Annapurnashtakam
अन्नपूर्णाष्टकम्|Annapūrṇāṣṭakam|Eight Verses to Annapurna
Also known as: Annapurna Stotram · Annapurna Ashtakam by Adi Shankara
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नित्यानन्दकरी वराभयकरी सौन्दर्यरत्नाकरीनिर्धूताखिलघोरपावनकरी प्रत्यक्षमाहेश्वरी ।प्रालेयाचलवंशपावनकरी काशीपुराधीश्वरीभिक्षां देहि कृपावलम्बनकरी माताऽन्नपूर्णेश्वरी ॥ १॥
नानारत्नविचित्रभूषणकरी हेमाम्बराडम्बरीमुक्ताहारविलम्बमानविलसद्वक्षोजकुम्भान्तरी ।काश्मीरान्वितवासिता रुचिकरी काशीपुराधीश्वरीभिक्षां देहि कृपावलम्बनकरी माताऽन्नपूर्णेश्वरी ॥ २॥
योगानन्दकरी रिपुक्षयकरी धर्मैकनिष्ठाकरीचन्द्रार्कानलभासमानलहरी त्रैलोक्यरक्षाकरी ।सर्वैश्वर्यकरी भुजङ्गभूषणकरी काशीपुराधीश्वरीभिक्षां देहि कृपावलम्बनकरी माताऽन्नपूर्णेश्वरी ॥ ३॥
कैलासाचलकन्दराल्यनिलया गौरी ह्युमा शङ्करीकौमारी निगमार्थगोचरकरी चोङ्कारबीजाक्षरी ।मोक्षद्वारकपाटपाटनकरी काशीपुराधीश्वरीभिक्षां देहि कृपावलम्बनकरी माताऽन्नपूर्णेश्वरी ॥ ४॥
दृश्यादृश्यविभूतिपावनकरी ब्रह्माण्डभाण्डोदरीलीलानाटकसूत्रभेदनकरी विज्ञानदीपाङ्कुरी ।श्रीविश्वेशमनःप्रसादनकरी काशीपुराधीश्वरीभिक्षां देहि कृपावलम्बनकरी माताऽन्नपूर्णेश्वरी ॥ ५॥
उर्वी सर्वजनेश्वरी भगवती माताऽन्नपूर्णेश्वरीवेणीनीलसमानकुन्तलहरी नित्यान्नदानेश्वरी ।सर्वानन्दकरी सदा शिवकरी काशीपुराधीश्वरीभिक्षां देहि कृपावलम्बनकरी माताऽन्नपूर्णेश्वरी ॥ ६॥
आदिक्षान्तसमस्तवर्णनकरी शम्भोस्त्रिभावाकरीकाश्मीरा त्रिजलेश्वरी त्रिलहरी नित्यान्नदानेश्वरी ।सर्वानन्दकरी सदा शिवकरी काशीपुराधीश्वरीभिक्षां देहि कृपावलम्बनकरी माताऽन्नपूर्णेश्वरी ॥ ७॥
देवी सर्वविचित्ररत्नरुचिरा दाक्षायणी सुन्दरीबालार्काग्निविभासमानविलसत्सिन्दूरशोभाकरी ।काशीपुराधिनेश्वरी भगवती भिक्षां देहि कृपावलम्बनकरीमाताऽन्नपूर्णेश्वरी ॥ ८॥
अन्नपूर्णे सदापूर्णे शङ्करप्राणवल्लभे ।ज्ञानवैराग्यसिद्ध्यर्थं भिक्षां देहि च पार्वति ॥ ९॥
नित्यानन्दकरी वराभयकरी सौन्दर्यरत्नाकरी निर्धूताखिलघोरपावनकरी प्रत्यक्षमाहेश्वरी । प्रालेयाचलवंशपावनकरी काशीपुराधीश्वरी भिक्षां देहि कृपावलम्बनकरी माताऽन्नपूर्णेश्वरी ॥ १॥ नानारत्नविचित्रभूषणकरी हेमाम्बराडम्बरी मुक्ताहारविलम्बमानविलसद्वक्षोजकुम्भान्तरी । काश्मीरान्वितवासिता रुचिकरी काशीपुराधीश्वरी भिक्षां देहि कृपावलम्बनकरी माताऽन्नपूर्णेश्वरी ॥ २॥ योगानन्दकरी रिपुक्षयकरी धर्मैकनिष्ठाकरी चन्द्रार्कानलभासमानलहरी त्रैलोक्यरक्षाकरी । सर्वैश्वर्यकरी भुजङ्गभूषणकरी काशीपुराधीश्वरी भिक्षां देहि कृपावलम्बनकरी माताऽन्नपूर्णेश्वरी ॥ ३॥ कैलासाचलकन्दराल्यनिलया गौरी ह्युमा शङ्करी कौमारी निगमार्थगोचरकरी चोङ्कारबीजाक्षरी । मोक्षद्वारकपाटपाटनकरी काशीपुराधीश्वरी भिक्षां देहि कृपावलम्बनकरी माताऽन्नपूर्णेश्वरी ॥ ४॥ दृश्यादृश्यविभूतिपावनकरी ब्रह्माण्डभाण्डोदरी लीलानाटकसूत्रभेदनकरी विज्ञानदीपाङ्कुरी । श्रीविश्वेशमनःप्रसादनकरी काशीपुराधीश्वरी भिक्षां देहि कृपावलम्बनकरी माताऽन्नपूर्णेश्वरी ॥ ५॥ उर्वी सर्वजनेश्वरी भगवती माताऽन्नपूर्णेश्वरी वेणीनीलसमानकुन्तलहरी नित्यान्नदानेश्वरी । सर्वानन्दकरी सदा शिवकरी काशीपुराधीश्वरी भिक्षां देहि कृपावलम्बनकरी माताऽन्नपूर्णेश्वरी ॥ ६॥ आदिक्षान्तसमस्तवर्णनकरी शम्भोस्त्रिभावाकरी काश्मीरा त्रिजलेश्वरी त्रिलहरी नित्यान्नदानेश्वरी । सर्वानन्दकरी सदा शिवकरी काशीपुराधीश्वरी भिक्षां देहि कृपावलम्बनकरी माताऽन्नपूर्णेश्वरी ॥ ७॥ देवी सर्वविचित्ररत्नरुचिरा दाक्षायणी सुन्दरी बालार्काग्निविभासमानविलसत्सिन्दूरशोभाकरी । काशीपुराधिनेश्वरी भगवती भिक्षां देहि कृपावलम्बनकरी माताऽन्नपूर्णेश्वरी ॥ ८॥ अन्नपूर्णे सदापूर्णे शङ्करप्राणवल्लभे । ज्ञानवैराग्यसिद्ध्यर्थं भिक्षां देहि च पार्वति ॥ ९॥
O Mother Annapurneshwari, giver of eternal bliss, bestower of boons and fearlessness, ocean of beauty and jewels, She who purifies all terrible sins, the manifest Great Goddess, She who sanctifies the lineage of the Himalayas, the sovereign of Kashi (Varanasi), Grant me alms, O Mother Annapurna, who is the support of grace! || 1 || She who is adorned with various wondrous jewels, splendid in golden garments, Whose full breasts are adorned with a lustrous pearl necklace, She who is fragrant with saffron, the sovereign of Kashi, Grant me alms, O Mother Annapurna, who is the support of grace! || 2 || She who bestows the bliss of Yoga, destroys enemies, and establishes righteousness, Whose waves of light shine like the moon, sun, and fire, protecting the three worlds, She who grants all prosperity, adorned with serpents, the sovereign of Kashi, Grant me alms, O Mother Annapurna, who is the support of grace! || 3 || She who resides in the caves of Mount Kailasa, Gauri, Uma, Shankari, Kumari, perceivable through the meaning of the Vedas, the seed syllable Om, She who opens the doors to liberation, the sovereign of Kashi, Grant me alms, O Mother Annapurna, who is the support of grace! || 4 || She who purifies visible and invisible glories, whose belly holds the universe, She who directs the threads of the play of creation, the lamp-sprout of knowledge, She who delights the mind of Lord Vishvesha (Shiva), the sovereign of Kashi, Grant me alms, O Mother Annapurna, who is the support of grace! || 5 || She is the Earth, the goddess of all beings, the divine Mother Annapurneshwari, Whose dark braids resemble a blue stream, the eternal giver of food. She who bestows all joy, always auspicious, the sovereign of Kashi, Grant me alms, O Mother Annapurna, who is the support of grace! || 6 || She who describes all letters from 'A' to 'Ksha', the three-fold essence of Shambhu (Shiva), She of Kashmir, the three-watered goddess, the three-waved one, the eternal giver of food. She who bestows all joy, always auspicious, the sovereign of Kashi, Grant me alms, O Mother Annapurna, who is the support of grace! || 7 || She is the Goddess, radiant with all wondrous jewels, Dakshayani, the beautiful one, Whose vermilion mark shines like the fire of the rising sun. She is the sovereign of Kashi, the divine Mother, grant me alms, who is the support of grace, O Mother Annapurneshwari! || 8 || O Annapurna, who is always full, the beloved of Shankara (Shiva), Grant me alms, O Parvati, for the attainment of knowledge and dispassion. || 9 ||
The translation aims for literal accuracy while conveying the devotional sentiment and poetic beauty of the original Sanskrit. It preserves the repeated refrain and stanza structure.
The Annapurnashtakam is a profound Sanskrit hymn dedicated to Goddess Annapurna, the deity of food and nourishment. It is widely attributed to the illustrious 8th-century philosopher and theologian, Adi Shankara, a pivotal figure in the history of Hinduism who consolidated the Advaita Vedanta philosophy. Composed during a period of significant intellectual and spiritual revival in India, this Ashtakam (a hymn of eight verses) reflects Shankara's deep devotion and his understanding of the interconnectedness of material and spiritual well-being. The hymn is particularly associated with Varanasi (Kashi), where a prominent Annapurna temple stands, and where Adi Shankara is believed to have sought alms from the Goddess herself, symbolizing the ultimate dependence of even the greatest spiritual masters on divine sustenance. Culturally, the Annapurnashtakam holds immense significance as a prayer for prosperity, sustenance, and spiritual wisdom. It is chanted by devotees seeking not only physical food but also the 'food' of knowledge (Jnana) and dispassion (Vairagya), as explicitly mentioned in its concluding verse. The hymn is a staple in daily Hindu worship, especially in households and temples dedicated to Goddess Annapurna or Parvati. It is particularly relevant during festivals such as Navaratri, Akshaya Tritiya (a day believed to bring unending prosperity), and Annakoot (a festival of food offerings), when devotees express gratitude for the abundance provided by the Goddess and pray for continued well-being. The act of chanting this hymn is considered a way to invoke the blessings of Annapurna for an abundant harvest and a life free from hunger and want. As a devotional stotram, the Annapurnashtakam is primarily recited or chanted rather than performed with elaborate musical arrangements, though it can be set to various ragas and talas in classical traditions. It is typically sung by individuals during their daily puja, by priests in temples, or by groups during congregational prayers. The emphasis is on the clarity of pronunciation and the devotional feeling (bhava). While specific instruments are not mandatory, it can be accompanied by simple percussion like a tabla or harmonium in a devotional setting. The hymn's structure, with its repetitive refrain, makes it accessible and easy to memorize, fostering a deep connection with the divine. Today, the Annapurnashtakam continues to be a cherished part of Hindu spiritual practice, embodying timeless values of gratitude, humility, and reliance on divine grace for both material and spiritual sustenance. In an era of global food insecurity and environmental concerns, the hymn's message about the sacredness of food and the importance of its equitable distribution resonates deeply. Its preservation ensures that future generations can connect with this rich tradition, understanding the profound philosophical underpinnings of Hindu devotion and the enduring legacy of figures like Adi Shankara. It serves as a powerful reminder that true nourishment encompasses not just the body, but also the mind and spirit.
Historical Background
Composed in the 8th century CE by Adi Shankara, a towering figure in Indian philosophy. It emerged during a period of significant intellectual and spiritual consolidation in India, reflecting the Advaita Vedanta philosophy's integration of devotion. The hymn is deeply rooted in the cultural and religious landscape of Varanasi (Kashi), a sacred city where the Annapurna temple is a prominent pilgrimage site.
Cultural Significance
The Annapurnashtakam remains a cornerstone of Hindu devotional literature, symbolizing the profound reverence for food as a divine gift and the Mother Goddess as the ultimate provider. It reinforces the cultural value of gratitude, humility, and the understanding that all sustenance, both material and spiritual, flows from the divine. Its enduring popularity underscores the timeless human need for nourishment and wisdom, making it a vital part of Hindu identity and practice.
Usage & Performance Context
Primarily recited during daily Hindu prayers (Puja), especially in homes and temples dedicated to Goddess Annapurna or Parvati. It is particularly chanted during festivals celebrating abundance and the divine feminine, such as Navaratri, Akshaya Tritiya, and Annakoot. Individuals seeking blessings for food, prosperity, knowledge, and spiritual detachment often recite it.
अन्नपूर्णाष्टकम् देवी अन्नपूर्णा को समर्पित एक गहरा संस्कृत स्तोत्र है, जो भोजन और पोषण की देवी हैं। यह व्यापक रूप से 8वीं शताब्दी के प्रख्यात दार्शनिक और धर्मशास्त्री आदि शंकराचार्य को समर्पित है, जो हिंदू धर्म के इतिहास में एक महत्वपूर्ण व्यक्ति थे जिन्होंने अद्वैत वेदांत दर्शन को सुदृढ़ किया। भारत में महत्वपूर्ण बौद्धिक और आध्यात्मिक पुनरुत्थान के दौर में रचित, यह अष्टकम् (आठ श्लोकों का एक भजन) शंकराचार्य की गहरी भक्ति और भौतिक तथा आध्यात्मिक कल्याण के अंतर्संबंधों की उनकी समझ को दर्शाता है। यह स्तोत्र विशेष रूप से वाराणसी (काशी) से जुड़ा है, जहाँ एक प्रमुख अन्नपूर्णा मंदिर स्थित है, और जहाँ आदि शंकराचार्य ने स्वयं देवी से भिक्षा मांगी थी, जो दिव्य पोषण पर महानतम आध्यात्मिक गुरुओं की भी अंतिम निर्भरता का प्रतीक है। सांस्कृतिक रूप से, अन्नपूर्णाष्टकम् समृद्धि, पोषण और आध्यात्मिक ज्ञान के लिए एक प्रार्थना के रूप में अत्यधिक महत्व रखता है। यह भक्तों द्वारा न केवल शारीरिक भोजन बल्कि ज्ञान (ज्ञान) और वैराग्य (वैराग्य) के 'भोजन' की तलाश में जपा जाता है, जैसा कि इसके अंतिम श्लोक में स्पष्ट रूप से उल्लेख किया गया है। यह भजन दैनिक हिंदू पूजा का एक मुख्य हिस्सा है, विशेष रूप से घरों और देवी अन्नपूर्णा या पार्वती को समर्पित मंदिरों में। यह नवरात्रि, अक्षय तृतीया (एक ऐसा दिन माना जाता है जो अनंत समृद्धि लाता है), और अन्नकूट (भोजन प्रसाद का त्योहार) जैसे त्योहारों के दौरान विशेष रूप से प्रासंगिक है, जब भक्त देवी द्वारा प्रदान की गई प्रचुरता के लिए आभार व्यक्त करते हैं और निरंतर कल्याण के लिए प्रार्थना करते हैं। इस भजन का जाप करना अन्नपूर्णा के आशीर्वाद का आह्वान करने का एक तरीका माना जाता है ताकि भरपूर फसल और भूख और अभाव से मुक्त जीवन प्राप्त हो सके। एक भक्ति स्तोत्र के रूप में, अन्नपूर्णाष्टकम् को मुख्य रूप से पाठ या जाप किया जाता है, न कि विस्तृत संगीत व्यवस्था के साथ प्रस्तुत किया जाता है, हालांकि इसे शास्त्रीय परंपराओं में विभिन्न रागों और तालों पर सेट किया जा सकता है। इसे आमतौर पर व्यक्ति अपनी दैनिक पूजा के दौरान, मंदिरों में पुजारी, या सामूहिक प्रार्थना के दौरान समूहों द्वारा गाया जाता है। जोर उच्चारण की स्पष्टता और भक्ति भावना (भाव) पर होता है। जबकि विशिष्ट वाद्ययंत्र अनिवार्य नहीं हैं, इसे भक्तिपूर्ण सेटिंग में तबला या हारमोनियम जैसे साधारण ताल वाद्य के साथ बजाया जा सकता है। भजन की संरचना, इसकी दोहराई जाने वाली पंक्ति के साथ, इसे सुलभ और याद रखने में आसान बनाती है, जिससे दिव्य के साथ गहरा संबंध बनता है। आज भी, अन्नपूर्णाष्टकम् हिंदू आध्यात्मिक अभ्यास का एक पोषित हिस्सा बना हुआ है, जो कृतज्ञता, विनम्रता और भौतिक और आध्यात्मिक दोनों तरह के पोषण के लिए दिव्य कृपा पर निर्भरता के शाश्वत मूल्यों को दर्शाता है। वैश्विक खाद्य असुरक्षा और पर्यावरणीय चिंताओं के युग में, भोजन की पवित्रता और इसके न्यायसंगत वितरण के महत्व के बारे में भजन का संदेश गहराई से गूंजता है। इसका संरक्षण यह सुनिश्चित करता है कि आने वाली पीढ़ियां इस समृद्ध परंपरा से जुड़ सकें, हिंदू भक्ति के गहन दार्शनिक आधारों और आदि शंकराचार्य जैसे व्यक्तित्वों की स्थायी विरासत को समझ सकें। यह एक शक्तिशाली अनुस्मारक के रूप में कार्य करता है कि सच्चा पोषण केवल शरीर को ही नहीं, बल्कि मन और आत्मा को भी समाहित करता है।
Who composed the Annapurnashtakam?
The Annapurnashtakam is widely attributed to the revered 8th-century Indian philosopher and theologian, Adi Shankara, a central figure in the Advaita Vedanta tradition of Hinduism.
What is the meaning of Annapurnashtakam?
Annapurnashtakam translates to 'Eight Verses to Annapurna'. It is a devotional hymn praising Goddess Annapurna, the Hindu deity of food, nourishment, and abundance, seeking her blessings for both material and spiritual well-being.
When is Annapurnashtakam typically chanted?
It is commonly chanted during daily Hindu prayers (Puja), especially in homes and temples dedicated to Goddess Annapurna or Parvati. It is particularly significant during festivals like Navaratri, Akshaya Tritiya, and Annakoot, which celebrate abundance and the divine feminine.
What are the benefits of chanting Annapurnashtakam?
Devotees believe chanting Annapurnashtakam brings blessings of unending food, prosperity, good health, and spiritual wisdom. It is also said to foster a sense of gratitude and detachment (Vairagya), leading to liberation.
Where is Goddess Annapurna primarily worshipped?
Goddess Annapurna is worshipped throughout India, but her most famous and significant temple is located in Varanasi (Kashi), Uttar Pradesh, where she is revered as the provider of sustenance to all beings, including Lord Shiva.
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Sanskrit (Devanagari)
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