Songs Sung Before Morning Class
Śrī Maṅgala-gītam
śrita-kamalākuca-maṇḍala! dhṛta-kuṇḍala! e
kalita-lalita-vanamālā! jaya jaya deva! hare (1)
O You who take shelter of the round breasts of Kamalā, O You whose ears are decorated with earrings and who wears an enchanting garland of forest flowers, O Deva, O Hari, may You be triumphant!
dina-maṇi-maṇḍala-maṇḍana! bhava-khaṇḍana! e
muni-jana-mānasa-haṁsa! jaya jaya deva! hare (2)
O ornament of the sun globe, O You who severs the bondage of material existence, O swan who sports in the [lake of the] sages’ minds, O Deva, O Hari, may You be triumphant!
kālīya-viṣa-dhara-gañjana! jana-rañjana! e
yadu-kula-nalina-dineśa! jaya jaya deva! hare (3)
O You who pulverize the pride of the venomous snake Kāliya, O You who delight the people [of Vraja], O sun that makes the lotus of the Yadu dynasty bloom, O Deva, O Hari, may You be triumphant!
madhu-mura-naraka-vināśana! garuḍāsana! e
sura-kula-keli-nidāna! jaya jaya deva! hare (4)
O destroyer of the demons Madhu, Mura and Naraka, O You who ride upon Garuḍa and who inspire the demigods’ delightful play, O Deva, O Hari, may You be triumphant!
amala-kamala-dala-locana! bhava-mocana! e
tri-bhuvana-bhavana-nidhāna! jaya jaya deva! hare (5)
O You whose wide eyes resemble the petals of an immaculate lotus, O You who bestow emancipation from material existence and who are the foundation of the three worlds, O Deva, O Hari, may You be triumphant!
janaka-sutā-kṛta-bhūṣaṇa! jita-dūṣaṇa! e
samara-śamita-daśakaṇṭha! jaya jaya deva! hare (6)
O You who are decorated by the daughter of King Janaka (Sītā-devī), O You who defeated the demon Dūṣaṇa and killed the ten-headed Rāvaṇa in battle, O Deva, O Hari, may You be triumphant!
abhinava-jaladhara-sundara! dhṛta-mandara! e
śrī-mukha-candra-cakora! jaya jaya deva! hare (7)
O You whose complexion is lustrous like a fresh raincloud, O You who hold the Mandara Mountain and who are the cakora bird incessantly attached to the moonlike face of Śrī Rādhā, O Hari, O Deva, may You be triumphant!
tava caraṇe praṇatā vayam iti bhāvaya e
kuru kuśalaṁ praṇateṣu jaya jaya deva! hare (8)
O Lord, we have taken exclusive refuge at Your lotus feet. Please bestow auspiciousness upon Your surrendered servants [by blessing us with prema-bhakti], O Deva, O Hari, may You be triumphant!
śrī-jayadeva-kaver idaṁ kurute mudam
maṅgalam-ujjvala-gītaṁ jaya jaya deva! hare (9)
May this radiant and auspicious song, composed by Śrī Jayadeva, increase happiness [for You and for Your devotees who hear and recite it], O Deva, O Hari, may You be triumphant!
Śrī Jagannāthāṣṭakam
kadācit kālindī-taṭa-vipina-saṅgītaka-varo
mudābhīrī-nārī-vadana-kamalāsvāda-madhupaḥ
ramā-śambhu-brahmāmara-pati-gaṇeśārcita-pado
jagannāthaḥ svāmī nayana-patha-gāmī bhavatu me (1)
Sometimes He plays on His flute or sings supremely sweet songs within the groves along the banks of the Yamunā. Like a honey-thirsty bee, He jubilantly relishes the lotus faces of the gopīs. His feet are offered worship by Laksmi, Śiva, Brahmā, Indra, and Gaṇeśa. May Jagannātha Svāmī kindly enter the pathway of my vision.
bhuje savye veṇuṁ śirasi śikhi-picchaṁ kaṭitaṭe
dukūlaṁ netrānte sahacara-kaṭākṣaṁ ca vidadhate
sadā śrīmad-vṛndāvana-vasati-līlā-paricayo
jagannāthaḥ svāmī nayana-patha-gāmī bhavatu me (2)
In His left hand He holds a flute, upon His head He wears the tail plumes of a peacock, and around His waist is fine silken cloth. From the corners of His eyes He bestows sidelong glances upon His companions. It is known that His pastimes perpetually take place within the land of Śrī Vṛndāvana. May Jagannātha Svāmī kindly enter the pathway of my vision.
mahāmbhodhes tīre kanaka-rucire nīla-śikhare
vasan prāsādāntaḥ sahaja-balabhadreṇa balinā
subhadrā-madhya-sthaḥ sakala-sura-sevāvasarado
jagannāthaḥ svāmī nayana-patha-gāmī bhavatu me (3)
On the shore of the great ocean, within His palace atop the brilliant golden crest of Nilācala, the blue mountain, He resides with His powerful brother Baladevajī, with Their very beautiful sister, Subhadrā, between them. He bestows the opportunity of service upon all the demigods. May Jagannātha Svāmī kindly enter the pathway of my vision.
kṛpā-pārāvāraḥ sajala-jalada-śreṇi-ruciro
ramā-vāṇī-rāmaḥ sphurad-amala-paṅkeruha-mukhaḥ
surendrair ārādhyaḥ śruti-gaṇa-śikhā-gīta-carito
jagannāthaḥ svāmī nayana-patha-gāmī bhavatu me (4)
He is an ocean of mercy and His bodily complexion is as beautiful as a bank of blackish rain clouds. Delighting Lakṣmī and Sarasvatī, His face resembles a fully blossomed and spotless lotus. He is worshiped by the foremost of the demigods, and His transcendental glories are sung by the topmost scriptures. May Jagannātha Svāmī kindly enter the pathway of my vision.
rathārūḍho gacchan pathi milita-bhūdeva-paṭalaiḥ
stuti-prādurbhāvaṁ prati-padam upākarṇya sa-dayaḥ
dayā-sindhur bandhuḥ sakala-jagatāṁ sindhu-sutayā
jagannāthaḥ svāmī nayana-patha-gāmī bhavatu me (5)
As Jagannāthadeva travels along the road mounted upon His chariot, He is met at every step by throngs of brāhmaṇas who sing His praises. Upon hearing them, He bestows mercy upon them. He is an ocean of mercy and the true friend of all the worlds. May Jagannātha Svāmī, accompanied by Lakṣmi-devī, the daughter of the ocean, kindly enter the pathway of my vision.
param-brahmāpīḍaḥ kuvalaya-dalotphulla-nayano
nivāsī nīlādrau nihita-caraṇo ’nanta-śirasi
rasānandī rādhā-sarasa-vapur-āliṅgana-sukho
jagannāthaḥ svāmī nayana-patha-gāmī bhavatu me (6)
Śrī Jagannāthadeva is the crest-jewel of all manifestations of the Supreme Absolute Truth, and His eyes are like the petals of a fully blossomed blue lotus. He resides at Nīlācala, and His feet are placed on the head of Anantaśeṣa-nāga. Being blissfully immersed in bhakti-rasa, He derives great happiness from embracing the rasa-laden body of Śrīmatī Rādhikā. May Jagannātha Svāmī kindly enter the pathway of my vision.
na vai yāce rājyaṁ na ca kanaka-māṇikya-vibhavaṁ
na yāce ’haṁ ramyāṁ sakala-jana-kāmyāṁ vara-vadhūm
sadā kāle kāle pramatha-patinā gīta-carito
jagannāthaḥ svāmī nayana-patha-gāmī bhavatu me (7)
I do not pray for a kingdom, nor for gold, jewels, wealth, nor for a delightful wife as desired by all men. My only prayer is that Śrī Jagannāthadeva, whose splendid glories are always sung at every moment by Śiva (the lord of ghosts, demons, and goblins), may kindly enter the pathway of my vision.
hara tvaṁ saṁsāraṁ drutataram asāraṁ sura-pate!
hara tvaṁ pāpānāṁ vitatim aparāṁ yādava-pate!
aho dīne ’nāthe nihita-caraṇo niścitam idaṁ
jagannāthaḥ svāmī nayana-patha-gāmī bhavatu me (8)
O Master of godly beings! Kindly remove this fleeting and meaningless worldly existence. O Lord of the Yadus! Kindly purge me of my ocean of sins that has no shore. Aho! It is certain that You bestow Your lotus feet upon those who are lowly and devoid of any shelter. May Jagannātha Svāmī kindly enter the pathway of my vision.
jagannāthāṣṭakaṁ puṇyaṁ yaḥ paṭhet prayataḥ śuci
sarva-pāpa-viśuddhātmā viṣṇu-lokaṁ sa gacchati (9)
One who carefully recites this sacred Jagannāthāṣṭakam, upon becoming sinless and pure-hearted, will attain entrance into Viṣṇuloka.
Vande Kṛṣṇam Nanda Kumāram
vande kṛṣṇaṁ nanda-kumāram
nanda-kumāraṁ nava-nīta-cauram (1)
I adore Kṛṣṇa, the young son of Mahārāja Nanda, who is a thief of fresh butter.
muni-jana-lobhaṁ mohana-rūpam
muralī-lolaṁ madana-gopālam (2)
I worship Kṛṣṇa, who awakens greed in the hearts of the munis, whose form is enchanting, whose muralī flute sways to and fro [in His hand], and who is the God of love and the protector of the cows.
śrī-dharaṇīṣam jagad-ādhāram
veṇu-vilolaṁ vedānta-sāram (3)
I worship Kṛṣṇa, who is the Lord of Lakṣmī-devī (the goddess of fortune) and Pṛthivī-devī (the earth goddess) and the sustainer of this cosmic manifestation. His veṇu flute sways to and fro [in His hand], and He is the very essence of the conclusive truths of the Vedas.
upātta-kavalaṁ parāga-śabalam
vande kṛṣṇaṁ nanda-kumāram (4)
Śrī Vraja-rāja-sutāṣṭakam
nava-nīrada-nindita-kānti-dharaṁ rasa-sāgara-nāgara-bhūpa-varam śubha-vaṅkima-cāru-śikhaṇḍa-śikhaṁ bhaja kṛṣṇa-nidhiṁ vraja-rāja-sutam (1)
His complexion rebukes the hue of a fresh thundercloud. He is an ocean of rasa and the king of paramours. His head is adorned with the crest of a lovely peacock feather, auspiciously tilted [to the left in obeisance to the feet of Śrī Rādhā]. Just worship the treasure of Śrī Kṛṣṇa, son of the king of Vraja.
bhru-viśaṅkita-vaṅkima-śakra-dhanuṁ mukha-candra-vinindita-koṭi-vidhum mṛdu-manda-suhāsya-subhāṣya-yutaṁ bhaja kṛṣṇa-nidhiṁ vraja-rāja-sutam (2)
His arching eyebrows resemble the bow of Indra (the rainbow). His moonlike face belittles millions of moons. He has a mild, gentle, sweet smile and fine speech. Just worship the treasure of Śrī Kṛṣṇa, son of the king of Vraja.
suvikampad-anaṅga-sad-aṅga-dharaṁ vraja-vāsi-manohara-veśa-karam bhṛśa-lāñchita-nīla-saroja-dṛśaṁ bhaja kṛṣṇa-nidhiṁ vraja-rāja-sutam (3)
Kṛsna’s trembling form (aṅga) is the true body of Anaṅga . His way of dressing fascinates the residents of Vraja. He is adorned with extraordinary eyes that resemble blue lotuses. Just worship the treasure of Śrī Kṛṣṇa, son of the king of Vraja.
alakāvali-maṇḍita-bhāla-taṭaṁ śruti-dolita-mākara-kuṇḍalakam kaṭi-veṣṭita-pīta-paṭam sudhaṭaṁ bhaja kṛṣṇa-nidhiṁ vraja-rāja-sutam (4)
His brow is surrounded by rows of curly locks, on His ears swing mākara-shaped earrings, and His waist is nicely attired in yellow silken cloth. Just worship the treasure of Śrī Kṛṣṇa, son of the king of Vraja!
kala-nūpura-rājita-cāru-padaṁ maṇi-rañjita-gañjita-bhṛṅga-madam dhvaja-vajra-jhaṣāṅkita-pāda-yugaṁ bhaja kṛṣṇa-nidhiṁ vraja-rāja-sutam (5)
Ankle bells tinkle and illuminate His beautiful feet, which are adorned by charming jewelled ornaments. The fragrance of those feet intoxicates enraptured honey bees. Those two feet are marked with the flag, thunderbolt, fish [and other charming symbols]. Just worship the treasure of Śrī Kṛṣṇa, son of the king of Vraja.
bhṛśa-candana-carcita-cāru-tanuṁ maṇi-kaustubha-garhita-bhānu-tanum vraja-bāla-śiromaṇi-rūpa-dhṛtaṁ bhaja kṛṣṇa-nidhiṁ vraja-rāja-sutam (6)
His beautiful body is smeared generously with sandalwood paste. The light from His Kaustubha gem eclipses the sun. He has appeared as the crest-jewel of young boys in Vraja. Just worship the treasure of Śrī Kṛṣṇa, son of the king of Vraja.
sura-vṛnda-suvandya-mukunda-hariṁ sura-nātha-śiromaṇi-sarva-gurum giridhāri-murāri-purāri-paraṁ bhaja kṛṣṇa-nidhiṁ vraja-rāja-sutam (7)
He is nicely worshiped by the hosts of gods as Mukunda (He who bestows liberation) and Hari (He who dispels inauspiciousness). He is the crown-jewel of lords of all gods and is the guru of all. He is the lifter of Giri-Govardhana, the killer of the Mura demon, and He is the master of Lord Śiva. Just worship the treasure of Śrī Kṛṣṇa, son of the king of Vraja.
vṛṣabhānu-sutā-vara-keli-paraṁ rasa-rāja-śiromaṇi-veśa-dharam jagad-īśvaram īśvaram īḍya-varaṁ bhaja kṛṣṇa-nidhiṁ vraja-rāja-sutam (8)
He is immersed in sweet, amorous play with the daughter of Vṛṣabhānu Mahārāja. His attire is that of rasa-rāja-śiromaṇi, the crest jewel of emperors who relish transcendental mellows. He is the master of the cosmic manifestation, the Supreme Controller, and the best amongst all those worthy of worship. Just worship the treasure of Śrī Kṛṣṇa, son of the king of Vraja.
Śrī Dāmodarāṣṭakam
namāmīśvaraṁ sac-cid-ānanda-rūpaṁ
lasat-kuṇḍalaṁ gokule bhrājamānam
yaśodā-bhiyolūkhalād dhāvamānaṁ
parāmṛṣṭam atyantato drutya gopyā (1)
I worship the Supreme Controller, whose form is eternal, full of knowledge and bliss, upon whose cheeks, makara-shaped earrings are swinging, and who shines most brilliantly in Gokula. Running away from the grinding mortar in great fear of Mother Yaśodā, He was ultimately caught from behind.
rudantaṁ muhur netra-yugmaṁ mṛjantaṁ
karāmbhoja-yugmena sātaṅka-netram
muhuḥ śvāsa-kampa-tri-rekhāṅka-kaṇṭha-
sthita-graiva-dāmodaraṁ bhakti-baddham (2)
Weeping incessantly, He rubs His eyes with His two lotus hands. His eyes are filled with fear. He takes heavy breaths again and again that cause the pearls and other ornaments around His neck, which is marked by three gracefully curving lines, to tremble. [I offer praṇāma unto] that Dāmodara, who is bound by His mother’s vātsalya-bhakti.
itīdṛk sva-līlābhir ānanda-kuṇḍe
sva-ghoṣaṁ nimajjantam ākhyāpayantam
tadīyeśita-jñeṣu bhaktair jitatvaṁ
punaḥ prematas taṁ śatāvṛtti vande (3)
Through pastimes such as these, He drowns the residents of Gokula in pools of bliss, thereby informing people who are aware of His Godhood that He can only be conquered by His devotees. Hundreds of times, I again offer loving obeisances to Him.
varaṁ deva! mokṣaṁ na mokṣāvadhiṁ vā
na cānyaṁ vṛṇe ’haṁ vareśād apīha
idaṁ te vapur nātha! gopāla-bālaṁ
sadā me manasy āvirāstāṁ kim anyaiḥ (4)
O Deva, I do not ask for liberation [from this world], nor the highest liberation [of residence in Vaikuṇṭha]. Nor do I seek any other benediction4 from You, the supreme benefactor. O Nātha! May this form of Yours as Bāla-gopāla (a little cowherd boy) in Vṛndāvana forever remain visible in my heart. What is the use of any other benediction?
idaṁ te mukhāmbhojam avyakta-nīlair
vṛtaṁ kuntalaiḥ snigdha-raktaiś ca gopyā
muhuś cumbitaṁ bimba-raktādharaṁ me
manasy āvirāstām alaṁ lakṣa-lābhaiḥ (5)
Your lotus-like face, encircled by soft, blackish-blue curly locks of hair that have a reddish glow, is repeatedly kissed by the gopī Śrī Yaśodā. May Your lotus face, with lips like red bimba-fruit, always remain manifest in my heart. I do not care about millions of other attainments.
namo deva! dāmodarānanta viṣṇo!
prasīda prabho! duḥkha-jālābdhi-magna
kṛpā-dṛṣṭi-vṛṣṭyāti-dīnaṁ batānu
gṛhāṇeśa! mām ajñam edhy akṣi-dṛśyaḥ (6)
O Deva! O Dāmodara! O Ananta! O Viṣṇu! Obeisances unto You! O Prabhu, be pleased with me. I am drowning in an ocean of miseries. Alas, I am most afflicted and do not know what to do. O Īśa, shower me with Your merciful glance and kindly uplift me by becoming directly visible to my eyes.
kuverātmajau baddha-mūrtyaiva yadvat
tvayā mocitau bhakti-bhājau kṛtau ca
tathā prema-bhaktiṁ svakāṁ me prayaccha
na mokṣe graho me ’sti dāmodareha (7)
Just as You freed the two sons of Kuvera, even while bound around the belly, and made them recipients of devotion, similarly, please bestow upon me profuse prema-bhakti to You [in Your form as a little cowherd boy]. O Dāmodara! I long for this alone; I do not want any other kind of liberation.
namas te ’stu dāmne sphurad-dīpti-dhāmne
tvadīyodarāyātha viśvasya dhāmne
namo rādhikāyai tvadīya priyāyai
namo ’nanta-līlāya devāya tubhyam (8)
O Dāmodara, I offer praṇāma to the rope binding Your belly, for it is an abode of brilliant effulgence. I offer praṇāma to Your belly, which is the mainstay of the entire universe. I offer praṇāma again and again to Śrīmatī Rādhikā, Your most beloved. And I offer praṇāma to You, my Divine Lord, who perform unlimited transcendental pastimes.
Śrī Govardhanāṣṭakam
kṛṣṇa-prasādena samasta-śaila-
sāmrājyam āpnoti ca vairiṇo ’pi
śakrasya yaḥ prāpa baliṁ sa sākṣād
govardhano me diśatām abhīṣṭam (1)
By the mercy of Śrī Kṛṣṇa, Govardhana became the emperor of all mountains and received the offerings [meant for Indra], despite Indra’s enmity. May that Govardhana fulfill my desire.
sva-preṣṭha-hastāmbuja-saukumārya-
sukhānubhūter ati-bhūmi-vṛtteḥ
mahendra-vajrāhatim apy ajānan
govardhano me diśatām abhīṣṭam (2)
Feeling the softness of his dear most Kṛṣṇa’s lotus hand when he was being held aloft by Him filled Govardhana with so much bliss that he did not even notice Indra’s thunderbolts striking his body. May that Govardhana fulfill my desire.
yatraiva kṛṣṇo vṛṣabhānu-putryā
dānaṁ gṛhītuṁ kalahaṁ vitene
śruteḥ spṛhā yatra mahaty ataḥ śrī-
govardhano me diśatām abhīṣṭam (3)
[At Dana-ghāṭī] Kṛṣṇa instigated a quarrel with the daughter of Vṛṣabhānu in order to extract tax. My great longing is to hear that sweet quarrel. May that Śrī Govardhana fulfill my desire.
snātvā saraḥ svāśu samīra-hastī
yatraiva nīpādi-parāga-dhūliḥ
ālolayan khelati cāru sa śrī-
govardhano me diśatām abhīṣṭam (4)
Like an elephant, the pleasant breeze, having just bathed in the lakes [such as Mānasī-gaṅgā], beautifully frolics, rolling about in the pollen ‘dust’ of kadamba and various other flowers. May that Śrī Govardhana fulfill my desire.
kastūrikābhiḥ śāyitaṁ kim atrety
ūhaṁ prabhoḥ svasya muhur vitanvan
naisargika-svīya-śilā-sugandhair
govardhano me diśatām abhīṣṭam (5)
“Did Śrī Kṛṣṇa sleep on a bed of musk here?” The natural, sweet fragrance of Govardhana’s śilās causes devotees to continuously contemplate in this way. May that Govardhana fulfill my desire.
vaṁśa-pratidhvany-anusāra-vartma
didṛkṣavo yatra hariṁ hariṇyaḥ
yāntyo labhante na hi vismitāḥ sa
govardhano me diśatām abhīṣṭam (6)
The deer on Govardhana start running upon hearing the sound of the wind blowing through the holes of all the bamboo trees, thinking that Kṛṣṇa is there playing His flute. Not finding Him, they are astonished and wander here and there searching for Him. May that Govardhana fulfill my desire.
yatraiva gaṅgām anu nāvi rādhām
ārohya madhye tu nimagna-naukaḥ
kṛṣṇo hi rādhānugalo babhau sa
govardhano me diśatām abhīṣṭam (7)
At Mānasī-gaṅgā, Śrī Rādhā boarded the boat [of Kṛṣṇa, who was disguised as a boatman]. When the boat reached the middle [of the lake], it began to sink. As She then tightly clung to Kṛṣṇa’s neck, They looked very beautiful. May that Govardhana fulfill my desire.
vinā bhavet kiṁ hari-dāsa-varya-
padāśrayaṁ bhaktir ataḥ śrayāmi
yam eva saprema nijeśayoḥ śrī-
govardhano me diśatām abhīṣṭam(8)
Without taking shelter of the feet of Govardhana, who is the best of Śrī Hari’s servants, how can one ever attain bhakti? For this reason, with the desire of attaining prema-bhakti for my Lord and Lady, I take shelter of him. May that Śrī Govardhana fulfill my desire.
etat paṭhed yo hari-dāsa-varya-
mahānubhāvāṣṭakam ārdra-cetāḥ
śrī-rādhikā-mādhavayoḥ padābja-
dāsyaṁ sa vinded acireṇa sākṣāt (9)
One who, with a melting heart, recites these eight verses about the best of the servants of Śrī Hari, which award splendid realizations, will without delay attain the direct service of the lotus feet of Śrī Rādhikā-Mādhava.
Śrī Gāndharvā-samprārthanāṣṭakam
vṛndāvane viharator iha keli-kuñje
matta-dvipa-pravara-kautuka-vibhrameṇa
sandarśayasva yuvayor vadanāravinda-
dvandvaṁ vidhehi mayi devi! kṛpāṁ prasīda (1)
Within the pleasure-groves of Śrī Vṛndāvana, You and Śrī Kṛṣṇa constantly delight in amorous pastimes, enthralled like two intoxicated elephants. O Devī, be pleased with me and mercifully grant me darśana of Your two lotus-like faces.
hā devi! kāku-bhara-gadgadayādya vācā
yāce nipatya bhuvi daṇḍavad udbhaṭārtiḥ
asya prasādam abudhasya janasya kṛtvā
gāndharvike! nija-gaṇe gaṇanāṁ vidhehi (2)
O Devī Gāndharvikā, In utter distress, falling to the ground like a rod, I implore you in a choked voice full of despair and pray at Your lotus feet: Please be merciful to this fool and count me as one of Your own.
śyāme! ramā-ramaṇa-sundaratā-variṣṭha-
saundarya-mohita-samasta-jagaj-janasya
śyāmasya vāma-bhuja-baddha-tanuṁ kadāhaṁ
tvām indirā-virala-rūpa-bharāṁ bhajāmi? (3)
O Śyāmā, the entire world is enchanted by the beauty of Lakṣmī-Nārāyaṇa, but the beauty of You embraced by Śyāma with His left arm, is super excellent. When will I worship You, whose unique beauty is rare even for Lakṣmī devī?
tvāṁ pracchadena mudira-cchavinā pidhāya
mañjīra-mukta-caraṇāṁ ca vidhāya devi!
kuñje vrajendra-tanayena virājamāne
naktaṁ kadā pramuditām abhisārayiṣye? (4)
O Devī, when will I cover You in a raincloud-colored garment, remove the ankle bells from Your feet, and lead You, full of delight, to a gorgeous kuñja for a noctural rendezvous with Śrī Nanda-nandana?
kuñje prasūna-kula-kalpita-keli-talpe
saṁviṣṭayor madhura-narma-vilāsa-bhājoḥ
loka-trayābharaṇayoś caraṇāmbujāni
saṁvāhayiṣyati kadā yuvayor jano ’yam? (5)
Within a kuñja, on a pleasure-bed made of many kinds of flowers, You two, who are the ornaments of the three worlds, recline as You enjoy sweet, joking pastimes. Oh, when [at such a time] will this person massage Your lotus feet?
tvat-kuṇḍa-rodhasi vilāsa-pariśrameṇa
svedāmbu-cumbi-vadanāmburuha-śriyau vām
vṛndāvaneśvari! kadā taru-mūla-bhājau
saṁvījayāmi camarī-caya-cāmareṇa? (6)
O Vṛndāvaneśvarī, due to the exertion of love-sports on the bank of Your pond, drops of perspiration caress the lotus faces of You and Your beloved. As You both sit [resting] in the shade of a tree, when will I fan Your bodies with a cāmara?
līnāṁ nikuñja-kuhare bhavatīṁ mukunde citraiva sūcitavatī rucirākṣi! nāham bhugnāṁ bhruvaṁ na racayeti mṛṣā-ruṣāṁ tvām agre vrajendra-tanayasya kadā nu neṣye? (7)
“O beautiful-eyed Rādhikā, it was Citra Sakhī, not I, who informed Mukunda of Your hiding place in the kuñja! Do not furrow Your eyebrows and become unfairly angry at me.” When will I thus appease You in the presence of Vrajendra-nandana?
vāg-yuddha-keli-kutuke vraja-rāja-sūnuṁ
jitvonmadām adhika-darpa-vikāsi-jalpām
phullābhir ālibhir analpam udīryamāṇa-
stotrāṁ kadā nu bhavatīm avalokayiṣye? (8)
When, in a prankish mood, You defeat Vrajendra-nandana in a battle of words, You become exceedingly jubilant. You exult in the pride of Your oratory prowess as You are extolled by Your overjoyed sakhīs. When will I behold You in such a state?
yaḥ ko ’pi suṣṭhu vṛṣabhānu-kumārikāyāḥ
samprārthanāṣṭakam idaṁ paṭhati prapannaḥ
sā preyasā saha sametya dhṛta-pramodā
tatra prasāda-laharīm urarī-karoti (9)
Anyone who takes shelter of Śrī Vṛṣabhānu-nandinī, Śrī Rādhikā, by regularly reciting this entreaty with great faith will surely please Her, along with Her beloved Śrī Kṛṣṇa, thus becoming the recipient of the waves of Their profuse mercy.
Śrī Lalitāṣṭakam
rādhā-mukunda-pada-sambhava-gharma-bindu-
nirmañchanopakaraṇī-kṛta-deha-lakṣām
uttuṅga-sauhṛda-viśeṣa-vaśāt pragalbhāṁ
devīṁ guṇaiḥ sulalitāṁ lalitāṁ namāmi (1)
Her body is engaged in wiping away glittering drops of perspiration from the lotus feet of Śrī Śrī Rādhā-Mādhava. In superlative sauhṛda-rasa, she always remains independent. I offer praṇāma unto the bold and fearless Lalitā-devī, who is a repository of charming qualities.
rākā-sudhā-kiraṇa-maṇḍala-kānti-daṇḍi-
vaktra-śriyaṁ cakita-cāru-camūru-netrām
rādhā-prasādhana-vidhāna-kalā-prasiddhāṁ
devīṁ guṇaiḥ sulalitāṁ lalitāṁ namāmi (2)
Her beautiful face mocks the brilliance of the full moon. Her lovely eyes are [ever restless] like those of a startled doe. She is renowned for her extraordinary expertise in the art of dressing Śrīmatī Rādhikā. I offer praṇāma unto Lalitā-devī, who is a repository of charming qualities.
lāsyollasad-bhujaga-śatru-patatra-citra-
paṭṭāṁśukābharaṇa-kañculikāñcitāṅgīm
gorocanā-ruci-vigarhaṇa-gaurimāṇaṁ
devīṁ guṇaiḥ sulalitāṁ lalitāṁ namāmi (3)
Her silk dress is as beautiful as the wonderfully multicolored feathers of an estatically dancing peacock. Her body is nicely adorned with various kinds of jeweled ornaments and a bodice. Her golden complexion defeats the lustre of gorocanā. I offer praṇāma unto Lalitā-devī, who is a repository of charming qualities.
dhūrte vrajendra-tanaye tanu suṣṭhu-vāmyaṁ
mā dakṣiṇā bhava kalaṅkini lāghavāya
rādhe giraṁ śṛṇu hitām iti śikṣayantīṁ
devīṁ guṇaiḥ sulalitāṁ lalitāṁ namāmi (4)
“O Kalaṅkini (unchaste one)! Vrajendranandana is very cunning, so be firm in Your contrariness. Don’t give into gentle submission. O Rādhe, listen to these beneficial words.” In this way, she gives instructions. I offer praṇāma unto Lalitā-devī, who is a repository of charming qualities.
rādhām abhi vraja-pateḥ kṛtam ātmajena
kūṭaṁ manāg api vilokya vilohitākṣīm
vāg-bhaṅgibhis tam acireṇa vilajjayantīṁ
devīṁ guṇaiḥ sulalitāṁ lalitāṁ namāmi (5)
Upon hearing Vrajendranandana speak even a few crafty words to Śrīmatī Rādhikā, her eyes become red [with fury] and she immediately addresses Him with sarcastic words [such as, “You are so truthful, simple-hearted, and such a chaste lover!”], thus embarrassing Him. I offer praṇāma unto Lalitā-devī, who is a repository of charming qualities.
vātsalya-vṛnda-vasatiṁ paśupāla-rājñyāḥ
sakhyānuśikṣaṇa-kalāsu guruṁ sakhīnām
rādhā-balāvaraja-jīvita-nirviśeṣāṁ
devīṁ guṇaiḥ sulalitāṁ lalitāṁ namāmi (6)
She is the resting place of the vatsalya-rasa of goparāja Nanda’s Queen, Śrī Yaśodā-devī. As the instructing guru of all the sakhīs, she teaches them the art of friendship. She is the very life of Śrīmatī Rādhikā and of the younger brother of Baladeva. I offer praṇāma unto Lalitā-devī, who is a repository of charming qualities.
yāṁ kām api vraja-kule vṛṣabhānu-jāyāḥ
prekṣya sva-pakṣa-padavīm anurudhyamānām
sadyas tad-iṣṭa-ghaṭanena kṛtārthayantīṁ
devīṁ guṇaiḥ sulalitāṁ lalitāṁ namāmi (7)
Upon seeing any young maiden anywhere in Vraja and discerning that she is inclined toward Vṛṣabhānu-nandini, Lalitā immediately fulfills all of that maiden’s internal desires and makes her life successful. I offer praṇāma unto Lalitā-devī, who is a repository of charming qualities.
rādhā-vrajendra-suta-saṅgama-raṅga-caryāṁ
varyāṁ viniścitavatīm akhilotsavebhyaḥ
tāṁ gokula-priya-sakhī-nikuramba-mukhyāṁ
devīṁ guṇaiḥ sulalitāṁ lalitāṁ namāmi (8)
Her primary engagement is providing pleasure for Śrīmatī Rādhikā and Vrajendrananda by arranging Their meetings, which she considers to be the best of all festivals. She is the foremost among all priya-sakhīs of Gokula. I offer praṇāma unto Lalitā-devī, who is a repository of charming qualities.
nandann amūni lalitā-guṇa-lālitāni
padyāni yaḥ paṭhati nirmala-dṛṣṭir aṣṭau
prītyā vikarṣati janaṁ nija-vṛnda-madhye
taṁ kīrtidā-pati-kulojjvala-kalpa-vallī (9)
One who, with a cheerful and pure heart recites these eight verses [in praise of Lalitā-devī], which are extremely beautiful due to her charming qualities, is affectionately drawn to Śrīmatī Rādhikā—the brilliant wish-fulfilling creeper of the dynasty of Vṛṣabhānu Mahārāja—and enters Her own group of sakhīs [who She counts among Her very own].
Śrī Yamunāṣṭakam
bhrātur antakasya pattane ’bhipatti-hāriṇī
prekṣayāti-pāpino ’pi pāpa-sindhu-tāriṇī
nīra-mādhurībhir apy aśeṣa-citta-bandhinī
māṁ punātu sarvadāravinda-bandhu-nandinī (1)
She stops one from having to go to the city of her brother Yamarāja (the lord of death). Simply by her darśana, she delivers even the most wicked of people from an ocean of sins. Her sweet waters captivate everyone’s heart. May Yamunā-devī, daughter of the sun god Sūrya-deva [who, in this song, is called Aravinda-bandhu, friend of the lotus], always purify me.
hāri-vāri-dhārayābhimaṇḍitoru-khāṇḍavā
puṇḍarīka-maṇḍalodyad-aṇḍajāli-tāṇḍavā
snāna-kāma-pāmarogra-pāpa-sampad-andhinī
māṁ punātu sarvadāravinda-bandhu-nandinī (2)
She adorns Indra’s immense Khāṇḍava forest with her enchanting current, and upon her blooming white lotuses, birds such as wagtails always dance. [What to speak of bathing,] simply desiring to bathe in her waters frees a sinner from his many heinous sins. May Yamunā-devī, daughter of Sūrya-deva, always purify me.
śīkarābhimṛṣṭa-jantu-durvipāka-mardinī
nanda-nandanāntaraṅga-bhakti-pūra-vardhinī
tīra-saṅgamābhilāṣi-maṅgalānubandhinī
māṁ punātu sarvadāravinda-bandhu-nandinī (3)
Touching but a single drop of her water nullifies a person’s most heinous of crimes. She increases the current of rāgānuga-bhakti for Śrī Nanda-nandana and brings auspiciousness to anyone who simply desires to reside on her banks. May Yamunā-devī, daughter of Sūrya-deva, always purify me.
dvīpa-cakravāla-juṣṭa-sapta-sindhu-bhedinī
śrī-mukunda-nirmitoru-divya-keli-vedinī
kānti-kandalībhir indranīla-vṛnda-nindinī
māṁ punātu sarvadāravinda-bandhu-nandinī (4)
She is worshiped by the continents of the Earth, because she divides the seven oceans. [In other words, she merges with them]. She is thoroughly acquainted with the divine play of Śrī Mukunda. The luster of her waters censures a host of blue sapphires. May Yamunā-devī, daughter of Sūrya-deva, always purify me.
māthureṇa maṇḍalena cāruṇābhimaṇḍitā
prema-naddha-vaiṣṇavādhva-vardhanāya paṇḍitā
ūrmi-dor-vilāsa-padmanābha-pāda-vandinī
māṁ punātu sarvadāravinda-bandhu-nandinī (5)
She is ornamented by the enchanting land of Mathurā-maṇḍala and she expertly impels Vaiṣṇavas, who are bound by prema, to move forward on the path of rāgānuga-bhakti. With the playful arms of her waves she worships Padmanābha Śrī Kṛṣṇa’s lotus feet. May Yamunā-devī, daughter of Sūrya-deva, always purify me.
ramya-tīra-rambhamāṇa-go-kadamba-bhūṣitā
divya-gandha-bhāk-kadamba-puṣpa-rāji-rūṣitā
nanda-sūnu-bhakta-saṅgha-saṅgamābhinandinī
māṁ punātu sarvadāravinda-bandhu-nandinī (6)
Her charming banks are adorned by large numbers of loudly mooing cows and perfumed by celestial fragrances emanating from the flowers of rows of kadamba trees. She is overjoyed by the gathering of Śrī Nanda-nandana’s bhaktas [on those banks]. May Yamunā-devī, daughter of Sūrya-deva, always purify me.
phulla-pakṣa-mallikākṣa-haṁsa-lakṣa-kūjitā
bhakti-viddha-deva-siddha-kinnarāli-pūjitā
tīra-gandhavāha-gandha-janma-bandha-randhinī
māṁ punātu sarvadāravinda-bandhu-nandinī (7)
She is filled with the sounds of hundreds and thousands of sweetly warbling mallikākṣa swans, their wings spread wide. She is worshiped by the devas, siddhas, kinnaras, and persons whose hearts are dedicated to the service of Śrī Hari. The slightest touch of breezes from her banks eradicates the bondage of rebirth. May Yamunā-devī, daughter of Sūrya-deva, always purify me.
cid-vilāsa-vāri-pūra-bhūr-bhuvaḥ-svar-āpinī
kīrtitāpi durmadoru-pāpa-marma-tāpinī
ballavendra-nandanāṅgarāga-bhaṅga-gandhinī
māṁ punātu sarvadāravinda-bandhu-nandinī (8)
Her currents fill the three worlds, Bhuh, Bhuvah, and Svah, with transcendental knowledge (cid-vilāsa). Just uttering her glories burns the greatest deeply-rooted sins to ashes. She is supremely fragrant, due to unguents [such as sandal-paste and kuṅkuma] coming from the body of Ballavendra-nandana Kṛṣṇa. May Yamunā-devī, daughter of Sūrya-deva, always purify me.
tuṣṭa-buddhir aṣṭakena nirmalormi-ceṣṭitāṁ
tvām anena bhānu-putri! sarva-deva-veṣṭitām
yaḥ stavīti vardhayasva sarva-pāpa-mocane
bhakti-pūram asya devi! puṇḍarīka-locane (9)
O Sūryaputri! Devī! O Yamunā, whose powerful waves are purifying and who is surrounded by all the demigods! For those persons of satisfied intelligence who recite this prayer, please increase their current of bhakti for the lotus-eyed Śrī Kṛṣṇa, who liberates people from all their sins. This is my supplication at your feet.
Rādhe! Jaya Jaya Mādhava-dayite!
rādhe! jaya jaya mādhava-dayite!
gokula-taruṇī-maṇḍala-mahite (1)
O Rādhe! All glories to You, O beloved of Mādhava! Your glories are sung by the circle of the youthful maidens of Gokula.
dāmodara-rati-vardhana-veśe!
hari-niṣkuṭa-vṛndāvipineśe! (2)
O You whose attire increases Dāmodara’s loving attachment! O Queen of the Vṛndāvana forest, the pleasure garden of Śrī Hari!
vṛṣabhānūdadhi-nava-śaśi-lekhe!
lalitā-sakhi! guṇa-ramita-viśākhe! (3)
From the ocean of Vṛṣabhānu Mahārāja You arise like the new moon! O dear most friend of Lalitā! O You who captivate the heart of Viśākhā with Your charming qualities!
karuṇāṁ kuru mayi karuṇā-bharite!
sanaka-sanātana-varṇita-carite! (4)
Bestow Your compassion upon me, O You who brims with compassion! Your transcendental qualities and character are described by Sanaka and Sanātana! [Even the naiṣṭikī brahmacārīs] Sanaka and Sanātana describe Your transcendental character and pastimes!