Stuti
The word Stuti (स्तुति) comes from the Sanskrit root ‘Stu’, meaning “to praise” or “to glorify”. It is a heartfelt hymn that focuses on the attributes, beauty, and divine deeds of a deity. It is a poetic expression of a devotee’s admiration, often found in larger epics such as the Ramayana or the Puranas, capturing a moment of pure realization and surrender.
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The Ashutosh Shashank Shekhar Lyrics is a Stuti dedicated to Lord Shiva, praising him through powerful names that reflect his divine qualities, cosmic authority and...
Achyutam Keshavam Lyrics in English: More than just a bhajan, Achyutam Keshavam is a heartfelt expression of love and devotion towards Lord Krishna and Lord...
Shri Ram Stuti: Shri Ramchandra Kripalu Bhajman एक अत्यंत लोकप्रिय प्रार्थना है, जिसे तुलसीदास जी ने रचित किया था। यह Ramchandra Stuti भगवान श्रीराम के...
Understanding Stuti
A Stuti is a song of praise. Many prayers ask for help, protection or other material or spiritual benefits. However, a Stuti focuses on describing how wonderful or powerful a deity is. It lists their qualities, appearance, and the great things they have done. For a devotee, reciting a Stuti shows deep respect and helps them feel closer to the divine by concentrating on “the good” instead of their own problems.
Types of Stuti
The words “Stuti” and “Stotram” are often used interchangeably. Chalisas, Aartis, bhajans are also often considered as a stuti, as the name clearly explains, it is a praise to the divine; however, we have classified stuti based on two parameters here:
Based on the Deity:
Many Stutis are dedicated to a specific deity, praising their unique qualities and attributes. For example: Ashutosh Shank Shekhar is a Stuti dedicated to Lord Shiva, Ramchandra Stuti dedicated to Lord Rama, Ganesh Stuti, etc.
Based on Verse Structure:
Some Stutis are categorised based on the number of verses they contain.
- Ashtakam: An Ashtakam is a stuti composed of eight verses. For example, Kaal Bhairava Ashktakam is the most popularly known Ashtakam.
- Dashakam: It consists of ten verses. For example, Gauri Dashakam is a stuti dedicated to Goddess Gauri.
- Dwadashakam: A Stuti containing twelve verses, such as Dwadash Jyotirlinga Stotram, dedicated to the worship of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
How Stuti Differs from Other Devotional Hymns:
- Stuti v/s stotrams: structured hymns like stotrams adhere to a fixed poetic meter for recitation and are followed by a Phal-Struti, the ending verse that explains the benefits of reciting that particular hymn generally. Whereas Stuti is more unstructured and its purpose is not to seek benefits but to express admiration and devotion.
- Stuti v/s Bhajan: While both bhajan and Stuti focus on praising the divine, bhjans can be easily mended and changed easily, often with the same lyrical structure, as they are dedicated to different deities; however, the lyrics of a Stuti can not be changed, they are dedicated to specific deities and remain as they are. Also, Stutis are more traditional than bhajans.
- Mantra vs. Stuti: While Mantras are often short and precision-focused for specific energy results, Stutis are “flow-states” that use the beauty of Sanskrit prosody (Chhandas) to harmonize the mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Shri Ram Chandra Kripalu Bhaju Man, composed by Goswami Tulsidas, is the most widely recited Stuti in the world.
Yes. Unlike some complex Vedic rituals, Stutis are generally open to everyone. They are meant to be a simple and beautiful way for any devotee to connect with the qualities and attributes of God.
"Phala-Shruti" are the final verses that explain the spiritual or mental benefits a person receives from reciting that particular devotional hymn daily.