Aarti Kunj Bihari Ki

Aarti Kunj Bihari Ki

The Aarti Kunj Bihari Ki is one of the most cherished devotional hymns dedicated to Lord Krishna, a central figure in Hinduism revered as the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu. This aarti is widely sung during festivals like Krishna Janmashtami, Govardhan Puja, and other occasions celebrating Krishna’s divine life and teachings. It holds a special place in the hearts of devotees, particularly in the Braj region of India, including Mathura and Vrindavan, where Krishna is believed to have spent his childhood and youth.

The Aarti Kunj Bihari Ki is deeply rooted in the Bhakti tradition of Hinduism, which emphasizes personal devotion and love for God. While the exact origin of the aarti is not documented with precise dates or authorship, it is believed to have emerged in the Braj region, particularly in Vrindavan, where Krishna is worshipped as Kunj Bihari the one who roams or revels in the groves (kunj) of Vrindavan. The term Bihari refers to Krishna’s association with the playful and divine pastimes in the lush gardens and forests of Vrindavan.

The aarti is part of a larger corpus of devotional poetry and songs that flourished during the Bhakti movement (circa 15th–17th centuries), led by saints like Surdas, Tulsidas, and Mirabai, who composed verses in praise of Krishna.

Aarti Kunj Bihari Ki

Aarti Kunj Bihari Ki,Shri Girdhar Krishna Murari Ki।
Gale Mein Baijanti Mala,Bajave Murali Madhur Bala।

Shravan Mein Kundal Jhalakala,Nand Ke Anand Nandlala।
Gagan Sam Ang Kanti Kali,Radhika Chamak Rahi Aali।

Latan Mein Thadhe Banamali;Bhramar Si Alak, Kasturi Tilak,
Chandra Si Jhalak;Lalit Chavi Shyama Pyari Ki॥
Shri Girdhar Krishna Murari Ki॥

Aarti Kunj Bihari Ki
Shri Girdhar Krishna Murari Ki॥ x2

Kanakmay Mor Mukut Bilse,Devata Darsan Ko Tarse।
Gagan So Suman Raasi Barse;Baje Murchang, Madhur Mridang,

Gwaalin Sang;Atual Rati Gop Kumaari Ki॥
Shri Girdhar Krishna Murari Ki॥

Aarti Kunj Bihari Ki
Shri Girdhar Krishna Murari Ki॥ x2

Jahaan Te Pragat Bhayi Ganga,Kalush Kali Haarini Shri Ganga।
Smaran Te Hot Moh Bhanga;Basi Shiv Shish, Jataa Ke Beech,

Harei Agh Keech;Charan Chhavi Shri Banvaari Ki॥
Shri Girdhar Krishna Murari Ki॥

Aarti Kunj Bihari Ki
Shri Girdhar Krishna Murari Ki॥ x2

Chamakati Ujjawal Tat Renu,Baj Rahi Vrindavan Benu।
Chahu Disi Gopi Gwaal Dhenu;Hansat Mridu Mand, Chandani Chandra,
Katat Bhav Phand;Ter Sun Deen Bhikhaaree Ki॥

Shri Girdhar Krishna Murari Ki॥
Aarti Kunj Bihari Ki
Shri Girdhar Krishna Murari Ki॥ x2

Aarti Kunj Bihari Ki,Shri Girdhar Krishna Murari Ki॥
Aarti Kunj Bihari Ki,Shri Girdhar Krishna Murari Ki॥
Aarti Kunj Bihari Ki
Shri Girdhar Krishna Murari Ki॥ x2

Significance in Worship

The Aarti Kunj Bihari Ki is an integral part of Krishna worship, performed during daily rituals, festivals, and special occasions. Its significance lies in its ability to foster a deep emotional connection between the devotee and Krishna. Key aspects of its importance include:

1. Spiritual Benefits

• Purification and Blessings: Reciting the aarti is believed to purify the mind and soul, removing negative energies and sins. It invokes Krishna’s blessings for happiness, success, and prosperity.
• Removal of Obstacles: Devotees believe that sincere recitation can eliminate life’s difficulties, including Vastu doshas (architectural imbalances) and personal struggles.
• Strengthening Devotion: The aarti deepens the devotee’s love (bhakti) for Krishna, fostering a sense of surrender and trust in his divine will.

2. Cultural and Ritualistic Role

• Festivals: The aarti is prominently sung during Krishna Janmashtami (celebrating Krishna’s birth), Govardhan Puja, and Phulera Dooj, as well as monthly Ashtami tithis.
• Daily Worship: Many devotees sing the aarti during morning and evening prayers, often accompanied by the lighting of lamps, ringing of bells, and playing of instruments like the shankh (conch) and kartal (cymbals).
• Community Bonding: In temples, especially in Vrindavan and Mathura, the aarti is a communal activity that unites devotees in shared devotion.

3. Connection to Radha-Krishna

The aarti frequently mentions Radha, symbolizing the divine feminine and the ideal devotee. This reinforces the theology of Radha-Krishna as the embodiment of divine love, where Radha represents the soul’s yearning for union with the divine.

Benefits of Reciting the Aarti

Devotees attribute numerous benefits to regular recitation of the Aarti Kunj Bihari Ki:

• Mental Peace: The melodic and rhythmic chanting soothes the mind, reducing stress and fostering tranquility.
• Material Prosperity: It is believed to attract wealth, success, and harmony in the household.
• Strengthening Relationships: Wearing Krishna-related items like the Krishna Gutika (amulet) or reciting the aarti is said to enhance love and peace in marital life.
• Spiritual Growth: The aarti deepens one’s connection to Krishna, aiding in spiritual progress and self-realization.

Aarti Kunj Bihari Ki – Hariharan