Swami Brahmananda
Concluding Verse
idam-yastu-nityam-sama-dhaya-chhitam
patthed-ashtakam-kantha-haram-murai-rah
sa-vishnor-vi-shokam-dhruvam-yaati-lokam
jara-janma-sokam-punar-vindante-no ||
Shri Hari Stotram, composed by Swami Brahmananda, is a divine hymn consisting of nine verses, each exuding profound devotion and praise for Lord Vishnu. This stotram glorifies the many divine attributes and manifestations of Lord Vishnu.
In the first verse, Swami Brahmananda invokes Shri Hari, the protector of the world, whose radiance is compared to the autumn moon, and who holds the power to vanquish powerful demons.
The second verse beautifully describes Shri Hari's omnipresence and radiant smile, akin to a newly bloomed flower, while emphasizing the brightness of His divine form.
The third verse reveres Lord Vishnu as the essence of the Vedas, residing in the cosmic ocean and supporting the weight of the Earth. His blissful form is depicted as eternally attractive.
The fourth verse adores Shri Hari's agelessness and his eternal state of supreme bliss. His youthful appearance is emphasized, along with His role as the creator of the universe.
In the fifth verse, the hymn acknowledges Lord Vishnu as the one praised in the Vedas, with the king of birds Garuda as His vehicle. He grants liberation and humbles the pride of His adversaries.
The sixth verse pays tribute to Shri Hari as the master of the divine realm and the essence of every atom in the universe. His form is likened to the clear sky, and He is depicted as being free from worldly entanglements.
In the seventh verse, Shri Hari is hailed as the mightiest among the deities, superior in all three worlds, and calm in times of war.
The eighth verse emphasizes Lord Vishnu's divine consort, Devi Laxmi, who accompanies Him as He rests upon the serpent Sheshnaag. His attainability through Yagya and His transcendence of worldly attachments are lauded.
In the ninth and final verse, Swami Brahmananda describes these eight verses as a garland that adorns Shri Hari's neck. Recitation of these verses is said to lead the devotee to Vaikuntha, freeing them from suffering, grief, old age, birth, and death.
This divine composition captures the essence of devotion and reverence for Shri Hari, bringing solace and spiritual upliftment to those who recite it.
In Swami Brahmananda's divine composition, the Shri Hari Stotram, nine verses come together to create a tapestry of devotion and reverence for Lord Vishnu, also known as Shri Hari. These verses paint a vivid portrait of the supreme deity's many divine attributes and manifestations. The hymn follows a rhythmic and poetic structure, each verse exuding profound spirituality.
The hymn commences with an invocation to Shri Hari, the protector of the world, who is adorned with a radiant forehead akin to the autumn moon. He is the eternal vanquisher of powerful demons, His divine form likened to the vast expanse of the blue sky. The mention of His divine consort, Padma (an epithet for Devi Laxmi), adds a touch of divine love and partnership.
Verse after verse, Swami Brahmananda glorifies Shri Hari's omnipresence, radiant smile, and the eternal sunshine of His divine countenance. He is the ultimate source of cosmic balance and is praised for His compassionate presence throughout the universe. The hymn paints a picture of a divine being who possesses unparalleled radiance and beauty.
Shri Hari's significance in upholding the Vedic knowledge and supporting the world is celebrated. His eternal youth and the role He plays as the creator of the universe are highlighted. The verses establish His timeless existence in a state of supreme bliss and transcendental meditation.
The Shri Hari Stotram underscores Lord Vishnu's role as the harbinger of liberation and the vanquisher of arrogance and pride. As the ultimate source of the universe, He relieves the suffering of all living beings.
Swami Brahmananda's hymn pays homage to the mighty master of deities, Shri Hari, who remains calm even in the face of adversity. The worshipful verses emphasize His unique place in the divine realm.
The concluding verses glorify Lord Vishnu's divine consort, Devi Laxmi, and emphasize His attainability through Yagya (sacrificial offerings). He is described as free from worldly attachments and transcending the three gunas (qualities).
In the closing verse, Swami Brahmananda likens these eight verses to a garland adorning Shri Hari's neck. He declares that reciting these verses leads to the ultimate liberation, freeing devotees from suffering, grief, old age, birth, and death. The divine hymn captures the essence of devotion and serves as a source of solace and spiritual upliftment for all who recite it.
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