In India’s spiritual traditions, some hymns have the power to connect people with the divine. One such hymn is the Jagannath ashtakam, which is especially dear to those who worship Lord Jagannath, the main deity of Puri and a symbol of love and compassion. This eight-verse hymn, written by the great saint and philosopher Adi Shankaracharya, is more than just a prayer. It offers deep insights into life and spirituality.
Whether you already know Lord Jagannath or are just starting your spiritual journey, the Jagannath ashtakam is an invitation to experience the beauty of devotion, surrender, and the joy of connecting with the divine.
Let’s know the meaning behind each verse and the benefits of reciting this timeless hymn.
Understanding the Jagannath ashtakam
The Jagannath ashtakam is a devotional hymn comprising eight verses (Ashtakam) dedicated to Lord Jagannath. Each verse glorifies his divine attributes, forms, and the spiritual refuge he offers to his devotees. Here’s a breakdown of its meaning:
Verse 1
कदाचित् कालिन्दी तट विपिन सङ्गीत तरलो
मुदाभीरी नारी वदन कमला स्वाद मधुपः।
रमा शम्भु ब्रह्मामरपति गणेशार्चित पदो
जगन्नाथः स्वामी नयन पथ गामी भवतु मे॥ १॥
Kadāchit kālindī taṭa vipina saṅgīta taralo
Mudābhīrī nārī vadana kamalā svāda madhupaḥ।
Ramā śambhu brahmāmarapati gaṇeśārcita pado
Jagannāthaḥ swāmī nayana patha gāmī bhavatu me॥ 1॥
Meaning:
At times, Lord Jagannath is seen enjoying the music of the forests on the banks of the Yamuna River. He is surrounded by cowherd maidens (gopis), whose faces are like blooming lotuses, and he tastes the nectar of their devotion like a honeybee. His feet are worshipped by Lakshmi (Ramā), Shiva (Shambhu), Brahma, Indra (Amarapati), and Ganesha. May I be able to see Lord Jagannath forever.
Verse 2
भुजैः द्विभिः सुभ्रुः सुरदृशमणीयं रघुपतेः
त्रिभङ्गं लीलारुचिरमधुरं सन्धानतरलम्।
लसद्वेणुं कान्तं नवविवलितं कौस्तुभधरं
जगन्नाथः स्वामी नयन पथ गामी भवतु मे॥ २॥
Bhujaīḥ dvibhiḥ subhruḥ suradṛśamaṇīyaṁ raghupateḥ
Tri-bhaṅgaṁ līlāruchiramadhuraṁ sandhānataralam।
Lasadveṇuṁ kāntaṁ navavivalitaṁ kaustubha-dharaṁ
Jagannāthaḥ swāmī nayana patha gāmī bhavatu me॥ 2॥
Meaning:
Lord Jagannath holds a flute in His two hands, standing in the charming tribhanga (three-bent) posture. His form is adorned with the Kaustubha gem and radiance that mesmerizes celestial beings and devotees alike. His presence exudes sweetness and divine playfulness. May I be able to see Lord Jagannath forever.
Verse 3
महाम्भोधेस्तीरे कनकरुचिरे नीलशिखरे
वसन् प्रासादान्तः सहजबलभद्रेण बलिना।
सुभद्रामध्यस्थः सकलसुरसेवावसरदो
जगन्नाथः स्वामी नयन पथ गामी भवतु मे॥ ३॥
Mahāmbhodhestīre kanakaruchire nīlaśikhare
Vasan prāsādāntaḥ sahajabalabhadreṇa balinā।
Subhadrāmadhyasthaḥ sakalasura-sevāvasarado
Jagannāthaḥ swāmī nayana patha gāmī bhavatu me॥ 3॥
Meaning:
Lord Jagannath resides on the golden shores of the ocean at Puri, on the Nilachala hill. He is seated in His grand temple along with His brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra. Surrounded by celestial beings offering service, He blesses all who seek His grace. May I be able to see Lord Jagannath forever.
Verse 4
कृताम् कुन्ददन्तम् कलिवरमनोहारि मनसः
महेषं पीठस्थं भुवन विदितं मन्त्रगतिदं।
स्मितं शुभ्रालक्ष्मीः श्रवण चटुलं चित्तहरणं
जगन्नाथः स्वामी नयन पथ गामी भवतु मे॥ ४॥
Kṛtām kundadantam kalivara-manohāri manasaḥ
Maheṣaṁ pīṭhasthaṁ bhuvana viditaṁ mantragatidaṁ।
Smitaṁ śubhrālaxmīḥ śravaṇa chaṭulaṁ chittaharaṇaṁ
Jagannāthaḥ swāmī nayana patha gāmī bhavatu me॥ 4॥
Meaning:
Lord Jagannath’s teeth resemble jasmine buds, and His enchanting smile captivates all hearts. His divine form is majestic and worshipped by beings across the three worlds. He provides liberation through sacred mantras. His glances and serene demeanor bring joy to everyone. May I be able to see Lord Jagannath forever.
Verse 5
चतुर्भिः श्रीकण्ठैः कलकलरवैः पीतमघटं
हरिद्रानगन्धं नयन चपलालिङ्गितदृशं।
कृष्णः कोऽपि तत्तद्वदनकमलास्वादमधुरं
जगन्नाथः स्वामी नयन पथ गामी भवतु मे॥ ५॥
Chaturbhiḥ śrī-kaṇṭhaiḥ kalakala-ravaiḥ pītamaghataṁ
Haridrānagandhaṁ nayana chapalālingitadṛśam।
Kṛṣṇaḥ ko’pi tattadvadanakamalāsvādamadhuraṁ
Jagannāthaḥ swāmī nayana patha gāmī bhavatu me॥ 5॥
Meaning:
Lord Jagannath is described as one who enjoys the praises of celestial beings and devotees, surrounded by sweet and resonant music. His beautiful eyes, restless like a fish, attract all who see Him. His face is like a lotus, radiating divine sweetness. May I be able to see Lord Jagannath forever.
Verse 6
सुरेन्द्राराध्यं श्रुतिगण शिखा गीतचरितं
समाद्दत्ताराञ्चं कनकरुचिरे सङ्गपद्मिनम्।
हरि श्रेणिः धेनुः सुरभिमणिरत्नाकरसुतं
जगन्नाथः स्वामी नयन पथ गामी भवतु मे॥ ६॥
Surendrārādhyaṁ śrutigaṇa śikhā gītacharitam
Samāddattārāñchaṁ kanakaruchire saṅgapadminam।
Hari śreṇiḥ dhenuḥ surabhimaṇiratnākarasutam
Jagannāthaḥ swāmī nayana patha gāmī bhavatu me॥ 6॥
Meaning:
Lord Jagannath is worshipped by the king of gods (Indra) and praised in the hymns of the Vedas. His beauty surpasses description, and His form radiates golden brilliance. He is surrounded by divine beings and celestial elements, symbolic of His supreme sovereignty. May I be able to see Lord Jagannath forever.
Verse 7
विदिक्षु दिक्पालैरिवापरिमुखैरामरयतां
भजे नैवेशाखं गगन सुखसंवर्धित मुदं।
ध्रुवे षडानन्दं भवभविविभूतिं तव पदं
जगन्नाथः स्वामी नयन पथ गामी भवतु मे॥ ७॥
Vidikṣu dikpālarivāparimukhairāmarayatāṁ
Bhaje naiveśākhaṁ gagana sukhasaṁvardhita mudaṁ।
Dhruve ṣaḍānandaṁ bhavabhavi-vibhūtiṁ tava padaṁ
Jagannāthaḥ swāmī nayana patha gāmī bhavatu me॥ 7॥
Meaning:
The Lord of the Universe is venerated by guardians of all directions and rulers of the worlds. His form brings joy and spiritual upliftment to devotees. His feet are steady and eternal, granting liberation and bliss to those who seek refuge in Him. May I be able to see Lord Jagannath forever..
Verse 8
रथारूढं पाणिद्वयसरसी हेममयिनं
महादेवायार्यं प्रिय सुचरितं कर्म विहितं।
नयन्द्रो देवः स्वजन पुरुहूतं परिमलं
जगन्नाथः स्वामी नयन पथ गामी भवतु मे॥ ८॥
Rathārūḍhaṁ pāṇidvayasarasī hemamayinaṁ
Mahādevāryaṁ priya sucaritaṁ karma vihitaṁ।
Nayandro devaḥ swajana puruhūtaṁ parimalaṁ
Jagannāthaḥ swāmī nayana patha gāmī bhavatu me॥ 8॥
Meaning:
Lord Jagannath rides His grand chariot during the Rath Yatra, with His divine hands extending to bless devotees. His presence spreads fragrance and joy, bringing together His beloved devotees in a celebration of love and devotion. May I be able to see Lord Jagannath forever.
The Benefits of Reciting the Jagannath ashtakam
The Jagannath ashtakam is more than just a hymn; it’s a spiritual practice that brings profound benefits to the devotee:
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Spiritual Upliftment
Regular chanting deepens the connection with Lord Jagannath, elevating consciousness and bringing inner peace.
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Overcoming Obstacles
As the remover of obstacles, chanting invokes Lord Jagannath’s blessings, helping devotees face life’s challenges with faith and courage.
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Purification of the Mind
The hymn purifies the mind, replacing negative thoughts with positive energy and divine assurance.
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Universal Compassion
The hymn encourages compassion and inclusivity, reminding us to see the divine in all beings and practice love and kindness.
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Preparation for Moksha (Liberation)
By surrendering to Lord Jagannath, devotees align with eternal truth and move closer to liberation.
How to Incorporate the Jagannath ashtakam into Your Life
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Daily Practice:
Chant the Ashtakam during your morning or evening prayers to set the tone for a day filled with positivity and divine grace.
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Understanding the Meaning:
Meditate on the meaning of the verses to deepen your connection with Lord Jagannath.
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Participate in Rath Yatra:
Join the annual Rath Yatra festival in Puri, where the hymn is often sung with great fervor.
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Share the Devotion:
Teach your family and friends the hymn, spreading the spiritual wisdom and joy it brings.
Conclusion
Indeed, The Jagannath Ashtakam beautifully captures these divine attributes, making it a universal hymn for all seekers. Lord Jagannath’s form is rich with symbolism. His round eyes represent the infinite, his incomplete arms signify acceptance of all beings, and his smile reflects eternal bliss.
More than just a chant, it is a spiritual journey that invites us to experience Lord Jagannath’s boundless love and grace. By chanting with devotion and understanding, we open ourselves to divine blessings, inner peace, and spiritual growth. So, the next time you hear the soulful melody of the Jagannath ashtakam, join in, let your heart sing, and feel the divine connection. After all, as the hymn reminds us, Lord Jagannath is not just the deity of Puri. He is the Lord of the Universe, always ready to embrace His devotees.