Siva (Shiva) Mahimnah Stotram The Hymn on the Greatness of Siva

Lord Siva has universal appeal in India. From the snow-capped Himalayas in the north to the ocean washed shores of the south, he has been worshipped through the ages, by the householders as well as sannyasisn as the Lord of the animate and the inanimate. His fame as easy-to-be pleased God and also giver of boons, has naturally prompted poets and devotees to compose and sing hymns in His glory.

Siva-Mahimnah Stotram or the Hymn on the Greatness of Siva is considered as one of the best hymns in Sanskrit literature. It is grand in conception, sublime in diction, and uplifting in its influence. It goes without saying that persons who recite it after knowing its meaning will have great spiritual benefit.

Shiva-Mahimnah Stotram or the Hymn on the greatness of Shiva is considered by many to be the best of all the hymns found in Sanskrit literature. Sri Ramakrishna once went into Samadhi while repeating it. It is grand in conception, sublime in diction, and uplifting in its influence. Some of the Verses may fail to appeal to the modern people, but their cumulative effect on the mind of the readers is none the less. The very recital of this beautiful hymn raises one to a higher plane of existence. There are many persons who repeat it daily, though not fully understanding it, yet they derive immense benefit. It goes without saying that persons who recite it after knowing its meaning will have more spiritual advantage. For the benefit of those English-knowing people who have no deep knowledge of Sanskrit, we give this English translation.

Nobody knows definitely who is the author of this book. There is a legendary story that one Pushpadanta composed it to please Shiva whose wrath he incurred by treading on the flowers which were left after worshipping the Great Deity. The verse number 37 supports this legend. It might be that some devotee of Shiva wrote this hymn under this pseudonym. This is quite in keeping with the Indian spirit which makes a man shrink from the idea of seeing his name blazoned before the public. Whoever may be the author; doubtless he is immortalized in this hymn and will receive silent homage from the devotees of the Lord for all time to come.

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