Bhoothanath Ashtakam

शिव शिव शक्तिनाथं संहारं शं स्वरूपम्
नव नव नित्यनृत्यं ताण्डवं तं तन्नादम्
घन घन घूर्णिमेघं घंघोरं घंन्निनादम्
भज भज भस्मलेपं भजामि भूतनाथम् ॥१॥

śiva śiva śaktināthaṃ saṃhāraṃ śaṃ svarūpam
nava nava nityanṛtyaṃ tāṇḍavaṃ taṃ tannādam
ghana ghana ghūrṇimeghaṃ ghaṃghoraṃ ghaṃnninādam
bhaja bhaja bhasmalepaṃ bhajāmi bhūtanātham ..1..

I worship Shiva, the Lord of Shakti (power), who embodies destruction and is the very essence of auspiciousness.
He performs the ever-new and eternal cosmic dance (Tandava), creating the primordial sound (nāda).
His presence is like a dark, swirling storm cloud, producing terrifying, deep sounds of thunder.
I worship him, who is smeared with sacred ash (bhasma), the Lord of all beings (Bhoothanatha).

This verse glorifies Shiva in his form as Bhoothanatha, highlighting his destructive, yet auspicious nature, his cosmic dance (Tandava), and his association with sacred ash and primal sound.

कऴ कऴ काऴरूपं कल्लोऴं कं कराऴम्
डम डम डमनादं डम्बुरुं डंकनादम्
सम सम शक्तग्रिवं सर्वभूतं सुरेशम्
भज भज भस्मलेपं भजामि भूतनाथम् ॥२॥

kaḻa kaḻa kāḻarūpaṃ kalloḻaṃ kaṃ karāḻam
ḍama ḍama ḍamanādaṃ ḍamburuṃ ḍaṃkanādam
sama sama śaktagrivaṃ sarvabhūtaṃ sureśam
bhaja bhaja bhasmalepaṃ bhajāmi bhūtanātham ..2..

I worship Shiva, the fierce one with the form of time (Kala), who roars like a tumultuous wave, frightening and terrifying.
He makes the resonating sound of the Damaru drum, creating the powerful, rhythmic beat that reverberates through the cosmos.
He bears the garland of Shakti, the embodiment of power, and is the Lord of all beings and gods.
I worship him, smeared with sacred ash, the Lord of all beings (Bhoothanatha).

This verse highlights Shiva’s fearsome and cosmic form as Kala (time), his association with the Damaru drum, and his role as the supreme lord of all beings and gods, enveloped in the power of Shakti.

रम रम रामभक्तं रमेशं रां रारावम्
मम मम मुक्तहस्तं महेशं मं मधुरम्
बम बम ब्रह्मरूपं बामेशं बं विनाशम्
भज भज भस्मलेपं भजामि भूतनाथम् ॥३॥

rama rama rāmabhaktaṃ rameśaṃ rāṃ rārāvam
mama mama muktahastaṃ maheśaṃ maṃ madhuram
bama bama brahmarūpaṃ bāmeśaṃ baṃ vināśam
bhaja bhaja bhasmalepaṃ bhajāmi bhūtanātham ..3..

I worship Shiva, who is dear to Lord Rama and is the Lord of Lakshmi (Ramesha), resounding with the great chant of Ram.
He holds his hand in blessing, offering liberation, and is the great Lord (Mahesha), whose nature is sweet and gentle.
He is the embodiment of Brahman (the supreme reality) and is the Lord of the left-hand path (Bamesha), who destroys all that is impure.
I worship him, smeared with sacred ash, the Lord of all beings (Bhoothanatha).

This verse emphasizes Shiva’s connection with Lord Rama, his role as the bestower of liberation, and his manifestation as the ultimate reality, Brahman. It also reflects his power in both creation and destruction.

हर हर हरिप्रियं त्रितापं हं संहारम्
खम खम क्षमाशीऴं सपापं खं क्षमणम्
द्दग द्दग ध्यानमूर्त्तिं सगुणं धं धारणम्
भज भज भस्मलेपं भजामि भूतनाथम् ॥४॥

hara hara haripriyaṃ tritāpaṃ haṃ saṃhāram
khama khama kṣamāśīḻaṃ sapāpaṃ khaṃ kṣamaṇam
ddaga ddaga dhyānamūrttiṃ saguṇaṃ dhaṃ dhāraṇam
bhaja bhaja bhasmalepaṃ bhajāmi bhūtanātham ..4..

I worship Shiva, beloved of Vishnu (Haripriya), who destroys the threefold sufferings (physical, mental, and spiritual) and removes all sorrows.

He is patient and forgiving, pardoning even the sinful, and is the embodiment of compassion and forgiveness.
He is the form of deep meditation, manifesting with attributes (Saguna), and the one who sustains all through deep concentration (dharana).
I worship him, smeared with sacred ash, the Lord of all beings (Bhoothanatha).

This verse reflects Shiva’s close connection with Vishnu, his role as the destroyer of suffering and the merciful forgiver of sins. It also highlights his association with meditation and as the sustainer of all through dharana (concentration).

पम पम पापनाशं प्रज्वलं पं प्रकाशम्
गम गम गुह्यतत्त्वं गिरीशं गं गणानाम्
दम दम दानहस्तं धुन्दरं दं दारुणम्
भज भज भस्मलेपं भजामि भूतनाथम् ॥५॥

pama pama pāpanāśaṃ prajvalaṃ paṃ prakāśam
gama gama guhyatattvaṃ girīśaṃ gaṃ gaṇānām
dama dama dānahastaṃ dhundaraṃ daṃ dāruṇam
bhaja bhaja bhasmalepaṃ bhajāmi bhūtanātham ..5..

I worship Shiva, who destroys all sins and radiates with a blazing, brilliant light.
He reveals the hidden truths and mysteries of existence, and is the Lord of the mountains (Gireesha) and the leader of the Ganas (celestial attendants).
He holds the hand of generosity, giving boons, yet remains fierce and formidable in his appearance.
I worship him, smeared with sacred ash, the Lord of all beings (Bhoothanatha).

This verse emphasizes Shiva’s role as the destroyer of sins, his illumination of deep spiritual truths, his connection with the Ganas, and his balance between generosity and fierceness.

गम गम गीतनाथं दूर्गमं गं गंतव्यम्
टम टम रूंडमाऴं टंकारं टंकनादम्
भम भम भ्रम् भ्रमरं भैरवं क्षेत्रपाऴम्
भज भज भस्मलेपं भजामि भूतनाथम् ॥६॥

gama gama gītanāthaṃ dūrgamaṃ gaṃ gaṃtavyam
ṭama ṭama rūṃḍamāḻaṃ ṭaṃkāraṃ ṭaṃkanādam
bhama bhama bhram bhramaraṃ bhairavaṃ kṣetrapāḻam
bhaja bhaja bhasmalepaṃ bhajāmi bhūtanātham ..6..

I worship Shiva, the Lord of music and melody (Gītanātha), who is difficult to reach and the ultimate goal to be attained.
He wears a garland of skulls (Rūṇḍamāla) and resonates with the mighty sound of Ṭanka (a resounding roar).
He moves like a whirling bee (Bhramara) and takes on the fearsome form of Bhairava, the protector of sacred places (Kṣetrapāla).
I worship him, smeared with sacred ash, the Lord of all beings (Bhoothanatha).

This verse highlights Shiva’s role as the Lord of music, his terrifying form adorned with skulls, and his role as Bhairava, the fierce guardian of holy sites, while also likening his movement to that of a bee.

त्रिशुऴधारी संहारकारी गिरिजानाथम् ईश्वरम्
पार्वतीपति त्वम् मायापति शुभ्रवर्णम् महेश्वरम्
कैऴाशनाथ सतीप्राणनाथ महाकालम् कालेश्वरम्
अर्धचंद्रम् शिरकिरीटम् भूतनाथं शिवम् भजे ॥७॥

triśuḻadhārī saṃhārakārī girijānātham īśvaram
pārvatīpati tvam māyāpati śubhravarṇam maheśvaram
kaiḻāśanātha satīprāṇanātha mahākālam kāleśvaram
ardhacaṃdram śirakirīṭam bhūtanāthaṃ śivam bhaje ..7..

The wielder of the trident, the one who brings destruction, the Supreme Lord and husband of Parvati (Girija).
You are the consort of Parvati, the Lord of illusion (maya), fair-complexioned, and the great Maheshvara.
You are the Lord of Kailasa, the life force of Sati, the great destroyer (Mahakala), and the master of time (Kaleshvara).
Wearing the crescent moon on your head as a crown, I worship Shiva, the Lord of all beings (Bhoothanatha).

This verse highlights Shiva’s roles as the wielder of the trident and the cosmic destroyer, as well as his compassionate side as the husband of Parvati. He is the Lord of Kailasa and time itself, while the crescent moon on his head symbolizes his control over time and immortality.

नीलकंठाय सत्स्वरूपाय सदा शिवाय नमो नमः
यक्षरूपाय जटाधराय नागदेवाय नमो नमः
इंद्रहाराय त्रिलोचनाय गंगाधराय नमो नमः
अर्धचंद्रम् शिरकिरीटम् भूतनाथं शिवम् भजे ॥८॥

nīlakaṃṭhāya satsvarūpāya sadā śivāya namo namaḥ
yakṣarūpāya jaṭādharāya nāgadevāya namo namaḥ
iṃdrahārāya trilocanāya gaṃgādharāya namo namaḥ
ardhacaṃdram śirakirīṭam bhūtanāthaṃ śivam bhaje ..8..

Salutations to the blue-throated one (Nilakantha), the embodiment of truth and the eternal auspicious one.
Salutations to the one in the form of a Yaksha, with matted locks, and the deity of serpents (Naga).
Salutations to the one adorned with Indra’s garland, the three-eyed one (Trilochana), and the one who holds the Ganges (Gangadhara).
Wearing the crescent moon on your head as a crown, I worship Shiva, the Lord of all beings (Bhoothanatha).

This verse focuses on Shiva’s unique attributes: his blue throat, symbolizing his act of drinking the poison during the ocean churning, and his eternal truth as Sada Shiva. Shiva is depicted as a Yaksha, a celestial being, and is connected with serpents and the holy Ganges flowing from his matted locks. The verse again highlights his cosmic powers through his third eye and the crescent moon, establishing him as the Lord of all beings, Bhoothanatha.

तव कृपा कृष्णदासः भजति भूतनाथम्
तव कृपा कृष्णदासः स्मरति भूतनाथम्
तव कृपा कृष्णदासः पश्यति भूतनाथम्
तव कृपा कृष्णदासः पि वति भूतनाथम् ॥9॥

tava kṛpā kṛṣṇadāsaḥ bhajati bhūtanātham
tava kṛpā kṛṣṇadāsaḥ smarati bhūtanātham
tava kṛpā kṛṣṇadāsaḥ paśyati bhūtanātham
tava kṛpā kṛṣṇadāsaḥ pi vati bhūtanātham ..9..

By your grace, your devotee Krishnadasa worships Bhoothanatha.
By your grace, your devotee Krishnadasa remembers Bhoothanatha.
By your grace, your devotee Krishnadasa sees Bhoothanatha.
By your grace, your devotee Krishnadasa drinks the essence of Bhoothanatha.

This verse reflects the deep devotion of Krishnadasa. It emphasizes the importance of divine grace in every aspect of a devotee’s life and in experiencing the presence of Lord Bhoothanatha (Shiva).

॥ अथ श्रीकृष्णदासः विरचित ऽभूतनाथ अष्टकम्ऽ यः
पठति निस्कामभावेन सः शिवलोकं सगच्छति ॥

.. atha śrīkṛṣṇadāsaḥ viracita ‘bhūtanātha aṣṭakam’ yaḥ
paṭhati niskāmabhāvena saḥ śivalokaṃ sagacchati ..

Thus, whoever recites the Bhoothanatha Ashtakam composed by Shri Krishnadasa with a desireless mind, will surely attain the abode of Shiva (Shivaloka).

Description

Bhoothanath Ashtakam

The Bhoothanatha Ashtakam composed by Shri Krishnadasa is a devotional hymn that glorifies Lord Shiva in his form as Bhoothanatha, the Lord of all beings, spirits, and the cosmos. Each verse highlights various aspects of Shiva’s powers, his cosmic role, and his deep connection with his devotees. The hymn reflects the themes of protection, destruction, transformation, and the ultimate grace of Shiva.

Key Themes:

Shiva as the Cosmic Destroyer: Shiva is portrayed as the wielder of the trident and the bringer of cosmic destruction, yet his destruction is part of the natural cycle of creation and renewal. His form as Mahakala, the master of time, shows his role in the cyclical process of birth, death, and rebirth.
Shiva as the Compassionate Protector: Despite his fearsome forms, Shiva is also depicted as the protector of devotees. He is the loving consort of Parvati and is worshipped as the one who grants grace and spiritual liberation to his followers.
Shiva’s Divine Attributes: The hymn emphasizes his distinctive attributes: the blue throat (Nilakantha) from drinking poison, the third eye that symbolizes spiritual vision, and the crescent moon adorning his head, which represents control over time and immortality.
Yaksha and Nagas: Shiva is associated with the celestial beings (Yakshas) and the serpents (Nagas), which are symbols of wisdom, strength, and mystery. His connection with nature and the elements is profound.
The Devotee’s Journey: The hymn reflects the journey of Krishnadasa, the devotee, who experiences the grace of Shiva in worship, remembrance, and divine vision. By Shiva’s grace, Krishnadasa attains spiritual nourishment and liberation.
Promise of Liberation: The hymn concludes by assuring that those who recite it with a pure, desireless heart will be blessed with entry to Shivaloka, Shiva’s abode. This highlights the spiritual benefits of devotion and surrender to Lord Shiva.

Overall Message:

The Bhoothanatha Ashtakam is a powerful hymn that combines reverence for Shiva’s formidable, cosmic powers with a deep, personal devotion. It shows how, through Shiva’s grace, devotees can overcome worldly struggles, receive spiritual nourishment, and ultimately attain liberation. The hymn presents Shiva as the destroyer and protector, embodying both fearsome and compassionate aspects, with the devotee’s unconditional surrender at its core.

Other Shiva Shlokams

Bhoothanath Ashtakam – Shiva – Bhoothanath Ashtakam – Full text and lyrics with audio in Sanskrit, English, Telugu, Kannada, Tamil and more