Shanti / Ashtangi
Madonna Lyrics

The lyrics to Madonna's song Shanti / Ashtangi are heavily influenced by Hindu mythology and are meant to be a hymn to Lord Vishnu, a Hindu god known as the preserver of the universe. The first few lines of the song, "Vunde gurunam caranaravinde / Sandarsita svatma sukhavabodhe / Nihsreyase jangalikayamane / Sansara halahala moha santyai", can be translated to mean "I bow down to the lotus feet of my gurus, who reveal the knowledge of the self and awaken happiness within me. They show me the way out of this jungle of delusion and ignorance, and destroy the poisonous desire for worldly pleasures."

The next set of lines, "Ahahu purusakaram sankha cakrasi / Dharinam dharinam sahasra sirasam / Dharinam dharinam sahasra sirasam / Vande", can be translated to mean "I worship the form of Lord Vishnu, who holds the conch shell and discus in his hands, and who is adorned with a thousand heads." The repetition of "dharinam" emphasizes the idea that Lord Vishnu is the sustainer of the universe.

The lyrics then transition into the mantra "Om Shanti, Om Shanti, Shanti shanti, Shantay Om", which is a Sanskrit chant for peace and is often used at the end of Hindu prayers and rituals. The repetition of "shanti" is meant to bring different kinds of peace – physical, mental, and spiritual.

Overall, Madonna's use of Hindu mythology and the Sanskrit language in this song showcases her interest in different cultures and religions, and her desire to incorporate them into her music.