śiva śiva śaktināthaṃ saṃhāraṃ

I worship Shiva, the Lord of Shakti (power), who embodies destruction and is the very essence of auspiciousness. He performs the ever-new and eternal cosmic dance (Tandava), creating the primordial sound (nāda). His presence is like a dark, swirling storm cloud, producing terrifying, deep sounds of thunder. I worship him, who is smeared with sacred ash (bhasma), the Lord of all beings (Bhoothanatha). This verse glorifies Shiva in his form as Bhoothanatha, highlighting his destructive, yet auspicious nature, his cosmic dance (Tandava), and his association with sacred ash and primal sound.

I worship Shiva, the fierce one with the form of time (Kala), who roars like a tumultuous wave, frightening and terrifying. He makes the resonating sound of the Damaru drum, creating the powerful, rhythmic beat that reverberates through the cosmos. He bears the garland of Shakti, the embodiment of power, and is the Lord of all beings and gods. I worship him, smeared with sacred ash, the Lord of all beings (Bhoothanatha). This verse highlights Shiva’s fearsome and cosmic form as Kala (time), his association with the Damaru drum, and his role as the supreme lord of all beings and gods, enveloped in the power of Shakti.

I worship Shiva, who is dear to Lord Rama and is the Lord of Lakshmi (Ramesha), resounding with the great chant of Ram. He holds his hand in blessing, offering liberation, and is the great Lord (Mahesha), whose nature is sweet and gentle. He is the embodiment of Brahman (the supreme reality) and is the Lord of the left-hand path (Bamesha), who destroys all that is impure. I worship him, smeared with sacred ash, the Lord of all beings (Bhoothanatha). This verse emphasizes Shiva's connection with Lord Rama, his role as the bestower of liberation, and his manifestation as the ultimate reality, Brahman. It also reflects his power in both creation and destruction.

I worship Shiva, beloved of Vishnu (Haripriya), who destroys the threefold sufferings (physical, mental, and spiritual) and removes all sorrows. He is patient and forgiving, pardoning even the sinful, and is the embodiment of compassion and forgiveness. He is the form of deep meditation, manifesting with attributes (Saguna), and the one who sustains all through deep concentration (dharana). I worship him, smeared with sacred ash, the Lord of all beings (Bhoothanatha). This verse reflects Shiva’s close connection with Vishnu, his role as the destroyer of suffering and the merciful forgiver of sins. It also highlights his association with meditation and as the sustainer of all through dharana (concentration).

I worship Shiva, who destroys all sins and radiates with a blazing, brilliant light. He reveals the hidden truths and mysteries of existence, and is the Lord of the mountains (Gireesha) and the leader of the Ganas (celestial attendants). He holds the hand of generosity, giving boons, yet remains fierce and formidable in his appearance. I worship him, smeared with sacred ash, the Lord of all beings (Bhoothanatha). This verse emphasizes Shiva's role as the destroyer of sins, his illumination of deep spiritual truths, his connection with the Ganas, and his balance between generosity and fierceness.

I worship Shiva, the Lord of music and melody (Gītanātha), who is difficult to reach and the ultimate goal to be attained. He wears a garland of skulls (Rūṇḍamāla) and resonates with the mighty sound of Ṭanka (a resounding roar). He moves like a whirling bee (Bhramara) and takes on the fearsome form of Bhairava, the protector of sacred places (Kṣetrapāla). I worship him, smeared with sacred ash, the Lord of all beings (Bhoothanatha). This verse highlights Shiva’s role as the Lord of music, his terrifying form adorned with skulls, and his role as Bhairava, the fierce guardian of holy sites, while also likening his movement to that of a bee.

The wielder of the trident, the one who brings destruction, the Supreme Lord and husband of Parvati (Girija). You are the consort of Parvati, the Lord of illusion (maya), fair-complexioned, and the great Maheshvara. You are the Lord of Kailasa, the life force of Sati, the great destroyer (Mahakala), and the master of time (Kaleshvara). Wearing the crescent moon on your head as a crown, I worship Shiva, the Lord of all beings (Bhoothanatha). This verse highlights Shiva’s roles as the wielder of the trident and the cosmic destroyer, as well as his compassionate side as the husband of Parvati. He is the Lord of Kailasa and time itself, while the crescent moon on his head symbolizes his control over time and immortality.

Salutations to the blue-throated one (Nilakantha), the embodiment of truth and the eternal auspicious one. Salutations to the one in the form of a Yaksha, with matted locks, and the deity of serpents (Naga). Salutations to the one adorned with Indra's garland, the three-eyed one (Trilochana), and the one who holds the Ganges (Gangadhara). Wearing the crescent moon on your head as a crown, I worship Shiva, the Lord of all beings (Bhoothanatha). This verse focuses on Shiva’s unique attributes: his blue throat, symbolizing his act of drinking the poison during the ocean churning, and his eternal truth as Sada Shiva. Shiva is depicted as a Yaksha, a celestial being, and is connected with serpents and the holy Ganges flowing from his matted locks. The verse again highlights his cosmic powers through his third eye and the crescent moon, establishing him as the Lord of all beings, Bhoothanatha.

By your grace, your devotee Krishnadasa worships Bhoothanatha. By your grace, your devotee Krishnadasa remembers Bhoothanatha. By your grace, your devotee Krishnadasa sees Bhoothanatha. By your grace, your devotee Krishnadasa drinks the essence of Bhoothanatha. This verse reflects the deep devotion of Krishnadasa. It emphasizes the importance of divine grace in every aspect of a devotee's life and in experiencing the presence of Lord Bhoothanatha (Shiva).

Thus, whoever recites the Bhoothanatha Ashtakam composed by Shri Krishnadasa with a desireless mind, will surely attain the abode of Shiva (Shivaloka).