Adi Sankara was one of the greatest philosophers of all time. He was born in a poor Brahmin family in Kerala. After brahmopadesa, as is usual during those times, he was asked to beg alms for his lunch. One day when he went to a Brahmin house, the lady of the house was so poor that she did not have anything to give him. She searched hard and found one small fruit of gooseberry, which she gave to Sankara, the boy. He was so touched by her gesture that he sang these 21 mellifluous hymns on Goddess Lakshmi, who poured golden goose berries as rain to the poor woman’s house. Even today it is believed that poverty would be banished by singing this hymn. Angam hare pulaka bhooshanamasrayanthi, Bhringanga neva mukulabharanam thamalam, Angikrithakhila vibhuthirapanga leela, Mangalyadasthu mama mangala devathaya. To the Hari who wears supreme happiness as Ornament, The Goddess Lakshmi is attracted, Like the black bees getting attracted, To the unopened buds of black Tamala tree, Let her who is the Goddess of all good things, Grant me a glance that will bring prosperity.
Mugdha muhurvidhadhadathi vadhane Murare, Premathrapapranihithani gathagathani, Mala dhrishotmadhukareeva maheth pale ya, Sa ne sriyam dhisathu sagarasambhavaya.
Again and again return ,those glances, Filled with hesitation and love, Of her who is born to the ocean of milk, To the face of Murari, Like the honey bees to the pretty blue lotus, And let those glances shower me with wealth.
With half closed eyes stares she on Mukunda, Filled with happiness , shyness and the science of love, On the ecstasy filled face with closed eyes of her Lord, And let her , who is the wife of Him who sleeps on the snake, Shower me with wealth.
Bahwanthare madhujitha srithakausthube ya, Haravaleeva nari neela mayi vibhathi, Kamapradha bhagavatho api kadaksha mala, Kalyanamavahathu me kamalalayaya
He who has won over Madhu, Wears the Kousthuba as ornament, And also the garland of glances, of blue Indraneela, Filled with love to protect and grant wishes to Him, Of her who lives on the lotus, And let those also fall on me, And grant me all that is good..
Like the streak of lightning in black dark cloud, She is shining on the dark , broad chest, Of He who killed Kaidaba, And let the eyes of the great mother of all universe, Who is the daughter of Sage Bharghava, Fallon me lightly and bring me prosperity.
The God of love could only reach , The killer of Madhu, Through the power of her kind glances, Loaded with love and blessing And let that side glance , Which is auspicious and indolent, Fall on me.
Capable of making one as king of Devas in this world, Her side long glance of a moment, Made Indra regain his kingdom, And is making Him who killed Madhu supremely happy. And let her with her blue lotus eyes glance me a little.
To her devotees and those who are great, Grants she a place in heaven which is difficult to attain, Just by a glance of her compassion filled eyes, Let her sparkling eyes which are like the fully opened lotus, Fall on me and grant me all my desires.
Dhadyaddhayanupavanopi dravinambhudaraam, Asminna kinchina vihanga sisou vishanne, Dhushkaramagarmmapaneeya chiraya dhooram, Narayana pranayinee nayanambhuvaha. Please send your mercy which is like wind, And shower the rain of wealth on this parched land,, And quench the thirst of this little chataka bird, And likewise, drive away afar my load of sins, Oh, darling of Narayana, By the glance from your cloud like dark eyes.
Gheerdhevathethi garuda dwaja sundarithi, Sakambhareethi sasi shekara vallebhethi, Srishti sthithi pralaya kelishu samsthitha ya, Thasyai namas thribhvanai ka guros tharunyai. She is the goddess of Knowledge, She is the darling of Him who has Garuda as flag, She is the power that causes of death at time of deluge, And she is the wife of Him who has the crescent, And she does the creation , upkeep and destruction at various times, And my salutations to this lady who is worshipped by all the three worlds.
Salutations to you as Vedas which give rise to good actions, Salutation to you as Rathi for giving the most beautiful qualities, Salutation to you as Shakthi ,who lives in the hundred petalled lotus, And salutations to you who is Goddess of plenty, And is the consort of Purushottama.
Namosthu naleekha nibhananai, Namosthu dhugdhogdhadhi janma bhoomayai, Namosthu somamrutha sodharayai, Namosthu narayana vallabhayai. Salutations to her who is as pretty. As the lotus in full bloom, Salutations to her who is born from ocean of milk, Salutations to the sister of nectar and the moon, Salutations to the consort of Narayana.
Salutations to her who has the golden lotus as seat, Salutations to her who is the leader of the universe, Salutations to her who showers mercy on devas, And salutations to the consort of Him who has the bow called Saranga.
Salutations to her who is daughter of Bhrigu, Salutations to her lives on the holy chest of Vishnu, Salutations to Goddess Lakshmi who lives in a lotus, And saluations to her who is the consort of Damodhara.
Salutations to her who is light living in Lotus flower, Salutations to her who is the earth and also mother of earth, Salutations to her who is worshipped by Devas, And salutations to her who is the consort of the son of Nanda.
Sampath karaani sakalendriya nandanani, Samrajya dhana vibhavani saroruhakshi, Twad vandanani dhuritha haranodhythani, Mamev matharanisam kalayanthu manye. Giver of wealth, giver of pleasures to all senses, Giver of the right to rule kingdoms, She who has lotus like eyes, She to whom Salutations remove all miseries fast, And my mother to you are my salutations.
Yath Kadaksha samupasana vidhi, Sevakasya sakalartha sapadha, Santhanodhi vachananga manasai, Twaam murari hridayeswareem bhaje He who worships your sidelong glances, Is blessed by all known wealth and prosperity, And so my salutations by word, thought and deed, To the queen of the heart of my Lord Murari.
Sarasija nilaye saroja hasthe, Dhavalathamamsuka gandha maya shobhe, Bhagavathi hari vallabhe manogne, Tribhuvana bhoothikari praseeda mahye She who sits on the Lotus, She who has lotus in her hands, She who is dressed in dazzling white, She who shines in garlands and sandal paste, The Goddess who is the consort of Hari, She who gladdens the mind, And she who confers prosperity on the three worlds, Be pleased to show compassion to me.
Dhiggasthibhi kanaka kumbha mukha vasrushta, Sarvahini vimala charu jalaapluthangim, Prathar namami jagathaam janani masesha, Lokadhinatha grahini mamrithabhi puthreem. Those eight elephants from all the diverse directions, Pour from out from golden vessels, The water from the Ganga which flows in heaven, For your holy purifying bath, And my salutations in the morn to you , Who is the mother of all worlds, Who is the house wife of the Lord of the worlds, And who is the daughter of the ocean which gave nectar.
Kamale Kamalaksha vallabhe twam, Karuna poora tharingithaira pangai, Avalokaya mamakinchananam, Prathamam pathamakrithrimam dhyaya She who is the Lotus, She who is the consort, Of the Lord with Lotus like eyes, She who has glances filled with mercy, Please turn your glance on me, Who is the poorest among the poor, And first make me the vessel , To receive your pity and compassion.
Sthuvanthi ye sthuthibhirameeranwaham, Thrayeemayim thribhuvanamatharam ramam, Gunadhika guruthara bhagya bhagina, Bhavanthi the bhuvi budha bhavithasayo. He who recites these prayers daily, On her who is personification of Vedas, On her who is the mother of the three worlds, On her who is Goddess Rama (Lakshmi), Will be blessed without doubt, With all good graceful qualities, With all the great fortunes that one can get, And would live in the world, With great recognition from even the learned.
Kalidasa was perhaps the greatest of the Sanskrit poets. He has written great dramas like Shakunthalam and great epics like Kumara Sambhavam,Malavikagni Mithram, the message poetry called Megha Sandesham etc. He is extremely famous for the use of appropriate similes and metaphors.Shyamala Dandakam is perhaps the greatest stotra written by himeulogizing the mother goddess - Shyamala
I meditate on the daughter of Matanga,Who plays the veena made of precious gems,Who has become lazy due to her exuberance,Who is blessed with very sweet words,Who has a pretty mien which shines like the blue gem.
My salutations to that mother of universe,Who has four hands,Who wears the crescent as an ornament,Who has very high breasts,Who is of the colour of saffron,And who holds flower, sugar cane, rope, arrow,The goad and pundareeka in her hands.
Please bless me with a side long glance,Oh daughter of sage Mathanga,Who is my mother,Who is as green as an emerald,Who is exuberant,Who blesses with all that is good,And who lives in the forest of Kadambha*.*Kadambha is a tree called Nauclea cadamba. It is said to put forth orange,fragrant buds at the roaring of thunder clouds.
Jaya Mathanga thanaye, Jaya Neelolpala dhyuthe
Jaya Sangeetha rasike, Jaya Leela shuka priye. 4
Victory to the daughter of Mathanga,Victory to her who resembles Neelothphala* flowers,Victory to her who enjoys music,Victory to her who likes the playful parrot.* blue lotus flower
Victory to the motherWhois interested always in living in the forest of Kadamba trees which aresimilarto the wish giving Kalapaka trees and which is in the forest ofVilwa trees andwhich is situated in the gem island in the sea ofnectar,Who is the consort of Lord Shiva,Who is the darling of all the world,
Who has her posterior decorated by her dancing hair which has been freed by theraising crescendo of the soulful music,Who is the daughter of the mountain,Shekhari bhootha sheethamsu leka mayookhavalibadha susnigdha neelaalaka srenisringarithe,Loka Sambhavithe,Whois extremely pretty with her bluish black hair curls which shine due tothelight emanating from the cold crescent which she wears on her head,Who is respected by all the world,
Who has eye lashes which resemble the flower arrows coming from the playful bow of the God of love,Who cools down the universe with nectar like words,Charu gorchana panga keli lalabhirame,surame,rame,Who is very pretty with her Thilaka* made of musk,Who makes all the world happy,Who is Rama, the goddess Lakshmi,* Dot in the middle of the forehead
Who is with the charming sound of Veena mixed with appropriate beats ,strengthenedby the several bees ,which rush towards the incenses ofthe marks of musk made onher pretty necks and the light emanating fromthe ornaments she wears in her earsmade of very precious gems whichput to shame the light of the universe of themoon,Who has very pleasing musical voice,Who shines with her very pretty features,
Who wears the ear ornaments made of palm leaves when she plays the musicalinstrument called Vallaki*,Who is recognized by great sages,* A stringed instrument similar to VeenaDivya halamadho dwelahelala sachakshurandholana sri samakshiptha karanaikaneelothphale, poorithasesha lokapi vanchapale, sreephale Who wears ear studs made of neelothphala flowers , whose shine is more thanthelight of her divine glances that emanate from her very pretty eyeswhich are redcolured because of the divine alcoholic spirits drunk by her,Who grants all wishes for all people of the world,Who grants wealth and happiness
Who has nose rings, which makes one wonder whether it is made by the perspiration on her pretty forehead which has flown down from there and crystallized on her nose,Who is the soul of all the world,Who also assumes the form of Kali,
Mugdha mandasmithodhara vyaktha sphural pooga thamboola karpoora gandolkare, Jnana mudhrakare, Sarvasampathkare, Padmabaswathkare,Sreekare, Who has a pretty face which easily showers smiles and which is made byprettier bythe areca nut, Thamboola* (Betel leaf, lime and areca nut)and camphor in hermouth,Who shows the symbol of jnana (wisdom)Who has all types of wealth,Who holds the lotus flower in her hand,Who grants good blessings,* Betel leaf, lime and areca nut
Kunda pushpa dhyuthi snigdha dantha vali nirmala lola kallola, Sammelanasmera sona dhare, Charu veena dhare, Pakwa bimbha dhare, Who is having the soft sweet reddish smile which comes in waves from thevery prettyset of teeth with its white shine similar to the garlandmade of white jasminebuds,Who holds in her hand the pretty Veena,Who is having reddish lips like the Bimba fruits,
Who is having the bright white conch like neck which has arisen from theocean ofmilk at the time of high tide that too at the moonrise of thevery pretty newyouth,Who is the personification of all arts,Who is voluptuous,
Who is having the total blemish less luster created by her shining parts ofthe bodywhich are decorated by several garlands and ornaments made byholy gems,Who is the personification of all that is good,
Rathna keyura rasmi chada pallava prollasath dhorlatha rajithe, Yogibhi poojithe,
Who is pretty because of her two arms which shine like young tendrilsdecorated bythe shining armlets made of umpteen rathnas (gems),Who is being worshipped by sages,
Who wears bangles, the light of whose gems spread all over the world,Who is also very pretty because of all that she wears,Who is worshipped by holy people,
Who has two hands which challenge in their beauty the luster of newly opened lotusflowers at the rise of the sun,Who always rains the shower of mercy,Who is the one in whom there is no two,
Who has very pretty fingers which has the luster emanating from her nailsand whichare decorated by several rings studded with very preciousjewels which is similar to the luster of the moon,Who is worshipped lord by Indra, the king being of devas,Who is surrounded the holy light of God emanating from the chith*,Who wears ear studs which have great luster,* The eternal consciousness
Who is an ocean of beauty due to the three wave like lines which are formedin hermiddle due to a slight bent caused by her very attractive andheavy breasts whichare happily pretty due to the luster of severalchains that she wears whichresemble a bevy of stars,Who plays the sacred veena,Who blesses her devotees with wealth,
Who has a look of humility due to the slight bent caused by her very heavy goldenbreasts,Who is being worshipped by all the people of all the three worlds,
Who shines due to pretty greenish black hair which appears like the thinrow ofwater plants surrounding her lake like deep ,round andattractive belly button,Who has a very attractive speech,
Charu sinchath kati soothra nirbarsthinanga leela dhanu sinchineedambare, Divya rathnambare,
Who defeats the lovely sugarcane bow of the God of love in arousingpassionate loveby just using the slight shake of her golden belt,Who wears silk studded with gems,
Who by the shine of the diamond studded bells which are tied to her goldenbelt andwhich lessen the beauty of the greenish valley of the MountMeru,Who is as cool as the moon light,
Who has very pretty thighs hidden by the holy cloth which is as red as thefullyopen flowers of palas* tree and which defeats the prettiness ofthe trunk ofIravatha** which has the pasting of a saffron coat,Who has the ever flowing grace without hindrance emanating from her,Who is a dark beauty,* A holy tree of India with reddish flowers. ** The elephant of Indra which arose
from the ocean of milk. Komala snighdha neelothpalothpaditha ananga thunnera sangakare dara jangalathe, Charu leela gathe,
Who has very beautiful knee caps resembling the quiver of the God of love, whichis shiningly pretty and made of dark flowers,Who has very pretty feminine gait,
Who has lustrous and the crescent like nails, which are bent and saluted bythewives of the eight lord of directions whose flowing hair isattracted by deer whothink is as the luscious grass,Who has a wholly lustrous mien,Who is holy and pure,
Who has lotus like feet which shine in the light emanating from the crownsof thebent head of Indra, Vishnu, Shiva, Varuna, Brahma, YamaNiryathi, Vaisravana(God ofwealth), Vayu, and Agni, which because theyare painted red by the plant extractsshines like the reddish risingsun and which are the treasure house of youthfulbeauty,Who holds lotus flower in her hands,Who has the form of Parvathy,
Who sits in the seat made of the nine precious gems,Who sits prettily,Who sits on the jeweled lotus flower,Who sits on the jeweled throne,Who is being sought by the Conch and the lotus flower,Who is very famous,
Who is surrounded by Ganesa, Durga, Bhairava and Kshethra pala,Who due to her ebbing youthful vigour shines among the girls in the house of mathanga,Who is surrounded by the eight Bhairavas,
Who is being revered by the divine beauties like Manjula and Menaka,Who is being served by Goddess Durga and Vama deva,Who is with the eight divine mothers ,Who is being worshipped by the yakshas, gandarwas and sidhas,Who is the soul of the arrows of the God of love,Who is being worshipped by Manmatha (God of love) and his wife Rathi devi,Who is being worshipped in spring along with love,
Who grants great fame to her devotees,Who from the beginning of the world is being meditated upon by sages,Who is being worshipped by Lord Krishna a great expert in music,Who becomes pleased by the power of Vedic chants,Who is being worshipped by Lord Brahma with devotion,Who is being worshipped by Vidhyadharas by soulful music made of pretty words,
Who is being praised by Kinaaras accompanied by soulful music of the Veena,Who is being worshipped by the women of Yaksha, Gandharwa and Sidha clan,Who is also being worshipped by all devas with a deep wish to grant them all their desires, Sarva Vidhya viseshathmakam, chadu gatha samuchaaranam, Kanda mulolla sadwarna raji thrayam, Komala syamalo dhara paksha dwayam, Thunda shobhathi dhoori bhavath kisukam tham shukam, Lalayanthi parikreedase,
Who pets and plays with that parrot which is the personification of allknowledge,which keeps on singing pretty songs, which has the shiningthree lines on its neckin three different colours, which shines withtwo wings of green colour, which hasshining beaks which are morepretty than the Kimsuka flowers,
Who when meditated upon as theone who holds the crystal chain in one hand, theknowledge filled bookin another, and the goad and rope in other hands, makesknowledge flowfrom the devotee's mouth in the form of prose and poems,Who when meditated upon as the one who has he reddish colour of dawn similar to the juice of red cotton, makes the devotee attractive to all males andfemales,Who when meditated upon as the one who has a goldencoloured body grants thedevotee all sort of wealth and makes him live happily,
Who when meditated upon as prettily greenishlustrous form wearing a crescent onher head, would grant all occultpowers to the devotee and make him feel that theocean is his pool forplaying, great gardens are his kitchen gardens, the entireearthappears as his seat, Goddess Saraswathi appears as his servant and Goddess Lakshmi as the one obeys all his orders,
Who is the form of all sacred waters,Who is the form of all holy chants to god,Who is the form of all holy and sacred symbolsWho is the form of goddess of female principles,Who is the form of all sacred platforms,Who is the form of all philosophy,Who is the form of all knowledge,Who is the form of all yoga,Who is the form of all musical sounds,Who is the form of all sound,Who is the form of all universes,Who is the form of all divisions,Who is the form of all souls,Who is everything,Who has all forms,Who is the mother of the universe,Please save me, pleases save me, Pleas save me,Salutations to the holy goddess,Salutations to the holy goddess,Salutations to the holy goddess Om.
