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Stotras, anyone?

As a fledgeling Vaishnava, how can I choose a stotram to recite when there are so many? I think it would be a great addition to my sadhana, but how do I determine which one is right for me?

In the Vaishnava tradition, we have Sri Vishnu Sahasranama Stotram, Purusha Suktam, Sri Suktam, Narayana Stotram, Nrsimha Kavacham, Narayana Kavacham... and in the specific Gaudiya lineage, we have stotras such as the Sri Sri Prema-dhama-deva Stotram (verses glorifying Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu), and the Govindam prayers.

Notwithstanding the endless other prayers of glorification, stotrams, suktams, etc. in Hindu Dharma! :faint:

Do you recite any stotra or sukta daily? Would you all perhaps have some guidelines in selecting these prayers?
 

Jainarayan

ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय
Staff member
Premium Member
These can be found in Sanskrit, but in Sanskrit they are meaningless to me. The formatting didn't come across properly.


Sri Krishnashtakam

Salutations to the teacher of the world, Krishna, who is the God who is the son of Vasudeva, who killed Kamsa and Chanoora, and who gave immense joy to Devaki.

Salutations to the teacher of the world, Krishna, who decorates himself with flowers of Athasee. who shines in garlands and anklets that he wears; who has a bangle made of jewels in his right hand.

Salutations to the teacher of the world, Krishna, who is blessed with black curly hair, who is very similar to the full moon, who shines in his ear drops.

Salutations to the teacher of the world, Krishna. who has the sweet scent of mandara flowers, who has pretty smile and four arms, who decorates his hair with peacock feathers.

Salutations to the teacher of the world, Krishna, who has eyes resembling the fully open lotus flowers, who has the blue color of rich clouds, who is the chief gem of the clan of Yadavas.


Salutations to the teacher of the world, Krishna, who is engaged in playing with Rukmini, who shines in yellow silks, who is attracted by the scent of ocimum.


Salutations to the teacher of the world, Krishna. who is embraced by the two busts of Gopis, whose chest has the marks of saffron, who lives with Lakshmi and has a big bow.

Salutations to the teacher of the world, Krishna, who has the mole Sri Vathsa on his chest and greatly enjoys, who is decorated by garlands of forest flowers, who holds the conch and the holy wheel.


Runa Vimochana Nrusimha Stotra


For the purpose of completion of the need of the Devas, You appeared from a pillar in a palace, O Narasimha who is a great warrior, I salute you to get rid of my debts.


Goddess Lakshmi embraces your left side, and you give boons to your devotees, O Narasimha who is a great warrior, I salute you to get rid of my debts.

God who wears the inner part of your enemy as garland, God who holds conch, wheel, lotus and other weapons, O Narasimha who is a great warrior, I salute you to get rid of my debts.

God whose very thought kills all sins, God who destroys poison of all snakes, O Narasimha who is a great warrior, I salute you to get rid of my debts.

God of a terrible lion like roar, who removes fear of elephants, which guard all directions, O Narasimha who is a great warrior, I salute you to get rid of my debts.

God who was kind to Prahlada, The Lord of Lakshmi and he who ripped apart the king of demons, O Narasimha who is a great warrior, I salute you to get rid of my debts.

God who gives freedom from fear to devotees, who are being troubled by cruel planets, O Narasimha who is a great warrior, I salute you to get rid of my debts.

God who is the lord of Vedas, Vedanta and sacrifices, who is worshipped by Brahma, Rudra and others, O Narasimha who is a great warrior, I salute you to get rid of my debts


Sri Sita Rama Stotram By Lord Hanuman

Leader of the city of Ayodhya, leader of the city of Mithila,
ornament to the clan of Raghu, and ornament to the family of Vidheha.
The light of the clan of Raghu, the light of the family of Nimi, born in the clan started by the Sun God, born in the family started by the moon God.
Son of Dasaratha, daughter of Janaka, followed wishes of Vasishta obeyed the wishes of Sadananda.
Born to the queen Kausalya, rose from the Yagna floor herself, one who has lotus like eyes, one who has eyes like fully open Indivara flowers.
Was like Lotus flower opened by chandra Kantha, one who can be compared to the face of Moon, one who walks like a active elephant, one who walks like an active swan.
One who applies sandal on his chest, one who decorates her breasts with saffron, one who has a rope in his hands, One whose hand is decorated by Lotus flower.
One who protects those who surrender, one who is pleased with their devotion, one who is of the colour of dark cloud, One who shines like Gold.
One who sits on the divine throne, one who wears divine garlands and cloth, one who glances every second, one who desires invitations from each other.
Form resembling each other, they are the great couple of the three worlds, and I salute both of them, and with gratefulness sing their praise.


Madhurashtakam

His lips are a delight, His body is a delight, His eye is a delight, His smile is a delight, His chest is a delight, His walking style is a delight; everything about the ruler of delight is delightful.||1||
His speech is a delight, His acts are a delight, His clothes are a delight, His curves are a delight, His moving is a delight, His roaming is a delight; everything about the ruler of delight is delightful.||2||
His flute is a delight, His flowers (that He wears on ears or as garlands) are a delight, His palms are a delight, His feet are a delight, His dance is a delight, His friendship is a delight; Everything about the ruler of delight is delightful.||3||
His songs are a delight, His yellow robes are a delight, His eating is a delight, His sleeping is a delight, His beauty is a delight, His mark-of-forehead is a delight; Everything about the ruler of delight is delightful.||4||
His deeds are a delight, His floating (in water) is a delight, His taking away is a delight; His romantic charms are a delight, His words are a delight, His peaceful state is a delight; Everything about the ruler of delight is delightful.||5||
His humming is a delight, His garland is a delight, His accompaniment Yamuna is a delight, His waves (generated by Him when entering the river) is a delight, His water (clinging on His body) is a delight, His lotus is a delight; Everything about the ruler of delight is delightful.||6||
His cow-herd girls are a delight, His sport is a delight, His togetherness is a delight, His free nature is a delight, His glance is a delight, His obedience is a delight; Everything about the ruler of delight is delightful.||7||
His friends are a delight, His cows are a delight, His cow-guiding-stick is a delight, His created universe is a delight, His exploits over demons are a delight, the fruit thence obtained are a delight; Everything about the ruler of delight is delightful.||8||

 

Jainarayan

ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय
Staff member
Premium Member
Sri Ramachandra Ashtakam

I constantly salute that Lord Ramachandra,
Who is the friend of Sugreeva,
Who is absolutely holy,
Who is the consort of Sita,
Who is of the colour of the new clouds,
Who is the storehouse of mercy,
And who has eyes like the lotus leaf.

I constantly salute that Lord Ramachandra,
Who is essence of everyday life,
Who is being talked about by Vedas,
Who is the incarnation of justice,
Who fills the land of our heart,
Who is constantly unperturbed,
Who is the essence of the sea of pleasure.

I constantly salute that Lord Ramachandra,
Who is the place where Lakshmi plays,
Who lives every where in this world,
Who is being meditated by the gods of earth,
Whose smile is like the autumn moon,
Who destroyed the city of Lanka,
And who makes this world shine.

I constantly salute that Lord Ramachandra,
Who wears the garland of flowers,
Who makes his words attractive,
Who has a great breadth of character,
Who cuts of the seven nets of bondage,
Who is the god of death to Asuras,
And who takes care of the world of devas.

I constantly salute that Lord Ramachandra,
Who has expert knowledge of Vedantha,
Who treats every body as equal,
Who is the sea of respectability,
Who grants favours quickly,
Who moves on an elephant,
And who puts an end to fear.

I constantly salute that Lord Ramachandra,
Who is the black coloured Rama,
Who is ever pleasing to the eyes,
Who has sterling attractive qualities,
Who talks attractive words,
Who is the model for the universe,
And who fulfills the wishes of devotees.

I constantly salute that Lord Ramachandra,
Who has a very playful attractive body,
Who is heroic in the battle field,
Who is the greatest hero in the universe,
Who is the garland to the clan of Raghu,
Who is a majestic voice,
And who wins all arguments.

I constantly salute that Lord Ramachandra,
Who is fearful to the wicked person,
Who is extremely submissive to the good person,
Who is near to those who sing about him,
Who shines greatly in his clan,
Who is the song of the stars in the sky,
And who is much beyond words.
 
These can be found in Sanskrit, but in Sanskrit they are meaningless to me. The formatting didn't come across properly.

I recite the Sanskrit because a) it is part of Sanatana Dharma, b) it was a way for thousands of years to transmit these ancient prayers even to this day, and c) it unites the Hindus that recite it! :p

It's nice that you have some of your favourite ashtakams; thanks for sharing. Madhurashtakam is very beautiful, and written by a foremost Vaishnavite. I love singing Madhurashtakam in bhajan form.

In any case, I still have no idea how to choose which prayer is for me! Perhaps I should work on the Govindam Prayers from the Brahma-samhita and then work from there...
 

Jainarayan

ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय
Staff member
Premium Member
I recite the short mantras, like gayatris and short shlokas and stotras in Sanskrit because they're easy enough to remember the meanings. From the Sri Vishnu Sahasranama, all I understand is "Sri Bhagavan uvaca", or "Arjuna uvaca". :facepalm: One day, maybe soon, something will hit you out of the blue and it will be the right one for you. :)
 

Andal

resident hypnotist
Vanakkam,

I recite Achyuta Ashtakam. It was the very first strotam I ever learned. This thread has inspired me to branch out though so I thought I would post some of the strotams I found to be really beautiful. Maybe these will help you decide. If not they are still so peaceful and beautiful!

Here is Achutya Ashtakam (with translation specially for Jainaryana :) )

http://youtu.be/WSiXhe8Rq08

Acyutāṣṭakam
I adore Rāmacandra, Who is infallible, Who is Keśava, Rāma, Nārāyaṇa, Kṛṣṇa, Dāmodara, Vāsudeva, Hari, Śrīdhara, Mādhava, Who is dear to Gopikā, and Who is the consort of Jānakī.[1]

I offer a salute with my hands together to Keśava, Who is infallible, Who is the consort of Satyabhāmā (as Kṛṣṇa), Mādhava, Śrīdhara, Who is longed-for by Rādhikā, Who is the temple of Lakṣmī (Indirā), Who is beautiful by thought, Who is dear to Devakī, and Who is dear to all.[2]

Salutations for Viṣṇu, Who conquers everyone, Who holds a conch-shell and a discus, Who is dear to Rukmiṇī (Kṛṣṇa), Who is the consort of Jānakī (Rāma), Who is dear to cowherdesses, Who is offered [in sacrifices], Who is the Ātman (soul), Who destroyed Kaṁsa, and Who plays the flute.[3]

O Kṛṣṇa! O Govinda! O Rāma! O Nārāyaṇa, Who is the consort of Lakṣmī! O Vāsudeva, Who attained the treasure of Lakṣmī! O Acyuta, Who is immeasurable! O Mādhava, O Adhokṣaja, Who is the leader of Dvārikā, and Who is the protector of Draupadī!1[4]

May Rāghava — Who upsetted the demons, Who adorned Sītā, Who is Danḍaka-forest purification cause, Who is accompanied by Lakṣmaṇa, Who was served by monkeys, and Who is revered by Sage Agastya — protect me.[5]

May Baby Gopāla (Kṛṣṇa) — Who was unfavorable to Dhenukāsura and Ariṣṭāsura, Who destroyed Keśī, Who killed Kaṁsa, Who plays the flute, and Who got angry on Pūtanā2 — always protect me.[6]

I sing praise of Acyuta, Who is adorned by a lightening like shining yellow robe, Whose body is resplendent like a cloud of the rainy-season, Who is adorned by a wild-flower garland at His chest, Whose twin-feet are of copper-red color, and Who has lotus-like eyes.[7]

I sing praise of that Śyāma, Whose face is adorned by falling locks of curly tresses, Who has jewels at forehead, Who has shining ear-rings on the cheeks, Who is adorned with a Keyūra (flower) garland, Who has a resplendent bracelet, and Who has a melodious anklet.[8]

PS: how do I embed videos on here?

Aum Hari Aum!
 

Andal

resident hypnotist
Sri Naryana Kavacham Strotram

Sri Narayana Kavacham - UmaMohan- - YouTube


Narayana Kavacham

Om harir vidhadhyan mama sarva raksham .
Nyashngir padma padgendra prushte,
Dharari charmasi gadheshu chapa,
Pasan dadhano ashtaguno ashta bahu. 12

May all the protection to me be given by Hari,
Who keeps his lotus feet on the back of the bird,
Who is armed with conch , wheel, sword, mace ,
Bow and a rope and who has eight qualities and eight hands.

Jaleshu maam rakshathu mathsya moorthir,
Yadho ganebhyo varunasya pasad,
Sthaleshu maya vatu vamano avyal,
Trivikrama khevadu viswaroopa. 13
(from this sloka onwards till sloka 19 several incarnations of Vishnu are requested to protect us in different circumstances. What is mentioned here are not the dasavathars (Ten incarnations) but a bigger list of incarnations. Devi Bhagwatha mentions 26 incarnations of Lord Vishnu viz Sanaka, Sananda, Sanathana, SAnathkumara, Varaha, Narada , Nara-narayana , Kapila, Dathathreya, Yajna, Rishabha, Pruthu, Mathsya, Mohini, Koorma, Garuda, Danwanthari, Narasimha, Vamana, Parasurama, Vyasa, Sri Rama, Bala Rama, Krishna, Budha and Kalki. All these avatharas do not find a place here. Vishaksena who is the commander in chief of army of Vishnu finds a place here.)

Let me be protected in the water by Fish incarnation,
From the animals of the sea and rope of Varuna,
Let me be protected in the Land by Vamana, the illusory boy,
And in the sky Trivikrama and viswaroopa forms.

Durgesh atavyaji mukhadhishu Prabhu,
Payanrusimho asura yoodha pari,
Vimunchatho yasya mahattahasam,
Dhiso vinedhur anya pathangascha Garbha. 14

In forts , forests, dangerous places and in war ,
Let me be protected by Lord Narasimha,
Who by his mighty roar shook all directions,
Broke open the army formation of Asura,
And caused pregnant asura women to abort.

Rakshathwasou maadhwani yajna kalpa,
Swadamshtrayoth patha dharo varaha,
Ramo aadhrikooteshwadha vipravase,
Sa lakshmanovyadh bharathagrajo maam. 15

Let me be protected on my way by Lord Varaha,
Who is Yagna personified and who by his protruding teeth,
Lifted and carried the earth to safety,
Let me be protected on mountain top by Lord Parasurama
Let me be protected when I am abroad By lord Rama,
Who is elder brother of Bharatha and Lakshmana.

Mamugra dharmad akhilath pramadath,
Narayana pathu narascha hasath,
Dathaswa yogad adha Yoga natha,
Payadh Gunesa kapila karma bandath. 16

Let me be protected by Lord Narayana,
When I am transgressing Dharma or committing mistakes,
Let me be protected from my pride by Sage Nara,
Let me protected by Sage Dathathreya,
For not engaging in Yoga , meditation and other activities
And let sage Kapila protect me from the bondage of Karma.

Sanath kumaro aavathu kama devath,
Hayanano maam padhi deva helanath,
Devarshi varya purusharcha nantharath,
Koormo harir maam nirayadh aseshath . 17

Let sage Sanath Kumara protect me from the cupid,
Let Lord Hayagreeva protect me while I am on travel,
As well as when I do action that insults the Devas,
Let Sage Narada protect me from sins of non worship of devas,
And let Hari who took the form of a tortoise,
Protect me from different types of hell.

Dhanwandarir bhagawan pathway padhyath,
Dwandwadh bhayad rushabho nirjithama,
Yajnascha loka devathaa janandath,
Balo ganath krodha vasadh aheendra. 18

Let Lord Dhanwanthari protect me from unsuitable food,
Let Rishabha , the renounced soul protect me .
From fear of the contradictory dualities* ,
Let Sage Yajna protect me from gossip of society,
Let Lord Balarama protect me from problems created by men,
And let Adhi sesha protect me from my anger.
*dualities like joy-sorrow, pain-pleasure etc.

Dwaipayano bhagwan aprabhodhad,
Budhasthu pashanda ganath pramadhath,,
Kalki kale kala malath prapath,
Dharma vanayoru kruthavathara. 19

Let Sage Vyasa protect me from lack of awakening,
Let sage Budha protect me from hypocrisy and ignorance,
Let Lord Kalki , who would be born to salvage Dharma,
Protect me from the evil effects and thoughts of Kali age.

Maam kesavo gadhaya pratharavyad,
Govinda aasangava aartha venu,
Narayana prahana udatha shakthir,
Madhyandhine vishnurareendra pani. 20

May I be protected in the morn by Kesava with his mace,
May I be protected two hours later By Govinda by his flute,
Two more hours later let Lord Narayana protect by his strength,
And at noon let Lord Vishnu protect me his holy wheel.

Devo aparahne Madhu hogra dhanwa,
Sayam thridhamavathu Madhwao maam,
Doshe Hrishi kesa, uthardha rather,
Niseedha yekovathu Padmanabha. 21

After noon let me protected by Madhu with his great bow,
In the evening Let Madhwa in the form of trinity protect me,
Between dawn and midnight let Lord Hrishi kesa protect me,
And at midnight let Lord Padmanabha alone protect me.

Srivathsa dhamaapara rathra eesa,
Prathyoosha eesosidharo janardhana,
Dhamodharo avyad anusandhyam prabathe,
Visweswaro bhagwan kala moorthi. 22

Let me protected by remaining part of the night,
By the Lord in whom Srivathsa lives,
Let me be protected just before dawn ,
By Lord Janardhana who holds the sword,
Let me be protected at sun rise,
By Lord Damodara and just before morn,
Let Lord Visweshwara give me protection.

Chakram yugantha analathigma nemi,
Bhramath samanthad Bhagvath prayuktham,
Dandhagdhi dangdhyari sainya masu,
Kaksham yadha vatha sakho huthasa. 23

Oh holy Wheel ,your edges are like the raging fire of deluge,
You are sent by the God and rotate and travel everywhere,
And so like the fire with the help of wind,
Burns in to ashes the dried up wood of a forest,
Speedily and speedily burn and burn all my enemies.

Gadhe asani sparsana visphulinge,
Nishpindi nishpindyajitha priyasi,
Koosmanda vainayaka yaksha raksho,
Bhootha graham choornaya choornyarin. 24

Oh mace , the spark raising touches of yours,
Are unbearable like the touch of Vajra,
And you are dear to the invincible lord and his servant,
And so please powder and powder again ,
Evil spirits, Yakshas, Rakshasas and all my enemies.

Thwam yathu dhana pramadha pretha mathru,
Pisacha vipra graham gora drushteen,
Dharendra vidhravaya Krishna pooritho,
Bhima swano arer hrudhayani kambhayan. 25

Oh Conch , when lord Krishna blows in you,
You create a huge and loud sound and confuse my enemies,
And drive away ghouls , devils, ghosts, Pramadhas,
Brahma Rakshas and other fearful beings.
 

Andal

resident hypnotist
cont'd

Thwam thigma dharasi varari sainyam,
Eesa prayuktha mama chindhi, chindhi,
Chakshoomshi charman satha chandra chadhaya,
Dwishamaghonaam hara papa chakshusham. 26

Oh holy sword, Be sent by the Lord himself,
And cut and cut my enemy army in to pieces,
Oh shield of the lord ,shining like hundred moons,
Please make my enemies with full of sins look blind.

Yanna bhayam grahebhyobhooth kethubhyo nrubhya eva cha,
Saree srupebhyo dhamshtribhyo bhoothabyohebhya yeva cha. 27

Sarvanyethani bhagavan nama roopasthra keerthanath,
Prayanthu samkshayam sadhyo ye na sreya pratheepika. 28

The fear that we have due to planets, comets, Kethu and kings,
The fear that we had from teethed serpents , ghosts and from sin,
And the fear that prevent our well being may all be destroyed,
Oh God , by the praise of your names and weapons.

Garudo Bhagawan sthothra sthobha chandho maya Prabhu,
Rakshathwa sesha kruchsrebhyo vishwaksena swa namabhi. 29

The Garuda, who is being praised by great musical stotras of Vedas,
Who is a god and the lord of the world, may protect me from all troubles,
By singing of his names as well as that of the Lord Vishwak sena.

Savapadbhyo harer nama roopayanaayudhani na.
Budheendriya mana praanan paanthu parshadha bhooshana. 30

Let the names and forms of Vishnu, his steed,
His weapons, and important assistants may protect,
My mind, senses and soul, from all the dangers and sins.

Yadhahi bhagwan eva vasthutha sad sachayath,
Sathye nanena na sarve yanthu nasamupadrawa. 31

The truth that God is all beings and things,
May destroy all the troubles that we face.

Yadaikathmanu bhavanam vikalpa rahitha swayam,
Bhooshanuyudha lingakhya dathe shakthi swa mayaya. 32

Thenaiva sathya manen sarvajno Bhagwan Hari,
Pathu sarvai swaroopairna sada sarvathra sarvaga. 33

Those great savants who think , that God does not have any forms,
And his weapons and ornaments are only symbols without power,
And due to this truth , the God Hari is everywhere,
And let him protect me always and everywhere ..

Vidikshu dikshoordhwamadha Samantha,
Anthar bahir bhagwan narasimha,
Praha bhayam loka bhayam swanena,
Swathejasa grastha samastha theja. 34

Let the Lord Narasimha who due to his power,
Destroyed elephants, serpents and other beings
And saved Prahladha , and removed the fear of the world,,
Protect me in all directions and non directions,
Top and below , inside and outside and in all places.

Maghavan idham aakhyatham varma narayanathmakam,
Vijeshya syanjasa yena damsitho sura yoodhapan. 35

Oh Indra, thus I have told you, the great armour of Narayana,
And using this you protect yourselves and easily,
Defeat the commanders of the army of Rakshasas.

Yethad dharayamanasthu yam yam pasyathi chakshusha,
Pada vaa samsprusethsadhya saadvasath sa vimuchyathe. 36

If he who wears his armour sees any one by his eyes,
Or even touches him by his feet, that man,
Would be able to get rid of all his fears.

Na kuthaschid bhayam thasya vidhyam dharayatho bhaved.,
Raja dasyu grahadhebhyo vyagradhibhyascha karhichith. 37

He who wears this armour will never have any fear,
From king, enemies, planets and animals like the tiger.

Imam vidhyam pura kaschid kaushiko dharayan dwija,
Yogadharanaya swa angam jahow marudhanwani. 38

Long time ago , this knowledge was worn by a Brahmin,
From Koushika Gothra and he gave up his life in a desert

Thasyopari vimanena gandharwa pathi rekhadha,
Yayou chithra radha sthreebhir vrutho yathra dwijakshaya. 39

A gandharwa called Chithra radha was travelling in a plane.
Along with his ladies , where the Brahmins body was lying.

Gagamam anya pada sadhya savimano hyavak sira,
Sa balakhilya vachanad asthhenyadhya vismitha,
Prasya prachee saraswathyam snathwa dhama swa manwagadh. 40

At that spot his plane stopped and he fell there along with his ladies,
And he was perplexed and was advised by the sages called Balakhilya,
And obeying their advice, took the bones of the Brahmin,
And put it in the river Saraswathi , took bath and went back to his home.
(Even a man died in a desert , attained salvation because of this armour.)

Sri Shuka Uvacha:-
Ya idham srunuyath kale yo dharayathi chadhrutha,
Tham namasyanthi bhoohani muchyathe sarvatho bhayath. 41

Yetham vidhyamadhi gatho viswaroopa chatha kruthu,
Trilokya lakshmeem bubhuje vinirjithya mrude asuran. 42

Sri Shuka said:-
He who wears or hears this armour of Narayana,
Would be saluted by all beings and he would get rid of all fears.

Learning this knowledge from Viswaroopa, Indra,
Won in the battle over all asuras and ,
Got the blessings of wealth of the three worlds,
 

Wannabe Yogi

Well-Known Member
Right now this is what I chant:

-Ganesa Dhyanam When I leave or come home, at the start of any religious ritual.

-I chant Adya Strotram Song of the formost (Kali), Mahalaksmi Astakam, Sarasvati Dhyanam, three times a day.

-The 108 names of Siva every morning.

- 2 to 3 times a week I try to learn the Guru Gita by chanting it.
 
Last edited:

vistascan

Learning Advaita
महिषासुरमर्दिनिस्तोत्रम्
Mahishasura Mardini Stotram


अयि गिरिनंदिनि नंदितमेदिनि विश्वविनोदिनि नंदनुते
गिरिवर विंध्य शिरोधिनिवासिनि विष्णुविलासिनि जिष्णुनुते ।
भगवति हे शितिकण्ठकुटुंबिनि भूरि कुटुंबिनि भूरि कृते
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते ॥१॥

O Daughter of the Mountain, who delight the earth, who make thewhole universe enjoy, who are praised by Nandikesvara, who dwell on the summit of the king of mountains, the Vindhyas, who took the form of the consort of Vishnu (as Lakshmi), who are praised by Indra, O consort of Siva (the blue-necked), who have innumerable families, who are the Creatrix of the whole universe, who slew the demon Mahisha, who have charming locks of hair, O Daughter of the Mountain, hail unto You, hail unto You. [1]



सुरवरवर्षिणि दुर्धरधर्षिणि दुर्मुखमर्षिणि हर्षरते
त्रिभुवनपोषिणि शंकरतोषिणि किल्बिषमोषिणि घोषरते ।
दनुज निरोषिणि दितिसुत रोषिणि दुर्मद शोषिणि सिन्धुसुते
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते ॥२॥

O Daughter of the Mountain, who delight Indra, who crushed the demon Durdhara, who subdued Durmukha, who are immersed in bliss, who nourish all the three worlds, who make Sankara happy, who remove all sins, who delight in celebration, who are angry with Asuras, who destroy evil pride, who destroyed the demon Durdama, who was born as the daughter of the ocean (as Lakshmi), who have charming locks of hair, O Daughter of the Mountain, hail unto You, hail unto You.[2]


अयि जगदंब मदंब कदंब वनप्रिय वासिनि हासरते
शिखरि शिरोमणि तुङ्ग हिमालय शृंग निजालय मध्यगते ।
मधु मधुरे मधु कैटभ गंजिनि कैटभ भंजिनि रासरते
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते ॥३॥

O Mother of the universe, who enjoy dwelling in Kadambavana, who is anointed with perfume, who sport a gentle smile, who dwell in Your abode on the peak of the lofty Himalaya mountain, the crest-jewel among mountains, who enjoy the sweetness of honey, who slew Madhu and Kaitabha, who destroy all sins, who delight in the Raasa dance, who crushed Mahishasura, who have charming locks of hair, O Daughter of the Mountain, hail unto You, hail unto You. [3]


अयि शतखण्ड विखण्डित रुण्ड वितुण्डित शुण्ड गजाधिपते
रिपु गज गण्ड विदारण चण्ड पराक्रम शुण्ड मृगाधिपते ।
निज भुज दण्ड निपातित खण्ड विपातित मुण्ड भटाधिपते
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते ॥४॥

Victory and victory to you, Oh darling daughter of the mountain, Oh Goddess who breaks the heads of ogres, In to hundreds of pieces, Who cuts the trunks of elephants in battle, Who rides on the valorous lion, Which tears the heads of elephants to pieces, Who severs the heads of the generals of the enemy, With her own arms, Who has captivating braided hair, Who is the daughter of a mountain. And who is the slayer of Mahishasura. [4]


अयि रण दुर्मद शत्रु वधोदित दुर्धर निर्जर शक्तिभृते
चतुर विचार धुरीण महाशिव दूतकृत प्रमथाधिपते ।
दुरित दुरीह दुराशय दुर्मति दानवदूत कृतांतमते
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते ॥५॥

Victory and victory to you, Oh darling daughter of the mountain, Oh Goddess who has the strength which never diminishes, To gain victory over enemies in the battle field, Who made Pramatha, the attendant of Lord Shiva, Known for his tricky strategy, as her assistant, Who took the decision to destroy the asuras, Who are bad people, with evil thoughts and mind, Oh Goddess who has captivating braided hair, Who is the daughter of a mountain. And who is the slayer of Mahishasura. [5]


अयि शरणागत वैरि वधूवर वीर वराभय दायकरे
त्रिभुवन मस्तक शूल विरोधि शिरोधि कृतामल शूलकरे ।
दुमिदुमि तामर दुंदुभिनाद महो मुखरीकृत तिग्मकरे
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते ॥६॥

Victory and victory to you, Oh darling daughter of the mountain, Oh Goddess who forgives and gives refuge, To the heroic soldiers of the enemy rank, Whose wives come seeking refuge for them, Oh Goddess who is armed with trident, Ready to throw on the heads of those, Who cause great pain to the three worlds, Oh Goddess who shines likes the hot sun, And who is aroused by sound of Dhumi, Dhumi, Produced by the beating of drums by the devas, Oh Goddess who has captivating braided hair, Who is the daughter of a mountain. And who is the slayer of Mahishasura. [6]


अयि निज हुँकृति मात्र निराकृत धूम्र विलोचन धूम्र शते
समर विशोषित शोणित बीज समुद्भव शोणित बीज लते ।
शिव शिव शुंभ निशुंभ महाहव तर्पित भूत पिशाचरते
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते ॥७॥

Victory and victory to you, Oh darling daughter of the mountain, Oh, Goddess who blew away hundreds of ogres, Who had smoking eyes, With her mere sound of Hum Oh Goddess who is the blood red creeper, Emanating from the seeds of blood,Which fell in the battle field, Oh Goddess who delights in the company of Lord Shiva, And the ogres Shumbha and Nishumbha, Who were sacrificed in the battle field, Oh Goddess who has captivating braided hair, Who is the daughter of a mountain. And who is the slayer of Mahishasura. [7]


धनुरनु संग रणक्षणसंग परिस्फुर दंग नटत्कटके
कनक पिशंग पृषत्क निषंग रसद्भट शृंग हतावटुके ।
कृत चतुरङ्ग बलक्षिति रङ्ग घटद्बहुरङ्ग रटद्बटुके
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते ॥८॥

Victory and victory to you, Oh darling daughter of the mountain, Oh Goddess who decks herself with ornaments, On her throbbing limbs in the field of battle, When she gets her bow ready to fight, Oh Goddess, who killed her enemies, In the field of battle with a shining sword, And the shaking of her golden brown spots, Oh Goddess, who made the battle ground of the four fold army, In to a stage of drama with screaming little soldiers, Oh Goddess who has captivating braided hair, Who is the daughter of a mountain. And who is the slayer of Mahishasura. [8]


जय जय जप्य जयेजय शब्द परस्तुति तत्पर विश्वनुते
झण झण झिञ्जिमि झिंकृत नूपुर सिंजित मोहित भूतपते ।
नटित नटार्ध नटीनट नायक नाटित नाट्य सुगानरते
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते ॥९॥

Victory and victory to you, Oh darling daughter of the mountain, Oh Goddess, whose victory is sung, By the whole universe, Which is interested in singing her victory, Oh Goddess who attracts the attention of Lord Shiva, By the twinkling sound made by her anklets, While she is engaged in dancing, Oh Goddess who gets delighted, By the dance and drama by versatile actors, Even while she is half of Lord Shiva’s body, Oh Goddess who has captivating braided hair, Who is the daughter of a mountain. And who is the slayer of Mahishasura. [9]


अयि सुमनः सुमनः सुमनः सुमनः सुमनोहर कांतियुते
श्रित रजनी रजनी रजनी रजनी रजनीकर वक्त्रवृते ।
सुनयन विभ्रमर भ्रमर भ्रमर भ्रमर भ्रमराधिपते
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते ॥१०॥

Victory and victory to you, Oh darling daughter of the mountain, Oh Goddess of the people with good mind, Who is greatly gracious to such people, Oh Goddess who appears very pretty to the good minded, Oh Goddess with moon like face, Who is as cool as the moon, to those in the dark, Oh Goddess whose face shines in the moon light, Oh Goddess whose very pretty flower like eyes attracts the bees, Oh Goddess who attracts devotees, like a flower which attracts bees, Oh Goddess who attracts her lord like a bee, Oh Goddess who has captivating braided hair, Who is the daughter of a mountain. And who is the slayer of Mahishasura. [10]


 

vistascan

Learning Advaita
contd..........



सहित महाहव मल्लम तल्लिक मल्लित रल्लक मल्लरते
विरचित वल्लिक पल्लिक मल्लिक झिल्लिक भिल्लिक वर्ग वृते ।
सितकृत पुल्लिसमुल्ल सितारुण तल्लज पल्लव सल्ललिते
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते ॥११॥


Victory and victory to you, Oh darling daughter of the mountain, Oh Goddess who becomes happy, In the sport of battle, assisted by warriors, Oh Goddess who is surrounded by hunters, Whose hut is surrounded by creepers, And the tribes of Mallikas, Jillakas and Bhillakas, Oh Goddess who is as pretty as The famous fully opened flower, Oh Goddess, who is as pretty as the creeper, Full of red tender leaves, Oh Goddess who has captivating braided hair, Who is the daughter of a mountain. And who is the slayer of Mahishasura [11]


अविरल गण्ड गलन्मद मेदुर मत्त मतङ्गज राजपते
त्रिभुवन भूषण भूत कलानिधि रूप पयोनिधि राजसुते ।
अयि सुद तीजन लालसमानस मोहन मन्मथ राजसुते
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते ॥१२॥

Victory and victory to you, Oh darling daughter of the mountain, Oh Goddess, who walks like a royal elephant in rut, In Whose face there is a copious flow of ichors, Oh Goddess, who is the daughter of the ocean of milk, From where the pretty moon also took his birth, Oh Goddess who is the ornament of the three worlds, Oh Goddess who is worshipped by the God of love, Who fills the minds of pretty ladies with desire, Oh Goddess who has captivating braided hair, Who is the daughter of a mountain.And who is the slayer of Mahishasura. [12]


कमल दलामल कोमल कांति कलाकलितामल भाललते
सकल विलास कलानिलयक्रम केलि चलत्कल हंस कुले ।
अलिकुल सङ्कुल कुवलय मण्डल मौलिमिलद्भकुलालि कुले
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते ॥१३॥

O You whose forehead is incomparable and is lustrous like a tender beautiful lotus petal, who are the repository of all kinds of dances and are like the gently cooing swan, in whose hair there is an array of bees, whose hair is adorned with a garland of beautiful flowers, You who have charming locks of hair, O Daughter of the Mountain, hail unto You, hail unto You. [13]


कर मुरली रव वीजित कूजित लज्जित कोकिल मञ्जुमते
मिलित पुलिन्द मनोहर गुञ्जित रंजितशैल निकुञ्जगते ।
निजगुण भूत महाशबरीगण सद्गुण संभृत केलितले
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते ॥१४॥

You who put to shame even the koel with the sweet tunes spreading out from Your flute, who move about among the creepers in the Kailasa mountain, who enjoy the dances of Your divine damsels and various other sports, You who have charming locks of hair, O Daughter of the Mountain, hail unto You, hail unto You.[14]


कटितट पीत दुकूल विचित्र मयूखतिरस्कृत चंद्र रुचे
प्रणत सुरासुर मौलिमणिस्फुर दंशुल सन्नख चंद्र रुचे ।
जित कनकाचल मौलिपदोर्जित निर्भर कुंजर कुंभकुचे
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते ॥१५॥

You set at nought even the splendour of the moon with the charm of your reddish body, black locks of hair and the yellow robe worn around the waist, whose toe-nails shine with the resplendence of the gems in the crowns of the gods and asuras who prostrate before You, whose high breasts quiver as if by the force of the torrents of water flowing down from the summits of the Meru mountain which was conquered by Lord Siva, You who have charming locks of hair, O Daughter of the Mountain, hail unto You, hail unto You. [15]


विजित सहस्रकरैक सहस्रकरैक सहस्रकरैकनुते
कृत सुरतारक सङ्गरतारक सङ्गरतारक सूनुसुते ।
सुरथ समाधि समानसमाधि समाधिसमाधि सुजातरते
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते ॥१६॥

You who by Your splendour defeat even the sun with thousands of rays, You who are prostrated to by the sun god with his thousands of rays, You who were praised by the son of Tarakasura after that asura was killed by Your son Lord Subrahmanya in the battle between the gods and Tarakasura when the gods were defeated, You who were pleased with the chanting of mantras by the royal sage Suratha and the Vaisya named Samadhi who was himself like samadhi and who prayed for nirvikalpa samadhi, You who have charming locks of hair, O Daughter of the Mountain, hail unto You, hail unto You. [16]


पदकमलं करुणानिलये वरिवस्यति योऽनुदिनं स शिवे
अयि कमले कमलानिलये कमलानिलयः स कथं न भवेत् ।
तव पदमेव परंपदमित्यनुशीलयतो मम किं न शिवे
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते ॥१७॥

Whoever constantly worships Your lotus feet, You who are the abode of compassion and who are auspiciousness itself, he will certainly be endowed with all prosperity. O Goddess Parvati, I who always meditate on Your lotus feet looking upon them as my ultimate refuge will certainly get it. O Goddess Lakshmi, who bestow everything on devotees, You who have charming locks of hair, O Daughter of the Mountain, hail unto You, hail unto You. [17]


कनकलसत्कल सिन्धु जलैरनु सिञ्चिनुते गुण रङ्गभुवं
भजति स किं न शचीकुच कुंभ तटी परिरंभ सुखानुभवम् ।
तव चरणं शरणं करवाणि नतामरवाणि निवासि शिवं
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते ॥१८॥

Whoever sprinkles the sacred precincts of Your abode with water from a golden pot will attain the position of Indra by Your grace. O consort of Lord Siva, I take refuge at Your holy feet. Deign to bless me with all prosperity, You who have charming locks of hair, O Daughter of the Mountain, hail unto You, hail unto You. [18]


तव विमलेन्दुकुलं वदनेन्दुमलं सकलं ननु कूलयते
किमु पुरुहूत पुरीन्दुमुखी सुमुखीभिरसौ विमुखीक्रियते ।
मम तु मतं शिवनामधने भवती कृपया किमुत क्रियते
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते ॥१९॥

Whoever repeatedly meditates on Your divine face adorned by the crescent moon, will he ever be rejected by beautiful women like those in Indra’s abode? O most valued treasure of Siva, why do You not fulfill my wishes, You who have charming locks of hair, O Daughter of the Mountain, hail unto You, hail unto You. [19]


अयि मयि दीनदयालुतया कृपयैव त्वया भवितव्यमुमे
अयि जगतो जननी कृपयासि यथासि तथाऽनुमितासिरते ।
यदुचितमत्र भवत्युररि कुरुतादुरुतापमपाकुरुते
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते ॥२०॥

O Goddess Uma, deign to bestow on me also Your compassion, You who are always inclined to shower compassion on the weak, O Goddess Rama, may You be hailed as the Mother of the universe. You are my mother also. I too am Your son. You may reject my prayer if it is not proper. Deign to remove my sorrow. [20]


॥इति श्रीमहिषासुरमर्दिनि स्तोत्रं संपूर्णम् ॥
Thus, ends Shree Mahishasura Mardini Stotram
 

Vinayaka

devotee
Premium Member
I'm sure everyone knows this, all and any stotra will work ten times better if accompanied by visualisation and feeling.
 

Maija

Active Member
I'm sure everyone knows this, all and any stotra will work ten times better if accompanied by visualisation and feeling.

it's a good reminder. I often forget this ! I say a few mantas daily, mahamantra of course is my favorite, Gayatri mantra and Guru shloka. These are mainly what I am familiar with. I just recently learnt what a stotra is!

Vinayaka- what's your stotra?

Good subject, Gaura!
 
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Vinayaka

devotee
Premium Member
Vinayaka- what's your stotra?

I'm a very simple person. Until I get the one I use right, I won't add any more. And that could be several lifetimes yet. :)

Normally I don't share this kind of personal information, as per instructions.
 

Viraja

Jaya Jagannatha!
As a fledgeling Vaishnava, how can I choose a stotram to recite when there are so many? I think it would be a great addition to my sadhana, but how do I determine which one is right for me?

Do you recite any stotra or sukta daily? Would you all perhaps have some guidelines in selecting these prayers?

1. It might be a very good idea to start reciting the stotra of a Guru and ask for his guidance.

2. Since I recite some slokas in my native tongue, I am of great respect for such renderings as one can understand what one is saying. Ofcourse, it is possible to learn the meaning of Sanskrit slokas one is reciting and then to remember it while reciting them, but to me, nothing is equivalent to reciting them in the native tongue itself - one makes no effort to understand every single word.

So given this guideline, one can choose small stotras in English translation and recite them to the effect of spending 15 min in dhyana - as one progresses, in 2 to 3 months, one can gradually increase this time span and number of stotras recited.
 
1. It might be a very good idea to start reciting the stotra of a Guru and ask for his guidance.

2. Since I recite some slokas in my native tongue, I am of great respect for such renderings as one can understand what one is saying. Ofcourse, it is possible to learn the meaning of Sanskrit slokas one is reciting and then to remember it while reciting them, but to me, nothing is equivalent to reciting them in the native tongue itself - one makes no effort to understand every single word.

So given this guideline, one can choose small stotras in English translation and recite them to the effect of spending 15 min in dhyana - as one progresses, in 2 to 3 months, one can gradually increase this time span and number of stotras recited.

Thank you so much for your suggestions! :D I am now trying to recite the Sri Shikshashtakam (by Sri Chaitanya), and Sri Sri Prema-dhama-deva Stotram (by one of our acharyas, Srila Sridhar Maharaj), both prayers of which come from my own tradition. I also recite the English whenever possible... it would be too beautiful to skip the jewels of meaning encrusted in the shlokas!

If I can master these two, then I can move on to the 'Govindam' prayers (which span a few shlokas) from the Sri Brahma-samhita. I doubt that I would even reach beyond my first two prayers, especially when there is so much meaning from so little of such gems!
 
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