Totakashtakam
Totakashtakam
तोटकाष्टकम्
विदिताखिल शास्त्र सुधा जलधे
महितोपनिषत्-कथितार्थ निधे ।
हृदये कलये विमलं चरणं
भव शङ्कर देशिक मे शरणम् ॥ 1 ॥
करुणा वरुणालय पालय मां
भवसागर दुःख विदून हृदम् ।
रचयाखिल दर्शन तत्त्वविदं
भव शङ्कर देशिक मे शरणम् ॥ 2 ॥
भवता जनता सुहिता भविता
निजबोध विचारण चारुमते ।
कलयेश्वर जीव विवेक विदं
भव शङ्कर देशिक मे शरणम् ॥ 3 ॥
भव ऎव भवानिति मॆ नितरां
समजायत चेतसि कौतुकिता ।
मम वारय मोह महाजलधिं
भव शङ्कर देशिक मे शरणम् ॥ 4 ॥
सुकृतेऽधिकृते बहुधा भवतो
भविता समदर्शन लालसता ।
अति दीनमिमं परिपालय मां
भव शङ्कर देशिक मे शरणम् ॥ 5 ॥
जगतीमवितुं कलिताकृतयो
विचरन्ति महामाह सच्छलतः ।
अहिमांशुरिवात्र विभासि गुरो
भव शङ्कर देशिक मे शरणम् ॥ 6 ॥
गुरुपुङ्गव पुङ्गवकेतन ते
समतामयतां न हि कोऽपि सुधीः ।
शरणागत वत्सल तत्त्वनिधे
भव शङ्कर देशिक मे शरणम् ॥ 7 ॥
विदिता न मया विशदैक कला
न च किञ्चन काञ्चनमस्ति गुरो ।
दृतमेव विधेहि कृपां सहजां
भव शङ्कर देशिक मे शरणम् ॥ 8 ॥
About This Stotram
Totakashtakam
Sanskrit Title: तोटकाष्टकम्
IAST Transliteration:
Overview
The Totakashtakam is a expression of devotion and surrender to the Guru, who is seen as a manifestation of divine grace and knowledge. The stotram emphasizes the importance of the Guru's guidance in navigating the complexities of spiritual life and achieving liberation. It highlights the Guru's role in revealing the true nature of reality, the distinction between the self and the non-self, and the ultimate oneness of existence. The verses are imbued with Advaitic philosophy, urging the devotee to seek refuge in the Guru's wisdom to transcend ignorance and attain self-realization. The repetition of 'Bhava Shankara Deshika Me Sharanam' (O Guru Shankara, be my refuge) underscores the central theme of absolute surrender.
Details
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Deity | Lord Shiva |
| Author | Totaka Acharya |
| Type | Ashtakam |
| Category | Stotram |
| Number of Verses | 8 |
| Origin | The Totakashtakam is a devotional hymn composed in Sanskrit. While its exact origin within a specific scripture is not definitively established, it is widely attributed to the tradition of Advaita Vedanta and is often associated with the teachings of Adi Shankaracharya. It is a standalone stotram, not part of a larger narrative scripture like the Puranas or Upanishads. Its composition likely stems from the period when Advaita philosophy was being disseminated and devotional practices were flourishing. |
Benefits of Recitation
- Attainment of spiritual knowledge and wisdom
- Overcoming worldly suffering and obstacles
- Seeking refuge and protection from the Guru
- Realization of the oneness of Brahman and Jiva
- Purification of the mind and heart
Best Time to Recite
Morning, evening, or during moments of spiritual contemplation. It can be recited at any time for seeking guidance and solace.
Historical Context
The Totakashtakam is traditionally attributed to Totaka Acharya, one of the principal disciples of Adi Shankaracharya. Totaka Acharya was known for his scholarship and devotion. Legend has it that he was initially not as intellectually sharp as some of his peers, but through the grace of Adi Shankaracharya, he attained great wisdom. The composition of this Ashtakam is believed to be an expression of his gratitude and devotion to his Guru, Adi Shankaracharya, whom he reveres as a form of Lord Shiva. The stotram reflects the philosophical milieu of the 9th century CE, the era of Adi Shankaracharya, and the flourishing of Advaita Vedanta.
Alternate Names
- Totakashtakam Stotram
- Shri Totakashtakam
Related Stotrams
- Shivananda Lahari
- Sivananda Lahari
- Dakshinamurti Stotram
Last Updated: 2025-12-01