In this handsome volume Tattvaloka presents four famous compositions two by Adi Sankara Maneesha Panchokam and Dakshinamurti Stotra with commentaries Hastamalakiyam by his disciple Hastamalaka also with commentary and kamdajadyta Ashtakam by his holiness Sri Sri Sacchidananda Shivabhinava Nrisimha Mahaswamigal the 33rd Peetadhipati of Sharada Peetham Sringeri extolling the glory of Goddess Sharada.

Of these Dakshimurti Stotra (with commentary) is reprinted in view of popular demand of a volume published earlier. Among the hymns composed by Adi Sankara Bhagavatpada it is one of this shortest and yet richest in philosophic content subtle in expression and emphatic in treatment. The ten stanzas of the stotra are naturally loaded with meaning and require guidance to gain a proper understanding.

Swami Paramarthananda a disciple of Swami Dayananda and a master teacher of the Vedantic philosophy in Chennai has in a series of lectures elucidated its contents Sri. R.B. Athreya wrote a series of articles in Tattvaloka (2005-2006) based on this elucidation. This book includes a compilation of those articles intended to initiate more seekers into the study of the everlasting truth.

Commentaries on Maneesha Panchakam and Hastamalakyam are also based on lecture by Swami Paramarthananda in Chennai. The exhaustive articles on Kamalajadyita Ashtakam is based on lectures by Swamini Satyavratananda a disciple of Swami Dayananda Saraswati and Swami Paramarthananda.

It is heartening that Tattvaloka is bringing out due to popular demand a reprint of the commentary on Dakshinamuti Stotram which it had brought out a couple of years ago. This reprint titled verses by wisdom has added value because this book includes commentaries on Maneesha Panchakam of Adi Sankara, Hastamalakiyam by his famous disciple Hastamalaka and Kamalajadayita Ashtokam by the 33rd Acharya of Sri Sharada Peetham Sri Sri Sacchidananda Shivabhinava Nrisimha Bharati Mahaswamigal.

Dakshinamurti teaches through the medium of silence which however is pregnant with meaning untouched by words silence which illumines everything. Adi sankara Bhagavatpada has summed up the greatness of the silent teacher in a masterly hymn of ten verse Dakshinamurti Stotra. The slokas bring out the essence of Advaita ideal for manana and niddhyasana.

Maneesha Panchakam an outpouring of the highest order in a ghat in Banaras by Adi Sanakara and Hastamalakiyam named so by his guru because of his crystal clear commentaries are invaluable renderings to be cherished and read over and over again.

Sri Sacchidananda Shivabhinava Nrisimha Bharati Mahaswamigal renowned as Abhinava Sankara and well known for his compositions has given in a stuti of eight slokas on Goddess Sharada entitled Kamalajadayita Ashtokam daily recited by the vidyarthis at sringeri.

There is no doubt that a compilation including these masterpieces reprinted from the issues of Tattvaloka will find enthusiastic welcome among seekers.

Sri Sr. Subramanian Chennai an ardent devotee of Sringeri Acharya has sponsored this book which is rich in spiritual content.

The blessings of His Holiness Jagadguru Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamji are conveyed to him and all those connected with the endeavour.

**Contents and Sample Pages**