Dakshinamurthy Stotram — Benefits & How to Chant
दक्षिणामूर्ति स्तोत्रम्
Complete guide to chanting correctly for maximum benefit
Benefits of Chanting Dakshinamurthy Stotram
One of the supreme philosophical hymns of Advaita Vedanta, composed by Adi Shankaracharya in ten verses (with a dhyana and closing verse)
Worships Shiva as Dakshinamurti
the ever-youthful, silent Guru who teaches the highest truth through silence (mauna)
Reveals the heart of Self-knowledge: that the whole universe shines within one's own non-dual Self, like a city reflected in a mirror
Recited by seekers of jnana (knowledge) and meditators, especially on Guru Purnima, on Thursdays and during contemplation
Its closing verse promises that hearing, reflecting on, meditating upon and chanting it bestows the glory of Self-realization and liberation (moksha)
A beloved text of the Vedanta path, cherished alike by teachers and students
How to Chant Dakshinamurthy Stotram
Instructions
Sit quietly after a bath, facing east or before an image of Dakshinamurti. Recite the dhyana verse, the ten verses and the closing verse slowly, pausing to reflect on the meaning of each — for this stotram is itself a contemplation. It is traditionally taken up by seekers of Self-knowledge and is especially honoured on Guru Purnima as a salutation to the Adi-Guru.
Origin & History
Source: Composed by Adi Shankaracharya
Author: Adi Shankaracharya
The Dakshinamurthy Stotram is one of the most celebrated philosophical hymns of Adi Shankaracharya, the great teacher of Advaita Vedanta. It contemplates Lord Shiva in the form of Dakshinamurti — the silent Adi-Guru seated beneath the banyan tree, who instructs the eldest of sages in the knowledge of the Self through silence alone. In ten luminous verses Shankara unfolds the vision that the whole universe is but a reflection within one's own non-dual consciousness, appearing outside through maya as a dream or a city seen in a mirror, and that realizing this one Self is liberation. The hymn is framed by a dhyana (meditation) verse and a closing salutation.