Tip: Chant shows the sacred text only. Study adds word breakdown and study notes. Change script with the menu above. Swipe left or right to move between verses on phone.
Manikarnikashtakam
मणिकर्णिकाष्टकम्
Maṇikarṇikāṣṭakam
Chant
काशी धन्यतमा विमुक्तनगरी शालङ्कृता गङ्गया तत्रेयं मणिकर्णिका सुखकरा मुक्तिर्हि तत्किङ्करी । स्वर्लोकस्तुलितः सहैव विबुधैः काश्या समं ब्रह्मणा काशी क्षोणितले स्थिता गुरुतरा स्वर्गो लघुत्वं गतः ॥३॥
Study note
Word breakdown
- काशी धन्यतमा विमुक्तनगरी शालङ्कृता गङ्गया तत्रेयं मणिकर्णिका सुखकरा मुक्तिर्हि तत्किङ्करी । स्वर्लोकस्तुलितः सहैव विबुधैः काश्या समं ब्रह्मणा काशी क्षोणितले स्थिता गुरुतरा स्वर्गो लघुत्वं गतः ॥३॥
- Kashi is the most blessed city of liberation, adorned by Ganga; there this Manikarnika gives delight, for Liberation herself is her handmaid. Heaven is weighed with the gods against Kashi by Brahma; Kashi standing on earth proves heavier, and heaven grows light.
Kashi adorned by Ganga outweighs heaven itself, and Manikarnika is where Liberation serves. The sacred place images the inner city of awakening that surpasses every worldly reward.
Editorial study note - see About