names used by devotees.

Hanuman, worshiped for his strength, knowledge, valor, divinity, agility, and considered as the symbol of devotion and dedication.

Some say Hanuman was born as the son of the King and Queen of the Monkeys. To others, he is the son of Anjana, an female Apsara who had been transformed into a monkey by a curse, and Vayu, the wind god. It is also said that from his father Vayu Hanuman received the ability to fly.

His devotees will fast on Saturdays and Thursdays, give offerings to him and chant the mantras to please Him so that He will do miracles in the life of the devotees.

Here, are some of the popular Mantras of Hanuman:

1. Hanuman Beeja Mantra

“Aum Aeem
Bhreem Hanumate,
Shree Ram Dootaaya Namaha“

Meaning: We plead to the Lord Hanuman, who is the greatest server and messenger of the Lord Shree Rama.

2. Hanuman Mantra – For Jobs, Promotions & Examinations

Thursday is considered to be the auspicious day to chant this mantra and it is widely used by students to pass the examinations as well as employees to get promotions.

“Om
Shree Vajradehaya
Ramabhakthaya Vayuputhraya“

3. Hanuman Gayathri Mantra

It is believed that the energy that fills up your life by chanting this mantra will guard you against all dangers and strengthen you with courage and knowledge.

“Om Anjaneyaya Vidmahe
Vayuputraya Dheemahi,
Tanno Hanuman Prachodayat“

Meaning: We pray to the son of Goddess Anjani and the son of the “Wind”. May Lord Hanuman lead our intellect towards intelligence and “knowing”

4. Hanuman Mantra

This mantra praises Hanuman as the messenger of the Lord Rama, who is the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Hanuman can travel swiftly and is very intelligent. He is also described as the chief of the monkey army and the son of Vayu (Wind God).

Manojavam
Maarutatulyavegam

Jitendriyam Buddhimataam
Varistham,

Vaataatmajam
Vaanarayoothmukhyam

Sriramdootam Saranam
Prapadhye.

5. Mantra of Bhakta Hanuman

“Amjanii-Garbha Sambhuuta
Kapii-[I]ndra Sacivo[a-U]ttama
Raama-Priya Namas-Tubhyam
Hanuman Rakssa Sarvadaa“

Meaning: I bow to you, mighty Hanuman, Who was born from the Womb of Mother Anjani, and who is the most Excellent Minister of the King of Monkeys. He is extremely dear to Sri Rama; I Bow to You, O Hanuman, Please Protect me always.

View this Brass Panchamukhi Hanuman Statue

5. Hanuman Chalisa Mantra

“Shrii-Guru Carann Saroja-Raja,
Nija-Mana-Mukura Sudhaara
Barannau Raghu-Bara Bimala Yasha,
Jo Daayaka Phala-Caara “

Meaning: I clean my mind with the help of the dust of the lotus like feet of Sri Gurudeva. I describe the Sacred Glory of Sri Rama Chandra, who bestows the Four Fruits of Life (Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha).

“Buddhi-Hiina Tanu Jaanike,
Sumirau Pavan Kumaar
Bala Buddhi-Vidyaa Dehu Mohi,
Harahu Kalesha Vikaar “

Meaning: O Pavan Puthra, I meditate on you, please consider me as I am ignorant. Bestow on me Strength, Wisdom and Knowledge, and Remove my Afflictions and Blemishes.

“Jay Hanumaan
Jnaan Gunn Saagar
Jai Kapiis
Tihu-Lok Ujaagar “

Meaning: Victory to You, O Hanuman. You are the Ocean of Wisdom and Virtue. Victory to the king of the monkeys and the enlightener of the three Worlds.

“Raama-Duut Atulit Bala-Dhaamaa
Anjani-Putra Pavan-Sut Naamaa “

Meaning: O Lord, you are the Messenger of Sri Rama possessing incalculable Strength. You are known as Anjani-Putra (son of Anjani) and Pavana-Suta (son of Pavana, the wind-god).

“Mahaa-biir Bikrama Bajarangii
Kumati Nivaar Sumati Ke Sangii “

Meaning: O Lord, you are a great hero who is extremely valiant and have a strong body as that of a thunderbolt. You are the dispeller of evil thoughts and companion of Good Sense and Wisdom.

“Kancan Barann Biraaj Subeshaa
Kaanan Kunddala Kuncita Keshaa “

Meaning: You possess a Golden Hue, and you are Neatly Dressed, You wear Ear-Rings and have beautiful Curly Hair.

“Haath Bajra Au Dhvajaa Biraajai
Kaandhe Muuj Janeuu Saajai “

Meaning: You are the one who holds both the Thunderbolt and the Flag in your Hands. You also wear the Sacred Thread across your Shoulder.

“Shankar-Suvan Kesharii-Nandan
Teja Prataap Mahaa Jag-Vandan “

Meaning: O Lord, you are the incarnation of Lord Shiva and son of Kesari, who has been adored by the whole world because of your power and bravery.

“Vidyaavaan Gunnii Ati Caatur
Raam Kaaj Karibe Ko Aatur “

Meaning: You are the one who is extremely intelligent, virtuous, and scholar. You are always ready to serve Sri Ram

“Prabhu Caritra Sunibe Ko Rasiyaa
Raamalassann Siitaa Man Basiyaa “

Meaning: You are delighted when the glories of Sri Ram are played. You have Sri Rama, Sri Lakshmana, and Devi Sita Dwelling in your Heart.

“Suukssma Ruupadhari Siyahi Dikhaavaa
Vikatt Ruup Dhari Lamka Jaraavaa “

Meaning: In the Diminutive Form, you appeared before Sita Devi and you also assumed the awesome form to burn Lanka.

“Bhiim Ruup Dhari Asur Samhaare
Raamacandra Ke Kaaj Samvaare “

Meaning: Assuming the gigantic form, you destroyed the Demons of Lanka, thereby accomplishing the task bestowed on Him by Sri Ram.

“Laal Deha Laaleel-Se,
Arudhari-Laal Langoor
Vajra Deha Daanava Dalan,
Jai Jai Jai Kapi-Soor “

Meaning: We pray to the red-colored one, whose entire body is red, and is decorated with red-colored sindoor. We pray to the one draped with a red-colored loin-cloth. We pray to the one whose body is firm and strong like the vajra. We pray to the destroyer of demons. We bow in praise again and again to the supreme among Gods, Lord Hanuman.

7. Prayer for Hanuman

“Manojavam Maruta Tulya Vegam,
Jitendriyam Buddhi Mataam Varishtham
Vaataatmajam Vaanara Yooth Mukhyam,
Shree Raama Dootam Sharnam Prapadye “

Meaning:
Manojavam– Let I pray to the one who is swift as thought
Marut.tulya.vegam- the one who is more powerful than the wind
jitendriyam– the one who has conquered his senses
vaataatmajam– the one who is supreme among all intelligent beings, the son of the wind-god
vaanar.yooth.mukhyam– the commander of the army of forest creatures
Give me refuse, the messenger of Lord Rama, the incomparable Lord Hanuman. Please accept me and my prayers at your feet.

View All Our Mantras to Hindu Gods
including English and Sanskrit translations

10 Kali Mantras	15 Saraswati Mantras	4 Ganesha Mantras
6 Murugan Mantras	8 Krishna Mantras	7 Hanuman Mantras
3 Lakshmi Mantras	8 Vishnu Mantras	5 Shiva Mantras

Avatar of Shiva: Virabhadra the Ferocious

Like many of the Hindu deities, Hindu God Shiva is said to have many Avatars. One such Avatar is that of Virabhadra. Virabhadra is said to have been born when Shiva grabbed a lock of his own hair and threw it upon the ground. He was a powerful being created by Shivas wrath when we wanted to destroy Dakshas Yagna, or fire sacrifice.

Legend has it that Dashkas youngest daughter Sati set her sights on Shiva at a young age. When she was at an age to marry, Dashka invited all the gods and princes together to find a suttor for her, leaving out Shiva. Furious that he did not invite the one she loved, Sati threw her wreath into the air calling upon Shiva. Shiva appeared with the wreath around his neck, forcing Dashka to allow her to marry her. Disapproving of the match however, Dashka again omitted Shivas attendance to a great fire sacrifice. Sati, out of fury, confronted her father. She condemned his actions and fell dead at her father’s feet.

When Shiva heard of this, he became enraged. Out of anger, her tore out a lock of his hair that with glowing with his furious energy. At this moment Virabhadra was born. His tall menacing body had a thousand arms, 3 burning eyes, and fiery hair. He was draped in skulls and carried unfathomable weapon. Shiva instructed him to destroy the fire sacrifice of Daksha and sever Daksha’s head. Vuraghadra is a said to be a tremendous warrior causing other gods to flee the battle field whenever he appears. No gods are a match to his fury and strength in battle.

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Shiva as Bhairava: Annihilator of Evil

bronze-bhiksantana-a — View all our Hindu God Shiva Statues

Hindu God Shiva, The Destroyer, comes in many forms. One such important form and his most fear invoking is that of Bhairava, the annihilator of evil. This fierce form is manifested when demons make themselves present and are in need of destruction. Shiva in this form is often depicted draped in serpents as jewelry, wrapped bare naked in tiger skin, and decorated in a ritual adornment of human bones riding atop his divine vehicle, a dog named Shvan. His frightful characteristics as banisher of evil are almost indistinguishable from Hindu Goddess of Death Kali. He is seen with devastatingly angry eyes, sharp teeth, and carrying a noose, trident, and skull within his hands. In this form he is said to embody the very essence of fear itself, often forcing those who come upon him to confront their most terrifying sources of fear

The origination of Shiva as Bhairava is said to have been by Shiva himself in order to chastise Brahma, the great creator of the Universe. Legend has it that Brahma lusted after his own daughter and created four heads in order to constantly be able to see her. His desires for his daughter caused her shame and she is said to have ascended to the heavens in escape. Brahma then created a fifth head and insisted on her letting him live with her. Upon hearing of this, Shiva used his sword to rid Brahma of his new fifth head. Seeing this as an act of killing, Shiva was punished to walk the earth as a beggar carrying around the fifth head of Brahma until he was forgiven of his sin, in which case the skull of Brahma would finally fall from his hands. Many did not recognize Shiva in his naked and violent beggars form as he howled and danced in madness.

Finally one day as Shiva enters the holy city of Varanasi, the skull falls from his blackened hands and he is rid of Brahmas curse.

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