Tara Stotram (Tarashtakam / Nilasaraswati Stotram) — Benefits & How to Chant
तारा स्तोत्रम् (ताराष्टकम् / नीलसरस्वती स्तोत्रम्)
Complete guide to chanting correctly for maximum benefit
Benefits of Chanting Tara Stotram (Tarashtakam / Nilasaraswati Stotram)
Bestows mastery over speech (vak-siddhi), eloquence and poetic genius
Tara is Nilasaraswati, goddess of the word
Grants deep learning and the ability to understand the meaning of all scriptures
Removes fear of ghosts, demons, wild beasts and even death, as the hymn declares they flee at the remembrance of her name
Confers good fortune, imperishable wealth (Lakshmi) and the love and goodwill of all
Grants tantric siddhis such as stambhana (paralysing of foes) and mohana when practised under a guru
Leads the devout reciter, in the end, to liberation (moksha)
How to Chant Tara Stotram (Tarashtakam / Nilasaraswati Stotram)
Instructions
Bathe and purify yourself, sit facing east or north, and recite this Tarashtakam with devotion and concentration, ideally at the three sandhya times — dawn, midday and dusk. Tara is a profound Tantric Mahavidya; her formal mantra-upasana is undertaken under the guidance of a qualified guru, but the stotram may be recited devotionally for the blessings of speech, wisdom and protection. Keep the mind steady and dwell on her form as Nilasaraswati, granter of the word.
Spiritual Significance
It is traditionally held that constant recitation of this Tarashtakam awakens vak-siddhi — the power of speech — so that a once dull or tongue-tied devotee becomes as eloquent as Brihaspati and as gifted in poetry as the great poets; the hymn itself affirms that even a lowly, weary man, by serving Tara's feet, gains every excellence.
Origin & History
Source: Brihannila Tantra (Brihannila-tantra); a celebrated Tantric hymn to Tara / Nilasaraswati
Author: Traditional (anonymous); part of the Tara / Nilasaraswati Tantric corpus
Tara is venerated especially in eastern India, with her great seat at Tarapith in Bengal, where the sage Vasishtha is said to have perfected her sadhana after receiving the 'Chinachara' method. As Nilasaraswati she unites the fierce, liberating power of the Mahavidyas with the grace of the goddess of speech. This Tarashtakam, preserved in the Brihannila Tantra, is among the most widely recited hymns in her worship and is also known as the Nilasaraswati Stotram.