BILWASTHAKAM

tridalam triguNaakaaram trinetram cha trayaayudham 
trijanmaa paapasanhaaram eka Bilva shivaarpaNam  1

I offer Bilva Patra (A Bilva Patra is so called leaf having three small leaves.) to God Shiva. This Bilva Patra is a form of the three human qualities. Good Virtue (Satva), Passion (Raja quality) and Irascible (Tama quality). This Bilva Patra is like three eyes, Sun, Moon and Fire. It is like three weapons. It is destroyer of sins committed in earlier three births. I perform pooja of God Shiva with such Bilva Patra.

trishaakhair Bilva patraisha hyaschidrai komalai shubhai 
shivapoojaam karishyaami eka Bilva shivaarpaNam  2
 I offer Bilva Patra to God Shiva. This Bilva Patra is very pious, soft and there are no holes on it. As such it is complete in it self. It is like three branches. I perform pooja of God Shiva with this Bilva Patra.

akhanda bilvapatreNa poojite nandikeshware I
shudhyantii sarva paapebhyo eka bilva shivaarpaNam  3 

I offer Bilva Patra to God Shiva. After performing pooja of Nandikeshwar (God Shiva) by offering complete Bilva Patra (as described in 2 above) to him, we become free from our sins.

shaaligram shilaama ekaam vipraaNaam jaatu arpayet 
somayadnya mahaapuNyam eka bilva shivaarpaNam 4 

i) Soma Yadnya (Sacrifices and such like things) is performed to receive blessings from God, to accomplish good things in our life and to destroy our sins. ii) People who perform religious duties even for others offer Shaligram (God in the form of a very pious Stone) to God Shiva. These (i) and (ii) are very pious and good things however to offer Bilva Patra to God Shiva is much more pious thing of all. Hence I offer Bilva Patra to God Shiva.

dantikotisahasraNi ashwamedha shataanicha 
kotikanyaa mahaadaanam eka bilva shivaarpaNam  5 

 i) Long time back Kings and rich people in India were donating elephants , Ashwamedha Yadnya (Sacrifices and such like things) were performed,At time of marriage, father of bride is donating his daughter to bridegroom, and this is considered as a very pious thing performed by him. Above i), ii) and iii) are no doubt very pious things performed however offering Bilva Patra to God Shiva is much more pious thing than all. Hence I offer Bilva Patra to God Shiva.

laxmyaa stnam utpanam mahadevasya cha priyam 
bilva vruksham prayachchhaami eka bilva shivaarpaNam  6 

Bilva Tree is created By Godess Laxmi who is wife of God Vishnu. God Shiva Likes Bilva Tree (Bilva Patra) very much. I perform pooja of God Shiva with Bilva Patra.

darshanam bilva vrukshasya sparshanam paapanaashanam 
aghorapaapa sanhaaram eka bilva shivaarpaNam  7 

When we see Bilva Tree and touch it, it simply destroys our sins. Even our very bad and biggest sins are removed and we become free from our sins. Hence I perform pooja of God Shiva with Bilva Patra.

moolato brahma roopaaya madhyato Vishnu roopiNe 
agrataha shiva roopaaya eka bilva shivaarpaNam  8 

 Lower part of Bilva Patra is God Brahma, Middle part of Bilva Patra is God Vishnu and Upper part is God Shiva himself hence I perform pooja of God Shiva with Bilva Patra.

bilvashtakam ediam puNyam yaha paThet shiva sanidhou 
sarva papa vinirmuktaaha shivalokam avaapnuyaat  9 

Whosoever recites this Bilvashtakam by sitting in front of God Shiva temple will become free from all his sins and rest in Shiva Loka along with God Shiva after his death.

 eti bilvashtakam sampoorNam 

Whosoever recites this Bilvashtakam by sitting in front of God Shiva temple will become free from all his sins and rest in Shiva Loka along with God Shiva after his death.

NATHOPADESA STOTRAM

This prayer addressed to LORD SHIVA is not a common one but has a very deep meaning. It has 20 slokas, which are of four sets of five similar slokas.

Mana samadhou paramantharangam,
Vidhaya nishpandamanutha rangam.,
Bidha vidhathum bhava bheetha bhangam,
Vibhum bhajathwam girija bhujangam. 1

Oh knowledgeable ones, to remove fear of this worldly life,
Keep the mind in Samadhi, and deep inside our mind,
Think of that God who is storehouse of everything,
And pray that God who is the darling of Parvathi.

Pasyaavaseneva maha vihangam,
Valgabaleneva maha thurangam,
Nirudhya yogena mana plavangam,
Vibhum bhajadwam girija bhujangam. 2

Control the mind which is like a monkey through yoga,
Like you control a big bird by the use of a rope,
And a big horse by the use of strong rope controls,
And pray that God who is the darling of Parvathi.

Manthraoushadhi kriyaya bhujangam,
Yadha Yadha vaguraya kurangam,
Manasthadhayamya dhiyasthasangam,
Vibhum bhajadwam girija bhujangam. 3

Control the mind and make it immobile by the intellect ,
Like the way you control the snake by using charms and drugs,
And the way that a deer is made immobile by use of the net,
And then pray that God who is the darling of Parvathi.

Bithwalikam subrukutee vibhangam,
Yasyagnir idhyad thrabha sadanangam,
Dadaha tham mohathama pathangam,
Vibhum bhajadwam girija bhujangam. 4

Pray that God who is the darling of Parvathi,
Who is like the Sun who kills the darkness of passion,
And whose forehead has several lines,
From where rose the great fire that killed the God of love.

Vahantham udhama bhujangamangam,
Jadabhara nirbharanakagangam,
Vilochanam chagni sikha visangam,
Vibhum bhajadwam girija bhujangam. 5

Pray that God who is the darling of Parvathi,
Whose body is decorated by several big snakes,
And who carries with him in the matted locks,
The great Ganges of the sky and the reddish eye due to emit fire.

Bhava bandha baddha vidhurodharanam,
Phani mandala jwalad alangaranam,
Vrajatha kshamadhara daree saranam,
Saranam thushara kiranabharanam. 6

Seek refuge of that God who wears moon as ornament,
Who saves those tied by the rope of worldly life,
Who decorates himself with a group of snakes,
And who lives in the caves of the mountains.

Krutha gha smara niraakaranam
Katu kaala koota kabalikaranam,
Vrajatha prapanna janatha saranam,
Saranam thushara kiranabharanam. 7

Seek refuge of that God who wears moon as ornament,
Who killed the avaricious god of love,
Who swallowed the potent poison of Kala Koota,
And who is the protector of those who depend on him.

Maru medhinee rachitha sancharanam ,
Tridasendra sekhara saracharanam,
Vrajatha tri dukha harana smaranam,
Saranam thushara kiranabharanam. 8

Seek refuge of that God who wears moon as ornament,
Who travels round the cremation grounds,
Who has the potent feet saluted by Devas and Indra,
And who removes the here sorrows, just by thought.

Pranatham janam jithajaramaranam,
Rachanyantha maptha bhava nistharanam,
Vraja thahitha Tripura samharanam,
Saranam thushara kiranabharanam. 9

Seek refuge of that God who wears moon as ornament,
Who prevents old age and death to those who pray him,
Who decides to remove sorrows of worldly life from his devotees,
And who destroyed the enemies from the three cities.

Avadhootha moha thimiravaranam
Kari kruthi kalpitha paravaranam,
Vrajatha prakalpitha pure saranam,
Saranam thushara kiranabharanam. 10

Seek refuge of that God who wears moon as ornament,
Who removes the screen of the darkness of passion from sages,
Who wears the hide of the elephant as a great dress,
And who fought the asuras of the three cities.

Tharunathamaala maleemasathaalam
Jwalana sikha patalojjwalaphalam,
Sirasilasath parameshtikapalam,
Sryatha vibhum hatha kalmasha jalam. 11

Seek refuge of that God who removes the net of sin,
Who made the weapon of God of love ineffective,
Who has a forehead in which, there is burning fire,
And who wears the skull of Brahma.

Naramukha kalpitha sekharamaalam,
Nathajana jrumbhitha mohahamaalam,
Nayanashikaa satha sathitha kaalam,
Sryatha vibhum hatha kalmasha jalam. 12

Seek refuge of that God who removes the net of sin,
Who wears the garland of human heads,
Who removes ignorance of those who bow to him,
And who burnt the God of death by the fire of his eye.

Vishama vishagni sikha vikaraalam,
Phanipathi haramathheva vishalam,
Galabhuvi vibhratha mrugasiraalam,
Sryatha vibhum hatha kalmasha jalam. 13

Seek refuge of that God who removes the net of sin,
Who can tolerate the great fire of poison,
Who wears the garland of the king of snakes,
And who holds the great poison in his neck.

Vidalaithum na mruthe bhava naalam,
Tribhuvana seemani kaschana naalam,
Thama mala maanasa vasa maralam,
Sryatha vibhum hatha kalmasha jalam. 14

Seek refuge of that God who removes the net of sin,
Who is the only one capable in the three worlds,
To break the growing misery of day today life,
And who lives like a swan in the people with good hearts.

Kamala paraga pisanga jataalam,
Jaladhi samarpana tharpitha balam,
Bhava bhata bhanga maha karavaalam,
Sryatha vibhum hatha kalmasha jalam. 15

Seek refuge of that God who removes the net of sin,
Who has matted lock with the colour of pollen of lotus,
Who wears the Moon who rose from the sea,
Who is the great sword which cuts away the sorrows.

Athiga smara bhasmara jodawalam,
Nathaloka samarpitha bodha balam,
Dwaja dhama virajitha maha dawalam,
Bhajatha prabhumadhri sutha dawalam. 16

Pray the lord of the daughter of the mountain,
Who reminds one of the whiteness of ash,
Who gives inner strength to his devotees,
And who has the white bull in his flag.

Prabhaya pari bhootha dalath davalam,
Gala mangadarathna shikha sabalam,
Dadhatham visha knuptha maha kabalam,
Bhajatha prabhumadhri sutha dawalam. 17

Pray the lord of the daughter of the mountain,
Who wins in whiteness the colour of his steed,
Who shines due to the gems in his shoulder belts,
And who has a neck coloured due to the poison he drank.

Shikharam dhyoona dheela haree tharalam ,
Galamoola mupoda maha garalam,
Dadhtaham hrudayam cha sudha saralam,
Bhajatha prabhumadhri sutha dawalam. 18

Pray the lord of the daughter of the mountain,
Who has the shaking head due to the ganges,
Who has a neck filled with poison,
And who has nectar like heart with which he blesses.

Apaneetha kukarma kalangamalam,
Nathaloka vitheerna maha kamalam,
Dadatham shubha sidhi vibha kamalam,
Bhajatha prabhumadhri sutha dawalam. 19

Pray the lord of the daughter of the mountain,
Who cleanses the dirt due to our committed sins,
Who blesses the world of his devotees with bliss,
And who blesses his devotees with good powers.

Dadatham vachanam ghanahasa kalam,
Namatham dalayanthamagham sakalam,
Bhajatham cha disantha mabeeshta phalam,
Bhajatha prabhumadhri sutha dawalam. 20

Pray the lord of the daughter of the mountain,
Who tells sweet words laced with wit,
Who removes all sins from whom who bow,
And who grants all their wishes to those who pray.

MARGABANDHU STOTRAM

By Appayya Deekshithar
Translated by P. R. Ramachander

(mantra for LORD SHIVA showing the right path)

Shambho Maha deva deva, Shiva
Shambho Maha deva devesa Shambho,
Shambho Mahadeva deva.

Prostrations to He who blesses us with prosperity,
Prostrations to the greatest God,
Prostrations to the abode of peace,
Prostrations to Him, who blesses us with riches,
And Prostrations to him who is the God of Gods.

(To make it readable I have added the word Prostrations which is a hidden word in the above sloka. This sloka has to be recited every time immediately after reciting the five verses given below)

Phalavanamrath kireetam,
Phala nethrachisha, Dagdha pancheshu Keetam,
Soolahathaaraathikootam, Shudhamradhendu choodam,
Bhaje Margabandhum 1 (Shambho Mahadeva deva…)

I pray to that friend of the path,
Who wears a crown on his head,
Who kills his enemies by his trident,
Who wears a crescent which showers nectar,
And who burnt by the fire of his eyes,
Which are on his forehead,
Him who has the five arrows like an insect.
(Prostrations to he who blesses….)

(Manmatha, the lord of love has five flower arrows –lotus, Asoka, mango, jasmine and the blue lotus. Lord Shiva killed him by the fire generated by his third eye.)

Ange virjangu jangam,
Abhra Ganga tharangabhi Ramothamangam,
Omkaravati kurangam, Sidha samsevathangrivyagram,
Bhaje Margabandum (Shambho Mahadeva…) 2

I pray to that friend of the path,
Whose limbs are adorned by a snake,
Who is a deer in the park of holy pranava,
Whose feet is worshipped by great sages,
And who looks charming with his head,
Adorned by the Ganga of the sky,
(Prostrations to he who blesses….)

(Pranava is the holy letter “Om”. Akasa Ganga resides on the Head of Lord Shiva)

Nithyam, Chidanada roopam,
Ninhutha sesha lokesa vairi prathapam,
Kartheswaragendrachapam, krithivasam,
Bhaje divya sanmarga bandhum (Shambo mahadeva deva…) 3

I pray to that friend of the good divine path,
Who is perennial and of the form of,
Truth, intelligence and bliss,
Who destroyed without reminder,
The glory of the fame of the enemy of Indra,
Who used the golden Mount Meru,
As his bow in the war against three asuras,
And who dresses himself in hides of trees.
(Prostrations to he who blesses….)

(Shiva destroyed the pride of Ravana when he visited his abode. He used Mount Meru as his bow to win over the Tripuras)

Kandarpa darpagna meesam,
Kala kantam Mahesam Maha vyoma kesam,
Kundabhadandam Suresam, Koti surya prakasam,
Bhajhe Marga bandhum. (Shambho mahadeva deva…) 4

I pray to that friend of the path,
Who put an end to the pride of God of love,
Who is the great Lord who has a deep blue throat,
Who has the great sky as his matted lock,
Whose teeth resemble the white jasmine flowers,
And who has the shine of billions of Suns.
(Prostrations to he who blesses….)

Mandara Bhutherydaram, Mandaragendrasaaram, Mahagouryudooram,
Sindhoora dhoora pracharam, Sindhoorajathi dheeram,
Bhaje Margabandhum (Shambho Mahadeva deva…) 5

I pray to that friend of the path,
Who is more generous than the wish giving tree,
Who is the strength behind the great Mandara Mountain,
Who is very close to the great Goddess Gauri,
Who has a red colour far intense than red lead,
And who is more resolute than the God of the ocean.
(Prostrations to he who blesses….)

(Mandara Mountain was used to churn the ocean of milk.)

Phala Sruthi

Appayyajjwendra Geetham stotra rajam,
Patedhyasthu Bhakthya prayane,
Thasyartha sidhim Vidathe , marga madhye
Abhayam chaashuthosho Mahesa (Shambho Maha deva Shambho…)

Narration of Benefit

This king of stotras written by,
Appayya who is the performer of sacrifices,
If read with devotion during journey,
Would ensure fulfillment of wishes,
Protection during journey,
And Lord Shiva would be easily pleased.



This great Stotra Rathna was written by Appayya Deekshitha (1520-1593). He was the greatest interpreter of Advaita Siddhanta after Adi Sankara. This stotra is written in praise of the LORD MARGABANDHU of Virinchipuram, near Vellore of South Arcot district of Tamil Nadu. People who undertake any journey should recite it before traveling, on the days when they are traveling and after the completion of travel. LORD SHIVA as MARGABANDHU would always be with them and protect them.

THOUSAND NAME OF LORD SHIVA

Siva, Hara, Mrida, Rudra, Pushkara, Pushpalochana, Arthigamya, Sadachara, Sharva, Shambhu, Maheshvara, Chandrapida, Chandramouli, Vishva, Vishvamareshvara, Vedantasarasandoha, Kapali, Nilalohita, Dhyanadhara, Aparicchedya, Gauribharata, Ganeshvara, Ashtamurti, Vishvamurti, Trivargasvargasadhana, Jnanagamya, Dridaprajna, Devadeva, Trilochana, Vamadeva, Mahadeva, Patu, Parivrida, Drida, Vishvarupa, Virupaksha, Vagisha, Shuchisattama, Sarvapramanasamvadi, Vrishanka, Vrishavahana, Isha, Pinaki, Khatvanga, Chitravesha, Chirantana, Tamohara, Mahayogi, Gupta, Brahma, Dhurjati, Kalakala, Krittivasah, Subhaga, Pranavatmaka, Unnadhra, Purusha, Jushya, Durvasa, Purashasana, Divyayudha, Skandaguru, Parameshthi, Paratpara, Anadimadhyanidhana, Girisha, Girijadhava, Kuverabandhu, Shrikantha, Lokavarnottama, Mridu, Samadhivedya, Kodandi, Nilakantha, Parashvadhi, Vishalaksha, Mrigavyadha, Suresha, Suryatapana, Dharmadhama, Kshamakshetra, Bhagavana, Bhaganetrabhida, Ugra, Pashupati, Tarkshya, Priyabhakta, Parantapa, Datta, Dayakara, Daksha, Karmandi, Kamashasana, Shmashananilaya, Suksha, Shmashanastha, Maheshvara, Lokakarta, Mrigapati, Mahakarta, Mahaushadhi, Uttara, Gopati, Gopta, Jnanagamya, Puratana, Niti, Suniti, Shuddhatma, Soma, Somarata, Sukhi, Somapa, Amritapa, Sunya, Mahatejah, Mahadyuti, Tejomaya, Amritamaya, Annamaya, Sudhapati, Ajatashatru, Aloka, Sambhavya, Havyavahana, Lokakara, Vedakara, Sutrakara, Sanatana, Maharishi, Kapilacharya, Vishvadipti, Vilochana, Pinakapani, Bhudeva, Svastida, Svastikrita, Sudhi, Dhatridhama, Dhamakara, Sarvaga, Sarvagochara, Brahmasrika, Vishvasrika, Sarga, Karnikara, Priya, Kavi, Shakha, Vishakha, Goshakha, Siva, Bhishaka, Anuttama, Gangaplavodaka, Bhavya, Pushkala, Sthapati, Sthira, Vijitatma, Vishayatma, Bhutavahana, Sarathi, Sagana, Ganakaya, Sukirti, Chinnasamshaya, Kamadeva, Kamapala, Bhasmoddhulita-vigraha, Bhasmapriya, Bhasmashayi, Kami, Kanta, Kritagama, Samavarta, Nivritatma, Dharmapunja, Sadashiva, Akalmasha, Chaturvahu, Durvasa, Durasada, Durlabha, Durgama, Durga, Sarvayudhavisharada, Adhyatmayoganilaya, Sutantu, Tantuvardhana, Shubhanga, Lokasaranga, Jagadisha, Janardana, Bhasmashuddhikara, Meru, Ojasvi, Shuddhavigraha, Asadhya, Sadhusadhya, Bhrityamarkatarupadhrika, Hiranyareta, Purana, Ripujivahara, Bala, Mahahrada, Mahagarta, Vyali, Siddhavrindaravandita, Vyaghracharmambara, Mahabhuta, Mahanidhi, Amritasha, Amritavapu, Panchajanya, Prabhanjana, Panchavimshatitattvastha, Parijata, Paravara, Sulabha, Suvrata, Shura, Brahmavedanidhi, Nidhi, Varnashramaguru, Varni, Shatrujita, Shatrutapana, Ashrama, Kshapana, Kshama, Jnanavana, Achaleshvara, Pramanabhuta, Durjneya, Suparna, Vayuvahana, Dhanurdhara, Dhanurveda, Gunarishi, Gunakara, Satyasatyapara, Dina, Dharmaga, Ananda, Dharmasadhana, Anantadrishti, Danda, Damayita, Dama, Abhivadya, Mahamaya, Vishvakarma, Visharada, Vitaraga, Vinitatma, Tapasvi, Bhutabhavana, Unmattavesha, Pracchanna, Jitakama, Ajitapriya, Kalyanaprakriti, Kalpa, Sarvalokaprajapati, Tarasvi, Tavaka, Dhimana, Pradhanaprabhu, Avyaya, Lokapala, Antarhitatma, Kalpadi, Kamalakshana, Vedashastrarthatattvajna, Aniyama, Niyatashraya, Chandra, Surya, Shani, Ketu, Varanga, Vidrumacchavi, Bhaktivashya, Anagha, Parabrahmamrigavanarpana, Adri, Adryalaya, Kanta, Paramatma, Jagadguru, Sarvakarmalaya, Tushta, Mangalya, Mangalavrita, Mahatapa, Drighatapa, Sthavishtha, Sthavira, Dhruva, Aha, Samvatsara, Vyapti, Pramana, Paramatapa, Samvatsarakara, Mantrapratyayakara, Sarvadarshana, Aja, Sarveshvara, Siddha, Mahareta, Mahabala, Yogi, Yogya, Siddhi, Mahateja, Sarvadi, Agraha, Vasu, Vasumana, Satya, Sarvapapahara, Sukirti, Shobhana, Shrimana, Avanmanasagochara, Amritashashvata, Shanta, Vanahasta, Pratapavana, Kamandalundhara, Dhanvi, Vedanga, Vedavita, Muni, Bhrajishnu, Bhojana, Bhokta, Lokanatha, Duradhara, Atindriya, Mahamaya, Sarvavasa, Chatushpatha, Kalayogi, Mahanada, Mahatsaha, Mahabala, Mahabuddhi, Mahavirya, Bhutachari, Purandara, Nishachara, Pretachari, Mahashakti, Mahadyuti, Ahirdeshyavapu, Shrimana, Sarvacharyamanogati, Vahushruta, Niyatatma, Dhruva, Adhruva, Sarvashaska, Ojastejodyutidhara, Nartaka, Nrityapriya, Nrityanitya, Prakashatma, Prakashaka, Spashtakshara, Budha, Mantra, Samana, Sarasamplava, Yugadikrida, Yugavarta, Gambhira, Vrishavahana, Ishta, Vishishta, Shishteshta, Shalabha, Sharabha, Dhanu, Tirtharupa, Tirthanama, Tirthadrishya, Stuta, Arthada, Apamnidhi, Adhishthana, Vijaya, Jayakalavita, Pratishthita, Pramanajna, Hiranyakavacha, Hari, Vimlochana, Suragana, Vidyesha, Vindusamshraya, Balarupa, Vikarta, Balaunmatta, Gahana, Guha, Karana, Karta, Sarvabandhavimochana, Vyavasaya, Vyavasthana, Sthanada, Jagadadija, Garuda, Lalita, Abheda, Bhavatmatmasamsthita, Vireshvara, Virabhadra, Virasanavidhi, Virata, Virachudamani, Vetta, Tivrananda, Nadidhara, Ajnadhara, Trishuli, Shipivishta, Sivalaya, Balakhilya, Mahachapa, Tigmamshu, Badhira, Khaga, Adhirama, Susharana, Subrahmanya, Sudhapati, Maghavana, Kushika, Gaumana, Virama, Sarvasadhana, Lalataksha, Vishvadeha, Sara, Samsarachakrabhrita, Amoghadanda, Madhyastha, Hiranya, Brahmavarchasi, Paramartha, Para, Mayi, Shambara, Vyaghralochana, Ruchi, Virinchi, Svarbandhu, Vachaspati, Aharpati, Ravi, Virochana, Skanda, Shasta, Vaivasvata, Yama, Yukti, Unnatakirti, Sanuraga, Paranjaya, Kailashadhipati, Kanta, Savita, Ravilochana, Vidvattama, Vitabhaya, Vishvabharata, Anivarita, Nitya, Niyatakalyana, Punyashravanakirtana, Durashrava, Vishvasaha, Dhyeya, Duhsvapnanashana, Uttarana, Dushkritiha, Vijneya, Duhsaha, Bhava, Anadi, Bhurbhuvakshi, Kiriti, Ruchirangada, Janana, Janajanmadi, Pritimana, Nitimana, Dhava, Vasishtha, Kashyapa, Bhanu, Bhima, Bhimaparakrama, Pranava, Satpatchachara, Mahakasha, Mahaghana, Janmadhipa, Mahadeva, Sakalagamaparaga, Tattva, Tattavit, Ekatma, Vibhu, Vishvavibhushana, Rishi, Brahmana, Aishvaryajanmamrityujaratiga, Panchayajnasamutpatti, Vishvesha, Vimalodaya, Atmayoni, Anadyanta, Vatsala, Bhaktalokadhrika, Gayatrivallabha, Pramshu, Vishvavasa, Prabhakara, Shishu, Girirata, Samrata, Sushena, Surashatruha, Amogha, Arishtanemi, Kumuda, Vigatajvara, Svayamjyoti, Tanujyoti, Achanchala, Atmajyoti, Pingala, Kapilashmashru, Bhalanetra, Trayitanu, Jnanaskandamahaniti, Vishvutpatti, Upaplava, Bhaga, Vivasvana, Aditya, Yogapara, Divaspati, Kalyanagunanama, Papaha, Punyadarshana, Udarakirti, Udyogi, Sadyogi, Sadasanmaya, Nakshatramali, Nakesha, Svadhishthanapadashraya, Pavitra, Papahari, Manipura, Nabhogati, Hrit, Pundarikasina, Shatru, Shranta, Vrishakapi, Ushna, Grihapati, Krishna, Paramartha, Anarthanashana, Adharmashatru, Ajneya, Purohita, Purushrita, Brahmagarbha, Vrihadgarbha, Dharmadhenu, Dhanagama, Jagaddhitaishi, Sugata, Kumara, Kushalagama, Hiranyavarna, Jyotishmana, Nanabhutarata, Dhvani, Araga, Niyamadhyaksha, Vishvamitra, Dhaneshvara, Brahmajyoti, Vasudhama, Mahajyotianuttama, Matamaha, Matarishva, Nabhasvana, Nagaharadhrika, Pulastya, Pulaha, Agastya, Jatukarnya, Parashara, Niravarananirvara, Vairanchya, Vishtarashrava, 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MAHA MHRITHUNJAYA MANTRA

By Sage Markandeya
Translated by P. R. Ramachander

Sage Mrukandu prayed Lord Shiva for a son. Lord Shiva asked him whether he wanted an intelligent son who will live only for 16 years or foolish son, who will live for one hundred years. The sage chose the former. A son was born to him and was named as Markandeya. This boy became a very great devotee of Lord Shiva. On his sixteenth birthday, he entered the sanctum sanctorum of the lord and embraced him. Yama, the lord of death came to take away his soul. Lord Shiva killed Yama. Then the boy Markandeya sang the following stotra. This prayer is supposed to ward of all evils, remove fear of death and realize all wishes.

Atha dhyanam

Chandrarkagni vilochanam, smitha mukam,
Padmadwayantha sthitham,
Mudra pasa mrugakshasuthra vilasath paanim
Himaam suprabham,
Kotindu prakalathsudhaplutha thanum haaraathi,
Bhooshojwalam,
Kantham viswa vimohanam, pasupathim,
Mruthyunjayam bhavayeth.

I meditate on that victor over death,
Who has moon, sun and fire as eyes,
Who has a smiling face,
Who sits on two lotus flowers,
Whose hands shine with the sign the rope,
The deer and the garland of rudraksha,
Who has the pleasant shine of the ice,
Who has a body drenched by nectar,
From billions of moons,
Who ornaments himself with several garlands,
Who is very handsome,
Who can attract the entire world,
And who is the lord of all beings.

Jape Viniyoga (Now the chant is being started)

Rudram, pasupathim, sthanum, neelakandam, umapathim,
Namami sirasa devam, kim no mrutyu karishyathi. 1

What can death do to the one,
Who salutes with his head that god,
Who is the angry one,
Who is the lord of all beings,
Who is stable,
Who has a blue neck,
And who is the consort of Uma.

Neelakandam, kalamoorthim kalagnamr kalanasanam,
Namami sirasa devam, kim no mrutyu karishyathi. 2

What can death do to the one,
Who salutes with his head that god,
Who is having a blue neck,
Who is the form of death,
Who knows paste, present and future,
And who destroyed the god of death.

Neelakandam, viroopaksham nirmalam vimalapradham,
Namami sirasa devam, kim no mrutyu karishyathi. 3

What can death do to the one,
Who salutes with his head that god,
Who has a blue neck,
Who has a different eye,
Who is clean,
And who is dazzlingly bright.

Vamadevam mahadevam lokanadham jagatgurum,
Namami sirasa devam , kim no mrutyu karishyathi. 4

What can death do to the one,
Who salutes with his head that god,
Who judges according to merit,
Who is the greatest god,
Who is the lord of the universe,
And who is the teacher of the world.

Devadevam jagannatham devesam vrushabhadwajam,
Namami sirasa devam, kim no mrutyu karishyathi. 5

What can death do to the one,
Who salutes with his head that god,
Who is the God of gods,
Who is the lord of the earth,
Who is the god of devas,
And who has a bull flag.

Traiksham chathurbhujam santham jata makuta dharanam,
Namami sirasa devam, kim no mrutyu karishyathi. 6

What can death do to the one,
Who salutes with his head that god,
Who has three eyes,
Who has four hands,
Who is peaceful,
And who wears matted hair and a crown.

Bhasmoddulitha sarvangam nagabharana bhooshitham,
Namami sirasa devam, kim no mrutyu karishyathi. 7

What can death do to the one,
Who salutes with his head that god
Who is covered with ash,
All over his body,
And who wears the serpent,
As an ornament.

Anatham avyayam santham akshamala dharam haram,
Namami sirasa devam, kim no mrutyu karishyathi. 8

What can death do to the one,
Who salutes with his head that god,
Who is limitless,
Who cannot be explained,
Who is peaceful,
Who is the killer,
And who wears the garland of eyes.

Aaandham paramam nithyam kaivalya pada dhayinam,
Namami sirasa devam, kim no mrutyu karishyathi. 9

What can death do to the one,
Who salutes with his head that god
Who is happiness,
Who is beyond thought,
Who is stable,
And who grants salvation.

Ardhanaareeswaram devam parvathy prana nayakam,
Namami sirasa devam, kim no mrutyu karishyathi. 10

What can death do to the one,
Who salutes with his head that god
Who is the god half male half female,
And who is the darling of Parvathy.

Pralaya sthithi karthaaram adhi kartharameeswaram,
Namami sirasa devam, kim no mrutyu karishyathi. 11

What can death do to the one,
Who salutes with his head that god
Who creates the state of deluge,
And who is the god who made the beginning.

Vyomakesam viroopaksham chandrardha krutha shekaram,
Namami sirasa devam, kim no mrutyu karishyathi. 12

What can death do to the one,
Who salutes with his head that god
Whose hair is the sky,
Who has a different eye,
And who has collected half of the moon.

Gangadharam sasidharam sankaram shoolapaninam,
Namami sirasa devam, kim no mrutyu karishyathi. 13

What can death do to the one,
Who salutes with his head that god
Who carries the river ganga,
Who keep moon as an ornament,
Who is Lord Shankara,
And who carries a trident.

Swargapavarga datharam srushti sthithyanthakarinam,
Namami sirasa devam, kim no mrutyu karishyathi. 14

What can death do to the one,
Who salutes with his head that God,
Who grant heaven and salvation,
Who looks after creation, upkeep and destruction.

Kalpa ayur dehi mey punyam yavad ayur arogatham,
Namami sirasa devam, kim no mrutyu karishyathi. 15

What can death do to the one,
Who salutes with his head that god,
Who can grant a life of an eon,
Who can bless you with a long life,
Bereft of any sickness.

Shivesanam mahadevam vamadevam sadashivam,
Namami sirasa devam, kim no mrutyu karishyathi. 16

What can death do to the one,
Who salutes with his head that god,
Who is Shiva as well as Easwara,
Who is the great god,
Who gives correct judgments,
And who is always peaceful.

Uthpathi sthithi samhara karthara meeswaram gurum,
Namami sirasa devam, kim no mrutyu karishyathi. 17

What can death do to the one,
Who salutes with his head that god,
Who takes responsibility,
Of creation, upkeep and destruction,
And who is a great teacher.

Markandeya krutham stotram ya padeth shiva sannidhou,
Thasya mruthyu bhayam nasthi na agni chora bhayaam kwachith. 18

Any one reading this prayer,
Written by Markandeya,
In front of Lord Shiva,
Would not have,
Fear of death,
Nor fear of fire and thieves.

Shathavrutham prakarthavyam sankate kashta nasanam,
Suchir bhoothwa padeth stotram sarva sidhi pradhayakam 19

Reading it one hundred times,
In times of misery,
Will get rid of it,
And reading it with a clean mind,
Would make one get all his wants.

Mruthyunjaya mahadeva thrahi maam saranagatham,
Janma mrutyu jara rogai, peeditham karma bandhanai. 20

Oh great god, Who has won over god of death,
Please save me as I am submitting to you,
From births, deaths, old age and disease,
And also the ties of Karma which affect me.

Thaavaka stvad gatha prana thawa chithoham sada mruda,
Ithi vignapya devesam thryambakakhyam japeth,
Nama sivaya Sambaya haraye paramathmane,
Pranatha klesa naasaya yoginaam pathaye nama. 21-22

I appeal to the God that,
“My soul goes towards you,
And my mind always meditates on you,”
And then chant of Trayambaka Mantra*,
And salute that Samba,
Who is the inner soul of the destroyer,
And pray, ”destroy all life’s problems,
Oh Lord of Yoga, I salute you.”

* Trayambaka Mantra is given in the translation of Chamakam.

SHREE VAIDYANATHA ASTHAKAM

Sree rama soumithri jatayu veda,
Shadanadithya kujarchithya,
Sree neelakandaya daya mayaya,
Sree vaidyanathaya namasivaya.

I salute that God Shiva,
Who is the king among physicians,
Who is worshipped by Rama and Lakshmana,
Who is woshipped by Jatayu,
Who is worshipped by the Vedas,
Who is worshipped by Lord Subrahmanya,
Who is worshipped by the Sun God,
Who is worshipped by the Mars God,
Who is having a blue throat,
And who is the personification of mercy.

Ganga pravahendu jada dharaya,
Trilochanaya smara kala hanthre,
Samstha devairapi poojithaya,
Sree vaidyanathata namasivaya.

I salute that God Shiva,
Who is the king among physicians,
Who wears the flow of Ganges and the moon,
On his head,
Who has three eyes,
Who had killed the God of love and death,
And who is worshipped by all devas.



Bhaktha priyaya, tripuranthakaya,
Pinakine dushta haraya nithyam,
Prathyaksha leelaya manushya loke,
Sree vaidyanathaya namasivaya.

I salute that God Shiva,
Who is the king among physicians,
Who is the lover his devotees,
Who has destroyed the three cities,
Who holds the bow called Pinaka,
Who destroys bad people daily,
And who plays in the world of humans.

Prabhootha vadadhi samastha roga,
Pranasa karthre muni vandhthithaya,
Prabhakarennd wagni vilochanaya,
Sri vaidyanathaya nama sivaya.

I salute that God Shiva,Who is the king among physicians,
Who cures all great diseases,Like rheumatism and arthritis,
Who is saluted by great sages,And to whom, the sun god,
Moon and God of fire are eyes.

Vakchrothra nethrangiri viheena jantho,
Vakchrothra nethrangiri sukha pradaya,
Kushtadhi sarvonnatha roga hanthre,
Sri Vaidyanathaya nama sivaya.

I salute that God Shiva,Who is the king among physicians,Who blesses those beings,
Who have lost their speech, hearing, sight and ability to walk,
With these abilities,And who provides cure,For devastating diseases like leprosy.
Vedantha vedhyaya jagan mayaya,
Yogiswara dhyeya Padambujaya,
Trimurthy roopaya sahasra namne,
Sri vaidyanathaya nama sivaya.

I salute that God Shiva,
Who is the king among physicians,
Who can be known through vedantha,
Who is spread through out the universe,Who has a lotus feet ,
That is meditated upon by great sages,
Who is of the form of the holy trinity,And who has thousand names.

Swatheertha mrudbasma brudanga bajam,
Pisacha dukha arthi bhayapahaya,
Athma swaroopaya sareera bajaam,
Sri Vaidyanaathaya namasivaya.

I salute that God Shiva,
Who is the king among physicians,
Who removes all suferings,
Caused by bad spirits, sorrows and fears,
By dip in his holy tank,
By the holy ash in the temple,
And by the mud below the neem tree of the temple,
And who is the personification of soul,
Occupying human body.

Sree neelakandaya vrushaba dwajaya,
Sarakkanda basmadhya abhi shobithaya,
Suputhradarathi subagyathaya,
Sri vaidyanathaya nama sivaya.

I salute that God Shiva,
Who is the king among physicians,
Who has a blue throat/neck,
Who has the the bull on his flag,
Who shines by flowers, sacred ash and sandal,
Who grants good children and good wife,
And who blesses us with all good luck.

Balambikesa vaidyesa bava roga haredisa,
Japen nama thrayam nithyam maha roga nivaranam.

Those who recite this prayer,
Thrice a day with devotion,
And pray the Lord Vaidyanatha,
Who is with his consort Balambika,
And who removes the fear of birth and death,
Would get cured of all great diseases.