Samsara Davanala Lidha Loka
Sri Sri Gurvastakam - Mangala Arati
Eight Prayers to the Guru — by Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura
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5 versionsAudio courtesy of ISKCON Desire Tree. All glories to the devotee singers.
The spiritual master is receiving benediction from the ocean of mercy. Just as a cloud pours water on a forest fire to extinguish it, so the spiritual master delivers the materially afflicted world by extinguishing the blazing fire of material existence. I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master, who is an ocean of auspicious qualities.
Chanting the holy name, dancing in ecstasy, singing, and playing musical instruments, the spiritual master is always gladdened by the saṅkīrtana movement of Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu. Because he is relishing the mellows of pure devotion within his mind, sometimes his hair stands on end, he feels quivering in his body, and tears flow from his eyes like waves. I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master.
The spiritual master is always engaged in the temple worship of Śrī Śrī Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa. He also engages his disciples in such worship. They dress the Deities in beautiful clothes and ornaments, clean Their temple, and perform other similar worship of the Lord. I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master.
The spiritual master is always offering Kṛṣṇa four kinds of delicious food [analyzed as that which is licked, chewed, drunk, and sucked]. When the spiritual master sees that the devotees are satisfied by eating bhagavat-prasāda, he is satisfied. I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master.
The spiritual master is always eager to hear and chant about the unlimited conjugal pastimes of Rādhikā and Mādhava, and Their qualities, names, and forms. The spiritual master aspires to relish these at every moment. I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master.
The spiritual master is very dear, because he is expert in assisting the gopīs, who at different times make different tasteful arrangements for the perfection of Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa's conjugal loving affairs within the groves of Vṛndāvana. I offer my most humble obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master.
The spiritual master is to be honored as much as the Supreme Lord, because he is the most confidential servitor of the Lord. This is acknowledged in all revealed scriptures and followed by all authorities. Therefore I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master, who is a bona fide representative of Śrī Hari [Kṛṣṇa].
By the mercy of the spiritual master one receives the benediction of Kṛṣṇa. Without the grace of the spiritual master, one cannot make any advancement. Therefore, I should always remember and praise the spiritual master. At least three times a day I should offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of my spiritual master.
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About Samsara Davanala Lidha Loka
Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura's Sri Guru-astaka, opening with this line comparing material existence to a forest fire that only the guru's mercy, likened to a cloud, can extinguish. One of the most universally recited prayers in Gaudiya temples, sung daily before guru-puja.
Frequently asked
Who wrote Samsara Davanala Lidha Loka?
Samsara Davanala Lidha Loka was composed by Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura. It appears in Songs of Vaishnava Acaryas.
What is the meaning of Samsara Davanala Lidha Loka?
The spiritual master is receiving benediction from the ocean of mercy. Just as a cloud pours water on a forest fire to extinguish it, so the spiritual master delivers the materially afflicted world by extinguishing the blazing fire of material existence. I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master, who is an ocean of auspicious qualities.
Where can I listen to Samsara Davanala Lidha Loka?
You can listen to 5 recordings of Samsara Davanala Lidha Loka on this page, including versions sung by Srila Prabhupada, HG Jai Sachinandana Prabhu, HG Sivarama Prabhu, HG Swarupa Damodar Prabhu.
How many verses does Samsara Davanala Lidha Loka have?
Samsara Davanala Lidha Loka has 8 verses.
Can I download Samsara Davanala Lidha Loka as a PPT or PDF?
Yes. A ready-to-display slide deck for Samsara Davanala Lidha Loka — verse and translation on each slide — is available to download in both PowerPoint (.pptx) and PDF formats from this page, for use in kirtan or temple programs.