Mukunda Mala Stotram — Benefits & How to Chant
मुकुन्दमाला स्तोत्रम्
Complete guide to chanting correctly for maximum benefit
Benefits of Chanting Mukunda Mala Stotram
Awakens pure, motiveless devotion (ananya bhakti) to Lord Vishnu/Krishna
Frees the heart from attachment to wealth, fame and sense-enjoyment
Instills constant remembrance (smarana) of the Lord's lotus feet, even at death
Brings deep inner peace and fearlessness in the face of mortality
Regular recitation is believed to grant the Lord's grace and ultimately liberation (mukti)
A complete, melodious garland of bhakti suitable for daily practice by anyone
How to Chant Mukunda Mala Stotram
Instructions
Bathe and sit calmly facing east before an image of Lord Vishnu or Krishna. Light a lamp, and recite the verses slowly with feeling, dwelling on the meaning of each prayer for devotion. The hymn may be read in full as a single 'garland' or contemplated verse by verse. Conclude by offering the whole recitation at the Lord's lotus feet, praying only for unwavering bhakti.
Spiritual Significance
It is traditionally held that King Kulasekhara's devotion was so complete that he placed his hand into a pot believed to hold a venomous serpent to prove the purity of his Brahmana devotees, and was unharmed by the Lord's grace. Devotees believe that one who recites the Mukunda Mala with sincere love will, like its author, remember the Lord's feet even at the final moment and attain His supreme abode.
Origin & History
Source: Mukunda Mala Stotra (independent devotional work of the Sri Vaishnava / Alwar tradition)
Author: Kulasekhara Alwar (Kulasekhara Perumal)
Kulasekhara was a king of the Chera dynasty of Kerala and a passionate devotee of Lord Vishnu. So absorbed was he in the stories of the Lord that he is said to have once readied his army to rush to Rama's aid while a Ramayana recitation was in progress. Eventually he renounced his kingdom to live as a devotee and is revered as one of the twelve Alwars. The Mukunda Mala is his outpouring of love, a garland of verses asking for nothing but eternal devotion to Mukunda's feet.