Krishna Ashtakam
Krishna Ashtakam(Krishna Ashtakam In English) is a devotional hymn dedicated to Lord Krishna, composed by the great philosopher and saint Adi Shankaracharya. This ashtakam (a set of eight verses) glorifies the divine attributes, enchanting beauty, and miraculous deeds of Lord Krishna. It is widely chanted by devotees to seek Krishna’s blessings and attain spiritual bliss.
Krishna Ashtakam In English
vasudēva sutaṃ dēvaṃ kaṃsa chāṇūra mardanam ।
dēvakī paramānandaṃ kṛṣṇaṃ vandē jagadgurum ॥
atasī puṣpa saṅkāśaṃ hāra nūpura śōbhitam ।
ratna kaṅkaṇa kēyūraṃ kṛṣṇaṃ vandē jagadgurum ॥
kuṭilālaka saṃyuktaṃ pūrṇachandra nibhānanam ।
vilasat kuṇḍaladharaṃ kṛṣṇaṃ vandē jagadguram ॥
mandāra gandha saṃyuktaṃ chāruhāsaṃ chaturbhujam ।
barhi piñChāva chūḍāṅgaṃ kṛṣṇaṃ vandē jagadgurum ॥
utphulla padmapatrākṣaṃ nīla jīmūta sannibham ।
yādavānāṃ śirōratnaṃ kṛṣṇaṃ vandē jagadgurum ॥
rukmiṇī kēḻi saṃyuktaṃ pītāmbara suśōbhitam ।
avāpta tulasī gandhaṃ kṛṣṇaṃ vandē jagadgurum ॥
gōpikānāṃ kuchadvanda kuṅkumāṅkita vakṣasam ।
śrīnikētaṃ mahēṣvāsaṃ kṛṣṇaṃ vandē jagadgurum ॥
śrīvatsāṅkaṃ mahōraskaṃ vanamālā virājitam ।
śaṅkhachakra dharaṃ dēvaṃ kṛṣṇaṃ vandē jagadgurum ॥
kṛṣṇāṣṭaka midaṃ puṇyaṃ prātarutthāya yaḥ paṭhēt ।
kōṭijanma kṛtaṃ pāpaṃ smaraṇēna vinaśyati ॥
Meaning of the Krishna Ashtakam
- Krishna refers to the Supreme Lord, who is dark-complexioned and the epitome of divine love and wisdom.
- Ashtakam means a collection of eight verses.
Thus, Krishna Ashtakam is a hymn consisting of eight stanzas that describe and praise the divine qualities of Lord Krishna.
Spiritual Significance
- Brings Inner Peace – Chanting Krishna Ashtakam regularly helps in calming the mind and cultivating devotion.
- Destroys Negativity – The hymn is believed to remove fear, worries, and negative energies from life.
- Enhances Devotion – It deepens one’s love and connection with Lord Krishna.
- Promotes Wisdom – Since Krishna is considered Jagadguru (the universal teacher), chanting his praises enhances knowledge and righteousness.
When and How to Chant Krishna Ashtakam
- The best time to recite Krishna Ashtakam is early in the morning or during Krishna-related festivals like Janmashtami.
- It can be chanted during meditation or as part of daily prayers.
- Devotees can also listen to its musical renditions for spiritual upliftment.
Krishna Ashtakam is a powerful hymn that glorifies the divine essence of Lord Krishna. It is not just a prayer but a path to attaining peace, devotion, and divine wisdom. By chanting or meditating on these sacred verses, devotees can experience Krishna’s eternal presence and grace in their lives.
