Shri Jagannathashtakam Stotram

Shri Jagannathashtakam Stotram is an 8-verse devotional hymn composed by Sri Adi Shankaracharya in praise of Lord Jagannatha (the Lord of the Universe) worshipped at the holy Dham of Puri, Odisha.

According to tradition, when Shankaracharya visited Puri and stood spellbound before the divine wooden deities of Lord Jagannatha, Subhadra, and Balabhadra, he spontaneously sang these 8 ecstatic verses.

Each verse praises Lord Jagannatha's large lotus eyes, His flute playing on the banks of Yamuna, His grand Ratha Yatra, and His infinite ocean of mercy. Each verse concludes with the soulful refrain: "Jagannātha-Svāmī Nayana-Pathagāmī Bhavatu Me" ("O Lord Jagannatha, master of the universe! Please appear before the path of my vision!").

• Verse 1: May Lord Jagannatha appear before my eyes, who plays flute on Yamuna bank, worshipped by Brahma and Shiva.
• Verse 2: May Lord Jagannatha appear before my eyes, holding flute to lips, dark blue like raincloud.
• Verse 3: May Lord Jagannatha appear before my eyes, residing on Nilachala hill with Subhadra and Balabhadra.
• Verse 4: May Lord Jagannatha appear before my eyes, riding His chariot during Ratha Yatra, praised by devas.
• Verse 5: May Lord Jagannatha appear before my eyes, Supreme Brahman with lotus-petaled eyes.
• Verse 6: I ask for no kingdom or gold; only that Jagannatha be visible before my vision!
• Verse 7: Remove my useless worldly existence, O Lord of helpless souls!
• Verse 8 (Phalashruti): Reciting Jagannathashtakam frees from sin and grants Vishnuloka.

Spiritual Significance

According to scriptural tradition and verse 9 of this stotram, daily recitation of Shri Jagannathashtakam grants the following blessings:

• Eradication of All Sins: Cleanses sins of mind, speech, and body.
• Vision of Lord Jagannatha (Darshana Phala): Grants the spiritual merit of seeing Lord Jagannatha in Puri and during Ratha Yatra.
• Attainment of Vaikuntha Abode: Frees the devotee from the cycle of birth and rebirth.
• Peace and Prosperity: Bestows family harmony, devotion, and contentment.

Whoever recites this holy Jagannathashtakam with a pure mind will be cleansed of all sins and eventually reach the eternal abode of Lord Vishnu (Vishnuloka).

1. When should Jagannathashtakam be chanted?

Daily morning/evening, during Ratha Yatra festival, and Ekadashi.

2. Can people who cannot visit Puri chant this?

Yes! Chanting Jagannathashtakam bestows the spiritual merit of standing in front of Lord Jagannatha in Puri Dham.