Jagannatha Stotram (Nilachala Nivasaya) — Word-by-Word Meaning
जगन्नाथ स्तोत्रम् (नीलाचलनिवासाय)
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
Complete Translation
A beloved prayer of surrender to Lord Jagannatha of Puri (Nilachala, the Blue Mountain) with His siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra — "Salutations to You, eternal Supreme Self, dweller of Nilachala. You are the Lord of the helpless; how can sorrow touch one whose Lord is Jagannatha? The haste with which You saved Draupadi and freed the elephant Gajendra — where has it gone now, O merciful one?"
Origin & History
Source: Traditional Jagannatha stotra
Author: Traditional
Period: Classical
Lord Jagannatha — the 'Lord of the Universe', a form of Krishna/Vishnu worshipped with His elder brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra — is enshrined at the great 12th-century temple of Puri in Odisha, called Nilachala or Nilagiri, the Blue Mountain. This stotra of surrender is recited across Odisha and beyond; its verses lovingly remind the Lord of His swift grace to Draupadi and Gajendra and seek that same compassion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Jagannatha Stotram (Nilachala Nivasaya)?▼
It is a short, much-loved Sanskrit hymn of surrender to Lord Jagannatha of Puri, beginning 'Nilachala nivasaya nityaya paramatmane'. It salutes the Lord enshrined at Nilachala (the Blue Mountain, Puri) with Balabhadra and Subhadra, and prays for His protection.
Why does the prayer mention Draupadi and Gajendra?▼
The verse 'Ya tvara Draupadi trane' reminds the Lord of the haste with which He once protected Draupadi's honour and freed Gajendra the elephant from the crocodile — and lovingly asks Him to show the same swift mercy to the devotee now.
When is it best recited?▼
It can be recited daily; it is especially dear on Ekadashi and Thursdays, and during the Puri Rath Yatra and Jagannath festivals, as well as by pilgrims visiting Puri Dham.
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