The hymn consists of 10 verses, typically written in the Anushtubh or Vasantatilaka meter. While the specific wording can vary slightly by regional tradition, the theme is consistent across all versions:
Let’s break down the title:
Thus, the Durvasana Pratikara Dasakam means “A Ten-Verse Remedy for Evil Thoughts.” Tradition holds that Adi Shankaracharya composed this hymn to protect devotees from mental disturbances, jealousy, black magic, and the ill will of enemies. It is often recited as a morning prayer or during times of mental distress.
While the Narayaneeyam begins with the creation of the universe, this specific dasakam (often associated with the second dasakam or a specific segment within the early prayers) focuses on the internal purification of the devotee. Before asking for physical healing, the poet asks for spiritual cleanliness, acknowledging that a sinful mind is the root of all suffering.
The Durvasana Pratikara Dasakam (Remedies to Counter Negative Habits) is a profound Vedantic work composed of ten verses by Sri Vidyaranya Swami, the 12th Jagadguru of Sringeri Sharada Peetham. This text serves as a spiritual "medicine chest," offering specific antidotes for deep-seated negative tendencies (durvasanas) that hinder a seeker's progress toward self-realization. Understanding the Core Terms durvasana pratikara dasakam pdf
Durvasana: Refers to "bad tendencies" or "unhealthy inclinations"—chronic mental habits that induce even controlled individuals to succumb to impulsive reactions. Pratikara: Means "antidote," "medicine," or "remedy".
Dasakam: Indicates a work consisting of ten verses (shlokas). Key Teachings and Remedies
The text identifies several common "mental diseases" and provides their specific spiritual cures: Negative Habit (Durvasana) Prescribed Remedy (Pratikara) Ignorance (Ajnanam)
Reflection on the Absolute (Brahman) and Individual Entity (Jivatman) Anger (Krodha) Practicing patience and forgiveness (Kshama) Greed (Lobha) Cultivating contentment (Santosha) with what one has Harsh Speech (Parushyam) Speaking softly and soothingly Wasteful Talk (Vritha Alapa) Practicing silence (Mauna) Laziness (Alasyam) Developing habits of prompt response and alertness Grief/SorrowsThe hymn consists of 10 verses, typically written
Realizing the Aatman is inherently in Bliss and unaffected by the body The Daily Routine of a Seeker
The first verse outlines how a serious seeker should structure their day to maintain mental purity:
Morning: Discharging duties ordained by the Vedas and reflecting on Vedanta.
Daytime: Reading/listening to the Moksha Dharma in the Mahabharata or Yoga Vasishta. Evening: Listening to the divine stories of the Bhagavatam. Night: Deep meditation and contemplation (Nididhyasana). Where to Find the PDF Thus, the Durvasana Pratikara Dasakam means “A Ten-Verse
Several authoritative sources provide the Durvasana Pratikara Dasakam PDF for personal study and chanting:
Durvasana Pratikara Dasakam, composed by Swami Vidyaranya, is a Vedantic text offering specific antidotes for overcoming unhealthy mental tendencies (durvasanas). It provides practical, structured remedies for habits like anger, laziness, and attachment, serving as a guide for spiritual purification. Access the full text and commentaries via the Arsha Avinash Foundation Countering Negative Habits 1 - SamPage
For a high-quality PDF that includes the Sanskrit text, Malayalam script, phonetic English transliteration, and word-by-word meaning, visit Guruvayur Stotram websites or Archive.org.
In the vast ocean of Sanskrit devotional literature, certain hymns stand out for their specific, powerful intent. One such gem is the Durvasana Pratikara Dasakam — a ten-verse prayer attributed to the great philosopher Adi Shankaracharya. This hymn is not just a praise of the Divine; it is a direct spiritual tool to combat negative thoughts, evil intentions, and mental impurities.
If you have been searching for the Durvasana Pratikara Dasakam PDF, this post will explain what the hymn is, why it is recited, and how you can obtain a reliable copy for daily chanting.
