The Damodar Ashtakam Stotra is a revered hymn dedicated to Lord Krishna, particularly in his child form known as Damodar. This devotional hymn, composed by the celebrated sage Satyavrata Muni, is chanted with deep reverence by devotees during the auspicious month of Kartik.
Each of the eight verses in the Damodar Ashtakam encapsulates the divine attributes and leelas (pastimes) of Lord Krishna, evoking a sense of profound devotion and spiritual elevation among the reciters.
The significance of this stotra lies not only in its poetic beauty but also in the powerful vibrations it is believed to generate, which cleanse the heart and mind of the devotees.
The term "Damodar" itself refers to the divine pastime where young Krishna was bound around his waist (dama) with a rope (udar) by his mother Yashoda, symbolizing his submissive love and devotion to his devotees.
This imagery beautifully captures the essence of Bhakti (devotional worship), showcasing the Lord's willingness to be controlled by the love of his devotees, despite being the supreme controller of the universe.
Reciting the Damodar Ashtakam during the month of Kartik, also known as the Damodar month, is considered especially auspicious.
Devotees light lamps and offer them to Lord Damodar, seeking his blessings and expressing their love and gratitude. This practice not only brings immense spiritual benefits but also fosters a deep connection with the divine, filling the heart with peace, joy, and divine love.
दामोदर अष्टकम स्तोत्र
नमामीश्वरं सच्-चिद्-आनन्द-रूपं
लसत्-कुण्डलं गोकुले भ्राजमनम्
यशोदा-भियोलूखलाद् धावमानं
परामृष्टम् अत्यन्ततो द्रुत्य गोप्या ॥ १॥
रुदन्तं मुहुर् नेत्र-युग्मं मृजन्तम्
कराम्भोज-युग्मेन सातङ्क-नेत्रम्
मुहुः श्वास-कम्प-त्रिरेखाङ्क-कण्ठ
स्थित-ग्रैवं दामोदरं भक्ति-बद्धम् ॥ २॥
इतीदृक् स्व-लीलाभिर् आनन्द-कुण्डे
स्व-घोषं निमज्जन्तम् आख्यापयन्तम्
तदीयेषित-ज्ञेषु भक्तैर् जितत्वं
पुनः प्रेमतस् तं शतावृत्ति वन्दे ॥ ३॥
वरं देव मोक्षं न मोक्षावधिं वा
न चन्यं वृणे ‘हं वरेषाद् अपीह
इदं ते वपुर् नाथ गोपाल-बालं
सदा मे मनस्य् आविरास्तां किम् अन्यैः ॥ ४॥
इदं ते मुखाम्भोजम् अत्यन्त-नीलैर्
वृतं कुन्तलैः स्निग्ध-रक्तैश् च गोप्या
मुहुश् चुम्बितं बिम्ब-रक्ताधरं मे
मनस्य् आविरास्ताम् अलं लक्ष-लाभैः ॥ ५॥
नमो देव दामोदरानन्त विष्णो
प्रसीद प्रभो दुःख-जालाब्धि-मग्नम्
कृपा-दृष्टि-वृष्ट्याति-दीनं बतानु
गृहाणेष माम् अज्ञम् एध्य् अक्षि-दृश्यः ॥ ६॥
कुवेरात्मजौ बद्ध-मूर्त्यैव यद्वत्
त्वया मोचितौ भक्ति-भाजौ कृतौ च
तथा प्रेम-भक्तिं स्वकां मे प्रयच्छ
न मोक्षे ग्रहो मे ‘स्ति दामोदरेह ॥ ७॥
नमस् ते ‘स्तु दाम्ने स्फुरद्-दीप्ति-धाम्ने
त्वदीयोदरायाथ विश्वस्य धाम्ने
नमो राधिकायै त्वदीय-प्रियायै
नमो ‘नन्त-लीलाय देवाय तुभ्यम् ॥ ८॥
Conclusion
In the tapestry of Vedic literature, the Damodar Ashtakam Stotra stands out as a hymn of profound devotion and spiritual depth. Its verses, imbued with the essence of divine love and surrender, serve as a beacon for devotees striving to deepen their connection with Lord Krishna.
Through the recitation of this stotra, especially during the sacred month of Kartik, devotees can experience a transformation in their spiritual journey, finding solace, strength, and inspiration in the boundless love of Damodar.
The enduring appeal of the Damodar Ashtakam lies in its ability to touch the heartstrings of devotees, reminding them of the tender, playful, and loving nature of Lord Krishna. It is a reminder that the divine is not distant or aloof but intimately involved in the lives of those who seek him with a pure heart.
As we immerse ourselves in the melodious and heartfelt recitation of this stotra, we open our hearts to the divine grace, allowing the light of Lord Damodar to dispel the darkness of ignorance and fill our lives with divine wisdom and bliss.