Complete Guide to Shri Hari Stotram
Introduction to Shri Hari Stotram
Shri Hari Stotram is a devotional hymn dedicated to Lord Vishnu, referred to as 'Hari' — the one who removes all sins, sorrows, and obstacles from the lives of devotees. This stotram celebrates the infinite qualities of Lord Vishnu as the supreme preserver of the universe, the refuge of all beings, and the ultimate source of grace and compassion.
Spiritual Significance of Shri Hari Stotram
The name 'Hari' signifies the one who takes away (Harati) all suffering and negative karma. This stotram invokes Vishnu's protective and purifying nature, making it a powerful prayer for spiritual cleansing, divine protection, and the cultivation of devotion (Bhakti) that leads to liberation.
Shri Hari Stotram Lyrics
॥ श्री हरि स्तोत्रम् ॥
जगज्जालपालं चलत्कण्ठमालंशरच्चन्द्रभालं महादैत्यकालं
नभोनीलकायं दुरावारमायंसुपद्मासहायम् भजेऽहं भजेऽहं॥1॥
सदाम्भोधिवासं गलत्पुष्पहासंजगत्सन्निवासं शतादित्यभासं
गदाचक्रशस्त्रं लसत्पीतवस्त्रंहसच्चारुवक्त्रं भजेऽहं भजेऽहं॥2॥
रमाकण्ठहारं श्रुतिव्रातसारंजलान्तर्विहारं धराभारहारं
चिदानन्दरूपं मनोज्ञस्वरूपंध्रुतानेकरूपं भजेऽहं भजेऽहं॥3॥
जराजन्महीनं परानन्दपीनंसमाधानलीनं सदैवानवीनं
जगज्जन्महेतुं सुरानीककेतुंत्रिलोकैकसेतुं भजेऽहं भजेऽहं॥4॥
कृताम्नायगानं खगाधीशयानंविमुक्तेर्निदानं हरारातिमानं
स्वभक्तानुकूलं जगद्व्रुक्षमूलंनिरस्तार्तशूलं भजेऽहं भजेऽहं॥5॥
समस्तामरेशं द्विरेफाभकेशंजगद्विम्बलेशं ह्रुदाकाशदेशं
सदा दिव्यदेहं विमुक्ताखिलेहंसुवैकुण्ठगेहं भजेऽहं भजेऽहं॥6॥
सुरालिबलिष्ठं त्रिलोकीवरिष्ठंगुरूणां गरिष्ठं स्वरूपैकनिष्ठं
सदा युद्धधीरं महावीरवीरंमहाम्भोधितीरं भजेऽहं भजेऽहं॥7॥
रमावामभागं तलानग्रनागंकृताधीनयागं गतारागरागं
मुनीन्द्रैः सुगीतं सुरैः संपरीतंगुणौधैरतीतं भजेऽहं भजेऽहं॥8॥
॥ फलश्रुति ॥
इदं यस्तु नित्यं समाधाय चित्तंपठेदष्टकं कण्ठहारम् मुरारेः
स विष्णोर्विशोकं ध्रुवं याति लोकंजराजन्मशोकं पुनर्विन्दते नो॥9॥
॥ Shri Hari Stotram ॥
Jagajjalapalam ChalatkanthamalamSharachchandrabhalam Mahadaityakalam
Nabhonilakayam DuravaramayamSupadmasahayam Bhajeaham Bhajeaham॥1॥
Sadambhodhivasam GalatpushpahasamJagatsannivasam Shatadityabhasam
Gadachakrashastram LasatpitavastramHasachcharuvaktram Bhajeaham Bhajeaham॥2॥
Ramakanthaharam ShrutivratasaramJalantarviharam Dharabharaharam
Chidanandarupam ManojnasvarupamDhrutanekarupam Bhajeaham Bhajeaham॥3॥
Jarajanmahinam ParanandapinamSamadhanalinam Sadaivanavinam
Jagajjanmahetum SuranikaketumTrilokaikasetum Bhajeaham Bhajeaham॥4॥
Kritamnayaganam KhagadhishayanamVimukternidanam Hararatimanam
Svabhaktanukulam JagadvrukshamulamNirastartashulam Bhajeaham Bhajeaham॥5॥
Samastamaresham DvirephabhakeshamJagadvimbalesham Hrudakashadesham
Sada Divyadeham VimuktakhilehamSuvaikunthageham Bhajeaham Bhajeaham॥6॥
Suralibalishtham TrilokivarishthamGurunam Garishtham Svarupaikanishtham
Sada Yuddhadhiram MahaviraviramMahambhodhitiram Bhajeaham Bhajeaham॥7॥
Ramavamabhagam TalanagranagamKritadhinayagam Gataragaragam
Munindraih Sugitam Suraih SamparitamGunaudhairatitam Bhajeaham Bhajeaham॥8॥
॥ Phalashruti ॥
Idam Yastu Nityam Samadhaya ChittamPathedashtakam Kanthaharam Murareh
Sa Vishnorvishokam Dhruvam Yati LokamJarajanmashokam Punarvindate No॥9॥
Verse-by-Verse Meaning of Shri Hari Stotram
1 First Verse
जगज्जालपालं चलत्कण्ठमालं
शरच्चन्द्रभालं महादैत्यकालम्।
नभोनीलकायं दुरावारमायं
सुपद्मासहायं भजेऽहं भजेऽहम्॥
शरच्चन्द्रभालं महादैत्यकालम्।
नभोनीलकायं दुरावारमायं
सुपद्मासहायं भजेऽहं भजेऽहम्॥
Word Meanings: जगज्जालपालम् (Jagajjalapalam) = the protector of the net of the universe; चलत्कण्ठमालम् (Chalatkanthamalam) = with a swaying garland on the neck; शरच्चन्द्रभालम् (Sharachchandrabhalam) = whose forehead is like the autumn moon; महादैत्यकालम् (Mahadaityakalam) = the death of the great demons; नभोनीलकायम् (Nabhonilakayam) = whose body is blue like the sky; दुरावारमायम् (Duravaramayam) = whose Maya is difficult to overcome; सुपद्मासहायम् (Supadmasahayam) = accompanied by the beautiful Padma (Lakshmi); भजेऽहम् (Bhajeham) = I worship
Translation: I worship, I worship Him — the protector of the network of the universe, with a swaying garland on His neck, whose forehead shines like the autumn moon, who is death to the great demons, whose body is sky-blue, whose Maya is insurmountable, and who is accompanied by the beautiful Lakshmi.
2 Second Verse
सदाम्भोधिवासं गलत्पुष्पहासं
जगत्सन्निवासं शतादित्यभासम्।
गदाचक्रशस्त्रं लसत्पीतवस्त्रं
हसच्चारुवक्त्रं भजेऽहं भजेऽहम्॥
जगत्सन्निवासं शतादित्यभासम्।
गदाचक्रशस्त्रं लसत्पीतवस्त्रं
हसच्चारुवक्त्रं भजेऽहं भजेऽहम्॥
Word Meanings: सदाम्भोधिवासम् (Sadambhodhivasam) = ever dwelling in the ocean (of milk); गलत्पुष्पहासम् (Galatpushpahasam) = with a smile like blossoming flowers; जगत्सन्निवासम् (Jagatsannivasam) = the dwelling place of the universe; शतादित्यभासम् (Shatadityabhasam) = radiant like a hundred suns; गदाचक्रशस्त्रम् (Gadachakrashastram) = armed with mace and discus; लसत्पीतवस्त्रम् (Lasatpitavastram) = shining in yellow garments; हसच्चारुवक्त्रम् (Hasachcharuvaktram) = with a smiling beautiful face
Translation: I worship, I worship Him — who ever dwells in the ocean, with a smile like blossoming flowers, the abode of the universe, radiant as a hundred suns, armed with mace and discus, shining in yellow garments, with a beautifully smiling face.
3 Third Verse
रमाकण्ठहारं श्रुतिव्रातसारं
जलान्तर्विहारं धराभारहारम्।
चिदानन्दरूपं मनोज्ञस्वरूपं
ध्रुतानेकरूपं भजेऽहं भजेऽहम्॥
जलान्तर्विहारं धराभारहारम्।
चिदानन्दरूपं मनोज्ञस्वरूपं
ध्रुतानेकरूपं भजेऽहं भजेऽहम्॥
Word Meanings: रमाकण्ठहारम् (Ramakanthaharam) = the necklace on Rama's (Lakshmi's) neck; श्रुतिव्रातसारम् (Shrutivratasaram) = the essence of the assembly of Vedas; जलान्तर्विहारम् (Jalantarviharam) = sporting within the waters; धराभारहारम् (Dharabharaharam) = the remover of the earth's burden; चिदानन्दरूपम् (Chidanandarupam) = of the form of consciousness and bliss; मनोज्ञस्वरूपम् (Manojnasvarupam) = of captivating form; ध्रुतानेकरूपम् (Dhrutanekarupam) = holding/assuming many forms
Translation: I worship, I worship Him — who is the necklace on Lakshmi's neck, the essence of all the Vedas, who sports within the waters, who removes the earth's burden, who is of the form of consciousness and bliss, of captivating divine form, and who assumes innumerable forms.
4 Fourth Verse
जराजन्महीनं परानन्दपीनं
समाधानलीनं सदैवानवीनम्।
जगज्जन्महेतुं सुरानीककेतुं
त्रिलोकैकसेतुं भजेऽहं भजेऽहम्॥
समाधानलीनं सदैवानवीनम्।
जगज्जन्महेतुं सुरानीककेतुं
त्रिलोकैकसेतुं भजेऽहं भजेऽहम्॥
Word Meanings: जराजन्महीनम् (Jarajanmahinam) = free from old age and birth; परानन्दपीनम् (Paranandapinam) = filled with supreme bliss; समाधानलीनम् (Samadhanalinam) = absorbed in meditation; सदैवानवीनम् (Sadaivanavinam) = ever new/fresh; जगज्जन्महेतुम् (Jagajjanmahetum) = the cause of the world's creation; सुरानीककेतुम् (Suranikaketum) = the banner/leader of the army of gods; त्रिलोकैकसेतुम् (Trilokaikasetum) = the sole bridge of the three worlds
Translation: I worship, I worship Him — who is free from old age and birth, filled with supreme bliss, absorbed in meditation, ever fresh and new, the cause of the world's creation, the banner of the divine army, and the sole bridge across the three worlds.
5 Fifth Verse
कृताम्नायगानं खगाधीशयानं
विमुक्तेर्निदानं हरारातिमानम्।
स्वभक्तानुकूलं जगद्वृक्षमूलं
निरस्तार्तशूलं भजेऽहं भजेऽहम्॥
विमुक्तेर्निदानं हरारातिमानम्।
स्वभक्तानुकूलं जगद्वृक्षमूलं
निरस्तार्तशूलं भजेऽहं भजेऽहम्॥
Word Meanings: कृताम्नायगानम् (Kritamnayaganam) = whose praise forms the Vedic hymns; खगाधीशयानम् (Khagadhishayanam) = seated on the lord of birds (Garuda); विमुक्तेर्निदानम् (Vimukterdidanam) = the cause/source of liberation; हरारातिमानम् (Hararatimanam) = destroyer of the pride of enemies; स्वभक्तानुकूलम् (Svabhaktanukulam) = favorable to His own devotees; जगद्वृक्षमूलम् (Jagadvrukshamulam) = the root of the world-tree; निरस्तार्तशूलम् (Nirastartashulam) = remover of the pain of the afflicted
Translation: I worship, I worship Him — whose glory forms the Vedic hymns, who rides upon Garuda (the lord of birds), who is the source of liberation, who destroys the pride of enemies, who is gracious to His devotees, who is the root of the world-tree, and who removes the pain of the afflicted.
6 Sixth Verse
समस्तामरेशं द्विरेफाभकेशं
जगद्विम्बलेशं हृदाकाशदेशम्।
सदा दिव्यदेहं विमुक्ताखिलेहं
सुवैकुण्ठगेहं भजेऽहं भजेऽहम्॥
जगद्विम्बलेशं हृदाकाशदेशम्।
सदा दिव्यदेहं विमुक्ताखिलेहं
सुवैकुण्ठगेहं भजेऽहं भजेऽहम्॥
Word Meanings: समस्तामरेशम् (Samastamaresham) = the Lord of all the gods; द्विरेफाभकेशम् (Dvirephabhakesham) = whose hair is like bees (dark and curly); जगद्विम्बलेशम् (Jagadvimbalesham) = who possesses even a small trace (of whom the universe is a mere reflection); हृदाकाशदेशम् (Hridakashadesham) = who resides in the space of the heart; सदा दिव्यदेहम् (Sada divyadeham) = ever with a divine body; विमुक्ताखिलेहम् (Vimuktakhileham) = free from all desires; सुवैकुण्ठगेहम् (Suvaikunthageham) = whose abode is the blissful Vaikuntha
Translation: I worship, I worship Him — the Lord of all the gods, whose dark curly hair resembles bees, of whom the universe is but a mere reflection, who resides in the space of the heart, ever with a divine body, free from all desires, whose abode is the blissful Vaikuntha.
7 Seventh Verse
सुरालिबलिष्ठं त्रिलोकीवरिष्ठं
गुरूणां गरिष्ठं स्वरूपैकनिष्ठम्।
सदा युद्धधीरं महावीरवीरं
महाम्भोधितीरं भजेऽहं भजेऽहम्॥
गुरूणां गरिष्ठं स्वरूपैकनिष्ठम्।
सदा युद्धधीरं महावीरवीरं
महाम्भोधितीरं भजेऽहं भजेऽहम्॥
Word Meanings: सुरालिबलिष्ठम् (Suralibalishtham) = the strongest among the gods; त्रिलोकीवरिष्ठम् (Trilokivarishtham) = the most excellent in the three worlds; गुरूणां गरिष्ठम् (Gurunam garishtham) = the greatest among the gurus/elders; स्वरूपैकनिष्ठम् (Svarupaikanishtham) = steadfast in His own true form; सदा युद्धधीरम् (Sada yuddhadhiram) = ever courageous in battle; महावीरवीरम् (Mahaviraviram) = the hero of great heroes; महाम्भोधितीरम् (Mahambhodhitiram) = the shore of the great ocean (of existence)
Translation: I worship, I worship Him — the strongest among the gods, the most excellent in the three worlds, the greatest among gurus, steadfast in His own true form, ever courageous in battle, the hero among great heroes, and the shore of the great ocean of existence.
8 Eighth Verse
रमावामभागं तलानग्रनागं
कृताधीनयागं गतारागरागम्।
मुनीन्द्रैः सुगीतं सुरैः संपरीतं
गुणौधैरतीतं भजेऽहं भजेऽहम्॥
कृताधीनयागं गतारागरागम्।
मुनीन्द्रैः सुगीतं सुरैः संपरीतं
गुणौधैरतीतं भजेऽहं भजेऽहम्॥
Word Meanings: रमावामभागम् (Ramavamabhagam) = with Rama (Lakshmi) on His left side; तलानग्रनागम् (Talanagranagam) = with the serpent (Shesha) at the tip of His palm; कृताधीनयागम् (Kritadhinayagam) = in whom all sacrifices find fulfillment; गतारागरागम् (Gataragaragam) = beyond attachment and passion; मुनीन्द्रैः सुगीतम् (Munindraih sugitam) = well sung by the foremost sages; सुरैः संपरीतम् (Suraih samparitam) = surrounded/worshipped by the gods; गुणौधैरतीतम् (Gunaudharatitam) = transcending the flood of (Gunas) qualities
Translation: I worship, I worship Him — with Lakshmi on His left side, with the serpent Shesha at His command, in whom all sacrifices find fulfillment, who is beyond all attachment, who is well glorified by the greatest sages, surrounded and worshipped by the gods, and who transcends the flood of all qualities.
✦ Phala Shruti (Verse 9)
इदं यस्तु नित्यं समाधाय चित्तं
पठेदष्टकं कण्ठहारं मुरारेः।
स विष्णोर्विशोकं ध्रुवं याति लोकं
जराजन्मशोकं पुनर्विन्दते नो॥
पठेदष्टकं कण्ठहारं मुरारेः।
स विष्णोर्विशोकं ध्रुवं याति लोकं
जराजन्मशोकं पुनर्विन्दते नो॥
Word Meanings: इदम् (Idam) = this; नित्यम् (Nityam) = daily; समाधाय (Samadhaya) = having composed/steadied; चित्तम् (Chittam) = the mind; पठेत् (Pathet) = should recite; अष्टकम् (Ashtakam) = the eight verses; कण्ठहारम् (Kanthaharam) = the necklace-hymn; मुरारेः (Murareh) = of the slayer of Mura (Vishnu); विशोकम् (Vishokam) = free from sorrow; ध्रुवम् (Dhruvam) = certainly; याति (Yati) = attains; लोकम् (Lokam) = the world/abode; जराजन्मशोकम् (Jarajanmashokam) = the sorrow of old age and birth; पुनः (Punah) = again; विन्दते नो (Vindate no) = does not experience
Translation: Whoever daily recites this eight-versed necklace-hymn of Murari (Vishnu) with a steady mind — that person certainly attains the sorrowless abode of Vishnu and never again experiences the sorrow of old age and birth.
Spiritual Benefits of Reciting Shri Hari 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 Hari 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 Hari 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 Hari Stotram
What is the Hari Stotram?
The Hari Stotram (हरि स्तोत्रम्) is a devotional hymn dedicated to Lord Vishnu in His 'Hari' form — the remover of sins and sorrows. The name 'Hari' means one who removes (harati) all suffering, ignorance, and worldly bondage. This stotram glorifies Vishnu's divine attributes, His cosmic forms, and His supreme compassion as the protector and sustainer of the universe.
What does the name 'Hari' signify?
'Hari' (हरि) has multiple profound meanings: one who removes (sins, suffering, ignorance), one who is green/golden (representing nature and prosperity), and one who captivates the hearts of devotees. It is one of Lord Vishnu's most beloved names, emphasizing His role as the divine remover of all negativity. The Vishnu Sahasranama lists Hari as one of the most potent names for spiritual liberation.
When should one recite the Hari Stotram?
The Hari Stotram is most powerful on Ekadashi (11th day of each lunar fortnight — sacred to Vishnu), Thursdays, during Chaturmas (the four holy months), and on Vishnu festivals like Vaikuntha Ekadashi, Janmashtami, and Ram Navami. Daily morning recitation, especially during Brahma Muhurta, is recommended. It is also highly beneficial during the month of Kartik (November).
What are the benefits of chanting the Hari Stotram?
Regular recitation removes all sins (papa nashana), destroys the effects of negative karma, grants divine protection, purifies the heart, and ultimately leads to Vaikuntha (Vishnu's eternal abode). It brings peace of mind, protection from enemies, success in righteous endeavors, and the development of bhakti (devotion). The vibration of 'Hari' is considered among the most purifying sounds in the universe.
How is Hari worship connected to liberation?
The Bhagavata Purana declares 'Harer Nama Harer Nama Harer Namaiva Kevalam' — only the name of Hari can grant liberation in the Kali Yuga. Hari is the supreme refuge for souls seeking moksha. By chanting this stotram, devotees cultivate the remembrance (smarana) of Hari that burns away accumulated karma and opens the path to Vaikuntha — the state of eternal bliss beyond the cycle of birth and death.