Guru Ashtakam

Guru Stotram Adi Shankara Sanskrit
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samsara-davanala-lidha-lokatranaya karunya-ghanaghanatvam praptasya kalyana-gunarnavasya vande guroh sri-charanaravindam mahaprabhoh kirtana-nritya-gitavaditra- madyan-manaso rasena romancha-kampashru-taranga-bhajo vande guroh sri-charanaravindam sri-vigraharadhana-nitya-nanashringara- tan-mandira-marjanadau yuktasya bhaktams cha niyunjato pi vande guroh sri-charanaravindam chatur-vidha-sri-bhagavat-prasadasvadv- anna-triptan hari-bhakta-sanghan kritvaiva triptim bhajatah sadaiva vande guroh sri-charanaravindam sri-radhika-madhavayor aparamadhurya- lila guna-rupa-namnam prati-kshanasvadana-lolupasya vande guroh sri-charanaravindam nikunja-yuno rati-keli-siddhyai ya yalibhir yuktir apekshaniya tatrati-dakshyad ati-vallabhasya vande guroh sri-charanaravindam sakshad-dharitvena samasta-shastrair uktas tatha bhavyata eva sadbhih kintu prabhor yah priya eva tasya vande guroh sri-charanaravindam yasya prasadad bhagavat-prasado yasyaprasadan na gatih kuto pi dhyayan stuvams tasya yashas tri-sandhyam vande guroh sri-charanaravindam
The spiritual master is receiving benediction from the ocean of mercy. Just as a cloud pours water on a forest fire to extinguish it, so the spiritual master delivers the materially afflicted world by extinguishing the blazing fire of material existence. I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master, who is an ocean of auspicious qualities. Chanting the holy name, dancing in ecstasy, singing, and playing musical instruments, the spiritual master is always gladdened by the sankirtana movement of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Because he is relishing the mellows of pure devotion within his mind, sometimes his bodily hairs stand on end, he feels quivering in his body, and tears flow from his eyes like waves. I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master. The spiritual master is always engaged in the temple worship of Sri Sri Radha and Krishna. He also engages his disciples in such worship. They dress the Deities in beautiful clothes and ornaments, clean Their temple, and perform other similar worship of the Lord. I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master. The spiritual master is always offering Krishna four kinds of delicious food [analyzed as that which is licked, chewed, drunk, and sucked]. When the spiritual master sees that the devotees are satisfied by eating bhagavat-prasada, he is satisfied. I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master. The spiritual master is always eager to hear and chant about the unlimited conjugal pastimes of Sri Sri Radhika and Madhava, and about Their qualities, names, and forms. The spiritual master aspires to relish these at every moment. I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master. The spiritual master is very dear, because he is expert in assisting the gopis, who at different times make different tasteful arrangements for the perfection of Radha and Krishna’s conjugal loving affairs within the groves of Vrindavana. I offer my most humble obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master. The spiritual master is to be honored as much as the Supreme Lord because he is the most confidential servitor of the Lord. This is acknowledged in all revealed scriptures and followed by all authorities. By the mercy of the spiritual master one receives the benediction of Krishna. Without the grace of the spiritual master, one cannot make any advancement. Therefore, I should always remember and praise the spiritual master. At least three times a day I should offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of my spiritual master.