Dakshinamurthy Stotram in English

Free complete guide with audio learning, line-by-line meaning, and practice session. Master the Dakshinamurthy Stotram in just one hour.

Lord Shiva — devotional image

Dakshinamurthy Stotram Lyrics in English (English)

Verse 1 Listen

viśvaṃ darpaṇa-dṛśyamāna-nagarī tulyaṃ nijāntargataṃ
paśyannātmani māyayā bahirivōdbhūtaṃ yathā nidrayā ।
yassākṣātkurutē prabōdhasamayē svātmānamē vādvayaṃ
tasmai śrīgurumūrtayē nama idaṃ śrī dakṣiṇāmūrtayē

Verse 2 Listen

bījasyāntari-vāṅkurō jagaditaṃ prāṅnirvikalpaṃ punaḥ
māyākalpita dēśakālakalanā vaichitryachitrīkṛtam ।
māyāvīva vijṛmbhayatyapi mahāyōgīva yaḥ svēchChayā
tasmai śrīgurumūrtayē nama idaṃ śrī dakṣiṇāmūrtayē

Verse 3 Listen

yasyaiva sphuraṇaṃ sadātmakamasatkalpārthakaṃ bhāsatē
sākṣāttatvamasīti vēdavachasā yō bōdhayatyāśritān ।
yassākṣātkaraṇādbhavēnna punarāvṛttirbhavāmbhōnidhau
tasmai śrīgurumūrtayē nama idaṃ śrī dakṣiṇāmūrtayē

Verse 4 Listen

nānāchChidra ghaṭōdara sthita mahādīpa prabhābhāsvaraṃ
jñānaṃ yasya tu chakṣurādikaraṇa dvārā bahiḥ spandatē ।
jānāmīti tamēva bhāntamanubhātyētatsamastaṃ jagat
tasmai śrī gurumūrtayē nama idaṃ śrī dakṣiṇāmūrtayē

Verse 5 Listen

dēhaṃ prāṇamapīndriyāṇyapi chalāṃ buddhiṃ cha śūnyaṃ viduḥ
strī bālāndha jaḍōpamāstvahamiti bhrāntābhṛśaṃ vādinaḥ ।
māyāśakti vilāsakalpita mahāvyāmōha saṃhāriṇē
tasmai śrī gurumūrtayē nama idaṃ śrī dakṣiṇāmūrtayē

Verse 6 Listen

rāhugrasta divākarēndu sadṛśō māyā samāchChādanāt
sanmātraḥ karaṇōpa saṃharaṇatō yō'bhūtsuṣuptaḥ pumān ।
prāgasvāpsamiti prabōdhasamayē yaḥ pratyabhijñāyatē
tasmai śrī gurumūrtayē nama idaṃ śrī dakṣiṇāmūrtayē

Verse 7 Listen

bālyādiṣvapi jāgradādiṣu tathā sarvāsvavasthāsvapi
vyāvṛttā svanu vartamāna mahamityantaḥ sphurantaṃ sadā ।
svātmānaṃ prakaṭīkarōti bhajatāṃ yō mudrayā bhadrayā
tasmai śrī gurumūrtayē nama idaṃ śrī dakṣiṇāmūrtayē

Verse 8 Listen

viśvaṃ paśyati kāryakāraṇatayā svasvāmisambandhataḥ
śiṣyachāryatayā tathaiva pitṛ putrādyātmanā bhēdataḥ ।
svapnē jāgrati vā ya ēṣa puruṣō māyā paribhrāmitaḥ
tasmai śrī gurumūrtayē nama idaṃ śrī dakṣiṇāmūrtayē

Verse 9 Listen

bhūrambhāṃsyanalō'nilōmbara maharnāthō himāṃśuḥ pumān
ityābhāti charācharātmakamidaṃ yasyaiva mūrtyaṣṭakam ।
nānyatkiñchana vidyatē vimṛśatāṃ yasmātparasmādvibhō
tasmai śrī gurumūrtayē nama idaṃ śrī dakṣiṇāmūrtayē

Verse 10 Listen

sarvātmatvamiti sphuṭīkṛtamidaṃ yasmādamuṣmin stavē
tēnāsva śravaṇāttadartha mananāddhyānāchcha saṅkīrtanāt ।
sarvātmatva mahāvibhūtisahitaṃ syādīśvaratvaṃ svataḥ
siddhyēttatpunaraṣṭadhā pariṇataṃ chaiśvarya-mavyāhatam

📖 About Dakshinamurthy Stotram

The Dakshinamurthy Stotram, composed by Adi Shankaracharya, is a powerful hymn dedicated to Lord Dakshinamurthy — the supreme Guru form of Lord Shiva. In this form, Shiva represents the ultimate source of knowledge, guiding seekers beyond ignorance through silence and inner awareness. The stotram beautifully explains deep spiritual truths like the nature of the Self (Atman), the illusion of the world (Maya), and the essence of non-duality (Advaita), making it not just a prayer, but a path to higher understanding. Chanting or listening to the Dakshinamurthy Stotram is believed to bring clarity, focus, and inner peace. It is especially beneficial for students, teachers, and anyone seeking wisdom or direction in life. With regular practice, it helps calm the mind, improve concentration, and deepen spiritual awareness. Simple yet profound, this sacred hymn reminds us that true knowledge is not something to be acquired externally, but something to be realized within.

📖 How to read Dakshinamurthy Stotram

Dakshinamurthy Stotram is presented here in multiple scripts. Use the language tabs to read in Hindi (Devanagari), English, or Telugu. When audio is available, listen for pronunciation and chant along.

🕉️ दोहा (Doha)

A doha is a couplet of two lines (sometimes written as four half-lines). Many hymns open or close with a doha. It sets the tone and devotion before the main verses.

📖 Verses (Chaupai / Śloka)

Each numbered block is a verse. Labels such as chaupai (four-line quatrain) or śloka describe the metre. Read or chant them one by one, using the meaning to connect with the sense of the hymn.

🚀 How to Learn Dakshinamurthy Stotram in 60 Minutes

1

Start reading

Jump to the verses and pick your preferred language.

2

Listen to audio

Follow along with clear pronunciation when clips are available.

3

Understand meaning

Learn the simple meaning of each verse below the text.

4

Practice & memorize

Practice chanting and internalize Dakshinamurthy Stotram over time.

❤️ Benefits of Daily Chanting — Dakshinamurthy Stotram

🧠 Mental & Psychological Benefits

  • Reduces Stress & Anxiety - Scientific studies show that chanting mantras activates the parasympathetic nervous system, lowering cortisol levels by up to 23% and reducing stress hormones
  • Improves Focus & Concentration - Regular chanting enhances brain function, increases attention span, and improves cognitive performance by strengthening neural pathways
  • Boosts Memory & Learning - Research indicates that rhythmic chanting improves memory retention and enhances neuroplasticity, making it easier to learn new skills
  • Promotes Emotional Stability - Chanting releases endorphins and serotonin, naturally improving mood and emotional well-being without medication
  • Enhances Sleep Quality - The meditative rhythm of chanting calms the mind, helping you fall asleep faster and experience deeper, more restorative sleep

📚 Educational & Cognitive Benefits

  • Learn Sanskrit & Ancient Wisdom - Master one of the world's oldest languages while understanding profound spiritual teachings that have guided millions for centuries
  • Cultural & Historical Knowledge - Gain deep insights into Indian culture, mythology, and the epic Ramayana, enriching your understanding of world heritage
  • Improves Language Skills - Learning Sanskrit improves overall linguistic abilities, enhances vocabulary, and strengthens communication skills in any language
  • Develops Discipline & Routine - Regular practice builds self-discipline, time management skills, and creates positive daily habits that benefit all areas of life
  • Enhances Critical Thinking - Understanding the deeper meanings of verses develops analytical thinking and philosophical reasoning abilities

💰 Financial & Career Benefits

  • Improves Decision-Making - Regular meditation and chanting enhance clarity of thought, leading to better business decisions and financial planning
  • Builds Confidence & Leadership - The strength and courage invoked through devotion to Lord Shiva and chanting Dakshinamurthy Stotram translates to increased confidence in professional settings and leadership roles
  • Reduces Healthcare Costs - Lower stress levels mean fewer doctor visits, reduced medication needs, and better overall health, saving thousands annually
  • Enhances Productivity - Improved focus and mental clarity lead to increased work efficiency, better performance reviews, and career advancement opportunities
  • Attracts Opportunities - The positive energy and discipline gained through regular practice often manifest as new career opportunities and financial growth

🕉️ Divine Blessings & Spiritual Benefits

  • Divine Protection & Strength - Lord Shiva is known as the remover of obstacles. Chanting Dakshinamurthy Stotram invokes divine protection, removing barriers in all aspects of life
  • Overcomes Fear & Anxiety - Lord Shiva represents courage and fearlessness. Regular chanting helps overcome phobias, anxieties, and builds inner strength to face life's challenges
  • Attracts Positive Energy - The powerful vibrations of this hymn create a positive aura around you, attracting good fortune, success, and harmonious relationships
  • Spiritual Growth & Inner Peace - Connects you with your higher self, providing deep inner peace, spiritual wisdom, and a sense of purpose in life
  • Removes Negative Karma - The sacred verses help purify past karma, bringing balance and harmony to your life while creating positive future outcomes

🔬 Scientific Reasons to Chant

  • Regulates Breathing Patterns - Chanting naturally regulates breath, improving oxygen intake, reducing blood pressure, and enhancing cardiovascular health
  • Activates Vagus Nerve - The rhythmic chanting stimulates the vagus nerve, which controls the body's relaxation response, reducing inflammation and improving immune function
  • Increases Brain Waves - Studies show chanting shifts brain waves to alpha and theta states, associated with deep relaxation, creativity, and enhanced learning capacity
  • Boosts Neurotransmitters - Regular practice increases production of dopamine, serotonin, and GABA, naturally improving mood, motivation, and mental clarity
  • Slows Aging Process - Research indicates meditation and chanting can increase telomere length, slowing cellular aging and promoting longevity

Key Features of This Lord Shiva Guide to Dakshinamurthy Stotram

  • Complete in 60 minutes - Master Dakshinamurthy Stotram in just one focused session
  • Audio-guided learning - Listen to correct pronunciation and follow along easily
  • Line-by-line meaning - Understand each verse with simple explanations
  • Practice sessions - Practice chanting with audio support
  • Perfect for all ages - Suitable for beginners, adults, and families
  • Learn at your pace - Pause, rewind, and practice as many times as needed
  • 100% Free - No payment required, start learning immediately

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