Garuda Gamana Tava: A Divine Hymn to Lord Maha Vishnu

The “Garuda Gamana Tava” is a soul-stirring devotional hymn composed by Jagadguru Sri Bharathi Tirtha Mahaswamiji, the 36th Peethadhipathi of the Sringeri Sharada Peetham. Known for its rhythmic beauty and profound simplicity, this kirtan is a prayer of total surrender (Saranagati).

In this hymn, the devotee pleads with Lord Vishnu to reside in their heart and wash away the “Taapa” (miseries) and “Paapa” (sins) of worldly existence.

Garuda Gamana Tava Slokam (Lyrics)

Garuda Gamana Tava Charana Kamala Miha Manasi Lasutha Mama Nityam |
Mama Taapa Mapaakuru Deva Mama Paapa Mapaakuru Deva || 1 ||

Jalaja Nayana Vidhi Namuchi Harana Mukha Vibudha Vinutha Pada Padma |
Mama Taapa Mapaakuru Deva Mama Paapa Mapaakuru Deva || 2 ||

Bhujaga Shayana Bhava Madana Janaka Mama Janana Marana Bhaya Haari |
Mama Taapa Mapaakuru Deva Mama Paapa Mapaakuru Deva || 3 ||

Shankachakradhara Dushta Daitya Hara Sarva Loka Sharana |
Mama Taapa Mapaakuru Deva Mama Paapa Mapaakuru Deva || 4 ||

Aganita Gunagana Asharana Sharanada Vidalita Suararipu Jaala |
Mama Taapa Mapaakuru Deva Mama Paapa Mapaakuru Deva || 5 ||

Bhaktavarya Miha Poori Karunayaa Paahi Bharathi Teertham |
Mama Taapa Mapaakuru Deva Mama Paapa Mapaakuru Deva || 6 ||

Spiritual Benefits of Chanting

Regularly reciting or listening to the Garuda Gamana Tava brings immense spiritual and mental benefits:

• Mental Clarity: The rhythmic vibrations of the slokam help in calming a restless mind and improving focus.
• Removal of Negativity: The constant refrain “Mama paapa mapaakuru” acts as a spiritual cleansing, helping the devotee overcome past mistakes and guilt.
• Overcoming Fear: By addressing the Lord as “Janana marana bhaya haari,” this prayer helps in removing the deep-seated fear of mortality and life’s uncertainties.
• Divine Protection: As a composition by a realized Master (Jagadguru), this stotra carries the power of the Guru’s grace, offering a shield of protection to the seeker.

Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or a beginner on the path of Bhakti, Garuda Gamana Tava is a perfect prayer to start your day. It reminds us that no matter how heavy our burdens are, the Lord who travels on Garuda is always ready to fly to our rescue the moment we surrender.

“Mama taapa mapaakuru deva… mama paapa mapaakuru deva…”
(Oh Lord, remove my miseries… Oh Lord, remove my sins…)

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Umamaheswari Sivanesan

Vanakkam! I'm Uma, currently living in Chennai. I hold a Master’s degree in Chemistry (M.Sc.), but my true passion lies in spirituality and the rich cultural heritage of Tamil traditions.

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