Step into a realm where devotion intertwines with grace as we embark on a spiritual journey through the mesmerizing verses of Kanakadhara Stotram. Composed by the legendary philosopher Adi Shankaracharya, this sacred hymn resonates with the power to invoke the blessings of the goddess Mahalakshmi, the bestower of wealth and prosperity.
Kanakadhara Stotram derives its name from two Sanskrit words: “Kanaka” meaning gold, and “Dhara” meaning flow. Symbolically, it refers to the golden flow of grace that descends upon the devotees, showering them with abundance and prosperity.
The creation of Kanakadhara Stotram is believed to be an incident that unfolded in the town of Kanchi. Adi Shankaracharya, known for his immense knowledge and devotion, came across a poor Brahmin woman who was unable to offer him even a single fruit as a gesture of hospitality. Moved by her genuine heart and steadfast devotion, Adi Shankaracharya composed Kanakadhara Stotram on the spot, invoking the grace of Goddess Mahalakshmi.
Legend has it that as Adi Shankaracharya completed the hymn, an extraordinary event occurred. A shower of golden lotus flowers began to rain down from the heavens, filling the poor woman’s house with divine wealth. It is believed that the hymn’s powerful vibrations and the purity of the Brahmin woman’s devotion touched the heart of Mahalakshmi, who graciously bestowed her blessings upon her.
॥ Kanakadhara Stotram ॥
Anga Hareh Pulaka Bhushana Maashrayantee
Bhringaanga Neva Mukulaa Bharanam Tamaalam ।
Angee Kritaakhila Vibhutira Paanga Leelaa
Maangalya Daastu Mama Mangala Devataayaah ॥1॥
Mugdhaa Muhur Vidadhatee Vadane Muraareh
Prematra Paaprani Hitaani Gataa Gataani ।
Maalaa Drishor Madhu Kareeva Mahotpale Yaa
Saa Me Shriyam Dishatu Saagara Sambhavaayaah ॥2॥
Vishvaa Marendra Pada Vibhrama Daana Daksha
Maananda Hetu Radhikam Mura Vidvishoapi ।
Ishannishee Datu Mayi Kshana Meekshanaardha
Mindee Varodara Sahodara Mindiraayaah ॥3॥
Aamee Litaaksha Madhigamya Mudaa Mukunda
Maananda Kandama Nimesha Mananga Tantram ।
Aakekara Sthita Kaneenika Pakshma Netram
Bhutyai Bhavenmama Bhujanga Shayaanga Naayaah ॥4॥
Baahvantare Madhujitah Shrita Kaustubhe Yaa
Haaraa Valeeva Hari Neela Mayee Vibhaati ।
Kaama Pradaa Bhagavatoapi Kataaksha Maalaa
Kalyaana Maavahatu Me Kamalaa Layaayaah ॥5॥
Kaalaambudaa Lilalitorasi Kaitabhaarer
Dhaaraadhare Sphurati Yaa Tadidanga Neva ।
Maatuh Samasta Jagataam Mahaneeya Murtir
Bhadraani Me Dishatu Bhaargava Nandanaayaah ॥6॥
Praaptam Padam Prathamatah Kila Yatprabhaavaan
Maangalya Bhaaji Madhu Maathini Manmathena ।
Mayyaa Patettadiha Manthara Meekshanaardham
Mandaalasam Cha Makaraalaya Kanyakaayaah ॥7॥
Dadyaad Dayaanu Pavano Dravinaambu Dhaaraa
Masminna Kinchana Vihanga Shishau Vishanne ।
Dushkarma Gharma Mapaneeya Chiraaya Duram
Naaraayana Pranayinee Nayanaambu Vaahah ॥8॥
Ishtaa Vishishta Matayoapi Yayaa Dayaardra
Drishtyaa Trivishta Papadam Sulabham Labhante ।
Drishtih Prahrishta Kamalodara Deepti Rishtaam
Pushtim Krisheeshta Mama Pushkara Vishtaraayaah ॥9॥
Geerdevateti Garuda Dhvaja Sundareeti
Shaakambhareeti Shashi Shekhara Vallabheti ।
Srishti Sthiti Pralaya Kelishu Sansthitaayai
Tasyai Namastri Bhuvanaika Gurosta Runyai ॥10॥
Shrutyai Namoastu Shubha Karma Phala Prasutyai
Ratyai Namoastu Ramaneeya Gunaarna Vaayai ।
Shaktyai Namoastu Shatapatra Niketanaayai
Pushtyai Namoastu Purushottama Vallabhaayai ॥11॥
Namoastu Naaleeka Nibhaana Naayai
Namoastu Dugdhodadhi Janma Bhutyai ।
Namoastu Somaamrita Sodaraayai
Namoastu Naaraayana Vallabhaayai ॥12॥
Sampat Karaani Sakalendriya Nandanaani
Saamraajya Daana Vibhavaani Saroruhaakshi ।
Tvadvanda Naani Duritaa Haranodyataani
Maameva Maatara Nisham Kalayantu Maanye ॥13॥
Yatkataaksha Samupaasanaa Vidhih
Sevakasya Sakalaartha Sampadah ।
Santanoti Vachanaanga Maanasai
Stvaam Muraari Hridayeshvareem Bhaje ॥14॥
Sarasija Nilaye Saroja Haste
Dhavala Tamaanshuka Gandha Maalya Shobhe ।
Bhagavati Hari Vallabhe Manogye
Tribhuvana Bhutikari Praseeda Mahyam ॥15॥
Diggha Stibhih Kanaka Kumbha Mukhaava Srishta
Svarvaahinee Vimala Chaaru Jala Plutaangeem ।
Praatarna Maami Jagataam Jananee Mashesha
Lokaadhinaatha Grihinee Mamritaabdhi Putreem ॥16॥
Kamale Kamalaaksha Vallabhe
Tvam Karunaa Pura Tarangi Taira Paangaih ।
Avalokaya Maama Kinchanaanaam
Prathamam Paatrama Kritrimam Dayaayaah ॥17॥
Stuvanti Ye Stutibhira Mubhiranvaham
Trayee Mayeem Tribhuvana Maataram Ramaam ।
Gunaadhikaa Gurutara Bhaagya Bhaagino
Bhavanti Te Bhuvi Budha Bhaavitaa Shayaah ॥18॥
॥ Kanakadhara Stotram Complete ॥
Also read:
Shri Suktam
Mahalakshmi Ashtakam
Shri Lakshmi Stotram