Sri Vishwanatha Ashtakam

The “Sri Vishwanath Ashtakam” praises Lord Vishwanatha, the supreme Lord of Varanasi and the universal form of Lord Shiva. The hymn opens by glorifying Him as the bearer of the Ganga in His matted locks, adorned on His left side by Goddess Gauri, beloved of Lord Narayana, and the destroyer of Kama’s pride.

He is beyond the grasp of speech—an embodiment of countless virtues. His feet are served by Brahma, Vishnu, and all the gods. With Devi residing on His left, Shiva stands as the compassionate king of Kashi.

As the Lord of the bhootas, decorated with serpents, clad in tiger skin, having three eyes, and holding the noose, goad, and trident, He is both fearsome and infinitely benevolent. His forehead fire consumed the five arrows of Kama, and He shines with the moon on His crown.

Vishwanatha is the lion to the elephants of sinful pride, the destroyer of serpentine demons, and the blazing forest fire to the woods of death, sorrow, and old age. He is tejas incarnate—both with attributes and beyond them, the nondual supreme Self.

He is the support of meditation for those who abandon desires, stop slander, avoid sinful attractions, and immerse their mind in inner stillness. He is free from worldly defects, the abode of dispassion and peace, eternally united with Girija, and sweet with courage and compassion.

The concluding verse declares that whoever recites this Ashtakam attains knowledge, prosperity, great happiness, unending fame, and ultimately liberation after the fall of the body.

Benefits:

• Brings knowledge, prosperity, fame, and joy
• Deepens devotion, inner calm, and clarity
• Removes sins, mental agitation, and obstacles
• Grants divine protection, peace, and spiritual progress
• Leads to liberation after life