Rudrashtakam: A Hymn from RamacharitaManas by Goswami Tulasidas

In this book the hymn Rudrashtaka praising Mahadeva Maheshwara Shiva is explained word by word explaining the textual and the deep meaning of the hymn based on various sacred scriptures. About the HymnThe hymn Rudrashtaka appears in the Uttara Khand of Ramacharita manas (a narration of Raamayana by Tulasi Daasa - the composer of hanuman chalisa and a great devotee of Raama, Shiva and Hanuman)This hymn is told as narrated by Lomasha Maharshi to save his disciple from the curse of Shiva.This hymn is an wonderful text comprised of eight stanzas praising the greatness of Shiva in all aspects. It also praises that Shiva is the greatest GOD. The Brahman (absolute god who is formless and can take many forms by will.)Various qualities, attributes, motifs of lord Shiva are described well with the use of profound words.Devotees of Shiva consider this hymn as one among the most important hymns on Lord Shiva and chant it regularly or on important days of lord Shiva's worship.