Hindu Stotras & Hymns
Sacred devotional hymns composed by great saints and sages of the Hindu tradition. Each stotra is a multi-verse poem of praise, designed for recitation during worship, meditation, and spiritual practice.
10 stotras in our collection
Lingashtakam
By Adi Shankaracharya
Eight-verse hymn glorifying the Shiva Linga as the cosmic form of Lord Shiva.
Shiva Tandava Stotram
By Ravana
Ravana's electrifying hymn celebrating the cosmic dance and boundless power of Lord Shiva.
Vishnu Sahasranama
By Bhishma
The thousand names of Lord Vishnu, one of the most sacred and recited stotras in Hinduism.
Lalita Sahasranama
By Vashinyadi Vagdevatas
The thousand names of the Divine Mother Lalita, the supreme goddess in the Shakta tradition.
Hanuman Chalisa
By Tulsidas
Forty devotional verses in praise of Lord Hanuman, the most widely recited Chalisa in India.
Ganesh Atharvashirsha
By Atharva Veda tradition
The Upanishad of Ganesha, revealing him as the supreme Brahman and the remover of all obstacles.
Mahishasura Mardini Stotram
By Adi Shankaracharya (attributed)
A fierce, rhythmic hymn celebrating Goddess Durga's victory over the buffalo demon Mahisha.
Soundarya Lahari
By Adi Shankaracharya
One hundred verses by Shankaracharya celebrating the beauty and cosmic power of the Divine Mother.
Aditya Hridayam
By Agastya Rishi
The hymn of the Sun's heart, taught by sage Agastya to Rama before his final battle with Ravana.
Kanakadhara Stotram
By Adi Shankaracharya
Shankaracharya's hymn to Goddess Lakshmi that caused a shower of golden fruit, bestowing wealth on the devoted poor.
The Tradition of Stotra Recitation
Stotra recitation is one of the most accessible and beloved forms of Hindu devotion. Unlike Vedic rituals that may require specific qualifications, stotras can be recited by anyone with a sincere heart. The tradition spans thousands of years, from the Vedic hymns of the Rig Veda to the devotional poems of medieval bhakti saints.
The Sanskrit word “stotra” derives from the root “stu” meaning “to praise.” A stotra typically follows a structured poetic meter (chandas) and describes the deity's form, qualities, deeds, and compassion. Many stotras also include phala shruti -- a concluding section that describes the specific blessings received by those who recite the hymn regularly.
Popular forms include the Sahasranama (thousand names), Ashtakam (eight-verse hymn), Kavacham (armor of protection), and Stotram (general praise). Each form serves a unique devotional purpose and carries its own spiritual significance.