Hindu Frequency

Description

Dakshinamurthy Ashtakam (Stotram)

Written by Adi Shankara, the Dakshinamurthy Stotram is a hymn to Shiva, expounding upon the theory/philosophy of Advaita Vedanta. Dakshinamurthy is an incarnation of Shiva. This aspect of Shiva signifies his ultimate awareness and supreme state. This form also represents Shiva as a teacher of yoga and wisdom. A Stotram is a Sanskrit word for a hymn addressed to the Divinity. Unlike most of the stotras of Hindu gods, which are in the form of description of anthropomorphic forms, Dakshinamurthy stotram takes form of conceptual and philosophical statements.

The Dakshinamurthy stotram is arguably the most important small verse to be attributed to Adi Shankara. In a compilation of ten stanzas there is a concise and vivid description of the philosophical significance of the form of Siva, giving the very essence of the Indian idea of epistemology.