Thodakashtakam

                                               By

                               Ananda Giri (Thodagacharya)

                                 Disciple of Adhi Sankara

                                       Translated by

                                     P.R.Ramachander

 

Vidhithakhila sasthra sudha Jaladhe

Mahithopanishath kadithartha nidhe,

Hrudaye kalaye vimalam charanam,

Bhaja Sankara desiga may saranam.                     1

 

I praise and seek the protection of Sankara,

Who is the ocean of nectar of our great holy books,

And who is like the Treasure

Of the essence of the great Upanishads,

And  I meditate on  his clear holy feet in my heart.

 

Koruna vernally playa mama,

Brava samara dacha  videoing Rodham,

Rachayakhila  darsana Thathwa vidham,

Bhaja Sankara desiga may  saranam.                     2

 

I praise and seek the  protection of Sankara,

Who is the great ocean of mercy,

And seek protection for  me , who has suffered  deep sorrow,

In the ocean of day to day life,

And also request to make me,

Know all the schools of our philosophy.

 

Bhavatha janatha suhitha bhavitha,

Nija bodha  vicharana charumathe,

Kalayeshwara  jeeva viveka vidham,

Bhaja Sankara desiga may  saranam.                     3

 

I praise and seek the  protection of Sankara,

Because of whom the world has a pleasant life,

Oh great soul who can teach the great knowledge,

Make me understand the knowledge of the soul.

 

Bhava eva bhavanihi may nitharam,

Samajayatha chethasi kauthukitha,

Mama vaaraya moha maha  jaladhim,

Bhaja Sankara desiga may  saranam.                     4

 

I praise and seek the  protection of Sankara,

When I understood it is him,

I became ecstasic with happiness,

And requested,  please dry the ocean of passion in me.

 

Sukruthe adhikruthe bahudha bhavatha,

Bhavitha sama darshana lalasatha,

Athi deenamimam paripalaya maam,

Bhaja Sankara desiga may  saranam.                     5

 

I praise and seek the  protection of Sankara,

When the good deeds accumulate and become more,

Like you,  my mind would see everything as equal,

Please give protection to this very lowly me.

 

Jagathi avithum  kalitha kruthayo,

Vicharanthi  mahaa maha saschalatha,

Ahimmsurivathra vibhasi pura,

Bhaja Sankara desiga may  saranam.                     6

 

I praise and seek the  protection of Sankara,

Those who are born to protect this world,

And who are like a burning  flame,

Roam everywhere without any one’s knowledge,

But you shine before me like the Sun God

 

Guru pungava pungava kethana they,

Samayamayatham  nahi ko api sudhi,

Saranagatha vathsala Thathwa nidhe,

Bhaja Sankara desiga may  saranam.                     7

 

I praise and seek the  protection of Sankara,

Who is the teacher among teachers

Who does not have any equal,

Who is the treasure house of Philosophy

And who is merciful to those who seek his blessings.

 

Vidhitha na maya visadhaika kala,

Na cha kinchana  kanchanamasthi guro,

Dhruthameva videhi krupaam sahajam,

Bhaja Sankara desiga may  saranam.                     8

 

I praise and seek the  protection of Sankara,

And request him to shower his natural grace fast on me,

Who does not posses expertise in any branch,

And who does not even a small piece of wealth(gold?)

 

P.S.This URL contains another translation and also detailed commentaries on each and every stanza.

http://www.geocities.com/srigant/SriThotakastakam.htm