Bhaja Govindam · भज गोविन्दम्
Deity: Govinda (Krishna / Vishnu)
Composer: Adi Shankaracharya (~8th C). 12 verses by Shankara + 14 by his 14 disciples = Charpata-panjarika-stotram (the "cage-prison hymn").
Length: 31 verses (12 + 14 + 5)
When recited: Daily as a viveka (discrimination) aid. Mandatory listening at the bedside of the dying.
Context — Shankara was walking in Kashi when he heard an old man repeatedly drilling Panini's grammar rules ("dukrin-karane"). Moved with compassion at how the man spent his last days on dry grammar instead of God, Shankara composed this hymn on the spot, urging the man to chant Govinda's name.
Phala — Awakens viveka (discrimination between the eternal and the transient). Removes attachment to body, wealth, family. Grants moksha.
Selected verses
भज गोविन्दं भज गोविन्दं गोविन्दं भज मूढमते।
सम्प्राप्ते सन्निहिते काले नहि नहि रक्षति डुकृञ्करणे॥
Worship Govinda, worship Govinda, worship Govinda, O fool! When the time of death comes near — your grammar rules will not, will not, save you. (Verse 1 — refrain)
मूढ जहीहि धनागमतृष्णां कुरु सद्बुद्धिं मनसि वितृष्णाम्।
यल्लभसे निजकर्मोपात्तं वित्तं तेन विनोदय चित्तम्॥
O fool, abandon the thirst for accumulating wealth! Form right thoughts in your mind, free of craving. Whatever wealth comes by your own karma — find joy in that. (Verse 2)
नारीस्तनभरनाभीदेशं दृष्ट्वा माऽगा मोहावेशम्।
एतन्मांसवसादिविकारं मनसि विचिन्तय वारं वारम्॥
Seeing a woman's breast and navel — do not fall into delusion. This is only flesh, fat, and other modifications. Reflect on this again and again in the mind. (Verse 3)
नलिनीदलगतजलमतितरलं तद्वज्जीवितमतिशयचपलम्।
विद्धि व्याध्यभिमानग्रस्तं लोकं शोकहतं च समस्तम्॥
Like a drop of water on a lotus-leaf — utterly trembling — so is life, utterly fleeting. Know that the entire world is afflicted by disease, pride, and grief. (Verse 4)
पुनरपि जननं पुनरपि मरणं पुनरपि जननीजठरे शयनम्।
इह संसारे बहुदुस्तारे कृपयाऽपारे पाहि मुरारे॥
Again birth, again death, again the lying in the womb of the mother — in this samsara, exceedingly hard to cross — by your boundless mercy save me, O Murari! (Verse 21)
Lingashtakam · लिङ्गाष्टकम्
Deity: Shiva (as Linga)
Composer: Anonymous (attributed to Adi Shankara in some traditions). Sung in every Shiva temple at the time of abhishekam.
Length: 8 verses (ashtakam) + phala-shruti
When recited: Every Monday + Pradosha. Daily during Shravana and Karthika months. Mandatory at every Rudrabhisheka.
Context — A pithy 8-verse meditation on Shiva-Linga as the supreme reality. Each verse begins "Brahma-Murari" and ends "Tat-pranamami Sadashiva Lingam" — building a hypnotic mantra-rhythm.
Phala — Shivaloka after death (per the phala-shruti). Removal of all sins. Granted to the devotee even if he understands not a single Sanskrit word — sincerity of recitation suffices.
Selected verses
ब्रह्ममुरारिसुरार्चितलिङ्गं निर्मलभाषितशोभितलिङ्गम्।
जन्मजदुःखविनाशकलिङ्गं तत्प्रणमामि सदाशिवलिङ्गम्॥
The Linga worshipped by Brahma, Vishnu (Murari) and the devas; the Linga radiant with pure speech; the Linga that destroys the suffering of birth — I bow to that Sadashiva Linga. (Verse 1)
देवमुनिप्रवरार्चितलिङ्गं कामदहं करुणाकरलिङ्गम्।
रावणदर्पविनाशनलिङ्गं तत्प्रणमामि सदाशिवलिङ्गम्॥
The Linga worshipped by the foremost devas and munis; the Linga that burnt Kama (Cupid); the Linga of infinite compassion; the Linga that destroyed Ravana's pride — I bow to that Sadashiva Linga. (Verse 2)
सर्वसुगन्धिसुलेपितलिङ्गं बुद्धिविवर्धनकारणलिङ्गम्।
सिद्धसुरासुरवन्दितलिङ्गं तत्प्रणमामि सदाशिवलिङ्गम्॥
The Linga anointed with all fragrances; the Linga that causes the expansion of wisdom; the Linga worshipped by siddhas, devas, and asuras — I bow to that Sadashiva Linga. (Verse 3)
अष्टदलोपरिवेष्टितलिङ्गं सर्वसमुद्भवकारणलिङ्गम्।
अष्टदरिद्रविनाशितलिङ्गं तत्प्रणमामि सदाशिवलिङ्गम्॥
The Linga surrounded by an eight-petalled lotus; the Linga that is the cause of all manifestation; the Linga that destroys the eight kinds of poverty — I bow to that Sadashiva Linga. (Verse 4)
Mahishasura Mardini Stotram (Aigiri Nandini) · महिषासुर मर्दिनी स्तोत्रम्
Deity: Mahishasura-Mardini Durga
Composer: Adi Shankaracharya (~8th C)
Length: 21 verses
When recited: All 9 nights of Navaratri (especially Saptami-Ashtami-Navami). Daily by Shakta upasakas. At any threat of overpowering odds.
Context — Shankara's ecstatic celebration of the Devi's slaying of Mahishasura. The metre (Mahasragdhara) is breathtakingly difficult — each line packed with intricate alliteration that mimics the rhythm of battle.
Phala — Victory over enemies. The Devi's personal protection. Removal of fear. Recitation during Navaratri grants the merit of a full Saptashati path.
Selected verses
अयि गिरिनन्दिनि नन्दितमेदिनि विश्वविनोदिनि नन्दिनुते।
गिरिवरविन्ध्यशिरोऽधिनिवासिनि विष्णुविलासिनि जिष्णुनुते।
भगवति हे शितिकण्ठकुटुम्बिनि भूरिकुटुम्बिनि भूरिकृते।
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते॥
O daughter of the mountain! Bestower of joy on the earth! Sportive of the universe! Praised by Nandi! O dweller on the peak of the Vindhya, the great mountain! Sportive of Vishnu, praised by the victorious! O Goddess, family of the dark-throated one (Shiva), of vast family, of great deed — Victory, victory to you, O slayer of Mahishasura, of beautiful matted hair, daughter of the mountain! (Verse 1)
सुरवरवर्षिणि दुर्धरधर्षिणि दुर्मुखमर्षिणि हर्षरते।
त्रिभुवनपोषिणि शङ्करतोषिणि किल्बिषमोषिणि घोषरते।
दनुजनिरोषिणि दितिसुतरोषिणि दुर्मदशोषिणि सिन्धुसुते।
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते॥
Showering boons on the best of devas, attacker of the difficult-to-defeat, slayer of the foul-faced, delighting in joy. Nourisher of the three worlds, pleaser of Shankara, destroyer of sins, delighting in roar. Furious at the demons, angry at the sons of Diti, drying up the intoxicated, daughter of the ocean — Victory! (Verse 2)
अयि शतखण्ड विखण्डितरुण्ड वितुण्डितशुण्द गजाधिपते।
रिपुगजगण्डविदारणचण्डपराक्रमशुण्डमृगाधिपते।
निजभुजदण्डनिपातितखण्डविपातितमुण्डभटाधिपते।
जय जय हे महिषासुरमर्दिनि रम्यकपर्दिनि शैलसुते॥
O Devi who shatters into a hundred pieces the heads of demons; who breaks the trunks of demon-elephant lords. Whose lion mount has a fierce trunk that splits open the temples of enemy elephants. Who by your own arm-rod strikes down warrior-lords and crushes their skulls — Victory! (Verse 5)
Madhurashtakam · मधुराष्टकम्
Deity: Bala Krishna (child Krishna)
Composer: Vallabhacharya (1479-1531) — founder of the Pushti Marga.
Length: 8 verses (ashtakam)
When recited: Daily by Pushti Marga + ISKCON devotees. Mandatory on Krishna Janmashtami.
Context — Vallabhacharya was a devotee whose poetry refused to address Krishna in adult heroic form — only as the sweet child of Brindavan. Every line ends "madhuram, madhuram — sweet, sweet". The hymn is a meditation on madhurya-bhava.
Phala — Awakens madhurya-bhava (the sweet bhakti-mood). Removes pride. Brings spontaneous tears + smiles. The Lord's sweetness becomes the devotee's only food.
Selected verses
अधरं मधुरं वदनं मधुरं नयनं मधुरं हसितं मधुरम्।
हृदयं मधुरं गमनं मधुरं मधुराधिपते रखिलं मधुरम्॥
Sweet are his lips, sweet his face, sweet his eyes, sweet his smile, sweet his heart, sweet his walk — O Lord of sweetness, all about you is sweet! (Verse 1)
वचनं मधुरं चरितं मधुरं वसनं मधुरं वलितं मधुरम्।
चलितं मधुरं भ्रमितं मधुरं मधुराधिपते रखिलं मधुरम्॥
Sweet are his words, sweet his deeds, sweet his garments, sweet his folds, sweet his walking, sweet his roaming — O Lord of sweetness, all about you is sweet! (Verse 2)
वेणुर्मधुरो रेणुर्मधुरः पाणिर्मधुरः पादौ मधुरौ।
नृत्यं मधुरं सख्यं मधुरं मधुराधिपते रखिलं मधुरम्॥
Sweet is his flute, sweet the dust (of Brindavan), sweet his hands, sweet his feet, sweet his dance, sweet his friendship — O Lord of sweetness, all about you is sweet! (Verse 3)
Kanakadhara Stotram · कनकधारा स्तोत्रम्
Deity: Lakshmi (Mahalakshmi)
Composer: Adi Shankaracharya (~8th C, as a young brahmachari)
Length: 21 verses
When recited: Daily by householders for wealth + prosperity. Mandatory on Fridays + Diwali eve.
Context — Young Shankara, during his brahmacharya, went begging for alms. A poor woman with nothing in her house gave him a single dried amla fruit — her only food. Moved by her piety, Shankara composed this hymn invoking Lakshmi. A shower of golden amla fruits (kanaka = gold, dhara = stream) fell into her courtyard. The Kanakadhara has worked for the faithful ever since.
Phala — Reliable wealth. Removal of poverty-doshas. Tested across centuries — especially for those whose poverty is karmic, not behavioural.
Selected verses
अङ्गं हरेः पुलकभूषणमाश्रयन्ती भृङ्गाङ्गनेव मुकुलाभरणं तमालम्।
अङ्गीकृताखिलविभूतिरपाङ्गलीला माङ्गल्यदास्तु मम मङ्गलदेवतायाः॥
She who clings to Hari's body like a female bee resting on a tamala tree adorned with buds, she who has accepted all opulences in her side-glance — may the auspicious glance of the goddess of all good bestow auspiciousness upon me. (Verse 1)
मुग्धा मुहुर्विदधती वदने मुरारेः प्रेमत्रपाप्रणिहितानि गतागतानि।
माला दृशोर्मधुकरीव महोत्पले या सा मे श्रियं दिशतु सागरसम्भवायाः॥
Bewitching glances cast on the face of Murari, going and returning, full of love-shyness — those eyes moving like a bee on a great blue lotus — may that ocean-born one (Lakshmi) bestow Lakshmi on me. (Verse 2)
सन्तं विधाय करुणार्द्रकटाक्षदृष्ट्या भूत्या समासितमुदारगुणैरमुष्य।
भर्तुर्मनोऽनुगुणजां वहती चिराय या सा मे श्रियं दिशतु सागरसम्भवायाः॥
Having created her devotee with her compassionate side-glance, seated by the side of the Lord, with great virtues, ever following the heart's desire of her Husband — may that ocean-born one bestow Lakshmi on me. (Verse 3)
Achyutashtakam · अच्युताष्टकम्
Deity: Achyuta (Krishna)
Composer: Adi Shankaracharya
Length: 9 verses (ashtakam + phala-shruti)
When recited: Daily by Smarta + Vaishnava devotees. Particularly powerful on Ekadashi.
Context — A pure-praise hymn — each verse a string of Krishna's names in apposition. Shankara's most popular Krishna stotra after Bhaja Govindam.
Phala — Krishna-prema. Conquest of attachment. Mukti through nama-smarana alone.
Selected verses
अच्युतं केशवं रामनारायणं कृष्णदामोदरं वासुदेवं हरिम्।
श्रीधरं माधवं गोपिकावल्लभं जानकीनायकं रामचन्द्रं भजे॥
I worship: Achyuta, Keshava, Rama-Narayana, Krishna-Damodara, Vasudeva, Hari, Sri-dhara, Madhava, the beloved of the gopikas, the husband of Janaki, Ramachandra. (Verse 1)
अच्युतं केशवं सत्यभामाधवं माधवं श्रीधरं राधिकाराधितम्।
इन्दिरामन्दिरं चेतसा सुन्दरं देवकीनन्दनं नन्दजं सन्दधे॥
I meditate on: Achyuta, Keshava, the husband of Satyabhama, Madhava, Sridhara, the one worshipped by Radhika, the abode of Lakshmi (Indira), beautiful in the heart, the joy of Devaki, the son of Nanda. (Verse 2)
विष्णवे जिष्णवे शङ्खिने चक्रिणे रुक्मिणीरागिणे जानकीजानये।
वल्लवीवल्लभायाऽर्चितायात्मने कंसविध्वंसिने वंशिने ते नमः॥
Salutations to: Vishnu, the victorious, the conch-bearer, the discus-bearer, lover of Rukmini, husband of Janaki, beloved of the gopis, the worshipped Self, slayer of Kamsa, holder of the flute. (Verse 3)
Annapurna Stotram · अन्नपूर्णा स्तोत्रम्
Deity: Annapurna (Parvati as goddess of food)
Composer: Adi Shankaracharya — composed at Kashi Vishvanath temple after the Annapurna shrine vision.
Length: 12 verses + phala-shruti
When recited: Before every meal at Kashi pilgrims' households. Daily by Smarta women for ensuring abundance of food at home. On Annapurna Jayanti (Margashirsha Purnima).
Context — Shankara at Kashi had a vision of Parvati offering food to Shiva himself — the cosmic realisation that without Annapurna's grace not even Shiva can eat. He composed this 12-verse hymn on the spot.
Phala — Eternal abundance of food in the home. No member of the household ever goes hungry. Particularly powerful for the recovering-poor.
Selected verses
नित्यानन्दकरी वराभयकरी सौन्दर्यरत्नाकरी निर्धूताखिलघोरपावनकरी प्रत्यक्षमाहेश्वरी।
प्रालेयाचलवंशपावनकरी काशीपुराधीश्वरी भिक्षां देहि कृपावलम्बनकरी मातान्नपूर्णेश्वरी॥
Granter of eternal bliss, granter of boons and fearlessness, ocean of beauty's gem, purifier of all dire sins, the visible Maheshwari. Sanctifier of the lineage of the snowy mountain (Himalaya), Empress of Kashi-puri — grant me alms, supported by your compassion, O Mother Annapurneshwari! (Verse 1)
माता च पार्वती देवी पिता देवो महेश्वरः।
बान्धवाः शिवभक्ताश्च स्वदेशो भुवनत्रयम्॥
My mother is Devi Parvati, my father is Lord Maheshwara, my kinsmen are the devotees of Shiva, my homeland is the three worlds. (Closing verse 12)
Shiva Tandava Stotram · शिव ताण्डव स्तोत्रम्
Deity: Shiva (Tandaveshwara — Lord of the cosmic dance)
Composer: Ravana — composed beneath Mt. Kailasa after Shiva pinned him down with his toe.
Length: 17 verses (16 + phala-shruti)
When recited: Maha-Shivaratri. Pradosha. Daily by Shaivas. Particularly during the cosmic-dance hour (between 9 PM - midnight).
Context — Ravana, prideful of his strength, tried to lift Mt. Kailasa (Shiva's abode) to bring it to Lanka. Shiva pressed Kailasa down with his toe, crushing Ravana's hand. In agony but with bhakti, Ravana sang this dance-rhythm hymn — the metre (panchachamara) is the most musically intricate in Sanskrit. Shiva, pleased, granted him the legendary sword Chandrahasa.
Phala — Recitation grants Shiva-prema, conquest of fear (Ravana's curse / blessing), and complete protection from black magic.
Selected verses
जटाटवीगलज्जलप्रवाहपावितस्थले गलेऽवलम्ब्य लम्बितां भुजङ्गतुङ्गमालिकाम्।
डमड्डमड्डमड्डमन्निनादवड्डमर्वयं चकार चण्डताण्डवं तनोतु नः शिवः शिवम्॥
From the forest of his matted hair, the Ganga's stream sanctifies the place; on his neck hangs the long, lofty garland of serpents; with the sound damat-damat-damat — the damaru roars — Shiva performed the fierce tandava. May he grant us auspiciousness! (Verse 1)
जटाकटाहसंभ्रमभ्रमन्निलिम्पनिर्झरीविलोलवीचिवल्लरीविराजमानमूर्धनि।
धगद्धगद्धगज्ज्वलल्ललाटपट्टपावके किशोरचन्द्रशेखरे रतिः प्रतिक्षणं मम॥
On whose head the Ganga's flowing waves shimmer and toss in the matted hair-pot; on whose forehead-plate the fire blazes dhagat-dhagat-dhagat — in him who wears the youthful moon as a crest, my love is at every moment. (Verse 2)
धराधरेन्द्रनन्दिनीविलासबन्धुबन्धुर स्फुरद्दिगन्तसन्ततिप्रमोदमानमानसे।
कृपाकटाक्षधोरणीनिरुद्धदुर्धरापदि क्वचिद्दिगम्बरे मनो विनोदमेतु वस्तुनि॥
In whose mind there is joy at the play of the mountain-king's daughter (Parvati), beautiful friend, brilliant in all directions; whose unbearable misfortunes are checked by the stream of his compassionate glances — in that sky-clad one (Digambara) may my mind find ever-new joy. (Verse 3)
Sri Suktam · श्री सूक्तम्
Deity: Sri Mahalakshmi
Composer: Rig Veda — Khila section (appendix). One of the most ancient hymns to Lakshmi.
Length: 15 mantras + 1 phala-shruti
When recited: Daily at the Lakshmi shrine. Mandatory on Fridays + Diwali night + Margasirsha Lakshmi-vrata. Recited at homas for prosperity.
Context — Lakshmi worship pre-dates the Puranic period. The Sri Suktam is one of the oldest Lakshmi-stotras and is recited verbatim in every formal Lakshmi puja. Each verse is recited with a corresponding ahuti (offering into the fire) in a Sri-suktam homa.
Phala — Stable wealth + prosperity. Removal of alakshmi (negative goddess of poverty). Lakshmi's permanent dwelling in the home.
Selected verses
ॐ हिरण्यवर्णां हरिणीं सुवर्णरजतस्रजाम्।
चन्द्रां हिरण्मयीं लक्ष्मीं जातवेदो म आवह॥
O Jataveda (Agni), bring to me the golden-hued, deer-like, garlanded-with-gold-and-silver Lakshmi — moon-like, made of gold. (Mantra 1)
तां म आवह जातवेदो लक्ष्मीमनपगामिनीम्।
यस्यां हिरण्यं विन्देयं गामश्वं पुरुषानहम्॥
O Jataveda, bring to me that Lakshmi who never departs — in whose presence I shall obtain gold, cattle, horses, and men. (Mantra 2)
अश्वपूर्वां रथमध्यां हस्तिनादप्रबोधिनीम्।
श्रियं देवीमुपह्वये श्रीर्मा देवी जुषताम्॥
Preceded by horses, chariot-borne in the centre, awakened by the trumpeting of elephants — I invoke that goddess Sri. May Sri the goddess be pleased with me. (Mantra 3)
चन्द्रां प्रभासां यशसा ज्वलन्तीं श्रियं लोके देवजुष्टामुदाराम्।
तां पद्मिनीमीं शरणमहं प्रपद्ये अलक्ष्मीर्मे नश्यतां त्वां वृणे॥
Moon-like, radiant, blazing with fame, the goddess of wealth in the world, worshipped by the devas, generous — I take refuge in that lotus-dwelling one. May alakshmi (poverty-goddess) be destroyed for me; I choose you. (Mantra 4)
Krishnashtakam · कृष्णाष्टकम्
Deity: Sri Krishna
Composer: Adi Shankaracharya
Length: 8 verses (ashtakam)
When recited: Daily by Krishna bhaktas. Krishna Janmashtami. Holi (Krishna's favourite festival).
Context — A meditation on Krishna's eight aspects — Govinda, Damodara, Madhusudana, Hari, Achyuta, Vasudeva, etc. The hymn moves from the cowherd-Krishna of Brindavan to the universal Krishna of the Gita.
Phala — Krishna-prema. The eight-fold devotion (sravana, kirtana, smarana, padasevana, archana, vandana, dasya, sakhya, atma-nivedana — minus one) is awakened.
Selected verses
वसुदेवसुतं देवं कंसचाणूरमर्दनम्।
देवकीपरमानन्दं कृष्णं वन्दे जगद्गुरुम्॥
I bow to the world-teacher Krishna — the son of Vasudeva, the divine slayer of Kamsa and Chanura, the supreme bliss of Devaki. (Verse 1)
अतसीपुष्पसंकाशं हारनूपुरशोभितम्।
रत्नकङ्कणकेयूरं कृष्णं वन्दे जगद्गुरुम्॥
I bow to the world-teacher Krishna — radiant like the atasi flower, adorned with necklaces and anklets, with jewelled bracelets and armlets. (Verse 2)
कुटिलालकसंयुक्तं पूर्णचन्द्रनिभाननम्।
विलसत्कुण्डलधरं कृष्णं वन्दे जगद्गुरुम्॥
I bow to the world-teacher Krishna — endowed with curling locks, his face like the full moon, wearing dazzling earrings. (Verse 3)