Shat padi Stotram
Shat padi
O Lord Vishnu, the one with eyes like a lotus, I seek your refuge. You are the eternal refuge of all beings, and your very name destroys the fear of death. I take shelter in your lotus feet, which remove the cycle of birth and death. O Hari, please uplift me from this ocean of worldly existence. You are the protector of those who surrender to you. Even a sinner like me can attain liberation if he chants your name sincerely. You are the consort of Lakshmi, the embodiment of compassion, and the master of all beings. My mind is constantly tossed about in the stormy ocean of samsara (worldly existence). O Madhava, I am helpless and afraid.
Please be my support and savior. Just as a blind man depends on someone to lead him, I rely on you completely, O Achyuta. Protect me like a father protects his child, like a mother cares for her baby. I may not know how to worship you properly or perform rituals, but I know how to cry out your name in devotion. O Lord Janardana, even if I fall again and again into error, I will continue to seek your grace. Please forgive my mistakes and accept me under your shelter. You are my only refuge in this life and beyond.
May my mind always dwell upon your form, beautiful like a fresh raincloud, adorned with the radiant Kaustubha gem and garlanded with wild forest flowers. Let me remember your four hands holding the conch, discus, mace, and lotus, and your peaceful face that shines like the full moon. O Narayana, may my heart be immersed in you like the Ganga flows toward the ocean. Even if my senses wander, let them ultimately return to you, the source of eternal bliss. I may be ignorant, fallen, and full of worldly desires, but your grace alone can purify and uplift me. Just as fire burns impurities, your name burns away sins.
Let me never forget you, O Lord, even in my final breath. Be with me when I am alive and guide me after death. You are the remover of all fears, the giver of liberation, and the destroyer of illusion. O Lord of Lakshmi, may I live remembering you, serve you with devotion, and merge into you at the end of this life. This hymn of six verses is a small offering, but let it be filled with sincerity and love. I have no strength, no knowledge, no wealth, and no lineage to boast of—but I have devotion to your lotus feet. Accept this humble stotram and shower your blessings upon me. O compassionate Vishnu, just as you saved Gajendra the elephant and Prahlada the boy devotee, save me too from this world of suffering. I surrender to you completely, O Lord, my eternal protector and guide.
