Eka Shloki
एकश्लोकी
Origin & Story
Ascribed to Adi Shankaracharya · Adi Shankaracharya · Classical
The Eka Shloki is traditionally ascribed to Adi Shankaracharya. A single-verse dialogue by Adi Shankaracharya pointing to the Self as the light by which all is known — "What is your light? The sun by day, the lamp by night… and by what light is the lamp itself seen? — That I am."
✦ As told in scripture
It is said that to recite the Eka Shloki with a sincere and devoted heart is to draw near to the grace of the divine, which never forsakes those who lovingly call upon it.
The Mantra
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किं ज्योतिस्तवभानुमानहनि मे रात्रौ प्रदीपादिकं स्यादेवं रविदीपदर्शनविधौ किं ज्योतिराख्याहि मे । चक्षुस्तस्य निमीलनादिसमये किं धीर्धियो दर्शने किं तत्राहमतो भवान्परमकं ज्योतिस्तदस्मि प्रभो ॥ इति श्रीमत्परमहंसपरिव्राजकाचार्यस्य श्रीगोविन्दभगवत्पूज्यपादशिष्यस्य श्रीमच्छङ्करभगवतः कृतौ एकश्लोकी सम्पूर्णा ॥
kiṃ jyotistavabhānumānahani me rātrau pradīpādikaṃ syādevaṃ ravidīpadarśanavidhau kiṃ jyotirākhyāhi me | cakṣustasya nimīlanādisamaye kiṃ dhīrdhiyo darśane kiṃ tatrāhamato bhavānparamakaṃ jyotistadasmi prabho || iti śrīmatparamahaṃsaparivrājakācāryasya śrīgovindabhagavatpūjyapādaśiṣyasya śrīmacchaṅkarabhagavataḥ kṛtau ekaślokī sampūrṇā ||
Meaning:A single-verse dialogue by Adi Shankaracharya pointing to the Self as the light by which all is known — "What is your light? The sun by day, the lamp by night… and by what light is the lamp itself seen? — That I am."
Benefits of Chanting Eka Shloki
Recitation of the Eka Shloki is held to bring the grace, blessings and protection of the deity.
Cultivates devotion, calms the mind and steadies the heart in the Lord’s remembrance.
Most auspicious on Mondays, and during Maha Shivaratri and Shravan.
A treasured Sanskrit hymn, suitable for daily recitation with faith.
How to Chant Eka Shloki
Bathe and sit facing east or north before an image of the deity. Light a lamp and recite the Eka Shloki slowly and with devotion. It may be chanted daily, or especially on Mondays and during Maha Shivaratri and Shravan.
Frequently Asked Questions
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