Although composed as distinct hymns, the four *aṣṭakas* form a coherent devotional progression: 1. **Lingashtakam** — external worship: bowing to the sacred emblem. 2. **Bilvashtakam** — ritual offering: presenting the pure Bilva leaf. 3. **Sivashtakam** — contemplation: visualizing Śiva's divine form. 4. **Vishwanathashtakam** — realization: seeing Śiva as Viśvanātha, Lord of the Universe, who grants liberation. Together they trace a journey from outer ritual to inner awareness, reflecting the Advaitic notion that devotion (*bhakti*) culminates in self-knowledge. This theological arc explains their enduring popularity in household prayer and public recitation.