Totakashtakam
Totakashtakam
Totakashtakam
toTakAShTakam
viditAkhila shAstra sudhA jaladhe
mahitopaniShat-kathitArtha nidhe |
hRRidaye kalaye vimalaM charaNaM
bhava sha~Nkara deshika me sharaNam || 1 ||
karuNA varuNAlaya pAlaya mAM
bhavasAgara duHkha vidUna hRRidam |
rachayAkhila darshana tattvavidaM
bhava sha~Nkara deshika me sharaNam || 2 ||
bhavatA janatA suhitA bhavitA
nijabodha vichAraNa chArumate |
kalayeshvara jIva viveka vidaM
bhava sha~Nkara deshika me sharaNam || 3 ||
bhava èva bhavAniti mè nitarAM
samajAyata chetasi kautukitA |
mama vAraya moha mahAjaladhiM
bhava sha~Nkara deshika me sharaNam || 4 ||
sukRRite.adhikRRite bahudhA bhavato
bhavitA samadarshana lAlasatA |
ati dInamimaM paripAlaya mAM
bhava sha~Nkara deshika me sharaNam || 5 ||
jagatImavituM kalitAkRRitayo
vicharanti mahAmAha sachChalataH |
ahimAMshurivAtra vibhAsi guro
bhava sha~Nkara deshika me sharaNam || 6 ||
gurupuNgava puNgavaketana te
samatAmayatAM na hi ko.api sudhIH |
sharaNAgata vatsala tattvanidhe
bhava sha~Nkara deshika me sharaNam || 7 ||
viditA na mayA vishadaika kalA
na cha kinchana kAnchanamasti guro |
dRRitameva vidhehi kRRipAM sahajAM
bhava sha~Nkara deshika me sharaNam || 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