Damodar Ashtakam
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Namamiswaram Sach-chid-anand-roopam
Lasat-kundalam Gokule Bharajamanam
Yashoda-bhiyolukhalad Dhavamaanan
Paraamrshtam Atyantato Druty Gopya ॥ 1 ॥
Rudantan Muhur Netr-yugman Mrjantam
Karaambhoj-yugmen Saatank-netram
Muhuh Shvaas-kamp-trirekhaank-kanth
Sthit-graivan Daamodaran Bhakti-baddham ॥ 2 ॥
Iteedrk Sv-leelaabhir Aanand-kunde
Sv-ghoshan Nimajjantam Aakhyaapayantam
Tadeeyeshit-gyeshu Bhaktyer Jitatwan
Punah Prematas Tan Shataavrtti Vande ॥ 3 ॥
Varan Dev Mokshan Na Mokshaavadhin Va
Na Chanyan Vrne ‘han Vareshaad Apeeh
Idan Te Vapur Naath Gopaal-baalan
Sada Me Manasy Aaviraastaan Kim Anyaih ॥ 4 ॥
Idan Te Mukambhojam Atyant-neelair
Vrtan Kuntalaih Snigdh-raktaish Ch Gopya
Muhush Chumbitan Bimb-raktaadharan Me
Mansavya Aavaramastam Alan Lakshya-labhye: ॥ 5 ॥
Namo Dev Daamodaraanant Vishno
Praseed Prabho Duhkh-jaalaabdhi-magnam
Krpa-drshti-vrshtyaati-deenan Bataanu
Grhaanesh Maam Agyam Edhy Akshi-drshyah ॥ 6 ॥
Kuveraatmajau Baddh-moortyaiv Yadvat
Tvaya Mochitau Bhakti-bhaajau Krtau Ch
Tatha Prem-bhaktin Svakaan Me Prayachchh
Na Mokshe Graho Me ‘sti Daamodareh ॥ 7 ॥
Namas Te ‘stu Daamne Sphurad-deepti-dhaamne
Tvadeeyodaraayaath Vishvasy Dhaamne
Namo Raadhikaayai Tvadeey-priyaayai
Namo ‘nant-leelaay Devaay Tubhyam ॥ 8 ॥
Damodar Ashtakam About
Damodar Ashtakam is a devotional hymn composed in praise of Lord Krishna, celebrating His childhood pastime of being tied with a rope (Dama) around His waist (Udara) by His mother Yashoda. This divine leela (pastime) symbolizes the bond of love and surrender between the devotee and the Lord.
Meaning
The hymn vividly depicts Lord Krishna’s form as the embodiment of eternal existence, knowledge, and bliss. It describes His playful pastimes in Gokula, His mischievous acts that evoke maternal affection and discipline, and His divine nature that captivates His devotees. The Damodar Ashtakam emphasizes the importance of love-filled devotion as the path to spiritual liberation.
Benefits
- Fosters deep devotion and love towards Lord Krishna
- Provides spiritual solace and mental peace
- Removes obstacles and worldly sufferings
- Strengthens faith and encourages surrender
- Leads to liberation and divine grace
Significance
Damodar Ashtakam is especially recited during the sacred month of Kartika (October-November) in many Vaishnava households. It is believed that chanting this hymn invites Lord Krishna’s blessings, purifies the heart, and strengthens the bond of love and surrender with the Divine.