श्री दामोदराष्टकम् भगवान श्रीकृष्ण की स्तुति में रचित एक प्रसिद्ध भक्तिपूर्ण स्तोत्र है। इसमें माता यशोदा द्वारा बालकृष्ण को रस्सी से बाँधने की लीला, उनके मनमोहक बालरूप, भक्तों के प्रति उनकी करुणा और उनके दिव्य स्वरूप का वर्णन मिलता है।
कार्तिक मास में, विशेष रूप से भगवान श्रीकृष्ण की दामोदर लीला के स्मरण के समय, इस स्तोत्र का पाठ वैष्णव परंपरा में विशेष स्थान रखता है। इसके आठ श्लोक भक्त को भगवान के प्रति प्रेम, समर्पण और निष्काम भक्ति का भाव सिखाते हैं।
नीचे श्री दामोदराष्टकम् के संस्कृत श्लोक और प्रत्येक श्लोक का सरल हिंदी अर्थ दिया गया है।
1. प्रथम श्लोक
श्री दामोदराष्टकम् का पहला श्लोक
नमामीश्वरं सच्चिदानन्दरूपं
लसत्कुण्डलं गोकुले भ्राजमानम्।
यशोदाभियोलूखलाद्धावमानं
परामृष्टमत्यन्ततो द्रुत्य गोप्या॥ १॥
हिंदी अर्थ: मैं उन परमेश्वर भगवान श्रीकृष्ण को प्रणाम करता हूँ, जिनका स्वरूप सत्य, चेतना और आनंद से परिपूर्ण है। जिनके कानों में चमकते हुए कुंडल शोभा देते हैं और जो गोकुल में अपनी दिव्य सुंदरता से प्रकाशित हो रहे हैं। माता यशोदा के भय से वे ओखली से दूर भाग रहे हैं, लेकिन माता यशोदा तेजी से उनके पीछे दौड़कर उन्हें पकड़ लेती हैं।
2. द्वितीय श्लोक
श्री दामोदराष्टकम् का दूसरा श्लोक
रुदन्तं मुहुर्नेत्रयुग्मं मृजन्तं
कराम्भोजयुग्मेन सातङ्कनेत्रम्।
मुहुः श्वासकम्पत्रिरेखाङ्ककण्ठ-
स्थितग्रैवं दामोदरं भक्तिबद्धम्॥ २॥
हिंदी अर्थ: मैं उन भगवान दामोदर को प्रणाम करता हूँ, जो माता यशोदा द्वारा पकड़े जाने पर बार-बार रो रहे हैं और अपने दोनों कमल जैसे हाथों से अपनी आँखें मल रहे हैं। उनकी आँखें भय से भरी हुई हैं। तेज-तेज साँस लेने के कारण उनकी गर्दन पर बनी तीन रेखाएँ काँप रही हैं और उनके गले का मोतियों का हार भी हिल रहा है। वे परम स्वतंत्र भगवान होते हुए भी अपनी माता की भक्ति और प्रेम के बंधन में बँध गए हैं।
3. तृतीय श्लोक
श्री दामोदराष्टकम् का तीसरा श्लोक
इतीदृक्स्वलीलाभिरानन्दकुण्डे
स्वघोषं निमज्जन्तमाख्यापयन्तम्।
तदीयेशितज्ञेषु भक्तैर्जितत्वं
पुनः प्रेमतस्तं शतावृत्ति वन्दे॥ ३॥
हिंदी अर्थ: भगवान श्रीकृष्ण अपनी ऐसी बाल लीलाओं से गोकुल के सभी निवासियों को आनंद के सागर में डुबो देते हैं। उनकी ये लीलाएँ यह प्रकट करती हैं कि वे अपने भक्तों के प्रेम के आगे स्वयं को पराजित होने देते हैं। मैं उन भगवान श्रीकृष्ण को बार-बार प्रेमपूर्वक प्रणाम करता हूँ, जो अपनी ऐश्वर्यपूर्ण शक्ति से सब पर शासन करते हैं, लेकिन अपने प्रेममय भक्तों के स्नेह से बँध जाते हैं।
4. चतुर्थ श्लोक
श्री दामोदराष्टकम् का चौथा श्लोक
वरं देव मोक्षं न मोक्षावधिं वा
न चान्यं वृणेऽहं वरेशादपीह।
इदं ते वपुर्नाथ गोपालबालं
सदा मे मनस्याविरास्तां किमन्यैः॥ ४॥
हिंदी अर्थ: हे प्रभु! मैं आपसे मोक्ष या मोक्ष के बाद मिलने वाली किसी विशेष अवस्था का वरदान भी नहीं माँगता। यहाँ तक कि मैं आपसे कोई अन्य वरदान भी नहीं चाहता। हे नाथ! हे गोपाल बालक! आपकी बालरूप वाली यह मनमोहक छवि सदा मेरे मन में प्रकट होती रहे। जब मुझे आपके इस सुंदर रूप का निरंतर दर्शन अपने हृदय में मिल सकता है, तो मुझे किसी दूसरे वरदान की आवश्यकता ही क्या है?
5. पंचम श्लोक
श्री दामोदराष्टकम् का पाँचवाँ श्लोक
इदं ते मुखाम्भोजमत्यन्तनीलै-
र्वृतं कुन्तलैः स्निग्धरक्तैश्च गोप्या।
मुहुश्चुम्बितं बिम्बरक्ताधरं मे
मनस्याविरास्तामलं लक्षलाभैः॥ ५॥
हिंदी अर्थ: हे प्रभु! आपका कमल के समान सुंदर मुख घुँघराले, अत्यंत काले और कोमल बालों से घिरा हुआ है। आपके होंठ पके हुए बिंब फल की तरह लाल हैं। माता यशोदा बार-बार आपके उस सुंदर मुख को चूमती हैं। आपका यह मनमोहक बालरूप सदा मेरे मन में बसा रहे। आपके इस दिव्य स्वरूप की प्राप्ति के सामने संसार के लाखों लाभ भी मेरे लिए तुच्छ हैं।
6. षष्ठ श्लोक
श्री दामोदराष्टकम् का छठा श्लोक
नमो देव दामोदरानन्त विष्णो
प्रसीद प्रभो दुःखजालाब्धिमग्नम्।
कृपादृष्टिवृष्ट्यातिदीनं बतानु-
गृहाणेश मामज्ञमेध्याक्षिदृश्यः॥ ६॥
हिंदी अर्थ: हे देव! हे दामोदर! हे अनंत! हे विष्णु! आपको मेरा बारंबार प्रणाम है। हे प्रभु! मुझ पर प्रसन्न होइए। मैं दुखों के विशाल सागर में डूबा हुआ हूँ और अत्यंत दीन अवस्था में आपकी कृपा की प्रतीक्षा कर रहा हूँ। हे ईश्वर! अपनी करुणामयी दृष्टि की वर्षा करके मुझ पर कृपा कीजिए। मैं अज्ञानी हूँ, इसलिए मुझ पर अनुग्रह कीजिए और मुझे अपने दर्शन प्रदान कीजिए।
7. सप्तम श्लोक
श्री दामोदराष्टकम् का सातवाँ श्लोक
कुबेरात्मजौ बद्धमूर्त्यैव यद्वत्
त्वया मोचितौ भक्तिभाजौ कृतौ च।
तथा प्रेमभक्तिं स्वकां मे प्रयच्छ
न मोक्षे ग्रहो मेऽस्ति दामोदरेह॥ ७॥
हिंदी अर्थ: हे दामोदर! जिस प्रकार आपने कुबेर के दोनों पुत्रों, नलकूबर और मणिग्रीव को वृक्ष रूप में बँधे होने से मुक्त किया और उन्हें अपनी भक्ति का अधिकारी बनाया, उसी प्रकार मुझे भी अपनी प्रेममयी भक्ति प्रदान कीजिए। मुझे मोक्ष प्राप्त करने की इच्छा नहीं है। हे दामोदर! मेरी एकमात्र अभिलाषा है कि मुझे आपके प्रति निष्काम और शुद्ध प्रेमभक्ति प्राप्त हो।
8. अष्टम श्लोक
श्री दामोदराष्टकम् का आठवाँ श्लोक
नमस्तेऽस्तु दाम्ने स्फुरद्दीप्तिधाम्ने
त्वदीयोदरायाथ विश्वस्य धाम्ने।
नमो राधिकायै त्वदीयप्रियायै
नमोऽनन्तलीलाय देवाय तुभ्यम्॥ ८॥
हिंदी अर्थ: हे दामोदर! उस दिव्य रस्सी को मेरा प्रणाम है, जो तेजस्वी प्रकाश से युक्त है। आपके उदर को भी मेरा प्रणाम है, जो समस्त ब्रह्मांड का आश्रय है। आपकी परम प्रिय श्री राधारानी को मेरा बारंबार प्रणाम है। हे अनंत दिव्य लीलाएँ करने वाले भगवान! आपको मेरा सादर प्रणाम है।
Overall Summary of Damodar Ashtakam
Damodar Ashtakam is a devotional hymn written in praise of Lord Krishna in His childhood avatar Damodara. The term ‘Damodara’ means ‘one who is bound around His waist by a rope’. It refers to a childhood pastime of Lord Krishna in which He was bound with a rope by His mother Yashoda. This sweet pastime of Lord Krishna is explained in Srimad Bhagavatam.
The traditional author of this Damodarastakam is Satyavrata Muni and it belongs to the Padma Purana. Shri Damodarastakam is generally chanted during Kartik Maas. It comprises of eight slokas, all of which describe the childhood beauty of Lord Krishna, His playful activities, and the unique love of Lord Krishna with His mother Yashoda.
The main theme of Damodar Ashtakam is that the Lord, who cannot be controlled by any material force, allows Himself to be bound by the pure love of His devotees. The hymn also conveys a devotee’s desire for loving devotion towards Krishna without expecting any material gains or even liberation.
For devotees who want to understand the prayer before reciting it, reading Damodar Ashtakam lyrics in Sanskrit with Hindi meaning helps connect each verse with Krishna’s Damodara Leela. It turns the recitation into an opportunity to remember His divine qualities and develop a deeper feeling of devotion.
Best Time to Chant Damodar Ashtakam
The best time to chant Damodar Ashtakam is traditionally during the evening worship of Lord Krishna, especially throughout Kartik Maas. In many Vaishnava temples and households, devotees sing the hymn while offering a lighted lamp to Lord Damodara.
However, devotees can recite this prayer at other times of the day as well. The important thing is to approach the prayer with devotion and attention rather than treating a particular time as an absolute requirement.
Here are some common occasions for reciting Shri Damodarastakam.
- During Kartik Maas: Devotees often recite the hymn daily throughout this sacred month as part of their devotional practice.
- During evening puja: Many devotees sing the prayer while offering a ghee lamp to Lord Krishna.
- During morning worship: Those who prefer morning sadhana can include the hymn in their daily prayers.
- During personal prayer: Devotees may recite Damodar Ashtakam whenever they wish to remember Krishna’s childhood pastimes and express their devotion.
If you are observing Kartik Maas, establishing a regular time for Damodarastakam path can help you maintain a consistent devotional routine throughout the month.
How to Perform Damodar Ashtakam During Kartik Maas
Reciting Damodar Ashtakam during Kartik Maas is a cherished practice in many Vaishnava traditions. Devotees commonly combine the recitation with Deep Daan, the offering of a lighted lamp to Lord Damodara.
You can follow these simple steps to perform the prayer at home.
1. Prepare a Clean Place for Worship
Clean the area where you intend to perform the puja. Place an image or picture of Lord Krishna in His Damodara form, or an image of Radha-Krishna, on a clean altar.
Arrange the items you need before beginning the prayer so that you can worship without unnecessary interruptions.
2. Arrange the Puja Samagri
The following items can be used for Damodar Ashtakam worship during Kartik Maas.
- A picture or deity of Lord Damodara or Radha-Krishna
- A small diya or lamp
- Ghee and a cotton wick
- Flowers, if available
- A small plate to hold the lamp safely
- A copy of Shri Damodar Ashtakam
- Fresh water for the worship, if desired
These are customary devotional items, not a mandatory checklist. You can perform the prayer with whatever is reasonably available.
3. Begin with Prayer and Remember Lord Krishna
Sit comfortably before the altar and take a moment to calm your mind. Offer your respects to Lord Krishna and remember His Damodara Leela, in which Mother Yashoda tied Him to a wooden grinding mortar.
You may offer flowers or water according to your household tradition. There is no need to rush through the prayer. Understanding the devotional meaning is more valuable than reciting the words without attention.
4. Light a Diya and Offer Deep Daan
Light a ghee lamp and place it securely on a heat-resistant plate. In the Kartik tradition, devotees offer the lamp to Lord Damodara as an expression of love and devotion.
If you follow a tradition in which the lamp is offered by moving it in a circular motion before the deity, do so according to your usual puja practice. Keep the flame away from curtains, clothing, paper, and other flammable materials. Never leave a burning lamp unattended.
5. Recite Shri Damodarastakam
Now recite the complete Shri Damodarastakam in Sanskrit. You can use the lyrics and Hindi meanings provided above to understand the prayer verse by verse.
If Sanskrit pronunciation is difficult, proceed slowly and learn one verse at a time. You can also listen to a trusted traditional recitation to become familiar with the pronunciation and melody.
While reciting, remember the image of little Krishna crying as Mother Yashoda approaches Him, His beautiful face, and His willingness to become bound by His mother’s affection.
6. Offer Your Prayers with Devotion
After completing the eight verses, offer your respects to Lord Krishna. You may chant the Hare Krishna Maha-mantra or spend a few moments silently remembering the Lord.
Conclude the worship according to your household tradition. The purpose is to cultivate remembrance, humility, and loving devotion rather than to complete a ritual mechanically.
7. Maintain the Practice Throughout Kartik Maas
Many devotees make Damodar Ashtakam recitation and lamp offering part of their daily routine throughout Kartik Maas. You can follow this practice according to your ability and family tradition.
Consistency, sincere prayer, and reflection on the meaning of the hymn are more helpful than taking on rituals that you cannot comfortably maintain.
Benefits of Damodar Ashtakam
In Vaishnava devotional traditions, reciting Damodar Ashtakam is valued as a way to remember Lord Krishna, express devotion, and reflect on the relationship between the Lord and His devotees. The hymn itself emphasizes loving devotion rather than the pursuit of worldly rewards.
The following are commonly understood devotional benefits of Damodarastakam path.
1. Encourages Loving Devotion to Lord Krishna
Damodar Ashtakam describes Krishna as the Supreme Lord who allows Himself to be bound by Mother Yashoda’s love. Remembering this pastime can inspire devotees to approach Him with affection, humility, and sincerity.
2. Helps Develop a Regular Prayer Routine
Daily recitation, particularly during Kartik Maas, gives devotees a consistent opportunity to remember Krishna. A regular practice can also create time for quiet reflection and spiritual learning.
3. Deepens Understanding of Krishna’s Damodara Leela
The eight verses describe Krishna’s childhood form and His loving relationship with Mother Yashoda. Reading the Hindi meaning alongside the Sanskrit text helps devotees understand the imagery and message of the prayer.
4. Encourages Humility and Surrender
The prayer expresses the desire for Krishna’s loving presence and pure devotion rather than material achievements. Reflecting on these verses can encourage devotees to place greater importance on spiritual values and surrender.
5. Strengthens the Observance of Kartik Maas
For many Vaishnava devotees, reciting Damodar Ashtakam and offering a lamp are important parts of Kartik Maas observances. These practices provide a structured way to dedicate time to worship throughout the month.
6. Inspires Reflection on Faith and Compassion
The image of Krishna allowing Himself to be bound by His mother’s affection reminds devotees that divine love is central to this pastime. Reflecting on it can inspire greater patience, affection, and compassion in everyday relationships.
These benefits describe the spiritual meaning and devotional value associated with the prayer. They should not be understood as guaranteed material results or as a promise that recitation will automatically resolve every difficulty.
Importance of Damodar Ashtakam During Kartik Maas
Kartik Maas holds a special place in many Vaishnava traditions, and the worship of Lord Damodara is one of its distinctive devotional practices. During this month, devotees often sing Damodar Ashtakam while offering a lamp to Lord Krishna.
The connection between the prayer and Kartik Maas is reflected in the Hari-bhakti-vilasa, a Vaishnava text that recommends worshipping Lord Damodara and reciting Damodar Ashtakam during Kartik. This practice is followed in many Krishna temples and devotional households.
Remembering the Damodara Leela
The name Damodara recalls the pastime in which Mother Yashoda tied child Krishna around His waist with a rope and fastened Him to a wooden grinding mortar. Although Krishna is worshipped as the Supreme Lord, He allows Himself to be bound through His mother’s affection.
This pastime is central to the prayer’s devotional message. It reminds devotees that Krishna responds to sincere love and devotion, not merely to displays of power or ritual formality.
The Tradition of Offering a Lamp
Offering a lamp, also known as Deep Daan, is a widely observed practice during Kartik Maas. Devotees offer the light to Lord Damodara while singing the hymn and remembering His divine qualities.
The lamp serves as a devotional offering and a visible expression of the devotee’s love for the Lord. In many temples, the prayer and lamp offering form part of the evening worship throughout the month.
A Month Dedicated to Devotional Practice
Kartik Maas encourages devotees to give greater attention to prayer, chanting, hearing sacred stories, and other devotional activities. Daily recitation of Damodar Ashtakam can become one part of this observance.
Rather than focusing only on completing the verses, devotees are encouraged to understand their meaning and remember the qualities of Krishna described in them.
The Message of Love Above Material Rewards
One of the most important themes of Damodar Ashtakam is the desire for loving devotion to Krishna. The prayer expresses a longing for His beautiful form and His presence in the devotee’s heart, rather than a desire for worldly benefits.
This makes the hymn particularly meaningful during Kartik Maas, when devotees seek to deepen their relationship with the Lord through prayer, remembrance, and sincere devotional service.
For those observing Kartik Maas, reciting Damodarastakam in Kartik month is therefore more than a seasonal ritual. It is an opportunity to remember Krishna’s Damodara Leela, reflect on the power of divine love, and strengthen the practice of bhakti.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many verses are there in Damodar Ashtakam?
Damodar Ashtakam consists of eight verses. The Sanskrit word ashtakam means a composition of eight verses.
2. When should Damodar Ashtakam be recited?
Devotees commonly recite Damodar Ashtakam in the evening, especially during Kartik Maas, while offering a lamp to Lord Damodara. It can also be recited during morning worship or personal prayer.
3. What is the meaning of Damodar Ashtakam?
Damodar Ashtakam is a devotional hymn praising Lord Krishna in His childhood form. It describes His Damodara Leela and expresses the devotee’s desire for loving devotion to the Lord.
4. What are the benefits of chanting Damodar Ashtakam?
In Vaishnava tradition, reciting the hymn is a way to remember Lord Krishna, cultivate devotion, and reflect on His loving relationship with His devotees. Its benefits are understood primarily in a spiritual and devotional context.
5. Can Damodar Ashtakam be recited without a diya?
Yes. A devotee can recite the hymn as part of personal prayer without lighting a lamp. Offering a diya is a customary practice during Kartik Maas, but the prayer can also be recited on its own.
6. Who composed Damodar Ashtakam?
Damodar Ashtakam is traditionally attributed to Satyavrata Muni and is associated with the Padma Purana. It is also referenced in the Vaishnava text Hari-bhakti-vilasa.
7. Can beginners recite Damodar Ashtakam in Hindi?
Yes. Beginners can read the Sanskrit verses alongside their Hindi meanings to understand the prayer. Learning the pronunciation gradually and reflecting on each verse can make the recitation easier.
8. Why is Damodar Ashtakam recited during Kartik Maas?
The Hari-bhakti-vilasa recommends worshipping Lord Damodara and reciting the hymn during Kartik Maas. Many Vaishnava devotees follow this tradition by singing the prayer while offering a lamp to Lord Krishna.
Conclusion
Damodar Ashtakam is a beautiful prayer that celebrates Lord Krishna’s childhood pastimes and the power of a devotee’s love. Its verses remind us that the Lord, despite His supreme position, willingly becomes bound by the pure affection of His devotees.
During Kartik Maas, reciting Shri Damodarastakam and offering a lamp provide an opportunity to remember Krishna’s Damodara Leela and strengthen one’s devotional practice. By understanding the Sanskrit verses and their Hindi meanings, devotees can approach the prayer with greater awareness, sincerity, and love for Lord Krishna.
हर प्रार्थना में एक भावना होती है, और हर मंत्र में एक विश्वास। अपने रोज़ के bhakti moments को और खास बनाने के लिए explore करें Bhakti Corner, जहाँ आपको मिलेंगे aartis, chalisa, mantras और prayers सरल और सहज रूप में। और ऐसी ही bhakti और Sanatan Dharma की कहानियों के लिए My Favorite Corner को Instagram और Facebook पर follow करें।
