**Lingashtakam** *Lingashtakam* venerates the *Śiva Liṅga* as the cosmic emblem of creation, preservation, and dissolution. Each verse describes the Liṅga's attributes—its radiance, fragrance, ornamentation, and power to dispel sin—culminating in the refrain **"tad praṇamāmi Sadāśiva Liṅgam"** ("I bow to that eternal Liṅga of Śiva"). The poem encapsulates Śaiva theology in simple, rhythmic Sanskrit, making it ideal for congregational chant. **Bilvashtakam** This hymn praises the *Bilva* or *Bilva-patra* (Aegle marmelos leaf) offered to Śiva. Symbolically linked to the three eyes of the Lord and the three gunas, the Bilva leaf is described as destroying the sins of three births. The refrain **"eka bilvaṁ śivārpaṇam"** ("this single Bilva leaf I offer to Śiva") expresses total surrender. The hymn reflects Puranic statements in the *Śiva Purāṇa* and *Skanda Purāṇa* about the sanctity of the Bilva tree. **Sivashtakam** *Śivāṣṭakam* is a lyrical eulogy of Śiva's divine form—his serpent ornaments, matted hair, ash-smeared body, and compassionate nature. It paints an intimate portrait of the Lord as *Śaṅkara*, *Śambhu*, and *Īśāna*. The imagery recalls the descriptions in *Rudra Sūkta* and *Śiva Mahimna Stotra*. Philosophically, it equates Śiva with the supreme consciousness beyond time. **Vishwanathashtakam** The *Viśvanāthāṣṭakam* centers on Lord Viśvanātha of Vārāṇasī (Kāśī), one of the most sacred Śaiva shrines. Each verse ends with **"Vārāṇasī-pura-patiṁ bhaja Viśvanātham"**—"Worship Viśvanātha, the Lord of Vārāṇasī." The hymn intertwines geography and metaphysics, identifying the city itself as a locus of liberation. Traditional belief holds that reciting it near the *Liṅga* of Viśvanātha grants mokṣa.