Bhawani Ashtakam

Bhawani Ashtakam, a powerful and holy hymn dedicated to Goddess Bhawani (an epithet of Goddess Durga or Parvati), is a sacred composition by the great saint and philosopher Adi Shankaracharya. It beautifully captures the essence of surrender, devotion, and the eternal relationship between the devotee and the Divine Mother. In this blog, we will explore the origins, meaning, and spiritual significance of Bhawani Ashtakam and its impact on devotees.

Bhawani Ashtakam (भवानी अष्टकम)

न तातो न माता न बन्धुर्न दाता 
न पुत्रो न पुत्री न भृत्यो न भर्ता । 
न जाया न विद्या न वृत्तिर्ममैव 
गतिस्त्वं गतिस्त्वं त्वमेका भवानि ॥1॥

भवाब्धावपारे महादुःखभीरु 
पपात प्रकामी प्रलोभी प्रमत्तः । 
कुसंसारपाशप्रबद्धः सदाहं 
गतिस्त्वं गतिस्त्वं त्वमेका भवानि ॥2॥

न जानामि दानं न च ध्यानयोगं 
न जानामि तन्त्रं न च स्तोत्रमन्त्रम् । 
न जानामि पूजां न च न्यासयोगं 
गतिस्त्वं गतिस्त्वं त्वमेका भवानि ॥3॥

न जानामि पुण्यं न जानामि तीर्थ 
न जानामि मुक्तिं लयं वा कदाचित् । 
न जानामि भक्तिं व्रतं वापि मातर्गतिस्त्वं 
गतिस्त्वं त्वमेका भवानि ॥4॥

कुकर्मी कुसङ्गी कुबुद्धिः कुदासः 
कुलाचारहीनः कदाचारलीनः । 
कुदृष्टिः कुवाक्यप्रबन्धः सदाहं 
गतिस्त्वं गतिस्त्वं त्वमेका भवानि ॥5॥

प्रजेशं रमेशं महेशं सुरेशं 
दिनेशं निशीथेश्वरं वा कदाचित् । 
न जानामि चान्यत् सदाहं शरण्ये 
गतिस्त्वं गतिस्त्वं त्वमेका भवानि ॥6॥

विवादे विषादे प्रमादे प्रवासे 
जले चानले पर्वते शत्रुमध्ये । 
अरण्ये शरण्ये सदा मां प्रपाहि 
गतिस्त्वं गतिस्त्वं त्वमेका भवानि ॥7॥

अनाथो दरिद्रो जरारोगयुक्तो 
महाक्षीणदीनः सदा जाड्यवक्त्रः । 
विपत्तौ प्रविष्टः प्रनष्टः सदाहं 
गतिस्त्वं गतिस्त्वं त्वमेका भवानि ॥8॥

The Origin of Bhawani Ashtakam

Composed by Adi Shankaracharya, the 8th-century Indian philosopher and theologian, Bhawani Ashtakam is part of his extensive contributions to the spiritual world. Known for his Advaita Vedanta philosophy, Shankaracharya emphasized the non-dual nature of the self and the universe. Through Bhawani Ashtakam, he expressed his reverence for the Divine Mother, portraying her as the ultimate protector, nurturer, and guide for mankind.

Legend has it that Shankaracharya composed Bhawani Ashtakam during his travels across India when he witnessed the suffering and spiritual ignorance of people. To inspire devotion and bring them closer to liberation, he sought the blessings of Goddess Bhawani and offered this heartfelt hymn.

Structure and Meaning of Bhawani Ashtakam

The hymn consists of eight verses (Ashtakam means eight), each brimming with profound devotion and heartfelt surrender. The repeated refrain, "Na Taato, Na Maata, Na Bandhur, Na Dataa; Bhawani Tvam Eka Gatiyam, Bhawani" (meaning: "I have no father, no mother, no friend, no benefactor; You alone are my refuge, O Bhawani"), underscores the theme of complete surrender to the Divine Mother.

Let’s delve into the key themes expressed in Bhawani Ashtakam:

1. Acknowledgment of Helplessness

The hymn begins with the devotee admitting their lack of material and emotional support in life. By doing so, it sets the stage for a complete surrender to Goddess Bhawani, recognizing her as the sole source of strength and guidance.

2. Complete Surrender

Each verse highlights the devotee’s plea to the Goddess for mercy, love, and acceptance. It reflects the Advaita principle that liberation (moksha) can only be achieved by realizing one’s oneness with the Divine.

3. Recognition of the Divine as All-Encompassing

Bhawani Ashtakam portrays Goddess Bhawani as the eternal mother, protector, and savior of humanity. The hymn emphasizes her compassionate and nurturing nature, portraying her as the ultimate refuge in the face of life’s hardships.

4. The Role of Bhakti (Devotion)

The hymn is an epitome of Bhakti yoga, where the devotee seeks liberation through unwavering love and faith in the Divine Mother. It reminds devotees that surrender and faith are key to overcoming the illusions of the material world.

The Spiritual Significance of Bhawani Ashtakam

1. Fostering Devotion

Bhawani Ashtakam inspires intense devotion and love for the Goddess. Reciting this hymn with a pure heart fosters a deeper connection with the Divine, bringing peace and clarity to the devotee.

2. Liberation through Surrender

The hymn teaches the importance of surrendering one’s ego and attachments to the Divine. By acknowledging the Goddess as the ultimate refuge, devotees can free themselves from the cycles of pain and suffering.

3. Divine Guidance

Through its heartfelt verses, Bhawani Ashtakam reminds devotees that the Goddess is always present to guide and protect her children, offering solace in times of despair and uncertainty.

4. Unity of the Self and the Divine

Adi Shankaracharya’s Advaitic philosophy is reflected in the hymn’s portrayal of the Divine Mother as the ultimate truth. By seeking her blessings, devotees can transcend the material world and realize their true nature.

Benefits of Chanting Bhawani Ashtakam

1. Inner Peace: Chanting the hymn helps calm the mind and instills a sense of serenity and devotion.
2. Spiritual Growth: Regular recitation fosters a deeper understanding of one’s relationship with the Divine.
3. Overcoming Challenges: Devotees find strength and courage to face life’s difficulties with the Goddess’s blessings.
4. Protection and Guidance: Bhawani Ashtakam acts as a shield against negative energies and provides divine guidance in times of need.

How to Chant Bhawani Ashtakam?

To experience the full spiritual benefits of Bhawani Ashtakam, follow these steps:

1. Choose a Sacred Space: Sit in a quiet and clean place, preferably in your home temple or a serene location.
2. Offer Prayers to Goddess Bhawani: Light a diya (lamp) and incense sticks, and offer flowers or fruits to the Goddess.
3. Recite with Devotion: Chant the hymn slowly and with a focused mind. Visualize the compassionate form of the Divine Mother as you recite.
4. Reflect on the Meaning: Take time to understand the verses and internalize their message.