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.

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The Krishna Arati

Aaratii Yugala Kishora Kii Kiijai |
Tana Mana Dhana Sab Arpana 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).

Ravi Shashi Koti Vadana Kii Shobhaa |
Taahi Nirakha Meraa Mana Lobhaa ||

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.

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.

Kanchanna Thaala Kapuura Kii Baatii |
Hari Aaye Nirmala Bahii Chaatii ||.

Wave the golden platter with camphor burning in it before the Lord who, manifesting himself, cleanses the heart of all its impurities.

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.

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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

 

The sweet sounding flute embellishes your hands, your body dark of hue is like the blue lotus. Your crimson lips are like the bimba fruit, and your eyes are like the pleasing lotuses. Your face is like a fresh- blossoming lotus and radiating like the full moon, and you are beautifully attired in your yellow silken costume.

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]

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