Stotrams

Stotram, the plural stotrams used in English, refers to a devotional hymn or eulogy in Hindu literature. From the Sanskrit word stotra meaning praise or honor, a stotram typically extols a deity, guru, or virtuous figure and is written in meter, often in poetic form or rhythmic prose.

Stotrams appear across Vedic and post-Vedic traditions, with Sanskrit as the primary language. Over time, stotrams have been composed in regional languages such as Tamil, Marathi, Kannada, Telugu, and others. They range from expansive liturgical hymns to brief invocations and frequently include descriptions of the deity’s attributes, deeds, and forms, sometimes accompanied by dhyana (meditation) instructions.

Recitation is central to their use. Stotrams are chanted aloud in temples, home shrines, and during festivals or processions, and may accompany puja or archana. They are believed to convey spiritual merit, focus devotion, and invite auspicious outcomes, protection, or grace, depending on the devotional intention of the practitioner.

Notable examples include the Vishnu Sahasranama Stotram, which presents a thousand names of Vishnu, and various stotrams dedicated to Durga, Shiva, and other deities. In modern times, new stotrams continue to be composed in multiple languages, reflecting ongoing devotional practice and musical interpretation.