śrījagannāthāṣṭakam

Shri Jagannatha Ashtakam

Sometimes playing sweet music on the banks of the Kalindi (Yamuna) river, He is the bumblebee who joyfully tastes the lotus faces of the cowherd women (Gopis). His feet are worshipped by Lakshmi, Shiva, Brahma, Indra, and Ganesha. May that Lord Jagannatha be the object of my vision. (1)

Holding a flute in His left hand, wearing a peacock feather on His head and a fine yellow silken garment around His waist, He casts sidelong glances at His companions from the corners of His eyes. He is always known by His pastimes while residing in the divine Vrindavan. May that Lord Jagannatha be the object of my vision. (2)

Residing on the shore of the great ocean (at Puri), within a golden, radiant palace on the peak of the blue mountain (Nilachala), accompanied by His powerful brother Balabhadra, and standing with Subhadra in the middle, He grants the opportunity for all the gods to serve Him. May that Lord Jagannatha be the object of my vision. (3)

He is an ocean of mercy, as beautiful as a row of rain-filled clouds. He is worshipped by the best of gods, including Lakshmi, Saraswati, Shiva, Brahma (born of the spotless lotus), and Indra. His glories are sung by the pinnacle of all the Upanishads (Shruti). May that Lord Jagannatha be the object of my vision. (4)

While going on His chariot along the path, He compassionately listens to the prayers offered at every step by assemblies of Brahmanas. He is an ocean of mercy and the friend of all the worlds, accompanied by Lakshmi (the daughter of the ocean). May that Lord Jagannatha be the object of my vision. (5)

He is the crest-jewel of the Supreme Brahman, with eyes wide like the petals of a fully blossomed blue lotus. He resides on the Niladri (Blue Mountain) and has placed His feet on the head of Ananta Shesha. He is the embodiment of joyful rasas and is the companion who embraces the charming form of Radha. May that Lord Jagannatha be the object of my vision. (6)

I do not pray for a kingdom, nor for gold, nor for the wealth of worldly enjoyments. I do not ask for a beautiful wife who is desired by all men. He whose pastimes are always sung time and time again by Shiva — may that Lord Jagannatha be the object of my vision. (7)

O Lord of the gods, quickly destroy this worthless cycle of worldly existence (Samsara). O Lord of the Yadus, destroy the boundless expanse of my sins. Ah! He who has granted a firm and certain refuge to the destitute and the protectorless — may that Lord Jagannatha be the object of my vision. (8)

Thus ends the Shri Jagannathashtakam, composed by Shri Adi Shankaracharya.