Achyutashtakamअच्युताष्टकम्
Devoted to Vishnu
Source: Adi Shankaracharya
Transliteration
acyutam kesavam rama-narayanam krsna-damodaram vasudevam harim sridharam madhavam gopika-vallabham janaki-nayakam ramacandram bhaje
Meaning (English)
I worship the imperishable Lord — Achyuta, Keshava, Rama, Narayana, Krishna, Damodara, Vasudeva, Hari, Shridhara, Madhava, beloved of the gopis, lord of Janaki, the gentle Ramachandra. I meditate on Him who delights Satyabhama, worshipped by Radhika, temple of Lakshmi, the joy of Devaki and son of Nanda. Salutations to Vishnu, bearer of conch and discus, lover of Rukmini, husband of Janaki, slayer of Kamsa and player of the flute. The slayer of Dhenuka, Arishta, Keshi and Kamsa, terror of Putana, Bala-Gopala may He guard me always. I worship the lotus-eyed One whose garment flashes like lightning, whose form glows like a monsoon cloud, chest adorned with forest garland, feet tinged red — that dark enchanting Shyamala I adore.
Benefits (Phal)
Composed by Adi Shankaracharya, this eightfold hymn unites the names of Rama and Krishna in one stream of remembrance, healing the artificial divide between His two great avataras. Daily chanting purifies speech, dispels fear, removes obstacles in pilgrimage and family life, grants protection like that given to Draupadi. Awakens intense bhakti, cools the agitated mind, draws the grace of both Sita-Rama and Radha-Krishna, leads the devotee toward the abode of the imperishable Achyuta.
When to Chant
Morning sandhya, before any Vishnu, Rama or Krishna deity, every Ekadashi, on Rama Navami, Janmashtami, Vaikuntha Ekadashi, daily protective prayer before travel, work or study.
How to Chant
After bath sit facing east before an image of Vishnu, Rama or Krishna with tulsi and a ghee lamp. Begin with three Oms and prayer to Shankaracharya. Recite each verse visualising the form described — Rama with Sita and Lakshmana, Bala-Krishna, dark cloud-hued Lord. End with Om Namo Narayanaya eleven times and full prostration.
Book a pandit for Achyutashtakam jaap
Major sankalp (1.25 lakh count or more) traditionally requires a trained pandit. Verified pandits perform on your behalf with full video proof + sankalpa with your gotra/nakshatra.