Shri Mathru Panchakam
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Maatah Sohamupastitosmi Puratah Poorvapratigyan Smaran,
Pratyashravi Purahi Tenty Samaye Praptun Samipan Tav ।
Grahagrasamishadyaya Hyanumatasturyashraman Praptuvan,
Yatprityai Ch Samagatohamadhuna Tasyai Jananyai Namah ॥
Broote Matrsama Shrutirbhagavati Yadbarhadaranyakai,
Tatwan Bestyatti Matrumanch Pitramanacharyavanityasou ।
Tatradau Kil Matrusikshanbidhin Sarvottaman Shasati,
Poojyatpoojyataran Samarthayati Yaan Tasyai Jananyai Namah ॥
Amba Taat Iti Svashikshanavashaaduchcharanaprakriyaan,
Ya Soote Prathaman Kv Shaktirih No Matustu Shikshaan Vina ।
Vyutpattin Kramashashch Sarvajanikin Tattatpadaartheshu Ya,
Hyadhatte Vyavaharamapyavakilan Tasyai Jananyai Namah ॥
Ishtanishtahitaahitadidhishanahauna Vayan Shaishave,
Kithan Sushkulavit Karin Dadhato Bhakshyasaya Balishah ।
Matra Varitsahasah Khalutto Bhakshanyabhakshyani Wa,
Vyagyasishm Hitahite Ch Sutaran Tasyai Jananyai Namah ॥
Aatmagyanasamarjanopakaranan Yaddehayantran Viduh
Tadrogadibhayanmrigorgaripuvratadavanti Swayam ।
Pushnanti Shishumadaradgurukulan Prapayy Kalakramat
Ya Sarvagyashikhamanin Vitanute Tasyai Jananyai Namah ॥
- Shri Shankaracharya Krutan
Shri Mathru Panchakam About
Shri Mathru Panchakam is a deeply poignant set of five verses composed by Adi Shankaracharya in honor of his mother. It reflects the immense pain and sacrifices of a mother during pregnancy, childbirth, nurturing, and care, expressing heartfelt gratitude and remorse for a son's inability to fully repay his mother's love and suffering.
Meaning
The verses lament the suffering a mother endures such as labor pain, sleepless nights, sharing the bed with a child, her weakening body, and her emotional and physical hardships. They recall a dream where the mother sees her son in ascetic robes and rushes to him, crying and embracing him. The poet expresses regret for the inability to fulfill the duties of a son and requests forgiveness for not being present at her time of death.
Benefits
- Cultivates deep respect and gratitude for mothers
- Inspires selfless love and humility
- Provides solace and emotional healing
- Encourages reflection on familial duties and responsibilities
Significance
Mathru Panchakam is unique in Adi Shankaracharya's works as it does not praise any deity or expound philosophy but serves as a profound elegy to his mother. It underscores the sacredness of motherhood and the eternal bond between mother and child.