Shree Hari Stotram – A Hymn of Devotion to Lord Vishnu

By Adi Shankaracharya
(English Transliteration & Meaning)

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Introduction

In the ocean of Vedic literature, there are countless gems of divine poetry and hymns written to glorify the Supreme Lord. Among them, Shree Hari Stotram holds a special place — a soul-stirring Sanskrit hymn composed by Adi Shankaracharya, glorifying Lord Vishnu (Hari), the protector of the universe and the eternal shelter for all beings.

Simple yet powerful, this stotra offers a concise and beautiful summary of the Lord’s qualities, form, and divine nature. It is a favorite among devotees for daily recitation and meditation, especially those seeking peace, protection, and spiritual upliftment.

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Summary of Shree Hari Stotram

The Shree Hari Stotram is a six-verse hymn that praises the Lord's peaceful form, His cosmic role, and His eternal presence across all living beings and elements. It highlights His appearance, His weapons, His qualities as the preserver, and His relationship with Lakshmi Devi.

Each verse builds upon the divine image of Hari — not only as the majestic Lord of the universe but also as the intimate, compassionate protector of the soul.

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Why Recite Shree Hari Stotram?

Reciting this stotram daily or on special days like Ekadashi, Vaikuntha Ekadashi, or Vishnu-related festivals brings many spiritual benefits:

• It cleanses the heart and stabilizes the mind.

• It invokes divine protection and removes inner and outer obstacles.

• It deepens bhakti (devotion) through vivid remembrance of the Lord’s divine form.

This stotram is short enough for beginners but deep enough for lifelong meditation.

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Shree Hari Stotram (English Transliteration with Meaning)

Below is the full stotram in transliterated Sanskrit, followed by a line-by-line translation and explanation.

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Verse 1

Shāntākāram Bhujagaśayanam Padmanābham Sureśam
Viśvādhāram Gaganasaḍṛśam Meghavarṇam Śubhāṅgam
Lakṣmīkāntam Kamalanayanam Yogibhirdhyānagamyam
Vande Viṣṇum Bhavabhayaharam Sarvalokaikanātham

Meaning:
I bow to Lord Vishnu, whose form is peaceful, who rests on the serpent Ananta, from whose navel springs a lotus (the source of creation). He is the Supreme Lord of all demigods, the support of the entire universe, infinite like the sky, with the color of rainclouds, and of auspicious appearance.
He is the consort of Goddess Lakshmi, with lotus-like eyes, approachable through meditation by yogis. He removes the fear of worldly existence and is the one true master of all worlds.

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Verse 2

Meghashyāmam Pītavāsam Śrīvatsāṅkam Sudarśanam
Padmapatraviśālākṣam Naumi Viṣṇum Sanātanam

Meaning:
I offer obeisances to Lord Vishnu, the eternal One, whose complexion is dark like a monsoon cloud, who wears yellow garments, bears the Śrīvatsa mark on His chest, and holds the divine discus Sudarshana. His large, beautiful eyes are like lotus petals.

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Verse 3

Sahasraśīrṣaṁ Devaṁ Viśvakṣemaṁ Varetanam
Lokanātham Mahāyogam Namāmi Puruṣottamam

Meaning:
I bow to the Supreme Being, Lord Purushottama, who has a thousand heads, is the guardian of the universe, the source of its well-being, the protector of all worlds, and the greatest yogi — perfectly established in transcendental knowledge and power.

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Verse 4

Viśvam Viṣṇurvaṣaṭkāro Bhūtabhavyabhavatprabhuḥ
Bhūtakṛd Bhūtabhṛdbhāvo Bhūtātmā Bhūtabhāvanaḥ

Meaning:
Lord Vishnu is everything: the entire universe, the sacred syllable "vaṣaṭ" used in yajñas, and the Lord of past, present, and future. He is the creator, sustainer, and the essence of all beings. He is the soul of all that exists and the ultimate source of creation.

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Verse 5

Cintayan Viṣṇumavyaktaṁ Catuḥsaṅkhyāsamānvitaṁ
Indriyagrāmamadhyasthaṁ Sarvadevaniṣevitam

Meaning:
I meditate upon the formless yet all-pervading Lord Vishnu, adorned with four arms, residing in the center of all sensory experiences, and revered by all gods.

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Verse 6

Apadāmapahartāraṁ Dātāraṁ Sarvasampadām
Lokābhirāmaṁ Śrīrāmaṁ Bhūyo Bhūyo Namāmyaham

Meaning:
I bow again and again to Shri Rama (another form of Lord Hari), the remover of misfortunes, the giver of all prosperity, and the beloved of the entire world.

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Deeper Reflection

What makes Shree Hari Stotram so timeless is its intimacy and majesty combined. It doesn't just glorify the grandeur of the Lord; it also appeals to His mercy. For a devotee, every name and every attribute in this stotram becomes a window into Krishna’s divine personality.

Adi Shankaracharya’s stotras often bridge philosophical depth with emotional devotion. Even though he was a non-dualist philosopher, his heart was filled with loving surrender to Lord Hari — and it shows in every syllable of this beautiful composition.

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How to Practice

You can chant this stotram daily, especially in the morning or evening, or on special tithis like Ekadashi, Dvadashi, or Vaikuntha Ekadashi. Chant it with attention and faith. Don’t worry about the pronunciation being perfect — the sincerity of your heart is what Krishna listens to.

You can also write it down and keep it on your altar, or listen to it sung by devotees while meditating on the Lord’s form.

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Final Thoughts

Shree Hari Stotram is more than a collection of verses — it's a devotional offering, a mantra of surrender, and a reminder of our eternal shelter in Lord Vishnu. In times of difficulty or doubt, chanting it brings both clarity and calmness to the heart.

Let this stotra become a regular part of your spiritual practice. With each recitation, may your connection to the Lord deepen and your heart find peace in His lotus feet.