Guru Ashtakam (Shareeram Suroopam)गुर्वष्टकम्
Devoted to The Sadguru — the inner Self as enlightened master
Source: Adi Shankaracharya — 8-verse stotra contrasting worldly attainments with surrender to the Guru
Transliteration
Shareeram suroopam tathaa vaa kalatram | Yashash-chaaru chitram dhanam Meru-tulyam | Manash-chen-na lagnam guror-anghri-padme | Tatah kim tatah kim tatah kim tatah kim
Meaning (English)
A handsome body, a beautiful spouse, fame as colourful as a painting, wealth equal to Mount Meru — if the mind is not fixed at the lotus feet of the Guru, then what use is all this? Then what? Then what? Then what? Each of the 8 verses lists progressively higher attainments (riches, family, scriptural mastery, public renown, yogic powers, dispassion, royal honours) and ends with the same haunting refrain.
Benefits (Phal)
The single most foundational stotra of Guru-bhakti in all Vedanta sampradayas. Recited daily by every monastic of the Dashanami order, by every Sri Vaishnava on the eve of Sri Pancharatra initiation, and at every Guru Purnima. Cuts the ego-knot of worldly attainment-pride. Awakens true viveka — the discrimination between Self and non-Self that is the gateway to liberation.
When to Chant
Brahmamuhurta daily; every Thursday (Guru-vara); Guru Purnima (Ashadha Purnima); on the death anniversary of one’s parampara guru.
How to Chant
Sit facing north; tulsi or rudraksha mala; full 8 verses ~4 minutes; visualize the Sadguru’s feet at the heart; offer flowers at the Guru’s padukas; conclude with three pradakshina around the Guru-asana.
Book a pandit for Guru Ashtakam (Shareeram Suroopam) 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.