Stavacinatamani-Bhatta Narayana

The Stavacintamani of Bhatta Narayana (late ninth-early tenth century ce) is a devotional stotra dedicated to the praise and worship of Shiva and his power (shakti), who is responsible for creation, maintenance, and dissolution. The stotra is an outpouring of the state of the mature mind of one who practised, experienced, internalized, and lived this system of monistic Shaivism. The quality of the verses and author’s personal fame suggest that Bhatta Narayana was not merely an ardent devotee, but a learned scholar, familiar with the esoteric secrets of the Shaiva philosophy and practice. Khsemaraja’s commentary is intended to reveal the esoteric meanings of the original devotional text while simultaneously integrating this work into the canon of non-dual Shaivism. His lucid commentarial style primarily focuses on translating Bhatta Narayana’s poetic devotional verses into the terminology of yogic states and experiences based on the Pratyabhina monistic philosophy. For example, in verse 4 he states: “The praise of the Lord is nothing but the realization that the Lord, who is identical with this universe—but appears in diversity — is in reality non-dual.”
In his Foreword to this book, Professor Rastogi observes “Marjanovic’s approach is constructive, at times comparative and felicity of language renders the overall presentation very lucid, more particularly some of his renderings of Sanskrit terms into English impress at the first sight. In his treatment of the philosophical and doctrinal issues he appears authentic and tries to articulate the inherent intend of Khsemaraja. This work fulfils a long-cherished need and serves as a welcome addition to the literature of Kashmir Shaivism in English. I am sure it will benefit not only students of Kashmir Shaivism but those of Indian spiritual traditions as well. With these words I commend this work to the readers for a rewarding trip to the Stavacintamani’s universe of devotion as understood and interpreted by Kshemaraja.”