An electrode for an extra-high pressure discharge lamp, comprises large diameter portion which is symmetrical with respect to an axis of the electrode, a small diameter portion connected to the large diameter portion, wherein the large diameter portion is connected to the small diameter portion through an outer surface portion of the electrode, wherein a stripe lines like pattern portion, extending along an electrode axis direction, is formed on a portion to be brought in contact with glass of a lamp, and wherein unevenness is formed over an entire circumference of the electrode in a cross sectional view of the electrode taken along a direction perpendicular to the electrode axis direction.