Guru Paduka Stotram: A Profound Ode to the Sacred Sandals of the Guru

The Guru Paduka Stotram is a revered hymn dedicated to the sacred sandals of the spiritual teacher, or guru. It is believed to be composed by Adi Shankara, one of the most influential philosophers and theologians in the history of Hinduism. The stotram extols the virtues of the guru's sandals, which are seen as symbols of their divine presence and guidance.

Significance of the Guru Paduka

In Hinduism, the guru is considered to be the embodiment of divine wisdom and grace. Their sandals, known as padukas, are imbued with their spiritual energy and are therefore treated with the utmost reverence. The Guru Paduka Stotram expresses the devotee's deep gratitude for the guru's guidance and protection.

Lyrics and Meaning of the Guru Paduka Stotram

The Guru Paduka Stotram consists of nine verses, each expressing a different aspect of the significance of the guru's sandals.

Verse 1:

Guru paduka abhaya varada
Sarva roga nigraha kara
Darsana matra vighna nivara
Mulam namo astu te pade

**Translation:**

O sacred sandals of the guru,
Dispellers of fear and grantors of blessings,
Destroyers of all diseases,
May my salutation be at your feet.

This verse emphasizes the protective power of the guru's sandals, which are believed to dispel fear, grant blessings, and cure illnesses.

Verse 2:

Guru paduka sarva samkshaya
Nivarana arana vallabha
Padma patram imam anukampama
Kuru kuru pade

**Translation:**

O sacred sandals of the guru,
Destroyers of all bondages,
Beloved of the forest of the heart,
Bestow your compassion on this lotus petal at your feet.

This verse suggests that the guru's sandals can help devotees overcome obstacles and achieve spiritual liberation.

Verse 3:

Guru paduka samsara setu
Dukha dohini maheswari
Saroja bhaskari tvam eva hi
Suprita me bhava

**Translation:**

O sacred sandals of the guru,
Bridge across the ocean of life,
Destroyer of sorrow, O great goddess,
May you be pleased with me.

This verse praises the guru's sandals as a means of crossing the obstacles of life and attaining a higher state of being.

Verse 4:

Guru paduka sukha nidhana
Sadguru sneha pradayini
Guru charana kamala chari
Mulam namo astu te pade

**Translation:**

O sacred sandals of the guru,
Source of happiness and bliss,
Bestowers of the love of the true guru,
May my salutation be at your feet.

This verse highlights the transformative power of the guru's sandals, which can lead devotees to a state of inner joy and fulfill their spiritual aspirations.

Verse 5:

Guru paduka hum kara rupa
Matra trikona bhava
Surya chandra vrinda chari
Mulam namo astu te pade

**Translation:**

O sacred sandals of the guru,
In the form of the sound "hum,"
Triangular in shape,
Adorned with the sun, moon, and stars,
May my salutation be at your feet.

This verse describes the symbolism of the guru's sandals, which are often depicted as having a triangular shape and adorned with celestial bodies.

Verse 6:

Guru paduka pandita pada
Puja vidhi vidhana
Yasya smarana matra murari
Seva sukhe niraham

**Translation:**

O sacred sandals of the guru,
Worshipped by learned scholars,
At whose remembrance, Murari,
Obtains the bliss of service.

This verse indicates that the worship of the guru's sandals is a path to self-realization and divine grace.

Verse 7:

Guru paduka kala nidhana
Vara chakra sudarshana
Ksheera samudra manthana
Mulam namo astu te pade

**Translation:**

O sacred sandals of the guru,
Source of all time and space,
Wielding the supreme discus, Sudarshana,
Churned from the ocean of milk,
May my salutation be at your feet.

This verse suggests that the guru's sandals possess immense power and are associated with the divine energy of creation and preservation.

Verse 8:

Guru paduka suvarna ratna
Yamani pattima
Surya chandra vimala papalu
Mulam namo astu te pade

**Translation:**

O sacred sandals of the guru,
Made of gold and precious gems,
With the beauty of the sun and moon,
May my salutation be at your feet.

This verse celebrates the beauty and splendour of the guru's sandals, which are often adorned with gold and jewels.

Verse 9:

Guru paduka gokulavasi
Deva gandharva seva
Sushema padma raja vasa
Mulam namo astu te pade

**Translation:**

O sacred sandals of the guru,
Worn by the residents of Gokula,
Served by gods and celestial beings,
May my salutation be at your feet.

This verse emphasizes the revered status of the guru's sandals, which are worshipped by deities and sages alike.

Benefits of Reciting the Guru Paduka Stotram

The recitation of the Guru Paduka Stotram is believed to confer numerous benefits, including:

• Protection from negative forces
• Removal of obstacles and difficulties
• Increased spiritual devotion
• A deeper connection with the guru
• Fulfillment of desires
• A path to spiritual awakening

How to Recite the Guru Paduka Stotram

The Guru Paduka Stotram can be recited daily as a form of devotion and a means of invoking the blessings of the guru. It can be recited either individually or in a group setting. There are no specific requirements for reciting the stotram, but it is generally recommended to perform it with a clean body and mind.

Conclusion

The Guru Paduka Stotram is a powerful hymn that expresses the devotee's deep reverence and gratitude for the guidance and protection of the guru. Through its recitation, devotees can experience the transformative power of the guru's sandals and embark on a path of spiritual awakening and enlightenment.

Table 1: Guru Paduka Stotram Verses with Meanings

Table 2: Benefits of Reciting the Guru Paduka Stotram

Table 3: Statistics on the Benefits of Reciting the Guru Paduka Stotram

Effective Strategies for Reciting the Guru Paduka Stotram

• Establish a regular practice: Aim