Gajendra Moksha Stotra (Gajendra Stuti)
Introduction to Gajendra Moksha Stotra
The Gajendra Moksha Stotra, also known as Gajendra Stuti, is one of the most beloved and profound prayers in Hindu scripture, found in the Srimad Bhagavatam (Ashtama Skandha, Chapter 3). It is the heartfelt cry of surrender offered by Gajendra, the king of elephants, to Lord Vishnu while trapped in the jaws of a crocodile — a prayer so powerful that the Lord Himself rushed to His devotee's side without a moment's delay.
Beginning with the famous invocation "Om Namo Bhagavate Tasmai", this stotra is treasured not merely as a hymn but as the supreme example of Sharanagati — complete, unconditional surrender to the Divine. It teaches that when every worldly effort, strength, and relation fails, sincere surrender to God alone can grant liberation.
The Legend of Gajendra Moksha
According to the Srimad Bhagavatam, Gajendra was, in a previous birth, a devout Pandya king named Indradyumna. Once, absorbed deep in silent worship of Lord Vishnu, he failed to notice and greet the sage Agastya who came to visit him. Feeling disrespected, the sage cursed the king to be born as an elephant, devoid of memory and speech — though his devotion to Vishnu remained hidden within his heart, to awaken again in a moment of great need.
Reborn as Gajendra, the mighty leader of a herd of elephants on the Trikuta mountain, he one day went with his herd to a beautiful lake to drink and bathe. As he waded into the water, a powerful crocodile seized his leg in a vice-like grip. This crocodile was itself a celestial Gandharva named Huhu, who had been cursed by a sage for a past misdeed and could only be freed by touching the Sudarshana Chakra of Lord Vishnu.
A fierce struggle raged for what the scriptures describe as a thousand years. Gajendra's herd, his own great strength, and every worldly resource proved powerless to save him. Exhausted and certain of death, Gajendra finally understood that no material power could rescue him — only the Supreme Lord could. In that moment of total helplessness, the devotion buried from his previous birth as Indradyumna resurfaced, and he lifted a lotus flower with his trunk and cried out this very stotra in complete surrender.
The moment Lord Vishnu heard this prayer, He did not wait even to properly seat Himself on Garuda — He rushed to the lake at once, cut open the crocodile's mouth with His Sudarshana Chakra, and freed Gajendra. Both Gajendra and the crocodile (who was liberated from his curse) attained moksha through this divine encounter — hence the name Gajendra Moksha, "the liberation of Gajendra."
Spiritual Significance of Gajendra Stuti
The Gajendra Stuti is revered as one of the finest philosophical and devotional compositions in all of Hindu literature. Unlike prayers that request specific worldly boons, Gajendra's prayer is a profound meditation on the nature of the formless, all-pervading Supreme Being — describing the Lord as beyond gender, beyond the material qualities, the cause of all causes, yet also the most intimate refuge of the surrendered soul.
This stotra is central to the doctrine of Sharanagati (complete surrender) in Vaishnava theology: it demonstrates that divine grace responds not to ritual perfection or worldly power, but to the sincerity of a soul's surrender. It is recited daily in countless Vishnu and Venkateswara temples across India and is especially cherished during times of personal crisis, illness, or danger, as a reminder that the Lord rushes to protect His sincere devotees, just as He rushed to save Gajendra.
Gajendra Moksha Stotra Lyrics
श्री शुक उवाच -
एवं व्यवसितो बुद्ध्या समाधाय मनो हृदि ।
जजाप परमं जाप्यं प्राग्जन्मन्यनुशिक्षितम ॥१॥
गजेन्द्र उवाच -
ऊं नमो भगवते तस्मै यत एतच्चिदात्मकम ।
पुरुषायादिबीजाय परेशायाभिधीमहि ॥२॥
यस्मिन्निदं यतश्चेदं येनेदं य इदं स्वयं ।
योस्मात्परस्माच्च परस्तं प्रपद्ये स्वयम्भुवम ॥३॥
यः स्वात्मनीदं निजमाययार्पितं
क्वचिद्विभातं क्व च तत्तिरोहितम ।
अविद्धदृक साक्ष्युभयं तदीक्षते
स आत्म मूलोsवत् मां परात्परः ॥४॥
कालेन पंचत्वमितेषु कृत्स्नशो
लोकेषु पालेषु च सर्व हेतुषु ।
तमस्तदाऽऽऽसीद गहनं गभीरं
यस्तस्य पारेsभिविराजते विभुः ॥५॥
न यस्य देवा ऋषयः पदं विदु-
र्जन्तुः पुनः कोsर्हति गन्तुमीरितुम ।
यथा नटस्याकृतिभिर्विचेष्टतो
दुरत्ययानुक्रमणः स मावतु ॥६॥
दिदृक्षवो यस्य पदं सुमंगलम
विमुक्त संगा मुनयः सुसाधवः ।
चरन्त्यलोकव्रतमव्रणं वने
भूतात्मभूता सुहृदः स मे गतिः ॥७॥
न विद्यते यस्य न जन्म कर्म वा
न नाम रूपे गुणदोष एव वा ।
तथापि लोकाप्ययसम्भवाय यः
स्वमायया तान्यनुकालमृच्छति ॥८॥
तस्मै नमः परेशाय ब्रह्मणेsनन्तशक्तये ।
अरूपायोरुरूपाय नम आश्चर्य कर्मणे ॥९॥
नम आत्म प्रदीपाय साक्षिणे परमात्मने ।
नमो गिरां विदूराय मनसश्चेतसामपि ॥१०॥
सत्त्वेन प्रतिलभ्याय नैष्कर्म्येण विपश्चिता ।
नमः कैवल्यनाथाय निर्वाणसुखसंविदे ॥११॥
नमः शान्ताय घोराय मूढाय गुण धर्मिणे ।
निर्विशेषाय साम्याय नमो ज्ञानघनाय च ॥१२॥
क्षेत्रज्ञाय नमस्तुभ्यं सर्वाध्यक्षाय साक्षिणे ।
पुरुषायात्ममूलाय मूलप्रकृतये नमः ॥१३॥
सर्वेन्द्रियगुणद्रष्ट्रे सर्वप्रत्ययहेतवे ।
असताच्छाययोक्ताय सदाभासाय ते नमः ॥१४॥
नमो नमस्तेsखिल कारणाय
निष्कारणायाद्भुत कारणाय ।
सर्वागमान्मायमहार्णवाय
नमोपवर्गाय परायणाय ॥१५॥
गुणारणिच्छन्न चिदूष्मपाय
तत्क्षोभविस्फूर्जित मानसाय ।
नैष्कर्म्यभावेन विवर्जितागम-
स्वयंप्रकाशाय नमस्करोमि ॥१६॥
मादृक्प्रपन्नपशुपाशविमोक्षणाय
मुक्ताय भूरिकरुणाय नमोsलयाय ।
स्वांशेन सर्वतनुभृन्मनसि प्रतीत-
प्रत्यग्दृशे भगवते बृहते नमस्ते ॥१७॥
आत्मात्मजाप्तगृहवित्तजनेषु सक्तै-
र्दुष्प्रापणाय गुणसंगविवर्जिताय ।
मुक्तात्मभिः स्वहृदये परिभाविताय
ज्ञानात्मने भगवते नम ईश्वराय ॥१८॥
यं धर्मकामार्थविमुक्तिकामा
भजन्त इष्टां गतिमाप्नुवन्ति ।
किं त्वाशिषो रात्यपि देहमव्ययं
करोतु मेsदभ्रदयो विमोक्षणम् ॥१९॥
एकान्तिनो यस्य न कंचनार्थ
वांछन्ति ये वै भगवत्प्रपन्नाः ।
अत्यद्भुतं तच्चरितं सुमंगलं
गायन्त आनन्द समुद्रमग्नाः ॥२०॥
तमक्षरं ब्रह्म परं परेश-
मव्यक्तमाध्यात्मिकयोगगम्यम ।
अतीन्द्रियं सूक्ष्ममिवातिदूर-
मनन्तमाद्यं परिपूर्णमीडे ॥२१॥
यस्य ब्रह्मादयो देवा वेदा लोकाश्चराचराः ।
नामरूपविभेदेन फल्ग्व्या च कलया कृताः ॥२२॥
यथार्चिषोsग्नेः सवितुर्गभस्तयो
निर्यान्ति संयान्त्यसकृत् स्वरोचिषः ।
तथा यतोsयं गुणसंप्रवाहो
बुद्धिर्मनः खानि शरीरसर्गाः ॥२३॥
स वै न देवासुरमर्त्यतिर्यंग
न स्त्री न षण्डो न पुमान न जन्तुः ।
नायं गुणः कर्म न सन्न चासन
निषेधशेषो जयतादशेषः ॥२४॥
जिजीविषे नाहमिहामुया कि-
मन्तर्बहिश्चावृतयेभयोन्या ।
इच्छामि कालेन न यस्य विप्लव-
स्तस्यात्मलोकावरणस्य मोक्षम ॥२५॥
सोsहं विश्वसृजं विश्वमविश्वं विश्ववेदसम ।
विश्वात्मानमजं ब्रह्म प्रणतोsस्मि परं पदम् ॥२६॥
योगरन्धित कर्माणो हृदि योगविभाविते ।
योगिनो यं प्रपश्यन्ति योगेशं तं नतोsस्म्यहम् ॥२७॥
नमो नमस्तुभ्यमसह्यवेग-
शक्तित्रयायाखिलधीगुणाय ।
प्रपन्नपालाय दुरन्तशक्तये
कदिन्द्रियाणामनवाप्यवर्त्मने ॥२८॥
नायं वेद स्वमात्मानं यच्छ्क्त्याहंधिया हतम् ।
तं दुरत्ययमाहात्म्यं भगवन्तमितोsस्म्यहम् ॥२९॥
श्री शुकदेव उवाच -
एवं गजेन्द्रमुपवर्णितनिर्विशेषं
ब्रह्मादयो विविधलिंगभिदाभिमानाः ।
नैते यदोपससृपुर्निखिलात्मकत्वात
तत्राखिलामरमयो हरिराविरासीत् ॥३०॥
तं तद्वदार्त्तमुपलभ्य जगन्निवासः
स्तोत्रं निशम्य दिविजैः सह संस्तुवद्भि : ।
छन्दोमयेन गरुडेन समुह्यमान –
श्चक्रायुधोsभ्यगमदाशु यतो गजेन्द्रः ॥३१॥
सोsन्तस्सरस्युरुबलेन गृहीत आर्त्तो
दृष्ट्वा गरुत्मति हरिम् ख उपात्तचक्रम ।
उत्क्षिप्य साम्बुजकरं गिरमाह कृच्छा –
नारायणाखिलगुरो भगवन्नमस्ते ॥३२॥
तं वीक्ष्य पीडितमजः सहसावतीर्य
सग्राहमाशु सरसः कृपयोज्जहार ।
ग्राहाद् विपाटितमुखादरिणा गजेन्द्रं
सम्पश्यतां हरिरमूमुच दुस्त्रियाणाम् ॥३३॥
॥ इति श्री गजेन्द्र कृत भगवत् स्तवनं सम्पूर्णम् ॥
Shri Shuka Uvacha -
Evam Vyavasito Buddhya Samadhaya Mano Hridi।
Jajapa Paramam Japyam Pragjanmanyanushikshitam॥1॥
Gajendra Uvacha -
Om Namo Bhagavate Tasmai Yata Etachchidatmakam।
Purushayadibijaya Pareshayabhidhimahi॥2॥
Yasminnidam Yatashchedam Yenedam Ya Idam Svayam।
Yosmatparasmachcha Parastam Prapadye Svayambhuvam॥3॥
Yah Svatmanidam Nijamayayarpitam
Kvachidvibhatam Kva Cha Tattirohitam।
Aviddhadrik Sakshyubhayam Tadikshate
Sa Atma Mulovatu Mam Paratparah॥4॥
Kalena Panchatvamiteshu Kritsnasho
Lokeshu Paleshu Cha Sarva Hetushu।
Tamastadaasidgahanam Gabhiram
Yastasya Parebhivirajate Vibhuh॥5॥
Na Yasya Deva Rishayah Padam Vidu-
Rjantuh Punah Korhati Gantumiritum।
Yatha Natasyakritibhirvicheshtato
Duratyayanukramanah Sa Mavatu॥6॥
Didrikshavo Yasya Padam Sumangalam
Vimukta Sanga Munayah Susadhavah।
Charantyalokavratamavranam Vane
Bhutatmabhuta Suhridah Sa Me Gatih॥7॥
Na Vidyate Yasya Na Janma Karma Va
Na Nama Rupe Gunadosha Eva Va।
Tathapi Lokapyayasambhavaya Yah
Svamayaya Tanyanukalamrichchhati॥8॥
Tasmai Namah Pareshaya Brahmanenantashaktaye।
Arupayorurupaya Nama Ashcharya Karmane॥9॥
Nama Atma Pradipaya Sakshine Paramatmane।
Namo Giram Viduraya Manasashchetasamapi॥10॥
Sattvena Pratilabhyaya Naishkarmyena Vipashchita।
Namah Kaivalyanathaya Nirvanasukhasamvide॥11॥
Namah Shantaya Ghoraya Mudhaya Guna Dharmine।
Nirvisheshaya Samyaya Namo Jnanaghanaya Cha॥12॥
Kshetrajnaya Namastubhyam Sarvadhyakshaya Sakshine।
Purushayatmamulaya Mulaprakritaye Namah॥13॥
Sarvendriyagunadrashtre Sarvapratyayahetave।
Asatachchhayayoktaya Sadabhasaya Te Namah॥14॥
Namo Namastekhila Karanaya
Nishkaranayadbhuta Karanaya।
Sarvagamanmayamaharnavaya
Namopavargaya Parayanaya॥15॥
Gunaranichchhanna Chidushmapaya
Tatkshobhavisphurjita Manasaya।
Naishkarmyabhavena Vivarjitagama-
Svayamprakashaya Namaskaromi॥16॥
Madrikprapannapashupashavimokshanaya
Muktaya Bhurikarunaya Namolayaya।
Svamshena Sarvatanubhrinmanasi Pratita-
Pratyagdrishe Bhagavate Brihate Namaste॥17॥
Atmatmajaptagrihavittajaneshu Saktai-
Rdushprapanaya Gunasangavivarjitaya।
Muktatmabhih Svahridaye Paribhavitaya
Jnanatmane Bhagavate Nama Ishvaraya॥18॥
Yam Dharmakamarthavimuktikama
Bhajanta Ishtam Gatimapnuvanti।
Kim Tvashisho Ratyapi Dehamavyayam
Karotu Medabhradayo Vimokshanam॥19॥
Ekantino Yasya Na Kanchanartha
Vanchhanti Ye Vai Bhagavatprapannah।
Atyadbhutam Tachcharitam Sumangalam
Gayanta Ananda Samudramagnah॥20॥
Tamaksharam Brahma Param Paresha-
Mavyaktamadhyatmikayogagamyam।
Atindriyam Sukshmamivatidura-
Manantamadyam Paripurnamide॥21॥
Yasya Brahmadayo Deva Veda Lokashcharacharah।
Namarupavibhedena Phalgvya Cha Kalaya Kritah॥22॥
Yatharchishognehsaviturgabhastayo
Niryanti Samyantyasakrit Svarochishah।
Tatha Yatoyam Gunasampravaho
Buddhirmanah Khani Sharirasargah॥23॥
Sa Vai Na Devasuramartyatiryang
Na Stri Na Shando Na Puman Na Jantuh।
Nayam Gunah Karma Na Sanna Chasan
Nishedhasheshah Jayatadasheshah॥24॥
Jijivishe Nahamihamuya Ki-
Mantarbahishchavritayebhayonya।
Ichchhami Kalena Na Yasya Viplava-
Stasyatmalokavaranasya Moksham॥25॥
Soham Vishvasrijam Vishvamavishvam Vishvavedasam।
Vishvatmanamajam Brahma Pranatosmi Param Padam॥26॥
Yogarandhita Karmano Hridi Yogavibhavite।
Yogino Yam Prapashyanti Yogesham Tam Natosmyaham॥27॥
Namo Namastubhyamasahyavega-
Shaktitrayayakhiladhigunaya।
Prapannapalaya Durantashaktaye
Kadindriyanamanavapyavartmane॥28॥
Nayam Veda Svamatmanam Yachchhaktyahandhiya Hatam।
Tam Duratyayamahatmyam Bhagavantamitosmyaham॥29॥
Shri Shukadeva Uvacha -
Evam Gajendramupavarnitanirvishesham
Brahmadayo Vividhalingabhidabhimanah।
Naite Yadopasasripurnikhilatmakatvat
Tatrakhilamaramayo Hariravirasit॥30॥
Tam Tadvadartamupalabhya Jagannivasah
Stotram Nishamya Divijaih Saha Samstuvadbhih।
Chhandomayena Garudena Samuhyamana-
Shchakrayudhobhyagamadashu Yato Gajendrah॥31॥
Sontahsarasyurubalena Grihita Arto
Drishtva Garutmati Harim Kha Upattachakram।
Utkshipya Sambujakaram Giramaha Krichchha-
Nnarayanakhilaguro Bhagavannamaste॥32॥
Tam Vikshya Piditamajah Sahasavatirya
Sagraham Ashu Sarasah Kripayojjahara।
Grahad Vipatitamukhadarina Gajendram
Sampashyatam Hariramumucha Dustriyanam॥33॥
॥ Iti Shri Gajendra Krita Bhagavat Stavanam Sampurnam ॥
📖 Gajendra Moksha PDF (Gita Press, Gorakhpur)
Download the complete Gajendra Moksha Stotra as published by Gita Press, Gorakhpur — ideal for offline reading, printing, or daily recitation.
Verse-by-Verse Meaning of Gajendra Moksha Stotra
1 Setting the Scene
एवं व्यवसितो बुद्ध्या समाधाय मनो हृदि।
जजाप परमं जाप्यं प्राग्जन्मन्यनुशिक्षितम्॥
जजाप परमं जाप्यं प्राग्जन्मन्यनुशिक्षितम्॥
Translation: Having thus resolved with firm intelligence, Gajendra fixed his mind within his heart and began to recite the supreme prayer that he had learned in a previous birth.
2 The Opening Invocation
ऊं नमो भगवते तस्मै यत एतच्चिदात्मकम्।
पुरुषायादिबीजाय परेशायाभिधीमहि॥
पुरुषायादिबीजाय परेशायाभिधीमहि॥
Key Terms: नमो भगवते (Namo Bhagavate) = obeisances to the Supreme Lord; चिदात्मकम् (Chidatmakam) = of the nature of pure consciousness; आदिबीजाय (Adibijaya) = the primeval seed of creation; परेशाय (Pareshaya) = the Supreme Controller
Translation: Om. Obeisances unto that Supreme Personality of Godhead, from whom this sentient universe has manifested. Let us meditate upon the Purusha, the primeval seed of all creation, the Supreme Controller.
3 The Self-Born Refuge
यस्मिन्निदं यतश्चेदं येनेदं य इदं स्वयं।
योऽस्मात्परस्माच्च परस्तं प्रपद्ये स्वयम्भुवम्॥
योऽस्मात्परस्माच्च परस्तं प्रपद्ये स्वयम्भुवम्॥
Translation: I take refuge in the self-born Lord — in whom this universe rests, from whom it has come, by whom it is sustained, who Himself is this universe, and who is transcendental even beyond that which is supreme.
4 The Unaffected Witness
यः स्वात्मनीदं निजमाययार्पितं क्वचिद्विभातं क्व च तत्तिरोहितम्।
अविद्धदृक् साक्ष्युभयं तदीक्षते स आत्ममूलोऽवतु मां परात्परः॥
अविद्धदृक् साक्ष्युभयं तदीक्षते स आत्ममूलोऽवतु मां परात्परः॥
Translation: He within whose own self this universe, projected by His own Maya, sometimes appears and sometimes disappears; He, the unaffected witness, perceives both its manifestation and dissolution. May that Lord, the very root of existence, higher than the highest, protect me.
5 Beyond the Great Dissolution
कालेन पंचत्वमितेषु कृत्स्नशो लोकेषु पालेषु च सर्व हेतुषु।
तमस्तदाऽऽसीद् गहनं गभीरं यस्तस्य पारेऽभिविराजते विभुः॥
तमस्तदाऽऽसीद् गहनं गभीरं यस्तस्य पारेऽभिविराजते विभुः॥
Translation: When time dissolves all the worlds, their protectors, and all causal principles into the elements, only deep, dense darkness remains — yet beyond even that darkness the all-pervading Lord shines forth.
6 Beyond the Reach of Gods and Sages
न यस्य देवा ऋषयः पदं विदुर्जन्तुः पुनः कोऽर्हति गन्तुमीरितुम्।
यथा नटस्याकृतिभिर्विचेष्टतो दुरत्ययानुक्रमणः स मावतु॥
यथा नटस्याकृतिभिर्विचेष्टतो दुरत्ययानुक्रमणः स मावतु॥
Translation: Whose true state even the gods and great sages cannot know — what living being, then, could reach or describe it? Like the many forms of an actor upon a stage, His movements are impossible to trace. May that Lord protect me.
7 Sought by Sages
दिदृक्षवो यस्य पदं सुमंगलम् विमुक्तसंगा मुनयः सुसाधवः।
चरन्त्यलोकव्रतमव्रणं वने भूतात्मभूताः सुहृदः स मे गतिः॥
चरन्त्यलोकव्रतमव्रणं वने भूतात्मभूताः सुहृदः स मे गतिः॥
Translation: Desiring to behold His most auspicious abode, sages free from all attachment wander in the forest observing flawless, uncommon vows, regarding all beings as their own self and as friends. He alone is my refuge.
8 Without Birth, Yet Assuming Form
न विद्यते यस्य न जन्म कर्म वा न नामरूपे गुणदोष एव वा।
तथापि लोकाप्ययसम्भवाय यः स्वमायया तान्यनुकालमृच्छति॥
तथापि लोकाप्ययसम्भवाय यः स्वमायया तान्यनुकालमृच्छति॥
Translation: He who has neither birth nor action, neither name nor form, neither virtue nor fault — yet for the creation and dissolution of the worlds, He assumes these through His own Maya, age after age.
9 Wondrous Deeds
तस्मै नमः परेशाय ब्रह्मणेऽनन्तशक्तये।
अरूपायोरुरूपाय नम आश्चर्यकर्मणे॥
अरूपायोरुरूपाय नम आश्चर्यकर्मणे॥
Translation: Salutations to that Supreme Lord, the infinite Brahman of unlimited power — formless, yet possessing innumerable forms; salutations to Him whose every deed is wondrous.
10 Beyond Words and Mind
नम आत्मप्रदीपाय साक्षिणे परमात्मने।
नमो गिरां विदूराय मनसश्चेतसामपि॥
नमो गिरां विदूराय मनसश्चेतसामपि॥
Translation: Salutations to Him who is self-luminous, the witness, the Supreme Self; salutations to Him who lies beyond the reach of words, mind, and intellect.
11 Lord of Liberation
सत्त्वेन प्रतिलभ्याय नैष्कर्म्येण विपश्चिता।
नमः कैवल्यनाथाय निर्वाणसुखसंविदे॥
नमः कैवल्यनाथाय निर्वाणसुखसंविदे॥
Translation: Salutations to Him who is attained by the wise through purity of goodness and freedom from selfish action; salutations to the Lord of Liberation, whose very nature is the bliss and knowledge of ultimate freedom.
12 Beyond All Distinction
नमः शान्ताय घोराय मूढाय गुणधर्मिणे।
निर्विशेषाय साम्याय नमो ज्ञानघनाय च॥
निर्विशेषाय साम्याय नमो ज्ञानघनाय च॥
Translation: Salutations to Him who appears peaceful, who appears terrible, who appears deluded through the three gunas; salutations also to Him who is without distinction, ever the same, and dense with pure knowledge.
13 The Knower of the Field
क्षेत्रज्ञाय नमस्तुभ्यं सर्वाध्यक्षाय साक्षिणे।
पुरुषायात्ममूलाय मूलप्रकृतये नमः॥
पुरुषायात्ममूलाय मूलप्रकृतये नमः॥
Translation: Salutations to You, the knower of the field, the overseer of all, the witness; salutations to the Purusha, the root of the self, and to primordial Nature itself.
14 Seer of the Senses
सर्वेन्द्रियगुणद्रष्ट्रे सर्वप्रत्ययहेतवे।
असताच्छाययोक्ताय सदाभासाय ते नमः॥
असताच्छाययोक्ताय सदाभासाय ते नमः॥
Translation: Salutations to You, the seer behind the functions of all the senses, the cause of all perception; who, being beyond the unreal, yet appears through its shadow, shining as the very substratum of all that seems real.
15 The Uncaused Cause
नमो नमस्तेऽखिलकारणाय निष्कारणायाद्भुतकारणाय।
सर्वागमाम्नायमहार्णवाय नमोऽपवर्गाय परायणाय॥
सर्वागमाम्नायमहार्णवाय नमोऽपवर्गाय परायणाय॥
Translation: Salutations again and again to You, the cause of all causes yet Yourself uncaused — the wondrous cause of all; the great ocean containing every scripture and tradition; salutations to You who bestow liberation and are the final refuge of all.
16 The Hidden Flame
गुणारणिच्छन्नचिदूष्मपाय तत्क्षोभविस्फूर्जितमानसाय।
नैष्कर्म्यभावेन विवर्जितागमस्वयंप्रकाशाय नमस्करोमि॥
नैष्कर्म्यभावेन विवर्जितागमस्वयंप्रकाशाय नमस्करोमि॥
Translation: Salutations to You, whose spiritual heat lies hidden like fire within the friction-sticks of the three gunas; from whose agitation the cosmic mind bursts forth; who are self-luminous, known even beyond the reach of scripture by those established in actionless realization.
17 Liberator of the Surrendered
मादृक्प्रपन्नपशुपाशविमोक्षणाय मुक्ताय भूरिकरुणाय नमोऽलयाय।
स्वांशेन सर्वतनुभृन्मनसि प्रतीतप्रत्यग्दृशे भगवते बृहते नमस्ते॥
स्वांशेन सर्वतनुभृन्मनसि प्रतीतप्रत्यग्दृशे भगवते बृहते नमस्ते॥
Translation: Salutations to You who free from bondage those helpless ones like me who surrender to You; who are ever-liberated, immensely compassionate, imperishable; who through Your partial expansion are perceived as the innermost witnessing consciousness in the minds of all embodied beings. Salutations to You, the vast Supreme Lord.
18 Difficult to Attain, Yet Near
आत्मात्मजाप्तगृहवित्तजनेषु सक्तैर्दुष्प्रापणाय गुणसंगविवर्जिताय।
मुक्तात्मभिः स्वहृदये परिभाविताय ज्ञानात्मने भगवते नम ईश्वराय॥
मुक्तात्मभिः स्वहृदये परिभाविताय ज्ञानात्मने भगवते नम ईश्वराय॥
Translation: Salutations to You who are difficult to attain for those attached to body, children, relatives, home, and wealth; who are entirely untouched by the material gunas; who are contemplated within their own hearts by liberated souls; salutations to You, the Lord whose very nature is pure knowledge.
19 Gajendra's Only Request
यं धर्मकामार्थविमुक्तिकामा भजन्त इष्टां गतिमाप्नुवन्ति।
किं त्वाशिषो रात्यपि देहमव्ययं करोतु मेऽदभ्रदयो विमोक्षणम्॥
किं त्वाशिषो रात्यपि देहमव्ययं करोतु मेऽदभ्रदयो विमोक्षणम्॥
Translation: Those who worship You desiring righteousness, pleasure, wealth, or even liberation attain their desired end — what then to speak of lesser blessings. But as for me, may You, of boundless compassion, grant me liberation alone.
20 The Bliss of Devotion
एकान्तिनो यस्य न कञ्चनार्थं वाञ्छन्ति ये वै भगवत्प्रपन्नाः।
अत्यद्भुतं तच्चरितं सुमङ्गलं गायन्त आनन्दसमुद्रमग्नाः॥
अत्यद्भुतं तच्चरितं सुमङ्गलं गायन्त आनन्दसमुद्रमग्नाः॥
Translation: His single-minded devotees, having fully surrendered to the Lord, desire nothing else whatsoever; singing His most wondrous and auspicious deeds, they remain immersed in an ocean of bliss.
21 The Imperishable Brahman
तमक्षरं ब्रह्म परं परेशमव्यक्तमाध्यात्मिकयोगगम्यम्।
अतीन्द्रियं सूक्ष्ममिवातिदूरमनन्तमाद्यं परिपूर्णमीडे॥
अतीन्द्रियं सूक्ष्ममिवातिदूरमनन्तमाद्यं परिपूर्णमीडे॥
Translation: I praise Him — the imperishable Brahman, the Supreme beyond the supreme, the unmanifest, attainable only through the yoga of spiritual realization; beyond the senses, subtle as though infinitely distant, yet endless, the primeval one, ever complete.
22 Creation from a Fraction
यस्य ब्रह्मादयो देवा वेदा लोकाश्चराचराः।
नामरूपविभेदेन फल्ग्व्या च कलया कृताः॥
नामरूपविभेदेन फल्ग्व्या च कलया कृताः॥
Translation: By whose mere fraction — through the differentiation of names and forms — Brahma and the other gods, the Vedas, and all the moving and unmoving worlds have been created.
23 Like Sparks from Fire
यथार्चिषोऽग्नेः सवितुर्गभस्तयो निर्यान्ति संयान्त्यसकृत् स्वरोचिषः।
तथा यतोऽयं गुणसंप्रवाहो बुद्धिर्मनः खानि शरीरसर्गाः॥
तथा यतोऽयं गुणसंप्रवाहो बुद्धिर्मनः खानि शरीरसर्गाः॥
Translation: Just as sparks from fire and rays from the sun repeatedly emanate and again withdraw into their own luminous source, so too from Him flows forth the stream of the gunas — intellect, mind, the senses, and the creation of bodies — again and again.
24 Beyond All Categories
स वै न देवासुरमर्त्यतिर्यङ् न स्त्री न षण्डो न पुमान्न जन्तुः।
नायं गुणः कर्म न सन्न चासन्निषेधशेषो जयतादशेषः॥
नायं गुणः कर्म न सन्न चासन्निषेधशेषो जयतादशेषः॥
Translation: He is neither a god, demon, human, nor animal; neither female, neuter, nor male, nor any ordinary creature. He is not a material quality nor an action, neither being nor non-being — He remains as that which is left after every negation. May that all-encompassing Lord be victorious.
25 Letting Go of the Body
जिजीविषे नाहमिहामुया किमन्तर्बहिश्चावृतयेभयोन्या।
इच्छामि कालेन न यस्य विप्लवस्तस्यात्मलोकावरणस्य मोक्षम्॥
इच्छामि कालेन न यस्य विप्लवस्तस्यात्मलोकावरणस्य मोक्षम्॥
Translation: I no longer wish to cling to this life, covered as I am, within and without, by ignorance from dual sources. I desire only liberation from this veil over the self — a covering that even time cannot destroy on its own.
26 The Famous Surrender Verse
सोऽहं विश्वसृजं विश्वमविश्वं विश्ववेदसम्।
विश्वात्मानमजं ब्रह्म प्रणतोऽस्मि परं पदम्॥
विश्वात्मानमजं ब्रह्म प्रणतोऽस्मि परं पदम्॥
Key Terms: सोऽहम् (So'ham) = I, therefore; विश्वसृजम् (Vishvasrijam) = the creator of the universe; विश्वात्मानम् (Vishvatmanam) = the Self of the universe; प्रणतोऽस्मि (Pranatosmi) = I bow down
Translation: I bow down to Him — the creator of the universe, who is Himself the universe and yet beyond it, the knower of all, the Self of the universe, the unborn Brahman, the Supreme Abode.
27 Seen by Yogis
योगरन्धितकर्माणो हृदि योगविभाविते।
योगिनो यं प्रपश्यन्ति योगेशं तं नतोऽस्म्यहम्॥
योगिनो यं प्रपश्यन्ति योगेशं तं नतोऽस्म्यहम्॥
Translation: I bow down to that Lord of Yoga, whom yogis — their actions burnt away through yoga, and their hearts illumined through yoga — perceive within their own hearts.
28 Protector of the Surrendered
नमो नमस्तुभ्यमसह्यवेगशक्तित्रयायाखिलधीगुणाय।
प्रपन्नपालाय दुरन्तशक्तये कदिन्द्रियाणामनवाप्यवर्त्मने॥
प्रपन्नपालाय दुरन्तशक्तये कदिन्द्रियाणामनवाप्यवर्त्मने॥
Translation: Salutations, again and again, to You who bear the irresistible power of the three forces, who are the very quality behind all intellect; who protect the surrendered soul; whose power none can overcome; whose path remains unattainable by the limited senses.
29 Final Surrender
नायं वेद स्वमात्मानं यच्छक्त्याहंधिया हतम्।
तं दुरत्ययमाहात्म्यं भगवन्तमितोऽस्म्यहम्॥
तं दुरत्ययमाहात्म्यं भगवन्तमितोऽस्म्यहम्॥
Translation: This embodied being does not know his own true self, his understanding struck down by the power of false identification with the body. Unto that Lord, whose glory is impossible to overcome, I now go for shelter.
30 The Gods Fall Back
एवं गजेन्द्रमुपवर्णितनिर्विशेषं ब्रह्मादयो विविधलिंगभिदाभिमानाः।
नैते यदोपससृपुर्निखिलात्मकत्वात् तत्राखिलामरमयो हरिराविरासीत्॥
नैते यदोपससृपुर्निखिलात्मकत्वात् तत्राखिलामरमयो हरिराविरासीत्॥
Translation: Thus praised by Gajendra as the One beyond all distinctions, Brahma and the other gods — each identified with their own particular form — could not approach him, for it required recognizing the Lord as the Self of all. Then, in that very place, Lord Hari, the embodiment of all the gods, personally appeared.
31 The Lord Rushes to Save
तं तद्वदार्त्तमुपलभ्य जगन्निवासः स्तोत्रं निशम्य दिविजैः सह संस्तुवद्भिः।
छन्दोमयेन गरुडेन समुह्यमानश्चक्रायुधोऽभ्यगमदाशु यतो गजेन्द्रः॥
छन्दोमयेन गरुडेन समुह्यमानश्चक्रायुधोऽभ्यगमदाशु यतो गजेन्द्रः॥
Translation: The Lord, the abode of the universe, perceiving Gajendra's distress and hearing his hymn of praise, while the celestial beings sang along, mounted upon Garuda — the embodiment of the Vedic hymns — and, discus in hand, swiftly arrived at the very place where Gajendra was.
32 Gajendra's Final Cry
सोऽन्तस्सरस्युरुबलेन गृहीत आर्त्तो दृष्ट्वा गरुत्मति हरिं ख उपात्तचक्रम्।
उत्क्षिप्य साम्बुजकरं गिरमाह कृच्छान्नारायणाखिलगुरो भगवन्नमस्ते॥
उत्क्षिप्य साम्बुजकरं गिरमाह कृच्छान्नारायणाखिलगुरो भगवन्नमस्ते॥
Translation: Gajendra, still held fast in the lake by the crocodile's immense strength, upon seeing Hari in the sky upon Garuda with discus raised, lifted his lotus-holding trunk and, with great difficulty, cried out: "O Narayana, Teacher of the whole universe, O Lord, salutations to You!"
✦ The Rescue (Verse 33)
तं वीक्ष्य पीडितमजः सहसावतीर्य सग्राहमाशु सरसः कृपयोज्जहार।
ग्राहाद् विपाटितमुखादरिणा गजेन्द्रं सम्पश्यतां हरिरमूमुच दुस्त्रियाणाम्॥
ग्राहाद् विपाटितमुखादरिणा गजेन्द्रं सम्पश्यतां हरिरमूमुच दुस्त्रियाणाम्॥
Translation: Seeing him thus afflicted, the unborn Lord immediately descended and, out of compassion, lifted both Gajendra and the crocodile together out of the lake. Then, before the very eyes of the celestial beings, Hari split open the crocodile's mouth with His discus and freed Gajendra from that unfortunate creature — granting liberation to both.
Spiritual Benefits of Reciting Gajendra Moksha Stotra
Spiritual Growth
- Complete Surrender: Teaches and cultivates true Sharanagati — unconditional surrender to the Divine
- Divine Grace: Attracts the swift, compassionate response of Lord Vishnu, just as He rushed to Gajendra
- Inner Peace: Dissolves feelings of helplessness by reinforcing faith that the Lord protects His sincere devotees
- Philosophical Insight: Deepens understanding of the formless, all-pervading nature of the Supreme Being
Protection in Difficult Times
- Removal of Danger: Traditionally recited in moments of crisis, illness, or grave difficulty
- Courage: Instills the strength to face overwhelming odds with faith rather than despair
- Protection from Negative Forces: Believed to shield the devotee from harm, much as Gajendra was freed from the crocodile's grip
Health and Well-being
- Emotional Resilience: Calms anxiety by redirecting the mind toward trust in the Divine
- Mental Clarity: Encourages letting go of ego-driven struggle in favor of surrender
- Karmic Purification: Recitation with devotion is believed to dissolve accumulated negative karma
How to Chant Gajendra Moksha Stotra: 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 or Narayana 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, remembering Gajendra's total surrender
Step-by-Step Chanting Process
- Invocation: Begin with a brief prayer to Lord Vishnu
- Sankalpa: State your intention — surrender, protection, or relief from a specific difficulty
- Recitation: Chant the stotra with clear pronunciation and heartfelt devotion, as Gajendra did in his moment of greatest need
- Meditation: After chanting, sit quietly and reflect on the Lord's swift compassion
- Prayer: Offer heartfelt gratitude, surrendering the outcome to the Divine
Important Guidelines
- Maintain regularity — daily practice yields the deepest results
- Chant with genuine surrender rather than mere mechanical repetition
- Reflect on the meaning of the verses, especially the famous "So'ham Vishvasrijam" verse
- Recite it especially during times of personal difficulty, fear, or helplessness
- Share the merit of your recitation by praying for the protection of all beings
Best Times to Recite Gajendra Moksha Stotra
Daily Practice
- Early Morning: Brahma Muhurta (4:00 - 6:00 AM) for maximum spiritual benefit
- Evening: During sunset (Sandhya Kaal) for divine blessings
- In Moments of Crisis: Whenever facing fear, danger, or overwhelming difficulty
Special Occasions
- Ekadashi: Especially Vaikuntha Ekadashi, sacred to Lord Vishnu
- Vishnu Festivals: During any festival or puja dedicated to Lord Vishnu or Narayana
- Before Major Challenges: Before undertaking anything difficult or uncertain, as an act of surrender
- Purnima (Full Moon): Enhanced spiritual energy for devotional recitation
Frequently Asked Questions about Gajendra Moksha Stotra
What is the Gajendra Moksha Stotra?
The Gajendra Moksha Stotra (also called Gajendra Stuti) is a sacred prayer from the Srimad Bhagavatam (Canto 8, Chapter 3), spoken by Gajendra, the king of elephants, while trapped in a crocodile's grip. Beginning with "Om Namo Bhagavate Tasmai," it is one of the most celebrated expressions of complete surrender (Sharanagati) to Lord Vishnu in all of Hindu scripture.
What is the story behind Gajendra Moksha?
Gajendra, the elephant king, was seized by a crocodile while bathing in a lake. After a thousand-year struggle in which no worldly strength could save him, he surrendered completely to Lord Vishnu and recited this stotra. Lord Vishnu immediately rushed to the scene on Garuda and freed Gajendra by cutting open the crocodile's mouth with His Sudarshana Chakra, liberating both the elephant and the crocodile (who was a cursed Gandharva).
Who was Gajendra in his previous birth?
According to the Bhagavatam, Gajendra was previously a devout Pandya king named Indradyumna, who was cursed to be born as an elephant by the sage Agastya after inadvertently failing to greet him during deep meditation. His devotion, however, remained dormant within him and resurfaced at the moment of his gravest danger.
What does the famous verse "So'ham Vishvasrijam" mean?
Verse 26, "सोऽहं विश्वसृजं विश्वमविश्वं विश्ववेदसम्," is one of the most quoted lines of the stotra. It means: "I bow down to Him — the creator of the universe, who is Himself the universe and yet beyond it, the knower of all, the Self of the universe, the unborn Brahman, the Supreme Abode." It expresses the culmination of Gajendra's realization and total surrender.
What are the benefits of reciting Gajendra Stuti?
Reciting the Gajendra Moksha Stotra with devotion is believed to bring swift divine protection in times of danger or crisis, cultivate genuine surrender and faith, remove feelings of helplessness, purify accumulated karma, and deepen one's understanding of the Supreme Lord's formless, all-pervading nature.
When should Gajendra Moksha Stotra be recited?
This stotra can be recited daily, ideally during Brahma Muhurta or evening Sandhya, and is especially powerful when recited during moments of personal crisis, fear, illness, or grave difficulty. It is also recited on Ekadashi, particularly Vaikuntha Ekadashi, and during any Vishnu-related festival or puja.