Kalachakra Stotram: Hymn to the Hindu Calendar Systems
Complete lyrics with original text, transliteration, and meaning, 4 sections
Hindu Calendar Systems Vikram Samvat, Kala other
Invocation to Surya (The Solar Cycle)
Original
सूर्यदेवो जगन्नाथः, प्रकाशो हि प्रकाशकः। ऋतुचक्रं च वर्षं च, सूर्यस्यैव स्वरूपकम्॥
Transliteration
Suryadevah jagannathah, prakasho hi prakashakah. Rituchakram cha varsham cha, suryasyaiva swaroopakam.
Meaning / Translation
Lord Surya is the ruler of the universe, the primordial light that illuminates all. The cycle of the seasons and the progression of the years are manifestations of His divine form.
Invocation to Chandra (The Lunar Cycle)
Original
चन्द्रमाश्च मनसो जातः, तिथिं मासं च सूचयति। कलाओं का विन्यास हि, कालचक्रं सुचेतितम्॥
Transliteration
Chandramashcha manaso jatah, tithim masam cha suchayati. Kalaon ka vinyas hi, kalachakram suchetitam.
Meaning / Translation
Born from the mind, the Moon governs the lunar days (Tithis) and the months. The rhythmic arrangement of His phases guides the conscious movement of the wheel of time.
The Vikram Samvat and Mahakala
Original
विक्रम संवतं पावनं, कालचक्रस्य आधारम्। महाकालस्य शक्ति से, संचलेति च सकलम्॥
Transliteration
Vikram Samvatam pavanam, kalachakrasya aadhaaram. Mahakalashya shakti se, sanchaleti cha sakalam.
Meaning / Translation
The sacred Vikram Samvat serves as the foundation for the measurement of time. By the immense power of Mahakala (the Great Time), all of existence is set into motion.
Conclusion: The Witness of Time
Original
सूर्य-चन्द्र-कालमया, गणना सर्वेषां सारिणी। धर्म-कर्म-संस्काराणां, कालसाक्षी परमात्मन॥
Transliteration
Surya-Chandra-Kaalamaya, ganana sarvesham saarinī. Dharma-Karma-Sanskaranaam, Kaalasakshi Paramatmana.
Meaning / Translation
Integrating the Sun, the Moon, and Time, these calculations are the essence of all cosmic order. To the Supreme Soul, who is the eternal witness to Time, Dharma, Karma, and all sacred rites, we bow.