Aditya Hrudayam, a hymn praising the Sun deity Surya, was chanted by the esteemed scholar Agastya to Lord Rama on the battlefield before his confrontation with Ravana. This renowned song starts with Lord Rama experiencing fatigue as he prepares for battle. The enigmatic song focuses on the Sun God, who is revered as the supreme ruler of all victories.
In Hinduism, it is common to worship natural forces such as wind, water, earth, and fire as deities. Surya, one of the deities, is the reigning deity of the Sun, sometimes referred to as Aditya since he is the son of Aditi. He is venerated as the one who sustains life on earth.
In our culture, the worship of the Sun is highly valued and is carried out through the practice of Sandhyavandana. This ritual is performed by all Dvijas, who are individuals who wear the sacred thread and are considered twice-born. The ritual is conducted daily during sunrise, noon, and sunset. During this time, prayers are offered to the Lord Surya through the recitation of the Gayatri Mantra. This mantra is a sacred hymn that praises the brilliance of the Sun God and is found in the Rig Veda (Rig Veda 3.62.10).
The Aditya Hrudayam is a significant hymn dedicated to the Sun God, which is the main focus of this essay. This text is a Stotram, which is a devotional song, specifically devoted to Lord Aditya.
Aditya Stotram Lyrics in Hindi and English
The Aditya Hrudayam is called thus because, as stated by the esteemed interpreter of the Ramayana, Sri Govindaraja, it is 'The Prayer that brings pleasure to the Heart of Lord Aditya' - Aditya Manah-Prasadakam Ityarthah.
This composition consists of 31 shlokas, with the first 30 written in the widely used 32-syllable meter known as Anushtup Chandas. The text exhibits a singular and discernible pattern, characterized by a peculiar arrangement of the shlokas.
| ततो युद्धपरिश्रान्तं समरे चिन्तया स्थितम्। रावणं चाग्रतो दृष्ट्वा युद्धाय समुपस्थितम्॥१॥ दैवतैश्च समागम्य द्रष्टुमभ्यागतो रणम्। उपगम्याब्रवीद् राममगस्त्यो भगवांस्तदा॥२॥ Meaning in English Approaching Rāma standing absorbed in deep thought in the battle-field, exhausted by the fight, and facing Ravana who was duly prepared for the war, the glorious sage Agastya, who had come in the company of the gods, to witness the battle, then spoke as follows ... |
| राम राम महाबाहो शृणु गुह्यं सनातनम्। येन सर्वानरीन् वत्स समरे विजयिष्यसे॥३॥ Meaning in English "O Rāma, the mighty armed! Hear the following eternal secret, by which you can conquer all the enemies in battle, my child!" |
Invite peace into your life with the ultimate peace mantra, Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah.
| आदित्यहृदयं पुण्यं सर्वशत्रुविनाशनम्। जयावहं जपं नित्यमक्षयं परमं शिवम्॥४॥ सर्वमङ्गलमाङ्गल्यं सर्वपापप्रणाशनम्। चिन्ताशोकप्रशमनमायुर्वर्धनमुत्तमम्॥५॥ Meaning in English “This supreme prayer, Ādityahrudayam, is the best amongst auspicious verses, it will destroy all sins, dispel all doubts, allay all worry and sorrow, anxiety and anguish, and increase the longevity of life. It gives complete prosperity. |
| रश्मिमन्तं समुद्यन्तं देवासुरनमस्कृतम्। पूजयस्व विवस्वन्तं भास्करं भुवनेश्वरम्॥६॥ Meaning in English “Worship the sun-god, the ruler of the worlds and lord of the universe, who is crowned with effulgent rays, who appears at the horizon and brings light, who is greeted by the gods and the demons alike. |
| सर्वदेवात्मको ह्येष तेजस्वी रश्मिभावनः। एष देवासुरगणाँल्लोकान् पाति गभस्तिभिः॥७॥ Meaning in English “Indeed, He is the very embodiment of all Gods. He is self-luminous and a reflector of all the rays. He nourishes and energizes the inhabitants of all the worlds as well as the host of Gods and demons with his rays. |
| एष ब्रह्मा च विष्णुश्च शिवः स्कन्दः प्रजापतिः। महेन्द्रो धनदः कालो यमः सोमो ह्यपां पतिः॥८॥ पितरो वसवः साध्या अश्विनौ मरुतो मनुः। वायुर्वह्निः प्रजाः प्राण ऋतुकर्ता प्रभाकरः॥९॥ Meaning in English “Indeed, he is Brahma (the creator), Viṣṇu (the protector), Śiva (the god of destruction), Skanda (son of Śiva), Prajāpati (the ten lords of beings), Indra (the ruler of gods), Kubera (the bestower of riches), Kāla (time), Yama (god of retribution), Soma (the moon god), Varuṇa (ruler of waters), the Pitṛs (ancestors), the eight Vasus, the twelve Sādhyas, the two Aśvinas (physicians of god), the forty-nine Maruts (wind gods), Manu (progenitor of the human race), Vāyu (the wind god), the fire god, The created beings, the life breath (of all human beings), the maker of the seasons, and the giver of light. |
| आदित्यः सविता सूर्यः खगः पूषा गभस्तिमान्। सुवर्णसदृशो भानुर्हिरण्यरेता दिवाकरः॥१०॥ हरिदश्वः सहस्रार्चिः सप्तसप्तिर्मरीचिमान्। तिमिरोन्मथनः शम्भुस्त्वष्टा मार्ताण्डकोंऽशुमान्॥११॥ हिरण्यगर्भः शिशिरस्तपनो भास्करो रविः। अग्निगर्भोऽदितेः पुत्रः शङ्खः शिशिरनाशनः॥१२॥ व्योमनाथस्तमोभेदी ऋग्यजुःसामपारगः। घनवृष्टिरपां मित्रो विन्ध्यवीथीप्लवङ्गमः॥१३॥ आतपी मण्डली मृत्युः पिङ्गलः सर्वतापनः। कविर्विश्वो महातेजाः रक्तः सर्वभवोद्भवः॥१४॥ नक्षत्रग्रहताराणामधिपो विश्वभावनः। तेजसामपि तेजस्वी द्वादशात्मन् नमोऽस्तु ते॥१५॥ Meaning in English “His names are - Āditya (an offspring of Aditi), Savitā (the progenitor of all), Sūrya (the sun god), Pūṣā (the procator of people), Gabhastimān (the nourisher with rain), the possessor of golden rays that are brilliant having the golden seed, Divākara (maker of the day); he has seven horses, Sahasrārci (thousand rayed), Marīcimān (full of rays), Timironmadhana (destroyer of darkness), Śambhu (giver of life), Mārtaṇḍa (who is infuser of life in the cosmic egg); Hiraṇyagarbha (who is a golden foetus), Ahaskara (who brings the day), Ravi (eulogised by all), Agnigarbha (pregnant with fire), the son of Aditi, Śiśiranāśana (the destroyer of frost); Vyomanātha (the lord of the sky), Tamobhedī (disperser of darkness), the master of Ṛgveda, Yajurveda and Sāmaveda, Ghanavṛṣṭi (sender of great rainfall), Apāṃ mitra (the friend of waters) and Vindhyavītīplavaṅgama (the one who swiftly crosses the sky); Ātapī (he is the radiator of heat) and Maṇḍalī (is adorned with a circle of rays), Mṛtyu (he is death himself), Piṅgala (tawny in colour), Sarvatāpa (giver of warmth), omniscient, endowed with extra ordinary splendour, and Sarvabhavaodbhava (the one who is affectionate); he is the controller of all the lunar bodies, planets and stars, creator of all and resplendent among the splendid, O god, Dwādaśātman (who appears in twelve forms), hail to you! |
Understand and embrace death with the powerful Sanskrit chant, Mahamrityunjaya mantra.
| नमः पूर्वाय गिरये पश्चिमायाद्रये नमः। ज्योतिर्गणानां पतये दिनाधिपतये नमः॥१६॥ Meaning in English Salutations to the Lord of Eastern Mountain (sunrise) and Lord of Western Mountain (sunset). Salutations to the Lord of the stellar bodies and the Lord of day. |
| जयाय जयभद्राय हर्यश्वाय नमो नमः। नमो नमः सहस्रांशो आदित्याय नमो नमः॥१७॥ Meaning in English Hail to you, the bestower of victory, hail to you the joy born of victory! Hail to you the lord of green horses, Hail to you Oh thousand-rayed one! Hail to you Oh son of Aditi! |
| नम उग्राय वीराय सारङ्गाय नमो नमः। नमः पद्मप्रबोधाय प्रचण्डाय नमो नमः॥१८॥ Meaning in English Salutations to you O fierce one, salutations to the valiant one, salutations to the one with variegated colors, hail to you Oh furious one! |
| ब्रह्मेशानाच्युतेशाय सूर्यायादित्यवर्चसे। भास्वते सर्वभक्षाय रौद्राय वपुषे नमः॥१९॥ Meaning in English Salutations to the Lord of Brahma, Śiva and Viṣṇu, salutations to Sūrya the sun god, who (by his power and effulgence) is both the illuminator and devourer of all and is of a form that is fierce like Rudra. |
| तमोघ्नाय हिमघ्नाय शत्रुघ्नायामितात्मने। कृतघ्नघ्नाय देवाय ज्योतिषां पतये नमः॥२०॥ Meaning in English Salutations to the dispeller of darkness, the destroyer of cold, fog and snow, the exterminator of foes; the one whose extent is immeasurable. Salutations also to the destroyer of the ungrateful and to the Lord of all the stellar bodies, who is the ruler of all the lights of the Universe. |
| तप्तचामीकराभाय हरये विश्वकर्मणे। नमस्तमोऽभिनिघ्नाय रुचये लोकसाक्षिणे॥२१॥ English translation: Salutations to the Lord shining like refined gold, destroying darkness, to the architect of the universe, who destroys the darkness (of ignorance), and who is the cosmic witness. Salutations to incarnate splendour, the cause of all activity and creation in the world.splendor |
Start each day with the solemn Gayatri mantra.
| नाशयत्येष वै भूतं तमेव सृजति प्रभुः। पायत्येष तपत्येष वर्षत्येष गभस्तिभिः॥२२॥ Meaning in English Salutations to the Lord who creates heat by his brilliant rays. He alone creates, sustains, and destroys all that has come into being. Salutations to him who by his rays consumes the waters, heats them, and sends them down as rain again. |
| एष सुप्तेषु जागर्ति भूतेषु परिनिष्ठितः। एष चैवाग्निहोत्रं च फलं चैवाग्निहोत्रिणाम्॥२३॥ Meaning in English Salutations to the Lord who abides in the heart of all beings keeping awake when they are asleep. Verily, he is the Agnihotra, the sacrificial fire and the fruit gained by the worshipper of the Agnihotra. |
| देवाश्च क्रतवश्चैव क्रतूनां फलमेव च। यानि कृत्यानि लोकेषु सर्वेषु परमप्रभुः॥२४॥ Meaning in English He comprises all the gods, as well as the fruits of the sacrifices also. He is supremely competent, one of all activities which is found in all the worlds. |
| एनमापत्सु कृच्छ्रेषु कान्तारेषु भयेषु च। कीर्तयन् पुरुषः कश्चिन्नावसीदति राघव॥२५॥ Meaning in English Listen, Oh Rāghava, any person, singing the glories of Surya in great difficulties, during affliction, while lost in the wilderness, and when beset with fear, will not come to grief. |
| पूजयस्वैनमेकाग्रे देवदेवं जगत्पतिम्। एतत् त्रिगुणितं जप्त्वा युद्धेषु विजयिष्यति॥२६॥ Meaning in English If you worship this lord of the universe, the God of all Gods, with concentrated mind and devotion by reciting this hymn (ādityahṛdayam) thrice, you will emerge victorious in the battle. |
| अस्मिन् क्षणे महाबाहो रावणं त्वं जहिष्यसि। एवमुक्त्वा ततोऽगस्त्यो जगाम च यथागतम्॥२७॥ Meaning in English “O mighty-armed one, you shall triumph over Rāvaṇa this very moment.” Saying so, sage Agastya took leave and returned to his original place. |
| एतच्छ्रुत्वा महातेजा नष्टशोकोऽभवत् तदा। धारयामास सुप्रीतो राघवः प्रयतात्मवान्॥२८॥ आदित्यं प्रेक्ष्य जप्त्वेदं परं हर्षमवाप्तवान्। त्रिराचम्य शुचिर्भूत्वा धनुरादाय वीर्यवान्॥२९॥ रावणं प्रेक्ष्य हृष्टात्मा जयार्थं समुपागमत्। सर्वयत्नेन महता वृतस्तस्य वधेऽभवत्॥३०॥ Meaning in English Having heard this, that great warrior Raghava, feeling greatly delighted, became free from anguish. The lustrous Lord Rāma obeyed the sayings of sage Agastya with great happiness. With a composed mind, he retained this hymn in his memory, ready to chant the Ādityahrudyam. Having performed Acamanam (sipping water thrice) and being purified, Rāma gazing at the sun with devotion, recited the hymn Ādityahrudyam thrice, then that great hero Rāghava was thrilled and lifted his bow. |
| अथ रविरवदन्निरीक्ष्य रामं मुदितमनाः परमं प्रहृष्यमाणः। निशिचरपतिसंक्षयं विदित्वा सुरगणमध्यगतो वचस्त्वरेति॥३१॥ Meaning in English Then knowing that the destruction of Rāvaṇa was near, the Sun-God, surrounded by all the Gods in heaven, looked at Rāma with a delighted mind and exclaimed “Hasten up!” |
The uniqueness of this form is in the inclusion of both the glories of the god and the Phalasruti, both before and after the main part of the text. This trait is rarely observed in any other hymn.
The Story of Aditya Stotram
Aditya Hrudayam is a Sanskrit shloka specifically dedicated to the deity of the Sun, which is found in the Yuddha Kanda section of the Valmiki Ramayana. The sage Agastya said it to Lord Rama on the battlefield when Lord Rama was feeling down. Despite losing some of his vital people in the conflict, Ravana continued to fight with tremendous courage. Next, the wise sage Agastya instructs Rama in the prayer known as Aditya Hrudayam, which is dedicated to the Sun deity. This prayer is intended to grant Rama the power and bravery needed to overcome his adversary. This prayer holds significant relevance for several enlightened masters.
The Sun deity holds great sanctity in Hinduism and is attributed with twelve distinct names:
- Surya Aditya
- Ravi, Bhanu, and Arka.
- Mitra Divakara
- Savitr and Bhaskara
- Vivasvan
- Martanda and Hiraṇyagarbha
In Hinduism, the sun deity (Surya) is revered as a representation of illumination, knowledge, veracity, and the origin of all existence. Surya is regarded as the supreme reservoir of energy, encompassing both physical and spiritual realms. Worshipping Surya is regarded as a means to achieve holistic well-being, encompassing physical, mental, and spiritual aspects, as well as spiritual enlightenment. In Hinduism, the sun is revered as a divine being that eradicates ignorance and enlightens the way towards righteousness.
Find a tutor on Superprof today and begin to learn Sanskrit for beginners.
The Story
During the climactic battle between Rama and Ravana in the epic Ramayana. Rama has employed a wide array of weaponry and projectiles in his efforts to defeat Ravana, but unfortunately, his attempts have been unsuccessful. The ruler of the Rakshasas appears to be unbeatable. Rama, who is now in his human form and not in his divine form as Lord Vishnu, is experiencing severe exhaustion, both emotionally and physically. He briefly looks at his adversary, who is prepared for combat, and concern appears on his face.
Within this captivating scene, the entirety of our song is delivered.
At this moment, as the gods observe from above, the wise Agastya emerges before Rama and, to revitalize Rama and expedite the result of the conflict, imparts this petition to Lord Surya, and then vanishes shortly thereafter. Rama gets the prayer from Agastya and experiences a surge of energy upon repeating it. He raises his bow and readies himself for the ultimate encounter.
Thus, the poet of the Ramayana concludes the chapter that contains the Aditya Hridayam stotram with his flawless writing style, to begin anew with the pivotal fight of the story.
Lead yourself toward the path of truth with the profound Pavamana Mantra.
Benefits of Aditya Stotram
If you desire to enhance your brightness, improve your brilliance, and have your strength shine as brightly as the sun, then the way of worshipping Lord Aditya (Surya) with unwavering devotion is recommended. This method is highly effective for obtaining victory in several types of conflicts and challenges, including the battles of life, education, competition, and even peace. It provides a precise and accurate approach to success in all these domains.
- Improve Cognitive Clarity: Consistently practicing recitation improves cognitive clarity and strengthens the ability to concentrate, which helps with making decisions and solving problems. It fosters self-confidence and bravery, enabling you to confront life's obstacles with fortitude.
- State Authority: Assists in addressing issues about state governance, government, or protracted legal disputes. Enhances paternal relationship. Assists in acquiring employment in administrative and government sectors.
- Health: Enhances the body's ability to promptly recover from recurring health conditions, particularly those affecting the bones and eyes. Regular chanting can enhance physical well-being by aligning the body's energies.
The Stotra facilitates spiritual development by promoting inner tranquility, attention, and profound communion with the divine. The Stotra invokes the divine favor of Lord Surya, bringing forth favorable energy and eliminating darkness from an individual's existence.
Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
