Section I. Awakening practice (Purvanga Karma, Pratah Kritya)

To be performed immediately upon awakening, without getting out of bed / touching the floor with the feet (down to i. 1.7).

1. The Six mantras of ascent up the Tree of Refuge

Recite the six mantras of ascent up the Tree of Refuge (1-7 times each):

– Guru Mantra received at the Diksha,

– Param Guru Brahmananda mantra

OM NAMO NAMAH SHIVAYA OM SHIVA PRABHAKARAYA,

– eight syllable Seed Mantra of the Tutelary Deity

OM DRAM DATTATREYAYA NAMAHA,

–  the six syllable mantra

OM NAMAH SHIVAYA,

– Brahma Mantra

OM SACHIDEKAM BRAHMA,

– mantra OM.

2. Ajapa Gayatri

Recite japa Gayatri 21 time:

SO-HAM.

3. Inner deity awakening prayer

Utter the inner deity awakening prayer:

OM UTTISHTHOTTISHTHA DEVESHA

UTTISHTHA HRIDAYESHAYA

UTTISHTHA TVAM UMASVAMIN

BRAHMANDE MANGALAM KURU.

Arise, arise, O Lord of Gods, arise, O Lord of my heart! Arise, o consort of Uma! Do good to the world!

4. Honoring the Guru Parampara and Mula Guru

Recite inwardly (not aloud) the Mula Mantras of the five gurus of the Lineage (Guru Panchakas):

– to the Guru:

AIM GURAVE NAMAH,

– to the Param Guru:

OM PARAMA GURAVE NAMAH,

– to the Paramesthi Guru:

OM PARAMESHTHI GURAVE NAMAH,

– Paratpara Guru

OM PARATPARA GURAVE NAMAH,

– to the Paramparatpar Guru:

OM PARAMPARATPAR GURAVE NAMAH.

Perform dhyana: while meditating on the Tree of Refuge, visualize the Guru lineage starting with your Mula Guru.

Extensive version:

Perform worshiping (Manasa Puja), meditation on Mula Guru, followed by  meditation on each guru as a form of Dattatreya, recitation of Bija Mantra without a mala (1-7 times):

AIM.

Recite the shloka from the Guru Stotra:

NAMOSTU GURAVE TASMAI

ISHTADEVASVARUPINI

YASYAVAG AMRITAM HANTI

VRISHA SANSARA SAMKULYAN.

We worship that Guru who is the embodied Ishta Devata, whose  nectar of speech destroys the poison of the Sansara limitations.

5. Mental Ishta Devata worship 

While visualizing the Tree of Refuge, imagine the figure of Bhagavan Dattatreya in the center of it – radiant, six-armed, with the three heads, seated on a lotus. Recite the Prarthana:

OM SVARUPAYA NAMAHA

OM SHRI SATGURAVE NAMAHA

OM DRAM DATTATREYA NAMAHA

OMKAARAM BINDU SAMYUKTAM

NITYAM DKHYAYANTI YOGINAH

KAMADAM MOKSHADAM CHAYVA

OMKARAYA NAMO NAMAHA.

Worship to the True Nature! Worship to the True Guru! Worship to the holy Dattatreya! Yogis always meditate on the anusvara-marked syllable "Om", which fulfills all desires and grants liberation.

Recite Dattatreya's seed mantra 7 times:

OM DRAM DATTATREYA NAMAHA.

The extensive version includes a Manasika Puja.

Conclude Dattatreya worship with a praise (Jayakara):

BHAGAVAN SHRI AVADHUTA DATTATREYA KI-JAY!

6. Meditation on the Higher Self and on its oneness with Brahman

Whisper or silently pronounce the following eight Mahavakayas, pondering on their purport, getting inspired by their meaning and Bhava:

BRAHMAN SAT JAGAT MITHYA,

PRAJNYANAM BRAHMA,

AHAM BRAHMASMI,

TAT TWAM ASI,

AYYAM ATMA BRAHMA,

SARVAM EVA BRAHMA,

SHIVO HAM,

SO HAM.

Finalize with Guru Yoga (with Om):

OM, OM, OM.

7. Prayer to Mother Earth

Get out of bed and, while touching the floor with your foot, recite a prayer to Mother Earth, imagining the Earth as a planet – benevolent, auspicious, and pure:

OM PRIYA DATTAYAI BHUVE NAMAH.

Om! May the Earth, who accepts everything and bestows all good things, be worshiped!

8. Recitation of Guru Stotra

Recite the Guru Stotra (full or short version).

Short version

GURUR BRAHMA GURUR VISHNUHU

GURURUR DEVO MAHESHWARAHA

GURUHU SAAKSHAT PARAM BRAHMA

TASMAI SHRI GURAVE NAMAHA.

Guru is Brahma,  Guru is Vishnu, guru is Shiva. Guru is, indeed, the Supreme Witness. To such a Guru I bow.

The full version

AKHANDA MANDALA AKAARAM

VYAAPTAM YENA CHARA ACHARAM

TAT PADAM DARSHITAM YENA

TASMAI SHRI GURAVE NAMAHA.

To Him who is infinite and pervasive, to Him Who sustains all moving and immovable things and presents to us the Supreme Abode, to Him Whose feet I contemplate upon, to that Shri Guru I bow.

AJNYAANA TIMIRA ANDHASYA

JNJAANA ANJANA SHALAAKAYA

CHAKSHUR UNMILITAM YENAM

TASMAI SHRI GURAVE NAMAHA.

I was born in the darkness of ignorance, and my Guru opened my eyes by dispelling the darkness with the torch of knowledge. Therefore I bow to the Shri Guru in reverence.

DHYANA MULYAM GUROR MURTI

PUJA MULYAM GURO PADAM

MANTRA MULYAM GUROR VAKYAM

MOKSHA MULYAM GURO KRIPA.

Guru's image is the basis of meditation, Guru’s feet are the basis of service, Guru’s word is the basis of all mantras, and Guru’s grace is the basis of salvation.

JNANA SHAKTI SAMAARUUDAS

TATTVA MAALAA VIBHUUSHITA

BHUKTI MUKTI PRADAATAA CHA

TASMAI SHRI GURAVE NAMAHA.

To Him Who is the embodiment of the power of knowledge, Who is adorned with the garland of the tattvas, Who bestows both worldly prosperity and liberation – to such a Guru I bow!

NAMOSTU GURAVE TASMAI

ISHTADEVASVARUPINI

YASYA VAM AMRTAM KHANTI

VISHAM SAMSARA SAMJNITAM.

Greetings to Guru, who is the true form of the Tutelary Deity! Greetings to Guru who bestows the nectar of the Divine and delivers one from the poison of Samsara.

NA GUROR ADHIKAM TATTVAM

NA GUROR ADHIKAM TAPAHA

TATTVA JNYAANAAT PARAM

NAASTI TASMAI SHRI GURAVE NAMAHA.

There is no truth higher than Guru, no asceticism better than the service to Guru, there is nothing higher than knowledge of the Guru principle. To such a Guru I bow!

GURUR BRAHMA GURUR VISHNU

GURUR DEVO MAHESHWARA

GURUHU SAAKSHAT PARAM BRAHMA

TASMAI SHRI GURAVE NAMAHA.

Guru is Brahma, Guru is Vishnu, guru is Shiva. Guru is, indeed, the Supreme Witness. To such a Guru I bow.

9. Making the bed

Get up, make your bed.

10. Cleaning of bad dreams

If bad dreams need to be cleaned, recite a special prayer for it. This shloka mantra prayer is called Mantratmak Shloka. It can be recited 1 to 108 times to remove the sins from the past lives, or to clean bad dreams:

ATRIPUTRO MAHATEJA

DATTATREOMAHAMUNYAH

TASYA SAMARANMATREN

SARVAPAPAAPAIH PRAMUCHTE.

O son of Atri, thou art a great radiance! O Dattatreya, the greatest sage! Just a moment of His remembrance dissolves all the debilitating sins.

The first two lines of the Dattatreya Stotra are a powerful mantra prayer to Dattatreya for purifying the mind from negative energies and harmful influences or spirits.

BHUT PRET PISHACHA DHASYA SMARNAMA TRATAH

DURADEV PALAYANTE DATTATREYAM NAMAMI TAM.

Bhutas, pretas, pishachas – these demons avoid the one who is mindful of Dattatreya the Limitless for as little as one moment!

Section II. Ritual bath (Snan) and preparation for Sandhya Vandana

1. Bathing

If you shave, do so before bathing.

Pour water on your head with large handfuls, repeating the Ishta Devata Mula Mantra or any other mantra seven times:

OM DRAM DATTATREYA NAMAHA.

Next, do the full bathing (Purna Snan) with the mantra:

OM APAVITRAH PAVITRO VA

SARVA VASTHAM GATO'PI VA

YAH SMARET PUNDARI KAKSHAM

SA BAHYA BHYANTARAH SHUCHIH

OM SHUCHIH OM SHUCHIH OM SHUCHIH

OM PUNDARI KAKSHAH PUNATU.

Om! All uncleanly things that are seen as such around, everywhere the eye falls, inside and outside – may they be cleansed! Om! May they be cleansed! Om! May they be cleansed! Om! May they be cleansed! May everything become cleansed!

Brush your teeth with a toothbrush and toothpaste and your tongue with a spoon or a tongue cleaner.  Rinse your mouth. If you can't do a full bathing, do a partial one (for the face, ears, neck, hands up to the elbows, anus, and private parts).

2. Donning ritual robes

Put on clean ritual robes (for Karma sannyasi or Purna sannyasi).

3. Ritual cleaning of mouth and body (Achamana)

Perform the Achamana (ritual drinking of three sips of consecrated water) while reciting the mantras:

OM ATMA TATTVAYA SWAHA

OM VIDYA TATTVAYA SWAHA

OM SHIVA TATTVAYA SVAHA.

Om, for the good of the Atman essence! Om, for the good of the enlightened knowledge! Om, for the good of the essence of the Blissful Absolute!

4. Application of the sacred ash (Vibhuti) to the forehead and body

The Tripundra is a sacred symbol consisting of three parallel lines applied usually on the forehead and combined with a kumkum dot (Bindu) which is put between the eyebrows at the third eye location (Ajna Chakra).

A simple way of applying the tripundra is as follows: Ensure that your hands are dry. Take the sacred ash (Vibhuti, Bhasma) with the three fingers (index, middle and ring) of the right hand. Lightly apply it to the forehead left to right, with recitation of the mantra:

OM NAMAH SHIVAAYA.

The following mantras are also recited in the course of Tripundra application:

OM AGNIR ITI BHASMA.

Om! Fire is bhasma!

OM VAYUR ITI BHASMA.

Om! Air is bhasma!

OM JALAM ITI BHASMA.

Om! Water is bhasma!

OM STHALAM ITI BHASMA.

Om! Earth is bhasma!

OM VYOMETI BHASMA.

Om! Space is bhasma!

OM DEVA BHASMA.

Om! The Gods are bhasma!

OM RISHAYO BHASMA.

Om! The Rishis are bhasma!

Then, apply the bindu – a dot symbolizing the divine power of Shakti – to the "third eye", or the area just above the inter-brow. Use the same ash, or sanctified water, or the kumkum red powder. Sometimes sadhus may apply Vibhuti to the chest, shoulders, and even to the whole body, depending on a particular sadhana.

5. Ritual putting on of the Japa Mala

Put on a Japa Mala around your neck. The Japa Mala symbolizes our connection with the guru, the Tree of Refuge, and Shiva. While putting it on, recite this six-syllable mantra:

OM NAMAH SHIVAAYA.

Then put on kanthimalas (malas for the neck) while reciting the Guru Mantra or Brahma Gayatri Mantra:

OM PARAMESHVARAYA VIDMAHE

PARATATTVAYA DHIMAHI

TANNO BRAHMA PRACHODAYAT.

Om! May we comprehend Parameshvara! We meditate on the Supreme Tattva (Essence). May Brahma illumine our consciousness and guide us!

Section III. Special prayers at sunrise, noon, and sunset (Sandhya Upasana)

Sandhya is the time when the night turns into day, the day turns into night, and the first half of the day turns into the other half. It is considered an auspicious time for practice. The morning Sandhya lasts from daybreak until an hour after sunrise. The midday Sandhya is at the astronomical noon (12:00). The evening Sandhya begins one hour before the sunset time and lasts until sunset. The Sandhya Upasana (Sandhya Vandana) and worship of God and the saints should preferably be performed outdoors.

1. Pancharatna Pranama Mantra

During a Sandhya, when the winds are active in the central channel (Sushumna), sit down facing East and utter the Pancharatna Pranama Mantra.

Hold the palms prayerfully folded in Namaste over the top of the head (Sahasrara Chakra):

OM SHIVAM SHARANAM PRAPADYAM.

Om! I resort to Shiva, the Almighty God, for protection!

Then, put the palms prayerfully folded at the level of the forehead (in front of the Ajna Chakra):

OM DHARMAM SHARANAM PRAPADYAM.

Om! I resort to the Dharma, the true teaching which liberates, for protection!

Then, put the palms prayerfully folded at the level of the bosom (in front of the Anahata Chakra):

OM SANGHAM SHARANAM PRAPADYAM.

Om! I resort to the Sangha, the community of sadhus devoted to God and the Dharma, for protection!

Then, put the palms prayerfully folded  against the base of the spine (at the level of Muladhara Chakra):

OM SHAKTIM SHARANAM PRAPADYAM.

Om! I call upon the Universal divine power, the Mother Energy, Shakti, for protection!

When saying the last line, meditate on the image of Shiva – the original universal guru of all gurus, on Dattatreya, and on your Mula Guru, seeing them in unity as one Guru Tattva, the Guru principle. Hold the palms prayerfully folded in Namaste over the top of the head (Sahasrara Chakra):

OM SADGURUMSHARANAMPRAPADYAM.

Om! I resort to the Original Guru, the true teacher, for protection!

Then, bow towards the altar. If there is no altar, then bow towards the place of Mula Guru's residence. If this place is not known, then bow to the East.

2. Brahma Gayatri Mantra

Perform the Achamana. Recite the Brahma Gayatri three times:

OM PARAMESHVARAYA VIDMAHE

PARATATTVAYA DHIMAHI

TANNO BRAHMA PRACHODAYAT.

Om! May we comprehend Parameshvara! We meditate on the Supreme Tattva (Essence). May Brahma illumine our consciousness and guide us!

3. Brahma Mantra

Iterate the Brahma mantra 108 times on your japa mala. The word "Brahma", according to Sanskrit rules, is pronounced with the stress on the first syllable and a slight aspiration of "ha" on the second syllable: Bra[h]ma:

OM SACCHIDEKAM BRAHMA

Om! Beingness (Sat) and consciousness (Chit) are one Brahman!

4. Brief Guru Yoga

Chant "Om" three times, visualizing the tree of Refuge, just like the Guru Yoga with the Om mantra:

OM OM OM.

Then chant the Dattatreya Gayatri:

OM DATTATREYA VIDMAHE

ATRIPUTRAYA DHIMAHI

TANNO DATTA PRACHODAYAT.

Then chant the Gayatri mantra of Param Guru Brahmananda:

OM SIDDHA YOGI VIDMAHE

PARAMAHAMSAYA DHIMAHI

TANNO PRABHAKARA PRACHODAYAT.

Accomplish the practice with a triple “Om”, visualizing the Tree of Refuge (as in the Guru Yoga):

OM OM OM.

5. Shambhavi Mudra

Complete the Sandhya Vandana by performing Shambhavi Mudra (as received orally from the Guru) for 3-10 minutes.

SECTION IV. Stotras and their use in the ritual practice

Stotra ("praise” in Sanskrit) is a hymn of praise. It’s a very popular ancient  wordage type, with its prototype found as early as in the Samaveda. It is widely used in Vedic rituals.

Stotras can vary in size within 1-2 to several hundred shlokas. A stotra can have a form of a prayer, description, or a dialogue. But whatever the case, a stotra’s structure is always poetic, as this wordage type is meant to be sung.

A stotra can express a praise or personal devotion to a deity. It can also include ideas of spiritual and philosophical teachings. The authors of these worship hymns were great devotees –  rishis, saints, and divine beings, who conveyed with these words their transcendent state of mind.

Very often, stotras praise personified aspects of the Divine, such as Shiva, Vishnu, or aspects of Devi. A specific thing about the stotra is that it is aimed to evoke in the devotee’s mind a holistic image of the deity, that  includes all deity's qualities, all the mythological events in which the deity took part, as well as deity’s relations with the other figures of the Hindu mythology.

Sahasranama is a stotra type where multiple deity’s names are sung. "Sahasra" is "thousand" in Sanskrit,  "nama" – "name". Sahasranamas are used as a meditation tool and are an important element of worshiping and temple rituals.

All sahasranamas fall into two categories:

– Sahasranama Stotra;

– Sahasranama Stotra Vali.

Sahasranama Stotra is a hymn in which the names of a deity are listed in the subjective case. For instance, Shiva’s names: Rudra (The Roaring One), Sukhakara (The Source of Happiness), Ugra (The Terrible One).

Sahasranama Stotra Vali is a hymn in which the names of  deities are listed in the dative case with the addition of "Om" before a name and the exclamation "Namah" at its end. E.g., the Vishnu stotra: Om Vishnave namah (Om, reverence to Vishnu), Om Narayana namah (Om, reverence to Narayana).

The Sahasranama stotra is the ideal praise of a deity because it   actually appears to be a brief encyclopedia of the deity’s attributes and of the mythology associated with the deity. Each included name personifies the qualities, attributes, and manifestations of the deity.

There is also a short version for the stotras of this type, which is called Shatanama Stotra and Shatanama Stotra Vali. These are structured the same way as the Sahasranamas, but are much smaller in size, listing one hundred or one hundred and eight names of deities instead of a thousand.

Among the nine forms of Bhakti Yoga, four are directly related to the Sahasranamas:

– Shravana (Sanskr. "listening about God") –  listening to stories related to a deity that are taken out of the holy scriptures;

– Nama Sankirtana (Sanskr. "glorification of God") - chanting the names of a deity;

– Smarana (Sanskr. "keeping God in the mind") - remembrance of the forms, names, and actions of a deity;

– Archana (Sanskr. "worshiping of God") –  worshiping (Puja) of a deity’s murti by repetition of the deity's names.

Sacred scriptures indicate multiple good fruits of repeating the names of the Almighty.

"Evil will not touch the one who listens or repeats these names daily. He who repeats this stotra with concentration, will gain great glory, happiness, prosperity, and the highest good. He will get rid of all fears, be filled with courage and energy, be free from disease, and attain perfection of the body, senses, and mind”.

"Vishnu Sahasranama Stotra”

Shiva Shadakshara Stotra (Hymn to the Six Syllable Mantra of Shiva)

OMKAARAM BINDU SAMYUKTAM

NITYAM DHYAAYANTI YOGINAHA

KAAMADAM MOKSHADAM CHAYVA

OMKAARAAYA NAMO NAMAHA

We offer our eternal worship to the syllable "Om", on which 

deeply meditating yogis steadfastly focus their mind – the syllable that

satisfies all desires and bestows eternal salvation.

NAMANTI RSHAYO DEVAA

NAMANTYA APSARASAAM GANNAAHA

NARAA NAMANTI DEVE(AYII)SHAM

NAKAARAAYA NAMO NAMAHA

Simple mortals, holy sages, gods, and choirs of apsaras

bow before the Supreme Lord. Once again we worship Him,

Who is embodied in the syllable "Na".

MAHAADEVAM MAHAA AATMAANAM

MAHAA DHYAANAM PARAAYANAM

MAHAA PAAPA HARAM DEVAM

MAKAARAAYA NAMO NAMAHA

To the Great Radiant Being Who is embodied in the syllable "Ma",

the Transcendental Self, the Great God, the destroyer of numerous

sins and the supreme object of veneration and meditation, we will always worship

again and again.

SHIVAM SHANTAM JAGANNAATHAM

LOKA (A)NUGRAHA KAARAKAM

SHIVAM EKA PADAM NITYAM

SHIKAARAAYA NAMO NAMAHA

Let the All-Good and All-Powerful Lord of the Universe, embodied in the syllable

“Shi”, who gives the world peace and prosperity, the One, the Eternal,

be worshipped!

VAAHANAM VRSHABHO YASYA

VAASUKIH KAMTHA BHUUSHANNAM

VAAME SHAKTI DHARAM DEVAM

VAKAARAAYA NAMO NAMAHA

We worship again and again Him Who embraces Shakti with His left hand, Who is seated on the bull,

and is adorned by Vasuki, King of serpents, as it were a garland, and Who is embodied

in the “Va” syllable.

YATRA YATRA STHITO DEVAHA

SARVA VYAPI MAHE(I)SHVARAHA

YO GURUKH SARVA DEVA ANAAM

YAKAARAAYA NAMO NAMAHA

We worship the All-Filling Maheshwara, Who is embodied in the "Ya" syllable, the God Who both possesses a form and is deprived of it, the preceptor of the wisest, wherever He abides!

SHADDAKSHARAM IDAM STOTRAM

YAH PATTHE SHIVA SAMNIDHAU

SHIVA LOKAM AVAAPNOTI

SHIVENA SAHA MODATE

He who repeats before Lord Shiva this prayer, composed of the six sacred syllables "Om namah Shivaya," will enjoy the supreme bliss in the eternal abode of the Lord.

This stotra is part of the Rudra Yamala Tantra. It is based on a religious talk of God Shiva and Goddess Uma, that was held to benefit Mankind.

This hymn is composed so that it can be sung as part of the Bhairava Raga, which, as legend has it, is an authored work of Shiva and which was first performed on his Damaru drum. Also, each shloka of this hymn can be sung as a separate Raga.

The Shiva Shadakshara Stotra relates to the Sankhya philosophy school. This hymn has a number of features that make it special: the initial syllables of each shloka, taken together, form the Om Namah Shivaya mantra, the main mantra of Lord Shiva. Also, each shloka is dominated by the syllable with which it begins. The mantra "Om Namah Shivaya" is a Shadakshari, i.e. one containing six syllables, with the concluding line of the hymn being the seventh one (Phalashruti).

It is believed that to attain peace (Shanti), happiness and liberation (Moksha) in this life, the devotee should recite this stotra daily with devotion, faith, and concentration, in a Shiva’s temple or at an altar with His murti.

Sri Rudrashtakam Stotra (Rudra's eight-line stotra)

NAMAAM IISHAM IISHA ANA NIRVAANNA RUUPAM

VIBHUM VYAPAKAM BRAHMA VEDA SVARUUPAM

NIJAM NIRGUNNAM NIRVIKALPAM NIRIYIHAM

CHIDAAKAASHAM AAKAASHA VAASAM BHAJE (A)HAM

I worship Lord Ishana, the Personification of Nirvana,

The Mighty, Omnipresent Embodiment

Of Brahman, described by the Vedas. I praise the Eternal, the Unspeakable,  the Unwavering,

The Unperturbed, Who has the form of Consciousness abiding in Space!

NIRAKAARAM OMKARA MULYAM TURIYAM

GIRAA JNYAANA GO TIITAM IISHAM GIRIYISHAM

KARAALAM MAHAAKAALA KAALAM KRPAALAM

GUNNA AGAARA SAMSAARA PAARAM NATO (A)XAM

I humbly worship the Unbodied, the essence of the sacred

syllable "OM," the Transcendent, the Lord of the Mountains, the unceasingly

praised Lord, the terrifying Mahakala, the Compassionate One,

Who surpasses all of the Samsara.

TUSHAARA ADRI SAMKAASHA GAURAM GABHIRAM

MANO BHUTA KOTTI PRABHAA SHRI SHARIRAM

SPHURAN MAULI KALLYOLINII CHAARU GANGGAA

LYASAD BHAALYA BAALE (I)NDU KANNTTHE

BHUJANGGAA

To Him who abandons Himself to Self-Contemplation amidst the glittering snows,

The shining, mysterious One, Whose magnificence is a million times greater than

that of Mankind or other beings; Who enchants by the Ganges,

flowing from His head, and by the snake wrapped around His neck.

CHALAT KUNNDDALYAM BHRUU SUNETRAM VISHAALYAM

PRASANNA ANANAM NILYA KANNTTHAM DAYAALYAM

MRGA ADHIYISHA CHARMA AMBARAM MUNNDDA MAALYAM

PRIYAM SHANKARAM SARVA NAATHAM BHAJAAMI

He who shakes His earrings, the Beautiful-browed One,

Who is All-seeing, Benevolent, Blue-necked and Merciful.

I praise the Beloved Lord of all things, Who wears the hide and the necklace of skulls.

PRACHANNDDAM PRAKRSTTAM PRAGALBHAM PARE(I)SHAM

AKHANDDAM ADJAM BHAANU KOTTI PRAKAASHAM

TRYAH SHUULA NIRMUULYANAM SHUULA PAANNIM

BHAJE (A)HAM BHAVAANII PATIM BHAAVA GAMYAM

The Supreme Lord, the Great and Dreadful, the Heavenly King, the Infinite,

the Unborn, a million times more radiant than the light of the Moon. I praise the Holder of the trident, the Cause of the world, the Consort of Bhavani.

KALYATITA KALYAANNA KALPA ANTA KAARII

SADAA SAJANA ANANDA DAATAA PURA ARII

CHIDAANANDA SAMDOHA MOHA APAHAARII

PRASIIDA PRASIIDA PRABHO MANMATHAARII

Grant me at least a fraction of Your mercy, O Purari,

Who is ever ready to bestow the highest bliss! O Consciousness

and Bliss! Destroy my sufferings and delusions, have mercy,

have mercy on me, O Lord who destroyed Manmatha!

NA YAAVAD UMAA NAATHA PAADA ARAVINDAM

BHAJANTI IHA LYOKE PARE VA A NARAANNAM

NA TAAVAT SUKHAM SHAANTI SANTAAPA NAASHAM

PRASIIDA PRABHO SARVA BHUUTA ADHI VAASAM

It has been so long since I last fell down to Your feet, O Spouse of Uma, and now here I am,

praising Thee, O One who surpasses all the world and all men in Thyself!

My sufferings are not yet over, and I have not found peace and happiness yet. Have mercy,

O Lord, who abides in all the living!

NA JAANAAMI YOGAM JAPAM JAPAM NAYVA PUJAAM

NATOHAM SADAA SARVADAA SHAMBHU TUBHYAM

JARAA JANMA DUKHAU (A)GHA TAATAPYAMAANAM

PRABHO PAAHI AAPANNA MAAM IISHA SHAMBHO

I know neither Yoga nor Japa nor the procedure for a Puja, but I always,

Always try to serve Thee, O Shambhu! O Lord, from all

sufferings of birth and old age, from all calamities that threaten me,

Save me, O Shambhu!

RUDRAASHTAKA IDAM PROKTAM

VIPRENNA HARA TOSHAYE

YE PATTHANTI NARAA BHAKTYAA

TESHAAM SHAMBHUH PRASIIDATI

This Rudrashtaka is composed by a sage for the pleasure of Lord

Hara. With those who recite it with devotion, Shambhu

becomes very pleased.

ITI SHRI GOSVAAMI TULASIIDAASA KRTAM

SHRIIRUDRAASHTAKAM

SAMPUURNNAM

"Sri Rudrashtakam stotra" is a hymn of devotion to Rudra. It was composed by a Hindu saint, bhakt Tulsidas, late in the fourth century, in Uttar Pradesh, India. Tulsidas received a Hanuman's darshan which enabled him to get a sight of Rama and Lakshman. Also, Shiva came to him in a dream with instructions to write a poem in the local language (Avadhi). Thus the tale of Rama Charita Manasa (The Ocean of Rama's Deeds), one of the greatest works of Hinduism, was born.

According to a scripture, the Rudrashtakam was sung on behalf of the holy raven Kakbhusundi (who is mentioned in the “Yoga Vasishtha” in the story of the raven Bhusunda) in order to please Lord Shiva and obtain his blessing.

Kakbhusundi was not always a raven. In one of his previous births, he was a shudra in Ayodhya. He was a staunch devotee of Lord Shiva and had an aversion to all other forms of God, including Rama. When a hurricane ravaged Ayodhya, Kakbhusundi went to Uddjain, where he met a devotee of Lord Shiva who had also a great respect for Lord Vishnu. He tried to convince Kakbhusundi: "There is only one way to worship Lord Shiva, and that is to be devoted to Lord Rama. They say that Lord Shiva himself incessantly repeats the name of Rama.”

Once, Bhusundi was reciting a mantra in a temple of Lord Shiva, when his guru entered. Bhusundi continued reciting the mantra, ignoring the guru. The guru paid no attention to this rude behavior, but Lord Shiva, being Adi Dakshinamurti (an aspect of Shiva as the Universal Guru), angrily said with His Asarira Vaaka (soundless divine voice): "Fool! I have had enough of your arrogance. Now I curse you!”

On hearing this, the guru became very worried, while young Bhusundi was trembling with fear. Lord Shiva continued: "Since you were too lazy to stand up and give due respect to your guru when he entered, I am going to turn you into a serpent. From now on you will be a python living in the hollow of a tree!”

While Lord Shiva was raging like this, the Bhusundi’s Guru was overwhelmed with compassion for his mistaken disciple. He begged Lord Shiva for mercy and told of His glory in the Rudrashtakam stotra. This beautiful hymn of eight shlokas can be found in the Rama Charita Manasa (107). It is sung on behalf of Bhusundi. It nullifies the curse and turns it into a blessing.

Lord Shiva was pleased with Rudrashtakam and had mercy. At the feet of Shiva, the guru asked for mercy and forgiveness for Bhusundi, who had been subject to the illusion of Maya. On hearing out this beautiful eulogy, Lord Shiva assured the brahman: "Even though Bhusundi has sinned, he still will have to go through the cycles of birth and death, but, by virtue of your prayer, he will not experience painful suffering. Since Bhusundi was born in Ayodhya and worshipped me, with time he will acquire devotion to Lord Rama.

Soon thereafter, Bhusundi left the temple and went to a forest where he died. He was then born as a serpent and in a thousand other non-human forms until finally he was born into a brahmanical family and became a great devotee of Rama. When his parents died, he went to a forest where sages were chanting the praises to the formless virtues of God. Bhusundi, however, simply wanted to hear of Rama's glory. They put a curse on him to become a raven, but also asked him to meditate on Rama's child form.

For the last twenty seven kalpas, Kakbhusundi has lived in the Nilgiri mountains and praised Lord Rama. When Lord Shiva appeared on earth, Kakbhusundi was being a Rama's companion in Rama's child's plays. He also narrated the Ramayana to Garuda, the divine vahana of Lord Vishnu.

Nirvana Shatakam (Six shlokas on Nirvana)

MANO BUDDHY AHANGKAARA CHITTAANI NAAHAM

NA CHA SHROTRA JIHVE NA CHA GHRAANNA NETRE

NA CHA VYOMA BHUUMIR NA TEJO NA VAYUH

CHIDAANANDA RUUPAH SHIVO HAM SHIVO HAM

I am not mind, not intellect, not ego’s consciousness.

I am not hearing, nor taste, nor smell, nor sight, nor touch.

I am neither ether, nor earth, nor fire, nor wind.

I have the form of Eternal Consciousness and bliss,

I am Shiva, I am Shiva.

NA CHA PRAANNA SAMJNYO NA VAI PANCHA VAAYUH

NA VAA SAPTA DHAATUR NA VAA PANCHA KOSHAH

NA VAAK PAANNI PAADAM NA CHOPASTHA PAAYU

CHID AANANDA RUUPAH SHIVO HAM SHIVO HAM

I am not prana, not the five breaths of life.

I am neither the seven elements of the body, nor the five shells of the body essence,

Nor am I the sound of the bodily shell (voice), nor the hands, nor the heart, nor the head,

nor the feet. I have the form of Eternal Consciousness and bliss,

I am Shiva, I am Shiva.

NA ME DVESCHA RAAGAU NA ME LYYOBHA MOHAU

MADO NEIVA MI NEIVA MA ATSARYA BHAVAH

NA DHARMO NA CHAARTHO NA KAAMO NA MOKSHAH

CHID AANANDA RUUPAH SHIVO HAM SHIVO HAM

I have no anger or aversion, no attachments.

No greed, no aversion, no pride,

no hostility or jealousy.

I have no duties, no money, no desires, and no liberation.

I have the form of Eternal Consciousness and bliss,

I am Shiva, I am Shiva.

NA PUNYAM NA PAAPAM NA SAUKHYAM NA DUHKHAM

NA MANTRO NA TIRTHAM NA VEDAA NA YAJNYAAAH

AHAM BHOJANAM NEIVA BHOJYAM NA BHOKTAA

CHID AANANDA RUUPAH SHIVO HAM SHIVO HAM

I know neither virtue nor vice, pleasure, or pain.

Nor mantra, nor sacred place, nor sacrifice,

Nor the Vedas. I am one who neither perceives or receives experience,

I am neither the process of perception or experience, nor the object of perception.

I have the form of Eternal Consciousness and bliss,

I am Shiva, I am Shiva.

NA ME MRTYIU SHANGKAA NA ME DJAATI BHEDAH

PITAA NEIVA MI NEIVA MA TANA JANMAH

NA BANDHUR NA MITRAM GURUR NEIVA SHISHYAH

CHID AANANDA RUUPAH SHIVO HAM SHIVO HAM

I do not born and I do not die.

I have no father, no mother, no birth,

No brother, no friends, no guru, no disciple.

I have the form of Eternal Consciousness and bliss,

I am Shiva, I am Shiva.

AHAM NIRVIKALPO NIRAKAARA RUUPO

VIBHU TVAACHCHA SARVATRA SARVE (I)NDRIYA ANNAAM

NA CHAA SANGGATAM NEIVA MUKTIR NA MEYAH

CHID AANANDA RUUPAH SHIVO HAM SHIVO HAM

I am free of change and form,

I am omnipresent and existent in all changeable senses,

I am eternally identical with myself, I am neither liberated nor shackled,

I have the form of Eternal Consciousness and bliss,

I am Shiva, I am Shiva.

“Atmashatakam" ("Six shlokas on Atman”), or "Nirvanashatakam" ("Six shlokas on Nirvana"), consists of six verses written by Adi Shankaracharya in 796. Adi Shankaracharya is a great Vedanta reformer who created a consistent monistic system of Vedanta – Advaita Vedanta.

Once, at the age of eight, Shankara was wandering near the Narmada River in search of a guru. He met there the sage Govinda Bhagavatpada, who asked him: "Who are you?” The boy answered with these shlokas, which are now called "Nirvanashatakam" or "Atmashatakam". Then Swami Govindapada accepted Shankara as his disciple.

Each shloka ends with the statement "Shivoham" ("I am Shiva") and reveals the very essence of the Advaitic non-duality doctrine. 

Later, when Shankara became a teacher (Acharya), one of his disciples made it a habit to say "Shivoham” – just like his Acharya did, but without understanding of the deep essence of the statement. Once Shankara and this disciple came to a blacksmith's place, where the Acharya drank with joy a glass of molten iron and suggested that the disciple do the same. Needless to say, the disciple could not do it. Then the Acharya told the disciple that for him molten iron and cool water were no different, because he had realized that he himself was no different from Lord Shiva, and until the disciple attained this realization, there was no point in repeating "Shivokham" for him.

Totakashtaka (Hymn to Guru Adi Shankaracharya)

VIDITAKHILA SHASTRA SUDHA JALADHE

MAHITOPANISHAT KATHITARTHA NIDHE

HRIDAYE KALAYE VIMALAM CHARANAM

BHAVA SHANKARA DESHIKA ME SHARANAM

O, Expert of the nectar-like ocean of scriptures!

O, Commentator of the great knowledge treasure of the Upanishads!

I meditate on your purest lotus feet.

O Guru Shankara, be my refuge!

KARUNA VARUNA LAYA PALAYA MAM

BHAVA SAGARA DUHKHA VIDUNA HRDAM

RACHAYAKHILA DARSHANA TATTVA VIDAM

BHAVA SHANKARA DESHIKA ME SHARANAM

Save me, O Ocean of compassion, from the unceasing succession of rebirths in Samsara that cause sorrowful anguish to my heart! Through your mercy, make me know the meaning of Vedanta. O Guru Shankara, be my Refuge!

BHAVATA JANATA SUHITA BHAVITA

NIDJABODHA VICHARANA CHARUMATE

KALYAESHVARA JIVA VIVEKA VIDAM

BHAVA SHANKARA DESHIKA ME SHARANAM

Human beings (i.e., the followers of Shankara) have found happiness by Your

grace; Your divine mind is capable of penetrating into the very

essence of Self-inquiry, Atma Vidya.

Allow me to acquire The knowledge of Brahman and Atman. O Guru Shankara, be my Refuge!

BHAVA EVA BHAVANITI ME NITARAM

SAMAJAYATA CHETASI KOUTUKITA

MAMA VARAYA MOHA MAHADJALADHIM

BHAVA SHANKARA DESHIKA ME SHARANAM

You are God Shiva Himself! Being aware of this fact, my soul

is overflown with indescribable happiness and bliss. Drain the sea

of my delusion. O Guru Shankara, be my Refuge!

SUKRITE DHIKRITE BA HUDHA BHAVATO

BHAVITA SAMADARSHANA LALASATA

ATIDINAMAMAM PARIPALAYA MAM

BHAVA SHANKARA DESHIKA ME SHARANAM

Only after many virtuous deeds and actions in many births,

one has a strong desire to surrender to You

and to know Brahman. Protect me, I am extremely helpless.

O Guru Shankara, be my Refuge!

DJAGATIMAVITUM KALITAKRITAKRITAYO

VICHARANTI MAHAMAHASASHCHALATAH

AHIMAM SHURIVATRA VIBHASI GURO

BHAVA SHANKARA DESHIKA ME SHARANAM

For the salvation of unfortunate people, your great sannyasin disciples

wander about the planet, taking various forms and guises

(i.e., human incarnations). O Guru, You shine among them

Like the Sun. O Guru Shankara, be my Refuge!

GURUPUNGAVA PUNGAVA KETANA TE

SAMATAMAYATAM NAHI KO API SUDHIHI

SHARANAGATAVATSALA TATTVANIDHE

BHAVA SHANKARA DESHIKA ME SHARANAM

O, the best of all Gurus! O God Shiva, whose flag bears

the emblem of the sacred bull Nandi! You have no equal among the wise.

O You, Who show compassion to those who seek refuge

in You! O, the treasure trove holding the Truth of Brahman! O preceptor, O Gurudev,

please allow me to take refuge in Thee!

VIDITA NA MAYA VISHA DAIKAKALA

NA CHA KIMCHANA KANCHANA MASTI GURO

DHUMATEVA VIDHEHI KRIPAM SAHAJAM

BHAVA SHANKARA DESHIKA ME SHARANAM

I have no right knowledge or understanding,

I have no wealth, O Guru. Pour on me,

please, your natural compassion.

O Guru Shankara, be my Refuge!

This hymn is attributed to Totakacharya, one of Adi Shankaracharya's principal disciples. Also, totaka is a metre in Sanskrit poetics – extraordinarily beautiful and yet extremely complex. “Totakashtaka" translates as "Eight verses (praising the guru in the metre of) totaka".

When Shankaracharya lived in Sringeri, one of his disciples, Anandagiri (or simply Giri – the way he was often called), served his guru very faithfully. Once, when it was the time for the morning discourse on the Upanishads, the disciples started to recite the Shanti patha. At this point it turned out that Giri was absent – it later turned out that he had gone to the river to wash the guru's clothes.

Shankara asked the audience to wait for Giri, but Padmapada, who was probably proud of his knowledge and erudition, said: "Giri is a very dull man and does not deserve to study the shastras. What is the use of waiting for him?” Shankara, however, asked Padmapada to temper his pride and wait for Giri.

At that point Shankara, using his siddhis, out of compassion, blessed Anandagiri with the full knowledge of the shastras, and Giri instantly became an expert in the shastras. Having come back from the river, Giri, in the presence of the congregation, recited the Totakashtaka on the spot. The other Shankara’s disciples were astonished at this.

Later, Anandagiri composed a few more verses in the totaka metre. His most famous work, “Shruti sara samuddharana” of 179 shlokas, which is devoted to the issues of Advaita Vedanta philosophy, was also written in the Totaka metre, and later Anandagiri became known as Totakacharya.

Guru Paduka Stotra (Hymn to Guru’s padukas)

Anaanta samsara samudra tara

Nauka yitabhyam gurubha ktida bhyam

Vairagya samrajyada pujanabhyam

Namo namaha shri guru padukabhyam

I prostrate before the Guru's holy padukas, which,

like a boat, can take one across this endless ocean

of samsara, which bestow me devotion to Guru and bless me

for great renunciation.

Kavitva varashi nisha kara bhyam

Daurbha gyada vam budama lika bhyam

Duri krita namra vipatita bhyam

Namo namaha shri guru padukabhyam

I prostrate before the Guru's holy padukas, which, like a

waterfall, extinguish the fire of misfortune and destroy the misfortunes of those

who go down to them.

Nata yayou shri patitam sami yuhu

Kada chidapyashu daridravaryaha

Mukashcha vachas patitam hitabhyam

Namo namaha shri guru padukabhyam

I prostrate before the Guru's holy padukas.

Those afflicted with poverty who worship them,

become the possessors of a great wealth

and even surpass great masters of words.

Nali kanikasha pada hridabhyam

Na na vimohadi nivarika bhyam

Nama jana bhishta tati prada bhyam

Namo namaha shri guru padukabhyam

I prostrate before the Guru's holy padukas, which remove

all kinds of ignorant desires and fulfill in plenty

the desires of those who worship them.

Nripa limouli vrajaratna kanti

Sari tviraja jashaka nyakabhyam

Nripat vadabhyam nataloka pantehe

Namo namaha shri guru padukabhyam

I prostrate before the Guru's holy padukas, which shine

like jewels that adorn the crowns of kings, on bowing

to which those drowned in worldliness obtain salvation and rise

to great freedom.

Papandakararka paramparabhyam

Tapaatrayah indra khageshvarabhyam

Jadya bdhisamshoshana vadavabhyam

Namo namaha shri guru padukabhyam

I prostrate before the Guru's holy padukas, which serve as

The Sun that melteth away all illusion. Which are like the Garuda bird

Before the snakes, and which as a hurricane fire dry the ocean

of death.

Shama dishatka pradavai bhavabhyam

Samadi dana vradadi kshitabhyam

Ramada vandhris stirabhakti dabhyam

Namo namaha shri guru padukabhyam

I prostrate before the Guru's holy padukas, which

give the one with the six attributes and bless

With standing dedication to the footsteps of the Lord and with the commitment 

to charity and consistency.

Swarcha paranam makhileshta dabhyam

Swahasahayaksha durandara bhyam

Swantachabhava pradapujana bhyam

Namo namaha shri guru padukabhyam

I prostrate before the Guru's holy padukas, which bestow the fulfilment of 

all desires on  those who are absorbed by the Higher Self and the grace of

 their own hidden True Nature.

Kama disarpa vrajaga rudabhyam

Vivekavairagya nidhipradabhyam

Bodah pradabhyam dutamokshadabhyam

Namo namaha shri guru padukabhyam

I prostrate before the Guru's holy padukas, which are are like Garuda

for all the snakes of desire and which bless with the precious

treasures of discernment and renunciation, which enlighten

the mind with true knowledge and bless with immediate

Liberation from the shackles of the world.

The hymn "Guru Paduka Stotra" was written by the greatest saint, reformer of Vedanta and founder of Advaita Vedanta, Adi Shankaracharya. It is dedicated to the holy padukas of his guru, Bhagavan Govinda Bhagavatpada.

Shankara was traveling through the country in search of his teacher, when he found a cave on the banks of the Narmada River. In it, he saw the padukas of Govinda Bhagavatpada, who was not being in the cave at the time. Shankara immediately realized that they were the padukas of his guru. Having found the master he had been looking for, Shankara was filled with joy.

"Guru Paduka Stotra" is a hymn dedicated to the presence of the guru in life. This hymn describes the glory of the lotus feet of one’s guru, as well as the transformation of a seeker's life in the presence of the teacher. Worshiping the Padukas is part of the Hindu tradition as a way of paying respect to the lineage of masters who have preserved the sacred knowledge.

“Guru Paduka Stotra” is a pious and famous veneration of the Guru principle, glorifying the guru’s padukas. Devotees study it every day, and by the time the meaning of this hymn has established in their minds, the sadhus start to feel pure joy and blissful adoration of the Guru.

"When worshiping the lotus feet of your Guru, make a wish like this: may liberation from the shackles of this transitory world happen as soon as possible. By so disciplining the senses and the mind, you will comprehend the Supreme One who dwells in your heart."

Sri Guru Stotra (Hymn to Guru)

OM SHRI GURAVE NAMAHA

AKHANDA MANDALA AKAARAM

VYAAPTAM YENA CHARA ACHARAM

TAT PADAM DARSHITAM YENA

TASMAI SHRI GURAVE NAMAHA

To the infinite, all-pervading One who sustains all

moving and stationary things and manifests us the supreme abode. To Him,

Whose feet I contemplate, to that Shri Guru I bow.

AJNYAANA TIMIRA ANDHASYA

JNJAANA ANJANA SHALAAKAYA

CHAKSHUR UNMILITAM YENAM

TASMAI SHRI GURAVE NAMAHA

I was born in the darkness of ignorance, and my Guru opened my eyes 

by dispelling the darkness with the torch of knowledge. Therefore I bow in reverence

To Shri Guru. 

DHYANA MULYAM GUROR MURTI

PUJA MULYAM GURO PADAM

MANTRA MULYAM GUROR VAKYAM

MOKSHA MULYAM GURO KRIPA

The image of Guru is the basis of meditation, the feet of Guru is the basis of service, 

 the word of Guru is the basis of all mantras, the grace of  Guru is the basis of salvation.

JNANA SHAKTI SAMAARUUDAS

TATTVA MAALAA VIBHUUSHITA

BHUKTI MUKTI PRADAATAA CHA

TASMAI SHRI GURAVE NAMAHA

To Him Who is the embodiment of the power of knowledge,

 Who is adorned with the garland of the tattvas, 

Who bestows both worldly prosperity and liberation – 

To such a Guru I bow!

NAMOSTU GURAVE TASMAI

ISHTADEVA SVARUPINI

YASYA VAM AMRTAM HANTI

VISHAM SAMSARA SAMJNITAM

Greetings to the Guru, who is the true form of the Tutelary

Deity! Greetings to Guru, who bestows the nectar of the Divine

and saves from the poison of samsara.

NA GUROR ADHIKAM TATTVAM

NA GUROR ADHIKAM TAPAHA

TATTVA JNYAANAAT PARAM NAASTI 

TASMAI SHRI GURAVE NAMAHA

There is no truth higher than the Guru,

there is no austerity better than service to the Guru,

there is nothing higher than knowing the principle of the Guru.

To such a Guru I bow!

GURUR BRAHMA GURUR VISHNU

GURUR DEVO MAHESHWARAН

GURUHU SAAKSHAT PARAM BRAHMA

TASMAI SHRI GURAVE NAMAHA

Guru is Brahma, Guru is Vishnu, Guru is 

Shiva. Guru is, indeed, the Supreme Witness.

To such a Guru I bow.

"Guru stotra" is one of the most revered classical texts of Hinduism. It is made of fourteen shlokas taken from the “Guru gita”, which is part of the “Skanda purana”, chapter “Uttara Khanda”. These shlokas glorify the greatness of the spiritual teacher who reveals the knowledge of Truth. The great sage, Rishi Vyasadeva, is thought to be the “Guru gita” author.

"Guru gita" has two versions: short (182 shlokas) and long (352 shlokas). It is part of Sanatkumara's message and is composed in the form of Shiva's instructions to his wife Parvati regarding the origins of the Guru’s concept and the importance of Guru in achieving liberation.

"Guru-stotra" may be regarded as an address to Sadguru only in a loose sense. It is actually addressed to the Divine Teacher who is in the heart of every sincere disciple and who acts from within. The hymn honors the universal Divine Principle (Brahma Tattva), which is poured into all things – that's why the disciple honors all the deities of his tradition, as well as his Chosen Deity, whom, by virtue of the disciple's pure vision, the disciple perceives as a Guru’s manifestation. He honors the entire ancient lineage of saints whom he has taken refuge in (Sharanam).

Datta Stava (Worshipping Dattatreya)

Shri Ganeshaya Namaha

Shri Sarasvatyayi Namaha

Shri Padavallabha Narasimha Sarasvati

Shri Guru Dattatreyaya Namaha

Worship to Ganesha, worship to Sarasvati, 

worship to Sri Narasimha Sarasvati, an incarnation of

Dattatreya! Worship to Dattatreya!

DATTATREYAM MAHATMANAM

VARADAM BHAKTAVATSALAM

PRAPANARTI HARAM VANDE

SMARTRGAMI SAMAVATU

I worship Dattatreya, the Mahaatman, Who bestows boons,

protects the devotees, and immediately destroys the sufferings of those

Who remembers Him in faith.

DINABANDHUM KRUPASINDHUM

SARVA KARANA KARANAM

SARVA RAKSHAKARAM VANDE

SMARTRGAMI SAMAVATU

I worship Dattatreya, Who is a friend of the poor,

The Sea of compassion, the Cause of all causes, and protector

of all those who remember Him sincerely.

SHARANAGATA DINARTA

PARITRANA PARAYANAM

NARAYANAM VIBHUM VANDE

SMARTRGAMI SAMAVATU

I worship Dattatreya, Who is a refuge for the poor

and the afflicted, Who  immediately bestows liberation on those

who are firmly devoted and remember Him wholeheartedly.

SARVANARTA HARAM VANDE

SARVA MANGALA MANGALAM

SARVA KLESHA HARAM VANDE

SMARTRGAMI SAMAVATU

I worship Dattatreya, Who destroys all useless

and calamitous circumstances and bestows all auspicious objects

and eliminates all sorrows and misfortunes of those who remember Him sincerely.

SHOSHANAM PAPA PANKASYA

DIPANAM JNANA TEJASAH

BHAKTABHISHTA PRADAM VANDE

SMARTRGAMI SAMAVATU

I worship Dattatreya, Who removes the mire of sins,

lights up the flame of wisdom, and alleviates the suffering and anguish of those

who remember Him sincerely.

SARVAROGA PRASHAMANAM

SARVA PITA NIVARANAM

TAPAPAPRASHAMANAM VANDE

SMARTRGAMI SAMAVATU

I worship Dattatreya, Who heals all diseases, alleviates

all suffering and removes all calamities from those who remember Him sincerely.

BRAHMANYAM DHARMA TATVAJNAM

BHAKTA KIRTI VIVARDHANAM

APADUDDHARANAM VANDE

SMARTRGAMI SAMAVATU

I worship Dattatreya, Who is perfectly versed in the Vedas,

Who is well familiar with the essence of religion, Who causes the glory of His devotees to increase,

and who gives whatever they need – 

to the devotees who remember Him sincerely.

JANMA SAMSARA BANDHAGNAM

SVARUPANANDA DAYAKAM

NIHSHREYASA  PRADAM VANDE

SMARTRGAMI SAMAVATU

I worship Dattatreya, Who is most admirable,

Who liberates from this world’s cycle of birth and death, 

And who brings on bliss for those who remember Him sincerely.

JAYA LABHA YASHAH KAMA

DATURDATTASYA YAH STAVAM

BHOGA MOKSHA PRADASYEMAM

PRAPATET SAKRATI BHAVET

Those who repeat (by heart) this eulogy of Dattatreya

regularly and in faith, become wise and attain victory,

glory, and satisfaction of all worldly desires and attainments,

and eventually obtain liberation from the bondage of life.

Shri Ganeshaya Namaha

Shri Sarasvatyayi Namaha

Shri Padavallabha Narasimha Sarasvati

Shri Guru Dattatreyaya Namaha

This stotra was written over a hundred years ago by P.P. Vasudevananda Sarasvati (Tembe) Swami Maharaj, an incarnation of Lord Dattatreya, who also introduced the widely known Nama Smarana (repetition of God's name), “Digambara Digambara Sripada Vallabha Digambara”,

and is the author of nineteen books. This Stotra is recommended for recitation to solve problems that the devotees face in their daily lives. Many people experienced the power of this prayer in times of illness, family problems, unemployment, or other misfortunes.

"Datta Stava" is a widely known key stotra of Lord Dattatreya. It states that Lord Datta can be reached by simple remembrance of Him and constant reciting of this small but powerful Stotra. Lord Datta is easy to please. He is always ready to help out the sincerely devoted souls. He removes all dangers and difficulties. He protects the devotee wherever the devotee is, for He is Vishvarupi (one possessing the form of the Universe). He knows the secrets of the Dharma Shastras. He provides protection to the needy. He frees from passions and family burdens. He is the source of the true Ananda (bliss). Datta gives peace of mind to those in trouble.

The last line of "Datta stava" speaks of the merit of its chanting:

Jaya labha yashah kaama.

This means that with reciting "Datta Stava", one will obtain victory, success, fame, and the fulfillment of desires. The wishes of one who repeats it nine times each day for forty days will unquestionably be fulfilled with the blessings of Lord Dattatreya. This is true and is confirmed by many devotees living in different countries.

There are two main forms of deities: Anugraha Rupa (the blessing form) and Ugra Rupa (the wrathful form). However, Lord Dattatreya is a special kind of deity. He is beyond these two forms; he is Guru Tattva Rupa. Dattatreya blesses in the form of a guru. He teaches spirituality, provides material comforts, and protects.

The eight perfections (Siddhas) are Dattatreya’s children, and the Anagha Vrata is the right way to reach Datta. This Vrata can be performed by anyone. There are no restrictions in it like other vratas have. It aids in the spiritual practice and brings knowledge. 

The Datta Stava has saved many lives. People who experienced financial hardships or had poor health, prayed to Lord Dattatreya and received support from him. With daily repetition of Datta Stava, you will be blessed by Datta to have both material and spiritual progress.

Gurudatta Digambar Stotram

Hare Om!

Guruji digambara Dattaji digambara

Alakkhji digambara Suamiji digambara

chAlave kAmbalo pAhihe pitAmbara

bIsi he bagambara kAno me kUndala

hAto kamAndalo tsAranka DaogurujI

tAle dhAri upAre Ambare paramahamsa mahAmunI

shiri AnsUya mAtaji ki ghElatanandana

shAratasAndana jUlyatanAndana dArshana dEvo

shri gurudEva DAtta digAmbara

shiri gurudEvo DAtta digAmbara…

Praise be to Vishnu!

You are the Master clothed in space,

you're Dattatreya, you're the Inscrutable Shiva,

and you are the sense-controlling monk.

Clothed in the transcendent Om – the sound of Brahman,

protected by golden robes.

In your ears are earrings, in your hands is a vessel for water,

On your feet are the sandals of the Guru.

Holding your palm open, you soar high in the sky!

The pure swan, Paramahamsa, the Great Muni!

The son of the holy mother Anasui.

Thus I see thee, divine sage,

Who is blessing with divine darshan!

My Guru Dattatreya – naked

and clothed in space.

Shanti Stotra

Calming stotra

BHUTA PRETA PISHACHAADYA

YASYA SMARANA MATRATAH

DURA DEVA PALAYANTE

DATTATREYAM NAMAMI TAM

Ghosts, spirits and demons run far away from just a

memory of Him – that Dattatreya I shall revere.

YAN NAMA SMARANA DAYNYAM

PAPAM TAPASHCHA NASHYATI

BHITIGRA HAARTINDUH SVAPNAM

DATTATREYAM NAMAMI TAM

Poverty, sin, suffering, fear, robbery, sorrow, and perish disappear

from the memory of His name – that Dattatreya I shall revere.

DADRU SPHOTAKA KUSHTHADI

MAHAMARI VISHUCHIKA

NASHYAN TIANYEPI ROGASHCHA

DATTATREYAM NAMAMI TAM

Rashes, tumors, leprosy, cholera and other diseases are destroyed

by the memory of His name – that Dattatreya I shall revere.

SANGAJA DESHA KALOTTHA

API SANKRAMITA GADAH

SHAMYANTI YAT SMARANATO

DATTATREYAM NAMAMI TAM

Originated by attachment, place and time,

the unstoppable ailments are pacified

by the memory of Him – that Dattatreya I shall revere.

SARPA VRSHCHI KADASHTANAM

VISHARTANAM SHARIRINAM

YAN NAMA SHANTIDAM SHIGHRAM

DATTATREYAM NAMAMI TAM

Those bitten by snakes and scorpions and suffering from the poison,

His name quickly soothes – that Dattatreya I shall revere.

TRIVIDHOT PATA SHAMANAM

VIVIDHA RISHTA NASHANAM

YAN NAMA KRURABHI TIGHNAM

DATTATREYAM NAMAMI TAM

Him Whose name pacifies the three kinds of adverse omens,

destroys multiple enemies, and removes horrible fears

– that Dattatreya I shall revere.

VAIRYA DIKRTA MANTRA DI

PRAYOGA YASYA KIRTANAT

NASHYANTI DEVA BA DHASHCHA

DATTATREYAM NAMAMI TAM

Those who use power and magic that harm the gods,

are destroyed by praises of Him – that Dattatreya I shall revere.

YACHCHESHYA SMARANAT SADYO

GATA NASHTADI LABHYATE

YAH ISHAH SARVATA STRATA

DATTATREYAM NAMAMI TAM

He, recollection of Whose name makes the misfortunes instantly disappear,

Who is the Lord saving from all calamities – that Dattatreya I shall revere.

JAYA LABHAYASHAH KAMA

DATUR DATTASYA YAH STAVAM

BHOGA MOKSHA PRADASYE MAM

PATHED DATTA PRIYO BHAVET

DATTATREYAM NAMAMI TAM

Whoever recites this eulogy, which provides all that’s desired, glory,

attainment, victory, enjoyment, and liberation,

Chittsthairyakam stotra

Praise to strengthen consciousness

ANASUYATRISAMBHUTA

DATTATREYA MAHAAMATE

SARVADEVAADIDEVA TVAM

MAMA CHITTAM STIRIKURU

Dattatreya, born of Anasuya and the sage Atri!

God of all gods! Please make my consciousness imperishable.

SHARANAAGATA DINAARTA

TAARAKAAKILYAKAARAKO

SAVRACHAALYAKA DEVA TVAM

MAMA CHITTAM STIRIKURU

The savior of the unfortunate and suffering, those who are seeking protection,

Creator of all things! God who guides all!

Please make my consciousness imperishable.

SARVAMANGALYAMAANGALYA

SARVA DIVYAADI BHESHAJA

SARVASANKATAHAARINA TVAM

MAMA CHITTAM STIRIKURU

The most beneficent of all the beneficent, the healer of all diseases!

He who removes all difficulties!

Please make my consciousness imperishable.

SMARTRUGAAMI SVABHAKTAANAAM

KAAMADO RIPUNAASHANA

BHUKTIMUKTIPRADASA TVAM

MAMA CHITTAM STIRIKURU

Upon your devotees, you bestow what they desire,

bring them to their Guru, and destroy their enemies!

Provider of love and liberation!

Please make my consciousness imperishable.

SARVAPAAPA KSHAYAKARA

STAAPADAINYA NIVARANA

YOBHISHTADA PRABHU SA TVAM

MAMA CHITTAM STIRIKURU

The one Who destroys all sins and miseries, Who discontinues

despondence! The one Who provides the innermostly desired!

Please make my consciousness imperishable.

YA ETATPRAYATA SHLOKA

PANCHAKAM PRAPATHETSUDHII

STHIRACHITTA SA BHAGAVAT

KRUPAAPAATRAM BHAVISHYATI

The right-minded person, whose soul is pure

and who cites these five shlokas,

will receive a strong consciousness by Bhagavan's grace.

Sarasvati ashtottara shatanama

In the text "Sri Sarasvati Ashtottara Shatanamavali”, 108 names of Goddess Sarasvati are presented.

1. SARASVATI MAHABHADRA MAHAMAYA VARA PRADA

SHRIPRADA PADMANILAYA PADMAKSHI PADMAVAKTRAGA

1. Sarasvatī — Sarasvati; 

2. Mahā-bhadrā — Great happiness;

3. Mahā-māyā — Great illusion;

4. Vara-pradā — the Blessing One;

5. Śrī-pradā — the Giver of prosperity;

6. Padma-nilayā — One dwelling in a lotus;

7. Padma-akṣī — Lotus-eyed;

8. Padma-vaktragā — Lotus-faced;

2. SHIVANUJA PUSTAKADHRITA JNANAMUDRA RAMA PARA

KAMARUPA MAHAVIDYA MAHAPATAKANASHINI

9. Śivānujā — One born later than Shiva;

10. Pustakadhṛtā — One holding a book (a scroll with scriptures);

11. Jñānamudrā — Personification of knowledge;

12. Ramā — One who delights;

13. Parā — One who is the highest or transcendent;

14. Kāmarūpā — One who takes a desired form;

15. Mahāvidyā — The Great knowledge;

16. Mahāpātakanāśinī — One Who destroys great sins;

3. MAHASHRAYA MALINI CHA MAHABHOGA MAHABHUJA

MAHABHAGA MAHOTSAHA DIVYANGA SURAVANDITA

17. Maha-aśrayā — Great Refuge;

18. Mālinī — The garlanded one;

19. Mahā-bhogā — Great delight;

20. Mahā-bhujā — One with great arms;

21. Mahā-bhāgā — Perfect beauty;

22. Maha-utsāhā — Great willpower;

23. Divya-aṅgā — One having a divine body;

24. Sura-vanditā — One revered by the gods;

4. MAHAKALI MAHAPASHA MAHAKARA MAHANKUSHA

SITAA CHA VIMALA VISHVA VIDYUNMALA CHA VAISHNAVI

25. Mahā-kālī — Great Kali;

26. Mahā-pāśā — One holding a big noose;

27. Mahā-kārā — One doing great deeds;

28. Mahā-aṅkuśā — One holding a big sting;

29. Sītā — Ploughing; Plowing [the field of activity];

30. Vimalā — Free from sin, impurity;

31. Viśvā —  One Who is all things in existence;

32. Vidyun-mālā — Wearing a shining garland;

33. Vaiṣṇavī — Vaisnavi (a Matrika);

5. CHANDRIKA CHANDRAVADANA CHANDRALEKHA VIBHUSHITA

SAVITRI SURASA DEVI DIVYALANKARABHUSHITA

34. Candrikā — One who is like the moonlight;

35. Candravadanā — Moon-faced;

36. Candralekhavibhūṣitā —  Adorned by the Moon in all phases;

37. Sāvitrī — One who’s the  sunlight;

38. Surasā devī — The goddess who represents all that is beautiful;

39. Divya-alaṅkāra-bhūṣitā — One who wears divine adornments;

6. VAKDEVI VASUDHA TIVRA MAHABHADRA MAHABALA

BHOGADA BHARATI BHAMA GOVINDA GOMATI SHIVA

40. Vāk-devī — Goddess of speech;

41. Vasudhā — Source of wealth;

42. Tīvrā — The fast-moving one;

43. Mahā-bhadrā — Great Justice;

44. Mahā-balā — Very strong;

45. Bhogadā — One who bestows pleasure;

46. Bhāratī — Great Actress;

47. Bhāmā — Highly luminous one;

48. Go-vindā — Protector of the earth and cows;

49. Go-matī — Mother of cows;

50. Śivā — Beneficent;

7. JATILYA VINDHYA VASA CHA VINDHYA CHALAVIRAJITA

CHANDIKA VAISHNAVI BRAMHI BRAMHAJNANAI

KASADHANA

51. Jaṭilā — Long-haired;

52. Vindhyavāsā — One living in the Vindhya mountains;

53. Vindhya-acala-virājitā — One who is known as living in the mountains of Vindhya;

54. Caṇḍikā — Wrathful One (a Durga’s name);

55. Vaiṣṇavī — the Vishnu’s Shakti;

56. Brāhmī — the Brahma’s Shakti;

57. Brahmajñānaikasādhanā —  The only way to learn about Brahman;

8. SAUDAMINI SUDHAMURTI SUBHADRA SURAPUJITA

SUVASINI SUNASA CHA VINIDRA PADMALOCHANA

58. Saudāminī — One shining like a lightning;

59. Sudhāmūrtī — The embodiment of the immortality nectar;

60. Subhadrā — Magnificent;

61. Surapūjitā — Revered by the gods;

62. Suvāsinī — One who lives piously;

63. Sunāsā — One with the beautiful nose;

64. Vinidrā — One who is [always] awake;

65. Padmalocanā — Lotus-eyed;

9. VIDYARUPA VISHALAKSHI BRAHMAJAYA MAHAPHALA

TRAYIMURTI TRIKALAJNYA TRIGUNA SHASTRA RUPINI

66. Vidyārūpā — Abiding in the form of knowledge;

67. Viśāla-akṣī — Playful-eyed;

68. Brahma-jāyā — Brahma’s glory;

69. Mahā-phalā — Great attainment;

70. Trayī-mūrtī — Three-faced;

71. Tri-kāla-jñā — One who knows of the three periods (phases);

72. Tri-guṇā — One who represents the three gunas (qualities);

73. Śāstra-rūpiṇī — Incarnated in sciences;

10. SHUMBHASURA PRAMATHINI SHUBHADA CHA SVARATMIKA

RAKTABIJA NIHANTRI CHAMUNDA AMBIKA TATHA

74. Śumbha-asura-pramathinī —  Torturer of the demon Shumbha;

75. Śubha-dā — Blesser;

76. Svara-atmikā —  The essence of musical sounds (notes);

77. Rakta-bīja-nihantrī — Destroyer of [the demon] Raktabiju;

78. Cāmuṇḍā — Chamunda (the personification of Durga's wrath);

79. Ambikā — Mother;

11. MUNDAKAYA PRAHARANA DHUMRALOCHANA MARDANA

SARVADEVA STUTA SAUMYA SURA ASURA NAMAS KRTA

80. Muṇḍa-kāya-praharaṇā — The one who destroyed the body of [the demon] Munda;

81. Dhūmralocana-mardanā — One who killed [the demon] Dhumralocana;

82. Sarvadevastutā — Hailed by all the gods;

83. Saumyā — Tender, Beautiful;

84. Sura-asura-namas-kṛtā —  Respected by gods and demons;

12. KALA RATRI KALA DHARA RŪPA SAUBHAGYA DAYINI

VAGDEVI CHA VARAROHA VARAHI VARIJASANA

85. Kālarātrī — Embodying the dark night;

86. Kalādhārā — Supporting all arts, controlling the phases of the moon;

87. Rūpa-saubhāgya-dāyinī — Giving material happiness;

88. Vāk-devī — Goddess of sound;

89. Varārohā — Increasing prosperity;

90. Vārāhī — Varakhi (a Matrika);

91. Vārijāsanā — Sitting on the lotus;

13. CHITRAMBARA CHITRAGANDHA CHITRAMALAYA VIBHUUSHITA

KANTA KAMAPRADA VANDYA VIDYADHARA SUPUJITA

92. Citrāmbarā — Dressed in motley clothes;

93. Citragandhā —  Emanating assorted fragrances;

94. Citra-mālya-vibhūṣitā — Adorned with varicoloured flowers

(or flower garlands);

95. Kāntā — Longed-for;

96. Kāmapradā — One who bestows what they desire;

97. Vandyā — Revered;

98. Vidyādharā — One who keeps control over knowledge;

99. Supūjitā — Appreciated in good ways;

14. SHVETASANA NILABHUJA CHATUR VARGA PHALA PRADA

CHATUR ANANA SAMRAJYA RAKTA MADHYA NIRANJANA

100. Śvetāsanā — Sitting on a white cloud;

101. Nīlabhujā — Dark-armed, Blue-armed;

102 Catur-varga-phala-pradā — the Giver of the results of the

 four life purposes;

103. Catur-ānana-sāmrājyā — Watching the four doors (entrances);

104. Raktamadhyā — One drunk with blood;

105. Nirañjanā — Purifying; presenting the full moon

(full moon day);

15. HAMSASANA NILA JANGKHA BRAHMA VISHNU SHIVATMIKA

EVAM SARASVATI DEVYA NAM NAMASHTOTTARAM SHATAM

106. Haṃsāsanā — One sitting on the swan,

107. Nīla-jaṅghā — Dark-footed, Blue-footed;

108. Brahma-viṣṇu-śiva-atmikā — The essence of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.

These are the one hundred and eight names of Sarasvati Devi.

ITI SHRI SARASVATI

SHATANAMASHTOTTARAM SAMPURNAM

This is the end of the sacred Sarasvati Ashtottara Shatanam stotra.

Ashtalakshmi Stotra

SUMANASA VANDITA SUNDARI MADHAVI

CHANDRA SAHODARI HEMA MAYE

MUNIGANA VANDITA MOKSHA PRADAYINI

MANJULA BHASHINI VEDA NUTE

The one who is praised by all virtuous people, the beautiful, exquisite one. 

The one who was born out of the ocean together with the Moon.

The one who shines like gold. The one who is praised by the sages.

The one who bestows liberation. The one whose words are sweet,

The one the Vedas glorify.

PANKAJYA VASYNI DEVA SUPUJITA

SATGUNA VARSHINI SHANTIYUTE

JAYA JAYA HE MADHUSUDANA KAMINI

ADILAKSHMI JAYA PALYAYA MAM

The one who lives in the flower. The one who is revered by the gods.

The one who is merciful to people.

The one who personifies peace. Glory, glory to you,

The beloved of Madhusudana!

O Adi Lakshmi, always protect me!

AHIKALI KALMASHANASHINI KAMINI

VAIDIKARUPINI VEDAMAYE

KSHIRASAMUDBHAVA MANGALYARUPINI

MANTRANIVASYNI MANTRANUTE

The one who delivers from the filth of Kali-Yuga,

The most beloved goddess, She Who has taken the form of the Vedas,

embodied the sacred knowledge. She Who emerged

From the Milky Ocean, Who assumed the form of happiness,

Who abides in the mantras, and is treasured by the mantras.

MANGALYADAYINI AMBUJAVASYNI

DEVAGANASHRITA PADAYUTE

JAYA JAYA HE MADHUSUDANA KAMINI

DHANYALAKSHMI JAYA PALYAYA MAM

One bestowing good fortune, abiding in the waters,

Surrounded by multitudes of gods who fall at Her feet,

Glory, glory to thee, the beloved of Madhusudana!

O Dhanya Lakshmi, always protect me.

JAYA VARAVARNINI VAISHNAVI BHARGAVI

MANTRASVARUPINI MANTRAMAYE

SURAGANAPUJITA SHEEGHRAPALYAPRADA

GNYANAVIKASHINI SHASTRANUTE

Praise be to thee, luminous, Vaishnavi, Bhargavi,

The one Who has taken the form of the mantras, Who is made of the mantras.

Venerated by multitudes of gods, the one Who quickly grants rewards,

Increases knowledge, and is praised by the Shastras.

BHAVABHAIHARINI PAPAVIMOCHANI

SADHUJANANASHRITA PADAYUTE

JAYA JAYA HE MADHUSUDANA KAMINI

DHAIRYALAKSHMI JAYA PALYAYA MAM

The One Who destroys fear in the living beings, frees from sins,

Who is surrounded by virtuous people prostrated at Her feet.

Glory, glory to thee, the beloved of Madhusudana,

O Dhairya Lakshmi, always protect me!

JAYA JAYA DURGATI NASHINI KAMINI

SARVAPHALAPRADA SHASTRAMAYE

RADHAGAJATURAGA PADATI SAMAVRUTA

PARIJANAMANAMANDITA LEOKANUTE

Glory to you, the beloved of Him Who destroys sorrow,

To you, Who is the giver of all rewards, Who is made of the Shastras.

Who is surrounded by elephants, chariots, horses, and riders.

Surrounded by ministers, praised by the world.

HARI HARA BRAHMA SUPUJITA SEVITA

TAPANIVARINI PADAYUTE

JAYA JAYA HE MADHUSUDANA KAMINI

SHRI GAJALAKSHMI PALYAYA MAM

The One Who is served and worshipped by Hari (Vishnu),

Hara (Shiva), and Brahma; Whose feet release from suffering.

Glory, glory to thee, the beloved of Madhusudana,

O Gaja Lakshmi, protect me with your embodiment!

AHIKKHAGA VAHINI MOHINI CHAKRINI

RAGAVIVARDHINI JNYANAMAYE

GUNAGANAVARIDHI LYOKAHITAYSHINI

SVARASAPTA BHUSHITA GANANUTE

The One who sits on the bird, the One who enchants, the One who holds the disc.

The One, in the presence of Whom love blossoms that is abiding in people.

An ocean of virtues, Who wishes well to the world,

The One worshiped by the sound of the seven svaras.

SAKALYA SURASURA DEVAMUNISHVARA

MANAVAVANDITA PADAYUTE

JAYA JAYA HE MADHUSUDANA KAMINI

SANTANLAKSHMI PALYAYA MAM

The one worshiped by the gods and the asuras,

the sages and the people, all falling at Her feet.

Glory, glory to thee, the beloved of Madhusudana,

O cherished Santana Lakshmi, always protect me!

JAYA KAMALYASANI SADGATIDAYINI

GNYANAVIKASINI GANAMAYE

ANUDINAMARCHITA KUNKUMADHUSARA

BHUSHITA VASITA VADYANUTE

Glory to the One Who sits on the lotus, the One Who bestows good fortune,

the One Who spreads knowledge, the One Who is found in music,

Daily honored, sprinkled with saffron powder, adorned,

beautifully dressed, One Who is embodied in speech.

KANAKADHARASTUTI VAIBHAVA VANDITA

SHANKARA DESHIKA MANYA PADE

JAYA JAYA HE MADHUSUDANA KAMINI

VIJAYALAKSHMI JAYA PALYAYA MAM

Honored by the chanting of the magnificent hymn “Kanakadhara",

Worshipped with the golden rain by the great acharya Shankara.

Whose feet are held sacred. Glory, glory to thee, the beloved 

of Madhusudana, O Vijaya Lakshmi, always protect me.

PRANATA SURESHVARI BHARATI BHARGAVI

SHOKA VINASHINI RATNA MAYE

MANI MAYA BHUSHITA KARNA VIBHUSHANA

SHANTI SAMAVRTA HASYAMUKHE

The one who is worshiped, the ruler of the gods,

Bhargavi, the Goddess of Bharata, 

She Who banishes all sorrows, Who shines with jewels.

She Who wears the gems, and has jewelery in the ears.

The One Who is the abode of peace. The One Who smiles.

NAVANIDHI DAYINI KALIMALYA HARINI

KAMYA PHALYAPRADA HASTAYUTE

JAYA JAYA HE MADHUSUDANA KAMINI

VIDYALAKSHMI PALYAYA MAM

The One Who bestows the five kinds of wealth.

The one who drives away the filth of Kali Yuga.

The One Whose hands bless the fulfillment of desires.

Glory, glory to Thee, the beloved of Madhusudana!

O Vidya Lakshmi, always protect me!

DHIMIDHIMI DHINDHIMI

DHINDHIMI DHINDHIMI

DUN DUBHI NADA SUPURNA MAYE

GHUMA GHUMA GHUN GHUMA

GHUN GHUMA GHUN GHUMA

SHANKHANINADA SUVADYA NUTE

The One Who is filled with the sound of the drum;

The One filled with the singing of the shell;

VEDA PURAN ETIHASA SUPUJITA

VAIDIKA MARGA PRADARSHAYUTE

JAYA JAYA HE MADHUSUDANA KAMINI

SHRI DHANA LAKSHMI PALAYA MAM

Venerated by the Vedas, Puranas, Itihasas,

She Who bestows the path of the Vedas,

Glory, glory to Thee, the beloved of Madhusudana,

O Dhana Lakshmi, always protect me!

Section V. Kavachas (protective practices)

Ganesha kavacha

Utter the Ganesha kavacha mantra:

OM AMODASHCHA SHIRAH PATU.

Om. Let the Rejoicing One protect my head.

PRAMODASH CHA SHIKHOPARI.

May He Who pleases from above protect me.

SAMMODO-BHRU-YUGE PATU

Let the self-satisfied One protect my brows.

BHRUMADHYE CHA GANA DHIPAHA

May the Lord of the ganas protect my interbrow.

GANA-KRIDASH-CHAKSHUR-YUGAM

May He Who plays with the ganas protect my eyes.

NASAIAM GANA-YAKAH

May He Who commands ganas protect my nose.

GANA-KRIDA-CHITAH PATU

May He Who plays with the ganas protect my face.

VADANE SARVA-SIDDHAYE

For the attainment of all the siddhis.

JIHVAIYAM SUMUKHAH PATU

May the Beautiful-faced one always protect my tongue.

GRIVAYAM DURMUKHAH SADE

May Durmukha protect my neck.

VIGHNESHO HRIDAYE PATU

May the Remover of obstacles protect my heart.

VIGHNA NASHASH CHA VAKSHASI

And in my bosom, may you protect me.

GANANAM NAYAKAH PATU

He Who commands the ganas.

BAHU YUGME SADA MAMA

May He always protect my joints.

VIGHNA CARTTA CHA UDARE

The Obstacle maker, protect my belly.

VIGHNA-HARTTA CHA LINGAKE

Destroyer of obstacles, protect the whole body.

GAJA VAKTRAH KATI DESHE

Elephant-faced, 

EKA-DANTO NITAM-BAKE

Possessor of a single tusk, Protect my thighs.

LAMBODARAH SADA PATU

Let the Thick-Bellied One protect

GUHYA-DESHE MAMA-RUNAHA

My beauty in a secret place!

VYALA YAJNO PAVITI

Wrapped in the sacred thread,

MAM PATU PADA-YUGE SADA.

May He always protect my feet.

JAPAKA SARVADA PATU

the Lord of the ganas Who recites the mantras,

JANU JANGHE GANA DHIPAHA

May he always protect my knees and shins.

HARIDRA SARVADA PATU

The rust-coloured Lord of the ganas,

SARVANGE GANANA YAKAHA

May he always protect all the parts of my body!

Dattatreya kavacha

Dattatreya's protective armor (the Kavacha) is a special sadhana performed to invoke Dattatreya's blessings on all parts of our body, to protect the body from the impact of the unfavorable planets, harmful spirits, diseases, from the comeback of bad karmic effects, etc.

The Kavacha is Dattatreya's divine shield, his mystical power, which envelops us when we invoke him in faith. By concentrating on different points of the body and placing there various kinds of Dattatreya's well wishes and power, we make them blessed, protected, and invulnerable.

This practice requires not so much visualization, but rather the power of faith, devotion, and attunement to receive Bhagavan Dattatreya's blessings.

SHORT MANTRA

OM DRAM DATTATREYAYA NAMAHA

GAYATRI

OM DATTATREYAYA VIDMAHE

ATRI PUTRAYA DHIMAHI

TANNO DATTA PRACHODAYAT

INTRODUCTION

ASHYA SHRI DATTATREYA

VAJRA KAVACHA STOTRA MANTRASYA

KIRATA RUPI MAHARUDRA RUSHIHI

ANUSHTUP CHANDAHA

SHRI DATTATREYO DEVATA

DRAM BIDJAM, AM SHAKTYHI

KRAUM KILAKAM

OM DRAM ATMANE NAMAHA

OM DRIM MANASE NAMAHA

OM AM DRIM SHRIM SOUH OM KLAM

KRIM KLUM KLEIM KLYOUM KLAHA

SHRI DATTATREYA PRASADA SIDDHYARTE

JAPE VINYOGAHA

KARANYASA AND ANGANYASA

1. OM DRAM AMGUSHTA-BHYAM NAMAHA

2. OM DRIM TARJANI-BHYAM NAMAHA

3. OM DRUM MADHYAMA-BHYAM NAMAHA

4. OM DRAIM ANAMIKA-BHYAM NAMAHA

5. OM DRAUM KANISHTHIKA-BHYAM NAMAHA

6. OM DRAHA KARATALA KARAPRSTA-BHYAM NAMAHA

7. OM DRAM HRIDAYAYA NAMAHA

8. OM DRIM SIRASE SVAHA

9. OM DRUM SHIKHA-YAIVA-SHAT

10. OM DRAIM SHROTRAYA KAVACHAYA HUM

11. OM DRAUM NETRA-TRAYA-YAVASHAT

12. OM DRAKHA ASTRAYA-PHAT

13. OM BHUR-BHUVA-SVAROMITI DIGBAN-DAHA

ATMA DYANA

(Meditational Worship)

1. JAGADAM-KURAKANDAYA

SATCHIDANANDA MURTAE

DATTATRAYA YOGINDRA

CHANDRAYA PARAM-ATMANE

2. KADA YOGI KADA BHOGI

KADA NAGHNAH PISHACHAVAT

DATTATRAYO HARIH SAKSHAT

BHUKTI MUKTI PRADA-YAKAHA

3. VARANASI PURA SNAI

KOLHA PURA JA PADARAHA

MAHURI PURA BHIKSHASHI

SAHYASAI DIGAMBARAHA

4. INDRANILA SAMAKARAHA

CHANDRA KANTI SAMA DYUTIHI

VAI DURYASA DRSA SPHURTIHI

SHCALAT-KIMCHI-JATA-DHARAH

5. SNIGDADA-VALYAYUKTAKSHO

TYANTANI-LAKANI-NIKAHA

BRUVAKSHAH SHMASHRUNI LANKAKHA

SHYASHAMKA-SADRSHYA-NANAKHA

6. KHASANIR-JITANI-HARAHA

KANTANIR-JITA-KAMBUKAH

MAMSALAMSO DIRGABAUHU

PANINIR-JITA-PALLAVAHA

7. VISHALA-PINA-VAKSHASHCA

TAMRAPA-NIRDALO-DARAHA

PRTHULA SHRONI-LALITO

VISHALA-JAGANA-STALAH

8. RAMBA-STAMBO-PAMANO-RUHU

JANU-PURVEYKA-JAN-GAKAH

GUDAGULPAH KURMA PRSHTO

LASAT-PADO-PARISTALAH

9. RAKTA ARAVIMDA SADRSHA

RAMANIYA PADA DARAHA

CHARMAMBARA DHARO YOGI

SMARTRGAMII KSHANE KSHANE

10. JNYANO PADESHYA NIRATO

VIPAD DHARANA DIKSHEETAHA

SIDDASANA SAMASINA

RUJI KAYO HASAN MUKAHA

11. VAMAHA STENA VARADO

DAKNENA BHAYAM KARAHA

BALON MATTA PISHACHI BIHI

KVACHIDYUKTAH PARIKSHEETAHA

12. BASMO DULITA SARVANGO

MAHA PATA KANA SHANAHA

SARVARUPI SARVADATA

SARVAGA SARVA KAMADAHA

13. BASMO DULITA SARVANGO

MAHA PATA KANASHANAHA

BUKTI PRADO MUKTI DATA

JIVAN MUKTO NA SAMSHAYAHA

14. EVAM DYATVA ANANYACHITTO

MADVA JIRA KAVACHAM PATET

MAMEVA PASHYAN SARVATRA

SAMAYA SAHA SANSARET

15. DIGAMBARAM BASMA SUGAM DALEPANAM

CHAKRAM TRISHULYAM DAMARUM GADAAYUDAM

PADMASANAM YOGI MUNINDRA VAMDITAM

DATTETI NAMA SMARANENA NITYAM

LAGHU PUJA

(Brief symbolic worship)

OM "LAM" PRTIVYA ATMANE GANDAM

SAMARPAYAMI

OM "HAM" AKASH-ATMANE PUSHPANI PUJAYAMI

OM "YAM" VAYU-ATMANE DUPAM

AGHRA PAYAMI

OM "RAM" AGNI-ATMANE DIPAM

SANDAR-SHAYAMI

OM "VAM" AMRTA ATMANE

AMRTA NAYVEDYAM SAMARPAYAMI

OM "SAM" SARVA ATMANE

SARVO PAACHARAN SAMARPAYAMI

KAVACHA

1. DATTATREYA SHIRAH PATU

SAHASRA-BJESHU SAMSTITAHA

PALAM PATVA ANASUYEYAH

CHANDRA MANDALA MADYAGAHA

2. KURCHAM MANO MAYAH PATU

HAM KSHAM DVIDALA PADMABUHU

JYOTI RUPO KSHINI PATU

PATU SHABDAT MAKAH SHRUTI

3. NASIKAM PATU GANDA ATMA

MUKAM PATU RASA ATMAKAH

JIHVAM VEDA ATMAKAH PATU

DANTO SHTOU PATU DHARMIKAHA

4. KAPOLA AVATRIBUH PATU

PATVA SHESHAM MAMA ATMAVIT

SVARATMA SHODASHARA-ABJA

STHITAHA PATVA VATADGALAM

5. SKANDOU CHANDRA-NUJAH PATU

BHUJOU PATU KRTA ADIBUHU

DJATRUNI SHATRUDJIT PATU

PATU VAKSHASTALAM HARIHI

6. KADITAMTA DVADASHARA

PADMAGO MARUDA ATMAKAHA

YOGI ISHVARE ISHVARAH PATU

HRDAYAM HRDAYASTITAHA

7. PARSHVE HARIH PARSHVA VARTI

PATU PARSHVA STITAH SMRTAHA

HATAYOGA ATU YOGAJNYAHA

KUKSHII PATU KRPA NIDIHI

8. DAKARADI PAKARANTA

DASHARA SARASI IRUHE

NABI STALE VARTAMANO

NABIM VANYA ATMA KOOVATU

9. VANI TATTVA MAYO YOGI

RAKSHATAN MANI PUURAKAM

KATIM KATISTA BRAMANDA

VASUDEVA ATMA KOOVATU

10. BAKAARAADI LAAKAARANTA

SHAT PATRAM BUJYABODAKAHA

JALA TATTVA MAYO YOGI

SVADISHTANAM MAMA AVATU

11. SIDDASANA SAMASINA

URUU SIDDE ESHVARO OVATU

VA ADISA AMTA CHATUSHPATRE

SAROORUHA NIBOODAKAHA

12. MULA DARAM MAHI RUPO

RAKSHATA ADVIRYA NIGRAHI

PRSHTYNCHA SARVATAHA PATU

JANUNYASTA KARAMBU JAGA

13. JANGE PATVAVA DHUTENDRAHA

PATVANGRI TIRTAPAVANAHA

SARVANGAM PATU SARVA ATMAA

ROOMANYA VATU KESHAVAHA

14. CHARMA CHARMA AMBARAH PATU

RAKTAM BAKTI PRIYO-OVATU

MAMSAM MAMSAKARAH PATU

MAJYAAM MAJYA ATMA KOOVATU

15. ASTINI STIRADIH PAYAAT

MEDAM VEDAH PRAPAALAYET

SHUKRAM SHUKRA KARAH PATU

CHITTAM PATU DRUDAKRTIHI

16. MANO BUDIM AHAMKARAM

HRSHIKESHA ATMA KOOVATU

KARMENDRIYANI PATVISHAHA

PATU JNYANENDRIYA NYA JYAHA

17. BANDUN BANDU UTTAMAH PAYA

SHATRUBYAH PATU SHATRUJIT

GRHA RAMA DHANE KSHETRA

PUTRA ADIN SHANKARO OVATU

18. BHARYAM PRAKRTI VIT PATU

PASHVADIN PATU SHAARJNYA BRT

PRANAN PATU PRADA NADJÑO

BAKSHYADIN PATU BHASKARAHA

19. SUKHAM CHANDRA ATMAKAH PATU

DUKAAT PATU PURAAM TAKAHA

PASHUUN PASHUPATIHI PATU

BHUTIM BHUTE ESHVAROO MAMA

20. PRACHYAM VISHAHARAH PATU

PATVA GNEYAM MA KA ATMAKAH

YAMYAM DHARMA ATMAKAH PATU

NAIRTYAM SARVAVE IRI VRT

21. VARAH PATU VARUNYAM

VAYAVYAM PRANA DOVATU

KAUBERYAM DHANADAH PATU

PATVISHANIAM MAHA GURUHU

22. URDHVAM PATU MAHASIDDHAHA

PATVA DASTA JATA DARAHA

RAKSHA GINAM TU YAT STANAM

RAKSHA TWADI MUNISHVARAHA

23. ETAN ME VAJRA KAVACHAM

YAH PATECHRNUYA DAPI

VAJRAKAYA SHCHIRAM JIVI

DATTATREYO HA MABRUVAM

24. TYAGI BHOGI MAHAYOGI

SUKHADUHKHA VIVARJOITAHA

SARVATRA SIDDA SAMKALPO

JIVANMUKTO DYAVARTATE

25. ITYUKTVA NTAR DADE YOGI

DATTATREYO DIGAMBARAHA

DALA DANOPI TAJAPTVA

JIVAN MUKTAH SA VARTATE

26. BILYO DURASHRAVA NAMA

TADANIM SHRUTAVANIDAM

SAKRSHRAVANA MA TRENA

VAJRANGO BHAVA DAPYASOU

ITI SHRI DATTATREYA VAJRA KAVACHAM SAMAAPTAM