(
Hinduism,
Vaishnavism)
Sri-Sri-Gurv-ashtaka(*)
(sung during Mangala Arati)
by Srila Vishvanatha Cakravarti Thakura
(1)
samsara-davanala-lidha-loka
tranaya karunya-ghanaghanatvam
praptasya kalyana-gunarnavasya
vande guroh sri-caranaravindam
The spiritual master is receiving benediction
from the ocean of mercy. Just as a cloud pours water on a forest fire
to extinguish it, so the spiritual master delivers the materially
afflicted world by extinguishing the blazing fire of material existence.
I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual
master, who is an ocean of auspicious qualities
(2)
mahaprabhoh kirtana-nritya-gita-
vaditra-madyan-manaso rasena
romañca-kampashru-taranga-bhajo
vande guroh sri-caranaravindam
Chanting the holy name, dancing in ecstasy, singing, and playing musical
instruments, the spiritual master is always gladdened by the sankirtana
movement of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Because he is relishing the mellows
[rasas] of pure devotion within his mind, sometimes his
hair stands on end, he feels quivering in his body, and
tears flow from his eyes like waves. I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual
master.
(3)
sri-vigraharadhana-nitya-nana-
sringara-tan-mandira-marjanadau
yuktasya bhaktamsh ca niyuñjato 'pi
vande guroh sri-caranaravindam
The spiritual master is always engaged in the tempe worship of Sri Sri Radha
and Krishna. He also engages his disciples in such worship. They dress the Deities
in beautiful clothes and ornaments, clean Their temple, and perform other similar
worship of the Lord. I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual
master.
(4)
catur-vidha-sri-bhagavata-prasada-
svadv-anna-triptan hari-bhakta-sanghan
kritvaiva triptim bhajatah sadaiva
vande guroh sri-caranaravindam
The spiritual master is always offering Krishna four kinds of delicious food
[analysed as that which is licked, chewed, drunk, and sucked]. When
the spiritual master sees that the devotees are satisfied by eating bhagavat-prasadam,
he is satisfied. I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual
master.
(5)
sri-radhika-madhavayor apara-
madhurya-lila-guna-rupa-namnam
prati-kshanasvadana-lolupasya
vande guroh sri-caranaravindam
The spiritual master is always eager to hear and chant about the unlimited
conjugal pastimes of Radhika [[Radha|Srimate Radharani] and Madhava
[Sri Krishna], and Their qualities names, and forms. The spiritual master
aspires to relish these at every moment. I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual
master.
(6)
nikuñja-yuno rati-keli-siddhyai
ya yalibhir yukltir apekshaniya
tatrati-dakshyad ati-vallabhasya
vande guroh sri-caranaravindam
The spiritual master is very dear, because he is expert in assisting the
gopis, who at different times make different tasteful arrangements
for the perfection of Radha and Krishna's conjugal loving affairs within the groves
of Vrindavana. I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual
master.
(7)
sakshad-dharitvena samasta-shastrair
uktas tatha bhavyata eva sadbhih
kintu prabhor yah priya eva tasya
vande guroh sri-caranaravindam
The spiritual master is to be honoured as much as the Supreme Lord,
because he is the most confidential servitor of the Lord. This is acknowledged
in all revealed scriptures and followed by all authorities. Therefore I offer my
respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual
master, who is a bona fide representative of Sri Hari [Krishna].
(8)
yasya prasadad bhagavat-prasado
yasyapradan na gatih kuto 'pi
dhyayan stuvams tasya yashas tri-sandhyam
vande guroh sri-caranaravindam
By the mercy of the spiritual master one receives the benediction of Krishna.
Without the grace of the spiritual master, one cannot make any advancement. Therefore
I should always remember and praise the spiritual master. At least three times a day I
should offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual
master.
(9)
srimad gurorastakam etad ucchair
brahme muhurte pathati prayatnat
yas tena vrndavana-natha-saksat-
sevaiva labhya januso 'nta eva
One who, during the Brahma-muhurta (four dandas or ninety-six minutes before sunrise) with meticulous regularity wholeheartedly sings these eight prayers to the Divine Master, attains, upon leaving the body in his spiritual perfection, the qualification to engage in the direct service of the Lord of Vrndavana.
(*) Gurv- = guru, the spiritual master; ashtaka = eightfold (prayers).
N.B. The ninth verse, a benediction, was added in more recent times. It is sung in the Gaudiya Matha, but not always in ISKCON.
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