Shiva Ashtapadi !! Ashtapadi - 6 !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!

Shiva Gitimala was composed by Jagadguru Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi ( 62^nd Seer of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peedam), it consists of 20 enthralling verses known as Ashtapadi praising the pleasurable moments of Lord Ekamreshwarar and Goddess Sri Kamakshi.  This beautiful composition portraits the desperation, devotion and dedication, of individual soul/Jeevathma, attain union with the Supreme soul/Paramathma in order to achieve eternal bliss.  Shiva Ashtapadi/Shiva Gitimala begins with the veneration of Lord Ganesha.  The entire verses illustrate the miserable state of separation of Goddess Parvathi from Lord Shiva.  Goddess Sri Parvati underwent severe penance on the river banks of Kampa in order to unite with the Lord Shiva.  The divine couple undergoes unbearable pain of separation; Lord Shiva came down to Earth and resides under a mango tree where Goddess Sri Parvati undertakes penance was observed by faithful companion of Goddess and was duly informed.  The state of remorsefulness, desertion, guilt and the messages exchanged through the companion of Godess Sri Parvati etc.. are beautifully depicted in the Ashtapadi.  Ultimately Lord Shiva appears before Goddess Sri Parvati and apologizes profusely, after an initial harshness between the couple blissfully unites.

Om Nama Shivaya

Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Virachith

|| Shiva Ashtapadi ||

Ashtapadi – 6

In this verse Sri Chandrasekharendra Yathi beautifully narrates the pleasurable moments of Lord Shiva & Goddess Sri Parvati.   Goddess Sri Parvati desirously speaking about the lovely moments and grandeur of Lord Shiva who resides in a hermitage under the mango tree made of creepers.  She recollects the all-pervading Lord, vanquisher of Kala/Time whose graceful approach to gratify their desires.  She openly declares her affection to Lord Shiva and the gentle breeze which carries enthralling fragrances of water-lilies from him, a simple gaze at His lotus feet would remove illnesses and sufferings.  His dexterous and pleasing speeches like nectar would relieve the mental sufferings; she recollects the joyous conversation she had with the Supreme Lord in the backdrop of chirping of cuckoos and his wavering glance through the corner of his eyes resembles cupid arrows of various flowers.  The poet remembers the amorous sport between the divine couple in the hermitage under the mango tree.  The gentle smile of Supreme Lord is capable to take away the sorrows of young maiden/Chakora birds, his sparkling face and red lips are capable to steal the hearts of young maiden.   Goddess Sri Parvati recollects the cherished moments she had within the embrace of Lord Shiva, the lovable odor of enchanting fragrances of sandal paste and various scent from the Mount Malaya applied on his body, his mischievous gaze on her bosom and thin creeper like waist, his matted hair locks decorated with garland of flowers of Kalpaka tree, eventually she adores the concealed moments of his playful touch.

I meditate upon the glorious verses of Sri Chandrasekharendra Yathi, passionate devotee of Lord Shiva regarding the exceptional pastime of Lord Shiva/Purusha recounted by Goddess Sri Parvati/nature.

Goddess Sri Parvati was fascinated by the marvelous form of lotus eyed Lord Shiva with a gentle smile on his face, crescent moon on his matted hair locks and holding bunches of flowers, rope, goad and sugarcane on his hands, ultimately her heart eagerly desired to witness this enthralling form of Lord once again.

Nikhila Chara Chara Nirmitha Koushala Bharitha Charithra Vilolam

Lalitha Rasala Nibhandha Latha Gruha Viharana Kouthuka Sheelam

Kalaye Kala Madhana Madhisham

Khadaya Maya Saha Dhanathara Kucha Parirambhamana Kelikruthasham  Kalaye ||

Kuvalaya Sourabha Vadhana Sameerana Vasitha Nikhiladhigandham

Charana Saroja Vilokanathokhila Thaparujam Shamayantham Kalaye ||

Paduthara Chadu Vachomrutha Shishira Nivaritha Manasija Thapam

Tharuna Vana Priya Bhashanaya Saha Sadhara Vihitha Sulapam Kalaye ||

Chalitha Dhruganjjala Masamasharaniva Yuvathijane Nidhadhanam

Rahasi Rasalagruham Gathaya Saha Sarasa Vihara Vidhanam Kalaye ||

Dharahasi Thadhoothi Chandrikaya Gathakhedha Vikara Chakoram

Lasadharunadhara Vadhana Vashikrutha Yuvathi Janashaya Choram Kalaye ||

Malayaja Pankha Vilepana Muruthara Kucha Yuga Makalayantham

Kruthakarusho Mama Suthanula Thaparirambana Kelimayantham Kalaye ||

Suratharu Kusuma Sumakilaya Pari Manditha Chikuranikayam

Alakhupulaka Kadaseemani Mruga Madha Patra Vilekha Vidheyam Kalaye||

Sri Shiva Sevana Chandra Shikhamani Yathivara Gita Mudharam

Sukhayathu Shailajaya Kathitham Shiva Charitha Visheshitha Saram Kalaye ||

Leela Prasoona Shara Pasa Shruniprakanda-

Pundrekshumasikara Pallavamambujaksham |

Alokya Sarismithamukhendhuka Indumoulim

Uthkandathe Hrudhayameekshithu Meva Bhuya : ||

Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!