Jagannath Ashtakam: The Hymn of Divine Love and Devotion
The "Jagannath Ashtakam" is a deeply revered hymn by the great spiritual leader Adi Shankaracharya. Dedicated to Lord Jagannath, the presiding deity of Puri in Odisha, this eight-verse composition encapsulates divine love, devotion, and surrender. It is said that the regular recitation of Jagannath Ashtakam purifies the heart, destroys all sins, and leads one to Vishnuloka, the abode of Lord Vishnu.
Historical Background
The Origin of Jagannath Ashtakam
The Jagannath Ashtakam was composed by Adi Shankaracharya during his visit to the Jagannath Temple in Puri. Adi Shankaracharya, a revered philosopher and theologian, was known for his immense contribution to Hinduism by establishing the Advaita Vedanta philosophy. The Jagannath Ashtakam is one of his many contributions that have inspired devotees for centuries.
Adi Shankaracharya's Contribution
Adi Shankaracharya’s poetic compositions are more than just hymns; they are spiritual treatises that guide the devotee to self-realization. His works, including the Jagannath Ashtakam, emphasize the importance of devotion, surrender, and the ultimate reality of the Supreme Being.
The Spiritual Significance of Jagannath Ashtakam
Recitation Benefits
Reciting the Jagannath Ashtakam is believed to cleanse the soul of sins and impurities. It creates a spiritual connection with Lord Jagannath, opening the path to divine grace and protection. The merit of chanting this hymn is that it leads to moksha or liberation.
The Connection with Vishnuloka
According to the concluding verse of the hymn, those who recite the Jagannath Ashtakam with devotion and purity are granted entrance to Vishnuloka, the supreme abode of Lord Vishnu. This is a place of eternal bliss and divine communion with the Supreme.
Who is Lord Jagannath?
The Divine Form and Attributes
Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Krishna, is worshipped along with His siblings, Balabhadra (Balarama) and Subhadra. His divine form is unique, with large eyes, a gentle smile, and an absence of arms and legs, symbolizing His all-pervading nature.
Symbolism in Lord Jagannath’s Appearance
Lord Jagannath's form represents the cosmic aspect of the Supreme. His round eyes symbolize infinite vision, and his unique appearance signifies God's formless nature.
The Essence of Each Verse in Jagannath Ashtakam
The Flute Player on the Yamuna's Banks
kadāchit-kālindī taṭavipina saṅgītakaravō
mudābhīrī nārīvadana kamalāsvādamadhupaḥ ।
ramā śambhu brahmāmarapati gaṇēśārchita padō
jagannāthaḥ svāmī nayanapathagāmī bhavatu mē ॥ 1 ॥
Occasionally, Lord Jagannatha, in a state of immense joy, produces a resounding musical performance amid the forests situated along the Yamuna River. He resembles a bumblebee that savours the exquisite lotus-like countenances of the cowherd maidens of Vraja. His revered feet are venerated by esteemed individuals such as Lakshmi, Siva, Brahma, Indra, and Ganesa. May I have the privilege of beholding Jagannatha Swami.
In the first verse, Lord Jagannath is depicted as a divine flute player in the groves along the Yamuna River. The verse describes His enchanting presence, His lotus feet adored by gods and sages, and His intimate connection with the Gopis of Vrindavana.
The Sidelong Glances of Love
bhujē savyē vēṇuṃ śirasi śikhipiñChaṃ kaṭitaṭē
dukūlaṃ nētrāntē sahacharakaṭākṣaṃ vidadhatē ।
sadā śrīmadvṛndāvanavasatilīlāparichayō
jagannāthaḥ svāmī nayanapathagāmī bhavatu nē ॥ 2 ॥
Lord Jagannatha carries a flute in His left hand. He adorns his head with peacock feathers and his hips with exquisite yellow silk fabric. He casts subtle looks at His devoted followers from the corners of His eyes and consistently manifests Himself through His divine activities in His sacred residence of Vrindavana. May I get the privilege of beholding Jagannatha Swami.
The second verse depicts Lord Jagannath playing the flute with a peacock feather on His head. His sidelong glances are filled with compassion and love, blessing His devotees who seek His divine presence.
Residing on Nilachala Hill
mahāmbhōdhēstīrē kanakaruchirē nīlaśikharē
vasan prāsādāntassahaja balabhadrēṇa balinā ।
subhadrā madhyasthassakalasura sēvāvasaradō
jagannāthaḥ svāmī nayanapathagāmī bhavatu mē ॥ 3 ॥
Lord Jagannatha, along with His brother Bala-Bhadra and sister Subhadra, resides in a grand palace on the beautiful Nilacala Hill by the ocean. From there, He offers the chance for devotional service to all pious individuals. May I get the privilege of beholding Jagannatha Swami.
The third verse describes Lord Jagannath residing on the Nilachala Hill, along with His siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra. This verse emphasizes His divine abode, where He bestows grace upon all who seek His shelter.
The Ocean of Mercy
kṛpā pārāvārāssajala jalada śrēṇiruchirō
ramāvāṇī rāmasphuradamala paṅkeruhamukhaḥ ।
surēndrairārādhyaḥ śrutigaṇaśikhā gīta charitō
jagannāthaḥ svāmī nayanapathagāmī bhavatu mē ॥ 4 ॥
Lord Jagannatha embodies compassion and possesses a captivating beauty akin to a line of dark rain clouds. He embodies happiness for Lakshmi and Saraswati, and His face resembles a flawless, fully bloomed lotus. The most esteemed demigods and sages venerate him, and the Upanishads extol his magnificence. May I get the privilege of beholding Jagannatha Swami.
Lord Jagannath is portrayed as an ocean of mercy and compassion in the fourth verse. His face is compared to a lotus, symbolizing purity and spiritual beauty, and He is worshipped by the greatest of sages and demigods.
The Ratha-Yatra Glory
rathārūḍhō gachChan pathi milita bhūdēvapaṭalaiḥ
stuti prādurbhāvaṃ pratipadamupākarṇya sadayaḥ ।
dayāsindhurbandhussakala jagatā sindhusutayā
jagannāthaḥ svāmī nayanapathagāmī bhavatu mē ॥ 5 ॥
During Lord Jagannatha's Ratha-yatra procession, as He travels along the route, there is a continuous and resounding recitation of prayers and songs by several gatherings of Brahmanas. Lord Jagannatha is highly inclined towards them upon hearing their hymns. He embodies boundless compassion and a genuine ally to all realms. May I have the privilege of beholding Jagannatha Swami, accompanied by His consort Lakshmi, who originated from the nectar-filled ocean?
The fifth verse focuses on the grand Ratha-Yatra (Chariot Festival) of Lord Jagannath. As He rides His chariot through the streets, surrounded by thousands of devotees singing His praises, He showers His mercy upon all.
The Divine Embrace of Radha
parabrahmāpīḍaḥ kuvalaya-dalōtphullanayanō
nivāsī nīlādrau nihita-charaṇō'nanta-śirasi ।
rasānandō rādhā-sarasa-vapurāliṅgana-sakhō
jagannāthaḥ svāmī nayanapathagāmī bhavatu mē ॥ 6 ॥
He adorns Lord Brahma's head, and his eyes resemble the fully bloomed-petals of a lotus. He lives on Nilacala Hill, and his feet rest on the heads of Ananta Deva. Lord Jagannatha experiences an intense feeling of affection and gets filled with joy when he embraces Sri Radharani's body, which is as refreshing as a calm pond. May I have the privilege of beholding Jagannatha Swami?
The sixth verse reveals Lord Jagannath's intimate and loving pastimes with His consort, Radha. It emphasizes the depth of divine love and how Lord Jagannath is overwhelmed by the mellows of devotion.
A Prayer Beyond Worldly Desires
na vai yāchē rājyaṃ na cha kanaka māṇikya vibhavaṃ
na yāchē'haṃ ramyāṃ nikhilajana-kāmyāṃ varavadhūm ।
sadā kālē kālē pramatha-patinā gītacharitō
jagannāthaḥ svāmī nayanapathagāmī bhavatu mē ॥ 7 ॥
I do not seek to obtain a kingdom or desire riches such as gold, rubies, and wealth. I do not seek an exceptional and aesthetically pleasing bride, as coveted by all males. May Jagannatha Swami, whose praises are perpetually chanted by Lord Siva, always remain the focal point of my sight.
The seventh verse expresses a devotee’s heartfelt prayer to Lord Jagannath, seeking neither wealth nor material gains but only the constant vision of His divine form.
Liberation from Material Existence
hara tvaṃ saṃsāraṃ drutataramasāraṃ surapatē
hara tvaṃ pāpānāṃ vitatimaparāṃ yādavapatē ।
ahō dīnō'nāthē nihitacharaṇō niśchitamidaṃ
jagannāthaḥ svāmī nayanapathagāmī bhavatu mē ॥ 8 ॥
Oh, Supreme Being of the celestial beings, I humbly beseech you to eradicate this futile state of life expeditiously I am currently enduring. Oh sovereign of the Yadus, I implore you to annihilate this boundless expanse of transgressions that knows no limits. Indeed, it is undeniable that Lord Jagannatha's divine feet are granted to those who acknowledge their own spiritual destitution and find solace in Him alone, without seeking refuge in any worldly entity. May I get the privilege of beholding Jagannatha Swami.
In the final verse, the devotee seeks liberation from the endless cycle of birth and death, pleading for Lord Jagannath’s mercy to remove all sins and bestow divine shelter.
Jagannath Ashtakam and Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu
His Visit to Jagannath Temple
Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, a great saint and proponent of Bhakti Yoga, recited the Jagannath Ashtakam during His visit to the Jagannath Temple in Puri. His devotion and ecstatic chanting of this hymn inspired countless followers to take the path of devotion.
The Devotional Revival
Sri Chaitanya’s association with the Jagannath Ashtakam and His public displays of devotion rekindled the spirit of Bhakti (devotion) among His followers, spreading the message of divine love.
Philosophically, Lord Jagannath represents the Supreme Being, transcending all forms and attributes while remaining accessible to the devotee's heart. Jagannath Ashtakam is deeply connected to Bhakti Yoga, the path of devotion. Through its verses, one can experience a direct connection to the Divine beyond intellectual pursuits.
Cultural Significance of Lord Jagannath’s Ratha Yatra
The Ratha-Yatra is not just a festival; it is a spiritual journey where devotees pull the chariot of Lord Jagannath, symbolizing the pulling of the divine into the heart.
The Jagannath Ashtakam is more than a hymn; it is a spiritual treasure that offers solace, strength, and a path to divine grace. For those seeking a deeper connection with Lord Jagannath and the Supreme, this hymn is an essential companion on the journey of Bhakti Yoga.
FAQs
What is Jagannath Ashtakam?
It is an eight-verse hymn by Adi Shankaracharya, dedicated to Lord Jagannath of Puri.
Who composed the Jagannath Ashtakam?
The hymn was composed by Adi Shankaracharya.
What is the significance of reciting Jagannath Ashtakam?
Reciting this hymn purifies the heart, destroys sins, and grants entrance to Vishnuloka, Lord Vishnu's supreme abode.
How does one benefit from reciting this hymn?
Regular recitation offers spiritual purification, divine protection, and the grace of Lord Jagannath.
How can one incorporate this hymn into daily practice?
It can be recited with devotion and concentration during daily prayers, preferably in the morning or evening.
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