Based in Los Angeles and Initially trained as a visual artist, filmmaker an… Read Full Bio ↴Based in Los Angeles and Initially trained as a visual artist, filmmaker and jazz musician, Dave Stringer had his formative experiences with chanting when film editing work brought him to the Siddha Yoga ashram in Ganeshpuri, India in 1990. A subsequent period of residence at the ashram laid the foundation for his continuing study of the ideas, practices and music of yoga.

Since 2000, Stringer and a diverse ensemble of accompanying musicians have toured North America and Europe tirelessly, developing new venues for music, and expanding the audience for kirtan. He has introduced chanting for the first time to many seemingly unlikely cities, and through his consistent touring, has been instrumental in the development of a number of thriving local kirtan communities.

Hey Shiva Shankara
Dave Stringer Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Hey Shiva Shankara Hey Maheshwara

Sukha Kara Dukha Hara Hara Hara Shankara

Om Namah Shivaya

Om Namah Shivaya

Om Namah Shivaya

Hey Shiva Shankara Hey Maheshwara
Hara Shambho Hara Shambho

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Dave Stringer's song "Hey Shiva Shankara" are a devotional chant to celebrate Lord Shiva, the Hindu deity associated with transformation, destruction, and creation. The repetition of phrases like "Hey Shiva Shankara" and "Hey Maheshwara" serves to invoke and praise these aspects of Shiva's divine nature.

The first line, "Hey Shiva Shankara Hey Maheshwara," addresses Shiva directly, recognizing and honoring his presence. The second line, "Sukha Kara Dukha Hara Hara Hara Shankara," describes the role of Shiva in our lives. "Sukha Kara" means "giver of happiness," indicating Shiva's ability to bring joy and bliss to our existence. "Dukha Hara" translates to "remover of sorrows," symbolizing Shiva's power to alleviate pain and suffering. The repetition of "Hara Hara Hara Shankara" intensifies this idea, emphasizing Shiva's role as the ultimate source of liberation and release from all worldly afflictions.

The following lines, "Om Namah Shivaya," are a sacred mantra often chanted during meditation or prayers. It is a powerful invocation and offering of reverence to Lord Shiva, acknowledging his divine essence and seeking his blessings. The repetition of "Om Namah Shivaya" further deepens the connection with Shiva and helps to align the mind and heart with his energy.

Overall, "Hey Shiva Shankara" is a devotional chant that expresses gratitude, surrender, and reverence towards Lord Shiva, emphasizing his transformative and liberating powers.

Line by Line Meaning

Hey Shiva Shankara Hey Maheshwara
O Supreme Lord Shiva, O Great Lord Maheshwara

Sukha Kara Dukha Hara Hara Hara Shankara
You bring happiness and remove sorrows, O Hara Hara Hara Shankara

Om Namah Shivaya
I bow to Lord Shiva

Hey Shiva Shankara Hey Maheshwara
O Supreme Lord Shiva, O Great Lord Maheshwara

Hara Shambho Hara Shambho
O Hara Shambho, O destroyer of illusion and ignorance

Lyrics © MAGNETIC MELODIES
Written by: Traditional, Dave Stringer

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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