Shri Akhilandanayika Dandaka
A six-verse Sanskrit dandaka by Bhaskara Kavi praising the Goddess Akhilandanayika for her beauty, power and grace, and asking for her protection.
Verses
Victory to Goddess Bhagavati, who resides in the temple of my mind, adorned with Kadamba flower earrings, who bestows joy by playing the sweet Veena, holds a parrot in Her hand, has full breasts, and grants welfare to all three worlds.
Verse 1
O Mother of the Universe, Beloved of Lord Shiva, who fills the heart of Jambupati (Shiva) with joy, whose beauty revives Kamadeva,
who is seated in the middle of the Kaveri river, surrounded by Champaka, Ashoka, Sandalwood and other trees, and worshipped by Brahma, Vishnu, Indra and other gods!
Victory to You!
Verse 2
I bow to Goddess Bhagavati, who protects all the worlds, whose lotus feet are worshipped by the gods,
who has beautiful thighs like plantain trunks, a deep navel, a slender waist, full breasts, holds the mudras of boon-granting and fearlessness in Her hands,
whose neck is adorned with a Mangalsutra, whose face is radiant like the moon, and who is embellished with a pearl nose-ring and invaluable jewels.
Verse 3
O Mother, the embodiment of supreme bliss, unreachable even by the Vedas and the minds of yogis!
Those who attain Your grace never fear anything.
Out of fear of You, the wind blows, the sun and fire burn, and Sheshanaga supports the earth.
O Goddess, grant me the wisdom to always walk on the righteous path, and destroy all my sins.
Verse 4
Whoever serves Your lotus feet is honored even by kings.
Lakshmi resides in his home and Saraswati on his tongue.
O Akhilandeshwari, once Your grace is attained, what in this world remains rare?
Having begun this hymn in child-like ignorance, please forgive my mistakes and protect this humble devotee.
Verse 5
May this Akhilandeshwari Dandaka Stotra, composed by Bhaskara, the son of Guru Shiva Surya Dikshita, always grant joy to everyone.
Verse 6
Thus ends the Shri Akhilandeshwari Dandakam composed by the poet Bhaskara.
Verse 7
Worship Guidelines & Chanting Benefits (Phalashruti)
Daily or auspicious lunar days (Ekadashi, Purnima, Pradosham)
Brahma Muhurta (4:00 AM – 6:00 AM) or Evening Dusk (Sandhya)
Ghee lamp (Deepa), Incense (Dhoopa), Fresh flowers & Water offering
- Peace of mind, spiritual upliftment, and harmonious energy in the home
Background
This stotra is part of the Shakta tradition, which venerates the Goddess as the ultimate reality. The Sanskrit Documents text lists it as Stotrarnava 08-13. A dandaka is a poetic form of very long lines in a fixed rhythm that allows rich description. Verse 6 states that it was composed by Bhaskara, the son of Shiva Surya Dikshita, and the colophon calls him Bhaskara Kavi. The hymn is valued for its devotional fervor and literary artistry.
Did You Know?
Poetic form
This hymn is a dandaka, a Sanskrit style of very long lines with flowing compounds and no fixed pause. The second verse runs as a single continuous sentence, showing the poet's skill with elaborate compounds.
Author and dedication
Verse 6 names the composer as Bhaskara, son of Guru Shiva Surya Dikshita. The hymn is dedicated to the Goddess Akhilanda Nayika, 'Mistress of the Entire Universe', a form of Parvati or Shakti.
Vivid imagery
Verse 1 paints the Goddess with kadamba blossoms as an ear ornament, the sweet sound of the vina and a mynah (sharika) on her hand. She is hailed as the blessing of the three worlds.
Theology of Power
The fourth verse declares that all cosmic functions — wind, sun, fire, and even the serpent bearing the earth — depend on the Goddess's will. She is presented as the ultimate Shakti (energy) behind creation, maintenance, and liberation.
Humility and surrender
Verse 5 includes a humble apology for any flaws in the composition, comparing it to a child's playful words that please a mother. Verse 6 then states the author and prays that the dandaka may give the Goddess joy.
Devi
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