Vishnu Shatpadi Lyrics in Sanskrit & English With Meaning | Adi Shankaracharya
Read complete 7 verses of Vishnu Shatpadi lyrics in Sanskrit with English transliteration, verse-by-verse Hindi भावार्थ and English meaning. The iconic surrender hymn by Adi Shankaracharya.
About Sri Vishnu Shatpadi (विष्णु षट्पदी परिचय)
The Vishnu Shatpadi (श्री विष्णु षट्पदी) is a celebrated seven-verse hymn composed by Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya. The term Shatpadi poetically carries a double meaning in Sanskrit: it literally denotes a "six-verse composition" (accompanied by a concluding dedication verse), and it also refers to a six-legged honeybee (Bhramara). Shankaracharya crafts this prayer as a humble bee hovering blissfully around the nectar-dripping lotus feet of Lord Sri Maha Vishnu.
Although Adi Shankaracharya is universally revered as the supreme exponent of Advaita Vedanta (non-dualism), his devotional stotras demonstrate that non-dual philosophy and heartfelt surrender (Bhakti) are complementary aspects of the same spiritual reality.
On this page, devotees will find the complete 7 authentic verses in clean Devanagari script, Roman transliteration, verse-by-verse Hindi भावार्थ, and English translation, accompanied by philosophical commentary and recitation guidance.
The Wave-Ocean Analogy (Verse 3)
The third verse of the Vishnu Shatpadi ("Satyapi bhedapagame natha tavaham na mamakeenas-tvam / Samudro hi tarangah kvachana samudro na tarangah") is celebrated across Indian philosophy as one of the most brilliant resolutions between Advaita (non-duality) and Bhakti (devotion):
The Ocean and the Wave
Even though water in the individual wave and water in the ocean are fundamentally identical in substance, the wave belongs to the ocean; the ocean never belongs to the wave.
The Devotee and the Divine
Similarly, even when the spiritual aspirant realizes oneness of consciousness with Brahman, in devotional sentiment the individual remains an humble, surrendered servant of the Supreme Lord.
Spiritual Benefits of Reciting Vishnu Shatpadi
- Subduing Ego (Ahankara): Verse 1 specifically prays for the removal of pride (avinayam-apanaya) and the calming of restless desires.
- Universal Compassion: Inspires empathy toward all living beings (bhoota-dayam vistaraya).
- Inner Peace & Protection: Shields the mind from anxieties and worldly tribulations (bhava-tapa).
- Spiritual Liberation: Bestows enduring serenity, intellectual clarity, and surrender unto Lord Narayana.
How to Recite Vishnu Shatpadi
Auspicious Times
Early morning during daily worship, on Thursdays, or on sacred Ekadashi tithis.
Recitation Steps
- Sit facing East or North before an image or idol of Lord Vishnu, Krishna, or Narayana.
- Offer a fresh Tulasi leaf and a pure cow ghee lamp.
- Recite the 7 verses slowly with deep feeling, meditating upon the mind resting like a bee at the Lord's lotus feet.