Dakshinamurti Stotramदक्षिणामूर्ति स्तोत्रम्
Devoted to Dakshinamurti (Shiva as silent guru)
Source: Adi Shankaracharya — 8th century CE, considered the highest summary of Advaita Vedanta in stotra form
Transliteration
Vishvam darpana-drishyamaana-nagari-tulyam nijaantar-gatam | Pashyann-aatmani maayayaa bahir-ivod-bhootam yathaa nidrayaa | Yah saakshaat-kurute prabodha-samaye svaatmaanam-eva-advayam | Tasmai shri-guru-moortaye nama idam shri-Dakshinaamoortaye
Meaning (English)
To Him who beholds the universe — like a city seen in a mirror, existing within his own Self — appearing as if outside through Maya, as in a dream; who at the moment of awakening directly realises his own non-dual Self; to that embodiment of the Guru, to that Sri Dakshinamurti, this salutation. The 10-verse stotra is the most quoted Sanskrit declaration of Advaita in any tradition.
Benefits (Phal)
The supreme prayer for wisdom (jnana). Removes the fundamental ignorance about the Self. Sri Sankara held that 40-day daily recitation prepares the buddhi for direct atma-jnana. Removes confusion in any major life decision by aligning the buddhi with the witness-Self.
When to Chant
Thursday (Guru-vaara) brahmamuhurta; Guru Purnima; before Vedanta study; Shivaratri.
How to Chant
Face south (Dakshinaa direction — opposite of usual); rudraksha mala; full 10 verses + dhyana + phalashruti ~7 minutes; recite slowly with contemplation of meaning rather than speed.
Book a pandit for Dakshinamurti Stotram 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.