Penned by Adi Shankaracharya, himself considered to be an avatar of Lord Shiva, Shiva Lingashtakam is a prayer offered to Lord Shiva in the form of linga (meaning symbol in Sanskrit). The prayer is a declaration of faith, obedience, loyalty, and devotion towards Lord Shiva. Shivalinga is a symbolic representation of the creation of the Universe from the eternal play of Shiva and Shakti. Shiva Lingashtakam lists Lord Shiva’s glories and the benefits of worshipping the Shivalinga.