Part 6: Stuti by Daśānana for Śrī Śānti (Śāntinātha)

Wounded in his heart very much by their speech about the return of Sītā, as if struck in a vital spot, Daśamukha reflected for a long time. Having decided in his heart on the subjugation of the vidyā Bahurūpā, Rāvaṇa, his passions subdued, went to Śrī Śānti’s shrine. Daśānana, his face blooming with devotion, like Indra himself, made Śrī Śāntinātha’s bath with pitchers of water.

After anointing him with gośīrṣa-sandal and making a pūjā with divine flowers, he recited a hymn of praise to Śrī Śānti.

Stuti:

“Homage to the god of gods, protector of the world, supreme spirit, Śrīmat Śāntinātha, sixteenth Arhat. Blessed śrī Śāntinātha, guide in crossing the ocean of births, homage, homage to your name, a charm for Sarvārthasiddha. Whoever make the eightfold pūjā^[2] to you, Supreme Lord, to them the eight magic powers,^[1] becoming extremely small, et cetera, will be present. The eyes which see you daily are fortunate; the heart in which you, seen by them, are carried is more fortunate than they. O god, people may be spotless just from touching your feet. Does not iron become gold from contact with vedhirasa?^[3] May the row of callous spots on my forehead from bowing at your lotus-feet with constant falls to the ground become beautiful tilakas. May there be always fruit from the vine of my sovereignty from objects, flowers, perfumes, et cetera, having been presented to you, Lord. Again and again I ask only this from you, Lord of the World: Blessed One, may my devotion to you be ever stronger in birth after birth.”