श्री राजराजेश्वर्यष्टकम्
अम्बा शाम्भवि चन्द्रमौलिरबलाऽपर्णा उमा पार्वती
काली हैमवती शिवा त्रिनयनी कात्यायनी भैरवी ॥
सावित्री नवयौवना शुभकरी साम्राज्यलक्ष्मीप्रदा
चिद्रूपी परदेवता भगवती श्री राजराजेश्वरी ॥ १ ॥
अम्बा मोहिनि देवता त्रिभुवनी आनन्दसन्दायिनी
वाणी पल्लवपाणि वेणुमुरलीगानप्रिया लोलिनी ॥
कल्याणी उडुराजबिम्बवदना धूम्राक्षसंहारिणी
चिद्रूपी परदेवता भगवती श्री राजराजेश्वरी ॥ २ ॥
अम्बा नूपुररत्नकङ्कणधरी केयूरहारावली
जातीचम्पकवैजयन्तिलहरी ग्रैवेयकैराजिता ॥
वीणावेणुविनोदमण्डितकरा वीरासनेसंस्थिता
चिद्रूपी परदेवता भगवती श्री राजराजेश्वरी ॥ ३ ॥
अम्बा रौद्रिणि भद्रकाली बगला ज्वालामुखी वैष्णवी
ब्रह्माणी त्रिपुरान्तकी सुरनुता देदीप्यमानोज्ज्वला ॥
चामुण्डा श्रितरक्षपोषजननी दाक्षायणी पल्लवी
चिद्रूपी परदेवता भगवती श्री राजराजेश्वरी ॥ ४ ॥
अम्बा शूल धनुः कुशाङ्कुशधरी अर्धेन्दुबिम्बाधरी
वाराही मधुकैटभप्रशमनी वाणीरमासेविता ॥
मल्लद्यासुरमूकदैत्यमथनी माहेश्वरी अम्बिका
चिद्रूपी परदेवता भगवती श्री राजराजेश्वरी ॥ ५ ॥
अम्बा सृष्टविनाशपालनकरी आर्या विसंशोभिता
गायत्री प्रणवाक्षरामृतरसः पूर्णानुसन्धीकृता ॥
ओङ्कारी विनुतासुतार्चितपदा उद्दण्डदैत्यापहा
चिद्रूपी परदेवता भगवती श्री राजराजेश्वरी ॥ ६ ॥
अम्बा शाश्वत आगमादिविनुता आर्या महादेवता
या ब्रह्मादिपिपीलिकान्तजननी या वै जगन्मोहिनी ॥
या पञ्चप्रणवादिरेफजननी या चित्कलामालिनी
चिद्रूपी परदेवता भगवती श्री राजराजेश्वरी ॥ ७ ॥
अम्बापालित भक्तराजदनिशं अम्बाष्टकं यः पठेत्
अम्बालोककटाक्षवीक्ष ललितं चैश्वर्यमव्याहतम् ॥
अम्बा पावनमन्त्रराजपठनादन्ते च मोक्षप्रदा
चिद्रूपी परदेवता भगवती श्री राजराजेश्वरी ॥ ८ ॥
इति श्री राजराजेश्वर्यष्टकम् पूर्ण ||
Introduction to Rajarajeshwari Ashtakam
Overview of the Hymn
The Rajarajeshwari Ashtakam is a revered Sanskrit hymn composed by Adi Shankaracharya. It consists of eight stanzas dedicated to Goddess Rajarajeshwari, extolling her virtues and seeking her blessings.
Significance of the Hymn
Reciting the Rajarajeshwari Ashtakam is believed to invoke the goddess's protection, dispel fears, and grant spiritual strength. It is especially auspicious during the festival of Navaratri.
Historical Context
Composed by Adi Shankaracharya, a revered philosopher and theologian, the hymn reflects the spiritual and cultural ethos of ancient India, highlighting the reverence for deities who ensure the well-being and protection of devotees.
Deity Worshipped
Rajarajeshwari, the supreme goddess, is revered as the embodiment of the universe's energy and the protector of all beings. She is worshipped for protection and liberation.
Global Reverence
While primarily worshipped in India, especially in temples like Polali and Jnanakshi, Rajarajeshwari's significance transcends borders. Her temples and depictions underscore the universal need for protection and the divine's role in ensuring the well-being of all beings.
Structure of the Ashtakam
Verse 1
The first verse praises Rajarajeshwari as the embodiment of eternal bliss, the dispeller of fears, and the source of all beauty. It acknowledges her as the direct manifestation of the supreme deity.
Verse 2
This verse describes Rajarajeshwari adorned with various jewels, her body fragrant with sandalwood, and her residence in the sacred city of Kashi. It emphasizes her role as the provider of alms and the remover of all miseries.
Verse 3
The third verse highlights Rajarajeshwari's ability to grant bliss through yoga, destroy enemies, and establish righteousness. It portrays her as a protective force for the three worlds.
Verse 4
This verse venerates Rajarajeshwari as the consort of Lord Shiva, residing in the caves of Mount Kailash. It acknowledges her as the personification of the sacred syllable 'Om' and the gatekeeper of liberation.
Verse 5
The fifth verse lauds Rajarajeshwari's omnipresence, her control over the visible and invisible realms, and her role in imparting knowledge. It underscores her as the source of all spiritual wisdom.
Verse 6
This verse depicts Rajarajeshwari as the mother of all beings, always bestowing food and joy upon her devotees. It portrays her as the eternal source of happiness and prosperity.
Verse 7
The seventh verse describes Rajarajeshwari as the embodiment of all alphabets, the three gunas (qualities), and the three forms of energy. It emphasizes her role in the creation and sustenance of the universe.
Verse 8
The final verse venerates Rajarajeshwari adorned with various ornaments, holding a bowl of sweet milk, and fulfilling the desires of her devotees. It concludes with a plea for her blessings of food and prosperity.
Benefits of Reciting the Ashtakam
Spiritual Upliftment
Regular recitation of the Rajarajeshwari Ashtakam is believed to purify the mind and soul, leading to spiritual enlightenment and a closer connection with the divine.
Material Prosperity
Devotees believe that chanting this hymn attracts material wealth and abundance, as Rajarajeshwari is the provider of all sustenance.
Protection from Misery
The hymn is said to shield devotees from miseries and hardships, invoking the goddess's grace to remove obstacles and ensure well-being.
Enhancement of Knowledge
Reciting the Ashtakam is believed to enhance one's intellect and wisdom, as Rajarajeshwari is also revered as the deity of knowledge.
Peace and Harmony
The hymn promotes inner peace and harmony, fostering a balanced and content life for those who recite it with devotion.
How to Recite the Ashtakam
Accompanying Rituals
Lighting a lamp or incense while reciting the hymn can enhance its effectiveness, creating a sacred atmosphere conducive to devotion.
Group Chanting
Participating in group recitations, especially during festivals or auspicious days, is believed to amplify the blessings of Rajarajeshwari.
Best Time for Recitation
The ideal time to recite the Rajarajeshwari Ashtakam is during early morning hours, preferably after a bath, to ensure purity and focus.
Method of Recitation
It is recommended to recite the Ashtakam with a clean heart and mind, preferably facing north or east, while seated on a clean mat or cloth.
Number of Recitations
Chanting the Ashtakam 108 times is considered highly auspicious, though even a single recitation with sincerity is believed to yield benefits.
Conclusion
Summary of the Ashtakam
The Rajarajeshwari Ashtakam is a powerful hymn that praises Rajarajeshwari's virtues and seeks her blessings for protection, strength, and spiritual growth.
Significance in Daily Life
Incorporating the recitation of this Ashtakam into daily life is believed to bring about positive changes, ensuring both material and spiritual well-being.
Encouragement for Devotees
Devotees are encouraged to recite the Rajarajeshwari Ashtakam with devotion and sincerity, trusting in the goddess's grace to fulfill their needs and desires.
Final Blessing
May the recitation of the Rajarajeshwari Ashtakam bring peace, prosperity, and divine blessings to all who chant it with a pure heart.
The Rajarajeshwari Ashtakam is a revered Sanskrit hymn composed by Adi Shankaracharya. It consists of eight stanzas dedicated to Goddess Rajarajeshwari, extolling her virtues and seeking her blessings.
Reciting the Rajarajeshwari Ashtakam is believed to invoke the goddess's protection, dispel fears, and grant spiritual strength. It is especially auspicious during the festival of Navaratri.
Composed by Adi Shankaracharya, a revered philosopher and theologian, the hymn reflects the spiritual and cultural ethos of ancient India, highlighting the reverence for deities who ensure the well-being and protection of devotees.
Rajarajeshwari, the supreme goddess, is revered as the embodiment of the universe's energy and the protector of all beings. She is worshipped for protection and liberation.
While primarily worshipped in India, especially in temples like Polali and Jnanakshi, Rajarajeshwari's significance transcends borders. Her temples and depictions underscore the universal need for protection and the divine's role in ensuring the well-being of all beings.
The first verse praises Rajarajeshwari as the embodiment of eternal bliss, the dispeller of fears, and the source of all beauty. It acknowledges her as the direct manifestation of the supreme deity.
This verse describes Rajarajeshwari adorned with various jewels, her body fragrant with sandalwood, and her residence in the sacred city of Kashi. It emphasizes her role as the provider of alms and the remover of all miseries.
The third verse highlights Rajarajeshwari's ability to grant bliss through yoga, destroy enemies, and establish righteousness. It portrays her as a protective force for the three worlds.
This verse venerates Rajarajeshwari as the consort of Lord Shiva, residing in the caves of Mount Kailash. It acknowledges her as the personification of the sacred syllable 'Om' and the gatekeeper of liberation.
The fifth verse lauds Rajarajeshwari's omnipresence, her control over the visible and invisible realms, and her role in imparting knowledge. It underscores her as the source of all spiritual wisdom.
This verse depicts Rajarajeshwari as the mother of all beings, always bestowing food and joy upon her devotees. It portrays her as the eternal source of happiness and prosperity.
The seventh verse describes Rajarajeshwari as the embodiment of all alphabets, the three gunas (qualities), and the three forms of energy. It emphasizes her role in the creation and sustenance of the universe.
The final verse venerates Rajarajeshwari adorned with various ornaments, holding a bowl of sweet milk, and fulfilling the desires of her devotees. It concludes with a plea for her blessings of food and prosperity.
Regular recitation of the Rajarajeshwari Ashtakam is believed to purify the mind and soul, leading to spiritual enlightenment and a closer connection with the divine.
Devotees believe that chanting this hymn attracts material wealth and abundance, as Rajarajeshwari is the provider of all sustenance.
The hymn is said to shield devotees from miseries and hardships, invoking the goddess's grace to remove obstacles and ensure well-being.
Reciting the Ashtakam is believed to enhance one's intellect and wisdom, as Rajarajeshwari is also revered as the deity of knowledge.
The hymn promotes inner peace and harmony, fostering a balanced and content life for those who recite it with devotion.
Lighting a lamp or incense while reciting the hymn can enhance its effectiveness, creating a sacred atmosphere conducive to devotion.
Participating in group recitations, especially during festivals or auspicious days, is believed to amplify the blessings of Rajarajeshwari.
The ideal time to recite the Rajarajeshwari Ashtakam is during early morning hours, preferably after a bath, to ensure purity and focus.
It is recommended to recite the Ashtakam with a clean heart and mind, preferably facing north or east, while seated on a clean mat or cloth.
Chanting the Ashtakam 108 times is considered highly auspicious, though even a single recitation with sincerity is believed to yield benefits.
The Rajarajeshwari Ashtakam is a powerful hymn that praises Rajarajeshwari's virtues and seeks her blessings for protection, strength, and spiritual growth.
Incorporating the recitation of this Ashtakam into daily life is believed to bring about positive changes, ensuring both material and spiritual well-being.
Devotees are encouraged to recite the Rajarajeshwari Ashtakam with devotion and sincerity, trusting in the goddess's grace to fulfill their needs and desires.
May the recitation of the Rajarajeshwari Ashtakam bring peace, prosperity, and divine blessings to all who chant it with a pure heart.
