#251 The powerful blessing and meaning of Venkatesha Suprabhatam
In Valmiki Ramayana, the Balakanda section, we see that Rishi Vishvamitra has got permission from King Dasharatha to take his valiant, young sons – Sri Rama and Sri Lakshmana to fight and kill the rakshasas.
In preparation, Rishi Vishvamitra gives them special mantras which bless them with the power to always be victorious in battle besides other powers. The youthful princes retire for the evening on a bed of straws on the banks of the river Sarayu, close to Ayodhya.
As the night transforms into dawn, Rishi Vishvamitra, Sri Rama’s guru calls out to Sri Rama to wake up.
कौसल्यासुप्रजा राम पूर्वा संध्या प्रवर्तते ।
उत्तिष्ठ नरशार्दूल कर्त्तव्यं दैवमाह्निकम् ॥
The Venkateshasuprabhatam begins with this very verse 1.23.2 from the Balakanda. The rest of the verses were composed by Hastigirinathar Anna, and P B Annan who were grand disciples of Ramanujacharya sometime in the 15th century.
It is a prayer to the lord to arise, protect and bless the world.
The Venkatesha Suprabhatam consists of four sections :
Suprabhatam,
Sri Venkatesha Stotram,
Prapatti, and
Mangalasnaanam
It is sung every morning at the Venkateswara temple in Tirumala, Tirupati.
Its ubiquity in modern-day India is largely due to M.S. Subbulakshmi’s uplifting and divine rendition.
Literally Venkateswara means the Lord of the Venkata Hill in Andhra Pradesh who is also known as Tirupati Balaji.
Venkateswara is a human avatar of Lord Vishnu, which he took while searching for Devi Lakshmi as per Varaha Purana and Bhavishya Purana.
‘Suprabhatam’ means an auspicious morning. We greet each other in the morning with the word ‘Suprabhatam’, may you have a blessed morning.
Suprabhatam seems like a prayer to wake up the Lord from his yogic sleep, which kind of sounds out of place.
As devotees we can look at it as a prayer that dispels the darkness of our minds as the sun rises.
The words,’ Tava suprabhatam’ which feature in many of the verses can have the literal meaning – Sri Venkatesha, may your morning be auspicious.
Or
May our morning be made auspicious with your presence.
While both meanings apply, I prefer the second meaning which is a prayer to Bhagavan to bless and fill up our day with his auspicious presence. It includes descriptions of nature and devatas, verses in praise of Venkatesha and Vishnu’s many avatars with a theme of surrender woven into it.
कौसल्यासुप्रजा राम पूर्वा संध्या प्रवर्तते ।
उत्तिष्ठ नरशार्दूल कर्त्तव्यं दैवमाह्निकम् ॥
O Rama, the noble son of (foremost among all beings)! Wake up, Contemplation on the deity and the daily duties have to be performed.
उत्तिष्ठोत्तिष्ठ गोविन्द उत्तिष्ठ गरुडध्वज ।
उत्तिष्ठ कमलाकान्त त्रैलोक्यं मङ्गळं कुरु ॥२॥
(Salutations to Sri Govinda) In this Beautiful Dawn Wake Up, Wake Up O Govinda within Our Hearts. Wake Up O the One with Garuda in His Flag. Please Wake Up, O Beloved of Kamala that is Mahalakshmi, do fill up the three worlds with your auspicious presence.
मातस्समस्तजगतां मधुकैटभारेः
वक्षोविहारिणि मनोहरदिव्यमूर्ते ।
श्रीस्वामिनि श्रितजनप्रियदानशीले
श्रीवेङ्कटेशदयिते तव सुप्रभातम् ॥३॥
O Mother of all the Worlds, Lakshmi let our enemies, Madhu and Kaitabha disappear,
And let us only see your beautiful form playing within the heart of Sri Govinda in the entire Creation, You are worshipped as the Lord of all the worlds with the nature of granting what is desired by devotees who seek refuge in you.
Namah to You, Venkatesha in this beautiful dawn of Yours.
तव सुप्रभातमरविन्दलोचने
भवतु प्रसन्नमुखचन्द्रमण्डले ।
विधिशङ्करेन्द्रवनिताभिरर्चिते
वृषशैलनाथदयिते दयानिधे ॥४॥
In this beautiful dawn of Yours, O Mother, let us see the Creation within Your Lotus-Eyes. Let us see the creation existing within your pleased face which is like the Moon,
You are worshipped by Vidhi (Sri Brahma), Sri Shankara and Indra Deva,
Your ocean of compassion manifested in Creation as Abundance which is cherished by the Lord of Vrishabhadra Hill.
अत्र्यादिसप्तऋषयस्समुपास्य सन्ध्या-
माकाशसिन्धुकमलानि मनोहराणि ।
आदाय पादयुगमर्चयितुं प्रपन्नाः
शेषाद्रिशेखरविभो तव सुप्रभातम् ॥५॥
In this Beautiful Dawn when the night meets day, Rishi Atri and other 7 Rishis, sages are chanting the morning prayers together near the Akasa Ganga River. They bring the beautiful Lotuses to offer and worship your feet.
(The Sapta-Rishis are Singing) Namah to you, the One Who Manifested on the Peak of the Seshadri Hill in this Beautiful Dawn of Yours.
पञ्चाननाब्जभवषण्मुखवासवाद्याः
त्रैविक्रमादिचरितं विबुधाः स्तुवन्ति ।
भाषापतिः पठति वासरशुद्धिमारात्
शेषाद्रिशेखरविभो तव सुप्रभातम् ॥६॥
In this beautiful dawn, Sri Panchanana (Five-Faced Brahma) abiding on Lotus, Sri Shanmukha (Six-Faced Subramaniya), Indra Deva and Other Devas are praising the Divine Deeds of Trivikrama (Also known as Vamana who covered the 3 worlds with his steps) and other Incarnations of Yours, Sri Brihaspati, the Lord of Sacred Speech reads the planetary positions (Panchangam) and purifies the day,
Namah to you, the One Who Manifested on the Peak of the Seshadri Hill in your beautiful dawn.
ईषत्प्रफुल्लसरसीरुहनारिकेल-
पूगद्रुमादिसुमनोहरपालिकानाम् ।
आवाति मन्दमनिलः सह दिव्यगन्धैः
शेषाद्रिशेखरविभो तव सुप्रभातम् ॥७॥
The slightly Blooming Lotuses on the Lake and the Coconut, Betel-Nut and other Trees, are Worshipping You O Lord, by blowing Gentle Breeze towards You which is filled with Divine Fragrance,
(The Trees are Singing) Namah to you, the One Who Manifested on the Peak of the Seshadri Hill in in your beautiful dawn.
उन्मील्य नेत्रयुगमुत्तमपञ्जरस्थाः
पात्रावशिष्टकदलीफलपायसानि ।
भुक्त्वा सलीलमथ केलिशुकाः पठन्ति
शेषाद्रिशेखरविभो तव सुप्रभातम् ॥८॥
Opening their pair of eyes those parrots in the cage, see your prasad consisting of sweet payasam mixed with bananas leftover in their Bowls; And having eaten them Playfully, graciously sing
Namah to you, the One Who Manifested on the Peak of the Seshadri Hill in your beautiful dawn.
तन्त्रीप्रकर्षमधुरस्वनया विपञ्च्या
गायत्यनन्तचरितं तव नारदोऽपि ।
भाषासमग्रमसकृत्करचारुरम्यं
शेषाद्रिशेखरविभो तव सुप्रभातम् ॥९॥
(In this Beautiful Dawn) Rishi Narada is playing sweet music with his Veena and is singing praises of your endless divine deeds which are spreading out in all directions and are delightful to the Devotees.
Namah to you, the One Who Manifested on the Peak of the Seshadri Hill in your beautiful dawn.
भृङ्गावली च मकरन्दरसानुविद्ध-
-झङ्कारगीतनिनदैः सह सेवनाय ।
निर्यात्युपान्तसरसीकमलोदरेभ्यः
शेषाद्रिशेखरविभो तव सुप्रभातम् ॥१०॥
The humming swarm of bees are sucking honey and emerging from the interiors of the lotuses of the adjoining pools and worshipping You at dawn with the sweet sound of their buzzing music.
Namah to you, the One Who Manifested on the Peak of the Seshadri Hill in your beautiful dawn.
योषागणेन वरदध्निविमथ्यमाने
घोषालयेषु दधिमन्थनतीव्रघोषाः ।
रोषात्कलिं विदधते ककुभाश्च कुम्भाः
शेषाद्रिशेखरविभो तव सुप्रभातम् ॥११॥
The loud sound of churning of curds are coming from the hamlet of cowherds, where their churning rods and lofty pitchers are engaged in intense effort to produce the best of curds, (The Cowherd Girls are Singing) Namah to you, the One Who Manifested on the Peak of the Seshadri Hill in your beautiful dawn.
पद्मेशमित्रशतपत्रगतालिवर्गाः
हर्तुं श्रियं कुवलयस्य निजाङ्गलक्ष्म्या ।
भेरीनिनादमिव बिभ्रति तीव्रनादं
शेषाद्रिशेखरविभो तव सुप्रभातम् ॥१२॥
The swarm of bees fly out from within the hundred-petalled lotuses which are friends of the Sun. In their eagerness to overpower the lustre of the blue lotus in Lakshmi’s hand, their humming and booming sound like kettledrums being played to awaken you.
(The Bees are Singing)Namah to you, the One Who Manifested on the Peak of the Seshadri Hill in your beautiful dawn.
श्रीमन्नभीष्टवरदाखिललोकबन्धो
श्रीश्रीनिवासजगदेकदयैकसिन्धो ।
श्रीदेवतागृहभुजान्तरदिव्यमूर्ते
श्रीवेङ्कटाचलपते तव सुप्रभातम् ॥१३॥
(In this Beautiful Dawn) the devotees are Invoking You, One with Lakshmi! One who grants boons! Friends of all the worlds, Abode of Sri Lakshmi, the One ocean of compassion. One having a divine form on account of the chest which is the abode of the divine mother Sri. (The Devotees are Singing) Namah to you, the Lord of the Venkatachala hill in your beautiful dawn.
श्रीस्वामिपुष्करिणिकाप्लवनिर्मलाङ्गाः
श्रेयोऽर्थिनो हरविरञ्चिसनन्दनाद्याः ।
द्वारे वसन्ति वरवेत्रहतोत्तमाङ्गाः
श्रीवेङ्कटाचलपते तव सुप्रभातम् ॥१४॥
(Sri Shiva, Sri Brahma along with Sage Sanandana and other sages having taken their Bath in the Sri Swami Pushkarini (the temple tank) whose limbs have been purified. They are proceeding towards the gate of Your shrine where they are struck by your boon giving staff. (The Devotees are Singing) Namah to you, the Lord of the Venkatachala hill in your beautiful dawn.
श्रीशेषशैलगरुडाचलवेङ्कटाद्रि-
नारायणाद्रिवृषभाद्रिवृषाद्रिमुख्याम् ।
आख्यां त्वदीयवसतेरनिशं वदन्ति
श्रीवेङ्कटाचलपते तव सुप्रभातम् ॥१५॥
The Lord’s abode is known by many names, chief among which are – Sheshadri Hill, the Garudachala Hill, the Venkatadri Hill, the Narayanadri Hill, the Vrishabhadri Hill, the Vrishadri Hill. These are incessantly chanted by the Devotees.
Namah to you, the Lord of the Venkatachala hill in your beautiful dawn.
सेवापराः शिवसुरेशकृशानुधर्म-
रक्षोम्बुनाथपवमानधनादिनाथाः ।
बद्धाञ्जलिप्रविलसन्निजशीर्षदेशाः
श्रीवेङ्कटाचलपते तव सुप्रभातम् ॥१६॥
The Eight Dikpalas (Guardian deities of the eight directions) who are Intent upon Serving You – Shiva (Ishana), Suresha i.e. Indra ( the Lord of the Devas ), Krishanu (Agni or God of Fire), Dharma (Dharmaraja or Yama), Raksha (Niruthi), Ambunatha i.e.Varuna ( the Lord of Water ), Pavamana (God of Air) and Kubera ( the Lord of Wealth), who are themselves shining with a Divine Glow, are standing with their Palms joined in Devotion. Namah to you, the Lord of the Venkatachala hill in your beautiful dawn.
धाटीषु ते विहगराजमृगाधिराज-
नागाधिराजगजराजहयाधिराजाः ।
स्वस्वाधिकारमहिमाधिकमर्थयन्ते
श्रीवेङ्कटाचलपते तव सुप्रभातम् ॥१७॥
In this Beautiful Dawn your Vahanas – the modes of your conveyance – Garuda ( the King of Birds ), Lion ( the King of Animals ), Adisesha ( the King of Snakes ), Airavatha ( the King of Elephants ) and Ucchaisravas ( the King of Horses ), are seeking Your blessings for augmenting their greatness in their duties in order to Serve You Better,
(The Vahanas are Singing) Namah to you, the Lord of the Venkatachala hill, in your beautiful dawn.
सूर्येन्दुभौमबुधवाक्पतिकाव्यसौरि-
स्वर्भानुकेतुदिविषत्परिषत्प्रधानाः ।
तवद्दासदासचरमावधिदासदासाः
श्रीवेङ्कटाचलपते तव सुप्रभातम् ॥१८॥
(In this Beautiful Dawn ) the Navagrahas (Nine planets) Surya (Surya), Indu (Moon), Bhauma (Mars), Buddha (Mercury), Vakpati (the Lord of Speech or Jupiter), Kavya (Shukra or Venus), Sauri (Saturn), Swarbhanu (Rahu), Ketu are the main deities in the assembly of the Devas (Gods).
Even they are your servant’s servants (i.e. willing to serve Your true Devotees) and will remain like your servants’ servants until the very end,
(The Navagrahas are Singing) Namah to you, the Lord of the Venkatachala hill, in your beautiful dawn.
त्वत्पादधूलिभरितस्फुरितोत्तमाङ्गाः
स्वर्गापवर्गनिरपेक्षनिजान्तरङ्गाः ।
कल्पागमाकलनयाकुलतां लभन्ते
श्रीवेङ्कटाचलपते तव सुप्रभातम् ॥१९॥
Your Devotees whose foreheads are sanctified by the sacred Dust of Your Lotus Feet; who in your presence are indifferent to Svarga and Desire for liberation;
They look forward to the end of the kalpa, to finally attain Your Abode.
(The Devotees are Singing) Namah to you, the Lord of the Venkatachala hill, in your beautiful dawn.
त्वद्गोपुराग्रशिखराणि निरीक्षमाणाः
स्वर्गापवर्गपदवीं परमां श्रयन्तः ।
मर्त्या मनुष्यभुवने मतिमाश्रयन्ते
श्रीवेङ्कटाचलपते तव सुप्रभातम् ॥२०॥
Your Devotees are looking at the crest of the temple called Gopuram (Ornamented Temple Gateway) and contemplating on Its Greatness, Which is their ultimate refuge, even superior to a position in svarga and a desire for liberation.
It is where the Heart can surrender in this mortal World of Human Beings. (The Devotees are Singing) Namah to you, the Lord of the Venkatachala hill, in your beautiful dawn.
श्रीभूमिनायक दयादिगुणामृताब्धे
देवाधिदेव जगदेकशरण्यमूर्ते ।
श्रीमन्ननन्तगरुडादिभिरर्चिताङ्घ्रे
श्रीवेङ्कटाचलपते तव सुप्रभातम् ॥२१॥
O Lord of Sri Devi and Bhu Devi; You are an Ocean filled with Compassion and other Nectar-like Qualities,
You are the God of the Gods and the One Great Embodiment of Giving Refuge to the Devotees in this World,
O Possessor of Sri, the Devotees are Worshipping Your Lotus Feet which is Worshipped by Ananta (Adisesha), Garuda and Others.
(The Devotees are Singing) Namah to you, the Lord of the Venkatachala hill, in your beautiful dawn.
श्रीपद्मनाभ पुरुषोत्तम वासुदेव
वैकुण्ठमाधव जनार्दन चक्रपाणे ।
श्रीवत्सचिह्न शरणागतपारिजात
श्रीवेङ्कटाचलपते तव सुप्रभातम् ॥२२॥
Your Devotees are repeating Your various Names – Sri Padmanabha (having Lotus in His Navel), Purushottama (the foremost among all beings), Vasudeva (son of Vasudeva), Vaikuntha (Abode of Sri Vishnu), Madhava, Janardana and Chakrapani (holding Chakra in His Hand).
You are the One with the Mark of Srivatsa on His Chest (where Sri Resides) and the Wish-Fulfilling tree of Parijat of all those who take shelter in Your Lotus Feet.
(The Devotees are Singing) Namah to you, the Lord of the Venkatachala hill, in your beautiful dawn.
कन्दर्पदर्पहर सुन्दर दिव्यमूर्ते
कान्ताकुचाम्बुरुहकुड्मललोलदृष्टे ।
कल्याणनिर्मलगुणाकर दिव्यकीर्ते
श्रीवेङ्कटाचलपते तव सुप्रभातम् ॥२३॥
Your Devotees are Contemplating on Your Beautiful Divine Form which has the Power to remove the Pride of Kama Deva (of giving rise to attraction in the minds of people),
Your gaze seeks the beautiful form of your beloved.
You are Auspicious, Pure and a storehouse of abundant Divine Attributes; Your sacred glory is limitless.
(The Devotees are Singing) Namah to you, the Lord of the Venkatachala hill, in your beautiful dawn.
मीनाकृते कमठकोलनृसिंहवर्णिन्
स्वामिन् परश्वधतपोधन रामचन्द्र।
शेषांशराम यदुनन्दन कल्किरूप
श्रीवेङ्कटाचलपते तव सुप्रभातम् ॥२४॥
Your Devotees are contemplating on Your Divine Incarnations – Sri Matsya Avatara (Form of Fish ), Sri Kurma Avatara ( Form of Tortoise ), Sri Varaha Avatara ( Form of Boar ), Sri Narsimha Avatara ( Form of Man-Lion)
Your Form O Lord of Sri Parashurama Avatara (Wielder of Axe), Sri Vamana Avatara (Rich in Austerities ), Sri Ramachandra Avatara,
Sri Balarama Avatara ( Rama who was Part of Adisesha ), Sri Krishna Avatara ( Son born in Yadu Dynasty ) and the form of Sri Kalki Avatara.
(The Devotees are Singing) Namah to you, the Lord of the Venkatachala hill, in your beautiful dawn.
एलालवङ्गघनसारसुगन्धितीर्थं
दिव्यं विहत्सरिति हेमघटेषु पूर्णम् ।
धृतवाद्यवैदिकशिखामणयः प्रहृष्टाः
तिष्ठन्ति वेङ्कटपते तव सुप्रभातम् ॥२५॥
The Vaidikas, well versed in the Vedas are waiting to joyfully worship you with water made fragrant with Cardamom, Clove and Camphor obtained from the Divine Akasa Ganga river which they filled in their Golden Pots. They are standing before You and singing
Namah to you, the Lord of the Venkatachala hill, in your beautiful dawn.
भास्वानुदेति विकचानि सरोरुहाणि
सम्पूरयन्ति निनदैः ककुभो विहङ्गाः ।
श्रीवैष्णवाः सततमर्थितमङ्गलास्ते
धामाश्रयन्ति तव वेङ्कट सुप्रभातम् ॥२६॥
The Sun is rising and the Lotus Flowers are blossoming,
The mountain Birds are filling the Sky with their sweet Chirping Sound,
The Sri Vaishnavas who always seek your Auspicious Presence have taken Refuge in Your Abode and they are singing –
Namah to you, the Lord of the Venkatachala hill, in your beautiful dawn.
ब्रह्मादयस्सुरवरास्समहर्षयस्ते
सन्तस्सनन्दन्मुखास्तव योगिवर्याः ।
धामान्तिके तव हि मङ्गलवस्तुहस्ताः
श्रीवेङ्कटाचलपते तव सुप्रभातम् ॥२७॥
Sri Brahma and other Principal Gods along with the Maharishis, Great Sages like Sanandana and other Eminent Yogis have come to Your Abode in with Auspicious objects in their hands,
(They are Singing) Namah to you, the Lord of the Venkatachala hill, in your beautiful dawn.
लक्ष्मीनिवास निरवद्य गुणैकसिन्धो
संसारसागरसमुत्तरणैकसेतो ।
वेदान्तवेद्य निजवैभवभक्तभोग्य
श्रीवेङ्कटाचलपते तव सुप्रभातम् ॥२८॥
The Devotees are Invoking You; You Who are the Abode of Lakshmi and the One Ocean of divine Qualities,You Who are the One Bridge to cross over the Samsara (the striving of becoming) which is like an endless Ocean,
You Whose Own Divine Glory is only known by understanding Vedanta; You whose Nature is enjoyed by the Devotees,
(The Devotees are Singing) Namah to you, the Lord of the Venkatachala hill, in your beautiful dawn.
इत्थं वृषाचलपतेरिह सुप्रभातं
ये मानवाः प्रतिदिनं पठितुं प्रवृत्ताः ।
तेषां प्रभातसमये स्मृतिरङ्गभाजां
प्रज्ञां परार्थसुलभां परमां प्रसूते ॥२९
Thus ends the Suprabhatam of the Lord of Vrishachala Hill here,
Those people who will recite this everyday with Devotion,
And at Dawn will Worship him, the gain of wisdom will become easy by the Grace of the Ultimate awakened in their Hearts.
We repeat the verse twice to indicate that it ends here.
After listening to Venkatesha Suprabhatam, your mornings will never be the same again!
