భవానీ అష్టకమ్

Overview

The Bhavani Ashtakam is an 8-verse Sanskrit ashtakam attributed to Adi Shankaracharya, dedicated to Goddess Bhavani, a form of Goddess Parvati/Durga. The text is structured as a surrender prayer, with each verse repeating the refrain "Gatistvam Gatistvam Tvameka Bhavani" (You are my refuge, O Bhavani, You alone), expressing complete reliance on the Divine Mother as the ultimate refuge.

What are the benefits of chanting Bhavani Ashtakam?

• Removal of fear and anxiety
• Protection from worldly troubles and obstacles
• Development of inner strength and courage
• Progress toward spiritual liberation

When is the best time to recite this?

The Bhavani Ashtakam is traditionally recited during mornings and evenings. It is especially recommended during Navaratri, Durga Puja, and other occasions dedicated to Goddess Durga or Bhavani, as well as during times of personal distress when seeking strength and guidance.

What is the historical and traditional background?

The text is attributed to Adi Shankaracharya, the 8th-century philosopher and theologian who founded the Advaita Vedanta school and established the Shanmata tradition of worship. Like many of his devotional compositions, the Bhavani Ashtakam pairs philosophical depth with direct Bhakti, acknowledging the ultimate reality of Brahman while offering a path of surrender to the Divine Mother. Its origin is not traced to a specific Purana or Upanishad but is widely accepted as an independent composition within the Shakta devotional tradition.

Available scripts

This text is available in 14 scripts: devanagari, tamil, telugu, kannada, malayalam, gujarati, bengali, iast, gurmukhi, oriya, assamese, sinhala, itrans, hk. Use the script selector above to switch between them.

Related Texts

• Annapurna Ashtakam — another 8-verse hymn attributed to Shankaracharya honoring a maternal form of the Divine Mother
• Mahishasura Mardini Stotram — a longer hymn celebrating Goddess Durga's victory over the demon Mahisha