Shiv Chaamar Stuti — A Pillar of Kashmiri Shaivism
Among the many devotional hymns preserved within Kashmiri Pandit households, the Shiv Chaamar Stuti holds a special place. Recited during the winter ritual cycle, this stuti is a prayer of surrender, seeking Shiva’s compassion, protection, and liberation.
The Shiv Chaamar Stuti is often associated with the great philosopher and mystic of Kashmiri Shaivism, Abhinavagupta. The song also came into prominence recently in the Netflix movie Baramulla.
The name “Chaamar” refers to the chaamara (yak-tail fan) often used in rituals to honor deities, symbolizing respect and purity. In the context of the Stuti, 'Chaamar' describes the unique, rhythmic meter in which the hymn is traditionally chanted. This peculiar, sing-song rhythm is said to mimic the graceful, fanning motion of a fly-whisk, adding a kinetic and devotional element to the recitation.
🙏 शिव चामर स्तुति (Shiv Chaamar Stuti) 🙏
Below is a complete five-shloka recitation of the Shiv Chaamar Stuti in Devanagari, followed by English meanings.
| Devanagari | Roman Transliteration |
|---|---|
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१. अति भीषण कटु भाषण यमकिङ्कर पटल- त्रसदस्वर निनदात्मक विकटानन घनदल । हर हन्त भवदर्थितं शरणं प्रपद्ये त्वदनन्त सुलभ स्मरणं मम नाथ वरद ॥ |
1. ati bhīṣaṇa kaṭu bhāṣaṇa yama-kiṅkara paṭala- trasadasvara ninadātmaka vikaṭānana ghanadala | hara hanta bhavad-arthitaṃ śaraṇaṃ prapadye tvad-ananta sulabha smaraṇaṃ mama nātha varada || |
Meaning of the Shloka: In the dreadful hour when Yama’s harsh-voiced attendants surround the soul with terrifying cries, O Shiva, I seek refuge in You. Your remembrance alone grants protection to the helpless.
How to chant this Shloka: Slow, steady chanting; 4 quarters, anustubh-like; Emphasis on “अति भीषण” and “शरणं प्रपद्ये”
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२. प्रलयाग्नि समदाहकं ज्वलितानल जटिलं धरणीधर शिरःस्थितं त्रिभुवनाधिप पद्मम् । शरणागतजनार्तिहृत प्रभु शूलधर देव वितरामि तव पादयुगं शिव नित्यशरण्यम् ॥ |
2. pralayāgni samadāhakaṃ jvalitānala jaṭilaṃ dharaṇīdhara śiraḥ-sthitaṃ tribhuvanādhipa padmam | śaraṇāgata-janārti-hṛta prabhu śūladhara deva vitarāmi tava pādayugaṃ śiva nitya-śaraṇyam || |
Meaning of the Shloka: Your matted locks hold the blazing cosmic fire, yet also cradle the moon. You remove the distress of all who surrender to You. O wielder of the trident—Your feet are my eternal refuge.
How to chant this Shloka: Even pace; Rising intonation on “शरणागतजन”
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३. कृतदोषमखिलं मया निखिलज्ञानविवर मम चेतसि निवासक त्वमसीति विततम् । अपराधशतकोटिभारभिन्नं च मनो मे प्रभु पालय कृपानिधे त्रिजगदीश्वर नाथ ॥ |
3. kṛta-doṣam akhilaṃ mayā nikhilajñāna-vivara mama cetasi nivāsaka tvam asīti vitatam | aparādha-śata-koṭi-bhāra-bhinnaṃ ca mano me prabhu pālaya kṛpānidhe trijagad-īśvara nātha || |
Meaning of the Shloka: I am burdened with countless errors and ignorance, yet my heart constantly repeats that You dwell within me. O Lord of the three worlds, protect me—You who are the ocean of compassion.
How to chant this Shloka: Recited softly; Emphasis on “कृपानिधे”
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४. शवभूषण परात्परं शशिशेखर विभो भ्रमरालयवसन्ततां मम भक्तिं कुरु भोः । जगदेक पितृरक्षकम् मृतिविनाशनकरं शरणं शरणमेधि नो भवबन्धविनुतम् ॥ |
4. śava-bhūṣaṇa parātparaṃ śaśi-śekhara vibho bhramarālaya-vasantatāṃ mama bhaktiṃ kuru bhoḥ | jagad-eka pitṛ-rakṣakam mṛti-vināśana-karaṃ śaraṇaṃ śaraṇamedhi no bhavabandha-vinutam || |
Meaning of the Shloka: O Shiva, adorned with ash and beyond all duality, crowned with the moon—establish unwavering devotion in me. You alone protect the universe and free us from the bondage of death.
How to chant this Shloka: Flowing pace; Extended tone on “शशिशेखर”
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५. नरकसदनभयङ्करं प्रलयाग्निसदृशं यमपाशनिकरस्फुटं परितो मम गतिम् । विनिवारय सदाशिव त्वदनुग्रहबलात् जगदाधिप परमेश्वर त्रिभुवनैकगुरो ॥ |
5. naraka-sadana-bhayaṅkaraṃ pralayāgni-sadṛśaṃ yama-pāśa-nikara-sphuṭaṃ parito mama gatim | vinivāraya sadāśiva tvad-anugraha-balāt jagad-ādhipa parameśvara tribhuvanaika-guro || |
Meaning of the Shloka: When the noose of Yama tightens and the fires of terror rise around me, O Sadashiva—let Your grace dispel every fear. You are the supreme Lord and the guide of the three worlds.
How to chant this Shloka: Slow concluding cadence; Rest on “त्रिभुवनैकगुरो” for devotional emphasis
Hymn recited by Pt Prem Nath Shastri
The Shiv Chaamar Stuti is more than a hymn — it is an intimate Kashmiri Pandit prayer passed from generation to generation. Its five shlokas remind us that no matter how frightening life becomes, Shiva’s grace stands as an unwavering shield.
Video with Lyrics and English Translation by Chandramukhi Ganju