About this stotra
Hayagriva — from haya (horse) and griva (neck) — is the horse-necked form of Vishnu, worshipped as the lord of knowledge, speech, and learning. In this form Vishnu recovered the Vedas that had been carried off by the demons Madhu and Kaitabha, and he is invoked for clear understanding, memory, and eloquence.
The Sri Hayagriva Stotram is his best-known hymn, composed by Vedanta Desika (Venkatanatha, 13th-14th century). Across thirty-two verses it asks for what a student of the scriptures most needs: a mind freed of confusion, speech that carries weight, and the grace to grasp and hold difficult meaning. It is recited before study and before teaching, and its opening verse, jnananandamayam devam ('the one made of knowledge and bliss'), is also chanted on its own as a meditation on Hayagriva.
Sri Hayagriva Stotram lyrics and meaning
॥ १ ॥♪ CHANTING NOW
Verse 1
ज्ञानानन्दमयं देवं निर्मलस्फटिकाकृतिं
आधारं सर्वविद्यानां हयग्रीवमुपास्महे ॥ १ ॥
jñānānandamayaṃ dēvaṃ nirmalasphaṭikākṛtiṃ
ādhāraṃ sarvavidyānāṃ hayagrīvamupāsmahē ..1..
We worship Hayagrīva, the divine Lord who is made of knowledge and bliss, whose form is like flawless crystal, and who is the foundation of all knowledge.
Word by word
- ज्ञानानन्दमयम् (jñānānandamayam)
- full of knowledge and bliss (jñāna:knowledge | ānanda:bliss | mayam:consisting of)
- देवम् (dēvam)
- the divine Lord
- निर्मलस्फटिकाकृतिम् (nirmalasphaṭikākṛtim)
- whose form is like flawless crystal (nirmala:flawless/pure | sphaṭika:crystal | ākṛtim:form)
- आधारम् (ādhāram)
- the foundation, support
- सर्वविद्यानाम् (sarvavidyānām)
- of all knowledge/branches of learning (sarva:all | vidyānām:of knowledge)
- हयग्रीवम् (hayagrīvam)
- Hayagrīva, the horse-necked one (haya:horse | grīvam:neck)
- उपास्महे (upāsmahē)
- we worship
॥ २ ॥♪ CHANTING NOW
Verse 2
स्वतस्सिद्धं शुद्धस्फटिकमणिभू भृत्प्रतिभटं
सुधासध्रीचीभिर्द्युतिभिरवदातत्रिभुवनं
अनन्तैस्त्रय्यन्तैरनुविहित हेषाहलहलं
हताशेषावद्यं हयवदनमीडेमहिमहः ॥ २ ॥
svatassiddhaṃ śuddhasphaṭikamaṇibhū bhṛtpratibhaṭaṃ
sudhāsadhrīchībhirdyutibhiravadātatribhuvanaṃ
anantaistrayyantairanuvihita hēṣāhalahalaṃ
hatāśēṣāvadyaṃ hayavadanamīḍēmahimahaḥ ..2..
Self-existent and eternal, rivaling in radiance a mountain of pure crystal gems, He whitens the three worlds with lustre streaming like nectar; whose neighing echoes through the endless words of the culminating Vedas (the Vedānta), and who has destroyed every last blemish — Him, Hayagrīva of the horse-face, we praise with mighty exaltation.
Word by word
- स्वतःसिद्धम् (svataḥsiddham)
- self-existent, established of itself (svataḥ:by itself | siddham:accomplished/existent)
- शुद्धस्फटिकमणिभूभृत्प्रतिभटम् (śuddhasphaṭikamaṇibhūbhṛtpratibhaṭam)
- rivaling a mountain of pure crystal gems (śuddha:pure | sphaṭika:crystal | maṇi:gem | bhūbhṛt:mountain | pratibhaṭam:rival/matching)
- सुधासध्रीचीभिः द्युतिभिः (sudhāsadhrīcībhiḥ dyutibhiḥ)
- with lustres akin to nectar (sudhā:nectar | sadhrīcībhiḥ:combined with/akin to | dyutibhiḥ:with radiances)
- अवदातत्रिभुवनम् (avadātatribhuvanam)
- making the three worlds bright/white (avadāta:pure white/bright | tribhuvanam:the three worlds)
- अनन्तैः त्रय्यन्तैः (anantaiḥ trayyantaiḥ)
- by the endless Vedāntas (anantaiḥ:endless | trayyantaiḥ:the ends of the three Vedas, Vedānta)
- अनुविहित (anuvihita)
- ordained/attuned accordingly
- हेषाहलहलम् (heṣāhalahalam)
- whose neighing resounds tumultuously (heṣā:neighing | halahalam:tumultuous sound)
- हताशेषावद्यम् (hatāśeṣāvadyam)
- who has destroyed every blemish (hata:destroyed | aśeṣa:entire/without remainder | avadyam:fault/blemish)
- हयवदनम् (hayavadanam)
- the horse-faced one, Hayagrīva (haya:horse | vadanam:face)
- ईडे (īḍe)
- I praise
- महिमहः (mahimahaḥ)
- with great exaltation/festival of glory (mahi:great | mahaḥ:festival/exaltation/lustre)
॥ ३ ॥♪ CHANTING NOW
Verse 3
समाहारस्साम्नां प्रतिपदमृचां धाम यजुषां
लयः प्रत्यूहानां लहरिविततिर्बोधजलधेः
कथादर्पक्षुभ्यत्कथककुलकोलाहलभवं
हरत्वन्तर्ध्वान्तं हयवदनहेषाहलहलः ॥ ३ ॥
samāhārassāmnāṃ pratipadamṛchāṃ dhāma yajuṣāṃ
layaḥ pratyūhānāṃ laharivitatirbōdhajaladhēḥ
kathādarpakṣubhyatkathakakulakōlāhalabhavaṃ
haratvantardhvāntaṃ hayavadanahēṣāhalahalaḥ ..3..
It is the very gathering of the Sāma chants, the essence of each verse of the Ṛg, the abode of the Yajur formulas; it is the dissolution of all obstacles, the spreading wave-swell of the ocean of enlightenment. May the neighing whinny of Hayagrīva (the horse-necked one) drive away the inner darkness born of the uproar of debaters' assemblies clamoring in the pride of disputation.
Word by word
- समाहारः साम्नाम् (samāhāraḥ sāmnām)
- the gathering of the Sāma chants (samāhāraḥ:collection, totality | sāmnām:of the Sāma verses)
- प्रतिपदम् ऋचाम् (pratipadam ṛchām)
- the essence of each word of the Ṛg verses (pratipadam:in every word | ṛchām:of the Ṛg hymns)
- धाम यजुषाम् (dhāma yajuṣām)
- the abode of the Yajur formulas (dhāma:abode, splendor | yajuṣām:of the Yajur mantras)
- लयः प्रत्यूहानाम् (layaḥ pratyūhānām)
- the dissolution of obstacles (layaḥ:dissolution | pratyūhānām:of impediments)
- लहरिविततिः बोधजलधेः (laharivitatiḥ bōdhajaladhēḥ)
- the expanse of waves of the ocean of enlightenment (lahari:wave | vitatiḥ:spreading expanse | bodha:enlightenment | jaladheḥ:of the ocean)
- कथादर्पक्षुभ्यत् (kathādarpakṣubhyat)
- agitated with the pride of debate (kathā:disputation | darpa:pride | kṣubhyat:being agitated)
- कथककुलकोलाहलभवम् (kathakakulakōlāhalabhavaṃ)
- born of the uproar of the assembly of disputants (kathaka:debater | kula:group, assembly | kolāhala:clamor, uproar | bhavam:arising from)
- हरतु अन्तर्ध्वान्तम् (haratu antardhvāntaṃ)
- may it dispel the inner darkness (haratu:may it remove | antaḥ:inner | dhvāntam:darkness)
- हयवदनहेषाहलहलः (hayavadanahēṣāhalahalaḥ)
- the neighing whinny of the horse-faced one (hayavadana:horse-necked, Hayagrīva | heṣā:neighing | halahalaḥ:the sound of whinnying)
॥ ४ ॥♪ CHANTING NOW
Verse 4
प्राची सन्ध्या काचिदन्तर्निशायाः
प्रज्ञादृष्टे रञ्जनश्रीरपूर्वा
वक्त्री वेदान् भातु मे वाजिवक्त्रा
वागीशाख्या वासुदेवस्य मूर्तिः ॥ ४ ॥
prāchī sandhyā kāchidantarniśāyāḥ
prajñādṛṣṭē rañjanaśrīrapūrvā
vaktrī vēdān bhātu mē vājivaktrā
vāgīśākhyā vāsudēvasya mūrtiḥ ..4..
May there shine before me that form of Vāsudeva known as Vāgīśa (the Lord of Speech), horse-faced, the revealer of the Vedas — she who is like some eastern dawn amidst the inner night, the unprecedented radiance that gladdens the vision of wisdom.
Word by word
- प्राची सन्ध्या (prāchī sandhyā)
- the eastern dawn (prāchī:eastern | sandhyā:twilight, dawn)
- काचित् (kāchit)
- some, a certain one
- अन्तर्निशायाः (antarniśāyāḥ)
- within the night (antar:within | niśāyāḥ:of the night)
- प्रज्ञादृष्टेः (prajñādṛṣṭeḥ)
- of the vision of wisdom (prajñā:wisdom | dṛṣṭeḥ:of the vision)
- रञ्जनश्रीः (rañjanaśrīḥ)
- gladdening radiance (rañjana:delighting, coloring | śrīḥ:splendor)
- अपूर्वा (apūrvā)
- unprecedented
- वक्त्री वेदान् (vaktrī vedān)
- she who reveals the Vedas (vaktrī:the speaker, revealer | vedān:the Vedas)
- भातु मे (bhātu me)
- may she shine before me (bhātu:let her shine | me:for me, to me)
- वाजिवक्त्रा (vājivaktrā)
- horse-faced (vāji:horse | vaktrā:faced)
- वागीशाख्या (vāgīśākhyā)
- known as Vāgīśa, Lord of Speech (vāgīśa:lord of speech | ākhyā:named)
- वासुदेवस्य मूर्तिः (vāsudevasya mūrtiḥ)
- the form of Vāsudeva (vāsudevasya:of Vāsudeva | mūrtiḥ:form, embodiment)
॥ ५ ॥♪ CHANTING NOW
Verse 5
विशुद्धविज्ञानघनस्वरूपं
विज्ञानविश्राणनबद्धदीक्षं
दयानिधिं देहभृतां शरण्यं
देवं हयग्रीवमहं प्रपद्ये ॥ ५ ॥
viśuddhavijñānaghanasvarūpaṃ
vijñānaviśrāṇanabaddhadīkṣaṃ
dayānidhiṃ dēhabhṛtāṃ śaraṇyaṃ
dēvaṃ hayagrīvamahaṃ prapadyē ..5..
Whose very form is a dense mass of pure, untainted consciousness; who has taken a solemn vow to bestow true knowledge; the ocean of compassion, the refuge of all embodied beings — I take refuge in that divine Lord Hayagrīva.
Word by word
- विशुद्ध-विज्ञान-घन-स्वरूपम् (viśuddha-vijñāna-ghana-svarūpam)
- whose form is a dense mass of pure consciousness (viśuddha:pure, untainted | vijñāna:consciousness, knowledge | ghana:dense mass | svarūpam:essential form)
- विज्ञान-विश्राणन-बद्ध-दीक्षम् (vijñāna-viśrāṇana-baddha-dīkṣam)
- one who has bound himself by a vow to bestow knowledge (vijñāna:knowledge | viśrāṇana:bestowing, granting | baddha:bound, committed | dīkṣam:consecrated vow)
- दयानिधिम् (dayānidhim)
- the ocean of compassion (dayā:compassion | nidhim:treasure, ocean)
- देहभृताम् शरण्यम् (dēhabhṛtāṃ śaraṇyam)
- the refuge of embodied beings (dēhabhṛtām:of those who bear bodies | śaraṇyam:worthy of refuge)
- देवम् हयग्रीवम् (dēvaṃ hayagrīvam)
- the divine Hayagrīva (dēvam:god, divine one | hayagrīvam:the horse-necked one)
- अहम् प्रपद्ये (ahaṃ prapadyē)
- I take refuge (aham:I | prapadyē:take refuge, surrender)
॥ ६ ॥♪ CHANTING NOW
Verse 6
अपौरुषेयैरपि वाक्प्रपञ्चैः
अद्यापि ते भूतिमदृष्टपारां
स्तुवन्नहं मुग्ध इति त्वयैव
कारुण्यतो नाथ कटाक्षणीयः ॥ ६ ॥
apauruṣēyairapi vākprapañchaiḥ
adyāpi tē bhūtimadṛṣṭapārāṃ
stuvannahaṃ mugdha iti tvayaiva
kāruṇyatō nātha kaṭākṣaṇīyaḥ ..6..
Even the vast expanse of the impersonal, superhuman words of scripture cannot to this day reach the far shore of Your glory. And so, O Lord, though I am but a simpleton attempting to praise that boundless splendor, I ask only that You, out of Your compassion, cast Your gracious sidelong glance upon me.
Word by word
- अपौरुषेयैः अपि (apauruṣēyaiḥ api)
- even by the superhuman (non-human-authored) (apauruṣeyaiḥ:not of human origin | api:even)
- वाक्प्रपञ्चैः (vākprapañchaiḥ)
- by the elaborations of words (vāk:speech | prapañchaiḥ:expansions/elaborations)
- अद्य अपि (adya api)
- even today (adya:today | api:even)
- ते (tē)
- Your
- भूतिम् (bhūtim)
- glory, majesty
- अदृष्टपाराम् (adṛṣṭapārām)
- whose far shore is unseen, boundless (adṛṣṭa:unseen | pārām:the further shore/limit)
- स्तुवन् अहम् (stuvan ahaṃ)
- I who praise (stuvan:praising | aham:I)
- मुग्धः इति (mugdhaḥ iti)
- being a simpleton, thus (mugdhaḥ:naive/foolish | iti:thus)
- त्वया एव (tvayā eva)
- by You alone (tvayā:by You | eva:alone)
- कारुण्यतः (kāruṇyataḥ)
- out of compassion
- नाथ (nātha)
- O Lord
- कटाक्षणीयः (kaṭākṣaṇīyaḥ)
- to be graced with a sidelong glance (kaṭa:corner of the eye | akṣaṇīyaḥ:to be looked upon)
॥ ७ ॥♪ CHANTING NOW
Verse 7
दाक्षिण्यरम्या गिरिशस्य मूर्तिः-
देवी सरोजासनधर्मपत्नी
व्यासादयोऽपि व्यपदेश्यवाचः
स्फुरन्ति सर्वे तव शक्तिलेशैः ॥ ७ ॥
dākṣiṇyaramyā giriśasya mūrtiḥ-
dēvī sarōjāsanadharmapatnī
vyāsādayō'pi vyapadēśyavāchaḥ
sphuranti sarvē tava śaktilēśaiḥ ..7..
The form of Śiva, lovely with graciousness; the Goddess who is the true consort of the lotus-seated Brahmā; Vyāsa and the other sages whose words carry authority — all these shine forth, O Mother, by mere fragments of your power.
Word by word
- दाक्षिण्यरम्या (dākṣiṇyaramyā)
- lovely with graciousness (dākṣiṇya:graciousness/generosity | ramyā:delightful, lovely)
- गिरिशस्य मूर्तिः (giriśasya mūrtiḥ)
- the form of Śiva (giriśasya:of Śiva, lord of the mountain | mūrtiḥ:form, image)
- देवी (dēvī)
- the Goddess
- सरोजासनधर्मपत्नी (sarōjāsanadharmapatnī)
- the lawful consort of the lotus-seated Brahmā (saroja-āsana:lotus-seated, i.e. Brahmā | dharma-patnī:lawful wife)
- व्यासादयः अपि (vyāsādayō api)
- even Vyāsa and others (vyāsa:the sage Vyāsa | ādayaḥ:and others | api:even)
- व्यपदेश्यवाचः (vyapadēśyavāchaḥ)
- whose words carry authority/renown (vyapadeśya:worthy of citation, authoritative | vācaḥ:words, speech)
- स्फुरन्ति सर्वे (sphuranti sarvē)
- all shine forth (sphuranti:they shine, become manifest | sarve:all)
- तव शक्तिलेशैः (tava śaktilēśaiḥ)
- by fragments of your power (tava:your | śakti:power | leśaiḥ:by tiny portions, fragments)
॥ ८ ॥♪ CHANTING NOW
Verse 8
मन्दोऽभविष्यन्नियतं विरिञ्चः
वाचां निधेर्वाञ्छितभागधेयः
दैत्यापनीतान् दययैन भूयोऽपि
अध्यापयिष्यो निगमान्नचेत्त्वम् ॥ ८ ॥
mandō'bhaviṣyanniyataṃ viriñchaḥ
vāchāṃ nidhērvāñChitabhāgadhēyaḥ
daityāpanītān dayayaina bhūyō'pi
adhyāpayiṣyō nigamānnachēttvam ..8..
Surely Brahmā, the creator, would have become dull-witted, robbed of that cherished treasure of speech — the Vedas — had you, O Hayagrīva, not out of your very compassion taught him once again those scriptures that the demons had carried away.
Word by word
- मन्दः अभविष्यत् (mandaḥ abhaviṣyat)
- would have become dull (mandaḥ:dull-witted | abhaviṣyat:would have become)
- नियतम् (niyatam)
- surely, certainly
- विरिञ्चः (viriñcaḥ)
- Brahmā, the creator
- वाचां निधेः (vācāṃ nidheḥ)
- of the treasure of speech (vācām:of speech | nidheḥ:of the treasure)
- वाञ्छित-भागधेयः (vāñchita-bhāgadheyaḥ)
- deprived of the cherished share/fortune (vāñchita:cherished, desired | bhāgadheyaḥ:portion, fortune)
- दैत्य-अपनीतान् (daitya-apanītān)
- those carried away by the demons (daitya:demons | apanītān:taken away)
- दयया एव (dayayā eva)
- out of compassion alone (dayayā:by compassion | eva:indeed)
- भूयः अपि (bhūyaḥ api)
- once again (bhūyaḥ:again | api:even)
- अध्यापयिष्यः (adhyāpayiṣyaḥ)
- you would have taught
- निगमान् (nigamān)
- the Vedas, scriptures
- न चेत् त्वम् (na cet tvam)
- had you not (na cet:if not | tvam:you)
॥ ९ ॥♪ CHANTING NOW
Verse 9
वितर्कडोलां व्यवधूय सत्त्वे
बृहस्पतिं वर्तयसे यतस्त्वं
तेनैव देव त्रिदेशेश्वराणा
अस्पृष्टडोलायितमाधिराज्यम् ॥ ९ ॥
vitarkaḍōlāṃ vyavadhūya sattvē
bṛhaspatiṃ vartayasē yatastvaṃ
tēnaiva dēva tridēśēśvarāṇā
aspṛṣṭaḍōlāyitamādhirājyam ..9..
Because you, having shaken off the swing of doubt and established yourself firmly in truth, cause even Bṛhaspati (preceptor of the gods) to function under your guidance — by that very fact, O Lord, your sovereign dominion over the rulers of the three worlds remains unshaken, untouched by any wavering.
Word by word
- वितर्कडोलाम् (vitarkaḍolām)
- the swing of doubt/speculation (vitarka:doubt, reasoning | ḍolām:swing)
- व्यवधूय (vyavadhūya)
- having shaken off, having cast aside
- सत्त्वे (sattve)
- in truth, in pure existence
- बृहस्पतिम् (bṛhaspatim)
- Bṛhaspati, the preceptor of the gods
- वर्तयसे (vartayase)
- you cause to function, you direct
- यतस्त्वम् (yatastvam)
- because you (yataḥ:because | tvam:you)
- तेनैव (tenaiva)
- by that very fact (tena:by that | eva:very)
- देव (deva)
- O Lord
- त्रिदेशेश्वराणाम् (tridaśeśvarāṇām)
- of the rulers of the three worlds (tridaśa:the thirty gods, the celestials | īśvarāṇām:of the lords)
- अस्पृष्टडोलायितम् (aspṛṣṭaḍolāyitam)
- untouched by any wavering (aspṛṣṭa:untouched | ḍolāyita:wavering, swinging)
- आधिराज्यम् (ādhirājyam)
- supreme sovereignty, imperial dominion
॥ १० ॥♪ CHANTING NOW
Verse 10
अग्नौ समिद्धार्चिषि सप्ततन्तोः
आतस्थिवान्मन्त्रमयं शरीरं
अखण्डसारैर्हविषां प्रदानैः
आप्यायनं व्योमसदां विधत्से ॥ १० ॥
agnau samiddhārchiṣi saptatantōḥ
ātasthivānmantramayaṃ śarīraṃ
akhaṇḍasārairhaviṣāṃ pradānaiḥ
āpyāyanaṃ vyōmasadāṃ vidhatsē ..10..
In the fire of the sevenfold sacrifice, its flames well-kindled, you take on a body made of sacred mantras, and through offerings of oblations whose essence is undiminished, you bring nourishment and satisfaction to the dwellers of heaven.
Word by word
- अग्नौ समिद्धार्चिषि (agnau samiddhārciṣi)
- in the fire with well-kindled flames (agnau:in the fire | samiddha:well-kindled | arciṣi:with flames)
- सप्ततन्तोः (saptatantōḥ)
- of the sevenfold sacrifice (sapta:seven | tantoḥ:of the extended rite/sacrifice)
- आतस्थिवान् (ātasthivān)
- having assumed, having taken up
- मन्त्रमयं शरीरं (mantramayaṃ śarīraṃ)
- a body made of mantras (mantramayam:consisting of mantras | śarīram:body)
- अखण्डसारैः (akhaṇḍasāraiḥ)
- with undiminished essence (akhaṇḍa:unbroken/whole | sāraiḥ:with essence)
- हविषां प्रदानैः (haviṣāṃ pradānaiḥ)
- by offerings of oblations (haviṣām:of oblations | pradānaiḥ:by gifts/offerings)
- आप्यायनं (āpyāyanaṃ)
- nourishment, satisfaction
- व्योमसदां (vyōmasadāṃ)
- of the dwellers of heaven (vyoma:sky/heaven | sadām:of those who dwell)
- विधत्से (vidhatsē)
- you bring about, you accomplish
॥ ११ ॥♪ CHANTING NOW
Verse 11
यन्मूल मीदृक्प्रतिभातत्त्वं
या मूलमाम्नायमहाद्रुमाणां
तत्त्वेन जानन्ति विशुद्धसत्त्वाः
त्वामक्षरामक्षरमातृकां त्वाम् ॥ ११ ॥
yanmūla mīdṛkpratibhātattvaṃ
yā mūlamāmnāyamahādrumāṇāṃ
tattvēna jānanti viśuddhasattvāḥ
tvāmakṣarāmakṣaramātṛkāṃ tvām ..11..
You are the root from which springs forth this radiant principle of consciousness, the very root of the great trees of the Vedic scriptures. Those of purified being know You in truth as the Imperishable One, as the Mother of all letters and syllables.
Word by word
- यत् मूलम् (yat mūlam)
- which is the root (yat:which | mūlam:root)
- ईदृक्-प्रतिभा-तत्त्वम् (īdṛk-pratibhā-tattvam)
- this radiant principle of consciousness (īdṛk:such, this kind of | pratibhā:radiance, intuitive light | tattvam:principle, essence)
- या मूलम् (yā mūlam)
- who is the root (yā:who | mūlam:root)
- आम्नाय-महाद्रुमाणाम् (āmnāya-mahādrumāṇām)
- of the great trees of the Vedic scriptures (āmnāya:sacred tradition, Vedas | mahā:great | drumāṇām:of the trees)
- तत्त्वेन जानन्ति (tattvēna jānanti)
- they know in truth (tattvēna:truly, in essence | jānanti:they know)
- विशुद्धसत्त्वाः (viśuddhasattvāḥ)
- those of purified being (viśuddha:purified | sattvāḥ:beings, natures)
- त्वाम् अक्षराम् (tvām akṣarām)
- You, the imperishable one (tvām:You | akṣarām:imperishable)
- अक्षर-मातृकाम् त्वाम् (akṣara-mātṛkām tvām)
- You, the mother of all letters (akṣara:letter, syllable | mātṛkām:mother | tvām:You)
॥ १२ ॥♪ CHANTING NOW
Verse 12
अव्याकृताद्व्याकृतवानसि त्वं
नामानि रूपाणि च यानि पूर्वं
शंसन्ति तेषां चरमां प्रतिष्ठां
वागीश्वर त्वां त्वदुपज्ञवाचः ॥ १२ ॥
avyākṛtādvyākṛtavānasi tvaṃ
nāmāni rūpāṇi cha yāni pūrvaṃ
śaṃsanti tēṣāṃ charamāṃ pratiṣṭhāṃ
vāgīśvara tvāṃ tvadupajñavāchaḥ ..12..
Out of the unmanifest you brought forth into manifestation all the names and forms that existed before. O Lord of Speech (Vāgīśvara), the very words whose knowledge originates from you proclaim you to be their ultimate ground and final resting-place.
Word by word
- अव्याकृतात् (avyākṛtāt)
- out of the unmanifest (a:not | vyākṛta:manifested/differentiated)
- व्याकृतवान् असि त्वम् (vyākṛtavān asi tvam)
- you have brought into manifestation (vyākṛtavān:having made manifest | asi:you are | tvam:you)
- नामानि रूपाणि च (nāmāni rūpāṇi ca)
- the names and forms (nāmāni:names | rūpāṇi:forms | ca:and)
- यानि पूर्वम् (yāni pūrvam)
- which existed before (yāni:which | pūrvam:formerly/before)
- शंसन्ति (śaṃsanti)
- they proclaim
- तेषां चरमां प्रतिष्ठाम् (tēṣāṃ caramāṃ pratiṣṭhām)
- as their ultimate ground (teṣām:of them | caramām:final/ultimate | pratiṣṭhām:foundation/resting-place)
- वागीश्वर (vāgīśvara)
- O Lord of Speech (vāk:speech | īśvara:lord)
- त्वाम् (tvām)
- you
- त्वदुपज्ञवाचः (tvadupajñavācaḥ)
- the words whose knowledge originates from you (tvat:from you | upajña:first knowledge/origin | vācaḥ:words)
॥ १३ ॥♪ CHANTING NOW
Verse 13
मुग्धेन्दुनिष्यन्दविलोभनीयां
मूर्तिं तवानन्दसुधाप्रसूतिं
विपश्चितश्चेतसि भावयन्ते
वेलामुदारामिव दुग्ध सिन्धोः ॥ १३ ॥
mugdhēnduniṣyandavilōbhanīyāṃ
mūrtiṃ tavānandasudhāprasūtiṃ
vipaśchitaśchētasi bhāvayantē
vēlāmudārāmiva dugdha sindhōḥ ..13..
The wise contemplate in their hearts Your form — enchanting as the streaming glow of the tender new moon, the very fountainhead of the nectar of bliss — as though it were the vast rising tide-line of the ocean of milk.
Word by word
- मुग्ध-इन्दु-निष्यन्द-विलोभनीयाम् (mugdha-indu-niṣyanda-vilōbhanīyām)
- enchanting as the streaming radiance of the tender new moon (mugdha:tender/charming | indu:moon | niṣyanda:flowing radiance | vilōbhanīyām:alluring, captivating)
- मूर्तिम् तव (mūrtiṃ tava)
- Your form (mūrtim:form | tava:Your)
- आनन्द-सुधा-प्रसूतिम् (ānanda-sudhā-prasūtim)
- the fountainhead of the nectar of bliss (ānanda:bliss | sudhā:nectar | prasūtim:source, origin)
- विपश्चितः (vipaśchitaḥ)
- the wise, the learned
- चेतसि भावयन्ते (chētasi bhāvayantē)
- contemplate in their hearts (chētasi:in the mind/heart | bhāvayantē:they meditate upon)
- वेलाम् उदाराम् इव (vēlām udārām iva)
- as though the vast tide-line (vēlām:shoreline, tide | udārām:lofty, vast | iva:as if)
- दुग्ध-सिन्धोः (dugdha-sindhōḥ)
- of the ocean of milk (dugdha:milk | sindhōḥ:of the ocean)
॥ १४ ॥♪ CHANTING NOW
Verse 14
मनोगतं पश्यति यस्सदा त्वां
मनीषिणां मानसराजहंसं
स्वयम्पुरोभावविवादभाजः
किङ्कुर्वते तस्य गिरो यथार्हम् ॥ १४ ॥
manōgataṃ paśyati yassadā tvāṃ
manīṣiṇāṃ mānasarājahaṃsaṃ
svayampurōbhāvavivādabhājaḥ
kiṅkurvatē tasya girō yathārham ..14..
Whoever always beholds You present within his mind — You who are the royal swan gliding upon the Mānasa-lake of the minds of the wise — for him the words of speech themselves, vying with one another in eagerness to be foremost in service, do his bidding as befits their office, becoming his humble attendants.
Word by word
- मनोगतम् (manōgatam)
- present in the mind, dwelling within (manas:mind | gatam:gone/present)
- पश्यति (paśyati)
- beholds, sees
- यः (yaḥ)
- whoever
- सदा (sadā)
- always
- त्वाम् (tvām)
- You
- मनीषिणां मानसराजहंसम् (manīṣiṇāṃ mānasarājahaṃsam)
- the royal swan upon the Mānasa-lake of the minds of the wise (manīṣiṇām:of the wise | mānasa:the mind / Mānasa-lake | rāja-haṃsam:royal swan)
- स्वयम्पुरोभावविवादभाजः (svayampurōbhāvavivādabhājaḥ)
- engaged in rivalry to be foremost of their own accord (svayam:by themselves | puraḥ-bhāva:being foremost | vivāda:dispute/rivalry | bhājaḥ:partaking in)
- किङ्कुर्वते (kiṅkurvatē)
- become servants, do his bidding (kim:what | kurvate:they do — i.e. "what shall I do?", the manner of a servant)
- तस्य (tasya)
- for him, his
- गिरः (giraḥ)
- words, speech
- यथार्हम् (yathārham)
- as is fitting, according to propriety (yathā:according to | arham:what is deserved/fitting)
॥ १५ ॥♪ CHANTING NOW
Verse 15
अपि क्षणार्धं कलयन्ति ये त्वां
आप्लावयन्तं विशदैर्मयूखैः
वाचां प्रवाहैरनिवारितैस्ते
मन्दाकिनीं मन्दयितुं क्षमन्ते ॥ १५ ॥
api kṣaṇārdhaṃ kalayanti yē tvāṃ
āplāvayantaṃ viśadairmayūkhaiḥ
vāchāṃ pravāhairanivāritaistē
mandākinīṃ mandayituṃ kṣamantē ..15..
Those who contemplate You, even for half an instant, as You flood them with Your pure, radiant rays — they, with the unstoppable torrents of their eloquence, are able to make even the celestial Ganges seem slow.
Word by word
- अपि क्षणार्धम् (api kṣaṇārdham)
- even for half a moment (api:even | kṣaṇa:instant | ardham:half)
- कलयन्ति ये त्वाम् (kalayanti ye tvām)
- those who contemplate You (kalayanti:they perceive/contemplate | ye:who | tvām:You)
- आप्लावयन्तम् (āplāvayantam)
- flooding, inundating
- विशदैः मयूखैः (viśadaiḥ mayūkhaiḥ)
- with pure radiant rays (viśadaiḥ:clear/pure | mayūkhaiḥ:with rays)
- वाचाम् प्रवाहैः (vācām pravāhaiḥ)
- with streams of speech (vācām:of speech | pravāhaiḥ:with torrents/streams)
- अनिवारितैः ते (anivāritaiḥ te)
- with unstoppable ones, they (anivāritaiḥ:unrestrained | te:they)
- मन्दाकिनीम् (mandākinīm)
- the celestial Ganges
- मन्दयितुम् क्षमन्ते (mandayitum kṣamante)
- are able to make slow/dim (mandayitum:to slow down/dull | kṣamante:they are capable)
॥ १६ ॥♪ CHANTING NOW
Verse 16
स्वामिन्भवद्द्यानसुधाभिषेकात्
वहन्ति धन्याः पुलकानुबन्दं
अलक्षिते क्वापि निरूढ मूलं
अङ्ग्वेष्वि वानन्दथुमङ्कुरन्तम् ॥ १६ ॥
svāminbhavaddyānasudhābhiṣēkāt
vahanti dhanyāḥ pulakānubandaṃ
alakṣitē kvāpi nirūḍha mūlaṃ
aṅgvēṣvi vānandathumaṅkurantam ..16..
O Lord, from being bathed in the nectar of meditation upon You, the blessed ones bear a continuous thrill of horripilation — as though some root of bliss, having struck deep in an unseen place, were sprouting forth throughout their very limbs.
Word by word
- स्वामिन् (svāmin)
- O Lord
- भवद्-द्यान-सुधा-अभिषेकात् (bhavat-dyāna-sudhā-abhiṣekāt)
- from the bathing in the nectar of meditation upon You (bhavat:Your | dyāna:meditation | sudhā:nectar | abhiṣekāt:from the anointing/bathing)
- वहन्ति (vahanti)
- they bear
- धन्याः (dhanyāḥ)
- the blessed ones
- पुलक-अनुबन्धम् (pulaka-anubandhaṃ)
- a continuous thrill of horripilation (pulaka:thrill of bristling hair | anubandhaṃ:continuous succession)
- अलक्षिते क्वापि (alakṣite kvāpi)
- in some unseen place (alakṣite:unnoticed | kvāpi:somewhere)
- निरूढ-मूलम् (nirūḍha-mūlaṃ)
- having struck a deep root (nirūḍha:firmly rooted | mūlaṃ:root)
- अङ्गेषु इव (aṅgeṣu iva)
- as if throughout the limbs (aṅgeṣu:in the limbs | iva:as though)
- आनन्दथुम् अङ्कुरन्तम् (ānandathum aṅkurantam)
- bliss sprouting forth (ānandathuṃ:the joy | aṅkurantam:sprouting)
॥ १७ ॥♪ CHANTING NOW
Verse 17
स्वामिन्प्रतीचा हृदयेन धन्याः
त्वद्ध्यानचन्द्रोदयवर्धमानं
अमान्तमानन्दपयोधिमन्तः
पयोभि रक्ष्णां परिवाहयन्ति ॥ १७ ॥
svāminpratīchā hṛdayēna dhanyāḥ
tvaddhyānachandrōdayavardhamānaṃ
amāntamānandapayōdhimantaḥ
payōbhi rakṣṇāṃ parivāhayanti ..17..
O Lord, blessed are those who, with hearts turned inward toward You, cause the boundless ocean of bliss within them — swelling ever higher with the moonrise of meditation upon You — to overflow through the waters of their eyes, as tears of joy.
Word by word
- स्वामिन् (svāmin)
- O Lord
- प्रतीचा हृदयेन (pratīchā hṛdayena)
- with an inward-turned heart (pratīchā:turned inward | hṛdayena:with the heart)
- धन्याः (dhanyāḥ)
- the blessed ones
- त्वद्-ध्यान-चन्द्रोदय-वर्धमानम् (tvad-dhyāna-chandrodaya-vardhamānam)
- swelling with the moonrise of meditation upon You (tvat:upon You | dhyāna:meditation | chandra-udaya:moonrise | vardhamānam:swelling, increasing)
- अमान्तम् आनन्द-पयोधिम् (amāntam ānanda-payodhim)
- the boundless ocean of bliss (amāntam:unbounded, not contained | ānanda:bliss | payodhim:ocean)
- अन्तः (antaḥ)
- within
- पयोभिः (payobhiḥ)
- with waters (i.e. tears)
- अक्ष्णाम् (akṣṇām)
- of the eyes
- परिवाहयन्ति (parivāhayanti)
- they cause to overflow
॥ १८ ॥♪ CHANTING NOW
Verse 18
स्वैरानुभावास् त्वदधीनभावाः
समृद्धवीर्यास्त्वदनुग्रहेण
विपश्चितोनाथ तरन्ति मायां
वैहारिकीं मोहनपिञ्छिकां ते ॥ १८ ॥
svairānubhāvās tvadadhīnabhāvāḥ
samṛddhavīryāstvadanugrahēṇa
vipaśchitōnātha taranti māyāṃ
vaihārikīṃ mōhanapiñChikāṃ tē ..18..
The wise, who experience through their own free will yet keep their inner being wholly dependent on You, whose powers are made abundant by Your grace — O Lord, these sages cross beyond Your Māyā, that playful peacock-feather fan of Yours that bewilders the world.
Word by word
- स्वैर-अनुभावाः (svaira-anubhāvāḥ)
- experiencing through their own free will (svaira:free, independent | anubhāvāḥ:those who experience)
- त्वद्-अधीन-भावाः (tvad-adhīna-bhāvāḥ)
- their inner being dependent on You (tvat:Your | adhīna:dependent | bhāvāḥ:states of being)
- समृद्ध-वीर्याः (samṛddha-vīryāḥ)
- of abundant power (samṛddha:abundant, made rich | vīryāḥ:powers)
- त्वद्-अनुग्रहेण (tvad-anugraheṇa)
- by Your grace (tvat:Your | anugraheṇa:by grace)
- विपश्चितः (vipaścitaḥ)
- the wise ones, sages
- नाथ (nātha)
- O Lord
- तरन्ति (taranti)
- they cross over
- मायाम् (māyām)
- illusion, Māyā
- वैहारिकीम् (vaihārikīm)
- playful, sportive
- मोहन-पिञ्छिकाम् (mohana-piñchikām)
- the bewildering peacock-feather fan (mohana:bewildering, deluding | piñchikām:peacock-feather fan)
- ते (tē)
- Your
॥ १९ ॥♪ CHANTING NOW
Verse 19
प्राङ्निर्मितानां तपसां विपाकाः
प्रत्यग्रनिश्श्रेयससम्पदो मे
समेधिषीरं स्तव पादपद्मे
सङ्कल्पचिन्तामणयः प्रणामाः ॥ १९ ॥
prāṅnirmitānāṃ tapasāṃ vipākāḥ
pratyagraniśśrēyasasampadō mē
samēdhiṣīraṃ stava pādapadmē
saṅkalpachintāmaṇayaḥ praṇāmāḥ ..19..
May my prostrations at your lotus-feet flourish and increase — prostrations that are the ripened fruits of austerities performed in former births, the fresh treasure of supreme beatitude for me, and wish-fulfilling gems that grant every desire.
Word by word
- प्राक्-निर्मितानां तपसां (prāk-nirmitānāṃ tapasāṃ)
- of austerities performed in former (births) (prāk:formerly | nirmitānāṃ:performed/wrought | tapasāṃ:of austerities)
- विपाकाः (vipākāḥ)
- the ripened fruits
- प्रत्यग्र-निश्श्रेयस-सम्पदः (pratyagra-niśśreyasa-sampadaḥ)
- the fresh treasure of supreme beatitude (pratyagra:fresh/new | niśśreyasa:supreme good, beatitude | sampadaḥ:treasure, wealth)
- मे (me)
- for me, my
- समेधिषीरं (samedhiṣīraṃ)
- may they flourish and increase
- तव पाद-पद्मे (tava pāda-padme)
- at your lotus-feet (tava:your | pāda:feet | padme:at the lotus)
- सङ्कल्प-चिन्तामणयः (saṅkalpa-cintāmaṇayaḥ)
- wish-fulfilling gems for one's resolves (saṅkalpa:wish, resolve | cintāmaṇayaḥ:wish-fulfilling gems)
- प्रणामाः (praṇāmāḥ)
- prostrations
॥ २० ॥♪ CHANTING NOW
Verse 20
विलुप्तमूर्धन्यलिपिक्रमाणा
सुरेन्द्रचूडापदलालितानां
त्वदङ्घ्रि राजीवरजःकणानां
भूयान्प्रसादो मयि नाथ भूयात् ॥ २० ॥
viluptamūrdhanyalipikramāṇā
surēndrachūḍāpadalālitānāṃ
tvadaṅghri rājīvarajaḥkaṇānāṃ
bhūyānprasādō mayi nātha bhūyāt ..20..
O Lord, may there abound upon me the abundant grace of the dust-motes from your lotus feet — those grains of dust that erase the written decrees of destiny inscribed upon my forehead, and that are lovingly caressed by the crown-jewels of the king of the gods. May such grace be mine indeed.
Word by word
- विलुप्त-मूर्धन्य-लिपि-क्रमाणा (vilupta-mūrdhanya-lipi-kramāṇā)
- that erase the sequence of writing on the forehead, i.e. destiny (vilupta:erased | mūrdhanya:on the head/forehead | lipi:writing/script | kramāṇā:the sequence of)
- सुरेन्द्र-चूडा-पद-लालितानां (surēndra-chūḍā-pada-lālitānāṃ)
- lovingly caressed by the crowns of the king of the gods (surendra:king of the gods, Indra | cūḍā:crest/crown | pada:place/foot | lālitānāṃ:of those caressed)
- त्वत्-अङ्घ्रि (tvad-aṅghri)
- of your feet (tvat:your | aṅghri:feet)
- राजीव-रजः-कणानां (rājīva-rajaḥ-kaṇānāṃ)
- of the dust-grains of the lotus (rājīva:lotus | rajaḥ:dust/pollen | kaṇānāṃ:of the grains)
- भूयान् प्रसादः (bhūyān prasādaḥ)
- abundant grace (bhūyān:abundant | prasādaḥ:grace/favor)
- मयि (mayi)
- upon me
- नाथ (nātha)
- O Lord
- भूयात् (bhūyāt)
- may there be
॥ २१ ॥♪ CHANTING NOW
Verse 21
परिस्फुरन्नूपुरचित्रभानु –
प्रकाशनिर्धूततमोनुषङ्गा
पदद्वयीं ते परिचिन्महेऽन्तः
प्रबोधराजीवविभातसन्ध्याम् ॥ २१ ॥
parisphurannūpurachitrabhānu –
prakāśanirdhūtatamōnuṣaṅgā
padadvayīṃ tē parichinmahē'ntaḥ
prabōdharājīvavibhātasandhyām ..21..
Your two feet, whose radiance — flashing like the wondrous brilliance of your shimmering anklets — dispels every last trace of clinging darkness, we contemplate within our hearts as the dawn-twilight that makes the lotus of awakened wisdom bloom.
Word by word
- परिस्फुरत्-नूपुर-चित्रभानु-प्रकाश (parisphurat-nūpura-citrabhānu-prakāśa)
- the radiance of the shimmering anklets shining like wondrous fire (parisphurat:shimmering | nūpura:anklet | citrabhānu:wondrous fire/brilliance | prakāśa:radiance)
- निर्धूत-तमः-अनुषङ्गा (nirdhūta-tamaḥ-anuṣaṅgā)
- dispelling the clinging of darkness (nirdhūta:dispelled | tamaḥ:darkness | anuṣaṅgā:clinging/association)
- पदद्वयीम् (padadvayīm)
- the pair of feet (pada:foot | dvayīm:pair)
- ते (tē)
- your
- परिचिन्महे (parichinmahē)
- we contemplate
- अन्तः (antaḥ)
- within (the heart)
- प्रबोध-राजीव-विभात-सन्ध्याम् (prabōdha-rājīva-vibhāta-sandhyām)
- as the dawn-twilight that blooms the lotus of awakening (prabodha:awakened wisdom | rājīva:lotus | vibhāta:dawn | sandhyām:twilight)
॥ २२ ॥♪ CHANTING NOW
Verse 22
त्वत्किङ्करालङ्करणोचितानां
त्वयैव कल्पान्तरपालितानां
मञ्जुप्रणादं मणिनूपुरं ते
मञ्जूषिकां वेदगिरां प्रतीमः ॥ २२ ॥
tvatkiṅkarālaṅkaraṇōchitānāṃ
tvayaiva kalpāntarapālitānāṃ
mañjupraṇādaṃ maṇinūpuraṃ tē
mañjūṣikāṃ vēdagirāṃ pratīmaḥ ..22..
We regard Your jeweled anklet, with its sweet tinkling sound, as the very casket that guards the words of the Vedas — those Vedic utterances fit to adorn Your servants, and preserved by You alone across the succession of world-ages.
Word by word
- त्वत्-किङ्कर-अलङ्करण-उचितानाम् (tvat-kiṅkara-alaṅkaraṇa-ucitānām)
- of those fit to adorn Your servants (tvat:Your | kiṅkara:servants | alaṅkaraṇa:adornment | ucitānām:fit for)
- त्वया एव (tvayā eva)
- by You alone (tvayā:by You | eva:alone)
- कल्प-अन्तर-पालितानाम् (kalpa-antara-pālitānām)
- preserved across the ages (kalpa:world-age | antara:successive intervals | pālitānām:protected/preserved)
- मञ्जु-प्रणादम् (mañju-praṇādam)
- with sweet tinkling sound (mañju:sweet | praṇādam:sound, ringing)
- मणि-नूपुरम् (maṇi-nūpuram)
- the jeweled anklet (maṇi:jewel | nūpuram:anklet)
- ते (te)
- Your
- मञ्जूषिकाम् (mañjūṣikām)
- as the casket, small chest
- वेद-गिराम् (veda-girām)
- of the words of the Vedas (veda:Vedas | girām:words, utterances)
- प्रतीमः (pratīmaḥ)
- we regard, we perceive it as
॥ २३ ॥♪ CHANTING NOW
Verse 23
सञ्चिन्तयामि प्रतिभादशास्थान्
सन्धुक्षयन्तं समयप्रदीपान्
विज्ञानकल्पद्रुमपल्लवाभं
व्याख्यानमुद्रामधुरं करं ते ॥ २३ ॥
sañchintayāmi pratibhādaśāsthān
sandhukṣayantaṃ samayapradīpān
vijñānakalpadrumapallavābhaṃ
vyākhyānamudrāmadhuraṃ karaṃ tē ..23..
I meditate upon Your hand, which kindles into flame the lamps of doctrine that dwell in the state of illumined insight, which shines like the tender sprout of the wish-fulfilling tree of true knowledge, and which is made sweet by the gesture of exposition (vyākhyāna-mudrā).
Word by word
- सञ्चिन्तयामि (sañchintayāmi)
- I contemplate, I meditate upon
- प्रतिभादशास्थान् (pratibhādaśāsthān)
- abiding in the state of illumined insight (pratibhā:brilliant insight | daśā:state, condition | sthān:abiding in)
- सन्धुक्षयन्तम् (sandhukṣayantam)
- kindling into flame, enkindling
- समयप्रदीपान् (samayapradīpān)
- the lamps of doctrine (samaya:doctrine, established teaching | pradīpān:lamps)
- विज्ञानकल्पद्रुमपल्लवाभम् (vijñānakalpadrumapallavābham)
- shining like the tender sprout of the wish-fulfilling tree of knowledge (vijñāna:true knowledge | kalpadruma:wish-fulfilling tree | pallava:tender sprout | ābham:shining like)
- व्याख्यानमुद्रामधुरम् (vyākhyānamudrāmadhuram)
- sweet with the gesture of exposition (vyākhyāna:exposition, explanation | mudrā:hand-gesture | madhuram:sweet)
- करं ते (karaṃ tē)
- Your hand (karam:hand | tē:Your)
॥ २४ ॥♪ CHANTING NOW
Verse 24
चित्ते करोमि स्फुरिताक्षमालं
सव्येतरं नाथ करं त्वदीयं
ज्ञानामृतोदञ्चनलम्पटानां
लीलाघटीयन्त्रमिवाऽऽश्रितानाम् ॥ २४ ॥
chittē karōmi sphuritākṣamālaṃ
savyētaraṃ nātha karaṃ tvadīyaṃ
jñānāmṛtōdañchanalampaṭānāṃ
līlāghaṭīyantramivā''śritānām ..24..
O Lord, in my heart I place your right hand, bright with its garland of rosary beads — a hand that is, for those devotees who long to draw up the nectar of wisdom, like a playful water-wheel drawing water from the well.
Word by word
- चित्ते करोमि (chittē karōmi)
- I place in my heart (chitte:in the heart/mind | karōmi:I make/place)
- स्फुरिताक्षमालम् (sphuritākṣamālam)
- bright with the rosary of beads (sphurita:shining/glittering | akṣamāla:rosary of beads)
- सव्येतरम् (savyētaram)
- the right (other than the left) (savya:left | itara:other)
- नाथ (nātha)
- O Lord
- करं त्वदीयम् (karaṃ tvadīyam)
- your hand (karam:hand | tvadīyam:your)
- ज्ञानामृतोदञ्चनलम्पटानाम् (jñānāmṛtōdañchanalampaṭānām)
- of those eager to draw up the nectar of wisdom (jñāna:wisdom | amṛta:nectar | udañchana:drawing up | lampaṭānām:of those who long for/are eager)
- लीलाघटीयन्त्रम् इव (līlāghaṭīyantram iva)
- like a playful water-wheel machine (līlā:play/sport | ghaṭī:pot/jar | yantram:machine/device | iva:like)
- आश्रितानाम् (āśritānām)
- for those who have taken refuge
॥ २५ ॥♪ CHANTING NOW
Verse 25
प्रबोधसिन्धोररुणैः प्रकाशैः
प्रवालसङ्घातमिवोद्वहन्तं
विभावये देव स पुस्तकं ते
वामं करं दक्षिणमाश्रितानाम् ॥ २५ ॥
prabōdhasindhōraruṇaiḥ prakāśaiḥ
pravāḻasaṅghātamivōdvahantaṃ
vibhāvayē dēva sa pustakaṃ tē
vāmaṃ karaṃ dakṣiṇamāśritānām ..25..
O Lord, I meditate upon your left hand, which holds a book and shines with the ruddy radiance of the ocean of wisdom, appearing like a cluster of coral — yet this left hand is truly a right hand (a source of blessing and refuge) for those who take shelter in you.
Word by word
- प्रबोधसिन्धोः (prabōdha-sindhōḥ)
- of the ocean of wisdom (prabodha:awakening/wisdom | sindhoḥ:of the ocean)
- अरुणैः प्रकाशैः (aruṇaiḥ prakāśaiḥ)
- with ruddy rays of light (aruṇaiḥ:reddish | prakāśaiḥ:with radiances)
- प्रवालसङ्घातम् इव (pravāḻa-saṅghātam iva)
- like a cluster of coral (pravāḻa:coral | saṅghātam:cluster/mass | iva:like)
- उद्वहन्तम् (udvahantam)
- holding, bearing aloft
- विभावये (vibhāvaye)
- I meditate upon, I contemplate
- देव (dēva)
- O Lord
- स पुस्तकम् ते (sa pustakaṃ tē)
- that book of yours (sa:that | pustakam:book | te:your)
- वामं करम् (vāmaṃ karam)
- the left hand (vāmam:left | karam:hand)
- दक्षिणम् आश्रितानाम् (dakṣiṇam āśritānām)
- (yet) a right hand / auspicious source of blessing for those who take refuge (dakṣiṇam:right/auspicious | āśritānām:of those who have taken shelter)
॥ २६ ॥♪ CHANTING NOW
Verse 26
तमां सिभित्त्वाविशदैर्मयूखैः
सम्प्रीणयन्तं विदुषश्चकोरान्
निशामये त्वां नवपुण्डरीके
शरद्घनेचन्द्रमिव स्फुरन्तम् ॥ २६ ॥
tamāṃ sibhittvāviśadairmayūkhaiḥ
samprīṇayantaṃ viduṣaśchakōrān
niśāmayē tvāṃ navapuṇḍarīkē
śaradghanēchandramiva sphurantam ..26..
Piercing the darkness with your pure, radiant beams and delighting the learned who are like chakora birds, I behold you shining upon a fresh white lotus, resembling the moon set against an autumn cloud.
Word by word
- तमांसि भित्त्वा (tamāṃsi bhittvā)
- having pierced the darkness (tamāṃsi:darkness | bhittvā:having split)
- विशदैः मयूखैः (viśadaiḥ mayūkhaiḥ)
- with pure, bright rays (viśadaiḥ:pure/bright | mayūkhaiḥ:with rays)
- सम्प्रीणयन्तम् (samprīṇayantam)
- delighting, gladdening
- विदुषः चकोरान् (viduṣaḥ chakorān)
- the learned who are like chakora birds (viduṣaḥ:the learned | chakorān:chakora birds)
- निशामये (niśāmaye)
- I behold, I perceive
- त्वाम् (tvām)
- you
- नवपुण्डरीके (navapuṇḍarīke)
- upon a fresh white lotus (nava:fresh/new | puṇḍarīke:on the white lotus)
- शरद्घने (śaradghane)
- in an autumn cloud (śarad:autumn | ghane:in the cloud)
- चन्द्रम् इव (chandram iva)
- like the moon (chandram:the moon | iva:like)
- स्फुरन्तम् (sphurantam)
- shining, glittering
॥ २७ ॥♪ CHANTING NOW
Verse 27
दिशन्तु मे देव सदा त्वदीयाः
दयातरङ्गानुचराः कटाक्षाः
श्रोत्रेषु पुंसाममृतङ्क्षरन्तीं
सरस्वतीं संश्रितकामधेनुम् ॥ २७ ॥
diśantu mē dēva sadā tvadīyāḥ
dayātaraṅgānucharāḥ kaṭākṣāḥ
śrōtrēṣu puṃsāmamṛtaṅkṣarantīṃ
sarasvatīṃ saṃśritakāmadhēnum ..27..
O Lord, may your sidelong glances, ever attending like waves of compassion, forever bestow upon me the flow of eloquence — that Sarasvatī who pours forth nectar into the ears of men, the very wish-fulfilling cow (Kāmadhenu) for those who take refuge in her.
Word by word
- दिशन्तु (diśantu)
- may they bestow
- मे (mē)
- upon me
- देव (dēva)
- O Lord
- सदा (sadā)
- ever, always
- त्वदीयाः (tvadīyāḥ)
- your own
- दयातरङ्गानुचराः (dayātaraṅgānucharāḥ)
- attending like waves of compassion (dayā:compassion | taraṅga:waves | anucharāḥ:attendants, followers)
- कटाक्षाः (kaṭākṣāḥ)
- sidelong glances
- श्रोत्रेषु (śrōtrēṣu)
- into the ears
- पुंसाम् (puṃsām)
- of men
- अमृतं क्षरन्तीम् (amṛtaṃ kṣarantīm)
- pouring forth nectar (amṛtam:nectar | kṣarantīm:flowing, pouring)
- सरस्वतीम् (sarasvatīm)
- Sarasvatī, the flow of eloquence
- संश्रितकामधेनुम् (saṃśritakāmadhēnum)
- the wish-fulfilling cow for those who take refuge (saṃśrita:those who have taken refuge | kāmadhēnu:the wish-granting cow)
॥ २८ ॥♪ CHANTING NOW
Verse 28
विशेषवित्पारिषदेषु नाथ
विदग्धगोष्ठी समराङ्गणेषु
जिगीषतो मे कवितार्किकेन्द्रान्
जिह्वाग्रसिंहासनमभ्युपेयाः ॥ २८ ॥
viśēṣavitpāriṣadēṣu nātha
vidagdhagōṣṭhī samarāṅgaṇēṣu
jigīṣatō mē kavitārkikēndrān
jihvāgrasiṃhāsanamabhyupēyāḥ ..28..
O Lord, in the assemblies of connoisseurs and in the battlegrounds that are the gatherings of the learned and the clever, when I seek to conquer the foremost of poets and logicians, may You ascend the lion-throne that is the tip of my tongue.
Word by word
- विशेषवित्-पारिषदेषु (viśeṣavit-pāriṣadeṣu)
- in the assemblies of expert connoisseurs (viśeṣavit:one who knows the finer distinctions | pāriṣadeṣu:in the assemblies/councils)
- नाथ (nātha)
- O Lord
- विदग्ध-गोष्ठी (vidagdha-goṣṭhī)
- gatherings of the clever/learned (vidagdha:sophisticated, witty | goṣṭhī:assembly, meeting)
- समराङ्गणेषु (samarāṅgaṇeṣu)
- in the battlegrounds (samara:battle | aṅgaṇeṣu:in the arenas/fields)
- जिगीषतः मे (jigīṣataḥ me)
- of me who wishes to conquer (jigīṣataḥ:desiring to win | me:my)
- कवितार्किकेन्द्रान् (kavitārkikendrān)
- the foremost of poets and logicians (kavi:poet | tārkika:logician, dialectician | indrān:chiefs, the best of)
- जिह्वाग्र-सिंहासनम् (jihvāgra-siṃhāsanam)
- the lion-throne of the tongue's tip (jihvā:tongue | agra:tip | siṃhāsanam:lion-throne)
- अभ्युपेयाः (abhyupeyāḥ)
- may You ascend/take up (abhyupeyāḥ:may you come to occupy)
॥ २९ ॥♪ CHANTING NOW
Verse 29
त्वां चिन्तयन् त्वन्मयतां प्रपन्नः
त्वामुद्गृणन् शब्दमयेन धाम्ना
स्वामिन्समाजेषु समेधिषीय
स्वच्छन्दवादाहवबद्धशूरः ॥ २९ ॥
tvāṃ chintayan tvanmayatāṃ prapannaḥ
tvāmudgṛṇan śabdamayēna dhāmnā
svāminsamājēṣu samēdhiṣīya
svachChandavādāhavabaddhaśūraḥ ..29..
Contemplating You, I attain a state wholly absorbed in You; proclaiming You through the radiant power of sacred speech, may I flourish in learned assemblies, O Lord — a hero girded for the battle of free and eloquent discourse.
Word by word
- त्वां चिन्तयन् (tvāṃ chintayan)
- contemplating You (tvām:You | chintayan:meditating upon)
- त्वन्मयतां प्रपन्नः (tvanmayatāṃ prapannaḥ)
- having attained a state absorbed in You (tvat-mayatām:the state of being made of You | prapannaḥ:having reached)
- त्वाम् उद्गृणन् (tvām udgṛṇan)
- proclaiming You aloud (tvām:You | udgṛṇan:extolling, uttering forth)
- शब्दमयेन धाम्ना (śabdamayena dhāmnā)
- through the radiant power made of sacred speech (śabda-mayena:consisting of word/speech | dhāmnā:by the glory/power)
- स्वामिन् (svāmin)
- O Lord
- समाजेषु समेधिषीय (samājeṣu samedhiṣīya)
- may I flourish in the assemblies (samājeṣu:in gatherings/assemblies | samedhiṣīya:may I prosper)
- स्वच्छन्दवादाहवबद्धशूरः (svacChanda-vāda-āhava-baddha-śūraḥ)
- a hero girded for the battle of free discourse (svacChanda:free, unrestrained | vāda:debate, discourse | āhava:battle | baddha:girded, resolute | śūraḥ:hero)
॥ ३० ॥♪ CHANTING NOW
Verse 30
नानाविधानामगतिः कलानां
न चापि तीर्थेषु कृतावतारः
ध्रुवं तवाऽनाध परिग्रहायाः
नव नवं पात्रमहं दयायाः ॥ ३० ॥
nānāvidhānāmagatiḥ kalānāṃ
na chāpi tīrthēṣu kṛtāvatāraḥ
dhruvaṃ tavā'nādha parigrahāyāḥ
nava navaṃ pātramahaṃ dayāyāḥ ..30..
I have no mastery over the manifold arts, nor have I ever made pilgrimage to the holy fords. Yet surely, O Lord who takes up the helpless as your own, I am an ever-new vessel of your compassion.
Word by word
- नानाविधानाम् कलानाम् (nānāvidhānām kalānām)
- of the manifold arts (nānāvidhānām:of various kinds | kalānām:of the arts)
- अगतिः (agatiḥ)
- having no access, without mastery
- न च अपि (na cha api)
- nor even
- तीर्थेषु (tīrthēṣu)
- to the holy fords, sacred places of pilgrimage
- कृतावतारः (kṛtāvatāraḥ)
- one who has made a descent/visit (kṛta:made | avatāraḥ:descent, visit)
- ध्रुवम् (dhruvam)
- surely, certainly
- तव (tava)
- your
- अनाथ-परिग्रहायाः (anātha-parigrahāyāḥ)
- of you who take up the helpless as your own (anātha:the helpless, protectorless | parigrahāyāḥ:of her who accepts, takes under protection)
- नव नवम् (nava navam)
- ever-new, newer and newer (nava:new | navam:new)
- पात्रम् (pātram)
- vessel, worthy recipient
- अहम् (aham)
- I
- दयायाः (dayāyāḥ)
- of your compassion
॥ ३१ ॥♪ CHANTING NOW
Verse 31
अकम्पनीयान्यपनीतिभेदैः
अलङ्कृषीरन् हृदयं मदीयम्
शङ्का कलङ्का पगमोज्ज्वलानि
तत्त्वानि सम्यञ्चि तव प्रसादात् ॥ ३१ ॥
akampanīyānyapanītibhēdaiḥ
alaṅkṛṣīran hṛdayaṃ madīyam
śaṅkā kaḻaṅkā pagamōjjvalāni
tattvāni samyañchi tava prasādāt ..31..
By your grace, may the true principles — unshakable by the divisions of false reasoning, and radiant with the removal of the stain of doubt — perfectly adorn this heart of mine.
Word by word
- अकम्पनीयानि (akampanīyāni)
- unshakable ones
- अपनीति-भेदैः (apanīti-bhedaiḥ)
- by the divisions of wrong reasoning (apanīti:false policy/wrong reasoning | bhedaiḥ:by distinctions)
- अलङ्कृषीरन् (alaṅkṛṣīran)
- may they adorn
- हृदयम् मदीयम् (hṛdayaṃ madīyam)
- this heart of mine (hṛdayam:heart | madīyam:my own)
- शङ्का-कलङ्क-अपगम-उज्ज्वलानि (śaṅkā-kalaṅka-apagama-ujjvalāni)
- radiant with the removal of the stain of doubt (śaṅkā:doubt | kalaṅka:stain/blemish | apagama:removal | ujjvalāni:brilliant, radiant)
- तत्त्वानि (tattvāni)
- the true principles
- सम्यञ्चि (samyañchi)
- perfectly, rightly
- तव प्रसादात् (tava prasādāt)
- by your grace (tava:your | prasādāt:from grace)
॥ ३२ ॥♪ CHANTING NOW
Verse 32
व्याख्यामुद्रां करसरसिजैः पुस्तकं शङ्खचक्रे
भिभ्रद्भिन्न स्फटिकरुचिरे पुण्डरीके निषण्णः ।
अम्लानश्रीरमृतविशदैरंशुभिः प्लावयन्मां
आविर्भूयादनघमहिमामानसे वागधीशः ॥ ३२ ॥
vyākhyāmudrāṃ karasarasijaiḥ pustakaṃ śaṅkhachakrē
bhibhradbhinna sphaṭikaruchirē puṇḍarīkē niṣaṇṇaḥ ।
amlānaśrīramṛtaviśadairaṃśubhiḥ plāvayanmāṃ
āvirbhūyādanaghamahimāmānasē vāgadhīśaḥ ..32..
Bearing in his lotus-like hands the gesture of exposition, a book, the conch and the discus, seated upon a white lotus radiant as flawless crystal, whose splendor never fades — may that Lord of Speech, of unblemished glory, made manifest, flood me with rays pure as nectar and appear within my mind.
Word by word
- व्याख्यामुद्राम् (vyākhyāmudrām)
- the gesture of exposition (vyākhyā:explanation | mudrām:gesture)
- करसरसिजैः (karasarasijaiḥ)
- with his lotus-like hands (kara:hand | sarasija:lotus)
- पुस्तकम् (pustakam)
- a book
- शङ्खचक्रे (śaṅkhachakre)
- the conch and the discus (śaṅkha:conch | chakra:discus)
- बिभ्रत् (bibhrat)
- bearing, holding
- भिन्नस्फटिकरुचिरे (bhinnasphaṭikaruchire)
- radiant as flawless crystal (bhinna:flawless/split | sphaṭika:crystal | ruchire:radiant)
- पुण्डरीके (puṇḍarīke)
- on the white lotus
- निषण्णः (niṣaṇṇaḥ)
- seated
- अम्लानश्रीः (amlānaśrīḥ)
- whose splendor never fades (amlāna:unfading | śrīḥ:splendor)
- अमृतविशदैः (amṛtaviśadaiḥ)
- pure as nectar (amṛta:nectar | viśadaiḥ:pure/bright)
- अंशुभिः (aṃśubhiḥ)
- with rays
- प्लावयन् माम् (plāvayan mām)
- flooding me (plāvayan:flooding | mām:me)
- आविर्भूयात् (āvirbhūyāt)
- may he become manifest
- अनघमहिमा (anaghamahimā)
- of unblemished glory (anagha:unblemished | mahimā:glory)
- मानसे (mānase)
- in the mind
- वागधीशः (vāgadhīśaḥ)
- the Lord of Speech (vāk:speech | adhīśaḥ:supreme lord)
॥ ३३ ॥♪ CHANTING NOW
Verse 33
वागर्थसिद्धिहेतोःपठत हयग्रीवसंस्तुतिं भक्त्या
कवितार्किककेसरिणा वेङ्कटनाथेन विरचितामेताम् ॥ ३३ ॥
vāgarthasiddhihētōḥpaṭhata hayagrīvasaṃstutiṃ bhaktyā
kavitārkikakēsariṇā vēṅkaṭanāthēna virachitāmētām ..33..
For the attainment of mastery over speech and its meanings, recite with devotion this hymn of praise to Hayagrīva, composed by Veṅkaṭanātha, the lion among poets and logicians.
Word by word
- वागर्थसिद्धिहेतोः (vāgarthasiddhihētōḥ)
- for the sake of attaining mastery over speech and meaning (vāc:speech | artha:meaning | siddhi:attainment | hetoḥ:for the purpose of)
- पठत (paṭhata)
- recite (imperative, plural)
- हयग्रीवसंस्तुतिम् (hayagrīvasaṃstutim)
- this hymn of praise to Hayagrīva (hayagrīva:the horse-necked one | saṃstutim:hymn of praise)
- भक्त्या (bhaktyā)
- with devotion
- कवितार्किककेसरिणा (kavitārkikakēsariṇā)
- by the lion among poets and logicians (kavi:poet | tārkika:logician | kesariṇā:by the lion)
- वेङ्कटनाथेन (vēṅkaṭanāthēna)
- by Veṅkaṭanātha
- विरचिताम् एताम् (virachitām ētām)
- this one composed (viracitām:composed | etām:this)
॥ ३४ ॥♪ CHANTING NOW
Verse 34
॥ इति श्रीहयग्रीवस्तोत्रं समाप्तम् ॥
कवितार्किकसिंहाय कल्याणगुणशालिने ।
श्रीमते वेङ्कटेशाय वेदान्तगुरवे नमः ॥
॥ iti śrīhayagrīvastōtraṃ samāptam ॥
kavitārkikasiṃhāya kalyāṇaguṇaśālinē ।
śrīmatē vēṅkaṭēśāya vēdāntaguravē namaḥ ॥
Thus concludes the sacred Hymn to Hayagrīva. Salutations to the illustrious Veṅkaṭeśa, the lion among poets and logicians, adorned with auspicious virtues, the preceptor of Vedānta.
Word by word
- इति (iti)
- thus
- श्रीहयग्रीवस्तोत्रम् (śrīhayagrīvastōtram)
- the sacred hymn to Hayagrīva (śrī:sacred | hayagrīva:Hayagrīva, the horse-necked form of Viṣṇu | stotram:hymn)
- समाप्तम् (samāptam)
- is concluded
- कवितार्किकसिंहाय (kavitārkikasiṃhāya)
- to the lion among poets and logicians (kavi:poet | tārkika:logician | siṃhāya:to the lion)
- कल्याणगुणशालिने (kalyāṇaguṇaśālinē)
- to him adorned with auspicious virtues (kalyāṇa:auspicious | guṇa:virtues | śāline:endowed with, adorned)
- श्रीमते (śrīmatē)
- to the illustrious one
- वेङ्कटेशाय (vēṅkaṭēśāya)
- to Veṅkaṭeśa (Vedānta Deśika)
- वेदान्तगुरवे (vēdāntaguravē)
- to the preceptor of Vedānta (vedānta:Vedānta | guravē:to the teacher)
- नमः (namaḥ)
- salutations
ॐ