Guru Ashtakam

The Guru Ashtakam is a Sanskrit hymn composed by Adi Shankaracharya, the 8th-century Indian philosopher and saint who consolidated the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta. In the Vedantic tradition, the word ‘Guru’ has dual significance – while it refers to the physical form of the teacher who imparts knowledge, it ultimately points to the Supreme Self (Brahman) that the teacher embodies. The Guru is seen as the manifestation of the ultimate truth, the bridge between the apparent and the real, who awakens the disciple to their own true nature. “Ashtakam” means “eight verses,” and this composition consists of eight verses followed by a ninth verse describing the benefits of reciting these verses (phalaśruti). The hymn is written in the Śikhariṇī meter in praise of his Guru Govinda Pada. Adi Shankaracharya emphasizes that without deep devotion to the Guru, all our attainments are meaningless.
A popular Hindu prayer declares, “The Guru is Brahma, the Guru is Vishnu, the Guru is Shiva, the Guru is verily the Supreme Absolute itself. To that Guru, I offer my salutations.”

The composition systematically demonstrates the futility of all worldly attainments without devotion to the Guru. The first verse declares that even if one possesses physical beauty, fame, and wealth equal to Mount Meru, all is meaningless without dedication to the Guru’s lotus feet. The second verse extends this to the domestic sphere – spouse, children, grandchildren, home, and relatives – the entire framework of family life. The third verse addresses intellectual achievements, asserting that mastery of the Vedas, scriptures, and literary abilities are of no value without the Guru’s grace. The fourth verse proclaims that recognition both abroad and at home, along with unmatched moral conduct, serves no purpose. The fifth verse elevates this to the highest worldly power, declaring that even being served by kings and emperors lacks meaning. The sixth verse combines far-reaching fame through charitable acts with complete control over worldly possessions, yet maintains their insufficiency.

Interestingly, the seventh and eighth verses take a different approach. Instead of listing achievements or possessions, they speak of detachment. The seventh verse describes detachment from pleasures, yoga practices, luxuries, relationships, and wealth – yet states that even this detachment is insufficient. The eighth verse completes this theme by addressing detachment from all spheres of existence – solitary life, domestic life, worldly duties, and even the precious human body – maintaining that even such complete renunciation is purposeless without Guru-bhakti.

Each verse hammers home its message with the powerful refrain: “If the mind is not devoted to the lotus feet of the Guru, then what is the use?” repeated four times, creating a rhythmic emphasis on the central message.

The final verse (phalaśruti) promises that anyone who recites these verses with devotion – be they a renunciate, king, student, or householder – will attain both their worldly desires and the supreme state of Brahman.