Complete Guide to Yajnavalkya Saraswati Stotram
Introduction to Yajnavalkya Saraswati Stotram
Yajnavalkya Saraswati Stotram is a profound hymn composed by the legendary Vedic sage Yajnavalkya, one of the greatest philosophers and seers of ancient India. This stotram represents Yajnavalkya's deep devotion to Goddess Saraswati, whose grace enabled him to receive the Shukla Yajurveda directly from the Sun God and compose the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad.
Spiritual Significance of Yajnavalkya Saraswati Stotram
Sage Yajnavalkya is celebrated in Hindu tradition for his unparalleled mastery of scriptural knowledge and philosophical debate. His composition in praise of Goddess Saraswati carries the spiritual authority of one who directly experienced the highest truths. This stotram is particularly beneficial for students of Vedanta and those pursuing advanced spiritual knowledge.
Yajnavalkya Saraswati Stotram Lyrics
॥ श्री सरस्वती स्तोत्रम् | वाणी स्तवनं ॥
॥ याज्ञवल्क्य उवाच ॥
कृपां कुरु जगन्मातर्मामेवंहततेजसम्।
गुरुशापात्स्मृतिभ्रष्टं विद्याहीनंच दुःखितम्॥1॥
ज्ञानं देहि स्मृतिं देहिविद्यां देहि देवते।
प्रतिष्ठां कवितां देहिशाक्तं शिष्यप्रबोधिकाम्॥2॥
ग्रन्थनिर्मितिशक्तिं चसच्छिष्यं सुप्रतिष्ठितम्।
प्रतिभां सत्सभायां चविचारक्षमतां शुभाम्॥3॥
लुप्तां सर्वां दैववशान्नवंकुरु पुनः पुनः।
यथाऽङ्कुरं जनयतिभगवान्योगमायया॥4॥
ब्रह्मस्वरूपा परमाज्योतिरूपा सनातनी।
सर्वविद्याधिदेवी यातस्यै वाण्यै नमो नमः॥5॥
यया विना जगत्सर्वंशश्वज्जीवन्मृतं सदा।
ज्ञानाधिदेवी या तस्यैसरस्वत्यै नमो नमः॥6॥
यया विना जगत्सर्वंमूकमुन्मत्तवत्सदा।
वागधिष्ठातृदेवी यातस्यै वाण्यै नमो नमः॥7॥
हिमचन्दनकुन्देन्दुकुमुदाम्भोजसंनिभा।
वर्णाधिदेवी यातस्यै चाक्षरायै नमो नमः॥8॥
विसर्ग बिन्दुमात्राणांयदधिष्ठानमेव च।
इत्थं त्वं गीयसेसद्भिर्भारत्यै ते नमो नमः॥9॥
यया विनाऽत्र संख्याकृत्संख्यांकर्तुं न शक्नुते।
काल संख्यास्वरूपा यातस्यै देव्यै नमो नमः॥10॥
व्याख्यास्वरूपा या देवीव्याख्याधिष्ठातृदेवता।
भ्रमसिद्धान्तरूपा यातस्यै देव्यै नमो नमः॥11॥
स्मृतिशक्तिर्ज्ञानशक्तिर्बुद्धिशक्तिस्वरूपिणी।
प्रतिभाकल्पनाशक्तिर्या चतस्यै नमो नमः॥12॥
सनत्कुमारो ब्रह्माणं ज्ञानंपप्रच्छ यत्र वै।
बभूव जडवत्सोऽपिसिद्धान्तं कर्तुमक्षमः॥13॥
तदाऽऽजगाम भगवानात्माश्रीकृष्ण ईश्वरः।
उवाच स च तं स्तौहिवाणीमिति प्रजापते॥14॥
स च तुष्टाव तां ब्रह्माचाऽऽज्ञया परमात्मनः।
चकार तत्प्रसादेनतदा सिद्धान्तमुत्तमम्॥15॥
यदाप्यनन्तं पप्रच्छज्ञानमेकं वसुन्धरा।
बभूव मूकवत्सोऽपिसिद्धान्तं कर्तुमक्षमः॥16॥
तदा त्वां च स तुष्टावसन्त्रस्तः कश्यपाज्ञया।
ततश्चकार सिद्धान्तंनिर्मलं भ्रमभञ्जनम्॥17॥
व्यासः पुराणसूत्रं चपप्रच्छ वाल्मिकिं यदा।
मौनीभूतः स सस्मारत्वामेव जगदम्बिकाम्॥18॥
तदा चकार सिद्धान्तंत्वद्वरेण मुनीश्वरः।
स प्राप निर्मलं ज्ञानंप्रमादध्वंसकारणम्॥19॥
पुराण सूत्रं श्रुत्वा सव्यासः कृष्णकलोद्भवः।
त्वां सिषेवे च दध्यौ तंशतवर्षं च पुष्क्करे॥20॥
तदा त्वत्तो वरं प्राप्यस कवीन्द्रो बभूव ह।
तदा वेदविभागं चपुराणानि चकार ह॥21॥
यदा महेन्द्रे पप्रच्छतत्त्वज्ञानं शिवा शिवम्।
क्षणं त्वामेव सञ्चिन्त्यतस्यै ज्ञानं दधौ विभुः॥22॥
पप्रच्छ शब्दशास्त्रं चमहेन्द्रस्च बृहस्पतिम्।
दिव्यं वर्षसहस्रं चस त्वां दध्यौ च पुष्करे॥23॥
तदा त्वत्तो वरं प्राप्यदिव्यं वर्षसहस्रकम्।
उवाच शब्दशास्त्रं चतदर्थं च सुरेश्वरम्॥24॥
अध्यापिताश्च यैः शिष्याःयैरधीतं मुनीश्वरैः।
ते च त्वां परिसञ्चिन्त्यप्रवर्तन्ते सुरेश्वरि॥25॥
त्वं संस्तुता पूजिताच मुनीन्द्रमनुमानवैः।
दैत्यैश्च सुरैश्चापिब्रह्मविष्णुशिवादिभिः॥26॥
जडीभूतः सहस्रास्यःपञ्चवक्त्रश्चतुर्मुखः।
यां स्तोतुं किमहं स्तौमितामेकास्येन मानवः॥27॥
इत्युक्त्वा याज्ञवल्क्यश्चभक्तिनम्रात्मकन्धरः।
प्रणनाम निराहारोरुरोद च मुहुर्मुहुः॥28॥
तदा ज्योतिः स्वरूपा सातेनाऽदृष्टाऽप्युवाच तम्।
सुकवीन्द्रो भवेत्युक्त्वावैकुण्ठं च जगाम ह॥29॥
महामूर्खश्च दुर्मेधावर्षमेकं च यः पठेत्।
स पण्डितश्च मेधावीसुकविश्च भवेद्ध्रुवम्॥30॥
॥ इति श्रीब्रह्मवैवर्ते महापुराणे प्रकृतिखण्डे नारदनारायणसंवादे
याज्ञवल्क्योक्त वाणीस्तवनं नाम पञ्चमोऽध्यायः संपूर्णं ॥
॥ Shri Sarasvati Stotram | Vani Stavanam ॥
॥ Yajnavalkya Uvacha ॥
Kripam Kuru JaganmatarmamevamHatatejasam।
Gurushapatsmritibhrashtam VidyahinamCha Duhkhitam॥1॥
Jnanam Dehi Smritim DehiVidyam Dehi Devate।
Pratishtham Kavitam DehiShaktam Shishyaprabodhikam॥2॥
Granthanirmitishaktim ChaSachchhishyam Supratishthitam।
Pratibham Satsabhayam ChaVicharakshamatam Shubham॥3॥
Luptam Sarvam DaivavashannavamKuru Punah Punah।
Yathaankuram JanayatiBhagavanyogamayaya॥4॥
Brahmasvarupa ParamaJyotirupa Sanatani।
Sarvavidyadhidevi YaTasyai Vanyai Namo Namah॥5॥
Yaya Vina JagatsarvamShashvajjivanmritam Sada।
Jnanadhidevi Ya TasyaiSarasvatyai Namo Namah॥6॥
Yaya Vina JagatsarvamMukamunmattavatsada।
Vagadhishthatridevi YaTasyai Vanyai Namo Namah॥7॥
HimachandanakundenduKumudambhojasamnibha।
Varnadhidevi YaTasyai Chaksharayai Namo Namah॥8॥
Visarga BindumatranamYadadhishthanameva Cha।
Ittham Tvam GiyaseSadbhirbharatyai Te Namo Namah॥9॥
Yaya Vinaatra SamkhyakritsamkhyamKartum Na Shaknute।
Kala Samkhyasvarupa YaTasyai Devyai Namo Namah॥10॥
Vyakhyasvarupa Ya DeviVyakhyadhishthatridevata।
Bhramasiddhantarupa YaTasyai Devyai Namo Namah॥11॥
SmritishaktirjnanashaktiRbuddhishaktisvarupini।
Pratibhakalpanashaktirya ChaTasyai Namo Namah॥12॥
Sanatkumaro Brahmanam JnanamPaprachchha Yatra Vai।
Babhuva JadavatsoapiSiddhantam Kartumakshamah॥13॥
Tadaaajagama BhagavanatmaShrikrishna Ishvarah।
Uvacha Sa Cha Tam StauhiVanimiti Prajapate॥14॥
Sa Cha Tushtava Tam BrahmaChaaajnaya Paramatmanah।
Chakara TatprasadenaTada Siddhantamuttamam॥15॥
Yadapyanantam PaprachchhaJnanamekam Vasundhara।
Babhuva MukavatsoapiSiddhantam Kartumakshamah॥16॥
Tada Tvam Cha Sa TushtavaSantrastah Kashyapajnaya।
Tatashchakara SiddhantamNirmalam Bhramabhanjanam॥17॥
Vyasah Puranasutram ChaPaprachchha Valmikim Yada।
Maunibhutah Sa SasmaraTvameva Jagadambikam॥18॥
Tada Chakara SiddhantamTvadvarena Munishvarah।
Sa Prapa Nirmalam JnanamPramadadhvamsakaranam॥19॥
Purana Sutram Shrutva SaVyasah Krishnakalodbhavah।
Tvam Sisheve Cha Dadhyau TamShatavarsham Cha Pushkkare॥20॥
Tada Tvatto Varam PrapyaSa Kavindro Babhuva Ha।
Tada Vedavibhagam ChaPuranani Chakara Ha॥21॥
Yada Mahendre PaprachchhaTattvajnanam Shiva Shivam।
Kshanam Tvameva SanchintyaTasyai Jnanam Dadhau Vibhuh॥22॥
Paprachchha Shabdashastram ChaMahendrascha Brihaspatim।
Divyam Varshasahasram ChaSa Tvam Dadhyau Cha Pushkare॥23॥
Tada Tvatto Varam PrapyaDivyam Varshasahasrakam।
Uvacha Shabdashastram ChaTadartham Cha Sureshvaram॥24॥
Adhyapitashcha Yaih ShishyahYairadhitam Munishvaraih।
Te Cha Tvam ParisanchintyaPravartante Sureshvari॥25॥
Tvam Samstuta PujitaCha Munindramanumanavaih।
Daityaishcha SuraishchapiBrahmavishnushivadibhih॥26॥
Jadibhutah SahasrasyahPanchavaktrashchaturmukhah।
Yam Stotum Kimaham StaumiTamekasyena Manavah॥27॥
Ityuktva YajnavalkyashchaBhaktinamratmakandharah।
Prananama NiraharoRuroda Cha Muhurmuhuh॥28॥
Tada Jyotih Svarupa SaTenaadrishtaapyuvacha Tam।
Sukavindro BhavetyuktvaVaikuntham Cha Jagama Ha॥29॥
Mahamurkhashcha DurmedhaVarshamekam Cha Yah Pathet।
Sa Panditashcha MedhaviSukavishcha Bhaveddhruvam॥30॥
॥ Iti Shribrahmavaivarte Mahapurane Prakritikhande Naradanarayanasamvade
Yajnavalkyokta Vanistavanam Nama Panchamoadhyayah Sampurnam ॥
Verse-by-Verse Meaning of Yajnavalkya Saraswati Stotram (Vani Stavanam)
1 First Verse
कृपां कुरु जगन्मातर्मामेवं हततेजसम्।
गुरुशापात्स्मृतिभ्रष्टं विद्याहीनं च दुःखितम्॥
गुरुशापात्स्मृतिभ्रष्टं विद्याहीनं च दुःखितम्॥
Word Meanings: कृपाम् (Kripam) = mercy; कुरु (Kuru) = bestow; जगन्मातः (Jaganmatah) = O Mother of the world; माम् (Mam) = me; एवम् (Evam) = thus; हततेजसम् (Hata-tejasam) = whose radiance is diminished; गुरुशापात् (Guru-shapat) = from the guru's curse; स्मृतिभ्रष्टम् (Smriti-bhrashtam) = whose memory is lost; विद्याहीनम् (Vidya-hinam) = devoid of knowledge; दुःखितम् (Duhkhitam) = sorrowful
Translation: (Yajnavalkya said:) O Mother of the world, bestow Your mercy upon me — I whose radiance is diminished, whose memory is lost due to my guru's curse, who is devoid of knowledge and sorrowful.
2 Second Verse
ज्ञानं देहि स्मृतिं देहि विद्यां देहि देवते।
प्रतिष्ठां कवितां देहि शक्तं शिष्यप्रबोधिकाम्॥
प्रतिष्ठां कवितां देहि शक्तं शिष्यप्रबोधिकाम्॥
Word Meanings: ज्ञानम् (Jnanam) = knowledge; देहि (Dehi) = give; स्मृतिम् (Smritim) = memory; विद्याम् (Vidyam) = learning; देवते (Devate) = O Goddess; प्रतिष्ठाम् (Pratishtham) = reputation; कविताम् (Kavitam) = poetic ability; शक्तम् (Shaktam) = power; शिष्यप्रबोधिकाम् (Shishya-prabodhikam) = the ability to awaken/teach disciples
Translation: Give me knowledge, give me memory, give me learning, O Goddess! Give me reputation, poetic ability, and the power to enlighten disciples.
3 Third Verse
ग्रन्थनिर्मितिशक्तिं च सच्छिष्यं सुप्रतिष्ठितम्।
प्रतिभां सत्सभायां च विचारक्षमतां शुभाम्॥
प्रतिभां सत्सभायां च विचारक्षमतां शुभाम्॥
Word Meanings: ग्रन्थनिर्मितिशक्तिम् (Grantha-nirmiti-shaktim) = the power to compose texts; सच्छिष्यम् (Sachchhishyam) = good disciples; सुप्रतिष्ठितम् (Supratishthitam) = well-established; प्रतिभाम् (Pratibham) = brilliance/talent; सत्सभायाम् (Satsabhayam) = in a noble assembly; विचारक्षमताम् (Vichara-kshamatam) = the capacity for reasoning; शुभाम् (Shubham) = auspicious
Translation: (Give me) the power to compose texts, well-established good disciples, brilliance in noble assemblies, and the auspicious capacity for reasoning.
4 Fourth Verse
लुप्तां सर्वां दैववशान्नवं कुरु पुनः पुनः।
यथाऽङ्कुरं जनयति भगवान्योगमायया॥
यथाऽङ्कुरं जनयति भगवान्योगमायया॥
Word Meanings: लुप्ताम् (Luptam) = what is lost; सर्वाम् (Sarvam) = all; दैववशात् (Daiva-vashat) = by fate; नवम् (Navam) = new; कुरु (Kuru) = make; पुनः पुनः (Punah punah) = again and again; यथा (Yatha) = just as; अङ्कुरम् (Ankuram) = a sprout; जनयति (Janayati) = generates; भगवान् (Bhagavan) = the Lord; योगमायया (Yogamayaya) = by the power of Yogamaya
Translation: Make new again and again all that has been lost by fate — just as the Lord generates a fresh sprout through the power of Yogamaya.
5 Fifth Verse
ब्रह्मस्वरूपा परमा ज्योतिरूपा सनातनी।
सर्वविद्याधिदेवी या तस्यै वाण्यै नमो नमः॥
सर्वविद्याधिदेवी या तस्यै वाण्यै नमो नमः॥
Word Meanings: ब्रह्मस्वरूपा (Brahma-svarupa) = whose nature is Brahman; परमा (Parama) = supreme; ज्योतिरूपा (Jyotirupa) = of the form of light; सनातनी (Sanatani) = eternal; सर्वविद्याधिदेवी (Sarva-vidya-adhi-devi) = the presiding deity of all knowledge; तस्यै (Tasyai) = to her; वाण्यै (Vanyai) = to Vani (Saraswati); नमो नमः (Namo namah) = salutations again and again
Translation: Salutations again and again to that Vani (Saraswati), whose nature is Brahman, who is supreme, of the form of light, eternal — the presiding deity of all knowledge.
6 Sixth Verse
यया विना जगत्सर्वं शश्वज्जीवन्मृतं सदा।
ज्ञानाधिदेवी या तस्यै सरस्वत्यै नमो नमः॥
ज्ञानाधिदेवी या तस्यै सरस्वत्यै नमो नमः॥
Word Meanings: यया (Yaya) = without whom; विना (Vina) = without; जगत् सर्वम् (Jagat sarvam) = the entire world; शश्वत् (Shashvat) = forever; जीवन्मृतम् (Jivan-mritam) = alive yet dead; सदा (Sada) = always; ज्ञानाधिदेवी (Jnana-adhi-devi) = the presiding deity of knowledge; तस्यै (Tasyai) = to her; सरस्वत्यै (Sarasvatyai) = to Saraswati
Translation: Salutations to that Saraswati, the presiding deity of knowledge, without whom the entire world would forever be alive yet dead.
7 Seventh Verse
यया विना जगत्सर्वं मूकमुन्मत्तवत्सदा।
वागधिष्ठातृदेवी या तस्यै वाण्यै नमो नमः॥
वागधिष्ठातृदेवी या तस्यै वाण्यै नमो नमः॥
Word Meanings: मूकम् (Mukam) = mute; उन्मत्तवत् (Unmattavat) = like a madman; वागधिष्ठातृदेवी (Vag-adhishtatri-devi) = the presiding deity of speech
Translation: Salutations to that Vani, the presiding deity of speech, without whom the entire world would be forever mute and senseless like a madman.
8 Eighth Verse
हिमचन्दनकुन्देन्दु कुमुदाम्भोजसंनिभा।
वर्णाधिदेवी या तस्यै चाक्षरायै नमो नमः॥
वर्णाधिदेवी या तस्यै चाक्षरायै नमो नमः॥
Word Meanings: हिमचन्दनकुन्देन्दुकुमुदाम्भोजसंनिभा (Hima-chandana-kundendu-kumuda-ambhoja-sannibha) = resembling snow, sandalwood, jasmine, moon, lily, and lotus; वर्णाधिदेवी (Varna-adhi-devi) = presiding deity of letters/syllables; चाक्षरायै (Chaksharayai) = to the imperishable one/to the one of letters
Translation: Salutations to that imperishable one, the presiding deity of letters, who resembles snow, sandalwood, jasmine, moon, lily, and lotus in her radiance.
9 Ninth Verse
विसर्ग बिन्दुमात्राणां यदधिष्ठानमेव च।
इत्थं त्वं गीयसे सद्भिः भारत्यै ते नमो नमः॥
इत्थं त्वं गीयसे सद्भिः भारत्यै ते नमो नमः॥
Word Meanings: विसर्ग (Visarga) = visarga (aspiration mark); बिन्दु (Bindu) = anusvara (nasal dot); मात्राणाम् (Matranam) = of metrical units; यदधिष्ठानम् (Yad-adhishthanam) = whose foundation/basis; इत्थम् (Ittham) = thus; त्वम् (Tvam) = you; गीयसे (Giyase) = are praised; सद्भिः (Sadbhih) = by the wise; भारत्यै (Bharatyai) = to Bharati
Translation: You are the foundation of visarga, bindu, and all metrical units. Thus You are praised by the wise — salutations to You, O Bharati!
10 Tenth Verse
यया विनाऽत्र संख्याकृत् संख्यां कर्तुं न शक्नुते।
काल संख्यास्वरूपा या तस्यै देव्यै नमो नमः॥
काल संख्यास्वरूपा या तस्यै देव्यै नमो नमः॥
Word Meanings: यया विना (Yaya vina) = without whom; संख्याकृत् (Samkhyakrit) = the counter/mathematician; संख्याम् (Samkhyam) = counting; कर्तुम् (Kartum) = to do; न शक्नुते (Na shaknute) = is unable; कालसंख्यास्वरूपा (Kala-samkhya-svarupa) = whose form is time and number; तस्यै देव्यै (Tasyai devyai) = to that Goddess
Translation: Salutations to that Goddess whose very form is time and number — without whom even the mathematician cannot count.
11 Eleventh Verse
व्याख्यास्वरूपा या देवी व्याख्याधिष्ठातृदेवता।
भ्रमसिद्धान्तरूपा या तस्यै देव्यै नमो नमः॥
भ्रमसिद्धान्तरूपा या तस्यै देव्यै नमो नमः॥
Word Meanings: व्याख्यास्वरूपा (Vyakhya-svarupa) = whose form is exposition/commentary; व्याख्याधिष्ठातृदेवता (Vyakhya-adhishtatri-devata) = the presiding deity of exposition; भ्रमसिद्धान्तरूपा (Bhrama-siddhanta-rupa) = whose form is the principle that dispels doubt/error
Translation: Salutations to that Goddess whose form is exposition, who is the presiding deity of commentary, and whose form is the principle that dispels doubt and confusion.
12 Twelfth Verse
स्मृतिशक्तिर्ज्ञानशक्तिर्बुद्धिशक्तिस्वरूपिणी।
प्रतिभाकल्पनाशक्तिर्या च तस्यै नमो नमः॥
प्रतिभाकल्पनाशक्तिर्या च तस्यै नमो नमः॥
Word Meanings: स्मृतिशक्तिः (Smriti-shaktih) = the power of memory; ज्ञानशक्तिः (Jnana-shaktih) = the power of knowledge; बुद्धिशक्तिस्वरूपिणी (Buddhi-shakti-svarupini) = whose form is the power of intellect; प्रतिभाकल्पनाशक्तिः (Pratibha-kalpana-shaktih) = the power of imagination and creativity
Translation: Salutations to her who is the power of memory, the power of knowledge, the very form of the power of intellect, and the power of imagination and creativity.
13 Thirteenth Verse
सनत्कुमारो ब्रह्माणं ज्ञानं पप्रच्छ यत्र वै।
बभूव जडवत्सोऽपि सिद्धान्तं कर्तुमक्षमः॥
बभूव जडवत्सोऽपि सिद्धान्तं कर्तुमक्षमः॥
Word Meanings: सनत्कुमारः (Sanatkumarah) = Sanatkumara; ब्रह्माणम् (Brahmanam) = Brahma; ज्ञानम् (Jnanam) = knowledge; पप्रच्छ (Paprachchha) = asked; यत्र (Yatra) = where; बभूव (Babhuva) = became; जडवत् (Jadavat) = like an inert being; सः अपि (Sah api) = even he; सिद्धान्तम् (Siddhantam) = conclusion/doctrine; कर्तुम् (Kartum) = to make; अक्षमः (Akshamah) = unable
Translation: When Sanatkumara asked Brahma about knowledge, even Brahma became inert and unable to formulate a doctrine (without Saraswati's grace).
14 Fourteenth Verse
तदाऽऽजगाम भगवान् आत्मा श्रीकृष्ण ईश्वरः।
उवाच स च तं स्तौहि वाणीमिति प्रजापते॥
उवाच स च तं स्तौहि वाणीमिति प्रजापते॥
Word Meanings: तदा (Tada) = then; आजगाम (Ajagama) = came; भगवान् (Bhagavan) = the Lord; आत्मा (Atma) = the Self; श्रीकृष्णः (Shrikrishnah) = Lord Krishna; ईश्वरः (Ishvarah) = the Supreme Lord; उवाच (Uvacha) = said; स्तौहि (Stauhi) = praise; वाणीम् (Vanim) = Vani (Saraswati); प्रजापते (Prajapate) = O Prajapati (Brahma)
Translation: Then Lord Krishna, the Supreme Self, came and said to Brahma: "O Prajapati, praise Vani (Saraswati)!"
15 Fifteenth Verse
स च तुष्टाव तां ब्रह्मा चाऽऽज्ञया परमात्मनः।
चकार तत्प्रसादेन तदा सिद्धान्तमुत्तमम्॥
चकार तत्प्रसादेन तदा सिद्धान्तमुत्तमम्॥
Word Meanings: तुष्टाव (Tushtava) = praised; ब्रह्मा (Brahma) = Brahma; आज्ञया (Ajnaya) = by the command; परमात्मनः (Paramatmanah) = of the Supreme Self; चकार (Chakara) = made/composed; तत्प्रसादेन (Tat-prasadena) = by her grace; सिद्धान्तम् उत्तमम् (Siddhantam uttamam) = the supreme doctrine
Translation: Then Brahma praised her by the command of the Supreme Self, and by her grace composed the supreme doctrine.
16 Sixteenth Verse
यदाप्यनन्तं पप्रच्छ ज्ञानमेकं वसुन्धरा।
बभूव मूकवत्सोऽपि सिद्धान्तं कर्तुमक्षमः॥
बभूव मूकवत्सोऽपि सिद्धान्तं कर्तुमक्षमः॥
Word Meanings: अनन्तम् (Anantam) = Ananta (the infinite serpent Shesha); पप्रच्छ (Paprachchha) = asked; ज्ञानम् एकम् (Jnanam ekam) = about the one knowledge; वसुन्धरा (Vasundhara) = the Earth; मूकवत् (Mukavat) = like a mute
Translation: When the Earth asked Ananta (Shesha) about the one supreme knowledge, even he became mute, unable to formulate a doctrine (without Saraswati's grace).
17 Seventeenth Verse
तदा त्वां च स तुष्टाव सन्त्रस्तः कश्यपाज्ञया।
ततश्चकार सिद्धान्तं निर्मलं भ्रमभञ्जनम्॥
ततश्चकार सिद्धान्तं निर्मलं भ्रमभञ्जनम्॥
Word Meanings: तुष्टाव (Tushtava) = praised; सन्त्रस्तः (Santrastah) = agitated/humbled; कश्यपाज्ञया (Kashyapajnaya) = by Kashyapa's command; सिद्धान्तम् (Siddhantam) = doctrine; निर्मलम् (Nirmalam) = pure; भ्रमभञ्जनम् (Bhrama-bhanjanam) = confusion-dispelling
Translation: Then, humbled, he praised You by Kashyapa's command, and thereafter composed a pure, confusion-dispelling doctrine.
18 Eighteenth Verse
व्यासः पुराणसूत्रं च पप्रच्छ वाल्मिकिं यदा।
मौनीभूतः स सस्मार त्वामेव जगदम्बिकाम्॥
मौनीभूतः स सस्मार त्वामेव जगदम्बिकाम्॥
Word Meanings: व्यासः (Vyasah) = Vyasa; पुराणसूत्रम् (Purana-sutram) = the aphorisms of the Puranas; पप्रच्छ (Paprachchha) = asked; वाल्मिकिम् (Valmikim) = Valmiki; मौनीभूतः (Maunibhutah) = became silent; सस्मार (Sasmara) = remembered; त्वाम् एव (Tvam eva) = You alone; जगदम्बिकाम् (Jagadambikam) = O Mother of the world
Translation: When Vyasa asked Valmiki about the Purana aphorisms, Valmiki became silent and remembered You alone, O Mother of the world.
19 Nineteenth Verse
तदा चकार सिद्धान्तं त्वद्वरेण मुनीश्वरः।
स प्राप निर्मलं ज्ञानं प्रमादध्वंसकारणम्॥
स प्राप निर्मलं ज्ञानं प्रमादध्वंसकारणम्॥
Word Meanings: तदा (Tada) = then; चकार (Chakara) = made/composed; सिद्धान्तम् (Siddhantam) = doctrine; त्वद्वरेण (Tvadvarena) = by Your boon; मुनीश्वरः (Munishvarah) = the chief sage; प्राप (Prapa) = obtained; निर्मलम् ज्ञानम् (Nirmalam jnanam) = pure knowledge; प्रमादध्वंसकारणम् (Pramada-dhvamsa-karanam) = cause of the destruction of negligence
Translation: Then the great sage composed the doctrine by Your boon, and obtained pure knowledge that destroys negligence.
20 Twentieth Verse
पुराण सूत्रं श्रुत्वा स व्यासः कृष्णकलोद्भवः।
त्वां सिषेवे च दध्यौ तं शतवर्षं च पुष्करे॥
त्वां सिषेवे च दध्यौ तं शतवर्षं च पुष्करे॥
Word Meanings: श्रुत्वा (Shrutva) = having heard; व्यासः (Vyasah) = Vyasa; कृष्णकलोद्भवः (Krishna-kala-udbhavah) = born from Krishna's aspect; त्वाम् (Tvam) = You; सिषेवे (Sisheve) = served; दध्यौ (Dadhyau) = meditated; शतवर्षम् (Shata-varsham) = for a hundred years; पुष्करे (Pushkare) = at Pushkara (holy lake)
Translation: Having heard the Purana aphorisms, Vyasa — born from Krishna's aspect — served You and meditated upon You for a hundred years at Pushkara.
21 Twenty-First Verse
तदा त्वत्तो वरं प्राप्य स कवीन्द्रो बभूव ह।
तदा वेदविभागं च पुराणानि चकार ह॥
तदा वेदविभागं च पुराणानि चकार ह॥
Word Meanings: त्वत्तः (Tvattah) = from You; वरम् (Varam) = boon; प्राप्य (Prapya) = having obtained; कवीन्द्रः (Kavindrah) = the king of poets; बभूव (Babhuva) = became; वेदविभागम् (Veda-vibhagam) = division of the Vedas; पुराणानि (Puranani) = the Puranas; चकार (Chakara) = composed
Translation: Then, having obtained a boon from You, he became the king of poets. Then he divided the Vedas and composed the Puranas.
22 Twenty-Second Verse
यदा महेन्द्रे पप्रच्छ तत्त्वज्ञानं शिवा शिवम्।
क्षणं त्वामेव सञ्चिन्त्य तस्यै ज्ञानं दधौ विभुः॥
क्षणं त्वामेव सञ्चिन्त्य तस्यै ज्ञानं दधौ विभुः॥
Word Meanings: महेन्द्रे (Mahendre) = on Mount Mahendra; तत्त्वज्ञानम् (Tattva-jnanam) = knowledge of ultimate reality; शिवा (Shiva) = Parvati; शिवम् (Shivam) = Shiva; त्वाम् एव (Tvam eva) = You alone; सञ्चिन्त्य (Sanchintya) = having contemplated; ज्ञानम् (Jnanam) = knowledge; दधौ (Dadhau) = bestowed; विभुः (Vibhuh) = the all-pervading Lord
Translation: When Parvati asked Shiva about the knowledge of ultimate reality on Mount Mahendra, the all-pervading Lord contemplated You for a moment and then bestowed that knowledge upon her.
23 Twenty-Third Verse
पप्रच्छ शब्दशास्त्रं च महेन्द्रश्च बृहस्पतिम्।
दिव्यं वर्षसहस्रं च स त्वां दध्यौ च पुष्करे॥
दिव्यं वर्षसहस्रं च स त्वां दध्यौ च पुष्करे॥
Word Meanings: शब्दशास्त्रम् (Shabda-shastram) = the science of grammar/words; महेन्द्रः (Mahendrah) = Indra; बृहस्पतिम् (Brihaspatihi) = Brihaspati; दिव्यम् वर्षसहस्रम् (Divyam varsha-sahasram) = for a thousand divine years; दध्यौ (Dadhyau) = meditated; पुष्करे (Pushkare) = at Pushkara
Translation: When Indra asked Brihaspati about the science of grammar, Brihaspati meditated upon You at Pushkara for a thousand divine years.
24 Twenty-Fourth Verse
तदा त्वत्तो वरं प्राप्य दिव्यं वर्षसहस्रकम्।
उवाच शब्दशास्त्रं च तदर्थं च सुरेश्वरम्॥
उवाच शब्दशास्त्रं च तदर्थं च सुरेश्वरम्॥
Word Meanings: त्वत्तः (Tvattah) = from You; वरम् प्राप्य (Varam prapya) = having received a boon; उवाच (Uvacha) = spoke/taught; शब्दशास्त्रम् (Shabda-shastram) = the science of grammar; तदर्थम् (Tadartham) = its meaning; सुरेश्वरम् (Sureshvaram) = to the lord of gods (Indra)
Translation: Then, having received a boon from You after a thousand divine years, Brihaspati taught the science of grammar and its meaning to the lord of gods (Indra).
25 Twenty-Fifth Verse
अध्यापिताश्च यैः शिष्याः यैरधीतं मुनीश्वरैः।
ते च त्वां परिसञ्चिन्त्य प्रवर्तन्ते सुरेश्वरि॥
ते च त्वां परिसञ्चिन्त्य प्रवर्तन्ते सुरेश्वरि॥
Word Meanings: अध्यापिताः (Adhyapitah) = those who were taught; शिष्याः (Shishyah) = disciples; अधीतम् (Adhitam) = studied; मुनीश्वरैः (Munishvaraih) = by the chief sages; ते (Te) = they; परिसञ्चिन्त्य (Parisanchintya) = having contemplated; प्रवर्तन्ते (Pravartante) = proceed/engage; सुरेश्वरि (Sureshvari) = O queen of gods
Translation: All the disciples taught and all the sages who studied — they all proceed in their work only after contemplating You, O queen of gods.
26 Twenty-Sixth Verse
त्वं संस्तुता पूजिता च मुनीन्द्रमनुमानवैः।
दैत्यैश्च सुरैश्चापि ब्रह्मविष्णुशिवादिभिः॥
दैत्यैश्च सुरैश्चापि ब्रह्मविष्णुशिवादिभिः॥
Word Meanings: संस्तुता (Samstuta) = praised; पूजिता (Pujita) = worshipped; मुनीन्द्रमनुमानवैः (Munindra-manu-manavaih) = by chief sages, Manus, and humans; दैत्यैः (Daityaih) = by demons; सुरैः (Suraih) = by gods; ब्रह्मविष्णुशिवादिभिः (Brahma-Vishnu-Shivadibhih) = by Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva and others
Translation: You are praised and worshipped by the chief sages, Manus, humans, demons, gods, and by Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, and all others.
27 Twenty-Seventh Verse
जडीभूतः सहस्रास्यः पञ्चवक्त्रश्चतुर्मुखः।
यां स्तोतुं किमहं स्तौमि तामेकास्येन मानवः॥
यां स्तोतुं किमहं स्तौमि तामेकास्येन मानवः॥
Word Meanings: जडीभूतः (Jadibhutah) = became inert/dumbstruck; सहस्रास्यः (Sahasrasyah) = the thousand-faced one (Shesha); पञ्चवक्त्रः (Panchavaktrah) = the five-faced one (Shiva); चतुर्मुखः (Chaturmukhah) = the four-faced one (Brahma); याम् (Yam) = whom; स्तोतुम् (Stotum) = to praise; किम् (Kim) = how; अहम् (Aham) = I; स्तौमि (Staumi) = praise; एकास्येन (Ekasyena) = with one mouth; मानवः (Manavah) = a human
Translation: The thousand-faced Shesha, five-faced Shiva, and four-faced Brahma all became dumbstruck trying to praise Her — how then can I, a mere human with one mouth, praise Her?
28 Twenty-Eighth Verse
इत्युक्त्वा याज्ञवल्क्यश्च भक्तिनम्रात्मकन्धरः।
प्रणनाम निराहारो रुरोद च मुहुर्मुहुः॥
प्रणनाम निराहारो रुरोद च मुहुर्मुहुः॥
Word Meanings: इत्युक्त्वा (Ityuktva) = having said thus; याज्ञवल्क्यः (Yajnavalkyah) = Yajnavalkya; भक्तिनम्रात्मकन्धरः (Bhakti-namra-atma-kandharah) = with neck bowed in devotion; प्रणनाम (Prananama) = prostrated; निराहारः (Niraharah) = fasting; रुरोद (Ruroda) = wept; मुहुर्मुहुः (Muhurmuhuh) = again and again
Translation: Having said thus, Yajnavalkya, with his neck bowed in devotion, prostrated himself, fasting and weeping again and again.
29 Twenty-Ninth Verse
तदा ज्योतिःस्वरूपा सा तेनाऽदृष्टाऽप्युवाच तम्।
सुकवीन्द्रो भवेत्युक्त्वा वैकुण्ठं च जगाम ह॥
सुकवीन्द्रो भवेत्युक्त्वा वैकुण्ठं च जगाम ह॥
Word Meanings: ज्योतिःस्वरूपा (Jyotih-svarupa) = in the form of light; तेन (Tena) = by him; अदृष्टा (Adrishta) = unseen; अपि (Api) = even though; उवाच (Uvacha) = spoke; सुकवीन्द्रः (Sukavindrah) = the best of poets; भव (Bhava) = become; इत्युक्त्वा (Ityuktva) = having said thus; वैकुण्ठम् (Vaikuntham) = to Vaikuntha; जगाम (Jagama) = went
Translation: Then she, in the form of light, though unseen by him, spoke: "Become the best of poets!" Having said thus, she departed for Vaikuntha.
✦ Phala Shruti (Verse 30)
महामूर्खश्च दुर्मेधा वर्षमेकं च यः पठेत्।
स पण्डितश्च मेधावी सुकविश्च भवेद्ध्रुवम्॥
स पण्डितश्च मेधावी सुकविश्च भवेद्ध्रुवम्॥
Word Meanings: महामूर्खः (Mahamurkbah) = a great fool; दुर्मेधा (Durmedha) = dull-witted; वर्षम् एकम् (Varsham ekam) = for one year; यः पठेत् (Yah pathet) = whoever recites; पण्डितः (Panditah) = a scholar; मेधावी (Medhavi) = intelligent; सुकविः (Sukavih) = a good poet; भवेत् (Bhavet) = becomes; ध्रुवम् (Dhruvam) = certainly
Translation: Even a great fool and dull-witted person, if they recite this stotra for one year, will certainly become a learned scholar, intelligent, and a good poet.
Spiritual Benefits of Reciting Yajnavalkya Saraswati Stotram
Spiritual Growth
- Divine Grace: Attracts the special blessings and protection of Goddess Saraswati
- Inner Peace: Brings tranquility and contentment to the mind
- Positive Energy: Develops an attitude of gratitude and spiritual awareness
- Spiritual Progress: Enhances devotion and deepens spiritual understanding
Material and Worldly Benefits
- Obstacle Removal: Clears impediments from the path of progress
- Success: Enhances success in academic, professional, and personal endeavors
- Protection: Provides divine protection from negative forces and energies
- Family Harmony: Promotes peace and understanding among family members
Health and Well-being
- Mental Clarity: Enhances focus, concentration, and decision-making
- Stress Relief: Reduces anxiety and promotes emotional balance
- Physical Vitality: Supports overall health and well-being
- Karmic Purification: Helps dissolve accumulated negative karma
How to Chant Yajnavalkya Saraswati Stotram: Complete Guide
Preparation for Chanting
- Personal Cleanliness: Take a bath and wear clean clothes
- Sacred Space: Sit in a clean, quiet place facing east or north
- Deity Image: Place an image or idol of Goddess Saraswati before you
- Light a Lamp: Light a ghee or sesame oil lamp for auspiciousness
- Mental Preparation: Calm the mind with a few minutes of deep breathing
Step-by-Step Chanting Process
- Invocation: Begin with a brief prayer to Goddess Saraswati
- Sankalpa: State your intention (spiritual growth, protection, or specific purpose)
- Recitation: Chant the stotram with clear pronunciation and devotional feeling
- Meditation: After chanting, sit quietly and meditate on the deity's form
- Prayer: Offer your heartfelt prayers and express gratitude
Important Guidelines
- Maintain regularity — daily practice yields the best results
- Chant with genuine devotion rather than mere mechanical repetition
- Try to understand the meaning of the verses for deeper spiritual impact
- Maintain a vegetarian diet on days of special devotion
- Share the merit of your practice by praying for the welfare of all beings
Best Times to Recite Yajnavalkya Saraswati Stotram
Daily Practice
- Early Morning: Brahma Muhurta (4:00 - 6:00 AM) for maximum spiritual benefit
- Evening: During sunset (Sandhya Kaal) for divine blessings
- Before Sleep: For peaceful rest and divine protection through the night
Special Occasions
- Festival Days: During festivals associated with Goddess Saraswati
- Ekadashi: Auspicious for spiritual practices and vrat observances
- Purnima (Full Moon): Enhanced spiritual energy for meditation and chanting
- Amavasya (New Moon): For removal of negative influences and karmic cleansing
Frequently Asked Questions about Yajnavalkya Saraswati Stotram
What is the Yajnavalkya Saraswati Stotram?
The Yajnavalkya Saraswati Stotram (याज्ञवल्क्य सरस्वती स्तोत्रम्) is a hymn composed by the great Sage Yajnavalkya in praise of Goddess Saraswati. Yajnavalkya, one of the greatest Vedic scholars and philosophers in Hindu tradition, composed this stotram to express devotion to the goddess who blessed him with unparalleled wisdom and the knowledge of the Shukla Yajurveda, which he received directly from the Sun God (Surya).
Who was Sage Yajnavalkya and why did he compose this stotram?
Sage Yajnavalkya was one of the most brilliant Vedic sages, famous for his philosophical dialogues in the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad and his composition of the Yajnavalkya Smriti. After a dispute with his guru Vaishampayana, he had to return the Krishna (Black) Yajurveda and then received the Shukla (White) Yajurveda directly from the Sun God. This extraordinary feat was possible through Saraswati's grace, which he celebrates in this stotram.
When should one recite the Yajnavalkya Saraswati Stotram?
This stotram is ideal during Vasant Panchami, before Vedic study, before philosophical discussions, and during Upanayana ceremonies. It is particularly powerful for those pursuing advanced learning, research, philosophy, or teaching. Morning recitation during Brahma Muhurta, especially on Thursdays, is recommended. Scholars and teachers benefit greatly from chanting this before lectures or academic work.
What are the benefits of this stotram?
Coming from one of the greatest intellects in Hindu tradition, this stotram carries special power for developing intellectual brilliance, philosophical depth, debating skills, and Vedic scholarship. Regular recitation sharpens the intellect, improves memory for scriptural study, grants the ability to comprehend complex philosophical concepts, and bestows the grace of Saraswati for all forms of higher learning and wisdom.
How does this stotram differ from other Saraswati hymns?
Its unique distinction is its authorship by Sage Yajnavalkya — a sage who personally experienced Saraswati's supreme grace in receiving an entire Veda directly from its cosmic source. While other Saraswati stotrams invoke her blessings generally, this one carries the energy of a sage who himself was the epitome of intellectual achievement. It is particularly suited for advanced scholars, Vedic students, philosophers, and those pursuing the highest forms of knowledge.