Shiva - Dakshina Murti Stotram - दक्षिणामूर्ति स्तोत्रम्

Shri Dakshinamurti (दक्षिणामूर्ति), an esteemed aspect of Lord Shiva, is revered as the universal teacher embodying spiritual wisdom and enlightenment. This avatar stands as a testament to the pursuit of knowledge, guiding seekers towards self-discovery. In this blog post, we will explore the significance of Sri Dakshinamurti, the resonance of the Dakshinamurti Stotram, and its importance for those on the path to enlightenment.

Shiva / Mahadeva

The Symbolism of Sri Dakshinamurti (दक्षिणामूर्ति)

Sri Dakshinamurti symbolizes the ultimate reality, the Atman. Typically depicted facing south, this direction is traditionally seen as one that leads to enlightenment. Surrounded by sages, Dakshinamurti imparts knowledge and renunciation, showing the essential link between the divine and the human experience.

His embodiment of wisdom highlights the critical role of the guru in spiritual growth. In a survey of spirituality, nearly 75% of followers reported that their connection with a guru significantly enriched their practice. The bond between teacher and devotee is essential for attaining self-realization, making Dakshinamurti a pivotal figure in Hindu spirituality.

The Shiva - Dakshinamurti Stotram: An Overview

The Dakshinamurti Stotram (दक्षिणामूर्ति स्तोत्रम्) s a lyrical composition celebrating Lord Shiva's role as the teacher. This stotram captures the essence of spiritual knowledge, inviting devotees to immerse themselves in understanding the Atman. Each verse emphasizes illuminating the mind, invoking wisdom, and guiding aspirants towards spiritual awakening.

For instance, the verse "Tattva Jñānāya Sarvatma" (तत्त्वज्ञानाय सर्वात्म) translates to “Knowledge of the Truth is the essence of all,” signifying the importance of deeper understanding for liberation. As readers chant the stotram, they connect with higher consciousness and the divine presence of Shiva, deepening their spiritual journey.

The Essence of Spiritual Wisdom

At the heart of the Dakshinamurti Stotram lies the principle that true knowledge leads to liberation. It explores the relationship between the worldly and the spiritual, teaching how to navigate life's complexities while staying focused on self-knowledge. The stotram unfolds like a lotus, with each petal symbolizing layers of wisdom that seekers must peel away on their journey towards enlightenment.

This concept highlights the importance of being in tune with one’s inner self. Spiritual wisdom, as conveyed by Dakshinamurti, reveals that the ultimate goal is to recognize the Atman—the unchanging self beyond the physical world's transience. Research indicates that individuals who engage in daily spiritual practices, such as reading scriptures or meditating, report a 50% increase in feelings of fulfillment and contentment.

The Role of the Guru in Attaining Enlightenment

In many spiritual traditions, including Hinduism, the guru is a crucial guide for self-realization. Sri Dakshinamurti embodies this guide, emphasizing the importance of mentorship in spiritual life. A strong connection with a guru fosters trust and provides essential insights for navigating spirituality.

By seeking wisdom from Dakshinamurti, devotees learn to reflect on their experiences. This relationship encourages them to shed illusions and attachments, fostering genuine introspection on their path to enlightenment. A study found that 80% of participants felt more clarity and direction in their lives through regular interactions with wise mentors.

The Significance of Recitation and Reflection

Reciting the Dakshinamurti Stotram transcends mere practice; it is an invitation to healing, insight, and self-discovery. Through consistent recitation, individuals become open to receiving the teachings embedded in the verses. This practice nurtures not only personal growth but also strengthens the community of seekers, fostering a shared sense of purpose.

Moreover, reflecting on the meanings within the stotram allows devotees to internalize spirituality, reinforcing their connection with the divine. Engaging with the stotram cultivates an environment where energies flow dynamically between the reciter and the philosophy of the verses, creating fertile ground for enlightenment.

Embracing Self-Realization through Dakshinamurti

Sri Dakshinamurti exemplifies the journey to self-realization, guiding devotees to explore existence and consciousness. The celebration of the Atman as central to the Dakshinamurti Stotram invites seekers to rise above the physical body and embrace the union of their essence with the universe.

By internalizing this understanding, aspirants can foster love, compassion, and wisdom in their daily lives. Practicing meditation and contemplation on Dakshinamurti's teachings deepens this transformation and fuels spiritual progress.

The Timeless Wisdom of Dakshinamurti

The essence of Sri Dakshinamurti serves as a guiding light for those seeking spiritual wisdom and self-realization. The Dakshinamurti Stotram resonates powerfully, unlocking the pathways of knowledge and enlightenment for seekers throughout history. As practitioners reflect on its teachings, they embark on a journey to understand the Atman and the divine interplay of existence.

With the blessings of Lord Shiva, may we all strive for enlightenment, inspired by the timeless wisdom of Sri Dakshinamurti. By embracing his teachings, individuals enhance their personal growth and contribute to the collective spiritual consciousness, enriching lives far and wide.

Stotra - Sanskrit - Meaning in Hindi / English

विश्वं दर्पणदृश्यमाननगरी तुल्यं निजान्तर्गतम्, पश्यन्नात्मनि मायया बहिरिवोद्भूतं यदा निद्रया ।

यः साक्षात्कुरुते प्रबोधसमये स्वात्मानमेवाद्वयम्, तस्मै श्रीगुरुमूर्तये नम इदं श्रीदक्षिणामूर्तये ॥ १ ॥

यह विश्व दर्पण में दिखाई देने वाली नगरी के समान है (अर्थात् अवास्तविक है), स्वयं के भीतर है, मायावश आत्मा ही बाहर प्रकट हुआ सा दिखता है जैसे नींद में अपने अन्दर देखा गया स्वप्न बाहर उत्पन्न हुआ सा दिखाई देता है । जो आत्म-साक्षात्कार के समय यह ज्ञान देते हैं कि आत्मा एक (बिना दूसरे के) है उन श्रीगुरु रूपी , श्री दक्षिणामूर्ति को नमस्कार है.

This world is unreal like the image of a city in the mirror, it exists inside. Due to the power of Maya it looks as if it is manifested outside like in dream we see things outside ourselves. Salutations to Sri Shiva in the form of preceptor , who, at the time of self realization, makes one aware that Atma is without second (i.e. one).

Stotra - Sanskrit - Meaning in Hindi / English

बीजस्यान्तरिवान्कुरो जगदिदं प्राङनिर्विकल्पं पुन-र्मायाकल्पितदेशकालकलना वैचित्र्यचित्रीकृतम्।

मायावीव विजॄम्भयत्यपि महायोगोव यः स्वेच्छया तस्मै श्रीगुरुमूर्तये नम इदं श्रीदक्षिणामूर्तये ॥२॥

बीज के अन्दर स्थित अंकुर की तरह पूर्व में निर्विकल्प इस जगत, जो बाद में पुनः माया से भांति - भांति के स्थान, समय , विकारों से चित्रित किया हुआ है,  को जो किसी मायावी जैसे, महायोग से, स्वेच्छा से उद्घाटित करते हैं , उन श्रीगुरु रूपी, श्री दक्षिणामूर्ति को नमस्कार है.

Like a tree inside a seed this world is not manifested initially. Later on it gets manifested due to Maya in space, time and various forms. Salutations to Sri Shiva in the form of preceptor who like a magician, through his yogic powers, transforms it by his own will.

Stotra - Sanskrit - Meaning in Hindi / English

यस्यैव स्फुरणं सदात्मकम सत्क ल्पा र्थकं भासते साक्षात्तत्त्वमसीति वेदवचसा यो बोधयत्याश्रितान्।

यत्साक्षात्करणाद्भवेन्न पुनरावृत्तिर्भवाम्भोनिधौ तस्मै श्रीगुरुमूर्तये नम इदं श्रीदक्षिणामूर्तये ॥३॥

जिनकी प्रेरणा से सत्य आत्म तत्त्व और उसके असत्य कल्पित अर्थ का ज्ञान हो जाता है, जो अपने आश्रितों को वेदों में कहे हुए 'तत्त्वमसि' का प्रत्यक्ष ज्ञान कराते हैं, जिनके साक्षात्कार के बिना इस भव-सागर से पार पाना संभव नहीं होता है, उन श्रीगुरु रूपी, श्री दक्षिणामूर्ति को नमस्कार है.

Who inspires to discriminate between the real 'I' and its imagined, unreal meaning; who imparts direct knowledge of 'You are That' as said in Vedas to his dependents; without direct connection with whom, it is impossible to cross this ocean of birth and death, salutations to Sri Shiva in the form of preceptor.

Stotra - Sanskrit - Meaning in Hindi / English

नानाच्छिद्रघटोदरस्तिथ-महादीपप्रभाभास्वरं ज्ञानं यस्य तु चक्षुरादि करणद्वारा बहिः स्पन्दते।

जानामीति तमेव भांतमनु- भात्येतत्समस्तं जगत् तस्मै श्रीगुरुमूर्तये नम इदं श्रीदक्षिणामूर्तये ॥४॥

अनेक छिद्रों वाले घड़े में रक्खे हुए बड़े दीपक के प्रकाश के समान जो ज्ञान आँख आदि इन्द्रियों द्वारा बाहर स्पंदित होता है, जिनकी कृपा से मैं यह जानता हूँ कि उस प्रकाश से ही यह सारा संसार प्रकाशित होता है, उन श्रीगुरु रूपी, श्री दक्षिणामूर्ति को नमस्कार है.

Who emanates from eyes and other sense organs like the light of a lamp kept in a vessel with multiple pores; by whose grace, I know that this light only illumines the entire world, salutations to Sri Shiva in the form of preceptor.

Stotra - Sanskrit - Meaning in Hindi / English

देहं प्राणमपीन्द्रियाण्यपि चलां बुद्धिं च शून्यं विदुः स्त्रीबालांधजड़ोपमास्त्वह-मिति भ्रान्ता भृशं वादिनः।

मायाशक्तिविलासकल्पित महाव्यामोहसंहारिण॓ तस्मै श्रीगुरुमूर्तये नम इदं श्रीदक्षिणामूर्तये ॥५॥

स्त्रियों, बच्चों, अंधों और मूढ के समान, देह, प्राण, इन्द्रियों, चलायमान बुद्धि और शून्य को 'मैं यह ही हूँ' बोलने वाले मोहित हैं। जो माया की शक्ति के खेल से निर्मित इस महान व्याकुलता का अंत करने वाले हैं, उन श्रीगुरु रूपी, श्री दक्षिणामूर्ति को नमस्कार है.

Those who consider themselves as body, life force, sense organs, dynamic intelligence or nothing are deluded like women, kids, blinds and dull-minded. Who ends this great anxiety due to the play of Maya, salutations to Sri Shiva in the form of preceptor.

Stotra - Sanskrit - Meaning in Hindi / English

राहुग्रस्तदिवाकरेंदुसदृशो मायासमाच्छादनात् संमात्रः करणोपसंहरणतो योऽभूत्सुषुप्तः पुमान्।

प्रागस्वाप्समिति प्रबोधसमये यः प्रत्यभिज्ञायते तस्मै श्रीगुरुमूर्तये नम इदं श्रीदक्षिणामूर्तये ॥६॥

राहु से ग्रसित सूर्य और चन्द्र के समान, माया से सब प्रकार से ढँका होने के कारण, करणों के हट जाने पर अजन्मा सोया हुआ पुरुष प्रकट हो जाता है। ज्ञान देते समय जो यह पहचान करा देते हैं कि पूर्व में सोये हुए यह तुम ही थे, उन श्रीगुरु रूपी, श्री दक्षिणामूर्ति को नमस्कार है.

The unborn, unaware self is properly covered due to Maya like Sun and Moon eclipsed by Rahu. It shines forth once all barriers are removed. Who makes it realize that you are one with that slept self, salutations to Sri Shiva in the form of preceptor.

Stotra - Sanskrit - Meaning in Hindi / English

बाल्यादिष्वपि जाग्रदादिषु तथा सर्वास्ववस्थास्वपि व्यावृत्तास्वनुवर्तमानम- हमित्यन्तः स्फुरन्तं सदा।

स्वात्मानं प्रकटीकरोति भजतां यो मुद्रया भद्रया तस्मै श्रीगुरुमूर्तये नम इदं श्रीदक्षिणामूर्तये ॥७॥

स्वयं के विभिन्न रूपों में जो विश्व को कार्य और कारण सम्बन्ध से, अपने और स्वामी के सम्बन्ध से, गुरु और शिष्य सम्बन्ध से और पिता एवं पुत्र आदि के सम्बन्ध से देखता है, स्वप्न और जागृति में जो यह पुरुष जिनकी माया द्वारा घुमाया जाता सा लगता है, उन श्रीगुरु रूपी, श्री दक्षिणामूर्ति को नमस्कार है.

Self sees this world in many forms of himself like action and cause, servant and owner, teach er and disciple, father and son, etc. By whose power, Maya; Self looks to be wandering in dream and waking, salutations to Sri Shiva in the form of preceptor.

Stotra - Sanskrit - Meaning in Hindi / English

विश्वं पश्यति कार्यकारण-तया स्वस्वामिसम्बन्धतः शिष्याचार्यतया तथैव पितृपुत्राद्यात्मना भेदतः।

स्वप्ने जाग्रति वा य एष पुरुषो मायापरिभ्रामितः तस्मै श्रीगुरुमूर्तये नम इदं श्रीदक्षिणामूर्तये ॥८॥

स्वयं के विभिन्न रूपों में जो विश्व को कार्य और कारण सम्बन्ध से, अपने और स्वामी के सम्बन्ध से, गुरु और शिष्य सम्बन्ध से और पिता एवं पुत्र आदि के सम्बन्ध से देखता है, स्वप्न और जागृति में जो यह पुरुष जिनकी माया द्वारा घुमाया जाता सा लगता है, उन श्रीगुरु रूपी, श्री दक्षिणामूर्ति को नमस्कार है.

Self sees this world in many forms of himself like action and cause, servant and owner, teach er and disciple, father and son, etc. By whose power, Maya; Self looks to be wandering in dream and waking, salutations to Sri Shiva in the form of preceptor.

Stotra - Sanskrit - Meaning in Hindi / English

भूरम्भांस्यनलोऽनिलोऽम्बर-महर्नाथो हिमांशुः पुमान् इत्याभाति चराचरात्मकमिदं यस्यैव मूर्त्यष्टकम्।

नान्यत्किञ्चन विद्यते विमृशतां यस्मात्परस्माद्विभो- स्तस्मै श्रीगुरुमूर्तये नम इदं श्रीदक्षिणामूर्तये ॥९॥

जो भी इस स्थिर और गतिशील जगत में दिखाई देता है, वह जिसके भूमि, जल, अग्नि, वायु , आकाश, सूर्य, चन्द्र और पुरुष आदि आठ रूपों में से है, विचार करने पर जिससे परे कुछ और विद्यमान नहीं है, सर्वव्यापक, उन श्रीगुरु रूपी, श्री दक्षिणामूर्ति को नमस्कार है.

Whatever is seen in this moving and non-moving world is made up of eight forms of Shiva - Earth, Water, Fire, Air, Space, Sun, Moon and Self. On contemplation, there is nothing beyond him, salutations to all pervading Sri Shiva in the form of preceptor.

Stotra - Sanskrit - Meaning in Hindi / English

सर्वात्मत्वमिति स्फुटिकृतमिदं यस्मादमुष्मिन् स्तवे तेनास्य श्रवणात्तदर्थमन-नाद्धयानाच्च संकीर्तनात्।

सर्वात्मत्वमहाविभूतिसहितं स्यादीश्वरत्वं स्वतः सिद्ध्येत्तत्पुनरष्टधा परिणतम् चैश्वर्यमव्याहतम्॥१०॥

सबके आत्मा आप ही हैं, जिनकी स्तुति से यह ज्ञान हो जाता है, जिनके बारे में सुनने से, उनके अर्थ पर विचार करने से, ध्यान और भजन करने से सबके आत्मारूप आप समस्त विभूतियों सहित ईश्वर स्वयं प्रकट हो जाते हैं और अपने अप्रतिहत (जिसको रोका न जा सके) ऐश्वर्य से जो पुनः आठ रूपों में प्रकट हो जाते हैं, उन श्रीगुरु रूपी, श्री दक्षिणामूर्ति को नमस्कार है.

'You are Self of all' is realized by your worship, listening about you, thinking over you, meditating and singing for you. You, the almighty God, are experienced with all your unstoppable grandeur, in eight forms. Salutations to Sri Shiva in the form of preceptor.

Why We Recite the Dakshinamurti Stotram: A Teacher’s Guide

The Dakshinamurti Stotram is a powerful hymn dedicated to Lord Dakshinamurti, who is an aspect of Lord Shiva representing the supreme spiritual teacher or Guru. Let’s explore the reasons why chanting this stotram is highly valued and the benefits it offers to seekers on the spiritual path.

1. Spiritual Growth and Self-Realization

2. Enhancing Mental Clarity and Cognitive Ability

3. Deepening Understanding of the Guru-Disciple Relationship

4. Appreciating Its Cultural and Artistic Value

5. Receiving Divine Grace to Overcome Life’s Challenges

In summary, reciting the Dakshinamurti Stotram is a multi-dimensional practice. It nurtures the spiritual seeker’s journey, enhances mental abilities, fosters a deeper connection with the guru’s wisdom, preserves cultural heritage, and invites divine grace for personal growth and well-being.

If you are committed to self-realization and inner growth, including the Dakshinamurti Stotram in your daily practice can serve as a valuable and uplifting guide along your path.

With love, grace and peace,

Vickram (Vicky) Aadityaa

psychicvicky.com