Achyutashtakam

The Achyutashtakam, composed by Adi Shankaracharya, is a rhythmic and melodic string of the many names of Lord Vishnu in his incarnations as Krishna and Rama. The poem is not a complex philosophical argument; rather, it is a "garland of names" meant to focus the mind on the beauty and deeds of the Divine.

Here is the explanation of each stanza:

Stanza 1: The Foundation of Devotion
Meaning: I worship (Bhaje) the Infallible (Achyuta), the one with beautiful hair (Keshava), the one who is Rama and Narayana, the dark-complexioned one (Krishna) who was tied with a rope (Damodara), the son of Vasudeva, the remover of sins (Hari), the bearer of Lakshmi (Sridhara), the Lord of Knowledge (Madhava), the beloved of the Gopis, and the Lord of Sita (Janaki-Nayaka).

Key takeaway: This verse bridges the incarnations of Rama and Krishna, showing them as one supreme reality.

Stanza 2: The Beloved of Satya and Radha
Meaning: He is the husband of Satyabhama, the one who is worshipped by Radhika (Radha). He is the "temple of Indira" (Lakshmi resides in him) and is exceedingly beautiful in the hearts of his devotees. He is the joy of Devaki and the son of Nanda.

Stanza 3: The Victorious Warrior
Meaning: Salutations to the one who is victorious (Jishnu), the wielder of the Discus (Chakrine), and the one who loves Rukmini. Salutations to the destroyer of King Kansa and the one who plays the divine flute (Vanshine).

Stanza 4: The Protector of the Distressed
Meaning: This verse calls out to Him as the Lord of Dwarka (Dwaraka-Nayaka) and the savior of Draupadi (referring to the Vastra-haranam episode). He is the "Unlimited One" (Ananta) and the "Undefeated" (Ajita).

Stanza 5: The Glory of Lord Rama
Meaning: May the scion of the Raghu dynasty (Raghava) protect me. He who was troubled by demons but looked radiant with Sita, who made the Dandaka forest holy by his presence, who was accompanied by Lakshmana, served by the Vanaras (monkeys), and worshipped by the Sage Agastya.

Stanza 6: The Playful Bala-Gopala
Meaning: May the child Krishna protect me always. He who destroyed the demons Dhenuka, Arishta, and Keshi. He who was the source of anger for Putana (by killing her) and who played along the banks of the river Yamuna (Suraja).

Stanza 7: The Divine Appearance
Meaning: I worship the one whose garments shine like a flash of lightning and whose body is as beautiful as a dark rain cloud. He wears a garland of forest flowers (Vanamala), has red-tinted feet, and eyes like lotuses (Varijaksham).

Stanza 8: The Ornamented Form
Meaning: I worship the dark-hued one (Shyamalam) whose face is framed by curling locks of hair, who wears a crown of jewels, shining earrings on his cheeks, and whose body is adorned with necklaces, armlets, bracelets, and tinkling bells (Kinkini).

Phalashruti (Concluding Verse)
Meaning: Whoever recites this Achyutashtakam with love (Prematah) and longing (Saspruham) every day—this beautiful poem which describes the supporter of the universe—will soon find Lord Hari (God) becoming subject to their love.

Why is it called Achyutashtakam?
The word Achyuta is vital. It comes from a- (not) + chyuta (fallen). It means God is the one who never falls from His nature, His promise, or His love for His devotees.