Damodar Ashtakam: The Glories and Benefits of Reciting Lord Krishna's Childhood Prayer
Damodar Ashtakam Lyrics PDF Download: A Guide for Devotees
If you are a devotee of Lord Krishna, you might have heard of Damodar Ashtakam, a beautiful prayer that glorifies His childhood pastimes. This prayer is especially recited during the month of Kartika, also known as Damodara month, when devotees offer lamps to Lord Krishna every day. In this article, we will explain what Damodar Ashtakam is, how to recite it, and where to download its lyrics in PDF format.
damodar ashtakam lyrics pdf download
What is Damodar Ashtakam?
Damodar Ashtakam is a Sanskrit hymn composed by Satyavrata Muni, a great sage who lived thousands of years ago. It is also known as Damodarashtaka, which means "eight verses in praise of Lord Damodara". Lord Damodara is one of the names of Lord Krishna, which means "one whose belly is bound by a rope". This name refers to the famous pastime when Mother Yashoda tied Krishna's belly with a rope as a punishment for stealing butter.
The meaning and origin of Damodar Ashtakam
Damodar Ashtakam describes the sweet and charming features of Lord Krishna as a child, His playful activities in Vrindavan, His loving relationship with His mother Yashoda, and His mercy upon His devotees. Each verse ends with the refrain "to that Supreme Lord, Sri Damodara, I offer my humble obeisances".
The origin of Damodar Ashtakam is narrated in the Padma Purana, one of the ancient scriptures of India. According to the story, Satyavrata Muni once saw a vision of Lord Krishna's childhood pastimes in his meditation. He was so captivated by the beauty and sweetness of Krishna that he composed this prayer in ecstasy. He then taught it to Narada Muni, a celestial sage who travels throughout the universe. Narada Muni then taught it to Saunaka Rishi, another great sage who was performing a sacrifice with other sages at Naimisharanya forest. Thus, this prayer was transmitted from one devotee to another.
The benefits and significance of reciting Damodar Ashtakam
Reciting Damodar Ashtakam has many benefits and significance for devotees of Lord Krishna. Some of them are:
It pleases Lord Krishna and attracts His attention.
It increases one's love and devotion for Lord Krishna.
It purifies one's mind and heart from material contamination.
It grants one the opportunity to see Lord Krishna's form in one's meditation.
It bestows one the ultimate goal of life, which is to attain Lord Krishna's eternal abode.
The best time to recite Damodar Ashtakam is during the month of Kartika, which falls between October and November according to the lunar calendar. This month is very dear to Lord Krishna, as He performed many wonderful pastimes during this month. It is also said that whatever devotional service one performs in this month is multiplied by thousands of times. Therefore, devotees eagerly recite Damodar Ashtakam every day in this month, along with offering lamps to Lord Krishna.
How to recite Damodar Ashtakam?
To recite Damodar Ashtakam properly, one should follow some guidelines and tips that will enhance one's experience and realization. Here are some of them:
The best time and place to recite Damodar Ashtakam
The best time to recite Damodar Ashtakam is early in the morning, before sunrise, when the mind is fresh and calm. One should also choose a clean and quiet place to recite it, preferably in front of a picture or deity of Lord Krishna. One should also avoid any distractions or interruptions while reciting it.
The proper pronunciation and intonation of Damodar Ashtakam
To pronounce and intonate Damodar Ashtakam correctly, one should learn it from a bona fide teacher or a reliable source. One should also listen to the audio or video recordings of authentic devotees who chant it with devotion and clarity. One should try to follow their pronunciation and intonation as closely as possible. One should also pay attention to the meaning and mood of each word and phrase while chanting it.
The etiquette and mood of reciting Damodar Ashtakam
To recite Damodar Ashtakam with proper etiquette and mood, one should follow some rules and principles that will show respect and reverence to Lord Krishna. Some of them are:
One should take a bath or wash one's hands and feet before reciting it.
One should wear clean and modest clothes while reciting it.
One should sit on a mat or cushion on the floor while reciting it.
One should face east or north while reciting it.
One should keep one's back straight and head level while reciting it.
One should chant it with a clear voice and moderate speed while reciting it.
One should not eat or drink anything while reciting it.
One should not talk or laugh while reciting it.
One should not yawn or sleep while reciting it.
One should not criticize or offend anyone while reciting it.
The mood of reciting Damodar Ashtakam should be one of humility, gratitude, admiration, affection, surrender, and longing for Lord Krishna. One should feel that one is speaking directly to Lord Krishna as His child or friend. One should express one's appreciation for His wonderful qualities and activities. One should beg for His mercy and protection. One should offer one's heart and soul to Him. One should yearn for His personal association and service.
Where to download Damodar Ashtakam lyrics PDF?
If you want to download Damodar Ashtakam lyrics PDF for your convenience and reference, you can find many sources and links online that provide it for free or for a nominal fee. However, you should be careful about the quality and authenticity of these sources and links. You should check if they have:
The sources and links of Damodar Ashtakam lyrics PDF
The original Sanskrit text with diacritical marks.
The transliteration in English or other languages with proper pronunciation guides.
The word-by-word meaning in English or other languages with simple explanations.
The verse-by-verse translation in English or other languages with accurate interpretations.
The audio or video recordings of authentic devotees who chant it with devotion and clarity.
Some examples of reliable sources and links that provide Damodar Ashtakam lyrics PDF are:
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A: You can find Damodar Ashtakam lyrics PDF from many sources and links online that provide it for free or for a nominal fee. However, you should be careful about the quality and authenticity of these sources and links. You should check if they have the original Sanskrit text with diacritical marks, the transliteration in English or other languages with proper pronunciation guides, the word-by-word meaning in English or other languages with simple explanations, the verse-by-verse translation in English or other languages with accurate interpretations, and the audio or video recordings of authentic devotees who chant it with devotion and clarity. Some examples of reliable sources and links that provide Damodar Ashtakam lyrics PDF are:
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1Sri Damodara Ashtakam - ISKCON Desire Tree IDThttps://iskcondesiretree.com/page/sri-damodara-ashtakam
2SRI DAMODAR ASHTAKAM - bhaktiswarupadamodara.comhttps://www.bhaktiswarupadamodara.com/Damodarastakam.pdf
3Damodara Ashatkam (Sanskrit and Tamil Transliteration With English translation) - Scribdhttps://www.scribd.com/doc/182460041/Damodara-Ashatkam-Sanskrit-and-Tamil-transliteration-with-English-translation
Q: How can I use Damodar Ashtakam lyrics PDF?
A: You can use Damodar Ashtakam lyrics PDF for your convenience and reference. You can download and access it on any device that supports PDF format. You can also print it and use it as a hard copy for personal or group recitation. You can also search it and find any word or phrase quickly and easily. You can also edit it and customize it according to your preference or need. You can also share it and distribute it to other devotees who are interested in it.
Q: What should I avoid while using Damodar Ashtakam lyrics PDF?
A: While using Damodar Ashtakam lyrics PDF, you should avoid some things that will ensure its proper and respectful use. You should not download it from an untrusted or unauthorized source or link. You should not open it without scanning it for any virus or malware. You should not alter or modify its content without proper permission or knowledge. You should not use it for any commercial or unethical purpose. You should not neglect the original Sanskrit text or the audio or video recordings while using it. You should not depend on it alone but also try to memorize it by heart.