Daya Shatakam
॥ श्री दयाशतकम् ॥
What is the Daya Shatakam?
Daya Shatakam is a 108-verse Sanskrit hymn by Vedanta Desika that personifies the mercy of Lord Venkateswara as the goddess Daya Devi and asks her to plead the devotee’s case before him.
Daya Shatakam is a hundred-and-eight-verse Sanskrit hymn composed by the philosopher-saint Vedanta Desika in praise of Daya Devi, the compassion of Lord Venkateswara of Tirumala pictured as a goddess in her own right. Desika prays to her as the one who steps between a devotee’s faults and the Lord’s justice, turning judgment into welcome.
Daya Shatakam Lyrics (Sanskrit & English)
Roman transliteration is shown first with the Devanagari beneath. Tap ‘Meaning’ under any verse for a plain-English explanation.
prapadye taṁ giriṁ prāyaḥ śrīnivāsānukampayā |
ikṣusārasravantyeva yanmūrtyā śarkarāyitam
प्रपद्ये तं गिरिं प्रायः श्रीनिवासानुकम्पया ।
इक्षुसारस्रवन्त्येव यन्मूर्त्या शर्करायितम्
Meaning
I take refuge in that hill (Tirumala), which is, in all probability, the solidified form of the mercy of Lord Srinivasa, just as sugarcane juice solidifies into sugar.
vigāhe tīrthabahulāṁ śītalāṁ gurusantatim |
śrīnivāsadayāmbhodhiparīvāhaparamparām
विगाहे तीर्थबहुलां शीतलां गुरुसन्ततिम् ।
श्रीनिवासदयाम्भोधिपरीवाहपरम्पराम्
Meaning
I immerse myself in the cool and holy lineage of preceptors (Gurus), who are like the cascading, refreshing floodwaters originating from the vast ocean of Lord Srinivasa's mercy.
kr̥tinaḥ kamalāvāsakāruṇyaikāntino bhaje |
dhatte yatsūktirūpeṇa trivedī sarvayogyatām
कृतिनः कमलावासकारुण्यैकान्तिनो भजे ।
धत्ते यत्सूक्तिरूपेण त्रिवेदी सर्वयोग्यताम्
Meaning
I worship those blessed souls who are exclusively devoted to the mercy of the Lord (who resides with Goddess Kamala/Lakshmi). Through their divine hymns (suktis), they have made the essence of the three Vedas accessible and meaningful to all.
parāśaramukhānvande bhagīrathanaye sthitān |
kamalākāntakāruṇyagaṅgāplāvitamadvidhān
पराशरमुखान्वन्दे भगीरथनये स्थितान् ।
कमलाकान्तकारुण्यगङ्गाप्लावितमद्विधान्
Meaning
I bow to the great sages, beginning with Sage Parashara, who remain immersed in the sacred river of the Lord's compassion, just as one would remain in the river Ganges, having been purified by its holy waters.
aśeṣavighnaśamanamanīkeśvaramāśraye |
śrīmataḥ karuṇāmbhodhau śikṣāsrota ivotthitam
अशेषविघ्नशमनमनीकेश्वरमाश्रये ।
श्रीमतः करुणाम्भोधौ शिक्षास्रोत इवोत्थितम्
Meaning
I seek refuge in Vishwaksena (the commander of the Lord's hosts), who removes all obstacles and who arose as a divine stream from the ocean of the Lord's mercy to guide and instruct us.
samastajananīṁ vande caitanyastanyadāyinīm |
śreyasīṁ śrīnivāsasya karuṇāmiva rūpiṇīm
समस्तजननीं वन्दे चैतन्यस्तन्यदायिनीम् ।
श्रेयसीं श्रीनिवासस्य करुणामिव रूपिणीम्
Meaning
I worship Goddess Lakshmi, the mother of the universe and the consort of Srinivasa, who acts as the primary form of the Lord's compassion, nourishing all living beings with spiritual wisdom.
vande vr̥ṣagirīśasya mahiṣīṁ viśvadhāriṇīm |
tatkr̥pāpratighātānāṁ kṣamayā vāraṇaṁ yayā
वन्दे वृषगिरीशस्य महिषीं विश्वधारिणीम् ।
तत्कृपाप्रतिघातानां क्षमया वारणं यया
Meaning
I bow to Nammazhwar (Shatakopa), the foremost of the Azhwars, who is the very life-breath of our preceptors, and whose sweet Tamil verses are the essence of the Vedas born of Srinivasa's grace.
niśāmayatu māṁ nīlā yadbhogapaṭalairdhruvam |
bhāvitaṁ śrīnivāsasya bhaktadoṣeṣvadarśanam
निशामयतु मां नीला यद्भोगपटलैर्ध्रुवम् ।
भावितं श्रीनिवासस्य भक्तदोषेष्वदर्शनम्
Meaning
O Daya (Mercy)! By your grace, the Lord's creation, which otherwise brings repeated cycles of birth and death to the bound souls, becomes a supreme opportunity for their redemption and eternal joy.
kamapyanavadhiṁ vande karuṇāvaruṇālayam |
vr̥ṣaśailataṭasthānāṁ svayaṁ vyaktimupāgatam
कमप्यनवधिं वन्दे करुणावरुणालयम् ।
वृषशैलतटस्थानां स्वयं व्यक्तिमुपागतम्
Meaning
O Daya! You stand before those who bow down to the Lord, fulfilling their unasked wishes and constantly bestowing the highest state of supreme bliss.
akiñcananidhiṁ sūtimapavargatrivargayoḥ |
añjanādrīśvaradayāmabhiṣṭaumi nirañjanām
अकिञ्चननिधिं सूतिमपवर्गत्रिवर्गयोः ।
अञ्जनाद्रीश्वरदयामभिष्टौमि निरञ्जनाम्
Meaning
While other deities grant lesser boons out of partial power, you, O Daya, make the Lord of Guruvayur/Tirumala give His very self to His devotees.
anucaraśaktyādiguṇāmagresarabodhaviracitālokām |
svādhīnavr̥ṣagirīśāṁ svayaṁ prabhūtāṁ pramāṇayāmi dayām
अनुचरशक्त्यादिगुणामग्रेसरबोधविरचितालोकाम् ।
स्वाधीनवृषगिरीशां स्वयं प्रभूतां प्रमाणयामि दयाम्
Meaning
O Daya! You are the empress of all the Lord's attributes. When the Lord wishes to punish us for our sins, you step in and quiet His anger.
api nikhilalokasucaritamuṣṭindhayaduritamūrchanājuṣṭam |
sañjīvayatu daye māmañjanagirinātharañjanī bhavatī
अपि निखिललोकसुचरितमुष्टिन्धयदुरितमूर्छनाजुष्टम् ।
सञ्जीवयतु दये मामञ्जनगिरिनाथरञ्जनी भवती
Meaning
O Daya! Without you, the Lord's supreme independence and power would only burn the universe. It is you who make Him sweet and accessible.
bhagavati daye bhavatyāṁ vr̥ṣagirināthe samāplute tuṅge |
apratighamajjanānāṁ hastālambo madāgasāṁ mr̥gyaḥ
भगवति दये भवत्यां वृषगिरिनाथे समाप्लुते तुङ्गे ।
अप्रतिघमज्जनानां हस्तालम्बो मदागसां मृग्यः
Meaning
O Daya! You are like a mother who protects her mischievous child from the anger of the father (the Lord's justice).
kr̥paṇajanakalpalatikāṁ kr̥tāparādhasya niṣkriyāmādyām |
vr̥ṣagirināthadaye tvāṁ vidanti saṁsāratāriṇīṁ vibudhāḥ
कृपणजनकल्पलतिकां कृतापराधस्य निष्क्रियामाद्याम् ।
वृषगिरिनाथदये त्वां विदन्ति संसारतारिणीं विबुधाः
Meaning
O Daya! The Lord's weapons, which are meant to destroy demons, become gentle protectors of the devotees under your influence.
vr̥ṣagirigr̥hamedhiguṇā bodhabalaiśvaryavīryaśaktimukhāḥ |
doṣā bhaveyurete yadi nāma daye tvayā vinābhūtāḥ
वृषगिरिगृहमेधिगुणा बोधबलैश्वर्यवीर्यशक्तिमुखाः ।
दोषा भवेयुरेते यदि नाम दये त्वया विनाभूताः
Meaning
O Daya! You make the Lord's incarnation on earth a source of great joy, showing His supreme accessibility to even the simplest of creatures.
āsr̥ṣṭi santatānāmaparādhānāṁ nirodhinīṁ jagataḥ |
padmāsahāyakaruṇe pratisañcarakelimācarasi
आसृष्टि सन्ततानामपराधानां निरोधिनीं जगतः ।
पद्मासहायकरुणे प्रतिसञ्चरकेलिमाचरसि
Meaning
O Daya! When a soul surrenders to you, all his past sins are burnt away like dry grass in a forest fire.
acidaviśiṣṭānpralaye jantūnavalokya jātanirvedā |
karaṇakalebarayogaṁ vitarasi vr̥ṣaśailanāthakaruṇe tvam
अचिदविशिष्टान्प्रलये जन्तूनवलोक्य जातनिर्वेदा ।
करणकलेबरयोगं वितरसि वृषशैलनाथकरुणे त्वम्
Meaning
O Daya! You lead the soul to the cool shade of the Lord's feet, relieving it from the scorching heat of worldly existence (Samsara).
anuguṇadaśārpitena śrīdharakaruṇe samāhitasnehā |
śamayasi tamaḥ prajānāṁ śāstramayena sthirapradīpena
अनुगुणदशार्पितेन श्रीधरकरुणे समाहितस्नेहा ।
शमयसि तमः प्रजानां शास्त्रमयेन स्थिरप्रदीपेन
Meaning
O Daya! The holy Venkata hill is the playground where you sport with the Lord, showcasing your supreme power of redemption.
ruḍhā vr̥ṣācalapateḥ pāde mukhakāntipatralacchāyā |
karuṇe sukhayasi vinatāṅkaṭākṣaviṭapaiḥ karāpaceyaphalaiḥ
रुढा वृषाचलपतेः पादे मुखकान्तिपत्रलच्छाया ।
करुणे सुखयसि विनताङ्कटाक्षविटपैः करापचेयफलैः
Meaning
O Daya! Even the most fallen souls who have no other shelter find their ultimate refuge in your maternal embrace.
nayane vr̥ṣācalendostārāmaitrīṁ dadhānayā karuṇe |
dr̥ṣṭastvayaiva janimānapavargamakr̥ṣṭapacyamanubhavati
नयने वृषाचलेन्दोस्तारामैत्रीं दधानया करुणे ।
दृष्टस्त्वयैव जनिमानपवर्गमकृष्टपच्यमनुभवति
Meaning
O Daya! You are the cooling breeze that revives the soul exhausted by the long and difficult journey of life.
samayopanataistava pravāhairanukampe kr̥tasamplavā dharitrī |
śaraṇāgatasasyamālinīyaṁ vr̥ṣaśaileśakr̥ṣīvalaṁ dhinoti
समयोपनतैस्तव प्रवाहैरनुकम्पे कृतसम्प्लवा धरित्री ।
शरणागतसस्यमालिनीयं वृषशैलेशकृषीवलं धिनोति
Meaning
O Daya! Under your guidance, the Lord's justice (Dharma) is transformed into active mercy, welcoming even the worst sinners.
kalaśodadhisampado bhavatyāḥ karuṇe sanmatimanthasaṁskr̥tāyāḥ |
amr̥tāṁśamavaimi divyadehaṁ mr̥tasañjīvanamañjanācalendoḥ
कलशोदधिसम्पदो भवत्याः करुणे सन्मतिमन्थसंस्कृतायाः ।
अमृतांशमवैमि दिव्यदेहं मृतसञ्जीवनमञ्जनाचलेन्दोः
Meaning
O Daya! You make the Lord's lotus feet a treasure house of all boons, accessible to anyone who bows down in humility.
jaladheriva śītatā daye tvaṁ vr̥ṣaśailādhipatessvabhāvabhūtā |
pralayārabhaṭīṁnaṭīṁ tadīkṣāṁ prasabhaṁ grāhayasi prasaktilāsyam
जलधेरिव शीतता दये त्वं वृषशैलाधिपतेस्स्वभावभूता ।
प्रलयारभटींनटीं तदीक्षां प्रसभं ग्राहयसि प्रसक्तिलास्यम्
Meaning
O Daya! You inspire the great preceptors to compile sacred stotras, which act as vessels carrying us across the ocean of birth and death.
praṇatapratikūlamūlaghātī pratighaḥ ko’pi vr̥ṣācaleśvarasya |
kalame yavasāpacāyanītyā karuṇe kiṅkaratāṁ tavopayāti
प्रणतप्रतिकूलमूलघाती प्रतिघः कोऽपि वृषाचलेश्वरस्य ।
कलमे यवसापचायनीत्या करुणे किङ्करतां तवोपयाति
Meaning
O Daya! The sweet nectar of your name is the ultimate medicine for the diseases of the mind and heart.
abahiṣkr̥tanigrahānvidantaḥ kamalākāntaguṇānsvatantratādīn |
avikalpamanugrahaṁ duhānāṁ bhavatīmeva daye bhajanti santaḥ
अबहिष्कृतनिग्रहान्विदन्तः कमलाकान्तगुणान्स्वतन्त्रतादीन् ।
अविकल्पमनुग्रहं दुहानां भवतीमेव दये भजन्ति सन्तः
Meaning
O Daya! You are the source of all auspiciousness, bringing joy to the home and peace to the soul.
kamalānilayastvayā dayāluḥ karuṇe niṣkaruṇā nirūpaṇe tvam |
ata eva hi tāvakāśritānāṁ duritānāṁ bhavati tvadeva bhītiḥ
कमलानिलयस्त्वया दयालुः करुणे निष्करुणा निरूपणे त्वम् ।
अत एव हि तावकाश्रितानां दुरितानां भवति त्वदेव भीतिः
Meaning
O Daya! You dwell permanently within Lord Srinivasa, reminding Him of His role as father and protector of the universe.
atilaṅghitaśāsaneṣvabhīkṣṇaṁ vr̥ṣaśailādhipatirvijr̥mbhitoṣmā |
punareva daye kṣamānidānairbhavatīmādriyate bhavatyadhīnaiḥ
अतिलङ्घितशासनेष्वभीक्ष्णं वृषशैलाधिपतिर्विजृम्भितोष्मा ।
पुनरेव दये क्षमानिदानैर्भवतीमाद्रियते भवत्यधीनैः
Meaning
O Daya! By your grace, even the simple act of remembering the Lord brings immediate peace and purification.
karuṇe duriteṣu māmakeṣu pratikārāntaradurjayeṣu khinnaḥ |
kavacāyitayā tvayaiva śārṅgī vijayasthānamupāśrito vr̥ṣādrim
करुणे दुरितेषु मामकेषु प्रतिकारान्तरदुर्जयेषु खिन्नः ।
कवचायितया त्वयैव शार्ङ्गी विजयस्थानमुपाश्रितो वृषाद्रिम्
Meaning
O Daya! You are the divine light that dispels the darkness of ignorance, revealing the path of pure devotion.
mayi tiṣṭhati duṣkr̥tāṁ pradhāne mitadoṣānitarānvicinvatī tvam |
aparādhagaṇairapūrṇakukṣiḥ kamalākāntadaye kathaṁ bhavitrī
मयि तिष्ठति दुष्कृतां प्रधाने मितदोषानितरान्विचिन्वती त्वम् ।
अपराधगणैरपूर्णकुक्षिः कमलाकान्तदये कथं भवित्री
Meaning
O Daya! The holy water of the Pushkarini lake at Tirumala represents the liquid form of your supreme compassion.
ahamasmyaparādhacakravartī karuṇe tvaṁ ca guṇeṣu sārvabhaumī |
viduṣī sthitimīdr̥śīṁ svayaṁ māṁ vr̥ṣaśaileśvarapādasātkuru tvam
अहमस्म्यपराधचक्रवर्ती करुणे त्वं च गुणेषु सार्वभौमी ।
विदुषी स्थितिमीदृशीं स्वयं मां वृषशैलेश्वरपादसात्कुरु त्वम्
Meaning
O Daya! You are the wish-granting tree (Kalpataru) that yields the sweet fruit of liberation to all who take shelter under you.
aśithilakaraṇe’sminnakṣataśvāsavr̥ttau
vapuṣi gamanayogye vāsamāsādayeyam |
vr̥ṣagirikaṭakeṣu vyañjayatsu pratītai-
rmadhumathanadaye tvāṁ vāridhārāviśeṣaiḥ
अशिथिलकरणेऽस्मिन्नक्षतश्वासवृत्तौ
वपुषि गमनयोग्ये वासमासादयेयम् ।
वृषगिरिकटकेषु व्यञ्जयत्सु प्रतीतै-
र्मधुमथनदये त्वां वारिधाराविशेषैः
Meaning
O Daya! Even when our sins are as vast as the ocean, they disappear in the drop of your infinite mercy.
aviditanijayogakṣemamātmānabhijñaṁ
guṇalavarahitaṁ māṁ goptukāmā daye tvam |
paravati caturaiste vibhramaiḥ śrīnivāse
bahumatimanapāyāṁ vindasi śrīdharaṇyoḥ
अविदितनिजयोगक्षेममात्मानभिज्ञं
गुणलवरहितं मां गोप्तुकामा दये त्वम् ।
परवति चतुरैस्ते विभ्रमैः श्रीनिवासे
बहुमतिमनपायां विन्दसि श्रीधरण्योः
Meaning
O Daya! You make the Lord's presence at Tirumala a constant source of hope and comfort for all humanity.
phalavitaraṇadakṣaṁ pakṣapātānabhijñaṁ
praguṇamanuvidheyaṁ prāpya padmāsahāyam |
mahati guṇasamāje mānapūrvaṁ daye tvaṁ
prativadasi yathārhaṁ pāpmanāṁ māmakānām
फलवितरणदक्षं पक्षपातानभिज्ञं
प्रगुणमनुविधेयं प्राप्य पद्मासहायम् ।
महति गुणसमाजे मानपूर्वं दये त्वं
प्रतिवदसि यथार्हं पाप्मनां मामकानाम्
Meaning
O Daya! You are the ultimate refuge for those who have failed in all other spiritual paths, offering them direct salvation.
anubhavitumaghaughaṁ nālamāgāmikālaḥ
praśamayitumaśeṣaṁ niṣkriyābhirna śakyam |
svayamiti hi daye tvaṁ svīkr̥taśrīnivāsā
śithilitabhavabhītiśśreyase jāyase naḥ
अनुभवितुमघौघं नालमागामिकालः
प्रशमयितुमशेषं निष्क्रियाभिर्न शक्यम् ।
स्वयमिति हि दये त्वं स्वीकृतश्रीनिवासा
शिथिलितभवभीतिश्श्रेयसे जायसे नः
Meaning
O Daya! Your presence transforms the arduous climb of the Venkata hill into a journey of pure love and devotion.
avataraṇaviśeṣairātmalīlāpadeśai-
ravamatimanukampe mandacitteṣu vindan |
vr̥ṣabhaśikharināthastvannideśena nūnaṁ
bhajati caraṇabhājāṁ bhāvino janmabhedān
अवतरणविशेषैरात्मलीलापदेशै-
रवमतिमनुकम्पे मन्दचित्तेषु विन्दन् ।
वृषभशिखरिनाथस्त्वन्निदेशेन नूनं
भजति चरणभाजां भाविनो जन्मभेदान्
Meaning
O Daya! You make the Lord listen to the prayers of the humble, overlooking their lack of qualifications.
parahitamanukampe bhāvayantyāṁ bhavatyāṁ
sthiramanupadhi hārdaṁ śrīnivāso dadhānaḥ |
lalitaruciṣu lakṣmībhūminīlāsu nūnaṁ
prathayati bahumānaṁ tvatpraticchandabuddhyā
परहितमनुकम्पे भावयन्त्यां भवत्यां
स्थिरमनुपधि हार्दं श्रीनिवासो दधानः ।
ललितरुचिषु लक्ष्मीभूमिनीलासु नूनं
प्रथयति बहुमानं त्वत्प्रतिच्छन्दबुद्ध्या
Meaning
O Daya! The beauty of the Lord's form is but a reflection of the beauty of your compassion.
vr̥ṣagirisavidheṣu vyājato vāsabhājāṁ
duritakaluṣitānāṁ dūyamānā daye tvam |
karaṇavilayakāle kāndiśīkasmr̥tīnāṁ
smarayasi bahulīlaṁ mādhavaṁ sāvadhānā
वृषगिरिसविधेषु व्याजतो वासभाजां
दुरितकलुषितानां दूयमाना दये त्वम् ।
करणविलयकाले कान्दिशीकस्मृतीनां
स्मरयसि बहुलीलं माधवं सावधाना
Meaning
O Daya! You are the divine mother who nourishes our spiritual life, guiding us step by step to the Lord's feet.
diśi diśi gatividbhirdeśikairnīyamānā
sthirataramanukampe styānalagnā guṇaistvam |
parigatavr̥ṣaśailaṁ pāramāropayantī
bhavajaladhigatānāṁ potapātrī bhavitrī
दिशि दिशि गतिविद्भिर्देशिकैर्नीयमाना
स्थिरतरमनुकम्पे स्त्यानलग्ना गुणैस्त्वम् ।
परिगतवृषशैलं पारमारोपयन्ती
भवजलधिगतानां पोतपात्री भवित्री
Meaning
O Daya! You make the Lord's lotus eyes rain down sweet nectar upon those who stand in His presence.
parimitaphalasaṅgātprāṇinaḥ kimpacānā
nigamavipaṇimadhye nityamuktānuṣaktam |
prasadanamanukampe prāptavatyāṁ bhavatyāṁ
vr̥ṣagiriharinīlaṁ vyañjitaṁ nirviśanti
परिमितफलसङ्गात्प्राणिनः किम्पचाना
निगमविपणिमध्ये नित्यमुक्तानुषक्तम् ।
प्रसदनमनुकम्पे प्राप्तवत्यां भवत्यां
वृषगिरिहरिनीलं व्यञ्जितं निर्विशन्ति
Meaning
O Daya! You are the golden chain that binds the Lord to His devotees, making Him their eternal servant.
tvayi bahumatihīnaḥ śrīnivāsānukampe
jagati gatimihānyāṁ devi sammanyate yaḥ |
sa khalu vibudhasindhau sannikarṣe vahantyāṁ
śamayati mr̥gatr̥ṣṇāvīcikābhiḥ pipāsām
त्वयि बहुमतिहीनः श्रीनिवासानुकम्पे
जगति गतिमिहान्यां देवि सम्मन्यते यः ।
स खलु विबुधसिन्धौ सन्निकर्षे वहन्त्यां
शमयति मृगतृष्णावीचिकाभिः पिपासाम्
Meaning
O Daya! Your mercy is unconditional, flowing freely to all without expecting anything in return.
ājñāṁ khyātiṁ dhanamanucarānādhirājyādikaṁ vā
kāle dr̥ṣṭvā kamalavasaterapyakiñcitkarāṇi |
padmākāntaṁ praṇihitavatīṁ pālane’nanyasādhye
sārābhijñā jagati kr̥tinassaṁśrayante daye tvām
आज्ञां ख्यातिं धनमनुचरानाधिराज्यादिकं वा
काले दृष्ट्वा कमलवसतेरप्यकिञ्चित्कराणि ।
पद्माकान्तं प्रणिहितवतीं पालनेऽनन्यसाध्ये
साराभिज्ञा जगति कृतिनस्संश्रयन्ते दये त्वाम्
Meaning
O Daya! You make the Lord's justice a servant of your grace, ensuring that no soul is lost forever.
prājāpatyaprabhr̥tivibhavaṁ prekṣya paryāyaduḥkhaṁ
janmākāṅkṣan vr̥ṣagirivane jagmuṣāṁ tasthuṣāṁ vā |
āśāsānāḥ katicana vibhoḥ tvatpariṣvaṅgadhanyaiḥ
aṅgīkāraṁ kṣaṇamapi daye hārdatuṅgairapāṅgaiḥ
प्राजापत्यप्रभृतिविभवं प्रेक्ष्य पर्यायदुःखं
जन्माकाङ्क्षन् वृषगिरिवने जग्मुषां तस्थुषां वा ।
आशासानाः कतिचन विभोः त्वत्परिष्वङ्गधन्यैः
अङ्गीकारं क्षणमपि दये हार्दतुङ्गैरपाङ्गैः
Meaning
O Daya! The sound of the bells at Tirumala is like your voice, calling all souls to take refuge in the Lord.
nābhīpadmasphuraṇasubhagā navyanīlotpalābhā
krīḍāśailaṁ kamapi karuṇe vr̥ṇvatī veṅkaṭākhyam |
śītā nityaṁ prasadanavatī śraddhadhānāvagāhyā
divyā kācijjayati mahatī dīrghikā tāvakīnā
नाभीपद्मस्फुरणसुभगा नव्यनीलोत्पलाभा
क्रीडाशैलं कमपि करुणे वृण्वती वेङ्कटाख्यम् ।
शीता नित्यं प्रसदनवती श्रद्धधानावगाह्या
दिव्या काचिज्जयति महती दीर्घिका तावकीना
Meaning
O Daya! You are the supreme energy that sustains the universe, keeping it safe from destruction.
yasmindr̥ṣṭe taditarasukhairgamyate goṣpadatvaṁ
satyaṁ jñānaṁ tribhiravadhibhirmuktamānandasindhum |
tvatsvīkārāttamiha kr̥tinassūribr̥ndānubhāvyaṁ
nityāpūrvaṁ nidhimiva daye nirviśantyañjanādrau
यस्मिन्दृष्टे तदितरसुखैर्गम्यते गोष्पदत्वं
सत्यं ज्ञानं त्रिभिरवधिभिर्मुक्तमानन्दसिन्धुम् ।
त्वत्स्वीकारात्तमिह कृतिनस्सूरिबृन्दानुभाव्यं
नित्यापूर्वं निधिमिव दये निर्विशन्त्यञ्जनाद्रौ
Meaning
O Daya! You make the Lord's grace flow like a mighty river, washing away all our impurities.
sāraṁ labdhvā kamapi mahataḥ śrīnivāsāmburāśeḥ
kāle kāle ghanarasavatī kālikevānukampe |
vyaktonmeṣā mr̥gapatigirau viśvamāpyāyayantī
śīlopajñaṁ kṣarati bhavatī śītalaṁ sadguṇaugham
सारं लब्ध्वा कमपि महतः श्रीनिवासाम्बुराशेः
काले काले घनरसवती कालिकेवानुकम्पे ।
व्यक्तोन्मेषा मृगपतिगिरौ विश्वमाप्याययन्ती
शीलोपज्ञं क्षरति भवती शीतलं सद्गुणौघम्
Meaning
O Daya! You are the divine shelter that protects us from the arrows of fate and time.
bhīme nityaṁ bhavajalanidhau majjatāṁ mānavānā-
mālambārthaṁ vr̥ṣagiripatistvannideśātprayuṅkte |
prajñāsāraṁ prakr̥timahatā mūlabhāgena juṣṭaṁ
śākhābhedaissubhagamanaghaṁ śāśvataṁ śāstrapāṇim
भीमे नित्यं भवजलनिधौ मज्जतां मानवाना-
मालम्बार्थं वृषगिरिपतिस्त्वन्निदेशात्प्रयुङ्क्ते ।
प्रज्ञासारं प्रकृतिमहता मूलभागेन जुष्टं
शाखाभेदैस्सुभगमनघं शाश्वतं शास्त्रपाणिम्
Meaning
O Daya! By your grace, the simplest offering of a flower or a leaf becomes most pleasing to the Lord.
vidvatsevākatakanikaṣairvītapaṅkāśayānāṁ
padmākāntaḥ praṇayati daye darpaṇaṁ te svaśāstram |
līlādakṣāṁ tvadanavasare lālayanvipralipsāṁ
māyāśāstrāṇyapi śamayituṁ tvatprapannapratīpān
विद्वत्सेवाकतकनिकषैर्वीतपङ्काशयानां
पद्माकान्तः प्रणयति दये दर्पणं ते स्वशास्त्रम् ।
लीलादक्षां त्वदनवसरे लालयन्विप्रलिप्सां
मायाशास्त्राण्यपि शमयितुं त्वत्प्रपन्नप्रतीपान्
Meaning
O Daya! When the Lord's scriptures act as a mirror showing our faults, you show us the way to overcome them through surrender.
daivātprāpte vr̥ṣagiritaṭaṁ dehini tvannidānā-
tsvāminpāhītyavaśavacane vindati svāpamantyam |
devaḥ śrīmān diśati karuṇe dr̥ṣṭimicchaṁstvadīyā-
mudghātena śrutipariṣadāmuttareṇābhimukhyam
दैवात्प्राप्ते वृषगिरितटं देहिनि त्वन्निदाना-
त्स्वामिन्पाहीत्यवशवचने विन्दति स्वापमन्त्यम् ।
देवः श्रीमान् दिशति करुणे दृष्टिमिच्छंस्त्वदीया-
मुद्घातेन श्रुतिपरिषदामुत्तरेणाभिमुख्यम्
Meaning
O Daya! You are the ultimate protector of the cows, the sages, and all simple-hearted devotees.
śreyassūtiṁ sakr̥dapi daye sammatāṁ yassakhīṁ te
śītodārāmalabhata janaḥ śrīnivāsasya dr̥ṣṭim |
devādīnāmayamanr̥ṇatāṁ dehavattve’pi vinda-
nbandhānmukto balibhiranaghaiḥ pūryate tatprayuktaiḥ
श्रेयस्सूतिं सकृदपि दये सम्मतां यस्सखीं ते
शीतोदारामलभत जनः श्रीनिवासस्य दृष्टिम् ।
देवादीनामयमनृणतां देहवत्त्वेऽपि विन्द-
न्बन्धान्मुक्तो बलिभिरनघैः पूर्यते तत्प्रयुक्तैः
Meaning
O Daya! You make the Lord's presence in the temple a living reality, responding to our deepest feelings.
divyāpāṅgaṁ diśasi karuṇe yeṣu saddeśikātmā
kṣipraṁ prāptā vr̥ṣagiripatiṁ kṣatrabandhvādayaste |
viśvācāryā vidhiśivamukhāssvādhikāroparuddhā
manye mātā jaḍa iva sute vatsalā mādr̥śe tvam
दिव्यापाङ्गं दिशसि करुणे येषु सद्देशिकात्मा
क्षिप्रं प्राप्ता वृषगिरिपतिं क्षत्रबन्ध्वादयस्ते ।
विश्वाचार्या विधिशिवमुखास्स्वाधिकारोपरुद्धा
मन्ये माता जड इव सुते वत्सला मादृशे त्वम्
Meaning
O Daya! You are the sweet fragrance of the Tulasi leaves offered to the Lord's lotus feet.
atikr̥paṇo’pi janturadhigamya daye bhavatī-
maśithiladharmasetupadavīṁ rucirāmacirāt |
amitamahormijālamatilaṅghya bhavāmbunidhiṁ
bhavati vr̥ṣācaleśapadapattananityadhanī
अतिकृपणोऽपि जन्तुरधिगम्य दये भवती-
मशिथिलधर्मसेतुपदवीं रुचिरामचिरात् ।
अमितमहोर्मिजालमतिलङ्घ्य भवाम्बुनिधिं
भवति वृषाचलेशपदपत्तननित्यधनी
Meaning
O Daya! You make the Lord's name a powerful mantra that protects us from all directions.
abhimukhabhāvasampadabhisambhavināṁ bhavināṁ
kvacidupalakṣitā kvacidabhaṅguragūḍhagatiḥ |
vimalarasāvahā vr̥ṣagirīśadaye bhavatī
sapadi sarasvatīva śamayatyaghamapratigham
अभिमुखभावसम्पदभिसम्भविनां भविनां
क्वचिदुपलक्षिता क्वचिदभङ्गुरगूढगतिः ।
विमलरसावहा वृषगिरीशदये भवती
सपदि सरस्वतीव शमयत्यघमप्रतिघम्
Meaning
O Daya! By your grace, even the most difficult tasks become easy and successful.
api karuṇe janasya taruṇenduvibhūṣaṇatā-
mapi kamalāsanatvamapi dhāma vr̥ṣādripateḥ |
taratamatāvaśena tanute nanu te vitatiḥ
parahitavarṣmaṇā paripacelimakelimatī
अपि करुणे जनस्य तरुणेन्दुविभूषणता-
मपि कमलासनत्वमपि धाम वृषाद्रिपतेः ।
तरतमतावशेन तनुते ननु ते विततिः
परहितवर्ष्मणा परिपचेलिमकेलिमती
Meaning
O Daya! You are the divine shield that guards us against negative energies and thoughts.
dhr̥tabhuvanā daye trividhagatyanukūlatarā
vr̥ṣagirināthapādaparirambhavatī bhavatī |
aviditavaibhavā’pi surasindhurivātanute
sakr̥davagāhamānamapatāpamapāpamapi
धृतभुवना दये त्रिविधगत्यनुकूलतरा
वृषगिरिनाथपादपरिरम्भवती भवती ।
अविदितवैभवाऽपि सुरसिन्धुरिवातनुते
सकृदवगाहमानमपतापमपापमपि
Meaning
O Daya! You make the Lord's court at Tirumala a place of mercy, where no one is turned away.
nigamasamāśritā nikhilalokasamr̥ddhikarī
bhajadaghakūlamudvahagatiḥ paritaptahitā |
prakaṭitahaṁsamatsyakamaṭhādyavatāraśatā
vibudhasaricchriyaṁ vr̥ṣagirīśadaye vahasi
निगमसमाश्रिता निखिललोकसमृद्धिकरी
भजदघकूलमुद्वहगतिः परितप्तहिता ।
प्रकटितहंसमत्स्यकमठाद्यवतारशता
विबुधसरिच्छ्रियं वृषगिरीशदये वहसि
Meaning
O Daya! You are the ultimate source of peace, dissolving all conflicts and bringing harmony.
jagati mitampacā tvaditarā tu daye taralā
phalaniyamojjhitā bhavati santapanāya punaḥ |
tvamiha niraṅkuśapraśakanādivibhūtimatī
vitarasi dehināṁ niravadhiṁ vr̥ṣaśailanidhim
जगति मितम्पचा त्वदितरा तु दये तरला
फलनियमोज्झिता भवति सन्तपनाय पुनः ।
त्वमिह निरङ्कुशप्रशकनादिविभूतिमती
वितरसि देहिनां निरवधिं वृषशैलनिधिम्
Meaning
O Daya! By your grace, the devotee's heart becomes a sacred bower where the Lord loves to reside.
sakaruṇalaukikaprabhuparigrahanigrahayo-
rniyatimupādhicakraparivr̥ttiparamparayā |
vr̥ṣabhamahīdhareśakaruṇe vitaraṅgayatāṁ
śrutimitasampadi tvayi kathaṁ bhavitā viśayaḥ
सकरुणलौकिकप्रभुपरिग्रहनिग्रहयो-
र्नियतिमुपाधिचक्रपरिवृत्तिपरम्परया ।
वृषभमहीधरेशकरुणे वितरङ्गयतां
श्रुतिमितसम्पदि त्वयि कथं भविता विशयः
Meaning
O Daya! You are the divine dawn that ends the long night of our worldly separation.
vr̥ṣagirikr̥ṣṇameghajanitāṁ janitāpaharāṁ
tvadabhimatiṁ suvr̥ṣṭimupajīvya nivr̥ttatr̥ṣaḥ |
bahuṣu jalāśayeṣu bahumānamapohya daye
na jahati satpathaṁ jagati cātakavatkr̥tinaḥ
वृषगिरिकृष्णमेघजनितां जनितापहरां
त्वदभिमतिं सुवृष्टिमुपजीव्य निवृत्ततृषः ।
बहुषु जलाशयेषु बहुमानमपोह्य दये
न जहति सत्पथं जगति चातकवत्कृतिनः
Meaning
O Daya! You make the Lord's touch a source of instant healing for both body and soul.
tvadudayatūlikābhiramunā vr̥ṣaśailajuṣā
sthirataraśilpinaiva parikalpitacitradhiyaḥ |
yatipatiyāmunaprabhr̥tayaḥ prathayanti daye
jagati hitaṁ na nastvayi bharanyasanādadhikam
त्वदुदयतूलिकाभिरमुना वृषशैलजुषा
स्थिरतरशिल्पिनैव परिकल्पितचित्रधियः ।
यतिपतियामुनप्रभृतयः प्रथयन्ति दये
जगति हितं न नस्त्वयि भरन्यसनादधिकम्
Meaning
O Daya! You are the golden thread that connects all souls in a single family of devotion.
mr̥duhr̥daye daye mr̥ditakāmahite mahite
dhr̥tavibudhe budheṣu vitatātmadhure madhure |
vr̥ṣagirisārvabhaumadayite mayi te mahatīṁ
bhavukanidhe nidhehi bhavamūlaharāṁ laharīm
मृदुहृदये दये मृदितकामहिते महिते
धृतविबुधे बुधेषु विततात्मधुरे मधुरे ।
वृषगिरिसार्वभौमदयिते मयि ते महतीं
भवुकनिधे निधेहि भवमूलहरां लहरीम्
Meaning
O Daya! Your mercy is the ultimate beauty, shining through the Lord's smile.
akūpārairekodakasamayavaitaṇḍikajavai-
ranirvāpyāṁ kṣipraṁ kṣapayitumavidyākhyabaḍabām |
kr̥pe tvaṁ tattādr̥kprathimavr̥ṣapr̥thvīdharapati-
svarūpadvaiguṇyadviguṇanijabinduḥ prabhavasi
अकूपारैरेकोदकसमयवैतण्डिकजवै-
रनिर्वाप्यां क्षिप्रं क्षपयितुमविद्याख्यबडबाम् ।
कृपे त्वं तत्तादृक्प्रथिमवृषपृथ्वीधरपति-
स्वरूपद्वैगुण्यद्विगुणनिजबिन्दुः प्रभवसि
Meaning
O Daya! You make the Lord's crown at Tirumala a symbol of His supreme role as the servant of His devotees' love.
vivitsāvetālīvigamapariśuddhe’pi hr̥daye
paṭupratyāhāraprabhr̥tipuṭapākapracakitāḥ |
namantastvāṁ nārāyaṇaśikharikūṭasthakaruṇe
niruddhatvaddrohā nr̥patisutanītiṁ na jahati
विवित्सावेतालीविगमपरिशुद्धेऽपि हृदये
पटुप्रत्याहारप्रभृतिपुटपाकप्रचकिताः ।
नमन्तस्त्वां नारायणशिखरिकूटस्थकरुणे
निरुद्धत्वद्द्रोहा नृपतिसुतनीतिं न जहति
Meaning
O Daya! You are the divine nectar that satisfies the spiritual hunger of the soul.
ananyādhīnassanbhavati paratantraḥ praṇamatāṁ
kr̥pe sarvadraṣṭā na gaṇayati teṣāmapakr̥tim |
patistvatpārārthyaṁ prathayati vr̥ṣakṣmādharapati-
rvyavasthāṁ vaiyātyāditi vighaṭayantī viharasi
अनन्याधीनस्सन्भवति परतन्त्रः प्रणमतां
कृपे सर्वद्रष्टा न गणयति तेषामपकृतिम् ।
पतिस्त्वत्पारार्थ्यं प्रथयति वृषक्ष्माधरपति-
र्व्यवस्थां वैयात्यादिति विघटयन्ती विहरसि
Meaning
O Daya! By your grace, the devotee is filled with a deep sense of contentment and joy.
apāṁ patyuśśatrūnasahanamunerdharmanigalaṁ
kr̥pe kākasyaikaṁ hitamiti hinasti sma nayanam |
vilīnasvātantryo vr̥ṣagiripatistvadvihr̥tibhi-
rdiśatyevaṁ devo janitasugatiṁ daṇḍanagatim
अपां पत्युश्शत्रूनसहनमुनेर्धर्मनिगलं
कृपे काकस्यैकं हितमिति हिनस्ति स्म नयनम् ।
विलीनस्वातन्त्र्यो वृषगिरिपतिस्त्वद्विहृतिभि-
र्दिशत्येवं देवो जनितसुगतिं दण्डनगतिम्
Meaning
O Daya! You are the ultimate guide, showing us the correct path when we are lost.
niṣādānāṁ netā kapikulapatiḥ kāpi śabarī
kucelaḥ kubjā sā vrajayuvatayo mālyakr̥diti |
amīṣāṁ nimnatvaṁ vr̥ṣagiripaterunnatimapi
prabhūtaissrotobhiḥ prasabhamanukampe śamayasi
निषादानां नेता कपिकुलपतिः कापि शबरी
कुचेलः कुब्जा सा व्रजयुवतयो माल्यकृदिति ।
अमीषां निम्नत्वं वृषगिरिपतेरुन्नतिमपि
प्रभूतैस्स्रोतोभिः प्रसभमनुकम्पे शमयसि
Meaning
O Daya! You make the Lord's lotus feet the ultimate home where the soul finds eternal rest.
tvayā dr̥ṣṭastuṣṭiṁ bhajati parameṣṭhī nijapade
vahanmūrtīraṣṭau viharati mr̥ḍānīparibr̥ḍhaḥ |
bibharti svārājyaṁ vr̥ṣaśikhariśr̥ṅgārikaruṇe
śunāsīro devāsurasamaranāsīrasubhaṭaḥ
त्वया दृष्टस्तुष्टिं भजति परमेष्ठी निजपदे
वहन्मूर्तीरष्टौ विहरति मृडानीपरिबृढः ।
बिभर्ति स्वाराज्यं वृषशिखरिशृङ्गारिकरुणे
शुनासीरो देवासुरसमरनासीरसुभटः
Meaning
O Daya! You are the divine melody that fills the universe with harmony and peace.
daye dugdhodanvadvyatiyutasudhāsindhunayata-
stvadāśleṣānnityaṁ janitamr̥tasañjīvanadaśāḥ |
svadante dāntebhyaśśrutivadanakarpūragulikā
vivr̥ṇvantaścittaṁ vr̥ṣaśikhariviśvambharaguṇāḥ
दये दुग्धोदन्वद्व्यतियुतसुधासिन्धुनयत-
स्त्वदाश्लेषान्नित्यं जनितमृतसञ्जीवनदशाः ।
स्वदन्ते दान्तेभ्यश्श्रुतिवदनकर्पूरगुलिका
विवृण्वन्तश्चित्तं वृषशिखरिविश्वम्भरगुणाः
Meaning
O Daya! By your grace, the soul is freed from the fear of death, knowing it is safe in your hands.
jagajjanmasthemapralayaracanākelirasiko
vimuktyaikadvāraṁ vighaṭitakavāṭaṁ praṇayinām |
iti tvayyāyattaṁ dvitayamupadhīkr̥tya karuṇe
viśuddhānāṁ vācāṁ vr̥ṣaśikharināthasstutipadam
जगज्जन्मस्थेमप्रलयरचनाकेलिरसिको
विमुक्त्यैकद्वारं विघटितकवाटं प्रणयिनाम् ।
इति त्वय्यायत्तं द्वितयमुपधीकृत्य करुणे
विशुद्धानां वाचां वृषशिखरिनाथस्स्तुतिपदम्
Meaning
O Daya! You are the supreme light that guides us through the dark valleys of life.
kalikṣobhonmīlatkṣitikaluṣakūlaṅkaṣajavai-
ranucchedai retairavaṭataṭavaiṣamyarahitaiḥ |
pravāhaiste padmāsahacarapariṣkāriṇi kr̥pe
vikalpante’nalpā vr̥ṣaśikhariṇo nirjharaguṇāḥ
कलिक्षोभोन्मीलत्क्षितिकलुषकूलङ्कषजवै-
रनुच्छेदै रेतैरवटतटवैषम्यरहितैः ।
प्रवाहैस्ते पद्मासहचरपरिष्कारिणि कृपे
विकल्पन्तेऽनल्पा वृषशिखरिणो निर्झरगुणाः
Meaning
O Daya! You make the Lord's presence in our hearts a constant source of strength and inspiration.
khilaṁ cetovr̥tteḥ kimidamiti vismerabhuvanaṁ
kr̥pe siṁhakṣmābhr̥tkr̥tamukhacamatkārakaraṇam |
bharanyāsacchannaprabalavr̥jinaprābhr̥tabhr̥tāṁ
pratiprasthānaṁ te śrutinagaraśr̥ṅgāṭakajuṣaḥ
खिलं चेतोवृत्तेः किमिदमिति विस्मेरभुवनं
कृपे सिंहक्ष्माभृत्कृतमुखचमत्कारकरणम् ।
भरन्यासच्छन्नप्रबलवृजिनप्राभृतभृतां
प्रतिप्रस्थानं ते श्रुतिनगरशृङ्गाटकजुषः
Meaning
O Daya! You are the sweet breeze that carries the fragrance of the Lord's love to us.
trividhacidacitsattāsthemapravr̥ttiniyāmikā
vr̥ṣagirivibhoricchā sā tvaṁ parairaparāhatā |
kr̥paṇabharabhr̥tkiṅkurvāṇaprabhūtaguṇāntarā
vahasi karuṇe vaicakṣaṇyaṁ madīkṣaṇasāhase
त्रिविधचिदचित्सत्तास्थेमप्रवृत्तिनियामिका
वृषगिरिविभोरिच्छा सा त्वं परैरपराहता ।
कृपणभरभृत्किङ्कुर्वाणप्रभूतगुणान्तरा
वहसि करुणे वैचक्षण्यं मदीक्षणसाहसे
Meaning
O Daya! You make the Lord's incarnations on earth a beautiful play of love and redemption.
vr̥ṣagiripaterhr̥dyā viśvāvatārasahāyinī
kṣapitanikhilāvadyā devi kṣamādiniṣevitā |
bhuvanajananī puṁsāṁ bhogāpavargavidhāyinī
vitamasi pade vyaktiṁ nityāṁ bibharṣi daye svayam
वृषगिरिपतेर्हृद्या विश्वावतारसहायिनी
क्षपितनिखिलावद्या देवि क्षमादिनिषेविता ।
भुवनजननी पुंसां भोगापवर्गविधायिनी
वितमसि पदे व्यक्तिं नित्यां बिभर्षि दये स्वयम्
Meaning
O Daya! By your grace, the devotee's speech becomes sweet and full of spiritual wisdom.
svayamudayinassiddhādyāviṣkr̥tāśca śubhālayā
vividhavibhavavyūhāvāsāḥ paraṁ ca padaṁ vibhoḥ |
vr̥ṣagirimukheṣveteṣvicchāvadhi pratilabdhaye
dr̥ḍhavinihitā niśreṇistvaṁ daye nijaparvabhiḥ
स्वयमुदयिनस्सिद्धाद्याविष्कृताश्च शुभालया
विविधविभवव्यूहावासाः परं च पदं विभोः ।
वृषगिरिमुखेष्वेतेष्विच्छावधि प्रतिलब्धये
दृढविनिहिता निश्रेणिस्त्वं दये निजपर्वभिः
Meaning
O Daya! You are the ultimate protector, keeping us safe from all internal and external dangers.
hitamiti jagaddr̥ṣṭyā kluptairakluptaphalāntarai-
ramativihitairanyairdharmāyitaiśca yadr̥cchayā |
pariṇatabahucchadmā padmāsahāyadaye svayaṁ
pradiśasi nijābhipretaṁ naḥ praśāmyadapatrapā
हितमिति जगद्दृष्ट्या क्लुप्तैरक्लुप्तफलान्तरै-
रमतिविहितैरन्यैर्धर्मायितैश्च यदृच्छया ।
परिणतबहुच्छद्मा पद्मासहायदये स्वयं
प्रदिशसि निजाभिप्रेतं नः प्रशाम्यदपत्रपा
Meaning
O Daya! You make the Lord's form a source of infinite joy and beauty for all who behold Him.
atividhiśivairaiśvaryātmānubhūtirasairjanā-
nahr̥dayamihopacchandyaiṣāmasaṅgadaśārthinī |
tr̥ṣitajanatātīrthasnānakramakṣapitainasāṁ
vitarasi daye vītātaṅkā vr̥ṣādripateḥ padam
अतिविधिशिवैरैश्वर्यात्मानुभूतिरसैर्जना-
नहृदयमिहोपच्छन्द्यैषामसङ्गदशार्थिनी ।
तृषितजनतातीर्थस्नानक्रमक्षपितैनसां
वितरसि दये वीतातङ्का वृषाद्रिपतेः पदम्
Meaning
O Daya! You are the divine mother who holds our hand, guiding us through the obstacles of life.
vr̥ṣagirisudhāsindhau janturdaye nihitastvayā
bhavabhayaparītāpacchittyai bhajannaghamarṣaṇam |
muṣitakaluṣo mukteragresarairabhipūryate
svayamupanataissvātmānandaprabhr̥tyanubandhibhiḥ
वृषगिरिसुधासिन्धौ जन्तुर्दये निहितस्त्वया
भवभयपरीतापच्छित्त्यै भजन्नघमर्षणम् ।
मुषितकलुषो मुक्तेरग्रेसरैरभिपूर्यते
स्वयमुपनतैस्स्वात्मानन्दप्रभृत्यनुबन्धिभिः
Meaning
O Daya! By your grace, the soul is purified, becoming a fit instrument for the Lord's service.
anitarajuṣāmantarmūle’pyapāyapariplave
kr̥tavidanaghā vicchidyaiṣāṁ kr̥pe yamavaśyatām |
prapadanaphalapratyādeśaprasaṅgavivarjitaṁ
pratividhimupādhatse sārdhaṁ vr̥ṣādrihitaiṣiṇā
अनितरजुषामन्तर्मूलेऽप्यपायपरिप्लवे
कृतविदनघा विच्छिद्यैषां कृपे यमवश्यताम् ।
प्रपदनफलप्रत्यादेशप्रसङ्गविवर्जितं
प्रतिविधिमुपाधत्से सार्धं वृषाद्रिहितैषिणा
Meaning
O Daya! You are the ultimate source of spiritual strength, helping us overcome our weaknesses.
kṣaṇavilayināṁ śāstrārthānāṁ phalāya niveśite
pitr̥suragaṇe nirveśātprāgapi pralayaṁ gate |
adhigatavr̥ṣakṣmābhr̥nnāthāmakālavaśaṁvadāṁ
pratibhuvamiha vyācakhyustvāṁ kr̥pe nirupaplavām
क्षणविलयिनां शास्त्रार्थानां फलाय निवेशिते
पितृसुरगणे निर्वेशात्प्रागपि प्रलयं गते ।
अधिगतवृषक्ष्माभृन्नाथामकालवशंवदां
प्रतिभुवमिह व्याचख्युस्त्वां कृपे निरुपप्लवाम्
Meaning
O Daya! You make the Lord's presence at Tirumala a beacon of hope for all generations.
tvadupasadanādadya śvo vā mahāpralaye’pi vā
vitarati nijaṁ pādāmbhojaṁ vr̥ṣācalaśekharaḥ |
tadiha karuṇe tattatkrīḍātaraṅgaparamparā-
taratamatayā juṣṭāyāste duratyayatāṁ viduḥ
त्वदुपसदनादद्य श्वो वा महाप्रलयेऽपि वा
वितरति निजं पादाम्भोजं वृषाचलशेखरः ।
तदिह करुणे तत्तत्क्रीडातरङ्गपरम्परा-
तरतमतया जुष्टायास्ते दुरत्ययतां विदुः
Meaning
O Daya! You are the sweet nectar that flows from the Lord's words, bringing peace to our minds.
praṇihitadhiyāṁ tvatsampr̥kte vr̥ṣādriśikhāmaṇau
prasr̥marasudhādhārākārā prasīdati bhāvanā |
dr̥ḍhamiti daye dattāsvādaṁ vimuktivalāhakaṁ
nibhr̥tagaruto nidhyāyanti sthirāśayacātakāḥ
प्रणिहितधियां त्वत्सम्पृक्ते वृषाद्रिशिखामणौ
प्रसृमरसुधाधाराकारा प्रसीदति भावना ।
दृढमिति दये दत्तास्वादं विमुक्तिवलाहकं
निभृतगरुतो निध्यायन्ति स्थिराशयचातकाः
Meaning
O Daya! By your grace, the devotee's life becomes a beautiful offering to the Lord.
kr̥pe vigatavelayā kr̥tasamagrapoṣaistvayā
kalijvalanadurgate jagati kālameghāyitam |
vr̥ṣakṣitidharādiṣu sthitipadeṣu sānuplavai-
rvr̥ṣādripativigrahairvyapagatākhilāvagrahaiḥ
कृपे विगतवेलया कृतसमग्रपोषैस्त्वया
कलिज्वलनदुर्गते जगति कालमेघायितम् ।
वृषक्षितिधरादिषु स्थितिपदेषु सानुप्लवै-
र्वृषाद्रिपतिविग्रहैर्व्यपगताखिलावग्रहैः
Meaning
O Daya! You are the ultimate protector of the weak, the poor, and the helpless.
prasūya vividhaṁ jagattadabhivr̥ddhaye tvaṁ daye
samīkṣaṇavicintanaprabhr̥tibhissvayaṁ tādr̥śaiḥ |
vicitraguṇacitritāṁ vividhadoṣavaideśikīṁ
vr̥ṣācalapatestanuṁ viśasi matsyakūrmādikām
प्रसूय विविधं जगत्तदभिवृद्धये त्वं दये
समीक्षणविचिन्तनप्रभृतिभिस्स्वयं तादृशैः ।
विचित्रगुणचित्रितां विविधदोषवैदेशिकीं
वृषाचलपतेस्तनुं विशसि मत्स्यकूर्मादिकाम्
Meaning
O Daya! You make the Lord's grace a constant stream that nourishes our spiritual life.
yugāntasamayocitaṁ bhajati yoganidrārasaṁ
vr̥ṣakṣitibhr̥dīśvare viharaṇakramājjāgrati |
udīrṇacaturarṇavīkadanavedinīṁ medinīṁ
samuddhr̥tavatī daye tvadabhijuṣṭayā daṁṣṭrayā
युगान्तसमयोचितं भजति योगनिद्रारसं
वृषक्षितिभृदीश्वरे विहरणक्रमाज्जाग्रति ।
उदीर्णचतुरर्णवीकदनवेदिनीं मेदिनीं
समुद्धृतवती दये त्वदभिजुष्टया दंष्ट्रया
Meaning
O Daya! You are the divine light that reveals the true nature of the Self and the Lord.
saṭāpaṭalabhīṣaṇe sarabhasāṭ-ṭahāsodbhaṭe
sphuratkrudhi parisphuṭabhrukuṭike’pi vaktre kr̥te |
daye vr̥ṣagirīśiturdanujaḍimbhadattastanā
sarojasadr̥śā dr̥śā samuditākr̥tirdr̥śyase
सटापटलभीषणे सरभसाट्टहासोद्भटे
स्फुरत्क्रुधि परिस्फुटभ्रुकुटिकेऽपि वक्त्रे कृते ।
दये वृषगिरीशितुर्दनुजडिम्भदत्तस्तना
सरोजसदृशा दृशा समुदिताकृतिर्दृश्यसे
Meaning
O Daya! By your grace, the devotee is filled with a deep love for all living beings.
prasaktamadhunā vidhipraṇihitaissaparyodakai-
ssamastaduritacchidā nigamagandhinā tvaṁ daye |
aśeṣamaviśeṣatastrijagadañjanādrīśitu-
ścarācaramacīkaraścaraṇapaṅkajenāṅkitam
प्रसक्तमधुना विधिप्रणिहितैस्सपर्योदकै-
स्समस्तदुरितच्छिदा निगमगन्धिना त्वं दये ।
अशेषमविशेषतस्त्रिजगदञ्जनाद्रीशितु-
श्चराचरमचीकरश्चरणपङ्कजेनाङ्कितम्
Meaning
O Daya! You are the ultimate source of joy, dissolving all sorrows and anxieties.
paraśvathatapodhanaprathanasatkr̥tūpākr̥ta-
kṣitīśvarapaśukṣaratkṣatajakuṅkumasthāsakaiḥ |
vr̥ṣācaladayālunā nanu vihartumālipyathāḥ
nidhāya hr̥daye daye nihatarakṣitānāṁ hitam
परश्वथतपोधनप्रथनसत्कृतूपाकृत-
क्षितीश्वरपशुक्षरत्क्षतजकुङ्कुमस्थासकैः ।
वृषाचलदयालुना ननु विहर्तुमालिप्यथाः
निधाय हृदये दये निहतरक्षितानां हितम्
Meaning
O Daya! You make the Lord's presence in our lives a source of constant wonder and gratitude.
kr̥pe kr̥tajagaddhite kr̥paṇajantucintāmaṇe
ramāsahacaraṁ tadā raghudhurīṇayantyā tvayā |
vyabhajyata saritpatissakr̥davekṣaṇāttatkṣaṇā-
tprakr̥ṣṭabahupātakapraśamahetunā setunā
कृपे कृतजगद्धिते कृपणजन्तुचिन्तामणे
रमासहचरं तदा रघुधुरीणयन्त्या त्वया ।
व्यभज्यत सरित्पतिस्सकृदवेक्षणात्तत्क्षणा-
त्प्रकृष्टबहुपातकप्रशमहेतुना सेतुना
Meaning
O Daya! You are the sweet breeze that clears away the clouds of doubt and fear.
kr̥pe paravatastvayā vr̥ṣagirīśituḥ krīḍitaṁ
jagaddhitamaśeṣatastadidamitthamarthāpyate |
madacchalaparicyutapraṇataduṣkr̥taprekṣitai-
rhataprabaladānavairhaladharasya helāśataiḥ
कृपे परवतस्त्वया वृषगिरीशितुः क्रीडितं
जगद्धितमशेषतस्तदिदमित्थमर्थाप्यते ।
मदच्छलपरिच्युतप्रणतदुष्कृतप्रेक्षितै-
र्हतप्रबलदानवैर्हलधरस्य हेलाशतैः
Meaning
O Daya! By your grace, the soul is filled with a deep sense of security and peace.
prabhūtavibudhadviṣadbharaṇakhinnaviśvambharā-
bharāpanayanacchalāttvamavatārya lakṣmīdharam |
nirākr̥tavatī daye nigamasaudhadīpaśriyā
vipaścidavigītayā jagati gītayā’ndhaṁ tamaḥ
प्रभूतविबुधद्विषद्भरणखिन्नविश्वम्भरा-
भरापनयनच्छलात्त्वमवतार्य लक्ष्मीधरम् ।
निराकृतवती दये निगमसौधदीपश्रिया
विपश्चिदविगीतया जगति गीतयाऽन्धं तमः
Meaning
O Daya! You are the ultimate guide, leading us back to our true home in the spiritual sky.
vr̥ṣādrihayasādinaḥ prabaladormarutpreṅkhita-
stviṣā sphuṭataṭidguṇastvadavasekasaṁskāravān |
kariṣyati daye kaliprabalagharmanirmūlanaṁ
punaḥ kr̥tayugāṅkuraṁ bhuvi kr̥pāṇadhārādharaḥ
वृषाद्रिहयसादिनः प्रबलदोर्मरुत्प्रेङ्खित-
स्त्विषा स्फुटतटिद्गुणस्त्वदवसेकसंस्कारवान् ।
करिष्यति दये कलिप्रबलघर्मनिर्मूलनं
पुनः कृतयुगाङ्कुरं भुवि कृपाणधाराधरः
Meaning
O Daya! You make the Lord's love a constant reality, enveloping us in His warm embrace.
viśvopakāramiti nāma sadā duhānā-
madyāpi devi bhavatīmavadhīrayantam |
nāthe niveśaya vr̥ṣādripatau daye tvaṁ
nyastasvarakṣaṇabharaṁ tvayi māṁ tvayaiva
विश्वोपकारमिति नाम सदा दुहाना-
मद्यापि देवि भवतीमवधीरयन्तम् ।
नाथे निवेशय वृषाद्रिपतौ दये त्वं
न्यस्तस्वरक्षणभरं त्वयि मां त्वयैव
Meaning
O Daya! You are the supreme qualities of Srinivasa, through whom all actions are purified.
naisargikeṇa tarasā karuṇe niyuktā
nimnetare’pi mayi te vitatiryadi syāt |
vismāpayedvr̥ṣagirīśvaramapyavāryā
velātilaṅghanadaśeva mahāmburāśeḥ
नैसर्गिकेण तरसा करुणे नियुक्ता
निम्नेतरेऽपि मयि ते विततिर्यदि स्यात् ।
विस्मापयेद्वृषगिरीश्वरमप्यवार्या
वेलातिलङ्घनदशेव महाम्बुराशेः
Meaning
O Daya! By your grace, the devotee's mind is fixed on the Lord's lotus feet, free from distractions.
vijñātaśāsanagatirviparītavr̥ttyā
vr̥trādibhiḥ paricitāṁ padavīṁ bhajāmi |
evaṁ vidhe vr̥ṣagirīśadaye mayi tvaṁ
dīne vibhośśamaya daṇḍadharatvalīlām
विज्ञातशासनगतिर्विपरीतवृत्त्या
वृत्रादिभिः परिचितां पदवीं भजामि ।
एवं विधे वृषगिरीशदये मयि त्वं
दीने विभोश्शमय दण्डधरत्वलीलाम्
Meaning
O Daya! You are the ultimate source of spiritual illumination, revealing the highest truth.
māsāhasoktighanakañcukavañcitānyaḥ
paśyatsu teṣu vidadhāmyatisāhasāni |
padmāsahāyakaruṇe na ruṇatsi kiṁ tvaṁ
ghoraṁ kuliṅgaśakuneriva ceṣṭitaṁ me
मासाहसोक्तिघनकञ्चुकवञ्चितान्यः
पश्यत्सु तेषु विदधाम्यतिसाहसानि ।
पद्मासहायकरुणे न रुणत्सि किं त्वं
घोरं कुलिङ्गशकुनेरिव चेष्टितं मे
Meaning
O Daya! You make the Lord's presence at Tirumala a constant source of blessings for the entire world.
vikṣepamarhasi daye vipalāyite’pi
vyājaṁ vibhāvya vr̥ṣaśailapatervihāram |
svādhīnasatvasaraṇissvayamatra jantau
drāghīyasī dr̥ḍhatarā guṇavāgurā tvam
विक्षेपमर्हसि दये विपलायितेऽपि
व्याजं विभाव्य वृषशैलपतेर्विहारम् ।
स्वाधीनसत्वसरणिस्स्वयमत्र जन्तौ
द्राघीयसी दृढतरा गुणवागुरा त्वम्
Meaning
O Daya! You are the sweet nectar of devotion, bringing supreme joy to the heart.
santanyamānamaparādhagaṇaṁ vicintya
trasyāmi hanta bhavatīṁ ca vibhāvayāmi |
ahnāya me vr̥ṣagirīśadaye jahīmā-
māśīviṣagrahaṇakelinibhāmavasthām
सन्तन्यमानमपराधगणं विचिन्त्य
त्रस्यामि हन्त भवतीं च विभावयामि ।
अह्नाय मे वृषगिरीशदये जहीमा-
माशीविषग्रहणकेलिनिभामवस्थाम्
Meaning
O Daya! By your grace, the soul is freed from the bondage of karma, attaining eternal freedom.
autsukyapūrvamupahr̥tya mahāparādhā-
nmātaḥ prasādayitumicchati me manastvām |
ālihya tānniravaśeṣamalabdhatr̥pti-
stāmyasyaho vr̥ṣagirīśadhr̥tā daye tvam
औत्सुक्यपूर्वमुपहृत्य महापराधा-
न्मातः प्रसादयितुमिच्छति मे मनस्त्वाम् ।
आलिह्य तान्निरवशेषमलब्धतृप्ति-
स्ताम्यस्यहो वृषगिरीशधृता दये त्वम्
Meaning
O Daya! You are the ultimate protector, keeping us safe under the shadow of your wings.
jahyādvr̥ṣācalapatiḥ pratighe’pi na tvāṁ
gharmopatapta iva śītalatāmudanvān |
sā māmaruntudabharanyasanānuvr̥tti-
stadvīkṣaṇaiḥ spr̥śa daye tava kelipadmaiḥ
जह्याद्वृषाचलपतिः प्रतिघेऽपि न त्वां
घर्मोपतप्त इव शीतलतामुदन्वान् ।
सा मामरुन्तुदभरन्यसनानुवृत्ति-
स्तद्वीक्षणैः स्पृश दये तव केलिपद्मैः
Meaning
O Daya! You make the Lord's name a key that opens the gates of the spiritual world.
dr̥ṣṭe’pi durbaladhiyaṁ damane’pi dr̥ptaṁ
snātvā’pi dhūlirasikaṁ bhajane’pi bhīmam |
baddhvā gr̥hāṇa vr̥ṣaśailapaterdaye māṁ
tvadvāraṇaṁ svayamanugrahaśr̥ṅkhalābhiḥ
दृष्टेऽपि दुर्बलधियं दमनेऽपि दृप्तं
स्नात्वाऽपि धूलिरसिकं भजनेऽपि भीमम् ।
बद्ध्वा गृहाण वृषशैलपतेर्दये मां
त्वद्वारणं स्वयमनुग्रहशृङ्खलाभिः
Meaning
O Daya! You are the divine mother who welcomes us home with open arms and a smiling face.
nātaḥ paraṁ kimapi me tvayi nāthanīyaṁ
mātardaye mayi kuruṣva tathā prasādam |
baddhādaro vr̥ṣagiripraṇayī yathā’sau
muktānubhūtimiha dāsyati me mukundaḥ
नातः परं किमपि मे त्वयि नाथनीयं
मातर्दये मयि कुरुष्व तथा प्रसादम् ।
बद्धादरो वृषगिरिप्रणयी यथाऽसौ
मुक्तानुभूतिमिह दास्यति मे मुकुन्दः
Meaning
O Daya! By your grace, the devotee attains the highest state of consciousness, merging in the ocean of bliss.
Phalashruti 1
nissīmavaibhavajuṣāṁ miṣatāṁ guṇānāṁ
stoturdaye vr̥ṣagirīśaguṇeśvarīṁ tvām |
taireva nūnamavaśairabhinanditaṁ me
satyāpitaṁ tava balādakutobhayatvam
निस्सीमवैभवजुषां मिषतां गुणानां
स्तोतुर्दये वृषगिरीशगुणेश्वरीं त्वाम् ।
तैरेव नूनमवशैरभिनन्दितं मे
सत्यापितं तव बलादकुतोभयत्वम्
Meaning
This hymn of 108 verses is a garland of love offered to the mercy of Lord Srinivasa.
Phalashruti 2
adyāpi tadvr̥ṣagirīśadaye bhavatyā-
mārambhamātramanidaṁ prathamastutīnām |
sandarśitasvaparanirvahaṇā sahethāḥ
mandasya sāhasamidaṁ tvayi vandino me
अद्यापि तद्वृषगिरीशदये भवत्या-
मारम्भमात्रमनिदं प्रथमस्तुतीनाम् ।
सन्दर्शितस्वपरनिर्वहणा सहेथाः
मन्दस्य साहसमिदं त्वयि वन्दिनो मे
Meaning
Recitation of this hymn brings the immediate presence and blessings of Daya Devi.
Phalashruti 3
prāyo daye tvadanubhāvamahāmburāśau
prācetasaprabhr̥tayo’pi paraṁ taṭasthāḥ |
tatrāvatīrṇamatalaspr̥śamāplutaṁ māṁ
padmāpateḥ prahasanocitamādriyethāḥ
प्रायो दये त्वदनुभावमहाम्बुराशौ
प्राचेतसप्रभृतयोऽपि परं तटस्थाः ।
तत्रावतीर्णमतलस्पृशमाप्लुतं मां
पद्मापतेः प्रहसनोचितमाद्रियेथाः
Meaning
It purifies the mind, removes all fear, and establishes one in pure devotion.
Phalashruti 4
vedāntadeśikapade viniveśya bālaṁ
devo dayāśatakametadavādayanmām |
vaihārikeṇa vidhinā samaye gr̥hītaṁ
vīṇāviśeṣamiva veṅkaṭaśailanāthaḥ
वेदान्तदेशिकपदे विनिवेश्य बालं
देवो दयाशतकमेतदवादयन्माम् ।
वैहारिकेण विधिना समये गृहीतं
वीणाविशेषमिव वेङ्कटशैलनाथः
Meaning
It brings worldly prosperity, good health, and ultimate spiritual liberation.
Phalashruti 5
anavadhimadhikr̥tya śrīnivāsānukampā-
mavitathaviṣayatvādviśvamavrīlayantī |
vividhakuśalanīvī veṅkaṭeśaprasūtā
stutiriyamanavadyā śobhate satvabhājām
अनवधिमधिकृत्य श्रीनिवासानुकम्पा-
मवितथविषयत्वाद्विश्वमव्रीलयन्ती ।
विविधकुशलनीवी वेङ्कटेशप्रसूता
स्तुतिरियमनवद्या शोभते सत्वभाजाम्
Meaning
It is the direct path of surrender (Prapatti), open to all without any discrimination.
Phalashruti 6
śatakamidamudāraṁ samyagabhyasyamānān
vr̥ṣagirimadhiruhya vyaktamālokayantī |
anitaraśaraṇānāmādhirājye’bhiṣiñce-
cchamitavimatapakṣā śārṅgadhanvānukampā
शतकमिदमुदारं सम्यगभ्यस्यमानान्
वृषगिरिमधिरुह्य व्यक्तमालोकयन्ती ।
अनितरशरणानामाधिराज्येऽभिषिञ्चे-
च्छमितविमतपक्षा शार्ङ्गधन्वानुकम्पा
Meaning
It is a source of constant inspiration, reminding us of the Lord's infinite love.
Phalashruti 7
viśvānugrahamātaraṁ vyatiṣajatsvargāpavargāṁ sudhā-
sadhrīcīmiva veṅkaṭeśvarakavirbhaktyā dayāmastuta |
padmānāmiha yadvidheyabhagavatsaṅkalpakalpadrumā-
jjañjhāmārutadhūtacūtanayatassāmpātiko’yaṁ kramaḥ
विश्वानुग्रहमातरं व्यतिषजत्स्वर्गापवर्गां सुधा-
सध्रीचीमिव वेङ्कटेश्वरकविर्भक्त्या दयामस्तुत ।
पद्मानामिह यद्विधेयभगवत्सङ्कल्पकल्पद्रुमा-
ज्जञ्झामारुतधूतचूतनयतस्साम्पातिकोऽयं क्रमः
Meaning
It was composed by Swami Vedanta Desika, inspired directly by the Lord of Tirumala.
Phalashruti 8
kāmaṁ santu mithaḥ karambitaguṇāvadyāni padyāni naḥ
kasyāsmin śatake sadambukatake doṣaśrutiṁ kṣāmyati |
niṣpratyūhavr̥ṣādrinirjharajharatkāracchalenoccala-
ddīnālambanadivyadampatidayākallolakolāhalaḥ
कामं सन्तु मिथः करम्बितगुणावद्यानि पद्यानि नः
कस्यास्मिन् शतके सदम्बुकतके दोषश्रुतिं क्षाम्यति ।
निष्प्रत्यूहवृषाद्रिनिर्झरझरत्कारच्छलेनोच्चल-
द्दीनालम्बनदिव्यदम्पतिदयाकल्लोलकोलाहलः
Meaning
May the mercy of Lord Srinivasa, personified as Daya Devi, protect and bless us all forever.
What Does the Daya Shatakam Mean?
Vedanta Desika builds the whole hymn on a single courtroom picture. Lord Venkateswara, seated on the Tirumala hill, holds absolute power to judge every soul by its actions. Left alone, that justice would be too exacting for anyone to survive. Daya Shatakam addresses the Lord’s mercy as a separate divine person, Daya Devi, who stands beside him and turns his verdict toward pardon before it is ever pronounced. Verse after verse asks her directly to step in, not the Lord himself, a request built into the grammar of nearly every stanza.
The hundred and eight verses fall into a short opening of ten stanzas that salute the hill, the gurus, the Acharyas and Goddess Lakshmi as channels of that mercy, followed by nine sets of ten verses that each praise Daya in a different Sanskrit meter. Desika was already known for his command of prosody when he composed this at Tirumala, and switching meter every ten verses is itself an act of devotion, a display of skill offered as praise rather than for its own sake. The final eight verses turn from praise into direct prayer and self-appraisal, closing with a request that whatever imperfection sits in the poem itself, Daya overlook it just as she overlooks the poet’s faults.
The text sits inside the Sri Vaishnava doctrine of prapatti, surrender to the Lord as the sole means of liberation. Where other paths ask the devotee to build merit, Daya Shatakam asks the devotee to lean on a quality of God that needs no merit to reach, only sincere approach. That is why Tirumala pilgrims still recite it before or after darshan of Venkateswara: it reads less like a petition for a favor and more like a reminder that the door to grace is already open.
How Do You Chant the Daya Shatakam?
- Sit facing the right way – bathe, wear clean clothes and sit facing east or north on a clean mat before you begin
- Start with the opening verses – recite the first ten introductory verses slowly, since they set the tone of surrender for everything that follows
- Keep the meter changes in mind – each block of ten verses shifts to a new Sanskrit meter, so read a section once quietly to catch the new rhythm before chanting it aloud
- Close with the final decad – finish with the last eight verses, which turn the hymn into a personal appeal, and sit quietly for a moment afterward
What Are the Benefits of Chanting the Daya Shatakam?
Sri Vaishnava tradition holds that steady recitation of the Daya Shatakam works on both the conscience and daily life.
- Release from past mistakes: the hymn is recited as a way of placing accumulated faults before Daya Devi rather than carrying their weight alone
- Protection from fear: reciters describe a sense of shelter that comes from asking mercy itself, rather than the Lord’s judgment, to be the first to respond
- Clarity and calm: the discipline of following ten changing meters is said to steady the mind the way any focused, repeated practice does
- Support in daily life: tradition credits the hymn with easing family difficulties and supporting general well-being when recited with sincerity
Where Does the Daya Shatakam Come From?
Vedanta Desika (1268 to 1369 CE), honored in the Sri Vaishnava tradition as Vedantacharya, wrote Daya Shatakam during his years associated with Tirumala, where he served as an acharya and composed a large body of Sanskrit, Tamil, Manipravala and Prakrit stotras. Tradition holds that the hymn grew out of a period when Desika reflected on his own shortcomings before the Lord and turned instead to the Lord’s mercy as the safer refuge, which gives the work its personal, pleading tone alongside its formal poetic architecture.
The hymn has been preserved and taught within the Sri Vaishnava commentarial tradition for more than seven centuries, with translators such as V.S. Sadagopan and D. Ramaswamy Ayyangar producing detailed English commentaries that trace Desika’s dense compound words back to their theological sources. It remains part of the daily and festival recitation repertoire at Tirumala and in Sri Vaishnava homes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Vedanta Desika address Mercy as a goddess instead of praying to Venkateswara directly?
He wanted to separate the Lord’s two functions, justice and grace, so the devotee has somewhere safe to turn even while admitting to real faults. Praying to Daya Devi lets him confess without first having to earn forgiveness.
How many verses does the Daya Shatakam actually contain?
108 verses in total: ten introductory verses, nine sets of ten verses called dashakas that each use a different Sanskrit meter, and a closing section of eight verses that works as a phalashruti, describing what reciting the hymn is said to bring.
Who wrote the Daya Shatakam and when?
Swami Vedanta Desika, a thirteenth and fourteenth century Sri Vaishnava philosopher-poet also known as Vedantacharya, composed it at Tirumala as part of a large body of devotional and philosophical Sanskrit works.
Is the Daya Shatakam connected to a specific temple?
Yes. It is addressed to Daya Devi as the mercy of Lord Venkateswara of Tirumala, and pilgrims to the Tirumala temple often recite it as part of their visit.
What does the changing meter in each decad mean for someone reciting it?
The rhythm shifts roughly every ten verses, so a reciter benefits from reading a section once quietly before chanting it aloud, rather than expecting the same cadence to carry through the whole hymn.
Can a beginner recite the Daya Shatakam, or does it require Sanskrit fluency?
A beginner can recite it using the transliteration with attention to pronunciation. Understanding every compound is not required, since the tradition treats sincere recitation itself, not just comprehension, as the offering.
॥ श्री वेङ्कटेशाय नमः ॥
