My beloved children, the Krishnashtakam, a divine gift from the sage Adi Sankaracharya, is a beautiful offering of our hearts to Lord Krishna. Just as the lotus flower opens its petals to embrace the first rays of the morning sun, devotees recite this sacred hymn with profound devotion to receive the blessings of the Lord. This sacred text, woven with eight precious stanzas, each with four lines, is like a garland of flowers offered at the feet of the Lord. Sometimes, our poets, with their hearts full of love, choose to add a couplet at the end, tying up the offering in a perfect bow.
The Krishnashtakam is not just a hymn, but a journey into the depths of our souls, where each stanza illuminates the divine presence of Lord Krishna, guiding us on the path of dharma. As we offer our salutations to the Lord through this hymn, we are not only invoking his blessings, but also the grace of Radha, his eternal consort. In our beautiful mythology, it is said that by praising the Lord, we bring joy to Radha, and by praising Radha, we are showered with the blessings of Sri Krishna. Let us, therefore, immerse ourselves in the divine melody of the Krishnashtakam and allow its sacred words to cleanse our souls and bring us closer to the divine.
Shree Krishnashtakam written by AdiShankaracharya Starts from Here:
भजे व्रजैक मण्डनम्, समस्त पाप खण्डनम्,
स्वभक्त चित्त रञ्जनम्, सदैव नन्द नन्दनम्,
सुपिन्छ गुच्छ मस्तकम् , सुनाद वेणु हस्तकम् ,
अनङ्ग रङ्ग सागरम्, नमामि कृष्ण नागरम् ॥ १ ॥
This verse is a beautiful devotional hymn expressing deep reverence and love for Lord Krishna, who is adored as the divine ornament of Vraja, a region deeply associated with his childhood stories. Lord Krishna is celebrated as the mighty destroyer of all sins, bringing purity and sanctity to the lives of devotees. His enchanting presence captivates the minds of his followers, immersing them in divine love and devotion. As the eternal and beloved son of Nanda, Krishna’s childhood tales are cherished and celebrated by devotees.
His charming appearance, adorned with a splendid peacock feather, and his melodious flute that he holds in his hand, symbolize the beauty and music that he brings to the world. The verse also refers to Krishna as the ocean of the theater of Cupid, highlighting his role as the divine lover. The hymn concludes with a heartfelt prostration to Lord Krishna, acknowledging him as the supreme Lord of the celestial abode. This hymn is a testament to the deep spiritual connection and adoration that devotees have for Lord Krishna, and it is often recited as part of devotional practices in the Bhakti tradition.
मनोज गर्व मोचनम् विशाल लोल लोचनम्,
विधूत गोप शोचनम् नमामि पद्म लोचनम्,
करारविन्द भूधरम् स्मितावलोक सुन्दरम्,
महेन्द्र मान दारणम्, नमामि कृष्ण वारणम् ॥ २ ॥
This verse is a beautiful ode to Lord Krishna, describing his majestic qualities and actions that make him worthy of veneration. The first line describes how Krishna dispels the pride of Manmadha (the god of love) with his wide, oscillating eyes. The second line continues to praise Krishna’s compassionate nature, highlighting how he eradicated the sorrows of the Gopas (cowherds), and expressing devotion to him with a reference to his lotus-like eyes.
In the third line, Krishna’s beauty is depicted through the imagery of him holding a lotus in his hand and his gentle, smiling glance. The final line emphasizes Krishna’s supreme power, as he is capable of destroying the pride of Mahendra (Indra, the king of gods), and it concludes with an expression of devotion to Krishna, the supreme being. Overall, this verse captures the essence of Krishna’s divine qualities, his compassionate actions, and the deep reverence and admiration that he commands from devotees.
कदम्ब सून कुण्डलम् सुचारु गण्ड मण्डलम्,
व्रजान्गनैक वल्लभम नमामि कृष्ण दुर्लभम.
यशोदया समोदया सगोपया सनन्दया,
युतम सुखैक दायकम् नमामि गोप नायकम् ॥ ३ ॥
The verse is a beautiful ode to Lord Krishna, painting a vivid picture of his divine beauty and the joy he brings to those around him. The “कदम्ब सून कुण्डलम् सुचारु गण्ड मण्डलम्” line describes Krishna’s charming appearance, with earrings shaped like Kadamba flowers and lovely cheeks, encapsulating his divine beauty. This is followed by “व्रजान्गनैक वल्लभम नमामि कृष्ण दुर्लभम,” which highlights Krishna’s cherished relationship with the maidens of Vraja, showing him as an object of devotion who is difficult to attain.
The next line, “यशोदया समोदया सगोपया सनन्दया,” brings to life Krishna’s playful and joyous interactions with his foster mother Yashoda, the cowherds, and the general atmosphere of bliss that surrounds him. Lastly, “युतम सुखैक दायकम् नमामि गोप नायकम्” proclaims Krishna as the leader of the cowherds who bestows the ultimate bliss, underscoring his divine and benevolent nature. Overall, this verse encapsulates the essence of Krishna’s childhood and his divine playfulness, beauty, and loving relationships, ultimately highlighting him as a source of supreme bliss and a beloved figure worthy of devotion.
सदैव पाद पङ्कजम मदीय मानसे निजम्,
दधानमुत्तमालकम् , नमामि नन्द बालकम्,
समस्त दोष शोषणम्, समस्त लोक पोषणम्,
समस्त गोप मानसम्, नमामि नन्द लालसम् ॥ ४ ॥
The verse is a devotional hymn in praise of Lord Krishna, who is referred to as “Nanda Balak” or “Nanda’s son.” The devotee expresses their constant meditation on Lord Krishna’s feet, likened to a beautiful lotus, which are always placed in their mind. Krishna is described as adorned with the best garland, and the poet expresses deep reverence towards him. The hymn also highlights two significant aspects of Lord Krishna’s divine nature: his ability to remove all faults from his devotees, purifying them, and his role as the sustainer and nourisher of all worlds.
In the minds of the Gopas (cowherds), who represent the devotees, Krishna resides, and the poet bows to Krishna, the beloved son of Nanda, acknowledging his presence in the hearts and minds of his devotees. This devotional expression encapsulates the poet’s profound love and reverence for Lord Krishna, recognizing him as a purifier, sustainer, and beloved deity residing in the hearts of his devotees.
भुवो भरावतारकम् भवाब्दि कर्ण धारकम्,
यशोमती किशोरकम्, नमामि चित्त चोरकम्.
दृगन्त कान्त भङ्गिनम् , सदा सदालसंगिनम्,
दिने दिने नवम् नवम् नमामि नन्द संभवम् ॥ ५ ॥
The verse is a beautiful homage to Lord Krishna, capturing his multifaceted personality and divine deeds. “भुवो भरावतारकम्” (Bhuvo bharāvatārakam) and “भवाब्दि कर्ण धारकम्” (Bhavābdi karṇa dhārakam) refer to Krishna as the savior of the world and the one who helps us navigate the ocean of worldly existence. “यशोमती किशोरकम्” (Yaśomatī kiśorakam) and “नमामि चित्त चोरकम्” (Namāmi citta corakam) pay tribute to his childhood, portraying him as the beloved son of Yashoda and the captivating figure who steals the hearts of his devotees.
“दृगन्त कान्त भङ्गिनम्” (Dṛganta kānta bhaṅginam) and “सदा सदालसंगिनम्” (Sadā sadālasaṅginam) describe his enchanting gaze and his relaxed, playful demeanor. Finally, “दिने दिने नवम् नवम्” (Dine dine navam navam) and “नमामि नन्द संभवम्” (Namāmi nanda sambhavam) express the eternal freshness of Krishna’s divine play and pay respects to his foster father, Nanda. Each line of the verse is filled with profound symbolism, capturing the essence of Krishna’s divine nature and his loving relationship with his devotees.
गुणाकरम् सुखाकरम् क्रुपाकरम् कृपापरम् ,
सुरद्विषन्निकन्दनम् , नमामि गोप नन्दनम्.
नवीनगोप नागरम नवीन केलि लम्पटम् ,
नमामि मेघ सुन्दरम् तथित प्रभालसथ्पतम् ॥ ६ ॥
In the beautiful and divine verses of “गुणाकरम् सुखाकरम् क्रुपाकरम् कृपापरम्, सुरद्विषन्निकन्दनम्, नमामि गोप नन्दनम्. नवीनगोप नागरम नवीन केलि लम्पटम्, नमामि मेघ सुन्दरम् तथित प्रभालसथ्पतम्,” we are drawn into the heartwarming embrace of Lord Krishna’s divine aura. Each word reverberates with his wondrous virtues, as he embodies the essence of all that is good, graceful, and blissful in this world. Lord Krishna, our beloved Gop Nandan, is like a beacon of hope and happiness, destroying the forces of evil, just as light conquers darkness.
His youthfulness and playful demeanor, depicted in his escapades in the Gopa Nagar, bring smiles and laughter, uplifting our spirits. His beauty, likened to a majestic cloud adorned by the brilliance of lightning, captivates our hearts and souls. My dear child, let us bow down with utmost reverence and devotion to this magnificent Lord Krishna, who is the source of all that is virtuous, joyful, and beautiful in this universe. In his grace and compassion, we find our true sanctuary and solace.
समस्त गोप नन्दनम् , ह्रुदम्बुजैक मोदनम्,
नमामि कुञ्ज मध्यगम्, प्रसन्न भानु शोभनम्.
निकामकामदायकम् दृगन्त चारु सायकम्,
रसालवेनु गायकम, नमामि कुञ्ज नायकम् ॥ ७ ॥
In the verdant groves of Vrindavan, where the melodies of the divine flute resonate, we find Lord Krishna, the jewel of Nanda, the very essence of bliss for the cowherd community. His divine leela, or play, captures the hearts of all who hear of his charming exploits. With a heart as pure and tender as a lotus, Lord Krishna is the source of joy and an ocean of beauty, radiating brilliance like the sun in a clear blue sky. In humble devotion, we bow to this enchanting Lord who resides in the midst of the kunj, or groves.
Just as the pleasing sun dispels darkness, His divine presence brings light to our lives. He is the giver of all desires, fulfilling the wishes of his devotees without them even asking. With a glance, charming as a skillfully aimed arrow, He pierces the hearts of the devotees, drawing them closer to Him. His divine melody from the flute is an embodiment of the highest spiritual rasa, or essence, calling all beings to partake in His divine play. Let us bow down to this Lord of the Groves, who is the very epitome of beauty, grace, and divine love.
विदग्ध गोपिका मनो मनोज्ञा तल्पशायिनम्,
नमामि कुञ्ज कानने प्रवृद्ध वह्नि पायिनम्.
किशोरकान्ति रञ्जितम, द्रुगन्जनम् सुशोभितम,
गजेन्द्र मोक्ष कारिणम, नमामि श्रीविहारिणम ॥ ८ ॥
In this divine hymn, we offer our profound salutations to Lord Krishna, the one who masterfully captures the hearts and minds of the Gopis of Vrindavan, with his mesmerizing allure as he rests upon his celestial couch. We bow to him, the quencher of the blazing fires of worldly desires, in the secluded forest groves of Vrindavan. His youthful radiance outshines even the most splendid collyrium adorned upon the eyes, casting a spell of beauty that transcends the mundane.
Just as he bestowed liberation upon Gajendra, the king of elephants, we honor Sri Vishnu, the embodiment of divine play and supreme consciousness, who dances gracefully upon the stage of this cosmos, imparting wisdom and liberation to all souls fortunate enough to bask in his divine presence. Let us immerse ourselves in the ocean of his love and allow his divine play to lead us towards the ultimate goal of Moksha, or liberation.
यथा तथा यथा तथा तदैव कृष्ण सत्कथा ,
मया सदैव गीयताम् तथा कृपा विधीयताम.
प्रमानिकाश्टकद्वयम् जपत्यधीत्य यः पुमान ,
भवेत् स नन्द नन्दने भवे भवे सुभक्तिमान ॥ ९ ॥
The essence of these sacred verses is to illustrate the eternal and divine leelas (plays) of Lord Krishna, the beloved son of Nanda. In the same way that nature flows, so do the stories of Krishna flow into the hearts of his devotees, nourishing their souls and bringing them closer to the divine. By singing the glories of Lord Krishna, we are not just vocalizing words, but we are immersing ourselves in his divine love, allowing his grace to envelop us. As we repeat these sacred verses, they become a part of our very essence, guiding us on the path of bhakti (devotion).
Just like a river that flows tirelessly towards the ocean, these verses lead the devotee towards the ultimate goal of union with the divine. The person who earnestly recites and imbibes the teachings of these verses, will find themselves being transformed, becoming a true devotee of Lord Krishna, and in each and every life, they will be graced with his divine love and protection. This is the sacred promise of these verses, a promise that binds the devotee and the divine in an unbreakable bond of love and devotion.
ॐ नमो श्रीकृष्णाय नमः॥
ॐ नमो नारायणाय नमः॥– आदि शंकराचार्य
The way to recite the Krishnashtakam
let me share with you the sacred path to immerse yourself in the divine blessings that flow from the Krishnashtakam. This is not just a set of verses, but a spiritual journey that takes us closer to Lord Krishna, the embodiment of love and wisdom.
As you rise with the first rays of the sun, cleanse your body and mind, preparing yourself to meet the divine. Just as you would welcome a dear guest into a clean and fragrant home, prepare your place of worship with the same love and devotion. As you stand before the idol of Lord Krishna, let the verses of the Krishnashtakam flow from your lips, not just as words, but as an offering of your heart to the divine.
Chanting these sacred verses during the Brahma Muhurta, the auspicious time between 4 am and 6 am, is akin to offering the first and freshest flowers of the day to the Lord. And just as a garland is made up of many flowers, chanting the Ashtakam 108 times, using a tulsi mala to keep count, is a beautiful offering to the divine.
This regular recitation is like a gentle river that flows through your mind, washing away all fears and confusion, and leaving in its place the light of wisdom. It acts as a shield, protecting you from all negativity and filling your home with positive vibrations. It brings prosperity, satisfaction, and bliss, eradicating evil and bathing your life in the divine light of Lord Krishna.
Remember, there are two versions of the Krishnashtakam, both penned by the great sage Adi Sankaracharya, and both are equally powerful in bestowing the blessings of Lord Krishna upon those who recite them with devotion.
So, Let us embark on this sacred journey together, immersing ourselves in the divine love and wisdom of Lord Krishna, and in turn, filling our lives with peace, prosperity, and happiness.
Conclusion
As you recite the verses, visualize Lord Krishna in all his splendor and majesty, standing before you, his flute in hand, a crown of peacock feathers adorning his head. Feel his presence envelop you, filling you with his divine love and grace. Immerse yourself in the melody of the hymn, letting the words and the rhythm take you on a spiritual journey, where you are one with the Lord.
It is important to recite the Krishnashtakam with a pure heart and a focused mind, as this is the key to unlocking the divine blessings that are promised to those who earnestly seek the Lord. Let the verses become a part of your daily routine, a sacred practice that brings you closer to the divine. Just as a river flows tirelessly towards the ocean, let these verses guide you on your spiritual journey, leading you to the ultimate goal of union with Lord Krishna.
Enrich your devotional experience by exploring the enchanting Radha Krishna images that capture the divine love and beauty of Vrindavan. Let each image deepen your connection to the sacred teachings and blessings of Lord Krishna.
I hope this article has provided you with valuable insights and inspiration for your spiritual journey. I sincerely thank you for taking the time to read this piece on vrindavanrasamrit.in. May you continue to progress in your spiritual life, and I encourage you to explore more articles on our website to further enrich your knowledge and devotion. Blessings and best wishes to you on your spiritual path.
