Complete Guide to Shri Vishnu Dashavatara Stotram
Introduction to Shri Vishnu Dashavatara Stotram
Shri Vishnu Dashavatara Stotram is a celebrated hymn that glorifies the ten divine incarnations (Dasha = ten, Avatara = descent/incarnation) of Lord Vishnu. From the cosmic fish Matsya to the yet-to-come Kalki, each avatar represents Vishnu's compassionate intervention to restore cosmic order (Dharma) whenever it is threatened by the forces of Adharma.
Spiritual Significance of Shri Vishnu Dashavatara Stotram
The Dashavatara concept illustrates Lord Vishnu's eternal commitment to protect the universe and its inhabitants. Each incarnation addresses a specific cosmic crisis, demonstrating the divine principle that God descends to the earthly plane whenever righteousness declines. This stotram connects devotees with the protective power of all ten incarnations simultaneously.
Shri Vishnu Dashavatara Stotram Lyrics
॥ श्री विष्णु दशावतार स्तोत्रम् ॥
प्रलयपयोधिजले धृतवानसि वेदम्।
विहितवहित्रचरित्रमखेदम्॥
केशव धृतमीनशरीर जय जगदीश हरे॥1॥
क्षितिरतिविपुलतरे तव तिष्ठति पृष्ठे।
धरणिधरणकिणचक्रगरिष्ठे॥
केशव धृतकच्छपरूप जय जगदीश हरे॥2॥
वसति दशनशिखरे धरणी तव लग्ना।
शशिनि कलङ्ककलेव निमग्ना॥
केशव धृतसूकररूप जय जगदीश हरे॥3॥
तव करकमलवरे नखमद्भुतशृङ्गं।
दलितहिरण्यकशिपुतनुभृङ्गम्॥
केशव धृतनरहरिरूप जय जगदीश हरे॥4॥
छलयसि विक्रमणे बलिमद्भुतवामन।
पदनखनीरजनितजनपावन॥
केशव धृतवामनरूप जय जगदीश हरे॥5॥
क्षत्रियरुधिरमये जगदपगतपापम्।
स्नपयसि पयसि शमितभवतापम्॥
केशव धृतभृगुपतिरूप जय जगदीश हरे॥6॥
वितरसि दिक्षु रणे दिक्पतिकमनीयम्।
दशमुखमौलिबलिं रमणीयम्॥
केशव धृतरघुपतिवेष जय जगदीश हरे॥7॥
वहसि वपुषि विशदे वसनं जलदाभम्।
हलहतिभीतिमिलितयमुनाभम्॥
केशव धृतहलधररूप जय जगदीश हरे॥8॥
निन्दसि यज्ञविधेरहह श्रुतिजातम्।
सदयहृदयदर्शितपशुघातम्॥
केशव धृतबुद्धशरीर जय जगदीश हरे॥9॥
म्लेच्छनिवहनिधने कलयसि करवालम्।
धूमकेतुमिव किमपि करालम्॥
केशव धृतकल्किशरीर जय जगदीश हर॥10॥
श्रीजयदेवकवेरिदमुदितमुदारम्।
शृणु सुखदं शुभदं भवसारम्॥
केशव धृतदशविधरूप जय जगदीश हरे॥11॥
॥ इति श्रीजयदेवविरचितं श्रीदशावतारस्तोत्रं सम्पूर्णम्। ॥
॥ Shri Vishnu Dashavatara Stotram ॥
Pralayapayodhijale Dhritavanasi Vedam।
Vihitavahitracharitramakhedam॥
Keshava Dhritaminasharira Jaya Jagadisha Hare॥1॥
Kshitirativipulatare Tava Tishthati Prishthe।
Dharanidharanakinachakragarishthe॥
Keshava Dhritakachchhaparupa Jaya Jagadisha Hare॥2॥
Vasati Dashanashikhare Dharani Tava Lagna।
Shashini Kalankakaleva Nimagna॥
Keshava Dhritasukararupa Jaya Jagadisha Hare॥3॥
Tava Karakamalavare Nakhamadbhutashringam।
Dalitahiranyakashiputanubhringam॥
Keshava Dhritanaraharirupa Jaya Jagadisha Hare॥4॥
Chhalayasi Vikramane Balimadbhutavamana।
Padanakhanirajanitajanapavana॥
Keshava Dhritavamanarupa Jaya Jagadisha Hare॥5॥
Kshatriyarudhiramaye Jagadapagatapapam।
Snapayasi Payasi Shamitabhavatapam॥
Keshava Dhritabhrigupatirupa Jaya Jagadisha Hare॥6॥
Vitarasi Dikshu Rane Dikpatikamaniyam।
Dashamukhamaulibalim Ramaniyam॥
Keshava Dhritaraghupativesha Jaya Jagadisha Hare॥7॥
Vahasi Vapushi Vishade Vasanam Jaladabham।
Halahatibhitimilitayamunabham॥
Keshava Dhritahaladhararupa Jaya Jagadisha Hare॥8॥
Nindasi Yajnavidherahaha Shrutijatam।
Sadayahridayadarshitapashughatam॥
Keshava Dhritabuddhasharira Jaya Jagadisha Hare॥9॥
Mlechchhanivahanidhane Kalayasi Karavalam।
Dhumaketumiva Kimapi Karalam॥
Keshava Dhritakalkisharira Jaya Jagadisha Hara॥10॥
Shrijayadevakaveridamuditamudaram।
Shrinu Sukhadam Shubhadam Bhavasaram॥
Keshava Dhritadashavidharupa Jaya Jagadisha Hare॥11॥
॥ Iti Shrijayadevavirachitam Shridashavatarastotram Sampurnam। ॥
Verse-by-Verse Meaning of Shri Vishnu Dashavatara Stotram
1 First Verse
प्रलयपयोधिजले धृतवानसि वेदम्।
विहितवहित्रचरित्रमखेदम्॥
केशव धृतमीनशरीर जय जगदीश हरे॥
विहितवहित्रचरित्रमखेदम्॥
केशव धृतमीनशरीर जय जगदीश हरे॥
Word Meanings: प्रलयपयोधिजले (Pralaya-payodhi-jale) = in the waters of the cosmic deluge; धृतवान् असि (Dhritavan asi) = You upheld; वेदम् (Vedam) = the Vedas; विहितवहित्रचरित्रम् (Vihita-vahitra-charitram) = performing the act of a boat/ship; अखेदम् (Akhedam) = effortlessly; केशव (Keshava) = O Keshava; धृतमीनशरीर (Dhrita-mina-sharira) = having assumed the fish body; जय (Jaya) = victory to; जगदीश (Jagadisha) = O Lord of the universe; हरे (Hare) = O Hari
Translation: O Keshava! In the waters of the cosmic deluge, You upheld the Vedas, effortlessly acting as a ship. Victory to You, O Lord of the universe, who assumed the form of a Fish (Matsya Avatar)!
2 Second Verse
क्षितिरतिविपुलतरे तव तिष्ठति पृष्ठे।
धरणिधरणकिणचक्रगरिष्ठे॥
केशव धृतकच्छपरूप जय जगदीश हरे॥
धरणिधरणकिणचक्रगरिष्ठे॥
केशव धृतकच्छपरूप जय जगदीश हरे॥
Word Meanings: क्षितिः (Kshitih) = the earth; अतिविपुलतरे (Ativipulatare) = upon the very vast; तव (Tava) = Your; तिष्ठति (Tishthati) = rests; पृष्ठे (Prishthe) = on the back; धरणिधरणकिणचक्रगरिष्ठे (Dharanidharana-kina-chakra-garishthe) = on the great circular mark caused by bearing the earth; केशव (Keshava) = O Keshava; धृतकच्छपरूप (Dhrita-kachchhapa-rupa) = having assumed the tortoise form
Translation: O Keshava! The earth rests upon Your very vast back, bearing the great circular mark from supporting the earth. Victory to You, O Lord of the universe, who assumed the form of a Tortoise (Kurma Avatar)!
3 Third Verse
वसति दशनशिखरे धरणी तव लग्ना।
शशिनि कलङ्ककलेव निमग्ना॥
केशव धृतसूकररूप जय जगदीश हरे॥
शशिनि कलङ्ककलेव निमग्ना॥
केशव धृतसूकररूप जय जगदीश हरे॥
Word Meanings: वसति (Vasati) = resides; दशनशिखरे (Dashana-shikhare) = on the tip of the tusk; धरणी (Dharani) = the earth; लग्ना (Lagna) = attached; शशिनि (Shashini) = on the moon; कलङ्ककला इव (Kalanka-kala iva) = like a spot/mark; निमग्ना (Nimagna) = immersed; केशव (Keshava) = O Keshava; धृतसूकररूप (Dhrita-sukara-rupa) = having assumed the boar form
Translation: O Keshava! The earth rests attached to the tip of Your tusk, like a spot immersed in the moon. Victory to You, O Lord of the universe, who assumed the form of a Boar (Varaha Avatar)!
4 Fourth Verse
तव करकमलवरे नखमद्भुतशृङ्गं।
दलितहिरण्यकशिपुतनुभृङ्गम्॥
केशव धृतनरहरिरूप जय जगदीश हरे॥
दलितहिरण्यकशिपुतनुभृङ्गम्॥
केशव धृतनरहरिरूप जय जगदीश हरे॥
Word Meanings: तव (Tava) = Your; करकमलवरे (Karakamalavare) = on the excellent lotus hand; नखम् (Nakham) = nail/claw; अद्भुतशृङ्गम् (Adbhuta-shringam) = a wondrous blade; दलित (Dalita) = torn apart; हिरण्यकशिपुतनुभृङ्गम् (Hiranyakashipu-tanu-bhringam) = the body of Hiranyakashipu like a wasp; केशव (Keshava) = O Keshava; धृतनरहरिरूप (Dhrita-narahari-rupa) = having assumed the man-lion form
Translation: O Keshava! On Your excellent lotus hand, the nail became a wondrous blade that tore apart the body of Hiranyakashipu like a wasp. Victory to You, O Lord of the universe, who assumed the form of the Man-Lion (Narasimha Avatar)!
5 Fifth Verse
छलयसि विक्रमणे बलिमद्भुतवामन।
पदनखनीरजनितजनपावन॥
केशव धृतवामनरूप जय जगदीश हरे॥
पदनखनीरजनितजनपावन॥
केशव धृतवामनरूप जय जगदीश हरे॥
Word Meanings: छलयसि (Chhalayasi) = You deceived; विक्रमणे (Vikramane) = by Your great strides; बलिम् (Balim) = (King) Bali; अद्भुतवामन (Adbhuta-vamana) = O wondrous Dwarf; पदनखनीरजनितजनपावन (Padanakha-nira-janita-jana-pavana) = O purifier of people through the water (Ganga) born from Your toenail; केशव (Keshava) = O Keshava; धृतवामनरूप (Dhrita-vamana-rupa) = having assumed the dwarf form
Translation: O Keshava! O wondrous Dwarf, You deceived King Bali with Your great strides! O purifier of people through the Ganga that sprang from Your toenail! Victory to You, O Lord of the universe, who assumed the form of the Dwarf (Vamana Avatar)!
6 Sixth Verse
क्षत्रियरुधिरमये जगदपगतपापम्।
स्नपयसि पयसि शमितभवतापम्॥
केशव धृतभृगुपतिरूप जय जगदीश हरे॥
स्नपयसि पयसि शमितभवतापम्॥
केशव धृतभृगुपतिरूप जय जगदीश हरे॥
Word Meanings: क्षत्रियरुधिरमये (Kshatriya-rudhira-maye) = with the blood of Kshatriyas; जगत् (Jagat) = the world; अपगतपापम् (Apagata-papam) = freed from sin; स्नपयसि (Snapayasi) = You bathe; पयसि (Payasi) = in the water/lake; शमितभवतापम् (Shamita-bhava-tapam) = whose worldly suffering is quenched; केशव (Keshava) = O Keshava; धृतभृगुपतिरूप (Dhrita-bhrigupatirupa) = having assumed the form of the lord of the Bhrigus (Parashurama)
Translation: O Keshava! You bathe the world, freed from sin, in the flood of Kshatriya blood, quenching the burning of worldly existence. Victory to You, O Lord of the universe, who assumed the form of Parashurama (Bhrigupati Avatar)!
7 Seventh Verse
वितरसि दिक्षु रणे दिक्पतिकमनीयम्।
दशमुखमौलिबलिं रमणीयम्॥
केशव धृतरघुपतिवेष जय जगदीश हरे॥
दशमुखमौलिबलिं रमणीयम्॥
केशव धृतरघुपतिवेष जय जगदीश हरे॥
Word Meanings: वितरसि (Vitarasi) = You scatter; दिक्षु (Dikshu) = in all directions; रणे (Rane) = in battle; दिक्पतिकमनीयम् (Dikpati-kamaniyam) = pleasing to the lords of directions; दशमुखमौलिबलिम् (Dashamukha-mauli-balim) = the offering of the heads of the ten-faced (Ravana); रमणीयम् (Ramaniyam) = delightful; केशव (Keshava) = O Keshava; धृतरघुपतिवेष (Dhrita-raghupativesha) = having assumed the garb of the Lord of the Raghus (Rama)
Translation: O Keshava! In battle, You scatter in all directions the delightful offering of the heads of the ten-faced Ravana, pleasing to the lords of the quarters. Victory to You, O Lord of the universe, who assumed the garb of Lord Rama (Raghupati Avatar)!
8 Eighth Verse
वहसि वपुषि विशदे वसनं जलदाभम्।
हलहतिभीतिमिलितयमुनाभम्॥
केशव धृतहलधररूप जय जगदीश हरे॥
हलहतिभीतिमिलितयमुनाभम्॥
केशव धृतहलधररूप जय जगदीश हरे॥
Word Meanings: वहसि (Vahasi) = You wear; वपुषि (Vapushi) = on the body; विशदे (Vishade) = fair/bright; वसनम् (Vasanam) = garment; जलदाभम् (Jaladabham) = resembling a cloud (dark blue); हलहतिभीतिमिलितयमुनाभम् (Hala-hati-bhiti-milita-Yamuna-abham) = like the Yamuna that merges in fear of the plough's strike; केशव (Keshava) = O Keshava; धृतहलधररूप (Dhrita-haladhara-rupa) = having assumed the form of the plough-bearer (Balarama)
Translation: O Keshava! On Your fair body You wear a garment dark as a cloud, resembling the Yamuna that merges (into the Ganga) in fear of the plough's strike. Victory to You, O Lord of the universe, who assumed the form of Balarama (Haladhara Avatar)!
9 Ninth Verse
निन्दसि यज्ञविधेरहह श्रुतिजातम्।
सदयहृदयदर्शितपशुघातम्॥
केशव धृतबुद्धशरीर जय जगदीश हरे॥
सदयहृदयदर्शितपशुघातम्॥
केशव धृतबुद्धशरीर जय जगदीश हरे॥
Word Meanings: निन्दसि (Nindasi) = You condemn; यज्ञविधेः (Yajnavidheh) = the Vedic sacrificial rules; अहह (Ahaha) = alas; श्रुतिजातम् (Shrutijatam) = born from the Vedas/Shruti; सदयहृदय (Sadaya-hridaya) = with a compassionate heart; दर्शित (Darshita) = showing; पशुघातम् (Pashughatum) = the slaughter of animals; केशव (Keshava) = O Keshava; धृतबुद्धशरीर (Dhrita-Buddha-sharira) = having assumed the body of the Buddha
Translation: O Keshava! Alas, with a compassionate heart, You condemn the Vedic sacrificial rules that led to the slaughter of animals. Victory to You, O Lord of the universe, who assumed the form of the Buddha (Buddha Avatar)!
10 Tenth Verse
म्लेच्छनिवहनिधने कलयसि करवालम्।
धूमकेतुमिव किमपि करालम्॥
केशव धृतकल्किशरीर जय जगदीश हरे॥
धूमकेतुमिव किमपि करालम्॥
केशव धृतकल्किशरीर जय जगदीश हरे॥
Word Meanings: म्लेच्छनिवहनिधने (Mlechchha-nivaha-nidhane) = for the destruction of the hordes of barbarians; कलयसि (Kalayasi) = You take up; करवालम् (Karavalam) = the sword; धूमकेतुम् इव (Dhumaketu iva) = like a comet; किमपि (Kimapi) = indescribable; करालम् (Karalam) = terrible/fierce; केशव (Keshava) = O Keshava; धृतकल्किशरीर (Dhrita-Kalki-sharira) = having assumed the body of Kalki
Translation: O Keshava! For the destruction of the hordes of barbarians, You take up the sword, terrible and indescribable like a comet. Victory to You, O Lord of the universe, who assumed the form of Kalki (Kalki Avatar)!
✦ Phala Shruti (Verse 11)
श्रीजयदेवकवेरिदमुदितमुदारम्।
शृणु सुखदं शुभदं भवसारम्॥
केशव धृतदशविधरूप जय जगदीश हरे॥
शृणु सुखदं शुभदं भवसारम्॥
केशव धृतदशविधरूप जय जगदीश हरे॥
Word Meanings: श्रीजयदेवकवेः (Shri-Jayadeva-kaveh) = of the poet Shri Jayadeva; इदम् (Idam) = this; उदितम् (Uditam) = spoken/composed; उदारम् (Udaram) = noble; शृणु (Shrinu) = listen; सुखदम् (Sukhadam) = giving happiness; शुभदम् (Shubhadam) = bestowing auspiciousness; भवसारम् (Bhavasaram) = the essence of existence; केशव (Keshava) = O Keshava; धृतदशविधरूप (Dhrita-dashavidha-rupa) = having assumed ten different forms
Translation: This noble composition of the poet Shri Jayadeva — listen to it! It gives happiness, bestows auspiciousness, and is the essence of existence. Victory to You, O Keshava, O Lord of the universe, who assumed ten different forms!
Spiritual Benefits of Reciting Shri Vishnu Dashavatara Stotram
Spiritual Growth
- Divine Grace: Attracts the special blessings and protection of Lord Vishnu
- 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 Shri Vishnu Dashavatara 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 Lord Vishnu 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 Lord Vishnu
- 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 Shri Vishnu Dashavatara 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 Lord Vishnu
- 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 Dashavatara Stotram
What is the Dashavatara Stotram?
The Dashavatara Stotram (दशावतार स्तोत्रम्) is a celebrated hymn by the poet Jayadeva that glorifies the ten primary avatars (incarnations) of Lord Vishnu. Composed as part of the Gita Govinda, each verse vividly describes one avatar — from Matsya (Fish) to Kalki (the yet-to-come). The famous refrain 'Keshava Dhrta [form] Rupa, Jaya Jagadisha Hare' makes it one of the most recognizable and melodious Vishnu hymns.
What are the ten avatars described in the Dashavatara Stotram?
The ten avatars (Dashavatara) are: (1) Matsya — the Fish who saved the Vedas during the great flood; (2) Kurma — the Tortoise who supported Mount Mandara during the churning of the ocean; (3) Varaha — the Boar who rescued Earth from the demon Hiranyaksha; (4) Narasimha — the Man-Lion who destroyed the demon Hiranyakashipu; (5) Vamana — the Dwarf who measured the universe; (6) Parashurama — the warrior sage; (7) Rama — the ideal king; (8) Balarama/Krishna — the divine cowherd; (9) Buddha — the compassionate teacher; (10) Kalki — the future warrior on a white horse.
Who composed the Dashavatara Stotram?
The Dashavatara Stotram was composed by Jayadeva, the 12th-century Sanskrit poet from Odisha who authored the celebrated Gita Govinda. Jayadeva was a court poet of King Lakshmana Sena of Bengal and a supreme devotee of Lord Krishna. The Dashavatara Stotram appears at the beginning of the Gita Govinda and showcases Jayadeva's mastery of poetic imagery and devotional fervor.
When should one chant the Dashavatara Stotram?
This stotram is auspicious on all Ekadashi days, during major Vishnu festivals like Janmashtami, Ram Navami, and Narasimha Jayanti, on Thursdays, and during Chaturmas. It is also chanted during Akshaya Tritiya (associated with Parashurama Jayanti) and on Vaikuntha Ekadashi. Daily recitation connects the devotee with all of Vishnu's divine incarnations simultaneously.
What is the spiritual significance of the ten avatars?
The Dashavatara represents Vishnu's eternal commitment to protecting dharma whenever it is threatened. The avatars follow an evolutionary progression — from aquatic (fish) to amphibian (tortoise) to animal (boar) to half-human (Narasimha) to human forms (Rama, Krishna) — mirroring both biological evolution and spiritual ascent. Each avatar teaches specific dharmic principles: Matsya preserves knowledge, Rama upholds duty, Krishna reveals divine love, and Kalki will restore cosmic order.