2023 Puruṣottama Stotras
Śrī Gurvaṣṭakam
Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura
saṁsāra-dāvānala-līḍha-loka-
trāṇāya kāruṇya-ghanāghanatvam
prāptasya kalyāṇa-guṇārṇavasya
vande guroḥ śrī-caraṇāravindam (1)
To deliver the living beings scorched by the blazing forest fire of material existence, śrī gurudeva, who is an ocean of auspicious qualities, manifests like a condensed cloud of mercy. I adore the lotus feet of that śrī gurudeva.
mahāprabhoḥ kīrtana-nṛtya-gīta-
vāditra-mādyan manaso rasena
romañca-kampāśru-taraṅga-bhājo
vande guroḥ śrī-caraṇāravindam (2)
His heart intoxicated in the prema-rasa of Śrīman Mahāprabhu’s kīrtana, śrī guru dances, sings, and plays various instruments. Becoming intoxicated by love, his hair stands on end, he shivers, and sheds torrents of tears. I adore the lotus feet of that śrī gurudeva.
śrī-vigrahārādhana-nitya-nānā-
śṛṅgāra-tan-mandira-mārjanādau
yuktasya bhaktāṁś ca niyuñjato ’pi
vande guroḥ śrī-caraṇāravindam (3)
Śrī gurudeva always worships and serves śrī vigraha, dressing and decorating Them in varieties of raiments and ornaments (that stimulate Their śṛṅgāra-rasa) and performing other services such as cleansing the temple. He also engages the devotees (under his guidance) in these services. I adore the lotus feet of that śrī gurudeva.
catur-vidha-śrī-bhagavat-prasāda-
svādv-anna-tṛptān hari-bhakta-saṅghān
kṛtvaiva tṛptiṁ bhajataḥ sadaiva
vande guroḥ śrī-caraṇāravindam (4)
Śrī guru feels much contentment in satisfying Śrī Hari’s devotees with the four kinds of bhagavat-prasāda—that which is chewed, sucked, licked, and drunk. (By honoring such prasāda, material life is destroyed and true satisfaction, or the bliss of prema, is attained.) I adore the lotus feet of that śrī gurudeva.
śrī-rādhikā-mādhavayor apāra-
mādhurya-līlā-guṇa-rūpa-nāmnām
prati-kṣaṇāsvādana-lolupasya
vande guroḥ śrī-caraṇāravindam (5)
At every moment, śrī gurudeva is experiencing intense greed in his heart to relish the unlimited sweetness of the holy names, forms, qualities, and pastimes of Śrī Śrī Rādhā-Mādhava. I adore the lotus feet of that śrī gurudeva.
nikuñja-yūno rati-keli-siddhyai
yā yālibhir yuktir apekṣaṇīyā
tatrāti-dākṣyād ati-vallabhasya
vande guroḥ śrī-caraṇāravindam (6)
In carrying out the sakhīs’ arrangements for the perfection of Śrī Śrī Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa’s amorous pastimes within the groves of Vṛndāvana, śrī guru is masterfully adept and thus especially dear to Them. I adore the lotus feet of that śrī gurudeva.
sākṣād-dharitvena samasta-śāstrair
uktas tathā bhāvyata eva sadbhiḥ
kintu prabhor yaḥ priya eva tasya
vande guroḥ śrī-caraṇāravindam (7)
Scriptures unanimously proclaim śrī guru to be sākṣāt-hari, directlly Śrī Hari. This is a fact jointly corroborated by all saintly persons. Yet at the same time, śrī guru is very dear to Bhagavān. I adore the lotus feet of that śrī gurudeva (who is inconceivably one with and different from Bhagavān).
yasya prasādād bhagavat-prasādo
yasyāprasādān na gatiḥ kuto ‘pi
dhyāyan stuvaṁs tasya yaśas tri-sandhyaṁ
vande guroḥ śrī-caraṇāravindam (8)
Solely by the mercy of śrī guru one can receive the mercy of Bhagavān; without it, one cannot make any advancement. Meditate on and sing śrī guru’s glories at the three sacred junctions of the day. I adore the lotus feet of that śrī gurudeva.
śrīmad-guror aṣṭakam etad uccair
brāhme muhūrte paṭhati prayatnāt
yas tena vṛndāvana-nātha-sākṣāt-
sevaiva labhyā januṣo ’nta eva (9)
That person who, during brāhma-muhūrta, loudly and attentively recites this Gurvaṣṭakam is sure to achieve direct service to the lotus feet of Śrī Kṛṣṇa, the life and soul of Vṛndāvana, at the end of his current life (upon attaining vastu-siddhi, his eternal spiritual form).
Śrī Prabhupāda-padma-stavakaḥ
Śrīla Bhakti Rakṣaka Śrīdhara Gosvāmī Mahārāja
sujanārbuda-rādhita-pāda-yugaṁ
yuga-dharma-dhurandhara-pātra-varam
varadābhaya-dāyaka-pūjya-padaṁ
praṇamāmi sadā prabhupāda-padam (1)
His two lotus feet are worshiped by an unlimited number of saintly persons, and he is the most competent personality to lead the process of realization for this age, nāma-saṅkīrtana. His adorable lotus feet grant all kinds of benedictions and fearlessness. I forever offer praṇāma unto the feet of Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura Prabhupāda.
bhajanorjita-sajjana-saṅgha-patiṁ
patitādhika-kāruṇikaika-gatim
gati-vañcita-vañcakācintya-padaṁ
praṇamāmi sadā prabhupāda-padam (2)
He is the leader of the assembly of saints who are powerful in bhajana. He is most compassionate to the fallen, as he is their sole refuge. His inconceivable feet deceive the cheaters. I forever offer praṇāma unto the feet of Śrīla Prabhupāda.
ati-komala-kāñcana-dīrgha-tanuṁ
tanu-nindita-hema-mṛṇāla-madam
madanārbuda-vandita-candra-padaṁ
praṇamāmi sadā prabhupāda-padam (3)
His tall golden figure, which is very soft, mocks the pride of a golden lotus. His moonlike feet are worshiped by countless Cupids. I forever offer praṇāma unto the feet of Śrīla Prabhupāda.
nija-sevaka-tāraka-rañji-vidhuṁ
vidhutāhita-huṅkṛta-siṁha-varam
varaṇāgata-bāliśa-śanda-padaṁ
praṇamāmi sadā prabhupāda-padam (4)
He is the pleasing moon for his servitor stars, and with the excellence of a roaring lion, he causes inimical persons to flee in fear. Choosing the shelter of his feet, the innocent attain auspiciousness. I forever offer praṇāma unto the feet of Śrīla Prabhupāda.
vipulī-kṛta-vaibhava-gaura-bhuvaṁ
bhuvaneṣu vikīrtita-gaura-dayam
dayanīya-gaṇārpita-gaura-padaṁ
praṇamāmi sadā prabhupāda-padam (5)
He has widely spread the splendor of Śrī Gaurāṅga’s holy abode, Śrī Navadvīpa-dhāma; he has specially glorified Śrī Gaurāṅga’s mercy throughout the whole world; and he has bestowed Gaurāṅga’s holy feet upon those who are most desperate for mercy. I forever offer praṇāma unto the feet of Śrīla Prabhupāda.
cira-gaura-janāśraya-viśva-guruṁ
guru-gaura-kiśoraka-dāsya-param
paramādṛta-bhaktivinoda-padaṁ
praṇamāmi sadā prabhupāda-padam (6)
He is the eternal refuge and universal guru for the devotees of Śrī Gaurāṅga. He is always dedicated to the service of his holy master, Śrīla Gaura-kiśora dāsa Bābājī, and he is the abode of utmost honor for the feet of Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura. I forever offer praṇāma unto the feet of Śrīla Prabhupāda.
raghu-rūpa-sanātana-kīrti-dharaṁ
dharaṇī-tala-kīrtita-jīva-kavim
kavirāja-narottama-sakhya-padaṁ
praṇamāmi sadā prabhupāda-padam (7)
He shares renown with Raghunātha dāsa, Rūpa, and Sanātana Gosvāmīs and is glorified the world over for having the philosophical genius of Śrīla Jīva Gosvāmī. He shares friendship with Kṛṣṇadāsa Kavirāja Gosvāmī and Narottama dāsa Ṭhākura. I forever offer praṇāma unto the feet of Śrīla Prabhupāda.
kṛpayā hari-kīrtana-mūrti-dharaṁ
dharaṇī-bhara-hāraka-gaura-janam
janakādhika-vatsala-snigdha-padaṁ
praṇamāmi sadā prabhupāda-padam (8)
Out of mercy, he reveals himself as the embodiment of hari-kīrtana. He is an eternal associate of Lord Gaura, born to remove the great burden of the Earth. His nature is even more loving and affectionate than that of a father. I forever offer praṇāma unto the feet of Śrīla Prabhupāda.
śaraṇāgata-kiṅkara-kalpa-taruṁ
taru-dhik-kṛta-dhīra-vadānya-varam
varadendra-gaṇārcita-divya-padaṁ
praṇamāmi sadā prabhupāda-padam (9)
He is a desire tree (of benedictions) for his surrendered servants. His patience and benevolence put a tree to shame. His divine feet are worshiped by the best of those who offer benedictions. I forever offer praṇāma unto the feet of Śrīla Prabhupāda.
parahaṁsa-varaṁ paramārtha-patiṁ
patitoddharaṇe kṛta-veśa-yatim
yati-rāja-gaṇaiḥ parisevya-padaṁ
praṇamāmi sadā prabhupāda-padam (10)
He is the best amongst paramahaṁsas. He is the proprietor of the treasure of the ultimate objective of life (kṛṣṇa-prema). He accepts the dress of a sannyāsī to uplift the fallen souls. His feet are carefully served by the best among sannyāsīs. I forever offer praṇāma unto the feet of Śrīla Prabhupāda.
vṛṣabhānu-sutā-dayitānucaraṁ
caraṇāśrita-reṇu-dharas tam aham
mahad-adbhuta-pāvana-śakti-padaṁ
praṇamāmi sadā prabhupāda-padam (11)
He is a most beloved attendant of the daughter of King Vṛṣabhānu. I have taken shelter of his feet by keeping their dust [on my head]. Those feet possess immense and astonishing power to purify. I forever offer praṇāma unto the feet of Śrīla Prabhupāda.
Śrī Ṣaḍ-gosvāmyaṣṭakam
Śrīla Śrīnivāsa Ācārya
kṛṣṇotkīrtana-gāna-nartana-parau premāmṛtāmbho-nidhī
dhīrādhīra-jana-priyau priya-karau nirmatsarau pūjitau
śrī-caitanya-kṛpā-bharau bhuvi bhuvo bhārāvahantārakau
vande rūpa-sanātanau raghu-yugau śrī-jīva-gopālakau (1)
Perpetually immersed in singing, dancing, and heartfelt kīrtana [of the name, form, qualities, pastimes, associates, and realm] of Śrī Kṛṣṇa, the six Gosvāmīs embody the ocean of nectarean love. Dear to both gentlemen and ruffians, always engaged in pleasing activities, and completely free from envy, they are adored by all. They are the recipients of Śrī Caitanya’s immense mercy, and they therefore remove the burden of the earth (through the distribution of bhakti-rasa). I worship [the six Gosvāmīs:] Śrī Rūpa, Śrī Sanātana, Śrī Raghunātha Bhaṭṭa, Śrī Raghunātha dāsa, Śrī Jīva, and Śrī Gopāla Bhaṭṭa.
nānā-śāstra-vicāraṇaika-nipuṇau sad-dharma-saṁsthāpakau
lokānāṁ hita-kāriṇau tri-bhuvane mānyau śaraṇyākarau
rādhā-kṛṣṇa-padāravinda-bhajanānandena mattālikau
vande rūpa-sanātanau raghu-yugau śrī-jīva-gopālakau (2)
They are uniquely expert in ascertaining the essence of all revealed scriptures, and they establish the supreme occupation of the soul (bhagavad-bhakti). They are the true benefactors of the people, worshipful for the three worlds, and affectionate to those who have taken shelter of them. Due to the bliss of bhajana of the lotus feet of Śrī Śrī Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa, they have become like intoxicated honeybees. I worship Śrī Rūpa, Sanātana, Raghunātha Bhaṭṭa, Raghunātha dāsa, Jīva, and Gopāla Bhaṭṭa Gosvāmīs.
śrī-gaurāṅga-guṇānuvarṇana-vidhau śraddhā-samṛddhy-anvitau
pāpottāpa-nikṛntanau tanu-bhṛtāṁ govinda-gānāmṛtaiḥ
ānandāmbudhi-vardhanaika-nipuṇau kaivalya-nistārakau
vande rūpa-sanātanau raghu-yugau śrī-jīva-gopālakau (3)
They are enriched with deep faith in the process of describing the various qualities of Śrī Gaurāṅga. They nullify the great distress generated from the sinful activities of embodied beings by showering on them nectarean songs about Govinda. They are especially expert in expanding the ocean of bliss, and they rescue all from impersonalism (by imparting the secrets of bhakti). I worship Śrī Rūpa, Sanātana, Raghunātha Bhaṭṭa, Raghunātha dāsa, Jīva, and Gopāla Bhaṭṭa Gosvāmīs.
tyaktvā tūrṇam aśeṣa-maṇḍala-pati-śreṇīṁ sadā tuccha-vat
bhūtvā dīna-gaṇeśakau karuṇayā kaupīna-kanthāśritau
gopī-bhāva-rasāmṛtābdhi-laharī-kallola-magnau muhur
vande rūpa-sanātanau raghu-yugau śrī-jīva-gopālakau (4)
They fully abandoned at once the association of kingly aristocracy, deeming it insignificant, and out of compassion they humbly wore only loincloths and ragged quilts. Thereafter, they repeatedly immersed themselves in the delightful, billowing waves in the nectarous ocean of rasa—the bhāvas felt by the gopīs. I worship Śrī Rūpa, Sanātana, Raghunātha Bhaṭṭa, Raghunātha dāsa, Jīva, and Gopāla Bhaṭṭa Gosvāmīs.
kūjat-kokila-haṁsa-sārasa-gaṇākīrṇe mayūrākule
nānā-ratna-nibaddha-mūla-viṭapa-śrī-yukta-vṛndāvane
rādhā-kṛṣṇam ahar-niśaṁ prabhajatau jīvārthadau yau mudā
vande rūpa-sanātanau raghu-yugau śrī-jīva-gopālakau (5)
Crowded with sweetly cooing cuckoos, swans, and cranes, as well as groups of peacocks, Vṛndāvana is shining beautifully with trees that have many varieties of gems inlaid beneath their roots. There, day and night, the Gosvāmīs intensely worship Śrī Śrī Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa, thus endowing all jīvas with the ultimate benefit of life. I worship Śrī Rūpa, Sanātana, Raghunātha Bhaṭṭa, Raghunātha dāsa, Jīva, and Gopāla Bhaṭṭa Gosvāmīs.
saṅkhyā-pūrvaka-nāma-gāna-natibhiḥ kālāvasānī-kṛtau
nidrāhāra-vihārakādi-vijitau cātyanta-dīnau ca yau
rādhā-kṛṣṇa-guṇa-smṛter madhurimānandena sammohitau
vande rūpa-sanātanau raghu-yugau śrī-jīva-gopālakau (6)
They would pass their time by daily chanting a fixed number of holy names, singing particular songs, and offering regulated obeisances [to saints, deities, and the Lord’s pastime places]. Thus they fully conquered the urges of eating, sleeping, recreation, and so forth. Always considering themselves to be unlimitedly lowly and insignificant, they became enchanted in sweet rapture by remembering Śrī Śrī Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa’s qualities. I worship Śrī Rūpa, Sanātana, Raghunātha Bhaṭṭa, Raghunātha dāsa, Jīva, and Gopāla Bhaṭṭa Gosvāmīs.
rādhā-kuṇḍa-taṭe kalinda-tanayā-tīre ca vaṁśīvaṭe
premonmāda-vaśād aśeṣa-daśayā grastau pramattau sadā
gāyantau ca kadā harer guṇa-varaṁ bhāvābhibhūtau mudā
vande rūpa-sanātanau raghu-yugau śrī-jīva-gopālakau (7)
Wandering along the banks of Rādhā-kuṇḍa or the Yamunā, and sometimes at Vaṁśīvaṭa, they would be forever seized by limitless transcendental states, intoxicated by the utter madness of prema. Overwhelmed with bhāva, they would jubilantly sing about the exalted qualities of Śrī Hari. I worship Śrī Rūpa, Sanātana, Raghunātha Bhaṭṭa, Raghunātha dāsa, Jīva, and Gopāla Bhaṭṭa Gosvāmīs.
he rādhe! vraja-devike! ca lalite! he nanda-sūno! kutaḥ
śrī-govardhana-kalpa-pādapa-tale kālindī-vanye kutaḥ
ghoṣantāv iti sarvato vraja-pure khedair mahā-vihvalau
vande rūpa-sanātanau raghu-yugau śrī-jīva-gopālakau (8)
“O Rādha, Queen of Vṛndāvana! O Lalitā! O son of Nanda Mahārāja! Where are You? Are You beneath the kalpa-vṛkṣa trees of Śrī Govardhana Hill? Or are you in the forests on the banks of the Kālindī?” Thus calling out, greatly overwhelmed in separation, they would wander throughout the length and breadth of Vraja-maṇḍala. I worship Śrī Rūpa, Sanātana, Raghunātha Bhaṭṭa, Raghunātha dāsa, Jīva, and Gopāla Bhaṭṭa Gosvāmīs.
Śrī Gadādharāṣṭakam
Śrīla Svarūpa Dāmodara Gosvāmī
sva-bhakti-yoga-lāsinaṁ sadā vraje vihāriṇaṁ
hari-priyā-gaṇāgragaṁ śacī-suta-priyeśvaram
sa-rādhā-kṛṣṇa-sevana-prakāśakaṁ mahāśayaṁ
bhajāmy ahaṁ gadādharaṁ supaṇḍitaṁ guruṁ prabhum (1)
Revelling in his own bhakti-yoga, he forever frolics throughout Vraja. He is foremost among the beloveds of Hari and the lord of those dear to the son of Śacī. He is the illustrious mahāśaya, who illuminates service to Kṛṣṇa, accompanied by Rādhā. I worship Gadādhara, the beautiful scholar, guru, and master.
navojjvalādi-bhāvanā-vidhāna-karma-pāragaṁ
vicitra-gaura-bhakti-sindhu-rasabhaṅga-lāsinam
su-rāga-mārga-darśakaṁ vrajādi-vāsa-dāyakaṁ
bhajāmy ahaṁ gadādharaṁ supaṇḍitaṁ guruṁ prabhum (2)
He is a master of the task of instilling another with the original moods of the ever-fresh ujjvala-rasa (the conjugal mellow) [for he has himself reached its furthest limits (“pāra-gata”)]. He plays in the nectareous waves of the wondrous ocean of gaura-bhakti. He reveals the beautiful path of spontaneous love (rāga-mārga) and grants residence in Vraja and other such places [like Navadvīpa]. I worship Gadādhara, the beautiful scholar, guru, and master.
śacī-sutāṅghri-sāra-bhakta-vṛnda-vandya-gauravaṁ
gaura-bhāva-citta-padma-madhya-kṛṣṇa-suvallabham
mukunda-gaura-rūpiṇaṁ sva-bhāva-dharma-dāyakaṁ
bhajāmy ahaṁ gadādharaṁ supaṇḍitaṁ guruṁ prabhum (3)
He is venerated with the gravest honor by the multitude of devotees who take the lotus feet of the son of Śacī to be the essence of their lives. His beloved is Kṛṣṇa, who dwells in the lotus of Gaura’s heart. He grants to Mukunda, who is now in the form of Gaura, the constitutional basis of his own moods. I worship Gadādhara, the beautiful scholar, guru, and master.
nikuñja-sevanādika-prakāśanaika-kāraṇaṁ
sadā sakhī-rati-pradaṁ mahā-rasa-svarūpakaṁ
sadāśritāṅghri-paṅkajaṁ śarīri-sad-guruṁ varaṁ
bhajāmy ahaṁ gadādharaṁ supaṇḍitaṁ guruṁ prabhum (4)
He is the sole cause of illuminating the service carried out within the secret groves (nikuñjas). He forever grants the mood of love possessed by the sakhīs (gopī-bhāva). He is the embodiment of the great rasa (mahā-rasa). He is forever the genuine guru, who grants His lotus feet to those who take His shelter. I worship Gadādhara, the beautiful scholar, guru, and master.
mahāprabhor mahā-rasa-prakāśanāṅkuraṁ priyaṁ
sadā mahā-rasāṅkura-prakāśanādi-vāsanāṁ
mahāprabhor vrajāṅganādi-bhāva-moda-kārakaṁ
bhajāmy ahaṁ gadādharaṁ supaṇḍitaṁ guruṁ prabhum (5)
He is the darling bud of Mahāprabhu’s mahā-rasa manifestation. He forever longs for that bud of mahā-rasa to manifest. He supplies the experience of bliss to Mahāprabhu as He relishes the moods of the Vraja gopīs. I worship Gadādhara, the beautiful scholar, guru, and master.
dvijendra-vṛnda-vandya-pāda-yugma-bhakti-vardhakaṁ
nijeṣu rādhikātmatā-vapuḥ-prakāśanāgraham
aśeṣa-bhakti-śāstra-śikṣayojjvalāmṛta-pradaṁ
bhajāmy ahaṁ gadādharaṁ supaṇḍitaṁ guruṁ prabhum (6)
He is most capable of increasing bhakti for the lotus feet of Śrī Hari, who is venerated by the best of brāhmaṇas. He is eager to reveal his form as Rādhikā among his intimate associates. He grants the nectar of ujjvala-rasa by teaching the endless bhakti scriptures. I worship Gadādhara, the beautiful scholar, guru, and master.
mudā nija-priyādika-sva-pāda-padma-sīdhubhir
mahārasārṇavāmṛta-pradeṣṭa-gaura-bhaktidam
sadāṣṭa-sāttvikānvitaṁ nijeṣṭa-bhakti-dāyakaṁ
bhajāmy ahaṁ gadādharaṁ supaṇḍitaṁ guruṁ prabhum (7)
Blissfully, he grants his dear associates the honey of his own lotus feet, along with gaura-bhakti, which is an ocean of mahā-rasa that emanates amṛta (the nectar of immortality). He is forever endowed with the eight symptoms of divine ecstasy, and he grants bhakti to his worshipful Lord. I worship Gadādhara, the beautiful scholar, guru, and master.
yadīya-rīti-rāga-raṅga-bhaṅga-digdha-mānaso
naro ’pi yāti tūrṇam eva nāryabhāva-bhājanam
tam ujjvalākta-cittam etu citta-matta-ṣaṭpado
bhajāmy ahaṁ gadādharaṁ supaṇḍitaṁ guruṁ prabhum (8)
A person whose mind becomes flooded by the waves of his practices of spontaneous devotion (rāga-bhakti) quickly becomes a vessel for the moods of the Vraja gopīs, even if that person is a male. The intoxicated bumblebee of such a person’s heart becomes fully constituted of ujjvala-rasa. I worship Gadādhara, the beautiful scholar, guru, and master.
mahā-rasāmṛta-pradaṁ sadā gadādharāṣṭakaṁ
paṭhet tu yaḥ subhaktito vrajāṅganā-gaṇotsavam
śacī-tanūja-pāda-padma-bhakti-ratna-yogyatāṁ
labheta rādhikā-gadādharāṅghri-padma-sevayā (9)
This Gadādharāṣṭaka, which grants the nectar of mahā-rasa, is a festival for the gopīs of Vraja. One who constantly reads and recites this prayer with utmost devotion will, by serving the lotus feet of Śrī Gadādhara Paṇḍita, earn the qualification to receive the priceless jewel that is bhakti for the lotus feet of Śrī Śacīnandana.
Śrī Śacī-sūnvaṣṭakam
Śrīla Raghunātha dāsa Gosvāmī
harir-dṛṣṭvā goṣṭhe mukura-gatam-ātmānam-atulam
sva-mādhuryam rādhā-priyatara-sakhīvāptum-abhitaḥ
aho gauḍe jātaḥ prabhur-apara-gauraika-tanu-bhāk
śacī-sūnuḥ kim me nayana-śaraṇīm yāsyati punaḥ (1)
Śacī-sūnu is that Śrī Hari who, in Vraja, upon becoming enchanted as He beheld His own incomparable beauty in a mirror, took birth in Gauḍa-deśa to taste every aspect of His own sweetness, as exclusively relished by His most dear sakhī Śrīmatī Rādhikā. Aho! To do so He even adopted Śrīmatī Rādhikā’s beautiful golden complexion manifesting Himself in a unique golden form. Will that Śacī-sūnu, the son of Mother Śacī, again appear on the pathway of my eyes?
purī-devasyāntaḥ praṇaya-madhunā snāna-madhuro
muhur-govindodyad-viśada-paricaryārcita-padaḥ
svarūpasya prāṇārbuda-kamala-nīrājita-mukhaḥ
śacī-sūnuḥ kim me nayana-śaraṇīm yāsyati punaḥ (2)
He was sweetly bathed with the honey of love that exists within Śrī Īśvara Purī’s heart, His lotus feet were perpetually served by Govinda dāsa’s illustrious initiatives, and His lovely face shone brightly, being worshipped by Śrī Svarūpa Dāmodara with the lotuses of millions of his lives. Will that son of Mother Śacī again appear on the pathway of my eyes?
dadhānaḥ kaupīnam tad-upari bahir-vastram-aruṇam
prakāṇḍo hemādri-dyutibhir-abhitaḥ sevita-tanuḥ
mudā gāyann-uccair-nija-madhura-nāmāvalim-asau
śacī-sūnuḥ kim me nayana-śaraṇīm yāsyati punaḥ (3)
Although He is Bhagavān Himself, just to set an example for His devotees He wore kaupīna, the undercloth of a renunciant, and over that, an outer cloth the colour of the rising sun. Upon seeing the brilliant golden hue of His towering form, the golden Mount Sumerū abandoned its pride and worshipped His complexion with the entirety of its own majestic beauty. Attired as a sannyāsī, He loudly sang His own sweet names with great delight, wandering about in the mood of a devotee. Will that son of Mother Śacī again appear on the pathway of my eyes?
anāvedyām pūrvair api muni-gaṇair-bhakti-nipuṇaiḥ
śruter-gūḍhām premojjvala-rasa-phalām bhakti-latikām
kṛpālus-tām gauḍe prabhur-ati-kṛpābhiḥ prakaṭayan
śacī-sūnuḥ kim me nayana-śaraṇīm yāsyati punaḥ (4)
In the land of Gauḍa (Bengal), out of immense compassion, that merciful Lord revealed and expanded the creeper of bhakti, which bears the fruit of ujjvala-prema-rasa, the transcendental humour of amorous love. The munis of previous ages, although highly expert in the science of bhakti, were unable to attain a true understanding of this creeper, and the Śrutis had kept it hidden like a priceless jewel. Will that son of Mother Śacī again appear on the pathway of my eyes?
nijatve gauḍīyān jagati pari gṛhya prabhur-imān
hare-kṛṣṇety-evam gaṇana-vidhinā kīrtayata bhoḥ
iti-prāyāṁ śikṣām janaka iva tebhyaḥ paridiśan
śacī-sūnuḥ kim me nayana-śaraṇīm yāsyati punaḥ (5)
In this world Śacī-sūnu accepted the residents of the land of Gauḍa (Bengal) as His own and had them perform harināma-saṅkīrtana, telling them, “O dear ones, chant the Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra a prescribed number of times daily.” In this way, like a father, He imparted many cherished instructions to them. Will that son of Mother Śacī again appear on the pathway of my eyes?
puraḥ paśyan nīlācala-patim-uru-prema-nivahaiḥ
kṣaran-netrāmbhobhiḥ snapita-nija-dīrghojjvala-tanuḥ
sadā tiṣṭhan deśe praṇayi-garuḍa-stambha-carame
śacī-sūnuḥ kim me nayana-śaraṇīm yāsyati punaḥ (6)
He would always stand at His favorite place behind the Garuḍa stambha. From there He would receive darśana of Śrī Jagannātha-deva and become immersed in a most powerful prema that caused streams of tears to fall from His eyes, which bathed His tall and exquisite body. Will that son of Mother Śacī again appear on the pathway of my eyes?
mudā dantair-daṣṭvā dyuti-vijita-bandhūkam adharam
karam kṛtvā vāmam kaṭi-nihitam-anyam parilasan
samutthāpya premṇāgaṇita-pulako nṛtya-kautukī
śacī-sūnuḥ kim me nayana-śaraṇīm yāsyati punaḥ (7)
Biting His lips, which defeat the redness of the bandhuka flower, placing His left hand on His waist, splendidly waving His right hand above His head, His innumerable bodily hairs standing on end due to His absorption in the prema of Śrīmatī Rādhikā in Her separation from Kṛṣṇa, He would dance with the greatest eagerness. Will that son of Mother Śacī again appear on the pathway of my eyes?
sarit-tīrārāme viraha-vidhuro gokula-vidhor-
nadīm-anyām kurvan-nayana-jala-dhārā-vitatibhiḥ
muhur-murcchām gacchan-mṛtakam-iva viśvam viracayan
śacī-sūnuḥ kim me nayana-śaraṇīm yāsyati punaḥ (8)
In a garden on the banks of a river, the son of Mother Śacī, being overwhelmed by feelings of separation from the moon of Gokula (Śrī Kṛṣṇa), shed so many tears that He created a new river. And in that condition, by repeatedly falling unconscious, He caused the whole world also to fall flat as if lifeless. Will that son of Mother Śacī again appear on the pathway of my eyes?
śacī-sūnor-asyāṣṭakam-idam-abhīṣṭam viracayat
sadā dainyodrekād-ati-viśada-buddhiḥ paṭhati yaḥ
prakāmam caitanyaḥ prabhur-ati-kṛpāveśa-vivaśaḥ
pṛthu premāmbhodhau prathita-rasade majjayati tam (9)
Whoever with abundant feelings of humility and a pure heart recites this aṣṭaka, which glorifies Śrī Śacī-sūnu, and which fulfils His devotees’ cherished desires, Śrī Caitanya, being merciful upon him, will plunge him into the fathomless ocean of kṛṣṇa-prema-rasa (nectarean transcendental love for Kṛṣṇa).
Śrī Rādhikāṣṭakam (2)
Śrīla Raghunātha dāsa Gosvāmī
rasa-valita-mṛgākṣī-mauli-māṇikya-lakṣmīḥ
pramudita-mura-vairī-prema-vāpā-marālī
vraja-vara-vṛṣabhānoḥ puṇya-gīrvāṇa-vallī
snapayati nija-dāsye rādhikā māṁ kadā nu (1)
Śrīmatī Rādhikā is the brilliant jewel in the crown of rasika maidens. She is the swan which floats upon the pond of Śrī Kṛṣṇa’s joy-filled prema, and is the paramount wish-fulfilling creeper of Vṛṣabhānu Mahārāja’s piety. When will that Śrīmatī Rādhikā bathe me in Her service?
sphurad-aruṇa-dukūla-dyotitodyan-nitamba-
sthalam abhi-vara-kāñci-lāsyam ullāsayantī
kuca-kalasa-vilāsa-sphīta-muktā-sara-śrīḥ
snapayati nija-dāsye rādhikā māṁ kadā nu (2)
Around Śrīmatī Rādhikā’s shapely hips, which are exquisitely covered with a radiant, reddish silken cloth, an excellent golden chain sings and dances; and upon Her water-pot-like breasts rests a magnificent pearl necklace. When will that Śrīmatī Rādhikā bathe me in Her service?
sarasija-vara-garbhākharva-kāntiḥ samudyat-
taruṇima-ghanasārāśliṣṭa-kaiśora-sīdhuḥ
dara-vikaśita-hāsya-syandi-bimbādharāgrā
snapayati nija-dāsye rādhikā māṁ kadā nu (3)
Śrīmatī Rādhikā’s effulgence is like that of the whorl (kārnikā) of an exquisite budding lotus flower; Her pre-adolescence is like nectar mixed with the fleetingly fragrant camphor of Her early teen age, and Her slightly smiling bimba-fruit-like lips display a touch of hāsya-rasa (humor). When will that Śrīmatī Rādhikā bathe me in Her service?
ati-caṭulataraṁ taṁ kānanāntar milantaṁ
vraja-nṛpati-kumāraṁ vīkṣya śaṅkā-kulākṣī
madhura-mṛdu-vacobhiḥ saṁstutā netra-bhaṅgyā
snapayati nija-dāsye rādhikā māṁ kadā nu (4)
Unexpectedly meeting the whimsical Prince of Vraja in the forest, Śrīmatī Rādhikā beholds Him with apprehensive eyes. Then, with Her sweet, soft words and crooked glances, She elicits an intimate exchange with Him. When will that Śrīmatī Rādhikā bathe me in Her service?
vraja-kula-mahilānāṁ prāṇa-bhūtākhilānāṁ
paśupa-pati-gṛhiṇyāḥ kṛṣṇa-vat prema-pātram
sulalita-lalitāntaḥ sneha-phullāntarātmā
snapayati nija-dāsye rādhikā māṁ kadā nu (5)
Śrīmatī Rādhikā is the very life of all the Vraja maidens. Like Śrī Kṛṣṇa, She is the fortunate recipient of Śrī Yaśodā’s affection, and Her heart is bursting with the charming intimate affection of Lalitā Sakhī. When will that Śrīmatī Rādhikā bathe me in Her service?
niravadhi sa-viśākhā śākhi-yūtha-prasūnaiḥ
srajam iha racayantī vaijayantīṁ vanānte
agha-vijaya-varoraḥ preyasī śreyasī sā
snapayati nija-dāsye rādhikā māṁ kadā nu (6)
Śrīmatī Rādhikā embodies supreme auspiciousness; She resides in Śrī Vṛndāvana and is always accompanied by Viśākhā Sakhī. Together they prepares vaijayantī garlands made from the flowers of various trees, which are most dear to the wonderful chest of Śrī Kṛṣṇa, the subduer of the Agha demon. When will that Śrīmatī Rādhikā bathe me in Her service?
prakaṭita-nija-vāsaṁ-snigdha-veṇu-praṇādair
druta-gati-harim ārāt prāpya kuñje smitākṣī
śravaṇa-kuhara-kaṇḍūṁ tanvatī namra-vaktrā
snapayati nija-dāsye rādhikā māṁ kadā nu (7)
When, with the sound of His charming flute, Śrī Kṛṣṇa reveals His presence within a kuñja, She quickly runs to Him. Catching sight of Him, with smiling half-closed eyes, She lowers Her head and, on some pretext, scratches Her ear. When will that Śrīmatī Rādhikā bathe me in Her service?
amala-kamala-rāji-sparśi-vāta-praśīte
nija-sarasi nidāghe sāyam ullāsinīyam
parijana-gaṇa-yuktā krīḍayantī bakāriṁ
snapayati nija-dāsye rādhikā māṁ kadā nu (8)
On summer nights, in the waters of Her own kuṇḍa, cool due to the gentle breeze that caresses the many spotless lotuses there, She very joyfully engages Śrī Kṛṣṇa in water-sports in the company of Lalitā and Her other sakhīs. When will that Śrīmatī Rādhikā bathe me in Her service?
paṭhati vimala-cetā mṛṣṭa-rādhāṣṭakaṁ yaḥ
parihṛta-nikhilāśā-santatiḥ kātaraḥ san
paśupa-pati-kumāraḥ kāmam āmoditas taṁ
nija-jana-gaṇa-madhye rādhikāyās tanoti (9)
Śrī Kṛṣṇa will become so pleased with that person of pure heart and mind who, abandoning all hopes and aspirations other than rādhā-dāsya, humbly recites this pure Rādhikāṣṭakam. He will grant such a person entrance into Śrīmatī Rādhikā’s eternal entourage.
Śrī Jagannāthāṣṭakam
chanted by Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu
kadācit kālindī-taṭa-vipina-saṅgītaka-varo
mudābhīrī-nārī-vadana-kamalāsvāda-madhupaḥ
ramā-śambhu-brahmāmara-pati-gaṇeśārcita-pado
jagannāthaḥ svāmī nayana-patha-gāmī bhavatu me (1)
Sometimes Śrī Jagannāthadeva makes supremely sweet, melodious music (with His flute) within the groves along the banks of the Yamunā. Like a bee thirsty for honey, He jubilantly relishes the lotus faces of the gopīs. His feet are offered worship by great personalities such as Lakṣmī, Śiva, Brahmā, Indra, and Gaṇeśa. May Jagannātha Svāmī kindly enter the pathway of my vision.
bhuje savye veṇuṁ śirasi śikhi-picchaṁ kaṭitaṭe
dukūlaṁ netrānte sahacara-kaṭākṣaṁ vidadhate
sadā śrīmad-vṛndāvana-vasati-līlā-paricayo
jagannāthaḥ svāmī nayana-patha-gāmī bhavatu me (2)
In His left hand He holds a flute, upon His head He wears the tail plumes of a peacock, and around His waist is fine silken cloth. From the corners of His eyes He bestows sidelong glances upon His companions. It is known that His pastimes perpetually take place within the land of Śrī Vṛndāvana. May Jagannātha Svāmī kindly enter the pathway of my vision.
mahāmbhodhes tīre kanaka-rucire nīla-śikhare
vasan prāsādāntaḥ sahaja-balabhadreṇa balinā
subhadrā-madhya-sthaḥ sakala-sura-sevāvasarado
jagannāthaḥ svāmī nayana-patha-gāmī bhavatu me (3)
On the shore of the great ocean, within His palace atop the brilliant golden crest of Nīlācala, the blue mountain, He resides with His powerful brother, Baladevajī and Their sister, Subhadrā, who is situated between Them. He bestows upon all the demigods the opportunity to serve Him. May Jagannātha Svāmī kindly enter the pathway of my vision.
kṛpā-pārāvāraḥ sajala-jalada-śreṇi-ruciro
ramā-vāṇī-rāmaḥ sphurad-amala-paṅkeruha-mukhaḥ
surendrair ārādhyaḥ śruti-gaṇa-śikhā-gīta-carito
jagannāthaḥ svāmī nayana-patha-gāmī bhavatu me (4)
He is an ocean of mercy, and His bodily complexion is as beautiful as a bank of blackish rain clouds. He enjoys with Lakṣmī and Sarasvatī, and His face resembles a fully blossomed and spotless lotus. He is worshiped by the foremost of the demigods, and His transcendental glories are sung by the topmost scriptures. May Jagannātha Svāmī kindly enter the pathway of my vision.
rathārūḍho gacchan pathi milita-bhūdeva-paṭalaiḥ
stuti-prādurbhāvaṁ prati-padam upākarṇya sa-dayaḥ
dayā-sindhur bandhuḥ sakala-jagatāṁ sindhu-sutayā
jagannāthaḥ svāmī nayana-patha-gāmī bhavatu me (5)
As Jagannāthadeva travels along the road, mounted upon His chariot, He is met at every step by throngs of brāhmaṇas who sing His praises. Upon hearing them, He bestows mercy upon them. He is an ocean of mercy and the true friend of all the worlds. May Jagannātha Svāmī, accompanied by Lakṣmī-devī, the daughter of the ocean, kindly enter the pathway of my vision.
param-brahmāpīḍaḥ kuvalaya-dalotphulla-nayano
nivāsī nīlādrau nihita-caraṇo ’nanta-śirasi
rasānandī rādhā-sarasa-vapur-āliṅgana-sukho
jagannāthaḥ svāmī nayana-patha-gāmī bhavatu me (6)
Śrī Jagannāthadeva is the crest-jewel of all manifestations of the Supreme Absolute Truth, and His eyes are like the petals of a fully blossomed blue lotus. He resides at Nīlācala, and He places His feet on the head of Anantaśeṣa. Being blissfully immersed in bhakti-rasa, He derives great happiness from embracing the rasa-laden body of Śrīmatī Rādhikā. May Jagannātha Svāmī kindly enter the pathway of my vision.
na vai yāce rājyaṁ na ca kanaka-māṇikya-vibhavaṁ
na yāce ’haṁ ramyāṁ sakala-jana-kāmyāṁ vara-vadhūm
sadā kāle kāle pramatha-patinā gīta-carito
jagannāthaḥ svāmī nayana-patha-gāmī bhavatu me (7)
I do not pray for a kingdom, nor for gold, jewels, wealth, or for a delightful wife as desired by all men. My only prayer is that Śrī Jagannātha-deva, whose splendid glories are sung at every moment by Śiva (the lord of ghosts and demons), may kindly enter the pathway of my vision.
hara tvaṁ saṁsāraṁ drutataram asāraṁ sura-pate!
hara tvaṁ pāpānāṁ vitatim aparāṁ yādava-pate!
aho dīne ’nāthe nihita-caraṇo niścitam idaṁ
jagannāthaḥ svāmī nayana-patha-gāmī bhavatu me (8)
O Master of godly beings, quickly deliver me from this fleeting and meaningless worldly existence. O Lord of the Yadus, kindly purge me of my ocean of sins that has no shore. Aho! It is certain that You bestow Your lotus feet upon those who are lowly and devoid of any shelter. May Jagannātha Svāmī kindly enter the pathway of my vision.
jagannāthāṣṭakaṁ puṇyaṁ / yaḥ paṭhet prayataḥ śuci
sarva-pāpa-viśuddhātmā / viṣṇu-lokaṁ sa gacchati (9)
One who carefully recites this sacred Jagannāthāṣṭakam, upon becoming sinless and pure-hearted, will attain entrance into Viṣṇuloka.
Śrī Caurāgragaṇya-puruṣāṣṭakam
Śrī Bilvamaṅgala Ṭhākura
vraje prasiddhaṁ navanīta-cauraṁ
gopāṅganānāṁ ca dukūla-cauram
aneka-janmārjita-pāpa-cauraṁ
caurāgragaṇyaṁ puruṣaṁ namāmi (1)
I offer praṇāma to that foremost of thieves—who is famous in Vraja as the butter-thief and He who steals the gopīs’ clothes, and who, for those who take shelter of Him, steals the sins that have accrued over many lifetimes.
śrī-rādhikāyā hṛdayasya cauraṁ
navāmbuda-śyāmala-kānti-cauram
padāśritānāṁ ca samasta-cauraṁ
caurāgragaṇyaṁ puruṣaṁ namāmi (2)
I offer praṇāma to the foremost of thieves—who steals Śrīmatī Rādhikā’s heart, who steals the dark luster of a fresh raincloud, and who steals all the sins and sufferings of those who take shelter of His feet.
akiñcanī-kṛtya padāśritaṁ yaḥ
karoti bhikṣuṁ pathi geha-hīnam
kenāpy aho bhīṣaṇa-caura īdṛg
dṛṣṭaḥ-śruto vā na jagat-traye ’pi (3)
He turns His surrendered devotees into paupers and wandering, homeless beggars. Aho! Such a fearsome thief has never been seen or heard of in all the three worlds.
yadīya nāmāpi haraty aśeṣaṁ
giri-prasārān api pāpa-rāśīn
āścarya-rūpo nanu caura īdṛg
dṛṣṭaḥ śruto vā na mayā kadāpi (4)
Mere utterance of His name purges one of a mountain of sins—such an astonishingly wonderful thief I have never seen or heard of anywhere!
dhanaṁ ca mānaṁ ca tathendriyāṇi
prāṇāṁś ca hṛtvā mama sarvam eva
palāyase kutra dhṛto ’dya caura
tvaṁ bhakti-dāmnāsi mayā niruddhaḥ (5)
He thief! Having stolen my wealth, my honor, my senses, my life and my everything, where can You run to? I have caught You with the rope of my devotion.
chinatsi ghoraṁ yama-pāśa-bandhaṁ
bhinatsi bhīmaṁ bhava-pāśa-bandham
chinatsi sarvasya samasta-bandhaṁ
naivātmano bhakta-kṛtaṁ tu bandham (6)
You cut the terrible noose of Yamarāja, You sever the dreadful noose of material existence, and You slash everyone’s material bondage, but You are unable to cut the knot fastened by Your own loving devotees.
man-mānase tāmasa-rāśi-ghore
kārāgṛhe duḥkha-maye nibaddhaḥ
labhasva he caura! hare! cirāya
sva-caurya-doṣocitam eva daṇḍam (7)
O stealer of my everything! He thief! Today I have imprisoned You in the miserable prison-house of my heart, which is very fearful due to the terrible darkness of my ignorance, and there for a very long time You will remain, receiving appropriate punishment for Your crimes of thievery!
kārāgṛhe vasa sadā hṛdaye madīye
mad-bhakti-pāśa-dṛḍha-bandhana-niścalaḥ san
tvāṁ kṛṣṇa he! pralaya-koṭi-śatāntare ’pi
sarvasva-caura! hṛdayān nahi mocayāmi (8)
O Kṛṣṇa, thief of my everything! The noose of my devotion remaining forever tight, You will continue to reside in the prison-house of my heart because I will not release You for millions of aeons. (This aṣṭaka is recited in the poetic meter known as ‘Upajāti’.)