anāmaya stotram

Thirty-five verses to Shiva in the mandakranta metre, composed by the poet Dandin, who names himself in the closing verse and states the hymn's purpose plainly: by the reciting of this praise, take away the diseases of men. It begins in self-doubt — how can a creature like me, mind clouded in the dark, reach that highest light? — and answers that the words come of themselves. Dandin then sets Shiva above the other gods by argument rather than assertion, holding that speech touches only their gross portion, and that devotion, not learning, is what qualifies a person to praise the lord of the three worlds. Recited for health and for freedom from illness.