Bhavani Ashtakam
A Prayer to Mother Divine,Bhavani, written by Shri Aadi Shankaracharya.
Na Taato Na Maato Na Bandhur Na Daata,
Na putro Na putri Na Bhrityo Na Bharta
Na Jaaya Na Vidya Na Vriteer mameva,
Gatistvam Gatistvam Twameka Bhavani
O Mother Divine! Father, Mother, Husband, Wife, Children and Friends -
None of these are eternally mine.
Knowledge, intellect, mind and willpower are also not eternal.
O Mother of the universe - You are my only saviour, my eternal refuge.
Bhavadbha vapaarey Mahadukha Bheeruhu,
Prapaata Prakaami Pralobhi Pramatah
KuSansaara Paasha Prabhadha Sadaham
Gatistvam Gatistvam Twameka Bhavani
I have fallen in the ocean of birth and death, and I fear their sorrows.
I am trapped by my ego with its countless desires, greed, pride and lust.
O Mother of the universe - You are my only saviour, my eternal refuge.
Na Jaanami Daanam, Na Cha Dhyaana Yogam,
Na Jaanami Tantram, Na Cha Stotra Mantram
Na Jaanami Poojaam, Na Cha Nyaasa Yogam,
Gatistvam Gatistvam Twameka Bhavani
O Mother of the universe - I do not know how to come close to you.
I do not know any form of worship.
Help me, O Mother Divine -
You are my only saviour, my eternal refuge.
Na Jaanami Punyam, Na Jaanami Theertham,
Na Jaanami Mutkeem, Layam Vaa Kadachit
Na Jaanami Bhatkeem, Vratam Vaapi Maatah,
Gatistvam Gatistvam Twameka Bhavani
I do not know how to be righteous or find your abode.
I do not know how to achieve freedom by dissolving my ego.
I am devoid of faith, I surrender.
I am not strong enough to make any vow.
O Mother of the universe -
You are my saviour, my eternal refuge.
Kukarmi, Kusangi, Ku buddhi, Kudasah,
Kulaachara heenah Kadachaara leenah
Kudrushtih, Kuvaakya Prabandah Sadaham
Gatistvam Gatistvam Twameka Bhavani
My mind is always engaged in worthless thoughts and actions.
My intellect has become dull, enslaved by old habits.
I am unable to behave honourably and my intentions are wrong.
My speech has become harsh and hurtful.
Save me,O Mother of the universe - You are my only saviour, my eternal refuge.
Prajesham, Ramesham, Mahesham, Suresham,
Dinesham Nishiteshwaram Va Kadachit
Na Jaanami Chaanyat Sadaham Sharanye
Gatistvam Gatistvam Twameka Bhavani
I do not pray Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, Indra, Surya and Chandra,
or any other divinities. All other gods have left me.
O Mother of the universe, you are known for your compassion
You are my only saviour, my eternal refuge.
Divaadey, Vishadey, Pramadhey, Pravaasey
Jaale Chaanalay, Parvatey, Shatrumadhyae
Aranye Sharanye Sada Maa Prapahi
Gatistvam Gatistvam Twameka Bhavani
O compassionate Mother, protect me wherever I am and
whomever I am with, in pleasure and in distress.
O Mother of the universe - You are my only saviour, my eternal refuge.
Anartho Daridro Jara Roga yukto,
Mahash keena Deenah Sada Jadya Vaktrah
Vipatto Pravishtah Pranashtah Sadaham,
Gatistvam Gatistvam Twameka Bhavani
O Mother, I feel like an orphan on this Earth,
powerless and without inner wealth,
deluded by ignorance and unable to see the light of truth.
O Mother of the universe - You are my only saviour, my eternal refuge.
Prayer and translation from Jai Mata Ji.