Soundarya Lahari Verse 22 — Bhavani Tvam Dase Mayi — Word-by-Word Meaning
सौन्दर्यलहरी श्लोक २२ — भवानि त्वं दासे मयि
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
भवानि
bhavāni
O Bhavani (the Goddess); also 'may I become'
त्वं
tvaṃ
You
दासे मयि
dāse mayi
upon me, Your servant
वितर दृष्टिं सकरुणाम्
vitara dṛṣṭiṃ sakaruṇām
bestow a compassionate glance
इति स्तोतुं वाञ्छन्
iti stotuṃ vāñchan
wishing to praise You with these words
कथयति
kathayati
(merely) says / utters
भवानि त्वम् इति यः
bhavāni tvam iti yaḥ
whoever says just 'Bhavani tvam' (O Bhavani, You...)
तदैव
tadaiva
at that very moment
त्वं तस्मै दिशसि
tvaṃ tasmai diśasi
You grant to him
निज-सायुज्य-पदवीं
nija-sāyujya-padavīṃ
the state of union (sayujya) with Yourself
मुकुन्द-ब्रह्म-इन्द्र
mukunda-brahma-indra
Vishnu, Brahma and Indra
स्फुट-मकुट-नीराजित-पदाम्
sphuṭa-makuṭa-nīrājita-padām
(a state) whose feet are worshipped by the gleaming crowns (of those gods)
Complete Translation
O Bhavani! The moment a devotee, merely wishing to pray 'O Bhavani, cast on me, Your servant, a glance of compassion', utters only the two words 'Bhavani tvam' — even then, You at once bestow upon him union (sayujya) with Yourself: that supreme state whose feet are worshipped by the radiant crowns of Vishnu, Brahma and Indra.
Origin & History
Source: Soundarya Lahari, Verse 22
Author: Adi Shankaracharya
Period: c. 8th century CE
Part of the Ananda Lahari, this verse is among the most quoted of the entire hymn for its message of effortless grace and its celebrated pun on the word 'Bhavani'. It is set in the Shikharini metre and is often recited independently as a prayer of surrender and a petition for liberation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Verse 22 considered so special?▼
It is famous for its tender wordplay and its promise of instant grace. A devotee who merely begins to pray with the words 'Bhavani tvam' is immediately granted sayujya, union with the Goddess Herself — showing that even an incomplete prayer, offered sincerely, wins Her boundless mercy.
What is the double meaning of 'Bhavani tvam'?▼
Addressed as a vocative, 'Bhavani tvam' means 'O Bhavani, You...'. But 'bhavani' can also be read as a verb form meaning 'may I become'. So the same words mean 'may I become You', and the compassionate Mother grants exactly that — union with Herself.
What is sayujya?▼
Sayujya is the highest of the traditional forms of liberation — complete union or merging with the Divine. The verse says the Goddess bestows this state, revered even by Vishnu, Brahma and Indra, on the devotee who turns to Her.
Can this verse be chanted for liberation?▼
Yes. Because it explicitly speaks of the Mother granting sayujya (union) to one who turns to Her, devotees seeking moksha through bhakti often recite this verse as a heartfelt prayer of surrender.
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