Chandrasekhara Ashtakam

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Shree chandrashekharaasht'akam'

Chandrashekhara chandrashekhara chandrashekhara paahi maam |
Chandrashekhara chandrashekhara chandrashekhara raksha maam || 1 ||

Ratnasaanusharaasanam' rajataadrishri'nganiketanam'
Shinjineekri'tapannageshvaramachyutaanalasaayakam |
Kshipradagdhapuratrayam' tridivaalayairabhivanditam'
Chandrashekharamaashraye mama kim' karishyati vai yamah' || 2 ||

Panchapaadapapushpagandhapadaambujadvayashobhitam'
Phaalalochanajaatapaavaka dagdhamanmathavigraham |
Bhasmadigdhakal'ebaram' bhavanaashanam' bhavamavyayam'
Chandrashekharamaashraye mama kim' karishyati vai yamah' || 3 ||

Mattavaaranamukhyacharmakri'tottareeya manoharam'
Pankajaasana padmalochana poojitaanghri saroruham |
Devasindhutarangasheekara siktashubhrajat'aadharam'
Chandrashekharamaashraye mama kim' karishyati vai yamah' || 4 ||

Yaksharaajasakham' bhagaakshaharam' bhujangavibhooshanam'
Shailaraajasutaaparishkri'ta chaaruvaamakal'ebaram |
Kshved'aneelagal'am' parashvathadhaarinam' mri'gadhaarinam'
Chandrashekharamaashraye mama kim' karishyati vai yamah' || 5 ||

Kund'aleekri'takund'aleshvarakund'alam' vri'shavaahanam'
Naaradaadimuneeshvarastutavaibhavam' bhuvaneshvaram |
Andhakaantakamaashritaamarapaadapam' shamanaantakam'
Chandrashekharamaashraye mama kim' karishyati vai yamah' || 6 ||

Bheshajam' bhavaroginaamakhilaapadaamapahaarinam'
Dakshayajnyavinaashanam' trigunaatmakam' trivilochanam |
Bhuktimuktiphalapradam' sakalaaghasanghanibarhanam'
Chandrashekharamaashraye mama kim' karishyati vai yamah' || 7 ||

Bhaktavatsalamarchitam' nidhimakshayam' haridambaram'
Sarvabhootapatim' paraatparamaprameyamanuttamam |
Somavaaruna bhoohutaashana somapaanikhilaakri'tim'
Chandrashekharamaashraye mama kim' karishyati vai yamah' || 8 ||

Vishvasri'sht'ividhaayinam' punareva paalanatatparam'
Sam'harantamapiprapanchamasheshalokanivaasinam |
Kreed'ayantamaharnisham' gananaathayoothasamanvitam'
Chandrashekharamaashraye mama kim' karishyati vai yamah' || 9 ||

Mri'tyubheetamri'kand'usoonukri'tastavam' shivasannidhau
Yatra kutra cha yah' pat'henna hi tasya mri'tyubhayam' bhavet |
Poornamaayurarogataamakhilaarthasampadamaadaram'
Chandrashekhara eva tasya dadaati muktimayatnatah' || 10 ||

Adhikashlokam' –
Sam'saarasarpadusht'aanaam' jantoonaamavivekinaam |
Chandrashekharapaadaabjasmaranam' paramaushadham ||

Iti maarkand'eya kri'ta shreechandrashekharaasht'akam |

Meaning

The Chandrashekhara Ashtakam, composed by Sage Markandeya, is a powerful hymn praising Shiva as “Chandrashekhara,” the one who adorns the moon on His matted locks. This hymn emphasizes Shiva’s protective grace, His supremacy over death, and His boundless compassion for devotees.

The opening verse is a direct plea: “O Chandrashekhara, protect me! If I am under Your refuge, what can Yama (the god of death) do to me?” This sets the tone—devotion to Shiva dissolves all fear, especially the fear of death.

The subsequent verses describe Shiva as the destroyer of the three cities, the one worshipped by gods, the bearer of serpents, the fire-eyed conqueror of desire, the ash-clad liberator, and the savior from worldly bondage.

Verses highlight His elephant-skin garment, His lotus feet worshipped by Brahma and Vishnu, His radiant matted locks bathed by Ganga, and His protective presence that shields devotees from harm.

Shiva’s fierce forms—Bhujangabhushana, Neelakantha, slayer of Andhakasura—are described not as terrifying but as deeply compassionate to devotees. He destroys evil and protects all beings.

Shiva is the cure for the disease of worldly existence, the giver of both worldly enjoyment and liberation, the bestower of health, prosperity, and spiritual fulfillment. He is the supreme ruler, the three-eyed Lord, the boundless, immutable, immeasurable Parabrahman.

The final verse affirms that whoever recites this Ashtakam in Shiva’s presence, like Markandeya, becomes free from the fear of death, gains full longevity, health, wealth, and even effortless liberation.

Benefits:
• Removes fear of death; grants long life and health
• Destroys misfortune, suffering, and obstacles
• Grants peace, prosperity, divine protection
• Leads the devotee toward moksha and inner strength

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chandrasekhara Ashtakam?

Chandrasekhara Ashtakam is a powerful eight-verse hymn composed by Sage Markandeya, dedicated to Lord Shiva in his 'Chandrashekhara' form. It is primarily a protective stotra, invoking Shiva's grace to overcome the fear of death.

When and how should one recite Chandrasekhara Ashtakam?

One can recite this stotra daily in the morning or evening, preferably in a Shiva temple or in the home puja room before an idol or picture of Lord Shiva. Reciting with a pure mind and devotion yields the best results.

What are the benefits of reciting Chandrasekhara Ashtakam?

Reciting this stotra helps alleviate the fear of death, grants longevity, good health, wealth, and the protection of Lord Shiva. It also bestows peace of mind and courage upon the devotee.

Who should recite Chandrasekhara Ashtakam?

Anyone who wishes to be freed from the fear of death, desires longevity and good health, and seeks the divine blessings and protection of Lord Shiva can recite this stotra.

How many times should this Ashtakam be recited?

One can recite this Ashtakam at least once daily. On auspicious days like Mondays or Mahashivaratri, reciting it 11, 21, or 108 times is considered particularly beneficial and powerful.

What is the origin of Chandrasekhara Ashtakam?

The Chandrasekhara Ashtakam was composed by the great Sage Markandeya. He is believed to have conquered death through his penance and the recitation of this very stotra, thereby earning the grace of Lord Shiva.

Chandrasekhara Ashtakam

Shree chandrashekharaasht'akam'

Meaning

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Stotras

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Sri Shiva Varnamala Stotram

Asitha Krutha Shiva Stotram

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Devacharya Krita Shiva Stuti

Ardhanareeshwari Ashtottara Shatanamavali

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