Hari Stotram — Benefits & How to Chant
हरि स्तोत्रम्
Complete guide to chanting correctly for maximum benefit
Benefits of Chanting Hari Stotram
A jewel among Vishnu stotras
eight ornate verses (with a closing phala-shruti) celebrated for their music and wordplay, beginning 'Jagajjalapalam'
Each verse paints a different facet of Hari and ends with the loving refrain 'Bhaje'ham Bhaje'ham'
'Him I worship, Him I worship'
The closing verse promises that one who recites it daily with a steady mind attains the sorrowless realm of Vishnu and is freed from rebirth
Recited especially on Thursdays (Vishnu's day), on Ekadashi and during Vaikuntha Ekadashi
Bestows devotion, peace of mind, freedom from sorrow and ultimately liberation (moksha)
Its flowing Bhujangaprayata metre makes it a favourite for melodious daily chanting
How to Chant Hari Stotram
Instructions
Sit facing east or before an image of Vishnu, after a bath. Recite all nine verses slowly, letting the rolling Bhujangaprayata metre carry the refrain 'Bhaje'ham Bhaje'ham'. It may be read daily, or as a melodious offering during Thursday worship and Ekadashi. Conclude by dwelling for a moment on the meaning of the final phala-shruti verse.
Origin & History
Source: A classical Sanskrit hymn to Vishnu
Author: Traditionally attributed to Swami Brahmananda
The Hari Stotram is a much-loved devotional hymn to Vishnu, known the world over by its opening word 'Jagajjalapalam'. In nine flowing verses of the Bhujangaprayata metre, it gathers a cascade of compound epithets — Hari as the sustainer of the worlds, the sky-blue Lord whose maya none can cross, the husband of Lakshmi, the one bridge across the three worlds — each verse closing with the heartfelt refrain 'Bhaje'ham Bhaje'ham', 'Him I worship, Him I worship'. The final verse promises the reciter the sorrowless abode of Vishnu and freedom from rebirth. It is traditionally attributed to Swami Brahmananda and remains a favourite for Thursday and Ekadashi worship.