Jagat Guru Sri Adi Sankaracarya composed Kanakadhara Stotra in praise of Goddess Sri Lakshmi (The Cosmic Mother) and the consort of Lord Vishnu. The story goes like this. Adi Sankaracarya used go for Bhiksha and on a particular day he visited the house of a brahmin lady living in utter poverty. The lady could not offer any food for the saint to eat and there was nothing was available with her. The poor brahmin lady earnestly searched for something to give and at last she found an Amla (gooseberry) fruit and offered the same in the bowl of Adi Sankaracarya.
The saint was deeply moved at the kind heart filled with devotion and sincerity of the Brahmin lady experiencing utter poverty. The saint immediately in an extempore way started imploring Goddess Lakshmi to be merciful towards this poor brahmin lady to drive away her poverty.
He recited twenty two stotrams (hymns) in praise of Goddess Lakshmi. This prayer reached the goddess Lakshmi and she was very much pleased and appeared before the saint. The saint offered his prayer and pleaded her to bless the Brahmin lady and grant riches to her.
Goddess Lakshmi tried to convey the fact that the brahmin lady did not qualify for any riches in this life as she did not to do any charities in her previous life. The saint tried to convince with the noble act of charity in this life. He argued that she gave him Amla fruit with very great reverence in spite of her extreme poverty and this act of her alone is enough to shower riches on her.
Goddess Lakshmi was convinced and greatly moved and immensely pleased with the advocacy of the argument of Sri Sankaracarya, showered her with instant rain of golden Amla fruits. Sankaracarya while reciting the Kanakadhara Stotra extolled Lakshmi in all her eight qualifying manifestations Asta Lakshmi.
ஆதிசங்கரர் சிறு வயதில் பிக்ஷைக்காக சென்றபோதுஒரு ஏழை வீட்டில் இவருக்கு பிச்சை இட எதுவும் இல்லாததால் அந்த வீட்டுப் பெண் ஒரு நெல்லிக்கனியை சங்கரருக்கு பிக்ஷையாக அளித்தார். இதனை கண்ட சங்கரர்அந்த வீட்டிலுள்ள தரித்ர நிலை நீங்கி லக்ஷ்மி கடாக்ஷமாக இருக்கவேண்டும்என மஹாலக்ஷ்மியை மனமுருகி இந்த கனகதாரா ஸ்தோத்திரத்தால் ப்ரார்தித்தார்உடனே அந்த வீட்டில் தங்க மழை பொழிந்ததாக சங்கர புராணம் கூறுகிறது.
ஸ்ரீகனகதாரா ஸ்தோத்திரம்ஆதிசங்கரர் அருளியபொன்மழை பொழிய வைத்தஇந்தஸ்லோகத்தை தினமும்அல்லது செவ்வாய், வெள்ளிக்கிழமைகளில் படித்து மகாலட்சுமியை வழிபட்டால் சகல சவுபாக்கியங்களும்கிடைக்கும்
Subramanya Bhujangam is the hymn composed by Adi Sankara in praise of Lord Subrahmanya Swami of Thiruchendur, TamilNadu, India. When the Saint was affected with some disease, Lord Shiva appeared in his dream and instructed to visit Thiruchendur. Accordingly the Saint came before the Lord and found some divine rays emanating from the idol. Immediately he commenced to compose and recite Subramanya Bhujangam before the Lord. The temple town is located at the Bay of Bengal seashore. 'Tiruchendur' or 'Holy city of sandal' is one of the SIX bastions of Lord Subramanya.
What is the meaning of the term 'Bhujangam'? The term 'Bhujangam' indicates the shape and movement of the 'serpent'. The verse in this stotram is composed like the movement of a serpent. Lord Subramanya, also known as Lord Muruga is also conceived and worshipped as a great divine serpent. You may witness this kind of worship at the Kukke Subrahmanya temple located in the Sullia taluk, Karnataka State, India and the Lord is indeed worshipped in this manner.
Lord Kalabairava is the form of Shiva and he is made responsible for control of time i.e, the growth and management of time. (Kala means time). Lord Shiva has manifested Himself as Adi Moola Kaala Bhairava with many Bhairava avatars. From Adi Moola Kaala Bhairava Ashta (eight) Bairavas manifested and they are:
1.Kala Bhairava,
2.Asitanga Bhairava,
3.Samhara Bhairava,
4.Ruru Bhairava,
5.Krodha Bhairava,
6.Kapala Bhairava,
7.Rudra Bhirava and
8.Unmatta Bhairava.
The Lord Kalabairava wears the tiger skin and human bones and also wears the twisted serpents as his ornaments i.e, earrings, bracelets, anklets, and sacred thread. The celestial vehicle of Lord Bairava is the dog. The number 13 is auspicious for the Lord. The Ashtami (eighth lunar day) thithi of each paksham (moon / lunar phase fortnight), particularly in the waning phase (that is, Krishna Paksha Ashtami), is important for Kalabairava worship. Kala Bhairava Ashtami, which occurs in December/January is an important day for worshipping the Lord. The Siddha secret that the Kuligai time of each day is ideal for worshipping Kala Bhairava.
In Saivite legends and puranas Lord Kalabairava is considered as the Kshetrapalaka or guardian of temples of Lord Shiva. . In honor of this, all Shiva temple management will ceremonially submit the temple keys to Lord Bairava after locking the temple complex at temple closing time and are received from him at opening time. The Lord safeguards the entire temple complex.
The worship of Kala Bhairava is very important for those living in foreign countries. There's nothing more precious than time. Those who are desirous to spend, manage or ration their time in a proper manner should pray the Lord Kalabairava.
Lord Kalabairava is often presented as a folk deity or Grama Devata who safeguards the devotee on all eight directions (ettu tikku) and hi is also considered as the guardian of travelers. Those who venture travel especially during night time should pray for the blessings of the Lord and seek his protection during travel. The Tamil Siddhas used to instruct the travelers to offer the garland of cashew nuts and light ghee lamp before commencing the travel. Lord Bhairava is also known as Vairavar in Tamil.
Kaala Bhairava Gayatri Mantra
Om Kaalakaalaaya vidhmahey
Kaalaatheethaaya dheemahi
Thanno Kaala Bhairava Prachodhayaath.
Chant this Gayatri mantra 108 times at sunrise and request Lord Kala Bhairava to help you use your time effectively throughout the day.
Kalabhairavashtakam with Meaning in English
Kalabhairavaashtakam = Kala + Bhairava + Ashtakam = 8 verses on Kala Bhairava. Kalabhairavashtakam is compiled by Sri Adi Sankara Bhagawath Pada.
Deva raja sevya mana pavangri pankajam,
Vyala yagna suthra mindu shekaram krupakaram,
Naradadhi yogi vrundha vandhitham digambaram,
Kasika puradhi nadha Kalabhairavam bhaje. (1)
I salute Kalabhairava, the lord of the city of Kasi,
Whose lotus like feet is being served by Devendra,
Who is merciful and wears the moon on his forehead,
Who wears a snake as his sacred thread,
Who wears the different directions as his cloth,
And who is worshipped by sages like Narada.
Bhanu koti bhaswaram, bhavabdhi tharakam param,
Neelakanda meepsidartha dayakam trilochanam,
Kalakala mambujaksha maksha soola maksharam,
Kasika puradhi nadha Kalabhairavam bhaje. (2)
I salute Kalabhairava, the lord of the city of Kasi,
What is an Ashtakam? An Ashtakam is a song comprising eight sections. You are expected to sing each section to the same music.
Sri Annapurna Ashtakam is written by Adi Shankaracharya to praise and invoke the grace of Mother Goddess Annapurneswari. Mother Goddess Annapurneswari is the presiding deity at Banaras or Varanasi. She is the Mother who graces food to everybody ; especially for poor and destitute. The Godess of Varanasi also fed King Harishchandra's children (he became poor due to Rishi Vashishta). There are many Annapoorni temples in India where food is freely served every day to every one i.e. Dharmasthala in Karnataka.
Annapurna Ashtakam is loved for its wordings and composition. You will realise all your ambitions by chanting or singing this ashtakam.
What is an Ashtakam? An Ashtakam is a song comprising eight sections. You are expected to sing each section to the same music.
Adi Shankaracharya has composed an Ashtakam on Lord Dakshinamurthy (the Lord of Jnana). Dakshinamurthy Ashtakam (or Astakam). In this hymn he praises and invokes the blessings of the Lord.Dakshinamurthy is Lord Shiva's another incarnation. He is assumed as 'guru' or teacher of knowledge and wisdom.
Dakshinamurthy Ashtakam is a powerful Stotra.You may chant the hymns and pray the Lord. If you know the inner meaning and philosophy of the hymn then you may be able to appreciate the philosophy.
Viswam darpana drusyamana nagari, Thulyam nijantargatham, Pasyannathmani mayaya bahirivoth, Bhutham yatha nidraya, Ya sakshath kuruthe prabodha samaye, Swathmanameva dwayam, Thasmai sri guru murthaye nama idham, Sree Dakshinamurthaye. 2
Beejasyanthari vankuro jagadhidham, Prang nirvikalpam puna, Mayakalpitha desa kala kalanaa, Vaichithrya chithrikrutham, Mayaveeva vijrumbhayathyapi maha, Yogeeva yah swechaya, Thasmai sri guru murthaye nama idham, Sree dakshinamurthaye. 3
Yasyaiva sphuranam sadathmakamasath, Kalparthagam bhasathe, Sakshaath thathwamaseethi veda vachasa, Yobodhyathyasrithhan, Yath saksht karanath bhavenna punara, Aavrithir bhavambhonidhow, Thasmai sri guru murthaye nama idham, Sree dakshinamurthaye. 4
Nanachidhra ghato dhara sthitha maha, Deepa prabha bhaswaram, Jnanam yasya thu chakshuradhi karana, Dwara bahi spandathe, Jaanameethi tham eva baandham anubathi, Yethath samastham jagat, Thasmai sri guru murthaye nama idham, Sree dakshinamurthaye. 5
Deham pranam api indryanyapi chalaam, Budhim cha soonyam vidhu, Stree balandha jadopamasthvaha mithi, Brandha brusam vadhina, Maya sakthi vilasa kalpitha maha, Vyamoha samharine, Thasmai sri guru murthaye nama idham, Sree dakshinamurthaye. 6
Rahu grastha divakarendu sadrusho, Maya samachadanath, Sanamthra karanopa samharanatho, Yo abhoot sushuptha pumaan, Pragaswapsaamithi prabodha samaye, Yaa prathyabignayathe, Thasmai sri guru murthaye nama idham, Sree dakshinamurthaye. 7
Balyadishwapi jagaradhadishu thadha, Sarva sva avasthasthaswapi, Vyavrutha swanuvarthamanamaha , Mithyanth sphurantham sada, Svathmaanam pragatikarothi bajatham, Yo mudraya bhadraya, Thasmai sri guru murthaye nama idham, Sree dakshinamurthaye. 8
Viswam pasyathi karya karana thaya, Swa swami sambandatha, Sishyacharya thaya thadaiva pithru, Puthradhyathmana bedatha, Swapne Jagrathi va ya esha purusho, Maya Paribramitha, Thasmai sri guru murthaye nama idham, Sree dakshinamurthaye. 9
Bhoorambaamsya anilo ambhara, Maharnadho himamasu puman, Ithyabhathi characharathmakamidham, Yasyaiva murthyashtakam, Nanyath kinchana vidhyathe vimrusathaam, Yasmath parasmath vibho, Thasmai sri guru murthaye nama idham, Sree dakshinamurthaye. 10
Adi Shankaracharya (788 CE - 820 CE), left an indelible mark on Hindu religion and Vedic Dharma. He was the first to consolidate Advaita Vedanta. It is one among the three sub-schools of Vedanta philosophy.
Adi Shankaracharya was born to a Brahmin couple in a very small village known as Kaladi in Kerala. Even today you can visit Kaladi and visit the two shrines dedicated to Dakshinamurthy and the other to Goddess Sharada (Saraswati). You can also visit his place of birth.
The young boy adopted Sanyasa and left Kerala to find his guru. Govinda Bhagavatpada accepted Shankara as his disciple after testing his knowledge in Vedas. The guru wanted that Shankara should write commentry on the Brahma Sutras. Shankara continued his journey to Banaras. There he composed five slokas named as Manisha Panchakam. In the mean time he got many disciples.
Adi Shankaracharyas proceeded to write his well renowned Bashyas (His Commentaries) and Prakarana granthas ("treatises of philosophy").at Badari.. At Srisailam he wrote Shivanada Lahari, a sloka praising Lord Shiva. Later he also composed Lakshmi-Narasimha Stotra. This was to thank Lord Narasimha. The Lord has saved Adi Shankaracharya was from a kapalika (savage).
The monk further travelled to Gokarna temple, then to Mookambika temple at Kollur and finally to Sringeri. At Sringeri he instituted Sharadha Peetam (seat of Sharada).. Soon after this the monk commenced his Dig-Vijaya (Tour to Conquest) and travelled all over India and during his journey was propagating the philosophy of Advaita. On his way he entered and engaged debate with Buddhist and Jain monks and other Hindu scholars e.g. Neelakanta..
Adi Shankaracharya established four Mutts: One at Sringeri (South India) in Karnataka; Second one at Dwaraka (Western India) in Gujarat; The third one at Puri (Eastern India) in Orissa; and the fourth at Jyotirmath (also called Joshimath) (North India) in Uttarakhand.
Later Adi Shankaracharya travelled to Sharada Peetam located in (now Pakistan Occupied) Kashmir. There are also he conquered people belonging to different scholastic disciplines i.e. Vedanta, Mimamsa.
Finally Adi Shankaracharya reached Kedarnath-Badrinath loacated on the lap of Himalaya. At Kedarnath he attained videha mukti (freedom from the embodiments). Even today you may visit the tomb of Adi Shankara just behind the Shiva temple.at Kedarnath.
After spending thirty two years of fruitful life, Adi Shankaracharya established the Vedic Dharma. What you enjoy today as your Hindu religion is due to the efforts of this monk. For this he debated and conquered more numerous, significant and powerful scholars and monks. He was able to overpower them single handedly to establish the Shanmatha (six-important faiths or Hindu religious sects) i.e. Saivam (Lord Shiva), Vaishnavam (Lord Vishnu), Saktham (Goddesses), Souram (Lord Surya or Sun God), Ganapathyam (Lord Ganapathy) and Skandam (Lord Subramanya).
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