Achyutashtakam Stotram (अच्युतस्याष्टकम् : अच्युतं केशवं रामनारायणम् ): Meaning, Benefits, and Devotional Recitation

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Srimad Achyutashtakam: A Divine Invocation to Lord Vishnu

Discover the significance, history, and benefits of Achyutashtakam, a devotional hymn composed by Adi Shankaracharya, with English translation and meaning.


Achyutashtakam


Introduction

The Achyutashtakam is a revered Sanskrit composition, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the Supreme Being in Vaishnavism. It was composed by the great sage Adi Shankaracharya, who is known for his profound contributions to Hindu philosophy and spiritual literature. This stotra extols the various incarnations and attributes of Lord Vishnu, addressing Him as Achyuta, meaning "the infallible" or "one who never declines."

Reciting the Achyutashtakam fills one’s heart with devotion and helps in deepening the connection with the divine. It highlights the omnipresent, omniscient, and omnipotent nature of the Lord, praising His eternal, unwavering presence in the universe.

Historical Background

The Achyutashtakam is part of the larger body of works by Adi Shankaracharya, a saint-philosopher who lived during the 8th century AD. He played a pivotal role in reviving and spreading the philosophy of Advaita Vedanta, emphasizing the unity of the soul (Atman) with the ultimate reality (Brahman). This hymn is one of the many stotras he composed to make the profound concepts of spirituality accessible to all through the path of devotion (Bhakti).

In this composition, Shankaracharya invokes Lord Vishnu in his various forms and incarnations such as Krishna, Rama, and Narayana, showcasing His endless glories.

Benefits of Reciting Achyutashtakam

  1. Spiritual Elevation: The hymn fosters deep devotion towards Lord Vishnu, uplifting the mind and soul.
  2. Inner Peace: Regular chanting of the Achyutashtakam brings calmness, dispelling fear and anxiety.
  3. Divine Protection: The name “Achyuta” signifies one who protects and supports the universe, and invoking this name offers divine protection from negative energies.
  4. Liberation (Moksha): It is believed that chanting this stotra with faith and devotion can help one move closer to liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
  5. Relief from Sorrows: The hymn’s focus on the divine qualities of Vishnu brings comfort to those experiencing grief or difficulty.

अच्युतस्याष्टकम् : अच्युतं केशवं रामनारायणम्

Achyutashtakam : Acyutam Keshavam Ramanarayanam
Composed by Sri Adi Shankaracharya

Verse 1

अच्युतं केशवं रामनारायणं
कृष्णदामोदरं वासुदेवं हरिम् ।
श्रीधरं माधवं गोपिकावल्लभं
जानकीनायकं रामचंद्रं भजे ॥

Acyutam Keshavam Raama-Naaraayannam
Krssnna-Daamodaram Vaasudevam Harim |
Shrii-Dharam Maadhavam Gopikaa-Vallabham
Jaanakii-Naayakam Raamacamdram Bhaje ||

Meaning:
1.1: I worship You, O Achyuta (the Infallible One), I worship You, O Keshava (the Controller and the one with beautiful hair, who killed demon Keshi), I worship You, O Rama, the incarnation of Narayana (the blemishless One).
1.2: I worship You, O Krishna, known as Damodara (bound by the love of Yashoda), O Vasudeva (the son of Vasudeva), and Hari (the remover of sins and the receiver of offerings).
1.3: I worship You, O Sridhara (bearer of Goddess Lakshmi), O Madhava (consort of Lakshmi), beloved of the Gopikas.
1.4: I worship You, O Ramachandra, the lord of Janaki (Sita).

Verse 2

अच्युतं केशवं सत्यभामाधवं
माधवं श्रीधरं राधिकाराधितम् ।
इन्दिरामन्दिरं चेतसा सुन्दरं
देवकीनन्दनं नन्दजं सन्दधे ॥२॥

Acyutam Keshavam Satyabhaamaa-Dhavam
Maadhavam Shrii-Dharam Raadhika-[A]araadhitam |
Indiraa-Mandiram Cetasaa Sundaram
Devakii-Nandanam Nanda-Jam San-Dadhe ||2||

Meaning:
2.1: I worship You, O Achyuta, O Keshava, Lord of Satyabhama,
2.2: O Madhava, Sridhara, worshipped by Radha.
2.3: You are the temple of Indira (Lakshmi), and a beautiful splendour in the mind.
2.4: I worship You, O Devaki's son, who also became the son of Nanda.

Verse 3

विष्णवे जिष्णवे शाङ्खिने चक्रिणे
रुक्मिणिरागिणे जानकीजानये ।
बल्लवीवल्लभायार्चितायात्मने
कंसविध्वंसिने वंशिने ते नमः ॥३॥

Vissnnave Jissnnave Shaangkhine Cakrinne
Rukminni-Raaginne Jaanakii-Jaanaye |
Ballavii-Vallabhaay-Aarcitaay-Aatmane
Kamsa-Vidhvamsine Vamshine Te Namah ||3||

Meaning:
3.1: I worship You, O Vishnu (the all-pervading one), O Jishnu (the victorious one), who holds the conch and the discus.
3.2: O beloved of Rukmini and the Lord of Janaki.
3.3: I worship You, O Krishna, the beloved of the Gopikas,
3.4: O slayer of Kamsa and the one who plays the flute.

Verse 4

कृष्ण गोविन्द हे राम नारायण
श्रीपते वासुदेवाजित श्रीनिधे ।
अच्युतानन्त हे माधवाधोक्षज
द्वारकानायक द्रौपदीरक्षक ॥४॥

Krssnna Govinda He Raama Naaraayanna
Shrii-Pate Vaasudeva-Ajita Shrii-Nidhe |
Acyuta-Ananta He Maadhava-Adhokssaja
Dvaarakaa-Naayaka Draupadii-Rakssaka ||4||

Meaning:
4.1: I worship You, O Krishna, Govinda, and Rama, the incarnation of Narayana.
4.2: O Sripati (consort of Lakshmi), Vasudeva, the unconquerable, and treasure of Sri.
4.3: O Achyuta, infinite, Madhava, and Adhokshaja (the one who transcends perception).
4.4: O Lord of Dwaraka and protector of Draupadi.

Verse 5

राक्षसक्षोभितः सीतया शोभितो
दण्डकारण्यभूपुण्यताकारणः ।
लक्ष्मणेनान्वितो वानरौः सेवितो_
ऽगस्तसम्पूजितो राघव पातु माम् ॥५॥

Raakssasa-Kssobhitah Siitayaa Shobhito
Dannddakaarannya-Bhuu-Punnyataa-Kaarannah |
Lakssmannen-Aanvito Vaanarauh Sevito-
[A]gasta-Sampuujito Raaghava Paatu Maam ||5||

Meaning:
5.1: I worship You, O Rama, who destroyed the Rakshasas, and is adorned with Sita.
5.2: O the one who purified the land of Dandakaranya.
5.3: Accompanied by Lakshmana and served by the Vanaras (monkeys),
5.4: Worshipped by Agastya, O Raghava, protect me.

Verse 6

धेनुकारिष्टकानिष्टकृद्द्वेषिहा
केशिहा कंसहृद्वंशिकावादकः ।
पूतनाकोपकःसूरजाखेलनो
बालगोपालकः पातु मां सर्वदा ॥६॥

Dhenuka-Arissttaka-Anisstta-Krd-Dvessihaa
Keshihaa Kamsa-Hrd-Vamshikaa-Vaadakah |
Puutanaa-Kopakah-Suura-Jaa-Khelano
Baala-Gopaalakah Paatu Maam Sarvadaa ||6||

Meaning:
6.1: I worship You, O Krishna, who killed Dhenuka and Aristaka.
6.2: O Kesava, who killed Keshi and Kamsa, and played the flute.
6.3: O Krishna, who was angered by Putana and played by the Yamuna.
6.4: O Bala-Gopala, protect me always.

Verse 7

विद्युदुद्योतवत्प्रस्फुरद्वाससं
प्रावृडम्भोदवत्प्रोल्लसद्विग्रहम् ।
वन्यया मालया शोभितोरःस्थलं
लोहिताङ्घ्रिद्वयं वारिजाक्षं भजे ॥७॥

Vidyud-Udyota-Vat-Prasphurad-Vaasasam
Praavrdd-Ambhoda-Vat-Prollasad-Vigraham |
Vanyayaa Maalayaa Shobhito[a-U]rahsthalam
Lohita-Angghri-Dvayam Vaarija-Akssam Bhaje ||7||

Meaning:
7.1: I worship You, O Krishna, whose garments flash like lightning,
7.2: And whose form is resplendent like rain clouds.
7.3: O Krishna, adorned with a garland of wildflowers,
7.4: And whose lotus-like eyes and red feet are beautiful.

Verse 8

कुञ्चितैः कुन्तलैर्भ्राजमानाननं
रत्नमौलिं लसत्कुण्डलं गण्डयोः ।
हारकेयूरकं कङ्कणप्रोज्ज्वलं
किङ्किणीमञ्जुलं श्यामलं तं भजे ॥८॥

Kun.citaih Kuntalair-Bhraajamaana-Ananam
Ratna-Maulim Lasat-Kunnddalam Gannddayoh |
Haara-Keyuurakam Kangkanna-Projjvalam
Kingkinnii-Man.julam Shyaamalam Tam Bhaje ||8||

Meaning:
8.1: I worship You, O Krishna, whose face shines with curling locks of hair,
8.2: And who wears a crown of jewels and earrings on His cheeks.
8.3: O Krishna, adorned with garlands, bracelets, and dazzling armlets,
8.4: And whose anklets make a pleasant sound, I worship the dark-complexioned one.

फलश्रुति (Phala Shruti)

श्रीअच्युतस्याष्टकं यः पठेदिष्टदं
प्रेमतः प्रत्यहं पूर्णकामः स्यात् ।
दुःखदारिद्र्यभिः भूतिमान् यं भवे
तस्यलोकं परं श्रीधरोऽव्यात् सदा ॥

Shri-Acyutasyaassttakam Yah Patthed-Issstta-Dam
Prematah Pratyaham Puurnna-Kaamah Syat |
Duhkha-Daaridrya-Abhih Bhuutimaan Yah Bhave
Tasya-Lokam Param Shrii-Dharo-[A]vyaat Sadaa ||

Meaning:
He who recites this Achyutashtakam with love and devotion every day,
Will have all his wishes fulfilled.
He will become prosperous, and Sri Hari will always protect him.


Video Links

  1. Achyutam Keshavam | Armonian | Achyutashtakam - A melodious rendition of Achyutashtakam with serene visuals. Watch it here​
  2. .Achyutam Keshavam Ram Narayanam | Suprabha KV - A soulful version with devotion-filled energy.  Watch it here​
  3. .Achyutashtakam | Madhvi Madhukar Jha - A meditative version with beautiful instrumentation. Watch it here​
  4. Acyutam Keshavam Ramnarayanam | Harindussecrets - A calming and divine recitation. Watch it here​

Disclaimer:
The content provided here is for informational and devotional purposes only. The verses of Achyutashtakam and their meanings have been interpreted to the best of my understanding based on available sources. Devotees and readers are encouraged to seek guidance from authoritative spiritual texts and knowledgeable individuals for a more accurate and in-depth understanding. The recitation of mantras and stotras may have personal or religious significance, and any practice should be performed with the appropriate respect and devotion.

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