Have you ever felt lost in a sea of information, searching for wisdom and clarity? Well, imagine finding a beacon of knowledge, a guide who dispels ignorance and leads you to enlightenment.
That’s the essence of the Totakashtakam, a beautiful Sanskrit hymn praising the role of the Guru in Hindu tradition.
Written by Totakacharya, a devoted disciple of Adi Shankara, the Totakashtakam is like a heartfelt letter poured into eight stanzas.
Each verse overflows with gratitude and reverence for the Guru, who is compared to an ocean of wisdom, a torch illuminating the path to spiritual truth.
Totakashtakam Ragam Hindi/Sanskrit
विदिताखिल शास्त्र सुधा जलधे
महितोपनिषत्-कथितार्थ निधे ।
हृदये कलये विमलं चरणं
भव शङ्कर देशिक मे शरणम् ॥ 1 ॥
करुणा वरुणालय पालय मां
भवसागर दुःख विदून हृदम् ।
रचयाखिल दर्शन तत्त्वविदं
भव शङ्कर देशिक मे शरणम् ॥ 2 ॥
भवता जनता सुहिता भविता
निजबोध विचारण चारुमते ।
कलयेश्वर जीव विवेक विदं
भव शङ्कर देशिक मे शरणम् ॥ 3 ॥
भव ऎव भवानिति मॆ नितरां
समजायत चेतसि कौतुकिता ।
मम वारय मोह महाजलधिं
भव शङ्कर देशिक मे शरणम् ॥ 4 ॥
सुकृतेऽधिकृते बहुधा भवतो
भविता समदर्शन लालसता ।
अति दीनमिमं परिपालय मां
भव शङ्कर देशिक मे शरणम् ॥ 5 ॥
जगतीमवितुं कलिताकृतयो
विचरन्ति महामाह सच्छलतः ।
अहिमांशुरिवात्र विभासि गुरो
भव शङ्कर देशिक मे शरणम् ॥ 6 ॥
गुरुपुङ्गव पुङ्गवकेतन ते
समतामयतां न हि कोऽपि सुधीः ।
शरणागत वत्सल तत्त्वनिधे
भव शङ्कर देशिक मे शरणम् ॥ 7 ॥
विदिता न मया विशदैक कला
न च किञ्चन काञ्चनमस्ति गुरो ।
दृतमेव विधेहि कृपां सहजां
भव शङ्कर देशिक मे शरणम् ॥ 8 ॥
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Here’s a Breakdown of The Hymn’s Key Messages From Totakashtakam
Praise for the Guru’s Knowledge and Compassion ~ Totakacharya first admires the Guru’s vast understanding of scriptures and spiritual teachings.
He sees the Guru as someone who can dispel the darkness of ignorance and lead him towards enlightenment.
Seeking Guidance for Self-Realization ~ The disciple expresses his desire to understand the true nature of God and the soul.
He pleads for the Guru’s help in navigating the complex questions about reality and existence.
Protection from Delusion and Evil ~ The hymn acknowledges the challenges on the spiritual path.
Totakacharya seeks the Guru’s protection from negativity and harmful influences, urging him to be a haven in the face of confusion.
Yearning for Liberation ~ The ultimate goal for many spiritual seekers is moksha or liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Totakacharya expresses his longing for this freedom and implores the Guru to guide him towards achieving it.
Surrender and Trust ~ In the final verses, the disciple surrenders completely to the Guru’s wisdom and grace.
He acknowledges the Guru’s eternal presence and seeks his guidance in every aspect of life.
Meaning and Significance of Totakashtakam
The Totakashtakam is not just a beautiful poem, it’s a powerful reminder of the importance of the Guru-disciple relationship.
It emphasizes the crucial role of a spiritual teacher in providing guidance, knowledge, and support on the path to self-realization.
The hymn’s simplicity and sincerity resonate with people of all ages and backgrounds, making it a timeless classic in Hindu devotional literature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Adi Shankara?
Adi Shankara was a renowned Indian philosopher and theologian who founded the Advaita Vedanta school of thought. He is considered one of the most influential figures in Hinduism.
What does “Totakashtakam” mean?
Totakashtakam translates to “Eight Verses of Totaka” and refers to the eight stanzas of the hymn.
Where can I find the Totakashtakam?
The Totakashtakam is available in Sanskrit and various translations online and in many religious texts. You can also find audio recordings of the hymn chanted beautifully by devotional singers.
This time we published Totakashtakam Lyrics In Hindi/Sanskrit and if you want to read this stotram in any other language then you can select it from 9 different languages.
You can Download Totakashtakam Lyrics In Hindi/Sanskrit PDF from the button below. And if you have not found what you are looking for then you can just comment down below.
Blessings
Whether you’re a seasoned spiritual seeker or simply curious about Hindu traditions, the Totakashtakam offers a glimpse into the profound bond between a Guru and their disciple.
Its message of gratitude, trust, and the pursuit of truth continues to inspire and guide countless individuals on their journeys of self-discovery.
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