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Vishwanathashtakam - In sanskrit with meaning

- Composed by Sri Adi Shankaracharya

श्रीविश्वनाथाष्टकम् - गङ्गातरङ्गरमणीयजटाकलापं
Sri Vishwanathashtakam - Ganga Taranga Ramaniya Jata Kalapam

Shiva
Lord Shiva

Shiva
गङ्गातरङ्गरमणीयजटाकलापं
गौरीनिरन्तरविभूषितवामभागम्
नारायणप्रियमनङ्गमदापहारं
वाराणसीपुरपतिं भज विश्वनाथम् ॥१॥
Ganggaa-Tarangga-Ramanniiya-Jattaa-Kalaapam
Gaurii-Nirantara-Vibhuussita-Vaama-Bhaagam |
Naaraayanna-Priyam-Anangga-Madaa-[A]pahaaram
Vaaraannasii-Pura-Patim Bhaja Vishvanaatham ||1||

Meaning:
1.1: (I Reverentially Bow down to Sri Vishwanatha) Whose Matted Hair forming a Beautiful Bundle, is Beautifully decorated with the Streams of River Ganga,
1.2: Whose Left-Half is always adorned by Devi Gauri (the Universal Shakti),
1.3: Who is Dear to Sri Narayana, and Who has destroyed the Pride of Ananga (Kamadeva),
1.4: Worship that Vishwanatha, Who is the Lord of the City of Kashi,

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Shiva
वाचामगोचरमनेकगुणस्वरूपं
वागीशविष्णुसुरसेवितपादपीठम्
वामेन विग्रहवरेण कलत्रवन्तं
वाराणसीपुरपतिं भज विश्वनाथम् ॥२॥
Vaacaam-Agocaram-Aneka-Gunna-Svaruupam
Vaagiisha-Vissnnu-Sura-Sevita-Paada-Piittham |
Vaamena Vigraha-Varenna Kalatravantam
Vaaraannasii-Pura-Patim Bhaja Vishvanaatham ||2||

Meaning:
2.1: (I Reverentially Bow down to Sri Vishwanatha) Who is the embodiment of many Gunas (Divine Attributes) which are beyond the Speech,
2.2: The Seat of Whose Divine Feet is served by Sri Brahma, Vishnu and Suras,
2.3: Who, by the Beautiful-Form of His Left-Half is one with His Consort,
2.4: Worship that Vishwanatha, Who is the Lord of the City of Kashi,

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Shiva
भूताधिपं भुजगभूषणभूषिताङ्गं
व्याघ्राजिनाम्बरधरं जटिलं त्रिनेत्रम्
पाशाङ्कुशाभयवरप्रदशूलपाणिं
वाराणसीपुरपतिं भज विश्वनाथम् ॥३॥
Bhuuta-Adhipam Bhujaga-Bhuussanna-Bhuussita-Anggam
Vyaaghra-Ajina-Ambara-Dharam Jattilam Tri-Netram |
Paasha-Angkusha-Abhaya-Vara-Prada-Shuula-Paannim
Vaaraannasii-Pura-Patim Bhaja Vishvanaatham ||3||

Meaning:
3.1: (I Reverentially Bow down to Sri Vishwanatha) Who is the Lord of the Beings and Whose Body is adorned with the ornaments of Serpents,
3.2: Who wear the Skin of a Tiger as His Garment, Whose Hair is Matted and Who has Three Eyes,
3.3: Who holds Pasha (Noose), Angkusha (Hook), grants Fearlessness and Boons, and holds His Trident in His Hand,
3.4: Worship that Vishwanatha, Who is the Lord of the City of Kashi,

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Shiva
शीतांशुशोभितकिरीटविराजमानं
भालेक्षणानलविशोषितपञ्चबाणम्
नागाधिपारचितभासुरकर्णपूरं
वाराणसीपुरपतिं भज विश्वनाथम् ॥४॥
Shiitaamshu-Shobhita-Kiriitta-Viraajamaanam
Bhaale[a-Ii]kssanna-Anala-Vishossita-Pan.cabaannam |
Naaga-Adhipa-[A]aracita-Bhaasura-Karnnapuuram
Vaaraannasii-Pura-Patim Bhaja Vishvanaatham ||4||

Meaning:
4.1: (I Reverentially Bow down to Sri Vishwanatha) The Shining Cool-Rayed Moon serves as Whose Diadem,
4.2: The Fire of Whose (Third) Eye from the Forehead consumed the Five Arrows (of Kamdeva),
4.3: The King of Serpents are Whose Shining Ear-Rings,
4.4: Worship that Vishwanatha, Who is the Lord of the City of Kashi,

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Shiva
पञ्चाननं दुरितमत्तमतङ्गजानां
नागान्तकं दनुजपुङ्गवपन्नगानाम्
दावानलं मरणशोकजराटवीनां
वाराणसीपुरपतिं भज विश्वनाथम् ॥५॥
Pan.caananam Durita-Matta-Matanggajaanaam
Naaga-Antakam Danuja-Punggava-Pannagaanaam |
Daavaanalam Maranna-Shoka-Jaraa-[A]ttaviinaam
Vaaraannasii-Pura-Patim Bhaja Vishvanaatham ||5||

Meaning:
5.1: (I Reverentially Bow down to Sri Vishwanatha) Who is like a Lion, subduing the Elephants of Sins and Passions (within us),
5.2: Who is like a Garuda, slaying the Serpents of Daityas (Demons) (within us),
5.3: Who is like a Forest Fire, burning the Forest of Sorrows of Death and Old Age (within us),
5.4: Worship that Vishwanatha, Who is the Lord of the City of Kashi,

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Shiva
तेजोमयं सगुणनिर्गुणमद्वितीयम्_
आनन्दकन्दमपराजितमप्रमेयम्
नागात्मकं सकलनिष्कलमात्मरूपं
वाराणसीपुरपतिं भज विश्वनाथम् ॥६॥
Tejomayam Sagunna-Nirgunnam-Advitiiyam_
Aananda-Kandam-Aparaajitam-Aprameyam
Naaga-[A]atmakam Sakala-Nisskalam-Aatmaruupam |
Vaaraannasii-Pura-Patim Bhaja Vishvanaatham ||6||

Meaning:
6.1: (I Reverentially Bow down to Sri Vishwanatha) Who is filled with Spiritual Splendour (Tejomaya), Who can assume a form with Gunas (Qualities or Attributes) as well as abide as the Non-dual expanse beyond all Gunas (Qualities or Attributes),
6.2: Whose essential nature overflows with Bliss which is Unsurpassed by anything and is beyond all Measures,
6.3: Whose body is adorned with Serpents, and Whose essential nature is merged in Atman, Complete and Undivided (expanse of Chidakasha),
6.4: Worship that Vishwanatha, Who is the Lord of the City of Kashi,

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Shiva
रागादिदोषरहितं स्वजनानुरागं
वैराग्यशान्तिनिलयं गिरिजासहायम्
माधुर्यधैर्यसुभगं गरलाभिरामं
वाराणसीपुरपतिं भज विश्वनाथम् ॥७॥
Raaga-[A]adi-Dossa-Rahitam Svajana-Anuraagam
Vairaagya-Shaanti-Nilayam Girijaa-Sahaayam |
Maadhurya-Dhairya-Subhagam Garala-Abhiraamam
Vaaraannasii-Pura-Patim Bhaja Vishvanaatham ||7||

Meaning:
7.1: (I Reverentially Bow down to Sri Vishwanatha) Who is free from all vices like Raga (Passion) and others, and Who is graceful to the Devotees,
7.2: Who is an abode of Peace born of Vairagya (freedom from Worldly Desires), and Whose Companion is Devi Girija (the Universal Shakti),
7.3: Who exhibits the Sweetness of Patience, Whose presence is Auspicious, and Whose Throat is beautifully adorned with the mark of Poison,
7.4: Worship that Vishwanatha, Who is the Lord of the City of Kashi,

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Shiva
आशां विहाय परिहृत्य परस्य निन्दां
पापे रतिं सुनिवार्य मनः समाधौ
आदाय हृत्कमलमध्यगतं परेशं
वाराणसीपुरपतिं भज विश्वनाथम् ॥८॥
Aashaam Vihaaya Parihrtya Parasya Nindaam
Paape Ratim Ca Sunivaarya Manah Samaadhau |
Aadaaya Hrt-Kamala-Madhyagatam Paresham
Vaaraannasii-Pura-Patim Bhaja Vishvanaatham ||8||

Meaning:
8.1: (I Reverentially Bow down to Sri Vishwanatha) Leaving behind all Desires, and keeping away from (the habit of) censuring others, ...
8.2: ... Restraining from Pleasure in Sins, merge the Mind in Meditation, ...
8.3: ... taking hold of the Supreme Being within the Lotus of the Heart,
8.4: Worship that Vishwanatha, Who is the Lord of the City of Kashi,

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Shiva
वाराणसीपुरपतेः स्तवनं शिवस्य
व्याख्यातमष्टकमिदं पठते मनुष्यः
विद्यां श्रियं विपुलसौख्यमनन्तकीर्तिं
सम्प्राप्य देहविलये लभते मोक्षम् ॥९॥
Vaaraannasii-Pura-Pateh Stavanam Shivasya
Vyaakhyaatam-Assttakam-Idam Patthate Manussyah
Vidyaam Shriyam Vipula-Saukhyam-Ananta-Kiirtim
Sampraapya Deha-Vilaye Labhate Ca Mokssam ||9||

Meaning:
9.1: (I Reverentially Bow down to Sri Vishwanatha) The Stava (Eulogy, Praise) of Shiva, the Lord of the City of Varanasi, ...
9.2: ... the Exposition of this Ashtakam (Hymn of Eight Verses), those Persons who recite, ...
9.3: ... Vidya (Learning, Knowledge), Sriya (Prosperity), abundant Joy and endless Fame ...
9.4: ... will be attained by them; and after their body falls (i.e. after death), they will attain Liberation.

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Note: Click over each Sanskrit word to get the meaning.
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Translated by greenmesg

Kashi Kshetra - Moksha Puri, Created by Lord Shiva, Vishwanatha Jyotirlinga and Varanasi Shakti Peetha:

Vishwanath Jyotirlinga Devi Vishalakshi - Kashi (Varanasi) (Moksha Puri) (Jyotirlinga) (Shakti Peetha)
(Varanasi district, Uttar Pradesh)

Shiva: Vishwanatha Jyotirlinga, Kalabhairava
Devi: Devi Vishalakshi , Devi Annapoorna, Devi Durga, Yogini
Vishnu: Bindu Madhava
Ganesha: Dhundiraj Vinayaka & others (56 Vinayakas)
Hanuman: Sankat Mochan Hanuman
Surya: Lolarka & others (12 Adityas)
Others: Dandapani Temple

- Kashi is the place created by Lord Shiva and where Lord Shiva abides as Vishwanatha Jyotirlinga.
- Kashi is the place where Devi abides as Varanasi Shakti Peetha.
- Kashi is the place where Lord Vishnu abides as Bindu Madhava.
- Kashi is the place where Sri Ganesha abides in 56 forms, the most famous of which is Dhundiraj Vinayaka.
- Kashi is the place where Surya deva abides in 12 forms, the most famous of which is Lolarka.

Sages: Agastya, Jaigishavya, Agnibindu, Shukracharya

- Kashi is the place where sage Agastya had his hermitage and from where he migrated towards the South to supress the rising Vindhya mountain.
- Kashi is the place where Lord Shiva gave darshan to sage Jaigishavya for his austerity of devotion towards Him.
- Kashi is the place where Lord Vishnu gave darshan to sage Agnibindu for his penance (Bindu Madhava form).
- Kashi is the place where sage Shukracharya performed penance and got the Mritasanjeevani Vidya from Lord Shiva.

Saints: Adi Shankaracharya, Trailanga Swami (Trailanga Swami Ashram), Baba Lokenath, Ramakrishna Paramahamsha

- Kashi is the place where Lord Shiva appeared before Sri Adi Shankaracharya (788 - 820 CE?) as a chandala with four dogs in order to test him.
- Kashi is the place where Sri Trailanga Swami (1607 - 1887 CE) lived for many years and performed many miraculous deeds.
- Kashi is the place where Baba Lokenath (1730 - 1890 CE) lived for sometime as a disciple of Sri Trailanga Swami.
- Kashi is the place where Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsha (1836 - 1886 CE) visited during his pilgrimage and met Sri Trailanga Swami. Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsha also had a vision of Lord Shiva imparting the Taraka mantra.

▬ River Ganga flows → Assi Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat (Aarti)
▬ River Varana flows
▬ River Asi flows

Related Festivals:
- Maha Shivaratri: Celebrates the cosmic union of Shiva and Shakti (Kashi Vishwanath)
- Bhairava Ashtami: Celebrates the manifestation of Lord Kalabhairava (Kashi Kalabhairava)
- Sharadiya Navaratri: Celebrates the victory of Devi Durga over demon Mahishasura (Good over Evil) (Kashi Vishalakshi) (Kashi Durga)
- Devi Annapoorna Puja and Annakut: Worships Devi Annapoorna; Large amounts of food (Annakut) are offered to Devi Annapoorna and free food is distributed to people (Kashi Annapoorna)
- Shayani Ekadasi: Marks the day when Lord Vishnu enters in the Yogic slumber; Marks the beginning of Chaturmasa (Kashi Bindu Madhav)
- Prabodhini Ekadasi: Marks the day when Lord Vishnu awakens from the Yogic slumber; Celebrations are held in Vaishnava temples (Kashi Bindu Madhav)
- Ganesh Chaturthi: Celebrates the appearance of Sri Ganesha (Kashi Vinayakas)
- Chhath Puja: Gratitude is expressed to Surya deva (Sun God), the visible manifestation of divinity, for the various life-sustaining blessings on Earth
- Ganga Dussehra: Celebrates the descent of river Ganga from Heaven to Earth (Ganga)
- Kartik Poornima: Holy Bathing in Sacred River (Ganga) (Dev Deepavali)

(Shiva Purana) (Skanda Purana - Kashi Khanda)
Sapta Mokshapuri Sloka
Creation of Kashi
(Skanda Purana - Kashi Khanda - 26)
Creation of Manikarnika in Kashi (Manikarnika Ghat)
(Skanda Purana - Kashi Khanda - 26)
Vishwanatha Jyotirlinga - Lord Shiva creating Kashi and abiding there as Avimukteshwara Linga (Vishwanatha Jyotirlinga)
(Shiva Purana - Koti Rudra Samhita - 22 to 23)
Varanasi Shakti Peetha: I meditate on the Varanasi Shakti Peetha where the Kundala (Ear-Ring) of Devi had fallen. The Devi there is known as Vishalakshi and the Bhairava is called Kalabhairava. (Devi Vishalakshi Temple)
(Peetha Nirnaya Tantra - Shakti Peetha Stotram - verse 30)
Advent of river Ganga in Kashi
(Skanda Purana - Kashi Khanda - 30)
Creation of Kalabhairava in Kashi (Kalabhairava Temple)
(Skanda Purana - Kashi Khanda - 31)
Appearance of Dandapani in Kashi (Dandapani Temple)
(Skanda Purana - Kashi Khanda - 32)
Appearance of 64 Yoginis in Kashi (Yogini Temple)
(Skanda Purana - Kashi Khanda - 45)
Appearance of 12 Adityas in Kashi (Lolorka Temple & others)
(Skanda Purana - Kashi Khanda - 46)
Appearance of Lord Brahma in Kashi (Yagnas in Dashashwamedh Ghat)
(Skanda Purana - Kashi Khanda - 52)
Appearance of Shiva Ganas in Kashi
(Skanda Purana - Kashi Khanda - 53 to 54)
Appearance of 56 Vinayakas in Kashi (Dhundiraj Vinayaka Temple & others)
(Skanda Purana - Kashi Khanda - 55 to 57)
Appearance of Lord Vishnu in Kashi (Bindu Madhav Temple)
(Skanda Purana - Kashi Khanda - 58, 60 to 61)



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Last updated on Apr-2026

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