Why Do We Chant Dhyana Shlokam
The Power of Narayaneeyam Dhyana Shlokam
In the realm of Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism), spiritual practices are deeply ritualized, not merely for tradition’s sake, but because each component of the practice carries profound psychological, energetic, and spiritual significance. Among these, “Dhyana Shlokam”—meditational verses recited before engaging in scriptural reading, puja, or chanting—play a crucial role in connecting the soul of the devotee with the Divine.
What is a Dhyana Shlokam?
The term “Dhyana” (ध्यान) means meditation or focused contemplation, and “Shlokam” (श्लोक) refers to a verse written in Sanskrit meter. A Dhyana Shlokam is therefore a meditative verse chanted at the beginning of a spiritual act to attune the mind to the divine.
Rather than jumping directly into scripture or japa (mantra repetition), devotees begin by invoking the Lord in a specific, visualized form. This practice is rooted in the idea that a mind that is purified and focused through contemplation becomes a worthy vessel for divine truth.
Why Do We Chant Dhyana Shlokam?
1. To Prepare the Mind
Dhyana shlokas serve as a spiritual warm-up. Our minds are constantly distracted by worldly concerns. Chanting a dhyana verse helps center the mind and shift attention from the external world to the inner realm of devotion.
2. To Invoke and Visualize the Deity
Most dhyana shlokas describe the form, attributes, and ornaments of the deity. This vivid visualization helps build a personal connection with the Divine, turning abstract philosophy into intimate worship.
3. To Purify the Space
Sound vibrations have an impact on our surroundings. Sanskrit verses, especially when chanted with devotion, are believed to clear negative energies and raise the spiritual frequency of the environment.
4. To Embody Bhakti (Devotion)
Dhyana shlokas stir the heart into a mood of surrender and reverence, cultivating bhakti-rasa, or the emotional flavor of love for the Supreme.
5. To Open Inner Vision
Over time, chanting dhyana verses can enhance intuitive insight and inner clarity, making the devotee more receptive to divine grace and wisdom.
The Narayaneeyam: A Brief Background
Narayaneeyam is a sacred Sanskrit text comprising 1036 verses that encapsulate the entire Srimad Bhagavatam in poetic form. It was composed in the 16th century by Melpathur Narayana Bhattathiri, a brilliant scholar and devotee, at the Guruvayur temple in Kerala. The work is not just a literary gem but also revered for its healing and transformative power.
Bhattathiri, while suffering from paralysis, composed this work in one hundred days, surrendering at the feet of Lord Guruvayurappan (Krishna). It is said that he was miraculously healed by the time he completed the final verse.
The Power of Narayaneeyam Dhyana Shlokam
The Narayaneeyam opens with a beautiful Dhyana Shlokam that sets the tone for the entire text. The verse is profound and philosophical, yet intensely personal.
Significance and Benefits
Spiritual Alignment: This verse immediately aligns the chanter with the infinite, formless essence of the Lord, then gently guides them into a loving, personal form.
Deep Visual Meditation: Descriptions like “neelamegha-shyamalam” (dark like a monsoon cloud) and “Kaustubha” (divine gem) evoke vivid imagery, aiding in deep concentration and dhyana.
Healing Vibrations: Regular chanting is believed to purify the subtle body, leading to both physical and mental healing. The Narayaneeyam is widely chanted by those seeking recovery from chronic illness.
Bhakti-Strengthening: The personal aspect of Lord Narayana as the “ekānātha” (only master) of devotees reminds us of His intimate role in our lives.
Preparation for Deeper Devotion: This dhyana verse mentally and spiritually prepares one to absorb the essence of the remaining 1000+ verses of the Narayaneeyam.
Narayaneeyam – Dhyana Slokam
Agajaanana Padmaarkam Gajaanana maharnisham
Aneka Dam Tam Bhaktaanam Eka Dantam Upasmahe
Shree mahaaganapataye namaha||
“I worship Lord Ganesha, who has the face of an elephant, who is the great Lord, who grants numerous blessings to his devotees, and who has only one tusk. Salutations to the great Lord Ganesha.”
Gurave sarvalokaanam
bhishaje bhavaroginam|
nidhaye sarvavidyanam
Shree dakshinamurtaye namaha||
Asmad Shree gurucharanaaravindaabhyaam namaha||
“Salutations to Lord Dakshinamurti, the Guru of all worlds, The healer of worldly afflictions, The repository of all knowledge.”
“I bow to the lotus feet of my revered Guru.”
jñānānanda mayaṃ devaṃ
nirmala sphaṭikākṛtiṃ|
ādhāraṃ sarva vidyānaṃ
Hayagreevam upaasmahe||
Shree hayagreeva moortaye namaha||
“I worship Lord Hayagriva, whose form is pure like a crystal, Who is the embodiment of knowledge and bliss, The foundation of all knowledge.”
Saraswathi Namasthubyam
Varade Kaamarupine|
Vidhyarambham Karishyami
Sidhir bhavathu mesada
Shree mahaa saraswatyai namaha||
“O Saraswati, I bow to you, Bestower of blessings and the form of desires, I shall commence my studies, May there always be success.”
Umaa komala hastaabja
Sambhaavita lalaatakam||
Hiranya kundalam vande
Kumaaram purushkarasrajam||
Vetrivel murukanukku hara haro hara||
“I worship Lord Murugan (Kumara), Whose mother is Uma with delicate lotus-like hands, Whose forehead is adorned with a mark, Whose ears are adorned with golden earrings, And who holds a spear as a symbol of valiance.”
“Hail to the Lord with the lance, Vanquisher of enemies!”
Komalam koojayam venum
Shyaamaloyam kumaarakaha|
Vedavedyam parambrahma
Bhaasataam purato mamaha|
“Softly plays the flute, the dark-skinned young Lord, Known as the knower of Vedas, the Supreme Brahman,
May He shine brightly before me.”
Saayankaale vanaante, kusumita samaye,
Saikate chandrikaayaam|
Trailokyaakarshananaangam, suravara ganikaa,
Mohanaapaangamoortim||
Sevyam shrngaara bhaavaihi
Navarasabhaaritaihi gopakanyaa sahasraihi|
Vande ham raasakeleeratamati subhagam
Vashya gopalaKrishnam||
“At dusk, in the forest grove, when flowers bloom, By the moonlit banks, With form captivating the three worlds, Surrounded by celestial maidens, enchanting in form, Adorned with love’s emotions, Filled with the essence of nine emotions, With thousands of gopis in service, I bow to Gopala Krishna, the enchanting one, Whose mind is immersed in the joyous Raasa dance.”
Aaneela shlakshna kesham, jvalita makarasat
Kundalam mandahaasa;
Syandaardram kaustubha shree, parigata,
Vanamaaloru haaraabhi-raamam,
Shree vatsaangam, subaahum, mrdulasad
Udaram, kaanchanach chaayachelam,
Chaaru snigdhorum ambhoruha,
Lalitapadam bhaavayeham bhavantam, ||
“Adorned with blue-hued, smooth locks of hair, Shining with a fiery crocodile-shaped earring, Smiling gently; Adorned with the Kaustubha jewel and a garland of wildflowers, Wearing the Vanamala, With the mark of Shreevatsa on the chest, with beautiful arms, Soft and tender belly, with a golden sheen, With charming and affectionate lotus-like feet, I meditate upon your graceful form.”
Shree Krishna Govinda hare Muraare
Shree naatha naaraayana Vaasudeva (3 times)
Mokshaabdhi saaramaya, bhaagavataakhya dadhno,
Naaraayaneeya navaneeta, mahogruheetvaa|
Maayaamayaugha paritapta, janaaya yogaatu,
Naaraayanaa avani, suraaya namostu tasmai||
“Salutations to Lord Narayana, Whose essence is the ocean of liberation, Holding the essence of Bhagavata, As the butter churned from the milk of Narayaneeya.
May the earth beneath Lord Narayana Be saluted by the gods, As it relieves the sufferings Of the multitude engulfed in the ocean of Maya.”
Gangaa geetaa cha, gaayatrayapicha
Tulasikaa, gopikaa chandanam tattu,
Saalagraamaabhipoojaa, parapurushatadhai
Kaadasi naama varnaahaa|
Etaney stapya yatnaanayi kalisamaye
Twratsaada pravrdhyaa
ksrpram muktipradhaanee tyabhida
rushayah, teshu maam, sajjaayethaahaa||
“The Ganges, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Gayatri mantra, Tulsi plant, gopika (cowherd girl), and sandalwood, Worship of Salagrama (sacred stone) and offering of the Purusha Sukta hymn, And the observance of Ekadashi fasts, These practices, when followed diligently in the current age of Kali, Quickly lead to liberation and grant immense benefits, As proclaimed by the wise sages; I surrender unto them.”
Sarvatra Govindanama sankeerthanam Govinda Govinda
Conclusion
The Dhyana Shlokam is not just a prelude—it is a spiritual gateway. In the context of Narayaneeyam, it becomes the threshold between the devotee and the divine reality of Lord Narayana. When chanted with faith, devotion, and understanding, it opens the inner sanctum of the heart where the Lord truly resides.
Whether you are a seasoned sadhaka or a beginner on the path of bhakti, embracing the power of Dhyana Shlokas—especially the Narayaneeyam Dhyana Shlokam—can enrich your spiritual journey in profound and tangible ways.