Prayers to Lord Krishna
for Blessings, Purity, and Auspiciousness
smrite sakala-kalyana
bhajanam yatra jayate
purusham tam ajam nityam
vrajami sharanam harim
"I take shelter of Lord Hari, who is the unborn, eternal Supreme
Personality of Godhead. Upon remembering Him, a reservoir of all auspiciousness
is produced."
(Om) yam brahma vedanta-vido vadanti
pare pradhanam purusham tathanye
vishvodgateh karanam ishvaram va
tasmai namo
vighna-vinashaya
"Obeisances unto Him who is the destroyer of all obstacles, who the knowers
of Vedanta describe as the Supreme Brahman, and who others describe as the pradhana,
or totality of mundane elements. Some describe Him as the supreme male person,
or purusha, while others describe Him as the Supreme Lord and the cause
of the creation of the universe." (Vishnu Purana)
om tad vishnoh paramam padam sada
pashyanti surayo diviva chakshur-atatam
tad vipraso vipanyavo jagrivamsaha
samindhate vishnor yat paramam padam
"Just as the sun's rays in the
sky are extended to the mundane vision, so in the same way the wise and learned
devotees always see the supreme abode of Lord Vishnu. Because those highly
praiseworthy and spiritually awake brahmanas are able to see the spiritual
world, they are also able to reveal that supreme abode of Lord Vishnu." (Rig
Veda 1.22.20)
om krishno vai sac-cid-ananda-ghanaha krishna adi-purushaha
krishnaha purushottamaha krishno ha u karnadi-mulam krishnaha sa
ha sarvaih karyaha krishnaha kasham-krid-adisha-mukha-prabhu
pujyaha krishno 'nadis tasminn ajandantar-bahye yan
mangalam tal labhate kriti
"Lord Krishna is the color of a
new rain cloud, therefore He is compared to a transcendental cloud full of
eternity, bliss and cognizance. He is the original and supreme person. He is the
origin of all activities and the one and only Lord of all. He is the worshipful
Lord of the best of demigods, the controller of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.
Krishna is without any beginning. Whatever auspiciousness is found within or
beyond this universe the devotee obtains in Krishna alone" (Rig Veda,
Krishna Upanishad)
(Om) madhavo madhavo vaci
madhavo madhavo hridi
smaranti sadhavaha sarve
sarva-karyeshu madhavam
"Lord Madhava is in one's words
and Lord Madhava is in one's heart. All the saintly persons remember Lord
Madhava, the husband of the goddess of fortune, in all their undertakings."
(Narasimha Purana)
(Om) svasti no govindah svasti no 'cyutanantau
svasti no vasudvo vishnur dadhatu
svasti no narayano naro vai
svasti nah padmanabhaha puroshottamo dadhatu
svasti no vishvakseno vishveshvaraha
svasti no hrishikesho harir dadhatu
svasti no vainateyo harih
svasti no 'njana-suto hanur bhagavato dadhatu
svasti svasti sumangalaih kesho mahan
shri-krishnaha sac-cid-ananda-ghanaha sarveshvareshvaro dadhatu
"May Lord Govinda, Acyuta,
Ananta Shesha, Vasudeva and Lord Vishnu bestow auspiciousness upon us. May Nara-Narayana,
Padmanabha and Purushottama bestow auspiciousness upon us. May Vishvaksena, the
Lord of the universe, Hrishikesh and Lord Hari bestow auspiciousness upon us.
May Garuda and the son of Anjana, who is the great devotee of Lord Rama,
Hanuman, bestow auspiciousness upon us. May the great and only Lord of
auspiciousness, Sri Krishna, who is like a transcendental cloud full of
eternity, knowledge and bliss and who is the Lord of all the demigods, bestow
upon us all prosperity and auspiciousness." (Rig Veda, Krishna
Upanishad)
karotu svasti me krishnaha
sarva-lokeshvareshvaraha
karshnadayash cha kurvantu
svasti me loka-pavanaha
"May Lord Krishna, the Lord of
the demigods, the presiding controller of all the worlds, bestow auspiciousness
upon me. May His devotees, who are the saviors of all people, bestow
benedictions of auspiciousness upon me." (Sammohana Tantra)
krishno mamaiva sarvatra
svasti kuryat shriya samam
tathaiva cha sada karshnihi
sarva-vighna-vinashanaha
"May Lord Krishna along with His
beloved Radha bring about prosperity and auspiciousness at all times. In the
same way may the devotee of Krishna, who is able to destroy all obstacles,
always bring about auspiciousness." (Vishnu Yamala Samhita)
Atharva Vediya Gopala-tapani Upanishad, Purva Vibhaga,
verses 36-47
om namo vishva-rupaya
vishva-sthity-anta-hetave
vishveshvaraya vishvaya
govindaya namo namaha
"Lord Brahma, speaking to the
great sages and saints, prayed to Lord Krishna as follows: I offer my humble
obeisances to Lord Krishna, who is the giver of pleasure to the cows, whose
external form is the form of the universe, who is the cause of the maintenance
and dissolution of the material universe, and who is the Lord of the
universe."
namo vijnana-rupaya
paramananda-rupine
krishnaya gopi-nathaya
govindayah namo namah
"I offer my obeisances to Lord
Krishna, who is the giver of pleasure to the cows, who is the Lord of the gopis
and who is the embodiment of unlimited knowledge and the highest bliss."
namah kamala-netraya
namah kamala-maline
namah kamal-nabhaya
kamala-pataye namaha
"I offer my obeisances to
Krishna, who possesses lotus-petal eyes, who wears a garland of sweet-smelling
lotus flowers, who has a lotus navel and who is the Lord of the gopis, who are
as beautiful as lotus flowers."
barhapidabhiramaya
ramayakuntha-medhase
rama-manasa-hamsaya
govindaya namo namaha
"I offer my obeisances to Lord
Govinda, who looks very beautiful wearing a peacock feather upon His head. His
plenary expansion is Lord Ramachandra, His intelligence is eternal and
ever-fresh, and He is the swan that swims in the mind of Lakshmi-devi."
kamsa-vamsha-vinashaya
keshi-chanura-ghatine
vrishabha-dhvaja-vandyaya
partha-sarathaye namaha
"I offer my obeisances unto
Krishna, who is the destroyer of the dynasties of demons headed by King Kamsa.
He is the slayer of the Keshi demon and the wrestler Chanura. He is offered
prayers by Lord Shiva, whose chariot flag is marked with the insignia of Nandi,
the bull, and He is the chariot driver of the son of Pritha, Arjuna."
venu-vadana-shilaya
gopalayahi-mardine
kalindi-kula-lolaya
lola-kundala-dharine
"I offer my obeisances to
Krishna, who is accustomed to playing on a flute, who is the protector of the
cows and the chastiser of the Kaliya serpent. He is fond of wandering here and
there on the banks of the Yamuna and He is beautified by wearing swinging
earrings."
ballavi-vadanambhoja-
maline nritya-shaline
namah pranata-palaya
shri-krishnaya namo namaha
"I offer my obeisances again and
again unto Shri Krishna, who wears a garland of kisses from the lotus mouths of
the gopis. He is conversant with the art of dancing and is the protector of the
surrendered souls."
namah papa-pranashaya
govardhana-dharaya cha
putana-jivitantaya
trinavartasu-harine
"I offer my obeisances unto Lord
Krishna, who is the destroyer of the sins of the fallen souls. He is the lifter
of Govardhan Hill, He brought about the end to the life of Putana and He took
away the life of the demon Trinavarta."
nishkalaya vimohaya
shuddhayashuddha-vairine
advitiyaya mahate
shri-krishnaya namo namaha
"I offer my humble obeisances
again and again unto the great Lord Krishna, who is beyond the illusion of maya
and from whom that illusion comes. He is the supreme pure, the enemy of the
demons and is one without a second."
prasida paramananda
prasida parameshvara
adhi-vyadhi-bhujangena
dashtam mam uddhara prabho
"O Supreme Lord, O reservoir of
the highest pleasure, be pleased upon me. I have been bitten by the poisonous
snake of mental and bodily miseries. Therefore, O Lord, please deliver me."
shri-krishna rukmini-kanta
gopi-jana-manohara
samsara-sagare magnam
mam uddhara jagad-guro
"O Lord Krishna, O lover of
Rukmini, O attractor of the minds of the gopis, please uplift me, for I am
immersed in the ocean of birth and death, O spiritual preceptor of the
universe."
keshava klesha-harana
narayana janardana
govinda paramananda
mam samuddhara madhava
"O Lord Keshava, O destroyer of
the three-fold miseries, O only refuge of all souls, O destroyer of the Jana
demons, O Govinda, O reservoir of pleasure, please uplift me who am fallen, O
husband of the goddess of fortune."
he krishna karuna-sindho
dina-bandho jagat-pate
gopesha gopika-kanta
radha-kanta namo 'stu te
"O my dear Krishna, You are the
friend of the distressed, the ocean of mercy, and the Lord of creation. You are
the master of the cowherdsmen and the lover of the gopis, especially Radharani.
I offer my respectful obeisances unto You."
Mere
Man Mandir
This song prays that Lord Krishna,
Giridhari, the lifter of Govardhan Hill, will appear to us in the temple (mandir)
of our mind (man).
Mere man mandir mein ek bar tum a jao Giridhari
Giridhari Banavari
Manmohan kunjavihari
pyare a jao Giridhari
O Giridhari! I am begging You to
enter, just once, into the temple of my mind. O Giridhari, O Banavari, You who
reside in the groves of Vrindavan and attract our minds towards You. O beloved
Giridhari, please come to me.
Bahut bar he ter lagai
karuna nainan mein ghir ai
ye roya ek dukhari
pyare a jao Giridhari
So many times have I called out to
You with eyes over-flowing with tears. This most unhappy person is pleading
before You. So please, O beloved Giridhari, please come to me.
mag johat ankhiyan pathrai
dar dar par maya takarai
ye dekho dasha hamari
pyare a jao Giridhari
Simply waiting for You my eyes have
become weary. Maya is attacking me at every step. Just see my pitiable
condition, O beloved Giridhari, and please come to me.
thori kripa idhar barsao
prem boond pyase ko pao
mein aya ek bhikhari
pyare a jao Giridhari
Please shower some of Your mercy here
also. Being extremely thirsty, let me drink just a drop of your love. I am
nothing but a beggar, begging from you. O beloved Giridhari, please come to me.
bhaint nahin mein kuch bhi laya
khali nath tere dar aya
mein tera prem pujari
pyare a jao Giridhari
I have brought You no gifts, my Lord,
and have come empty-handed at Your doorstep. I worship You with my love, so O
beloved Giridhari, please come to me.
pyar karo chahe thukara do
pas bulao dur bhaga do
mein sab vidhi sharon
tihari pyare a jao Giridhari
You are free to love me or reject me.
You may call me near or You may send me away. In any condition of life, I am a
soul surrendered unto You, please, O beloved Giridhari, please come to me.
Sri Dasavatara-stotra
These are verses glorifying the ten main incarnations of Lord Keshava, Krishna, from the Gita-Govinda. These show that Lord Krishna is the source of all other incarnations of God.
By Jayadeva Gosvami
(1)
pralaya-payodhi-jale dhritavan asi vedam
vihita-vahitra-charitram akhedam
keshava
dhrita-mina-sharira jaya jagadisha hare
O Keshava! O Lord of the universe! O
Lord Hari, who have assumed the form of a fish. All glories to You. You easily
acted as a boat in the form of a giant fish just to give protection to the
Vedas, which had become immersed in the turbulent sea of devastation.
(2)
kshitir iha vipulatare tishthati tava prishthe
dharani-dharana-kina-chakra-garishthe
keshava
dhrita-kurma-sharira jaya jagadisha hare
O Keshava! O Lord of the universe! O
Lord Hari, who have assumed the form of a tortoise. All glories to You. In this
incarnation as a divine tortoise the great Mandara Mountain rests upon your
gigantic back as a pivot for churning the ocean of milk. From holding up the
huge mountain a large scar-like depression is put in Your back, which has become
most glorious.
(3)
vasati dashana-shikhare dharani tava lagna
shashini kalanka-kaleva nimagna
Keshava
dhrita-shukara-rupa jaya jagasihsa hare
O Keshava! O Lord of the universe! O
Lord Hari, who have assumed the form of a boar. All glories to You. The earth,
which had become immersed in the Garbhodaka Ocean at the bottom of the universe,
sits fixed upon the tip of Your tusk like a spot upon the moon.
(4)
tava kara-kamala-vare nakham adbhuta-shringam
dalita-hiranyakashipu-tanu-bhringam
keshava
dhrita-narahari-rupa jaya jagadisha hare
O Keshava! O Lord of the universe! O
Lord Hari, who have assumed the form of half-man, half-lion. All glories to You.
Just as one can easily crush a wasp between one's fingernails, so in the same
way the body of the wasp-like demon Hiranyakashipu has been ripped away by the
wonderful pointed nails on Your beautiful lotus hands.
(5)
chalayasi vikramane balim adbhuta-vamana
pada-nakha-nira-janita-jana-pavana
keshava
dhrita-vamana-rupa jaya jagadisha hare
O Keshava! O Lord of the universe! O
Lord Hari, who have assumed the form of a dwarf-brahmana. All glories to You. O
wonderful dwarf, by Your massive steps You deceive King Bali, and by the Ganges
water that has emanated from the nails of Your lotus feet, You deliver all
living beings within this world.
(6)
kshatriya-rudhira-maye jagad-apagata-papam
snapayasi payasi shamita-bhavan-tapam
keshava
dhrita-bhrigupati-rupa jaya jagadisha hare
O Keshava! O Lord of the universe! O
Lord Hari, who have assumed the form of Bhrigupati [Parashurama]. All glories to
You. At Kurukshetra You bathe the earth in the rivers of blood from the bodies
of the demoniac kshatriyas [rulers] that You have slain. The sins of the world
are washed away by You, and because of You people are relieved from the blazing
fire of material existence.
(7)
vitarasi dikshu rane dik-pati-kamaniyam
dasha-mukha-mauli-balim ramaniyam
keshava-dhrita-rama-sharira
jaya jagadisha hare
O Keshava! O Lord of the universe! O
Lord Hari, who have assumed the form of Ramachandra. All glories to you. In the
battle of Lanka You destroy the ten-headed demon Ravana and distribute his heads
as a delightful offering to the presiding deities of the ten directions, headed
by Indra. This action was long desired by all of them, who were much harassed by
this monster.
(8)
vahasi vapushi vishade vasanam jaladabham
hala-hati-bhiti-milita-yamunabham
keshava
dhrita-haladhara-rupa jaya jagadisha hare
O Keshava! O Lord of the universe! O
Lord Hari, who have assumed the form of Balarama, the wielder of the plow. All
glories to You. On Your brilliant white body You wear garments the color of a
fresh blue rain cloud. These garments are colored like the beautiful dark hue of
the River Yamuna, who feels great fear due to the striking of Your plowshare.
(9)
nindasi jajna-vidher ahaha shruti-jatam
sadaya-hridaya darshita-pashu-ghatam
keshava
dhrita-buddha-sharira jaya jagadisha hare
O Keshava! O Lord of the universe! O
Lord Hari, who have assumed the form of Buddha. All glories to You. O Buddha of
compassionate heart, you descry the slaughtering of poor animals performed
according to the rules of Vedic sacrifice.
(10)
mleccha-nivaha-nidhane kalayasi karavalam
dhumaketum iva kim api karalam
keshava
dhrita-kalki-sharira jaya jagadisha hare
O Keshava! O Lord of the universe! O
Lord Hari, who have assumed the form of Kalki. All glories to You. You appear
like a comet and carry a terrifying sword for bringing about the annihilation of
the wicked barbarian men at the end of Kali-yuga.
(11)
shri-jayadeva-kaver idam uditam udaram
shrinu sukha-dam shubha-dam bhava-saram
keshava
dhrita-dasha-vidha-rupa jaya jagadisha hare
O Keshava! O Lord of the universe! O
Lord Hari, who have assumed these ten different forms of incarnation. All
glories to You. O readers, please hear this hymn of the poet Jayadeva, which is
most excellent, an awarder of happiness, a bestower of auspiciousness, and is
the best thing in this dark world.
(12)
vedan uddharate jaganti vahate bhu-golam udbibhrate
daityam darayate balim chalayate kshatra-kshayam kurvate
paulastyam jayate halam kalayate karunyam atanvate
mlecchan murchayate
dashakriti-krite krishnaya tubhyam namaha
O Lord Krishna, I offer my obeisances
unto You, who appear in the forms of these ten incarnations. In the form of
Matsya You rescue the Vedas, and as Kurma You bear the Mandara Mountain on Your
back. As Varaha You lift the earth with your tusk, and in the form of Narasimha
you tear open the chest of the daitya Hiranyakashipu. In the form of Vamana You
trick the daitya king Bali by asking him for only three steps of land, and then
You take away the whole universe from him by expanding your steps. As
Parashurama you slay all of the wicked kshatriyas, and as Ramachandra You
conquer the rakshasa king Ravana. In the form of Balarama You carry a plow with
which You subdue the wicked and draw toward you the River Yamuna. As Lord Buddha
You show compassion toward all the living beings suffering in this world, and at
the end of the Kali-yuga You appear as Kalki to bewilder the mlecchas [degraded
low-class men].
108
Names of Krishna
OM SHRI KRISHNAYA NAMAHA
Salutations to Lord
Shri Krishna
OM KAMALA NATHAYA NAMAHA
To Kamala's (Goddess
Lakshmi's) spouse
OM VAASUDEVAYA NAMAHA
To Vasudeva (Vasudev's
son, Krishna)
OM SANATANAYA NAMAHA
To the Eternal One
OM VASUDEVAYA NAMAHA
To the Son of Vasudeva
OM PUNYAYA NAMAHA
To the Meritorious One
OM LILA-MANUSHA-VIGRAHAYA NAMAHA
To Him who has assumed
a human form to perform His pastimes
OM SHRIVATSA KAUSTHUBHA-DHARAYA NAMAHA
To the Lord who wears
the Shri Vatsa (representing Shri Lakshmi) and the Kaustubha gem
OM YASHODA-VATSALAYA NAMAHA
To Mother Yashoda's
darling child
OM HARAYE NAMAHA
To Shri Hari
OM CHATURBHUJATTA-CHAKRASI-GADA-SHANKADHYAYUDHAYA NAMAHA
To the Four-armed One
who carries the weapons of disc, conch and club
OM DEVAKI NANDANAYA NAMAHA
To Mother Devaki's son
OM SHRISAYA NAMAHA
To the abode of Shri (Lakshmi)
OM NANDAGOPA PRIYATMAJAYA NAMAHA
To Nanda Gopa's
darling child
OM YAMUNAVEGA SAMHARINE NAMAHA
To the Lord who
destroyed the speed of the river Yamuna
OM BALABHADRA PRIYANUJAYA NAMAHA
To Balabhadra's (Balarama's)
dear younger brother
OM PUTANA JIVITA HARAYA NAMAHA
To the Destroyer of
the demoness Putana
OM SHAKATASURA BHANJANAYA NAMAHA
To the Lord who
destroyed the demon Sakatasura
OM NANDAVRAJA JANA NANDINE NAMAHA
To the Lord who
brought great happiness to Nanda and the people of Vraja
OM SACHIDANANDA VIGRAHAYA NAMAHA
To the Lord who is the
embodiment of Existence, Awareness and Bliss
OM NAVANITA VILIPTANGAYA NAMAHA
To the Lord whose body
is smeared with butter
OM NAVANITA NATAYA NAMAHA
To the One who danced
to get butter
OM ANAGHAYA NAMAHA
To the sinless One
OM NAVANITA NAVAHARAYA NAMAHA
To the Lord who invented a new form of food-butter
(because He consumed
large quantities of it)
OM MUCHUKUNDA PRASADAKAYA NAMAHA
to the Lord who
blessed (gave salvation) to King Muchukunda
OM SHODASHA STHRI SAHASRESHAYA NAMAHA
To the Lord of sixteen
thousand wives
OM TRIBHANGI LALITAKRITAYE NAMAHA
To the Lord who poses
bent in three places
OM SUKAVAG AMRITABHDHINDAVE NAMAHA
To the ocean of nectar
in the form of Sukadeva's words (spoken as Srimad-Bhagavatam)
OM GOVINDAYA NAMAHA
To the Lord of the
cows
OM YOGINAM PATAYE NAMAHA
To the Lord of the
yogis
OM VATSA VATACHARAYA NAMAHA
To the Lord who roamed
(in Vrindavana) with the company of calves and friendly cowherd boys
OM ANANTAYA NAMAHA
To the Infinite One
OM DHENUKASURA MARDANAYA NAMAHA
To the Lord who killed
the demon Dhenukasura
OM TRINIKRITA TRINAVARTAYA NAMAHA
To the Lord who
destroyed the whirlwind demon Trinavarta
OM YAMALARJUNA BHANJANAYA NAMAHA
To the Lord who broke
the two Yamalarjuna trees
OM UTTALA TALABHETTRE NAMAHA
To the Lord who broke
the huge trees
OM TAMALA SHYAMALA KRITAYE NAMAHA
To the Lord who is a
beautiful as the dark Tamala tree
OM GOPA GOPISHVARAYA NAMAHA
To the Lord of Gopas
and Gopis
OM YOGINE NAMAHA
To the greatest Yogi
OM KOTI SURYA SAMAPRABHAYA NAMAHA
To the Lord who is as
lustrous as a million suns
OM ILAPATAYE NAMAHA
To the Lord of the
Earth
OM PARASMAI JYOTISHE NAMAHA
To the One who is the
Supreme Light
OM YADAVENDRAYA NAMAHA
To the Lord of the
Yadavas
OM YADUDVAHAYA NAMAHA
To the Leader of the
Yadus
OM VANAMALINE NAMAHA
To the Lord who wears
a sylvan garland
OM PITA VASASE NAMAHA
To the Lord who wears
yellow robes
OM PARIJATAPA HARAKAYA NAMAHA
To the Lord who
removed the parijatha flower (from India's garden)
OM GOVARDHANACHALO DHARTRE NAMAHA
To the Lord who lifted
Govardhan Hill
OM GOPALAYA NAMAHA
To the protector of
cows
OM SARVA PALAKAYA NAMAHA
To the protector of
all beings
OM AJAYA NAMAHA
To the all-victorious
Lord
OM NIRANJANAYA NAMAHA
To the Lord who is
untainted
OM KAMA JANAKAYA NAMAHA
To the Lord who
generates desires in the worldly-minded
OM KANCHA LOCHANAYA NAMAHA
To the Lord who has
beautiful eyes
OM MADHUGHNE NAMAHA
To the Lord who killed
the demon Madhu
OM MATHURA NATHAYA NAMAHA
To the Lord of the
holy place of Mathura
OM DVARAKA NAYAKAYA NAMAHA
To the Lord of Dwaraka
OM BALINE NAMAHA
To the all-powerful
Lord
OM BRINDAVANANTA SANCARINE NAMAHA
To the Lord who roamed
around Vrindavana
OM TULASIDAMA BHUSHANAYA NAMAHA
To the Lord who adorns
Himself with tulasi leaf garlands
OM SYAMANTAKA MANER HARTRE NAMAHA
To the Lord who stole
the Syamantaka gem
OM NARA NARAYANATMAKAYA NAMAHA
To the Lord who has
the twin forms of Nara and Narayana
OM KUBJA KRISHTAMBARADHARAYA NAMAHA
To the Lord who wore
the ointment offered by Kubja, the hunchbacked lady
OM MAYINE NAMAHA
To the Lord of Maya
(the illusion)
OM PARAMAPURUSHAYA NAMAHA
To the Supreme Person
OM MUSHTIKASURA CHANURA MALLAYUDHA-VISHARADAYA NAMAHA
To the expert wrestler
who wrestled with the two demons, Mushtika and Chanura
OM SAMSARA VAIRINE NAMAHA
To the enemy of
Samsara (the cycle of births and deaths)
OM KAMSARAYE NAMAHA
To the enemy of King
Kamsa (who wanted to kill Krishna)
OM MURARAYE NAMAHA
To the enemy of the
demon Mura
OM NARAKANTAKAYA NAMAHA
To the destroyer of
the demon Naraka
OM ANADI BRAHMACHARINE NAMAHA
To the beginningless
Absolute
OM KRISHNA VYASANA KARSHAKAYA NAMAHA
To the One who removed
Draupadi's distress
OM SHISHUPALA SHIRASCETTRE NAMAHA
To the Lord who
removed Sisupala's head
OM DURYODHANA KULANTAKAYA NAMAHA
To the destroyer of
the dynasty of Durodhana
OM VIDURAKRURA VARADAYA NAMAHA
To the Lord who gave
boons to Vidura and Akrura
OM VISHVARUPA PRADARSHAKAYA NAMAHA
To the Lord who
revealed His Viswarupa (the Universal Form)
OM SATYAVACHE NAMAHA
To the Lord who utters
only truth
OM SATYA SANKALPAYA NAMAHA
To the Lord of true
resolve
OM SATYABHAMA RATAYA NAMAHA
To the Lover of
Satyabhama
OM JAYINE NAMAHA
To the Lord who is
ever victorious
OM SUBHADRA PURVAJAYA NAMAHA
To the elder brother
of Subhadra
OM VISHNAVA NAMAHA
To Lord Vishnu
OM BHISHMA MUKTI PRADAYAKAYA NAMAHA
To the Lord who
bestowed salvation on Bhishma
OM JAGADGURAVE NAMAHA
To the Lord who is
Guru to the whole world
OM JAGANNATHAYA NAMAHA
To the Lord of the
whole world
OM VENUNADA VISHARADAYA NAMAHA
To the Lord who is an
expert in playing flute music
OM VRISHABHASURA VIDHVAMSINE NAMAHA
To the Lord who
destroyed the demon Vrishaba
OM BANASURA KARANTAKAYA NAMAHA
To the Lord who
chopped off the hands of the demon Banasura
OM YUDHISTHIRA PRATISHTHATRE NAMAHA
To the Lord who
established Yudhisthir (as the king)
OM BARHI BARHAVATAMSAKAYA NAMAHA
To the One who is
adorned with effulgent peacock feathers
OM PARTHASARATHAYE NAMAHA
To Partha Sarathi, the
chariot driver of Arjuna
OM AVYAKTAYA NAMAHA
To the Lord who is
difficult to comprehend
OM GITAMRITA MAHODADHAYE NAMAHA
To the Ocean
containing the nectar of the Bhagavad-gita
OM KALIYAPHANI MANIKYA RANJITA SHRI PADAMBHUJAYA NAMAHA
To the Lord whose
lotus feet are adorned with the gems from the hoods of the serpent Kaliya
OM DAMODARAYA NAMAHA
To the One who was
tied with a grinding stone around His waist
OM YAJNABHOKTRE NAMAHA
To the Lord who
consumes sacrificial offerings
OM DANAVENDRA VINASHAKAYA NAMAHA
To the destroyer of
the Lord of Asuras
OM NARAYANAYA NAMAHA
To Lord Narayana
OM PARABRAHMANE NAMAHA
To the Supreme Brahman
OM PANNAGASHANA VAHANAYA NAMAHA
To the Lord who has a
serpent (Adisesha) as His seat
OM JALAKRIDASAMASHAKTA GOPI VASTRAPAHARAKAYA NAMAHA
To the Lord who
(playfully) hid the clothes (left on the shore) of the Gopis who were engrossed
in playing in the waters of the Yamuna river
OM PUNYA-SHLOKAYA NAMAHA
To the Lord whose
praises bestow merit
OM TIRTHAPADAYA NAMAHA
To the One whose feet
are holy
OM VEDAVEDYAYA NAMAHA
To the source of the Vedas
OM DAYANIDHAYE NAMAHA
To the Treasure of
compassion
OM SARVA BHUTATMAKAYA NAMAHA
To the Soul of the
elements
OM SARVAGRAHA RUPINE NAMAHA
To the All-formed One
OM PARATPARAYA NAMAHA
To the One who is
highest than the highest
Sri Nanda-Nandanastakam
An Old Prayer to Lord Krishna, author unknown
I offer pranama to Sri Nandanandana (the son of Nanda Maharaja, Krishna),
whose face is extremely delightful, from whose beautiful ears hang jewelled
earrings, and whose entire body is anointed with fragrant candana.
I offer pranama to Sri Nandanandana, whose eyes are more beautiful than the
fully-bloomed lotus, whose head is beautifully adorned with an arrangement of
peacock feathers, and who enchants millions of Cupids.
I offer pranama to Sri Nandanandana, from whose beautiful nose hangs an
elephant-pearl, whose teeth are brilliantly shining, and whose bodily complexion
is more beautiful and lustrous than a fresh rain cloud.
I offer pranama to Sri Nandanandana, whose lotus hands hold the flute, whose
lingering gait defeats even that of an impassioned elephant, and whose dark
limbs are beautified by a yellow shawl.
I offer pranama to Sri Nandanandana, whose three-fold bending posture is
exquisitely elegant, the effulgence of whose toe-nails puts to shame even the
moon, and who wears invaluable jewels and ornaments.
I offer pranama to Sri Nandanandana, whose body exudes an extraordinarily
beautiful fragrance and whose broad chest is adorned with the kaustubha jewel
and the mark of Srivatsa.
I offer pranama to Sri Nandanandana, Vrindavana's expert lover who dresses in
a manner that enhances His charming, playful pastimes, and who pulverized the
pride of Indra.
I offer pranama to Sri Nandanandana, who as the lover of the Vraja gopis
perpetually delights them and who enchants the minds of all living entities.
Whoever regularly recites this Sri Nanda-Nandanastakam with deep faith will easily cross the seemingly insurmountable ocean of material existence and attain eternal residence at the lotus feet of Sri Krishna.
The Krishna Arati
Aaratii Yugala Kishora Kii Kiijai | Let us chorus this prayer and
wave lights to the two adolescents, Radha and Krishna and offer our body
mind and all our riches (to win their gracious favour).
Tana Mana Dhana Sab Arpana Kiijai ||
Ravi Shashi Koti Vadana Kii Shobhaa | When I look at them, my mind is
enamoured of the beauty of their faces which matches that of a myriad of
suns and Moons.
Taahi Nirakha Meraa Mana Lobhaa ||
Gaura Shyaama Mukha Nikhrata Riijhai l
Prabhu Ko Ruupa Nayana Bhara Pijai ||
When one beholds the two faces, one fair and the
other dark, one is instantly fascinated. The poet calls upon all to satiate
their eyes with the beauty of the Lord’s countenance. Wave the golden platter with
camphor burning in it before the Lord who, manifesting himself, cleanses the
heart of all its impurities.
Kanchanna Thaala Kapuura Kii Baatii |
Hari Aaye Nirmala Bahii Chaatii ||.
Phuulana Kii Seja Phuulana Kii Maalaa |
Ratna Sinhaasana Baithe Nandalaalaa ||
The Lord, the beloved son of Nanda, sleeps on a couch
of flowers and wears a wreath of blossoms. He has ensconced himself on a throne
made of gems.
Mora Mukuta Kara Muralii Sohai |
Natavara Vesha Dekha Mana Mohai ||
A crown of peacock feathers on his head and a flute
in his hand are the adornments of this showman whose appearance fascinates the
mind.
Anga Niila Piita Pata Saarii |
Kunja Bihaarii Giravaradhaarii ||
The body of the Lord, a dawdler in bowers and groves
and upholder of a great mountain, is all blue and yellow silken are his clothes.
Shri Purushottama Girivara Dhaarii |
Aaratii Karata Sakala Nar Naarii ||
Every woman of Vraja, who adores him with festal
lights, sings of Lord Krishna, the upholder of the best of mountains and supreme
amongst men.
Nanda Nandana Vrushahaanu Kishorii |
Paramaananda Svaamii Avichala Jodii ||
Inseparable says Swami Paramananda, is the company of Krishna, delight of Nanda and Radha, the youthful daughter of Vrushabhanu.
Krishna Chalisa
Krishna Chalisa means a prayer of "forty verses", which praise and entreat Sri Krishna with devotion. They are recited over and over again to recall the virtues of Krishna, the Lord, in order to aid the disciple to meditate on good and righteous qualities.
ll Doha ll
Banshi Shobhit Kar Madhur, Neel Jalad Tanu Shyam l
Arun Adhar Janu Bimba Phal, Nayan Kamal Abhiraam ll
Puran Indu Arvind Mukha, Pitaambar Shubha Saaj l
Jai Manmohan Madan Chhavi, Krishnachandra Maharaj ll
ll Chaupai ll
Jai Yadunandan Jai Jagvandan, Jai Vasudev Devki Nandan
Jai Yashoda Sut Nanda Dulaare, Jai Prabhu Bhaktan Ke Rakhavaare
Glory, glory to the son
of the Yadav race, glory to one who is universally adored; glory to the son
of Vasudeva and Devaki. Glory to the beloved son of Yashoda and Nanda, glory
to you, O Lord, the protector of your devotees.
Jai Natanaagar Naag Nathaiyaa, Krishna Kanhaiya Dhenu Charaiya
Puni Nakh Par Prabhu Girivar Dhaaro, Aao Deenan Kasht Nivaaro
Glory to the most
accomplished player, the subduer of the Naag (cobra snake, you are indeed
Kanhaiya, the cowherd. O Lord! You uplifted the Govardhan mountain on the
nail of your small finger, Pray come and free the helpless from their
distress.
Bansi Madhur Adhar Dhari Teri, Hove Puran Manorath Meri
Aao Hari Puni Maakhan Chaakho, Aaj Laaj Bhaktan Ki Raakho
O Lord, you have the
sweet flute touching your lips, Pray fulfill our wishes. Come again, O Lord
to eat makkhan (cream), And protect your devotee’s honor this day.
Gol Kapol Chibuk Arunaare, Mridul Muskaan Mohini Daare
Ranjit Raajiv Nayan Vishaalaa, Mor Mukut Vaijayanti Maalaa
With reddish chubby
cheeks, Your smile is gentle (soft and sweet) and bewitching. You have large
lotus-like eyes, you wear crown adorned with peacock feather and you wear
Vaijayanti garland.
Kundal Shravan Peetpat Aache, Kati Kinkini Kaachhan Kaachhe
Neel Jalaj Sundar Tanu Sohe, Chhavi Lakhi Sur Nar Muni Mana Mohe
Your ears are elegantly
adorned with gold ear-rings, while the trinkets on your corset and the
lovely kachani are looking graceful. Gods and humans and sages are entranced
at the sight of your beautiful and magnificent body which is like the blue
lotus.
Mastak Tilak Alak Ghunghraale, Aao Shyaam Bansuri Vaale
Kari Pai Paan, Putanaahin Taaryo, Akaa Bakaa Kaaga Sur Maaryo
Your forehead is
decorated with tilak with lovely braided hair on your head; Please come, O
Shyam, the flute player. You liberated the demoness Putana when as a baby,
you sucked the dreadful breast of Putana drawing out poison along with her
life. Also you killed many a demons like Akaasur, Bakaasur and Kagaasur.
Madhuvan Jalat Agni Jab Jvaala, Bhaye Sheetal ,Lakhitahin Nandalala
Surpati Jab Brij Chadhyo Risaai, Musar Dhaar Baari Barsaai
When wild fire broke
out in the forest Madhuvan, Nandalala swallowed up
that fierce conflagration and restored the cool.
The ruler of gods,
Indra, was angered, and Indra produced over Vraj a deluge causing the rains
to come down in torrents of cataclysmic and violent downpour.
Lagat-Lagat Brij Chahan Bahaayo, Govardhan Nakhdhari Bachaayo.
Lakhi Yashodaa Man Bhram Adhikaai, Mukh Mahan Chaudah Bhuvan Dikhaai
When entire Vraj was
being drowned, the Lord saved Vraj by uprooting with one hand Mount
Govardhan and sheltering Vraj under it. For removing doubts in mother
Yashoda's mind, you
displayed, within your mouth, the fourteen spheres.
Dusht Kansa Ati Udham Machaayo, Koti Kamal Kahan Phul Mangaayo.
Naathi Kaaliyahin Tab Tum Linhen, Charanchinh Dai Nirbhay Kinhe
When wicked Kansa was
causing great havoc, and demanded that a crore of lotus flowers be sent to
him. By overpowering and subduing Kaliya, you provided safety for all.
Kari Gopin Sang Raas Vilaasa, Sab Ki Puran Kari Abhilashaa
Ketik Mahaa Asur Sanhaaryo, Kansahi Kesh Pakadi Dai Maaryo
You fulfilled the
desires of all the Gopis by playing Raas with them. You eliminated
innumerable powerful demons, and with Kansa, grasping him tightly by the
hair, you dragged him hard and killed him.
Maatu Pitaa Ki Bandi Chhudaayi, Ugrasen Kahan Raaj Dilaayi
Mahi Se Mritak Chhaho Sut Laayo, Matu Devaki Shok Mitaayo
Having secured the
release of his mother and father from bondage, you restored to Ugrasen his
lost kingdom. You brought back the six dead sons of Devaki from the
underworld and freed her from grief.
Bhomaasur Mura Daitya Sanhaari, Laaye Shatdash Sahas Kumaari
Dai Bhinhin Trincheer Sanhaara, Jaraasindhu Raakshas Kahan Maara
You killed the demon
Bhomasur and also the demon Mura; and freed sixteen thousand maidens who
were kept in bondage by Narkasur. By a cryptic signal by splitting a twig
you instructed Bhima as to how Jarasandha can be slain.
Asur Vrikaasur Aadik Maaryo, Bhaktan Ke Tab Kasht Nivaariyo
Deen Sudaamaa Ke Dukh Taaryo, Tandul Teen Muthi Mukh Daaryo
By killing many demons like Vrikaasur, you eased the distress of your devotees. You removed poor Sudama's poverty, and you ate with relish three handfuls of beaten rice.
Prem Ke Saag Vidura Ghar Maange, Duryodhan Ke Mevaa Tyaage
Laakhi Premki Mahimaa Bhaari, Naumi Shyam Deenan Hitkaari
You ate simple
vegetables at the house of devotees like Vidur in preference to the rich
fare at Duryodhan's palace. O Shyama! O compassionate to the poor! Having
witnessed your abounding grace and glory, I bow to you.
Bhaarath Ke Paarath Rath Haanke, Liye Chakra Kar Nahin Bal Thaake
Nij Gitaa Ke Gyaan Sunaaye, Bhaktan Hriday Sudhaa Barsaaye
You drove chariot during the battle of Mahabharata; you remained unwearied with the discus in your hand. You communicated the wisdom of the Gita and let the hearts of your devotees abound with the nectar of love.
Meera Thi Aisi Matvaali, Vish Pee Gayi Bajaakar Taali
Raanaa Bhejaa Saamp Pitaari, Shaaligraam Bane Banvaari
Mira, your devotee, was
so totally engrossed with unbounded devotion to you, that brimming with joy
she even drank poison. When O Banavaari, the Rana sent a basket containing a
snake, you assumed the form of a Shaligram stone.
Nij Maayaa Tum Vidhihin Dikhaayo, Urate Sanshay Sakal Mitaayo
Tav Shat Nindaa Kari Tatkaalaa, Jivan Mukt Bhayo Shishupaalaa
By revealing your
illusory powers to Brahma, you dispelled all his misgivings. When Shishupala
reviled you, you terminated his life.
Jabahin Draupadi Ter Lagaai, Deenanaath Laaj Ab Jaai
Asa Anaatha Ke Naath Kanhaiyaa, Dubat Bhanvar Bachaavat Naiyaa
When Draupadi sought
your help by pleading, 'O Lord of the distressed! My honor is at stake!' You
are, O Kanhaiya, so great a guardian of the helpless orphan that you rescue
every sinking boat from the whirlpool of life.
Sundardaas Aas Ura Dhaari, Dayadrishti Keeje Banwaari
Naath Sakal Mam Kumati Nivaaro, Chhamobegi Apraadh Hamaaro
O Lord! Sundardas, an
inmate of the hermitage of Durvasa, beseeches You to grant his wishes. O
Lord! Dispel all ignorance from his heart and forgive him his faults.
Kholo Pat Ab Darshan Deeje, Bolo Krishna Kanhaiya Ki Jai
May you reveal yourself
to him by opening the door of his heart. May we all sing 'Victory, victory
to you, Lord Krishna, glory to Kanhaiya!'
ll Doha ll
Krishna chandra ke naam
Se, hot praphullit gaay,
tan ghaatak paatak tarat, rog duri hoy jaay.
Chaalisaa jo nit padhai, Kathin kasht kati jaai,
dhan jan bal vidyaa badhaai, nit nar sukh sarsai.
Yah chalisa Krishna ka, path kare ur dhaari,
asht siddhi nav niddhi phal, lahe padaarath chaari.
Whoever with cheerfulness sings this song will have his (or her) three types of troubles removed and will be freed from sins and diseases.
Those who recite this Krishna Chalisa with faith and devotion can acquire eight siddhis (supernatural powers through Yoga, viz., anima, mahima, garima, laghima, prapti, prakamya, ishitva and vashitva) and the nine types of treasures.
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya
Sri Govindadevastakam
Eight Verses in Glorification of Sri Govindadeva by Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura
jambunadosnisa-viraji-mukta-
mala-mani-dyoti-sikhandakasya
bhangya nrnam lolupayan drsah sri-
govindadevah saranam mamastu
May Lord Govindadeva, who charms the eyes of all living beings with the graceful movement of the peacock feather in His golden crown shining with pearls and gems, be my shelter. (1)
kapolayoh kundala-lasya-hasya
cchavi-cchata-cumbitayor yugena
sammohayan sambhajatam dhiyah sri-
govindadevah saranam mamastu
May Lord Govindadeva, who charms the hearts of the devotees' with His cheeks which are kissed by the splendour of His smile and the dancing of His earrings, be my shelter. (2)
sva-preyasi-locana-kona-sidhu-
praptyai puro-varti-janeksanena
bhavam kam api udgamayan budhanam
govindadevah saranam mamastu
May Lord Govindadeva who, by glimpsing at His beloved to attain Her nectarean sidelong glance, provokes the love of all the demigoddesses, be my shelter. (3)
vama-pragandarpita-ganda-bhasvat-
tatanka-lolalaka-kanti-siktaih
bhru-valganair unmadaya kula-strir
govindadevah saranam mamastu
May Lord Govindadeva, who entices the pious cowherd girls with the charming movements of His eyebrows, which are enhanced by the beauty of His moving locks of hair, lustrous earrings, and His cheek placed upon His left shoulder, be my shelter. (4)
dure sthitas ta murali-ninadaih
sva-saurabhair mudrita-karna-palih
nasarudho hrd-gata eva karsan
govindadevah saranam mamastu
He enters into the hearts of the cowherd damsels and draws the to him, though they stand afar, blocking their ears from the sound of His flute and their noses from the wonderful scent of His body. May Lord Govindadeva be my shelter. (5)
navina-lavanya-bharaih ksitau sri-
rupanuragambunidhi-prakasaih
satas camatkara-vatah prakurvan
govindadevah saranam mamastu
He fills the devotees on earth with astonishment by the weight of His youthful beauty and the unlimited ocean of His love. May Lord Govindadeva be my shelter. (6)
kalpa-drumadho-mani-mandirantah
sri-yoga-pithamburu hasyaya svam
upasayams tantra-vido pi mantrair
govindadevah saranam mamastu
Those learned in the scriptures worship Him with mantras as He sits in the lotus-like yoga-pitha in a gem-studded palace beneath a grove of wish-fulfilling trees. May Lord Govindadeva be my shelter. (7)
mahabhiseka-ksana-sarva-vaso
'lankrty-anangi-karanocchalantya
sarvanga-bhasakulayams tri-lokim
govindadevah saranam mamastu
He is as handsome as the god of love (Ananga) and is dressed and decorated as if for a royal coronation. He enthralls all the residents of the three worlds with His beautiful form. May Lord Govindadeva be my shelter. (8)
govindadevastakam etad uccaih
pathet tadiyanghri-nivista-dhir yah
tam majjayann eva krpa-pravahair
govindadevah saranam mamastu
One who reads aloud this Govindadevastakam and meditates upon the Lord's lotus feet, is thrown into a river of mercy by the Lord Himself. May Lord Govindadeva be my shelter. (9)
[These prayers are available at www.stephen-knapp.com]