Shri Pandurangashtakam Stotram

Shri Pandurangashtakam Stotram is an 8-verse devotional hymn composed by Sri Adi Shankaracharya in praise of Lord Panduranga (Lord Vitthala), worshipped at the sacred pilgrimage city of Pandharpur on the banks of river Bhima in Maharashtra.

The scriptural story behind Lord Vitthala's form is renowned. When Lord Krishna visited His great devotee Pundalika, the saint was busy serving his elderly parents with utmost filial devotion. Pundalika threw a brick (Eet) outside his house for Lord Krishna to stand on while he finished serving his parents. Lord Krishna stood on that brick with hands resting on His hips (Kati Nyasta Hastam), waiting patiently. Touched by Pundalika's devotion, the Lord stayed forever on that brick as Vitthala (literally "One standing on a brick").

Each verse concludes with the sacred refrain: "Para-Brahma-Liṅgaṃ Bhaje Pāṇḍuraṅgam" ("I bow to Lord Panduranga, the visible embodiment of Supreme Brahman!").

• Verse 1: Salutations to Panduranga, the bliss of Brahman standing on the banks of Bhima river to bless Pundalika.
• Verse 2: Salutations to Panduranga, wearing yellow silk like lightning, shining kaustubha gem, anklets ringing.
• Verse 3: Salutations to Panduranga, showing with hands on hips that samsara is shallow for devotees.
• Verses 4–8: Praising Vitthala's Kaustubha gem, lotus face, husband of Rukmini, self-born Supreme Self.
• Verse 9 (Phalashruti): Reciting Pandurangashtakam carries devotees across samsara to Moksha.

Spiritual Significance

Pandurangashtakam highlights the core Varkari devotion:

1. Parabrahma Lingam: Praises Lord Vitthala standing on the brick as the physical embodiment of Supreme Brahman (Parabrahma).
2. : Shows Vitthala's hands on His hips, indicating that the ocean of samsara is only knee-deep for those who surrender to Him.

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

• Eradication of All Sins and Samsara Fear: Cleanses past karmas and frees the devotee from worldly anxiety.
• Grant of Filial Piety and Family Harmony: Inspires devotion towards parents and family peace.
• Attainment of Vaikuntha Abode: Grants pure devotion and ultimate liberation (Moksha).
• Grace of Lord Vitthala: Bestows health, contentment, and spiritual progress.

Pāṇḍuraṅgāṣṭakaṃ Puṇyaṃ Ye Paṭhanti Samāhitāḥ ।
Te Saṃsārasamudraṃ Ca Tīrtvā Mokṣam-Avāpnuyuḥ ॥ 9 ॥

Meaning of Phalashruti

Whoever recites this holy Pandurangashtakam with concentrated mind will easily cross the ocean of worldly existence (Samsara) and attain supreme liberation (Moksha).

1. When should Pandurangashtakam be chanted?

Ashadha Ekadashi, Kartiki Ekadashi, daily morning prayers, and Saturdays.

2. Who is Vitthala?

Vitthala (Panduranga) is a beloved manifestation of Lord Krishna worshipped primarily in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Telangana.