Rudrashtakam
Tulsidas's soaring eight-verse hymn to Lord Shiva as Rudra — pure praise of the auspicious, formless divine.
About Rudrashtakam
Rudrashtakam (“the eight verses to Rudra”) is a celebrated Sanskrit hymn to Lord Shiva composed by the poet-saint Tulsidas. It appears in the Uttara Kanda of his Ramcharitmanas, sung by Lord Rama in praise of Shiva.
Its verses describe Shiva as the formless, all-pervading, auspicious one — beyond name and form, yet the compassionate Lord who blesses his devotees. The hymn is admired for its devotional intensity and graceful metre.
Stotradhwani teaches Rudrashtakam with attention to pronunciation and meaning so its depth and beauty become accessible to every learner.
At a glance
- Composer
- Tulsidas
- Source
- Ramcharitmanas (Uttara Kanda)
- Verses
- 8 verses
- Language
- Sanskrit
- Tradition
- Shaiva
Why devotees chant Rudrashtakam
- check_circleA beloved hymn of pure praise and surrender to Lord Shiva.
- check_circleTraditionally recited for devotion, humility, and contemplation.
- check_circleConcise and rhythmic, suitable for daily recitation.
When to chant: It is commonly recited on Mondays, on Pradosham, and during Maha Shivaratri.
Frequently asked questions
What is Rudrashtakam?expand_more
Rudrashtakam is an eight-verse Sanskrit hymn praising Lord Shiva as Rudra, the auspicious and formless divine.
Who composed Rudrashtakam?expand_more
It was composed by the poet-saint Tulsidas and appears in the Uttara Kanda of his Ramcharitmanas, sung by Lord Rama.
When is Rudrashtakam chanted?expand_more
It is traditionally recited in Shiva worship, especially on Mondays, Pradosham, and Maha Shivaratri.