Introduction
The Aditya Hridaya Stotram is a powerful and sacred hymn from the Yuddha Kand of the Ramayan, where Sage Agastya reveals it to Shree Ram before His battle with Ravana. On the surface, it appears as a praise of the Sun God. But as explained by Swami Mukundananda Ji, this moment holds a much deeper spiritual message.
Swamiji beautifully teaches that Shree Ram is not a mere historical figure, nor just an ideal king—He is the Supreme Lord Himself, who descends to perform divine pastimes (leelas) for the benefit of souls. Even though Ram appears as a human, feels grief, and faces obstacles, His divinity remains untouched. In Swamiji’s words:
“The Lord chooses to descend in human form to live amongst us, so we may learn how to live, love, and rise beyond the illusions of Maya.”
Thus, the Aditya Hridaya Stotra is not meant to remind Ram of His power—it is meant to awaken us to the divinity hidden beneath the veil of human limitations.
The hymn is a spiritual and energetic invocation of the Sun’s power, designed to eliminate fear, restore confidence, and infuse divine strength. "Hridaya" means "heart," and thus, this is the hymn that resides in the heart of Aditya—the Sun.
Lyrics
🔸 Viniyoga
ॐ॥
(आदित्यहृदयस्तोत्र विनियोगः)
अस्य आदित्यहृदयस्तोत्रस्य अगस्त्य ऋषिः, अनुष्टुप् छन्दः।
आदित्यहृदयभूतः भगवान् ब्रह्मा देवता।
निरस्तशेषविघ्नतया ब्रह्मविद्यासिद्धौ सर्वत्र जयसिद्धौ च विनियोगः॥
Om!!
(Aditya Hridaya Strotra Viniyoagaha)
Asya Aadityahridaya Stotrasyagastya Rishihi Anushtup Chhandaha,
Aadityahridayabhooto Bhagvaan Brahmaa Devtaa Nirastasheshvighnataya,
Brahmavidyasiddhau Sarvatra Jayasiddhau Cha Viniyogaha |
Meaning: This is the Aditya Hridaya Stotra. The sage (ṛṣi) is Agastya, the meter is Anushtup, and the deity is Bhagavan Brahma in the form of Aditya dwelling in the heart. It is intended for the removal of all obstacles, realization of spiritual knowledge, and for attaining success and victory in all efforts.
🔸 Verse 1
ततो युद्धपरिश्रान्तं समरे चिन्तया स्थितम् ।
रावणं चाग्रतो दृष्ट्वा युद्धाय समुपस्थितम् ॥
Tato Yuddhaparishrantam Samare Chintaya Sthitam |
Raavanam Chaagrato Dhrishtvaa Yuddhaaya Samupasthitam | 1 |
Meaning: Then Shree Ram, exhausted from battle, stood in thought on the battlefield, seeing Ravan standing before him, ready to fight.
🔸 Verse 2
देवतैश्च समागम्य दृष्टुमभ्यागतः रणम् ।
उपगम्याब्रवीद्राममगस्त्यो भगवान् तदा ॥
Devataishcha Samaagamya Drishtumabhyaagato Ranam |
Upagamyaabraveed Ramamagastyo Bhagavaanstadaa | 2 |
Meaning: The Gods had assembled to witness the battle. Sage Agastya approached Shree Ram and addressed him.
🔸 Verse 3
राम राम महाबाहो शृणु गुह्यं सनातनम् ।
येन सर्वानरीन् वत्स समरे विजयिष्यसि ॥
Rama Rama Mahaa Baaho Shrinu Guhyam Sanaatanam |
Yena Sarvaanareen Vatsa Samare Vijayayishyase | 3 |
Meaning: O Shree Ram, O mighty-armed one! Listen to this ancient secret by which, dear child, you shall conquer all enemies in battle.
🔸 Verse 4
आदित्यहृदयं पुण्यं सर्वशत्रुविनाशनम् ।
जयावहं जपेन्नित्यं अक्षयं परमं शिवम् ॥
Aaditya Hridayam Punyam, Sarvashatru Vinaashanam |
Jayaavaham Japam Nityamakshayam Paramam Shivam | 4 |
Meaning: This sacred Aditya Hridaya is the destroyer of all enemies. It brings victory and should be chanted daily. It is eternal and supremely auspicious.
🔸 Verse 5
सर्वमङ्गलमाङ्गल्यं सर्वपापप्रणाशनम् ।
चिन्ताशोकप्रशमनम् आयुर्वर्धनमुत्तमम् ॥
Sarvamangalamaangalyam Sarvapaapapranaashanam |
Chintaashokaprashamana-maayurvardhana-muttamam | 5 |
Meaning: It is the most auspicious of the auspicious, a destroyer of all sins, remover of sorrow and anxiety, and the supreme bestower of health and long life.
🔸 Verse 6
रश्मिमन्तं समुद्यन्तं देवासुरनमस्कृतम् ।
पूजयस्व विवस्वन्तं भास्करं भुवनेश्वरम् ॥
Rashmimantam Samudyantam Devaasurnamaskritam |
Poojayasya Vivasvantam Bhaskaram Bhuvaneshvaram | 6 |
Meaning:
Worship the radiant one who rises in the sky, who is honored by both gods and demons, the Sun—Vivasvan, Bhaskar—the lord of the universe.
🔸 Verse 7
सर्वदेवात्मकः ह्येष तेजस्वी रश्मिभावनः ।
एष देवासुरगणान् लोकान् पाति गभस्तिभिः ॥
Sarvadevaatmako Hyosha Tejasvee Rashmibhaavanaha |
Esha Devaasurganaamallokaan Paati Gabhastibhiha | 7 |
Meaning:
He is the embodiment of all gods, full of brilliance, the generator of rays. With his beams, he protects all beings—gods, demons, and the worlds.
🔸 Verse 8
एष ब्रह्मा च विष्णुश्च शिवः स्कन्दः प्रजापतिः ।
महेन्द्रो धनदः कालो यमः सोमो ह्यपां पतिः ॥
Esha Brahmaa Cha Vishnushcha Shivaha Skandaha Prajaapatiha |
Mahendro Dhanadaha Kaalo Yamaha Somo Hripaam Patiha | 8 |
Meaning:
He is Brahma, Vishnu, Shiv, Skanda, and Prajapati; he is also Indra, Kuber, Time (Kala), Yama, the Moon, and the lord of waters (Varun).
🔸 Verse 9
पितरो वसवः साध्या अश्विनौ मरुतो मनुः ।
वायुरग्निः प्रजाः प्राण ऋतुकर्ता प्रभाकरः ॥
Pitaro Vasavaha Saadhya Ashvinau Maruto Manuha |
Vaayurvahniha Prajaaha Praana Ritukartaa Prabhaakaraha | 9 |
Meaning:
He is the ancestors, the Vasus, the Sadhyas, the Ashwini twins, the Maruts, and Manu; he is air, fire, all living beings, the life force, the creator of seasons, and the illuminator.
🔸 Verse 10
आदित्यः सविता सूर्यः खगः पूषा गभस्तिमान् ।
सुवर्णसदृशो भानुर्हिरण्यरेता दिवाकरः ॥
Aadityaha Savitaa Suryaha Khagaha Poosha Gabhastimaan |
Suvarnasadrisho Bhaanurhiranyareta Divaakaraha | 10 |
Meaning:
He is Aditya, Savita, Surya, the sky-traveler, Pusha, radiant with beams, golden in appearance, brilliant like gold, the source of life, and the maker of the day.
🔸 Verse 11
हरिदश्वः सहस्रार्चिः सप्तसप्तिर्मरीचिमान् ।
तिमिरोन्मथनः शम्भुस्त्वष्टा मार्ताण्ड अंशुमान् ॥
Haridashvaha Sahastraarchihi Saptasaptirmareechimaan |
Timironmathanaha Shambhustvashtaa Maartandakonshumaan | 11 |
Meaning:
He drives a chariot with green horses, has a thousand rays, rides a seven-horse chariot, is full of light, destroyer of darkness, beneficent, creator, and bearer of rays—the blazing Sun.
🔸 Verse 12
हिरण्यगर्भः शिशिरस्तपनः भास्करो रविः ।
अग्निगर्भोऽदितेः पुत्रः शङ्खः शिशिरनाशनः ॥
Hiranyagarbhaha Shishirastapano-huskaro Raviha |
Agnigarbho-diteha Putra Shankhaha Shishiranaashanaha | 12 |
Meaning:
He is Hiranyagarbha (the cosmic womb), cool yet heating, Bhaskara, Ravi; born of fire, son of Aditi, conch-like in radiance, and destroyer of the cold.
🔸 Verse 13
व्योमनाथस्तमोभेदी ऋग्यजुःसामपारगः ।
घनवृष्टिरपां मित्रो विन्ध्यवीथीप्लवङ्गमः ॥
Vyomanathastamobhedee Rimyajuh Saamapaaragah |
Ghanavrishtirapaam Mitro Vindhyaveetheeplavangamah | 13 |
Meaning:
He is the lord of the sky, destroyer of darkness, knower of Rig, Yajur, and Sama Vedas; giver of rain, friend of water, and traveler across the Vindhya mountains.
🔸 Verse 14
आतपी मण्डली मृत्युः पिङ्गलः सर्वतापनः ।
कविर्विश्वो महातेजाः रक्तः सर्वभवोद्भवः ॥
Aatapi Mandali Mrityuha Pingalaha Sarvataapanaha |
Kavirvishvo Mahaatejaa Raktaha Sarvabhavodbhavaha | 14 |
Meaning:
He shines intensely, is circular in form, represents death, is golden-brown, burns everything, is an all-knowing poet, the universal form, of immense energy, red-hued, and the origin of all that exists.
🔸 Verse 15
नक्षत्रग्रहताराणामधिपो विश्वभावनः ।
तेजसामपि तेजस्वी द्वादशात्मन्नमोऽस्तु ते ॥
Nakshatragrahataaraanaamadhipo Vishvabhaavanaha |
Tejasaamapi Tejasvi Dwaadashaatman Namo-stute | 15 |
Meaning:
He is the lord of stars, planets, and constellations; the nurturer of the universe; brighter than even the brightest. Salutations to you, who embody the twelve forms (of the Sun in the twelve months).
🔸 Verse 16
नमः पूर्वाय गिरये पश्चिमायाद्रये नमः ।
ज्योतिर्गणानां पतये दिनाधिपतये नमः ॥
Namaha Poorvaaya Giraye Pashchimaayaadraye Namaha |
Jyotirganaanaam Pataye Dinaadhipataye Namaha | 16 |
Meaning:
Salutations to the eastern mountain (where the Sun rises) and to the western mountain (where he sets), to the lord of all celestial lights, and to the ruler of the day.
🔸 Verse 17
जयाय जयभद्राय हर्यश्वाय नमो नमः ।
नमो नमः सहस्रांशो आदित्याय नमो नमः ॥
Jayaaya Jayabhadraaya Haryashvaaya Namo Namaha |
Namo Namaha Sahastraansho Aadityaaya Namo Namaha | 17 |
Meaning:
Salutations again and again to the victorious and auspicious one, who rides swift green horses, who shines with a thousand rays, to Aditya I bow again and again.
🔸 Verse 18
नम उग्राय वीराय सारङ्गाय नमो नमः ।
नमः पद्मप्रबोधाय प्रचण्डाय नमोऽस्तु ते ॥
Nama Ugraaya Veeraya Saarangaya Namo Namaha |
Namaha Padmaprabodhaaya Prachandaaya Namostute | 18 |
Meaning:
Salutations to the fierce and heroic one, the wielder of the bow (Saaranga); to the awakener of the lotus, to the intensely blazing one, I offer my respectful obeisance.
🔸 Verse 19
ब्रह्मोशानाच्युतेशाय सूर्यायादित्यवर्चसे ।
भास्वते सर्वभक्षाय रौद्राय वपुषे नमः ॥
Brahmoshaanaachyuteshaaye Soorayaadityavarchase |
Bhaasvate Sarvabhakshaaya Raudraaya Vapushe Namaha | 19 |
Meaning:
Salutations to the Sun, the essence of Brahma, Shiv, and Vishnu; shining with Aditya's brilliance, radiant, devourer of all, and fierce in form.
🔸 Verse 20
तमोघ्नाय हिमघ्नाय शत्रुघ्नायामितात्मने ।
कृतघ्नघ्नाय देवाय ज्योतिषां पतये नमः ॥
Tamoghnaaya Himaghnaaya Shatrughnaayaamitaatmane |
Kritughnaghyaaye Devaaya Jyotishaan Pataye Namaha | 20 |
Meaning:
Salutations to the one who destroys darkness and cold, who annihilates enemies, who is of infinite self, destroyer of the ungrateful, lord of all luminaries.
🔸 Verse 21
तप्तचामीकराभाय हरये विश्वकर्मणे ।
नमस्तमोऽभिनिघ्नाय रुचये लोकसाक्षिणे ॥
Taptachaameekaraabhaaya Haraye Vishwakarmane |
Namastamo-bhinighnaaya Ruchaye Loksaakshine | 21 |
Meaning:
Salutations to the one who shines like molten gold, the remover of sins, the cosmic architect; destroyer of darkness, radiant one, and witness of the world.
🔸 Verse 22
नाशयत्येष वै भूतं तदेव सृजति प्रभुः ।
पायत्येष तपत्येष वर्षत्येष गभस्तिभिः ॥
Naashayatyesha Vai Bhootam Tamesh Srijati Prabhuha |
Paayatyesha Tapateysha Varshatyesha Gabhastibhiha | 22 |
Meaning:
This supreme lord destroys all beings and then creates them again. He protects, heats, and causes rainfall through his rays.
🔸 Verse 23
एष सुप्तेषु जागर्ति भूतेषु परिनिष्ठितः ।
एष चैवाग्निहोत्रं च फलं चैवाग्निहोत्रिणाम् ॥
Esha Supteshu Jagarti Bhooteshu Parinishthhitaha |
Esha Chaivagnihotram Cha Phalam Chaivagnihotrinaam | 23 |
Meaning:
He remains awake when all are asleep, ever-present in all beings. He is the fire ritual (Agnihotra) itself and also the fruit of those who perform it.
🔸 Verse 24
देवाश्च क्रतवश्चैव क्रतूनां फलमेव च ।
यानि कृत्यानि लोकेषु सर्व एष रविः प्रभुः ॥
Devaashcha Kratvashchaiva Kratunaan Phalameva Cha |
Yaani Krityaani Lokeshu Sarveshu Paramprabhuha | 24 |
Meaning:
He is the gods, the sacrifices, and the fruits of all rituals. Whatever actions are performed in this world—he, the supreme Lord, is the essence of all.
🔸 Verse 25
अनेनापात्सु कृच्छ्रेषु कान्तारेषु भयेषु च ।
कीर्तयन् पुरुषः कश्चिन्नावसीदति राघव ॥
Ayenamaapatsu Krichchhreshu Kaantaareshu Bhayeshu Cha |
Keertiyan Purushaha Kashchinnaavaseedati Raaghav | 25 |
Meaning:
By chanting this in times of danger, distress, forest wandering, or fear, no man ever suffers defeat, O Raghav.
🔸 Verse 26
पूजयस्वैनमेकाग्रो देवदेवं जगत्पतिम् ।
एतत्त्रिगुणितं जप्त्वा युद्धेषु विजयिष्यसि ॥
Poojayasvainamekaagro Devadevam Jagatpatim |
Ayetattrigunitam Japtvaa Yuddheshu Vijayishyati | 26 |
Meaning:
Worship him with full concentration—the God of gods, the Lord of the universe. Reciting this thrice will surely grant you victory in battle.
🔸 Verse 27
अस्मिन्क्षणे महाबाहो रावणं त्वं जहिष्यसि ।
एवमुक्त्वा तदाऽगस्त्यो जगाम स यथागतम् ॥
Asmin Kshane Mahaabaaho Raavanam Tvam Jahishyasi |
Evamuktvaa Tato-agastyo Jagaam Sa Yathaagatam | 27 |
Meaning:
O mighty-armed Shree Ram! At this very moment, you will slay Ravan. Saying this, Sage Agastya departed the way he had come.
🔸 Verse 28
एतच्छ्रुत्वा महातेजा नष्टशोकोऽभवत् तदा ।
धारयामास सुप्रीतो राघवः प्रयतात्मवान् ॥
Etachchhutvaa Mahaatejaa, Nashtashoko- Abhavat Tadaa |
Dhaarayaamaasa Supreeto Raaghavah Prayataatmavaan | 28 |
Meaning:
Hearing this, the radiant Shree Ram was freed from sorrow. Pleased and composed, he firmly took this to heart.
🔸 Verse 29
आदित्यं प्रेक्ष्य जप्तवेदं परमं हर्षमवाप्तवान् ।
त्रिराचम्य शुचिर्भूत्वा धनुरादाय वीर्यवान् ॥
Aadityam Prekshya Japtavedam Paramam Harshamavaaptavaan |
Triraachamya Shuchirbhootvaa Dhanuraadaaya Veeryavaan | 29 |
Meaning:
Looking at the Sun and chanting this supreme hymn, Shree Ram became filled with immense joy. He purified himself by sipping water thrice and, ready with his bow, prepared for battle.
🔸 Verse 30
रावणं प्रेक्ष्य हृष्टात्मा जयार्थं समुपागमत् ।
सर्वयत्नेन महता वृत्तस्तस्य वधेऽभवत् ॥
Raavanam Prekshya Hrushtaatmaa Jayaartha Samupaagamat |
Sarvayatnena Mahataa Vritastasya Vadhe-abhavat | 30 |
Meaning:
With joy in his heart and victory in sight, Shree Ram approached Ravan. He exerted all his might and resolve to bring about his destruction.
🔸 Verse 31
अथ रविरवदन्निरीक्ष्य रामं मुदितमना: परमं प्रहृष्यमाण: ।
निशिचरपतिसंक्षयं विदित्वा सुरगणमध्यगतो वचस्त्वरेति ॥
Atha Raviravadnnireekshyaraamam Muditanaah Paramam Prahrushyamaanah |
Nishicharapatisankshayam Viditvaa Suraganamadhyagato Vachastvareti | 31 |
Meaning:
Then the Sun God, seeing Shree Ram rejoicing and deeply elated, knowing that the demon king Ravan would be destroyed, spoke joyfully while surrounded by the host of gods.
✨ Significance According to Swami Mukundananda
Across his talks, Swami Mukundananda emphasizes that God manifests in a personal form out of compassion, not compulsion. Shree Ram accepts human challenges—not because He is bound by karma, but to teach us how to face life with dharm, devotion, and grace.
When Shree Ram appears tired on the battlefield, Sage Agastya offers this stotra—not as a prayer to an external deity, but as a mirror to Shree Ram’s own divine Self. This is symbolic. As Swamiji explains:
“Shree Ram is both the seeker and the Supreme. In His leela, He shows us how to act in humility, while remaining inwardly connected to divinity.”
The Sun in this hymn represents inner consciousness, spiritual strength, and the illuminating presence of God within. When we feel bound, fearful, or defeated, the Aditya Hridaya reminds us to turn inward, draw strength from remembrance (smaran), and invoke our divine nature.
✅ Benefits of Chanting Aditya Hridaya Stotram
According to Swamiji's spiritual framework—rooted in bhakti-yog and Vedic wisdom—the benefits of this stotram go beyond physical or worldly outcomes:
- 🌞 Awakens the inner light: The Sun symbolizes the soul, and chanting this stotram reminds us that we are divine souls, not the material body.
- 🧘 Destroys doubt and delusion: Just as Garud, Sati, and Bharadwaj had doubts about Shree Ram’s divinity, we too are covered by Maya. This stotra cuts through confusion.
- 🔥 Ignites spiritual courage: It is a mantra for strength in adversity—on both outer and inner battlefields.
- 🌺 Strengthens bhakti and remembrance: Recitation becomes a form of meditation on the Lord's qualities.
- 💫 Heals and energizes: As the Sun nourishes life, this prayer rejuvenates the mind and heart.
- 🙏 Centers the seeker in divine service: Swamiji emphasizes that the greatest victory is not outer success, but conquering the mind and offering oneself to God.
🪔 Conclusion: Let Shree Ram Rise Within
Swami Mukundananda often says:
“When we realize that the same divine Lord who appeared as Shree Ram resides in our hearts, we begin walking the true spiritual path.”
The Aditya Hridaya Stotram is not just a chant for worldly victory—it is a hymn for spiritual awakening. It reminds us that like Shree Ram, we too may feel tired or overwhelmed—but the light within us never fades.
When we turn inward with faith, humility, and surrender—just as Shree Ram did before the battlefield—we reconnect with our own source: God, who resides in the hridaya (heart).
So let this stotra be your daily inner sunrise—a reminder that you are supported, guided, and strengthened by the divine, always.