ॐ
1
शरीरं सुरूपं तथा वा कलत्रं । यशश्चारु चित्रं धनं मेरुतुल्यम् । मनश्चेन्न लग्नं गुरोरङ्घ्रिपद्मे । ततः किं ततः किं ततः किं ततः किम् ॥ १ ॥
2
कलत्रं धनं पुत्रपौत्रादि सर्वं । गृहं बान्धवाः सर्वमेतद्धि जातम् । मनश्चेन्न लग्नं गुरोरङ्घ्रिपद्मे । ततः किं ततः किं ततः किं ततः किम् ॥ २ ॥
3
षडङ्गादिवेदो मुखे शास्त्रविद्या । कवित्वादि गद्यं सुपद्यं करोति । मनश्चेन्न लग्नं गुरोरङ्घ्रिपद्मे । ततः किं ततः किं ततः किं ततः किम् ॥ ३ ॥
4
विदेशेषु मान्यः स्वदेशेषु धन्यः । सदाचारवृत्तेषु मत्तो न चान्यः । मनश्चेन्न लग्नं गुरोरङ्घ्रिपद्मे । ततः किं ततः किं ततः किं ततः किम् ॥ ४ ॥
5
क्षमामण्डले भूपभूपालबृन्दैः । सदा सेवितं यस्य पादारविन्दम् । मनश्चेन्न लग्नं गुरोरङ्घ्रिपद्मे । ततः किं ततः किं ततः किं ततः किम् ॥ ५ ॥
6
यशो मे गतं दिक्षु दानप्रतापा- ज्जगद्वस्तु सर्वं करे यत्प्रसादात् । मनश्चेन्न लग्नं गुरोरङ्घ्रिपद्मे । ततः किं ततः किं ततः किं ततः किम् ॥ ६ ॥
7
न भोगे न योगे न वा वाजिराजौ । न कान्तामुखे नैव वित्तेषु चित्तम् । मनश्चेन्न लग्नं गुरोरङ्घ्रिपद्मे । ततः किं ततः किं ततः किं ततः किम् ॥ ७ ॥
8
अरण्ये न वा स्वस्य गेहे न कार्ये । न देहे मनो वर्तते मे त्वनर्घ्ये । मनश्चेन्न लग्नं गुरोरङ्घ्रिपद्मे । ततः किं ततः किं ततः किं ततः किम् ॥ ८ ॥
9
गुरोरष्टकं यः पठेत्पुण्यदेही । यतिर्भूपतिर्ब्रह्मचारी च गेही । लभेद्वाञ्छितार्थं पदं ब्रह्मसञ्ज्ञं । गुरोरुक्तवाक्ये मनो यस्य लग्नम् ॥ इथी श्री गुर्वष्टकम् पूर्ण ||
Meaning & Translation
Verse 1
Though one possesses a beautiful body, a charming wife, widespread fame, and wealth equal to Mount Meru; if the mind is not attached to the lotus feet of the Guru, what then? What then? What then? What then?
Verse 2
Though one has a wife, wealth, sons, grandsons, and all such relations; a home, and all kinsmen; if the mind is not attached to the lotus feet of the Guru, what then? What then? What then? What then?
Verse 3
Though one has mastered the six Vedangas and all scriptural knowledge, and can compose excellent prose and poetry; if the mind is not attached to the lotus feet of the Guru, what then? What then? What then? What then?
Verse 4
Though one is honored in foreign lands and blessed in one's own country, and there is no one else superior in virtuous conduct; if the mind is not attached to the lotus feet of the Guru, what then? What then? What then? What then?
Verse 5
Though one's lotus feet are always served by crowds of kings and rulers on earth; if the mind is not attached to the lotus feet of the Guru, what then? What then? What then? What then?
Verse 6
Though my fame has spread in all directions due to my generosity and valor, and all worldly objects are in my hand by its grace; if the mind is not attached to the lotus feet of the Guru, what then? What then? What then? What then?
Verse 7
Though one's mind is not attached to worldly pleasures, nor to yoga, nor to a multitude of horses, nor to the face of a beloved, nor to wealth; if the mind is not attached to the lotus feet of the Guru, what then? What then? What then? What then?
Verse 8
Though my mind does not dwell in the forest, nor in my own home, nor in my work, nor in my invaluable body; if the mind is not attached to the lotus feet of the Guru, what then? What then? What then? What then?
Verse 9
Whoever, with a pure body, recites this octet on the Guru – be it an ascetic, a king, a celibate student, or a householder – will attain their desired goals and the state of Brahman, provided their mind is fixed on the words spoken by the Guru. Thus concludes the sacred Gurvashtakam.
✨Spiritual Benefits
Reciting the Guru Ashtakam with devotion helps one realize the supreme importance of the Guru in spiritual life. It leads to the fulfillment of desires, attainment of spiritual liberation (Brahma-sanjnam padam), and deepens one's understanding of the true path to self-realization by fixing the mind on the Guru's teachings. It fosters humility, gratitude, and unwavering faith in the spiritual guide.
📜About this ashtak
The Guru Ashtakam, also known as Guravashtakam, is a profound eight-verse hymn composed by the revered philosopher and saint, Sri Adi Shankaracharya. This powerful Stotram is dedicated to the veneration of a spiritual teacher or Guru, emphasizing the supreme importance of devotion to the Guru's lotus feet above all worldly possessions, knowledge, or status. It serves as a reminder that true liberation and spiritual understanding can only be attained through the Guru's grace and guidance. This authentic knowledge is brought to you by shyamstuti.in.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the spiritual significance of Guru Ashtakam?
The Guru Ashtakam, composed by Adi Shankaracharya, emphasizes that worldly possessions, knowledge, or status are meaningless if one's mind is not devoted to the lotus feet of the Guru. It highlights the Guru's supreme importance in guiding a seeker towards spiritual liberation and true understanding, transcending all material attachments.
How does devotion to a Guru aid in spiritual progress?
Devotion to a Guru, as extolled in the Guru Ashtakam, is considered paramount for spiritual progress because a true Guru dispels ignorance and illuminates the path to self-realization. By surrendering to the Guru's wisdom and guidance, a disciple can overcome ego, attachments, and worldly distractions, ultimately achieving inner peace and union with the divine.
What is the message of 'Tatah Kim, Tatah Kim' in Guru Ashtakam?
The recurring phrase 'Tatah Kim, Tatah Kim' (What then? What then?) in Guru Ashtakam serves as a profound rhetorical question. It underscores the futility of all worldly achievements, beauty, wealth, knowledge, or fame if the mind is not firmly fixed on the Guru's feet. It challenges the listener to reflect on what truly holds value in life, pointing towards spiritual devotion as the ultimate purpose.