Adi Shankara

toṭakāṣṭakam

(Totakashtakam in English (IAST))

Totakacharya

Totakashtakam is a profound hymn composed by Totakacharya, a devoted disciple of Adi Shankaracharya. It is written in the unique Totaka meter, which flows with rapid, rhythmic intensity. The stotra serves as a beautiful expression of surrender and reverence towards the Guru, acknowledging him as an embodiment of wisdom and divine grace. By chanting this hymn, seekers aim to cultivate inner purity, overcome the sorrows of the material world, and deepen their devotion to their spiritual master. It is considered an essential prayer for those seeking liberation and clarity in their path to enlightenment.

viditākhila śāstra sudhā jaladhe
mahitopaniṣat-kathitārtha nidhe |
hṛdaye kalaye vimalaṃ caraṇaṃ
bhava śaṅkara deśika me śaraṇam || 1 ||
karuṇā varuṇālaya pālaya māṃ
bhavasāgara duḥkha vidūna hṛdam |
racayākhila darśana tattvavidaṃ
bhava śaṅkara deśika me śaraṇam || 2 ||
bhavatā janatā suhitā bhavitā
nijabodha vicāraṇa cārumate |
kalayeśvara jīva viveka vidaṃ
bhava śaṅkara deśika me śaraṇam || 3 ||
bhava èva bhavāniti mè nitarāṃ
samajāyata cetasi kautukitā |
mama vāraya moha mahājaladhiṃ
bhava śaṅkara deśika me śaraṇam || 4 ||
sukṛte'dhikṛte bahudhā bhavato
bhavitā samadarśana lālasatā |
ati dīnamimaṃ paripālaya māṃ
bhava śaṅkara deśika me śaraṇam || 5 ||
jagatīmavituṃ kalitākṛtayo
vicaranti mahāmāha sacchalataḥ |
ahimāṃśurivātra vibhāsi guro
bhava śaṅkara deśika me śaraṇam || 6 ||
gurupuṅgava puṅgavaketana te
samatāmayatāṃ na hi ko'pi sudhīḥ |
śaraṇāgata vatsala tattvanidhe
bhava śaṅkara deśika me śaraṇam || 7 ||
viditā na mayā viśadaika kalā
na ca kiñcana kāñcanamasti guro |
dṛtameva vidhehi kṛpāṃ sahajāṃ
bhava śaṅkara deśika me śaraṇam || 8 ||

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