This mantra of Lord Shiva can take away all your worries

Lord Shiva is often seen in deep meditation. He is the ultimate ascetic and the master of time. His third eye is a symbol of his all-seeing nature, and his trident (trishul) represents his control over the three forces of creation, preservation, and destruction. The Shivling is an abstract representation of Shiva, and one of the most common symbols associated with him, representing his infinite nature.

Lord Shiva, one of the most loved and feared deities, is said to be the tranformer of life and Universe. But, Lord Shiva's anger or destruction is not seen as a negative force, it is actually a necessary phase that clears the way for new creation. Thus, Shiva is also considered a transformer because through destruction, he helps in rebirth and transformation.

The Lingashtakam is a devotional hymn that tells the attributes, qualities, and the form of Shiva, in the form of Shivling. It has eight verses, or Ashtakams, and is traditionally recited by devotees to express their reverence for Shiva. The hymn highlights the glory of the Shivling and describes the many different forms of Shiva.

The first verse of the Lingashtakam Stotram begins with the line ‘Brahma Murari Surarchita Lingam.’ This line refers to Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva and how everyone worships the Shivling. This line talks about the universal respect for the Shivling, acknowledging how even the highest deities, Brahma and Vishnu, pay their respect to the Shivling. It tells of Shiva’s supreme position in the cosmic order and his importance in the cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction.

​The next line says ‘Nirmala Bhashita Shobhita Lingam.’ This line means that the Shivling is adorned with pure and splendid speech and highlights the purity and sacredness of the Shivling. The term ‘Nirmala Bhashita’ suggests that the Linga is filled with power through the pure and sacred speech that comes in the form of Vedic hymns and chants that are recited in its praise. It gives an idea that true devotion and worship of Shiva should be free from impurities and should be done with sincerity and clear intentions.

The third line of the stotram says ‘Janmaja Dukha Vinaashaka Lingam.’ This line hints at how the Shivling can destroy the sorrows born of birth or past life. It talks about Lord Shiva's role as the redeemer and liberator of souls from the cycle of birth and death and how by worshipping the Shivling, devotees take a step ahead towards the destruction of their sorrows and sufferings, and also a step ahead towards moksha.

The last line of the first ashtakam says ‘Tat Pranamami Sada Shiva Lingam’. This line is a simple cry that ‘I bow down to the Shivling’. It is an expression of every Shiva devotee all over the world and the ones who just want to submit themselves to Shiva and his grace. By saying ‘Tat Pranamami’, the devotee acknowledges the Shivling as the supreme object of worship and devotion. And by saying these lines and following them, a simple human does the same worship that Gods like Brahma and Vishnu do!
After listening to this, devotees bow down to Lord Shiva and spend their life in his grace, without a speck of worry in their minds.