Durga Suktam

Meaning:

Jātavedase sunavāma soma marātīyato nidahāti vedaḥ .
Sa naḥ parṣadati durgāṇi viśvā nāveva sindhuṃ duritātyagniḥ ..1..

We offer oblations of Soma unto Agni. May he burn those who are against us. May that Agni lead us beyond all difficulties, like a boatman takes his boat across a river. 

Tāmagnivarṇāṃ tapasā jvalantīṃ vairocanīṃ karmaphaleṣu juṣṭām .
Durgāṃ devīm̐̐ śaraṇamahaṃ prapadye sutarasi tarase namaḥ ..2..

I take refuge in that Goddess, who has the lusture of fire, who is radiant due to her penance, who gives the fruits of all actions, and who is difficult to obtain. O Durga, we bow to you who are skilled in making us cross all difficulties.

Agne tvaṃ pārayā navyo asmān svastibhirati durgāṇi viśvā .
Pūśca pṛthvī bahulā na urvī bhavā tokāya tanayāya śaṃyoḥ ..3..

Oh Agni! You are worthy of all praise. Lead us safely beyond all difficulties. May our land and our earth be abundant. Bless our children and their children with happiness.

Viśvāni no durgahā jātavedaḥ sindhunna nāvā duritātiparṣi .
Agne atrivanmanasā gṛṇāno'smākaṃ bodhyavitā tanūnām ..4..

O Destroyer of all difficulties! Rescue us from difficulties, just as one crosses a river by means of a boat. O Agni! Protect our bodies vigilantly like Atri (who is concerned with the welfare of all beings).

Pṛtanā jitam̐̐ sahamānamugramagnim̐̐ huvema paramāthsadhasthāt .
Sa naḥ parṣadati durgāṇi viśvā kṣāmaddevo atiduritātyagniḥ ..5..

We invoke Agni from the highest assembly , who charges and vanquishes his enemies and is fearsome. May that Agni protect us and lead us beyond all that is transient, all difficulties, and all sins. 

Pratnoṣi kamīḍyo adhvareṣu sanācca hotā navyaśca sathsi .
Svāñcāgne tanuvaṃ piprayasvāsmabhyaṃ ca saubhagamāyajasva ..6..

O Agni! You who are adored in sacrifices multiply our joy. You are present in the sacrifices and are always laudable. Grant us happiness thinking of us as your own body. Bring us good fortune from all corners.

Gobhirjuṣṭamayujo niṣiktaṃ tavendra viṣṇoranusañcarema .
Nākasya pṛṣṭhamabhi saṃvasāno vaiṣṇavīṃ loka iha mādayantām ..7..

O all-pervading Indra who is unattached ! We shall follow you blessed with cattle and happiness. May those who live in the upper reach of the heavens bless me with the world of Vishnu in this life.

Oṃ kātyāyanāya vidmahe kanyakumāri dhīmahi .
tanno durgiḥ pracodayāt ..8..

We perceive the daughter of Katyayana; we meditate on that young virgin.
May that Durga inspire us (to reach that goal).

Oṃ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ ..
Om peace peace peace.

This hymn is found in the Taittiriya Aranyakam. ie. Prapathaka 2 of Chapter 10.The Gayatri at the end of the hymn is found in Prapathaka 1.7 of the same. 

Notes:

The Chapter 10 of the Taittiriya Aranyakam is also referred to as Mahanarayana Upanishad. The word "Durga" means difficulty. The hymn is addressed mostly to Agni, with verses 2 and 8 addressed to Goddess Durga and verse 7 addressed to Indra. Agni is requested to help us overcome all the obstacles that we face in our lives. Chanting of this hymn removes all difficulties in one's life.

Shivashtakam

Meaning:

Tasmai namaḥ paramakāraṇa-kāraṇāya
Dīptojjvalajjvalita-piṅgalalocanāya .
Nāgendrahāra-kṛtakuṇḍala-bhūṣaṇāya
Brahmendra-viṣṇuvaradāya namaḥ śivāya ..1..

Salutation to that Shiva, who is the cause of all creation, who has reddish brown eyes which shine fiercely, who wears garlands and earrings made of the best of snakes, and who gives boons to Brahma, Indra and Vishnu.

Śrīmatprasanna-śaśipannaga-bhūṣaṇāya
Śailendrajāvadanacumbitalocanāya .
Kailāsamandiramahendraniketanāya
Lokatrāyārtiharaṇāya namaḥ śivāya ..2..

Salutation to Shiva, who is happy, who is adorned by the moon and snakes, whose eyes are softly touched by the face of the daughter of the mountains, who lives on the mountains of Kailasa and Mahendra, and who removes the sorrows of the three worlds.

Padmāvadāta-maṇikuṇḍala-govṛṣāya
Kṛṣṇāgaru-pracuracandana-carcitāya .
Bhasmānuṣakta-vikacotpala-mallikāya
Nīlābja-kaṇṭhasadṛśāya namaḥ śivāya ..3..

Salutation to Shiva, who wears ruby earrings, who rides on a bull, who is smeared with agar wood  and plenty of sandal paste, who applies ash on his body, who wears a garland of opened lotus flowers, and whose neck resembles the blue water lily.

Lambat-sapiṅgala-jaṭāmukuṭotkaṭāya
Daṁṣṭrākarāla-vikaṭotkaṭa-bhairavāya .
Vyāghrājināmbara-dharāya manoharāya
Trailokyanātha-namitāya namaḥ śivāya ..4..

Salutation to Shiva, who has a crown of matted and reddish-brown hair, who appears fearsome due to his sharp teeth, who has a terrible roar, who is clothed with tiger skin, who is beautiful, and who is worshiped by the rulers of the three worlds.

Dakṣaprajāpati-mahāmakha-nāśanāya
Kṣipraṁ mahātripura-dānava-ghātanāya .
Brahmorjitordhvaga-karoṭi-nikṛntanāya
Yogāya yoganamitāya namaḥ śivāya ..5..

Salutation to Shiva, who destroyed the great sacrifice of Daksha Prajapati, who killed the great demon Tripura in a trice, who cut off the powerful and egoistic head of Brahma, who is yoga, and who is revered by yoga.

Saṁsārasṛṣṭighaṭanā-parivartanāya
Rakṣaḥpiśāca-gaṇasiddha-samākulāya .
Siddhoraga-grahagaṇendra-niṣevitāya
Śārdūlacarma-vasanāya namaḥ śivāya ..6..

Salutation to Shiva, who continuously creates and destroys the universe, who is surrounded by demons, ghosts, ghouls and siddhas, who is worshiped by the host of siddhas, serpents, and planets, and who wears the skin of a tiger.

Bhasmāṅgarāga-kṛtarūpa-manoharāya
Saumyāvadāta-vanamāśritam-āśritāya .
Gaurīkaṭākṣa-nayanārdha-nirīkṣaṇāya
Gokṣīradhāra-dhavalāya namaḥ śivāya ..7..

Salutation to Shiva, who beautifies his body using ash as his cosmetic, who is the refuge for those who take shelter in the forests, who looks at the sideways glance of Gowri with half-open eyes, and who is as white as a stream of cow's milk.

Āditya-soma-varuṇānila-sevitāya
Yajñāgnihotra-varadhūma-niketanāya .
Ṛksāmaveda-munibhiḥ stutisaṁyutāya
Gopāya gopanamitāya namaḥ śivāya ..8..


Salutation to Shiva, who is served by the sun, the moon, the ocean and the wind,who lives in the sacred fumes of fire sacrifices, who is extolled by sages learned in Rik and Sama Vedas, who takes care of a cow, and who is worshiped by a cowherd.

This hymn was composed by Sri Adi Shankara Bhagavatpada.

Notes:

This hymn is in praise of Lord Shiva. It is set to the Vasantatilaka meter. It is very poetic and contains lot of imagery. 

Shanti Mantra 1

Meaning:

Oṁ saha nāvavatu . Saha nau bhunaktu . Saha vīryaṁ karavāvahai . Tejasvināvadhītamastu mā vidviṣāvahai.

Oṁ śantiḥ śantiḥ śantiḥ ..1..

May both of us be protected. May both of us enjoy together. May we both perform heroic deeds. May we become brilliant. May we never hate each other. Om peace, peace, peace.

Oṁ gaṇānāṁ tvā gaṇapatim̐̐ havāmahe kavim kavīnāmupamaśravastamam . 

Jyeṣṭharājaṁ brahmaṇāṁ brahmaṇaspata ā  naḥ śṛṇvannūtibhissīdasādanam. 

Oṁ mahāgaṇapataye namaḥ ..2..

O the leader of the ganas, who is learned and the foremost among the learned, who is  the eldest of the elders, who is  Brahman, and the embodiment of Brahman; we offer our oblations unto you. Please come to us by Listening to our Prayers and be Present in the Seat of this Sacred Sacrificial Altar. Om salutation to the great Ganapati.

Oṁ śaṁ no mitraḥ śaṁ varuṇaḥ . Śaṁ no bhavatvaryamā . Śaṁ na indro brihaspatiḥ . Śaṁ no viṣṇururukramaḥ . Namo brahmaṇe . Namaste vāyo . Tvameva pratyakṣaṃ bhrahmāsi . Tvāmeva pratyakṣam brahma vadiṣyāmi . Ṛtaṃ vadiṣyāmi . Satyaṃ vadiṣyāmi . Tanmāmavatu . Tadvaktāramavatu . Avatu mām . Avatu vaktāram .

Oṁ śantiḥ śantiḥ śantiḥ ..3..

May Mitra and Varuna be auspicious to us. May Aryama be auspicious  to us. May Indra and Brihaspati be auspicious to us. May Vishnu who took long steps be auspicious to us.  Salutation to Brahman. Salutation to you, O wind! You are the visible Brahman. I shall declare you alone as the visible Brahman. I shall speak right. I shall speak truth. May he protect me. May he protect the speaker. May he protect me. May he protect the speaker. Om, peace, peace, peace.

Oṁ pūrṇamadaḥ pūrṇamidam pūrṇāt pūrṇamudacyate .

Pūrṇasya pūrṇamādāya pūrṇamevāvaśiṣyate . 

Oṁ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ ..4..

That is infinite, and this is infinite. This infinite emerges from that infinite. After taking this infinitude out of that infinite, that still remains as infinite. Om, peace, peace, peace.

Notes:

• The first Shanti Mantra is the opening hymn of chapter 10. The speakers wish that they enjoy and grow together. 
• The next Mantra is addressed to Ganesha and is found in Rigveda Mandala 2 Chapter 23 Verse 1.
• The second Shanti Mantra is the opening hymn of chapter 7. The speaker says that he will speak the truth. He requests that truth to protect him.
• The last Shanti Mantra is the invocation of Ishavasya Upanishad i.e. Chapter 40 of the Vajasaneyi Samhita of Shukla Yajurveda. This Mantra explains the nature of the Prakriti(universe)-referred to as "this"-and Purusha(conciousness)-referred to as "that". It is mostly used as a concluding Shanti Mantra.

Medha Suktam

Meaning:

Oṁ yaśchandasāmṛṣabho viśvarūpaḥ . Chandobhyo'dhyamṛtātsambabhuva . Sa mendro medhayā spṛṇotu . Amṛtasya deva dhāraṇo bhūyāsam . Śarīraṁ me vicarṣaṇam . Jihvā me madhumattamā . Karṇābhyāṁ bhūriviśruvam . Brahmaṇaḥ kośo'si medhayā pihitaḥ . Śrutaṁ me gopāya . 

Oṁ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ ..

May the universal form, exalted among the Vedas and born of the essence of the Vedas, bless me with wisdom. May I be blessed with the nectar of immortality. May my body become active. May my tongue speak sweetly. May my ears hear everything well. You are the repository of Brahman, and are hidden by the intellect. May my memory protect me. Om peace, peace, peace.

Medhā devī juṣamānā na āgād-viśvācī bhadrā sumanasyamāna .
Tvayā juṣṭā nudamānā durūktān bṛhadvadema vidathe suvīraḥ ..1..

O goddess of wisdom! You are pleased, all-pervading and have a peaceful mind. Bless us so that we may give up bad speech and speak well in an assembly like heroes.

Tvayā juṣṭa ṛṣirbhavati devi tvayā brahmāgataśrīruta tvayā .
Tvayā juṣṭaścitraṁ vindate vasu sā no juṣasva draviṇo na medhe ..2..

O goddess! Blessed by you one becomes a sage; like Brahma. Blessed by you one attains prosperity. Blessed by you one attains many treasures. Bless us with that wealth of intelligence.

Medhāṁ ma indro dadātu medhāṁ devī sarasvatī .
Medhāṁ me aśvinavavubhavadhattaṁ puṣkarasrajā ..3..

May Indra give me intelligence. May goddess Saraswati give me intelligence. May the two Ashwins, who wear garlands of lotuses, give me intelligence.

Apsarāsu ca yā medhā gandharveṣu ca yanmanaḥ .
Daivīṁ medhā sarasvatī sā māṁ medhā surabhirjuṣhatam̐̐ svāhā ..4..

May Saraswati, who is fragrant, bless me with the divine intelligence which is the wisdom of the Apsaras and the mind of the Gandharvas.

Ā māṁ medhā surabhirviśvarūpā hiraṇyavarṇā jagatī jagamyā .
Ūrjasvatī payasā pinvamānā sā māṁ medhā supratīkā juṣantām ..5..

May that Saraswati, who is intelligence personified, who is fragrant, who is all pervading, who has a golden complexion, who is the earth, who is accessible to all, who is full of vigour, who is overflowing with the nectar of knowledge, and who is beautiful; come to me and bless me with intelligence.

Mayi medhāṁ mayi prajāṁ mayyagnistejo dadātu .
Mayi medhāṁ mayi prajāṁ mayīndra indriyaṁ dadātu .
Mayi medhāṁ mayi prajāṁ mayi sūryo bhrājo dadātu ..6..

May Agni give me intelligence, people and vigour. May Indra give me intelligence, people and bodily power. May Surya give me intelligence, people and brilliance.

Oṁ haṁsa haṁsāya vidmahe paramahaṁsāya dhīmahi .
Tanno haṁsaḥ pracodayāt ..7..

We perceive the Hamsa that is the soul; we meditate on that Hamsa that is the supreme being.

May that Hamsa inspire us (to reach that goal).

Oṁ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ ..

Om peace, peace, peace.

This hymn is found in the Taittiriya Aranyakam of the Krishna Yajurveda. 
The Shanti Mantram preceding the hymn is found in Prapathaka 4 of Chapter 7. 
The hymn itself is composed of Prapathakas 41-44 of Chapter 10.

Notes:

The given version is found in the Taittiriya Aranyakam. Other hymns, also called Medha Suktam can be found in Rigveda and Atharvaveda. This prayer is addressed to the Goddess of learning, Saraswati. It asks her to bless us so that we may become wise. Chanting this hymn daily improves memory, intelligence, grasping power and speaking capacity. 

Totakashtakam

Meaning:

Viditākhilaśāstrasudhājaladhe 

Mahitopaniṣatkathitārthanidhe .

Hṛdaye kalaye vimalaṃ caraṇaṁ 

Bhava śaṅkara deśika me śaraṇam ..1..

O one who has obtained the nectar-ocean of all the shastras! O treasure of the great wealth of the Upanishad! I worship your pure feet in my heart. O Teacher Shankara! Be my refuge.

Karuṇāvaruṇālaya pālaya māṁ 

Bhavasāgaraduḥkhavidūnahṛdam .

Racayākhiladarśanatattvavidaṁ 

Bhava śaṅkara deśika me śaraṇam ..2..

O ocean of mercy! Protect me whose heart is afflicted by the pain of samsara and  make me learned in the meaning of all the philosophies. O Teacher Shankara! Be my refuge.

Bhavatā janatā suhitā bhavitā 

Nijabodhavicāraṇa cārumate .

Kalayeśvara jīvavivekavidaṁ

Bhava śaṅkara deśika me śaraṇam ..3..

The common people have been enlightened by you. O one who meditates upon the Self! O one with a beautiful mind! Make me learned in the knowledge of God and living-beings. O Teacher Shankara! Be my refuge.

Bhava eva bhavāniti me nitarāṁ 

Samajāyata cetasi kautukitā .

Mama vāraya mohamahājaladhiṁ

Bhava śaṅkara deśika me śaraṇam ..4..

I have always had a doubt whether you are Shiva and thinking of this my mind is curious. Please clear my immense ocean of delusion. O Teacher Shankara! Be my refuge.

Sukrite’dhikrite bahudhā bhavato 

Bhavitā samadarśanalālasatā .

Atidīnamimaṁ paripālaya māṁ 

Bhava śaṅkara deśika me śaraṇam ..5..

When numerous virtues have been accomplished by You, a desire to achieve indifference emerges. Protect me as I am very poor. O Teacher Shankara! Be my refuge.

Jagatīmavituṁ kalitākṛtayo 

Vicaranti mahāmahasaśchalataḥ .

Ahimāṃśurivātra vibhāsi guro 

Bhava śaṅkara deśika me śaraṇam ..6..

To save the world many wise men roam the earth after taking a human form. You shine like the sun among them. O Teacher Shankara! Be my refuge.

Gurupuṅgava puṅgavaketana te 

Samatāmayatāṁ nahi ko’pi sudhīḥ .

Śaraṇāgatavatsala tattvanidhe 

Bhava śaṅkara deśika me śaraṇam ..7..

O best of Gurus! O bearer of the flag with the insignia of a bull! There is no wise man to equal you. O giver of refuge! O one who knows the truth! O Teacher Shankara! Be my refuge.

Viditā na mayā viśadaikakalā 

Na ca kiñcana kāñcanamasti guro .

Drutameva vidhehi kṛpāṁ sahajāṁ 

Bhava śaṅkara deśika me śaraṇam ..8..

Neither have I understood any branch of science in detail, nor do I have any wealth with me. Bestow upon me your compassion, which comes naturally to you. O Teacher Shankara! Be my refuge.

This hymn was composed by Totakacharaya in praise of his Guru, Adi Shankara.

Notes:

  This hymn has an interesting story behind it. There used to be a student of Adi Shankara called Giri. He was very devoted and hard-working but was also very dull in studies. One day he had gone to the riverbank to wash the master's clothes. Adi Shankara did not start his morning class that day even though the other students were assembled, and waited for Giri to come back. 

  One of the Guru's senior disciples, Padmapada, asked the Guru as to why the class had been delayed. Adi Shankara replied that he was waiting for Giri to start his lesson. On hearing this, Padmapada commented-" O Revered one, why do you waste time teaching Giri? Teaching him is as good as teaching a wall." The master smiled.

  Adi Shankara had always admired Giri, so he mentally transferred his knowledge to Giri. Overwhelmed with gratitude, Giri came running to the master, fell at his feet, and composed these verses spontaneously in praise of him. The verses he composed were set to the Totaka meter and this earned him the name Totaka. Due to his erudition, he was referred to as Totakacharya.

Vishnu Shodashanama Stotram

Meaning:

Slokas:

Śuklāmbaradharaṁ viṣṇuṁ śaśivarṇaṁ caturbhujaṁ .
Prasannavadanaṁ dhyāyet sarvavighnopaśāntaye ..

Worship that Vishnu, who wears white clothes, who has the colour of the moon, who has four hands, and who has a smiling face for the removal of all obstacles.

Śāntākāraṁ bhujagaśayanaṁ padmanābhaṁ sureśaṁ 

Viśvādhāraṁ gaganasadṛśaṁ meghavarṇaṁ śubhaṅgaṁ .

Lakṣmīkāntaṁ kamalanayanaṁ yogihṛddhyānagamyaṁ 

Vande viṣṇuṁ bhavabhayaharaṁ sarvalokaikanāthaṁ ..

I salute that Vishnu, who has a serene appearance, who sleeps on a serpent, who has a lotus in his navel, who is the overlord of the gods, who sustains the universe, whose is boundless like the sky, whose colour is like the cloud, who has an auspicious body, who is the husband of Lakshmi, whose eyes resemble a lotus, who is attained by sages by worshipping him in their hearts, who removes the fear of samsara and who is the lord of all the worlds.

Vishnu Shodashanama Stotram:

Auṣadhe cintayedviṣṇuṁ bhojane ca janārdanam .
Śayane padmanābhaṁ ca vivāhe ca prajāpatiṁ ..1..

Remember Vishnu while taking medicine, Janardana while eating food, Padmanabha before sleeping, and Prajapati during marriage.

Yuddhe cakradharaṁ devaṁ pravāse ca trivikramam.

Nārāyaṇaṁ tanutyage śrīdharaṁ priyasaṅgame ..2.

Remember Cakradhara while fighting wars, Trivikrama while in foreign lands, Narayana before death, and Sridhara when meeting the beloved.

Dussvapne smara govindaṁ saṅkaṭe madhusūdanaṁ .
Kānane nārasimhaṁ ca pāvake jalaśāyinaṁ ..3..

Remember Govinda during bad dreams, Madhusudana in times of distress, Narasimha in the forest, and Jalashayin the middle of fire.

Jalamadhye varāhaṁ ca parvate raghunandanaṁ .

Gamane vāmanaṁ caiva sarvakāryeśu mādhavaṁ ..4..

Remeber Varaha in the middle of water, Raghunandana when on mountains, Vamana while travelling, and always remember Madhava.

Ṣoḍaśaitāni nāmāni prātharutthāya yaḥ paṭhet .
Sarvapāpavinirmukto viṣṇuloke mahīyate ..5..

Whoever wakes in the early hours and recites these sixteen names becomes free from all his sins and attains the world of Vishnu at the end of his life.  

The verses before this hymn are taken from the Vishnu Sahasranamam. The source of the hymn is unknown.

Notes:

This hymn gives sixteen names of lord Vishnu, each to be chanted during various experiences in life.

Guru Ashtakam

Meaning:

Śarīram surūpaṁ tathā vā kalatraṁ

Yaśaścāru citraṁ dhanaṁ merutulyam .

Manaścenna lagnaṁ guroraṅghripadme 

Tataḥ kiṁ tataḥ kiṁ tataḥ kiṁ tataḥ kim ..1..

Let one have handsome body, a beautiful wife, fame spread far and wide, and heaps of wealth the size of Mount Meru;  if the mind is not devoted to the lotus feet of the Guru, of what use, of what use?

Kalatraṁ dhanaṁ putrapautradi sarvaṁ
Gṛhaṁ bāndhavāḥ sarvametaddhijātam

Manaścenna lagnaṁ guroraṅghripadme 

Tataḥ kiṁ tataḥ kiṁ tataḥ kiṁ tataḥ kim ..2..

Let one have a wife, sons, grandsons, house, relatives, and everything at hand; if the mind is not devoted to the lotus feet of the Guru, of what use, of what use?

Ṣaḍaṅgādi vedo mukhe śāstravidyā

Kavitvādi gadyaṁ supadyaṁ karoti .

Manaścenna lagnaṁ guroraṅghripadme 

Tataḥ kiṁ tataḥ kiṁ tataḥ kiṁ tataḥ kim ..3..

Let one have the vedas along with the six vedangas and the shastras in one's mouth, let one create good poetry and  prose; if the mind is not devoted to the lotus feet of the Guru, of what use, of what use?

Videśeṣu mānyaḥ svadeśeṣu dhanyaḥ
Sadācāra vṛtteṣu matto na cānyaḥ .

Manaścenna lagnaṁ guroraṅghripadme 

Tataḥ kiṁ tataḥ kiṁ tataḥ kiṁ tataḥ kim ..4..

Let one be respected in other lands, and happy in one's homeland, let one be humble and engaged in good conduct; if the mind is not devoted to the lotus feet of the Guru, of what use, of what use?

Kṣamāmaṇḍale bhūpabhūpālavṛndaiḥ
Sadā sevitaṁ yasya pādāravindam .

Manaścenna lagnaṁ guroraṅghripadme 

Tataḥ kiṁ tataḥ kiṁ tataḥ kiṁ tataḥ kim ..5..

Let one's feet be worshiped constantly by kings and emperors all over the Earth; if the mind is not devoted to the lotus feet of the Guru, of what use, of what use?

Yaśo me gataṁ dikṣu dānapratāpāt
Jagadvastu sarvaṁ kare yatprasādāt .

Manaścenna lagnaṁ guroraṅghripadme 

Tataḥ kiṁ tataḥ kiṁ tataḥ kiṁ tataḥ kim ..6..

Let one think: "My fame has spread in all directions due to my charity. Everything in the world is in my hand due to my kindness"; if the mind is not devoted to the lotus feet of the Guru, of what use, of what use?

Na bhoge na yoge na vā vājirājaṁ
Na kāntāmukhe naiva vitteṣu cittam .

Manaścenna lagnaṁ guroraṅghripadme 

Tataḥ kiṁ tataḥ kiṁ tataḥ kiṁ tataḥ kim ..7..

Let one's mind be turned away from enjoyment, attainment of yogic powers, possessions like horses, his wife's face, and wealth; if the mind is not devoted to the lotus feet of the Guru, of what use, of what use?

Araṇye na vā svasya gehe na kārye
Na dehe mano vartate me tvanarghye .

Manaścenna lagnaṁ guroraṅghripadme 

Tataḥ kiṁ tataḥ kiṁ tataḥ kiṁ tataḥ kim ..8..

Let one think: "My mind has lost its charm in forests, in my house, in action, in my body, and even in invaluable treasures."; if the mind is not devoted to the lotus feet of the Guru, of what use, of what use?

Phalasruti:

Guroraṣṭakaṁ yaḥ paṭhetpuṇyadehī

Yatirbhūpatirbrahmacharī ca gehī .

Labhedvāñcitārthaṁ padaṁ brahmasañjñam

Guroruktavakye mano yasya lagnam ..

Whoever reads this Guru Ashtakam and is devoted to the word of the Guru,whether he is a holy person, an ascetic, a king, a brahmin, or householder; attains his desired wealth, namely the supreme abode of Brahman.

 This hymn was composed by Adi Shankara

Notes:

This hymn explains the importance of the Guru by saying that whatever one gains; if one does not have devotion to his Guru, it is useless.

Suryashtakam

Meaning:

Ādideva namastubhyaṁ prasīda mama bhāskara .

Divākara namastubhyaṁ prabhākara namo'stute ..1..

Salutations to you, O primal being. Bless me, O creator of light. Salutation to you, O creator of the day. Salutations to  you, O creator of light.

Saptāśvarathamārūḍhaṁ pracaṇḍaṁ kaśyapātmajam .

Śvetapadmadharaṁ devaṁ taṁ sūryaṁ praṇamāmyaham ..2..

I salute that Sun who rides on a chariot with seven horses, Who is terrible, Who is the son of sage Kashyapa, and who holds a white lotus in his hand.

Lohitaṁ rathamārūḍhaṁ sarvalokapitāmaham .

Mahāpāpaharaṁ devaṁ taṁ sūryaṁ praṇamāmyaham ..3..

I salute that Sun who rides in a copper chariot, who has created all the worlds, and who removes even the most heinous of sins.

Traiguṇyam ca māhāśūram brahmaviṣṇumaheśvaram .

Mahāpāpaharaṁ devaṁ taṁ sūryaṁ praṇamāmyaham ..4..

I salute that Sun who is the master of the three gunas, who is very brave, who is Brahma Vishnu and Shiva, and who removes even the most heinous of sins.

Bṛṁhitaṁ tejapuñjaṁ ca vāyumākāśameva ca .

Prabhuṁ ca sarvalokānāṁ taṁ sūryaṁ praṇamāmyaham ..5..

I salute that Sun who is strong, who is a ball of light, who is the air and the space, and who is the lord of all the worlds.

Bandhūkapuṣpasankāśaṁ hārakuṇḍalabhūṣitam .

Ekacakradharaṁ devaṁ taṁ sūryaṁ praṇamāmyaham ..6..

I salute that Sun who has a complexion like that of the scarlet mallow , who wears necklaces and earrings, and whose chariot has one wheel.

Taṁ sūryaṁ jagatkartāraṁ mahātejapradīpanam .

Mahāpāpaharaṁ devaṁ taṁ sūryaṁ praṇamāmyaham ..7..

I salute that Sun who created the universe, who shines with great brilliance, and who removes even the most heinous of sins.

Taṁ sūryaṁ jagatāmnāthaṁ jñānavijñānamokṣadam .

Mahāpāpaharaṁ devaṁ taṁ sūryaṁ praṇamāmyaham ..8..

I salute that Sun who is the lord of all the worlds, who gives knowledge, wisdom and salvation, and who removes even the most heinous of sins.

This hymn was composed by Samba and is found in the Samba purana.

Notes:

  This hymn is composed in praise of the sun god Surya by Samba the son of Krishna after he got inflicted by leprosy. After he composed this hymn, he was cured of all his ailments. hence this hymn is also called "Rogapanayana" Suryashtakam or the Suryashtakam which removes all diseases.

  Samba was known for his unruliness and his vanity. One day he insulted Narada. Narada, wanting to teach Samba a lesson, lured him into the bathing chamber of Krishna's wives. They went and complained about this to Krishna. An irritated Krishna cursed his son to become a leper. Samba was shocked. He pleaded forgiveness and told Krishna what actually happened. Krishna realized that Samba was not at fault.

   Krishna however could not take back his curse, so he asked Samba to worship Surya on the seashore at Konarka. Samba worshipped the sun for 12 years and was cured of his leprosy. The famous Konark temple, built by Narasimhadeva I is said to be built over the same spot where Samba performed his penance.

Madhurashtakam

Meaning:

Adharaṁ madhuraṁ vadanaṁ madhuram 

Nayanaṁ madhuraṁ hasitaṁ madhuram .

Hṛdayaṁ madhuraṁ gamanaṁ madhuram 

Madhurādhipaterakhilaṁ madhuram ..1..

His lips are sweet, his face is sweet, his eyes are sweet, his smile is sweet, his heart is sweet, his gait is sweet; everything about the lord of bliss is sweet.

Vacanaṁ madhuraṁ caritaṁ madhuram
Vasanaṁ madhuraṁ valitaṁ madhuram .
Calitaṁ madhuraṁ bhramitaṁ madhuram
Madhurādhipaterakhilaṁ madhuram ..2..

His speech is sweet, his doings are sweet, his clothes are sweet, his bent posture is sweet, his movement is sweet and his roaming is sweet; everything about the lord of bliss is sweet.

Veṇurmadhuro reṇurmadhuraḥ
Pāṇirmadhuraḥ pādau madhurau .
Nṛtyaṁ madhuraṁ sakhyaṁ madhuram
Madhurādhipaterakhilaṁ madhuram  ..3..

His flute is sweet, the dust of his sweet, his hands are sweet, his feet are sweet, his dance is sweet and his friendship is sweet; everything about the lord of bliss is sweet.

Gītaṁ madhuraṁ pītaṁ madhuram
Bhuktaṁ madhuraṁ suptaṁ madhuram .
Rūpaṁ madhuraṁ tilakaṁ madhuram
Madhurādhipaterakhilaṁ madhuram ..4..

His song is sweet, that which he drinks is sweet, that which he eats is sweet, his sleep is sweet, his form is sweet and the mark on his forehead is sweet; everything about the lord of bliss is sweet.

Karaṇaṁ madhuraṁ taraṇaṁ madhuram
Haraṇaṁ madhuraṁ ramaṇaṁ madhuram .
Vamitaṁ madhuraṁ śamitaṁ madhuram
Madhurādhipaterakhilaṁ madhuram ..5..

His deeds are sweet, his carrying over is sweet, his stealing is sweet, his enjoyment is sweet, his exuberance is sweet and his relaxation is sweet; everything about the lord of bliss is sweet.

Guñjā madhurā mālā madhurā
Yamunā madhurā vīcī madhurā .
Salilaṁ madhuraṁ kamalaṁ madhuram
Madhurādhipaterakhilaṁ madhuram ..6..

His humming is sweet, his garland is sweet, the Yamuna is sweet, its waves is sweet, its water is sweet and its lotuses are sweet; everything about the lord of bliss is sweet.

Gopī madhurā līlā madhurā
Yuktaṁ madhuraṁ muktaṁ madhuram .
Dṛṣṭaṁ madhuraṁ śiṣṭaṁ madhuram
Madhurādhipaterakhilaṁ madhuram ..7..

The cowherd girls are sweet, his sporting with them is sweet, his union is sweet, his release is sweet, that which he sees is sweet and that which he orders is sweet; everything about the lord of bliss is sweet.

Gopā madhurā gāvo madhurā
Yaṣṭirmadhurā sṛṣṭirmadhurā .
Dalitaṁ madhuraṁ phalitaṁ madhuram
Madhurādhipaterakhilaṁ madhuram ..8..

The cowherd boys are sweet, his cows are sweet, the stick in his hand is sweet, his creation is sweet, what he breaks is sweet and what he makes is sweet; everything about the lord of bliss is sweet.

This hymn was composed by Vallabhacharya

Notes:

Vallabhacharya was a famous saint who founded the Pushti-Marg philosophy. His favourite deity was Krishna on whom he has composed this hymn. He addresses Krishna as "the Lord of bliss" and extols Krishna by saying that everything in his life-his eyes, his enjoyment, the lotuses in the Yamuna-is sweet.

Ganesha Stavam

Meaning:

Sloka:

Gajānanaṁ bhūtagaṇādi sevitam

Kapitthajambūphalasāra bhakṣitam .

Umāsutaṁ śokavināśakāraṇam

Namāmi vighneśvara pādapaṅkajam ..

I salute the lotus feet of that Ganesha, who destroys obstacles, who has the face of an elephant, who is served by the ghosts and ganas, who eats the fruits of the wood apple and rose apple trees, who is the son of Parvati, and who destroys all sorrows.

Ganesha Stava:

Ajaṁ nirvikalpaṁ nirākāramekam

Nirānandamānandam advaitapūrṇam .

Paraṁ nirguṇaṁ nirviśeṣaṁ nirīham

Parabrahma rūpaṁ gaṇeśaṁ bhajema ..1..

Let us worship that Ganesha, who has no beginning and no change, who is formless, and who is the only god, beyond happiness, yet happiness, who is complete with the knowledge of advaita, who is supreme, who has no material qualities, who does not discriminate, and who has no desires.

Guṇātītamānaṁ cidānandarūpam

Cidābhāsakaṁ sarvagaṁ jñānagamyam .

Munirdhyeyaṁ ākāśarūpaṁ pareśam

Parabrahma rūpaṁ gaṇeśaṁ bhajema ..2..

Let us worship that Ganesha, who is beyond the three guṇas, who is the bliss of consciousness, who illuminates the mind, who is all pervading, who can be approached through knowledge, who is meditated by sages, whose form is vast like the sky, and who is the supreme lord.

Jagatkāranaṁ kāraṇajñānarūpam

Surādiṁ sukhādiṁ gaṇeśaṁ bhajema .

Jagadvyāpinaṁ viśvavandyaṁ sureśam

Parabrahma rūpaṁ gaṇeśaṁ bhajema ..3..

Let us worship that Ganesha who created the universe, whose form is the knowledge that created the world; who is the source of the gods, and the source of all happiness. Let us worship that Ganesha who is omnipresent, who is worshipped by the whole world, and who is the God of all gods.

Rajoyogato brahmarūpaṁ śrutijñam

Sadā kāryasaktaṁ hrdācintyarūpam .

Jagatkāranaṁ sarvavidyānidhānam

Parabrahma rūpaṁ gaṇeśaṁ natāḥ sma ..4..

We worship that Ganesha, who is the supreme soul, who is absorbed in Rajoguna, who is Brahma, who knows the Vedas, who is always engaged in action, whose form cannot be conceived by the mind,  who is the source of the universe, and who is the repository of all knowledge.

Sadā satyayogaṁ mudā krīḍamānam

Surārīn harantaṁ jagatpālayantam .

Anekāvatāraṁ nijajñānahāram

Sadā viśvarūpaṁ gaṇeśaṁ namāma ..5..

We always worship that Ganesha, who is always absorbed in truth, who is always sporting, who destroys demons, who protects the world, who has many forms, who carriers the true knowledge, and who has taken the form of this universe.

Tamoyoginaṁ rudrarūpaṁ trinetram

Jagaddhārakaṁ tārakaṁ jñānahetum .

Anekāgamaiḥ svaṁ janaṁ bodhayantam

Sadā sarvarūpaṁ gaṇeśaṁ namāma ..6..

We always worship that Ganesha, who is absorbed in Tamoguna, whose form is terrible, who has three eyes, who destroys the world, who helps to cross the ocean of existence, who is the cause of knowledge, who preaches to his people with the help of countless scriptures, and who has assumed the form of everything.

This hymn was composed by Rishi Garga, in the Upasanakhanda of the Ganesha Purana.

Notes:

The sloka rendered before this hymn is popular, but of unknown origin. This hymn is composed in praise of Lord Ganesha.

Shiva Manasa Puja

Meaning:

Ratnaiḥ kalpitamāsanaṁ himajalaiḥ snānaṁ ca divyāmbaraṁ

Nānāratnavibhūṣitaṁ mṛgamadāmodāṅkitaṁ candanam .

Jātīcampakabilvapatraracitaṁ puṣpaṁ ca dhūpaṁ tathā 

Dīpaṁ deva dayānidhe paśupate hṛtkalpitaṁ gṛhyatām ..1..

O ocean of divine mercy! O lord of all beings! I have mentally prepared a throne inlaid with gems, a bath with Himalayan water; divine garments adorned with various jewels; sandal paste mixed with fragrant musk; floral offerings prepared with jasmine, champa and bilva leaves; incense, and an oil lamp. Please accept these offerings and bless me.

Sauvarṇe navaratnakhaṇḍaracite pātre ghṛtaṁ pāyasaṁ 

Bhakṣyaṁ pañcavidhaṁ payodadhiyutaṁ rambhāphalaṁ pānakam .

Śākānāmayutaṁ jalaṁ rucikaraṁ karpūrakhaṇḍojjvalaṁ

Tāmbūlaṁ manasā mayā viracitaṁ bhaktyā prabho svīkuru ..2..

O Lord! I have mentally prepared in a golden bowl, made with fragments of the nine jewels; ghee and kheer along with five kinds of food prepared with milk and curd, beverages, bananas, a variety of vegetables, sweet water, a piece of burning camphor, and betel leaves. Please accept my offering which have been made with devotion.

Chatraṁ cāmarayoryugaṁ vyajanakaṁ cādarśakaṁ nirmalaṁ 

Vīṇābherimṛdaṅgakāhalakalā gītaṁ ca nṛtyaṁ tathā .

Sāṣṭāṅgaṁ praṇatiḥ stutirbahuvidhā hyetatsamastaṁ mayā 

Saṅkalpena samarpitaṁ tava vibho pūjāṁ gṛhāṇa prabho ..3..

I mentally offer you a parasol, a pair of whisks, a fan, and a spotless mirror; the fine arts of song and dance, accompanied by veena, mridangam, and kettle drums; full prostration and many hymns. O Lord! Please accept these offerings.

Ātmā tvaṁ girijā matiḥ sahacarāḥ prāṇāḥ śarīraṁ gṛhaṁ 

Pūjā te viṣayopabhogaracanā nidrā samādhisthitiḥ .

Sañcāraḥ padayoḥ pradakṣiṇavidhiḥ stotrāṇi sarvā giro 

Yadyatkarma karomi tattadakhilaṁ śambho tavārādhanam ..4..

You are my Soul. Parvati is my intellect. My vital energies are your companions. My body is your house . My Enjoying of the sensual pleasures is your worship. My sleep is your state of samadhi. My travel on foot is your pradakshina. All my words are your hymns. Whatever action I do, O Lord; is an offering to you.

Karacaraṇakṛtaṁ vā kāyajaṁ karmajaṁ vā 

Śravaṇanayanajaṁ vā mānasaṁ vāparādham .

Vihitamavihitaṁ vā sarvametatkṣamasva 

Jaya jaya karuṇābdhe śrīmahādeva śambho ..5..

Whether committed by hands or legs; whether by body or by actions; whether by ears, eyes, or mind; whether intentionally, or unintentionally; please forgive all my sins, O Mahadeva. O Auspicious one! O Ocean of mercy! May you be victorious.

This hymn was composed by Adi Shankara Bhagavatpada.

Notes:

This is a mental offering to Lord Shiva. The poet mentally offers the Lord a seat, a bath, clothes, perfumes, ornaments, puja offerings, food and drinks, music and dance, and his salutations in the first three verses. He tells the Lord with what mindset he lives his life and also requests him to forgive all his mistakes in the last two verses. Chanting this hymn once with devotion is equivalent to performing a puja ceremony of the Lord.

Sri Suktam

Meaning:

Hiraṇyavarṇāṁ hariṇīṁ su̲varṇarajata̲srajām .

Candrāṁ hiraṇmayīṁ lakṣmīṁ jātavedo ma āvaha ..1..

O Agni! Invoke that Lakshmi, who shines like gold, who destroys all sins, who wears silver and gold ornaments, who is like the moon, and who is golden-hued. 

Tām ma āvaha jātavedo lakṣmīm anapagāminīm .

Yasyāṁ hiraṇyaṁ vindeyaṁ gāmaśvaṁ puruṣānaham ..2.. 

O Agni! Invoke that Lakshmi who never leaves, by whose grace I have obtained gold, cows, horses, and friends.

Aśvapūrvāṁ rathamadhyāṁ hastinādaprabodhinīm .

Śriyaṁ devīmupahvaye śrīrmā devīrjuṣatām ..3..

I invoke Lakshmi who is seated in a chariot driven by horses and whose appearance is heralded by the sound of elephants. May she be pleased with me.

Kāṁ sosmitāṁ hiraṇyaprākārām ārdrāṁ jvalantīṁ tṛptāṁ tarpayantīm .

Padme sthitāṁ padmavarṇāṁ tāmihopahvaye śriyam ..4..

I invoke Lakshmi who is ever smiling, who is surrounded by a golden fort, who is full of mercy, who is ever shining, who makes her devotees happy, who sits on the lotus, and who has the colour of the lotus. 

Candrāṁ prabhāsāṁ yaśasā jvalantīṁ śriyaṁ loke devajuṣṭāmudārām .

Tāṁ padminīmīṁ śaraṇamahaṁ prapadye'lakṣmīrme naśyatāṁ tvāṁ vṛṇe ..5..

I seek refuge in that lotus-born Lakshmi who shines like the moon due to her glory, who is noble and who is worshipped by the Devas. May Alakshmi be destroyed by your grace.

Ādityavarṇe tapaso’dhijāto vanaspatistava vṛkṣo’tha bilvaḥ .

Tasya phalāni tapasā nudantu māyāntarāyāśca bāhyā alakṣmīḥ ..6..

O Goddess who shines like sun! By your great penance the Bilva tree was created. Let its fruits full of knowledge remove the ignorance within, and all ill-fortune without.

Upaitu māṁ devasakhaḥ kīrtiśca maṇinā saha .

Prādurbhūto'smi rāṣṭre'smin kīrtimṛddhiṁ dadātu me ..7..

May the god of wealth Kubera, the friend of the Devas; come to me with jewels-for I am born in this country, showered with your grace-and give me fame and fulfillment.

Kṣutpipāsāmalāṁ jyeṣṭhāmalakṣmīṁ nāśayāmyaham .

Abhūtimasamṛddhiṁ ca sarvāṁ nirṇuda me gṛhāt ..8..

I will destroy hunger, thirst and impurity associated with your elder sister Alakshmi by your grace; please drive away wretchedness and ill-fortune from my house.

Gandhadvārāṁ durādharṣāṁ nityapuṣṭāṁ karīṣiṇīm .

Īśvarīm̐̐ sarvabhūtānāṁ tāmihopahvaye śriyam ..9..

I invoke that Lakshmi who is the source of all fragrance, who is difficult to approach, who is always full, who gives prosperity wherever she goes, and who is the goddess of all beings.

Manasaḥ kāmamākūtiṁ vācaḥ satyamaśīmahi .

Paśūnāṁ rūpamannasya mayi śrīḥ śrayatāṁ yaśaḥ ..10..

May goddess Lakshmi forever bless me with fulfillment of my wishes and desires, truth in speech, and plenty of cattle, beauty and food.

Kardamena prajā bhūtā mayi sambhava kardama .

Śriyaṁ vāsaya me kule mātaraṁ padmamālinīm ..11..

As earth creates mankind; similarly, O Kardama! Stay with me, and bring your mother; who wears a lotus garland to live with my family.

Āpaḥ sṛjantu snigdhāni ciklīta vasa me gṛhe .

Ni ca devīṁ mātaraṁ śriyaṁ vāsaya me kule ..12..

As water creates beauty in all things by its presence; similarly, O Chiklita! Stay with me, and bring your mother to live with my family.

Ārdrāṁ puṣkariṇīṁ puṣṭiṁ piṅgalāṁ padmamālinīm .

Candrāṁ hiraṇmayīṁ lakṣmīṁ jātavedo ma āvaha ..13..

O Agni! Invoke that Lakshmi who is like the moisture of a lotus pond that nourishes, who has a golden hue, who wears lotus garlands, and who has the golden radiance of the moon.

Ārdrāṁ yaḥ kariṇīṁ yaṣṭiṁ suvarṇāṁ hemamālinīm .

Sūryāṁ hiraṇmayīṁ lakṣmīṁ jātavedo ma āvaha ..14..

O Agni! Invoke that Lakshmi who is like the moisture (figuratively representing Energy) which supports all activity, who wears golden necklaces, and who has the golden brilliance of the sun.

Tāṁ ma āvaha jātavedo lakṣmīm anapagāminīm .

Yasyāṁ hiraṇyaṁ prabhūtaṁ gāvo dāsyo'śvānvindeyaṁ puruṣānaham ..15..

O Agni! Invoke that Lakshmi who never leaves, by whose grace I will obtain plenty of gold, cows, servants, horses, and friends.

Sarva maṅgala māṅgalye śive sarvārtha sādhike .

Śaraṇye tryambake devi nārāyaṇi namo'stute ..16..

Salutations you, O Goddess Narayani, who is the most auspicious among the auspicious, who is forever peaceful, who grants all boons, who gives refuge to all and who has three eyes.

Ōm mahādevyai ca vidmahe viṣṇupatnī ca dhīmahi .

Tanno lakṣmīḥ pracodayāt ..17..

We perceive the great goddess; we meditate on the consort of Vishnu.

May that Lakshmi inspire us (to reach that goal).

Ōm dhanurdharāyai vidmahe sarvasiddhyai ca dhīmahi .

Tanno dharā pracodayāt ..17a..

We perceive the one who holds a bow; we meditate on the one who has accomplished everything. May that Lakshmi who sustains all inspire us (to reach that goal).

Ōṁ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ ..

Om peace, peace, peace.

This hymn is found in the Rigveda Khilani (appendices to the Rigveda) Chapter 3. The hymn is composed of verses 1-15, verse 30, and verse 26 from chapter 6 of Adhyaya 2. The Gayatri 17a is from the Bhu Suktam. This is an extra.

Notes:

This is the short version of the Sri Suktam, the full one being the whole of the chapter 6. The first few verses are addressed to the God of fire, Agni, asking him to invoke Lakshmi; the hymns in the middle are addressed to Goddess Lakshmi herself and the hymns toward the end are again addressed to Agni. Chanting the Sri Suktam-especially on Fridays-brings peace, wealth and prosperity.