Shri Govinda Ashtakam
Introduction to Shri Govinda Ashtakam
The Shri Govinda Ashtakam beginning with "Satyam Jnanamanantam" is a magnificent eight-verse composition attributed to Adi Shankaracharya. This profound hymn extols the supreme nature of Lord Govinda (Krishna) as the embodiment of truth, knowledge, and infinity. It beautifully describes the cosmic form and divine pastimes of the Lord who protects the earth and its creatures.
The name "Govinda" carries deep spiritual significance — it means the protector of cows, the giver of pleasure to the senses, and the one who is known through the Vedas. This ashtakam systematically reveals these divine aspects, guiding the devotee through layers of philosophical wisdom and devotional ecstasy.
Reciting the Govinda Ashtakam with understanding and devotion is believed to grant spiritual wisdom, inner peace, and the grace of Lord Krishna. It is especially beneficial for those seeking deeper understanding of Vedantic philosophy combined with heartfelt devotion.
Shri Govinda Ashtakam: Sanskrit, English & Tamil Verses
॥ श्रीगोविन्दाष्टकम् ॥
सत्यं ज्ञानमनन्तं नित्यमनाकाशं परमाकाशं
गोष्ठप्राङ्गणरिङ्गणलोलमनायासं परमायासम्।
मायाकल्पितनानाकारमनाकारं भुवनाकारं
क्ष्मामा नाथमनाथं प्रणमत गोविन्दं परमानन्दम्॥1॥
मृत्स्नामत्सीहेति यशोदाताडनशैशवसंत्रासं
व्यादितवक्त्रालोकितलोकालोकचतुर्दशलोकालिम्।
लोकत्रयपुरमूलस्तम्भं लोकालोकमनालोकं
लोकेशं परमेशं प्रणमत गोविन्दं परमानन्दम्॥2॥
त्रैविष्टपरिपुवीरघ्नं क्षितिभारघ्नं भवरोगघ्नं
कैवल्यं नवनीताहारमनाहारं भुवनाहारम्।
वैमल्यस्फुटचेतोवृत्तिविशेषाभासमनाभासं
शैवं केवलशान्तं प्रणमत गोविन्दं परमानन्दम्॥3॥
गोपालं भुलीलाविग्रहगोपालं कुलगोपालं
गोपीखेलनगोवर्धनधृतिलीलालालितगोपालम्।
गोभिर्निगदितगोविन्दस्फुटनामानं बहुनामानं
गोपीगोचरदूरं प्रणमत गोविन्दं परमानन्दम्॥4॥
गोपीमण्डलगोष्ठीभेदं भेदावस्थमभेदाभं
शश्वद्गोखुरनिर्धूतोद्धतधूलीधूसरसौभाग्यम्।
श्रद्धाभक्तिगृहीतानन्दमचिन्त्यं चिन्तितसद्भावं
चिन्तामणिमहिमानं प्रणमत गोविन्दं परमानन्दम्॥5॥
स्नानव्याकुलयोषिद्वस्त्रमुपादायागमुपारूढं
व्यादित्सन्तीरथ दिग्वस्त्रा ह्युपदातुमुपाकर्षन्तम्।
निर्धूतद्वयशोकविमोहं बुद्धं बुद्धेरन्तःस्थं
सत्तामात्रशरीरं प्रणमत गोविन्दं परमानन्दम्॥6॥
कान्तं कारणकारणमादिमनादिं कालमनाभासं
कालिन्दीगतकालियशिरसि मुहुर्नृत्यन्तं नृत्यन्तम्।
कालं कालकलातीतं कलिताशेषं कलिदोषघ्नं
कालत्रयगतिहेतुं प्रणमत गोविन्दं परमानन्दम्॥7॥
वृन्दावनभुवि वृन्दारकगणवृन्दाराध्यं वन्देऽहं
कुन्दाभामलमन्दस्मेरसुधानन्दं सुहृदानन्दम्।
वन्द्याशेषमहामुनिमानसवन्द्यानन्दपदद्वन्द्वं
वन्द्याशेषगुणाब्धिं प्रणमत गोविन्दं परमानन्दम्॥8॥
गोविन्दाष्टकमेतदधीते गोविन्दार्पितचेता यो
गोविन्दाच्युत माधवविष्णो गोकुलनायक कृष्णेति।
गोविन्दाङ्घ्रिसरोजध्यानसुधाजलधौतसमस्ताघो
गोविन्दं परमानन्दामृतमन्तःस्थं स समभ्येति॥9॥
॥ इति श्रीमच्छङ्कराचार्यविरचितं श्रीगोविन्दाष्टकं सम्पूर्णम् ॥
॥ Shri Govindashtakam ॥
Satyam Jnaanamanantam Nityamanaakasham Paramaakasham
GoshthapraanganaRinganalOlamanayaasam Paramayaasam।
Mayakalpitanaanaakaramanaakaram Bhuvanaakaram
Kshmama Naathamanaatham Pranamata Govindam Paramanandam॥1॥
MritsnaaMatsiheti Yashodataadanashaishavasamtrasam
VyaditavaktraalOkitalOkaalOkachaturdashalOkaalim।
Lokatrayapuramulastambham Lokalokamanaalokam
Lokesham Paramdesham Pranamata Govindam Paramanandam॥2॥
Traivishtaparipuviraghanam Kshitibharaghnam Bhavaroghagnam
Kaivalyam Navanitaaharamanaaharam Bhuvanaaharam।
VaimalyasphutachetOvrittiVisheshaabhasamanaabhasam
Shaivam Kevalashaantam Pranamata Govindam Paramanandam॥3॥
Gopalam Bhulilaavigrahagopaalam Kulagopaalam
GopikhelanagOvardhanadhritileelaalalitaGopalam।
GobhirnigaditagovindasphuTanaamanam Bahunaamanam
Gopigocharaduram Pranamata Govindam Paramanandam॥4॥
GopimandalaGoshThibhedam BhedaavasthamAbhedaabham
ShashvadgokhurnirdhuutoddhataDhuleedhoosaraSaubhagyam।
Shraddhaabhaktigrihitaanandamachintyam ChintitasadbhAvam
Chintamanimahimaanam Pranamata Govindam Paramanandam॥5॥
SnanavyaakulayOshidvastramupAdaayaagamuPaaroodham
Vyaditsantiratha Digvastra Hyupadaatumupaakarshantam।
NirdhutadvayashOkavimOham Buddham BuddheRantahstham
Sattaamaatrashariiram Pranamata Govindam Paramanandam॥6॥
Kaantam KaaranakaaranamaadimanaAdim KaalamanaAbhasam
Kaalindiigatakaaliyashirasi MuhurnrityaNtam Nrityantam।
Kaalam Kaalakalaatiitam KalitaasheSham KalidOShghnam
Kaalatrayagatihetum Pranamata Govindam Paramanandam॥7॥
Vrindaavanabhuvi VrindaarakaganaVrindaaradhyam VandeHam
KundaabhaamalamandaSmerasudhaanandam SuhridaAnandam।
VandyaasheShamahaaMunimAnasaVandyaanandapadadvandvam
VandyaasheShaGunaabdhim Pranamata Govindam Paramanandam॥8॥
Govindashtakametadadhite GovindaarpitachEta Yo
Govindaachyuta MaadhavaVishno GokulanaAyaka Krishneti।
GovindaanghriSarOjadhyaanaSudhaaJaladhautaSamastaaghO
Govindam Paramaanandaamritamantahstham Sa Samabhyeti॥9॥
॥ Iti Shrimachchhankaraacharyavirachitam Shri Govindashtakam Sampurnam ॥
॥ ஶ்ரீகோவிந்தாஷ்டகம் ॥
ஸத்யம் ஜ்ஞானமனந்தம் நித்யமனாகாஶம் பரமாகாஶம்
கோஷ்டப்ராங்கணரிங்கணலோலமனாயாஸம் பரமாயாஸம்।
மாயாகல்பிதனானாகாரமனாகாரம் புவனாகாரம்
க்ஷ்மாமா நாதமநாதம் ப்ரணமத கோவிந்தம் பரமானந்தம்॥1॥
ம்ருத்ஸ்நாமத்ஸீஹேதி யஶோதாதாடனஶைஶவஸந்த்ராஸம்
வ்யாதிதவக்த்ராலோகிதலோகாலோகசதுர்தஶலோகாலிம்।
லோகத்ரயபுரமூலஸ்தம்பம் லோகாலோகமனாலோகம்
லோகேஶம் பரமேஶம் ப்ரணமத கோவிந்தம் பரமானந்தம்॥2॥
த்ரைவிஷ்டபரிபுவீரக்னம் க்ஷிதிபாரக்னம் பவரோகக்னம்
கைவல்யம் நவனீதாஹாரமனாஹாரம் புவனாஹாரம்।
வைமல்யஸ்புடசேதோவ்ருத்திவிஶேஷாபாஸமநாபாஸம்
ஶைவம் கேவலஶாந்தம் ப்ரணமத கோவிந்தம் பரமானந்தம்॥3॥
கோபாலம் புலீலாவிக்ரஹகோபாலம் குலகோபாலம்
கோபீகேலனகோவர்தனத்ருதிலீலாலாலிதகோபாலம்।
கோபிர்னிகதிதகோவிந்தஸ்புடநாமானம் பஹுநாமானம்
கோபீகோசரதூரம் ப்ரணமத கோவிந்தம் பரமானந்தம்॥4॥
கோபீமண்டலகோஷ்டீபேதம் பேதாவஸ்தமபேதாபம்
ஶஶ்வத்கோகுரநிர்தூதோத்தததூலீதூஸரஸௌபாக்யம்।
ஶ்ரத்தாபக்திக்ருஹீதானந்தமசிந்த்யம் சிந்திதஸத்பாவம்
சிந்தாமணிமஹிமானம் ப்ரணமத கோவிந்தம் பரமானந்தம்॥5॥
ஸ்னாநவ்யாகுலயோஷித்வஸ்த்ரமுபாதாயாகமுபாரூடம்
வ்யாதித்ஸந்தீரத திக்வஸ்த்ரா ஹ்யுபதாதுமுபாகர்ஷந்தம்।
நிர்தூதத்வயஶோகவிமோஹம் புத்தம் புத்தேரந்தःஸ்தம்
ஸத்தாமாத்ரஶரீரம் ப்ரணமத கோவிந்தம் பரமானந்தம்॥6॥
காந்தம் காரணகாரணமாதிமநாதிம் காலமநாபாஸம்
காலிந்தீகதகாலியஶிரஸி முஹுர்ந்ருத்யந்தம் ந்ருத்யந்தம்।
காலம் காலகலாதீதம் கலிதாஶேஷம் கலிதோஷக்னம்
காலத்ரயகதிஹேதும் ப்ரணமத கோவிந்தம் பரமானந்தம்॥7॥
வ்ருந்தாவனபுவி வ்ருந்தாரககணவ்ருந்தாராத்யம் வந்தே(அ)ஹம்
குந்தாபாமலமந்தஸ்மேரஸுதானந்தம் ஸுஹ்ருதானந்தம்।
வந்த்யாஶேஷமஹாமுனிமானஸவந்த்யானந்தபதத்வந்த்வம்
வந்த்யாஶேஷகுணாப்திம் ப்ரணமத கோவிந்தம் பரமானந்தம்॥8॥
கோவிந்தாஷ்டகமேதததீதே கோவிந்தார்பிதசேதா யோ
கோவிந்தாச்யுத மாதவவிஷ்ணோ கோகுலநாயக க்ருஷ்ணேதி।
கோவிந்தாங்க்ரிஸரோஜத்யானஸுதாஜலதௌதஸமஸ்தாகோ
கோவிந்தம் பரமானந்தாம்ருதமந்தःஸ்தம் ஸ ஸமப்யேதி॥9॥
॥ இதி ஶ்ரீமச்சங்கராசார்யவிரசிதம் ஶ்ரீகோவிந்தாஷ்டகம் ஸம்பூர்ணம் ॥
॥ శ్రీగోవిందాష్టకం ॥
సత్యం జ్ఞానమనంతం నిత్యమనాకాశం పరమాకాశం
గోష్ఠప్రాంగణరింగణలోలమనాయాసం పరమాయాసం।
మాయాకల్పితనానాకారమనాకారం భువనాకారం
క్ష్మామా నాథమనాథం ప్రణమత గోవిందం పరమానందం॥1॥
మృత్స్నామత్సీహేతి యశోదాతాడనశైశవసంత్రాసం
వ్యాదితవక్త్రాలోకితలోకాలోకచతుర్దశలోకాలిం।
లోకత్రయపురమూలస్తంభం లోకాలోకమనాలోకం
లోకేశం పరమేశం ప్రణమత గోవిందం పరమానందం॥2॥
త్రైవిష్టపరిపువీరఘ్నం క్షితిభారఘ్నం భవరోగఘ్నం
కైవల్యం నవనీతాహారమనాహారం భువనాహారం।
వైమల్యస్ఫుటచేతోవృత్తివిశేషాభాసమనాభాసం
శైవం కేవలశాంతం ప్రణమత గోవిందం పరమానందం॥3॥
గోపాలం భులీలావిగ్రహగోపాలం కులగోపాలం
గోపీఖేలనగోవర్ధనధృతిలీలాలాలితగోపాలం।
గోభిర్నిగదితగోవిందస్ఫుటనామానం బహునామానం
గోపీగోచరదూరం ప్రణమత గోవిందం పరమానందం॥4॥
గోపీమండలగోష్ఠీభేదం భేదావస్థమభేదాభం
శశ్వద్గోఖురనిర్ధూతోద్ధతధూలీధూసరసౌభాగ్యం।
శ్రద్ధాభక్తిగృహీతానందమచింత్యం చింతితసద్భావం
చింతామణిమహిమానం ప్రణమత గోవిందం పరమానందం॥5॥
స్నానవ్యాకులయోషిద్వస్త్రముపాదాయాగముపారూఢం
వ్యాదిత్సంతీరథ దిగ్వస్త్రా హ్యుపదాతుముపాకర్షంతం।
నిర్ధూతద్వయశోకవిమోహం బుద్ధం బుద్ధేరంతఃస్థం
సత్తామాత్రశరీరం ప్రణమత గోవిందం పరమానందం॥6॥
కాంతం కారణకారణమాదిమనాదిం కాలమనాభాసం
కాలిందీగతకాలియశిరసి ముహుర్నృత్యంతం నృత్యంతం।
కాలం కాలకలాతీతం కలితాశేషం కలిదోషఘ్నం
కాలత్రయగతిహేతుం ప్రణమత గోవిందం పరమానందం॥7॥
వృందావనభువి వృందారకగణవృందారాధ్యం వందేఽహం
కుందాభామలమందస్మేరసుధానందం సుహృదానందం।
వంద్యాశేషమహామునిమానసవంద్యానందపదద్వంద్వం
వంద్యాశేషగుణాబ్ధిం ప్రణమత గోవిందం పరమానందం॥8॥
గోవిందాష్టకమేతదధీతే గోవిందార్పితచేతా యో
గోవిందాచ్యుత మాధవవిష్ణో గోకులనాయక కృష్ణేతి।
గోవిందాంఘ్రిసరోజధ్యానసుధాజలధౌతసమస్తాఘో
గోవిందం పరమానందామృతమంతఃస్థం స సమభ్యేతి॥9॥
॥ ఇతి శ్రీమచ్ఛంకరాచార్యవిరచితం శ్రీగోవిందాష్టకం సంపూర్ణం ॥
Verse-by-Verse Meaning of Govinda Ashtakam
1 First Verse
सत्यं ज्ञानमनन्तं नित्यमनाकाशं परमाकाशं
गोष्ठप्राङ्गणरिङ्गणलोलमनायासं परमायासम्।
मायाकल्पितनानाकारमनाकारं भुवनाकारं
क्ष्मामा नाथमनाथं प्रणमत गोविन्दं परमानन्दम्॥
गोष्ठप्राङ्गणरिङ्गणलोलमनायासं परमायासम्।
मायाकल्पितनानाकारमनाकारं भुवनाकारं
क्ष्मामा नाथमनाथं प्रणमत गोविन्दं परमानन्दम्॥
Word Meanings: सत्यम् = Truth; ज्ञानम् = Knowledge; अनन्तम् = Infinite; नित्यम् = Eternal; अनाकाशम् = beyond space; परमाकाशम् = the Supreme Space; गोष्ठ-प्राङ्गण-रिङ्गण-लोलम् = one who delightfully crawled in the courtyards of the cowshed; अनायासम् = effortless; परमायासम् = the cause of supreme effort (to comprehend); माया-कल्पित-नाना-आकारम् = whose diverse forms are projected by Maya; अनाकारम् = formless; भुवनाकारम् = whose form is the universe; क्ष्मा-मा-नाथम् = Lord of the Earth and Lakshmi; अनाथम् = without a superior lord; प्रणमत = bow down to; गोविन्दम् = Govinda; परमानन्दम् = Supreme Bliss
Translation: Bow down to Govinda, the Supreme Bliss, who is Truth, Knowledge, and Infinity; who is eternal, beyond space yet the Supreme Space; who delightfully crawled in the courtyards of the cowshed with effortless ease yet is the cause of supreme effort to comprehend; whose diverse forms are projected by Maya yet who is formless and whose very form is the universe; who is the Lord of the Earth and Lakshmi yet has no lord above Him.
2 Second Verse
मृत्स्नामत्सीहेति यशोदाताडनशैशवसंत्रासं
व्यादितवक्त्रालोकितलोकालोकचतुर्दशलोकालिम्।
लोकत्रयपुरमूलस्तम्भं लोकालोकमनालोकं
लोकेशं परमेशं प्रणमत गोविन्दं परमानन्दम्॥
व्यादितवक्त्रालोकितलोकालोकचतुर्दशलोकालिम्।
लोकत्रयपुरमूलस्तम्भं लोकालोकमनालोकं
लोकेशं परमेशं प्रणमत गोविन्दं परमानन्दम्॥
Word Meanings: मृत्स्ना = mud/clay; अमत्सीह = "don't eat this!"; इति = thus; यशोदा-ताडन = scolding by Yashoda; शैशव-संत्रासम् = childhood trembling/fear; व्यादित-वक्त्र = opened mouth; आलोकित = beheld; लोक-अलोक = the world and beyond; चतुर्दश-लोक-आलिम् = the row of fourteen worlds; लोकत्रय-पुर-मूल-स्तम्भम् = the foundational pillar of the three worlds; लोकालोकम् = the visible and the invisible; अनालोकम् = unseen/imperceptible; लोकेशम् = Lord of the worlds; परमेशम् = Supreme Lord
Translation: Bow down to Govinda, the Supreme Bliss, who trembled with childhood fear when Mother Yashoda scolded Him saying "Don't eat this mud!"; in whose widely opened mouth the entire fourteen worlds were beheld; who is the foundational pillar of the city of three worlds; who is both the visible and the invisible, the seen and the unseen; the Lord of all worlds, the Supreme Lord.
3 Third Verse
त्रैविष्टपरिपुवीरघ्नं क्षितिभारघ्नं भवरोगघ्नं
कैवल्यं नवनीताहारमनाहारं भुवनाहारम्।
वैमल्यस्फुटचेतोवृत्तिविशेषाभासमनाभासं
शैवं केवलशान्तं प्रणमत गोविन्दं परमानन्दम्॥
कैवल्यं नवनीताहारमनाहारं भुवनाहारम्।
वैमल्यस्फुटचेतोवृत्तिविशेषाभासमनाभासं
शैवं केवलशान्तं प्रणमत गोविन्दं परमानन्दम्॥
Word Meanings: त्रैविष्टप-रिपु-वीरघ्नम् = destroyer of the heroic enemies of the gods; क्षिति-भारघ्नम् = remover of the earth's burden; भव-रोगघ्नम् = curer of the disease of worldly existence; कैवल्यम् = Liberation itself; नवनीत-आहारम् = one whose food is butter; अनाहारम् = without food/self-sustaining; भुवन-आहारम् = sustainer of the universe; वैमल्य-स्फुट-चेतो-वृत्ति-विशेष-आभासम् = who shines as the special reflection in the purified modes of the mind; अनाभासम् = beyond all appearance; शैवम् = all-auspicious; केवल-शान्तम् = purely peaceful
Translation: Bow down to Govinda, the Supreme Bliss, who destroys the heroic enemies of the gods, removes the burden of the earth, and cures the disease of worldly existence; who is Liberation itself; who ate butter as a child yet is self-sustaining and the sustainer of the entire universe; who shines as the special reflection in the purified mind yet is beyond all appearance; who is all-auspicious and absolutely peaceful.
4 Fourth Verse
गोपालं भुलीलाविग्रहगोपालं कुलगोपालं
गोपीखेलनगोवर्धनधृतिलीलालालितगोपालम्।
गोभिर्निगदितगोविन्दस्फुटनामानं बहुनामानं
गोपीगोचरदूरं प्रणमत गोविन्दं परमानन्दम्॥
गोपीखेलनगोवर्धनधृतिलीलालालितगोपालम्।
गोभिर्निगदितगोविन्दस्फुटनामानं बहुनामानं
गोपीगोचरदूरं प्रणमत गोविन्दं परमानन्दम्॥
Word Meanings: गोपालम् = protector of cows; भू-लीला-विग्रह-गोपालम् = the cowherd who assumed a form for earthly pastimes; कुल-गोपालम् = protector of the clan; गोपी-खेलन = playing with the gopis; गोवर्धन-धृति-लीला = the sport of lifting Mount Govardhana; आलालित-गोपालम् = the beloved cowherd; गोभिः = by the cows; निगदित = uttered/declared; गोविन्द-स्फुट-नामानम् = whose clear name is Govinda; बहु-नामानम् = one with many names; गोपी-गोचर-दूरम् = beyond the full comprehension of the gopis
Translation: Bow down to Govinda, the Supreme Bliss, who is the protector of cows, who assumed the form of a cowherd for His earthly pastimes, the guardian of His clan; the beloved cowherd who delighted in playing with the gopis and playfully lifted Mount Govardhana; whose clear name "Govinda" was uttered by the cows and who has many names; who is beyond the full comprehension even of the gopis.
5 Fifth Verse
गोपीमण्डलगोष्ठीभेदं भेदावस्थमभेदाभं
शश्वद्गोखुरनिर्धूतोद्धतधूलीधूसरसौभाग्यम्।
श्रद्धाभक्तिगृहीतानन्दमचिन्त्यं चिन्तितसद्भावं
चिन्तामणिमहिमानं प्रणमत गोविन्दं परमानन्दम्॥
शश्वद्गोखुरनिर्धूतोद्धतधूलीधूसरसौभाग्यम्।
श्रद्धाभक्तिगृहीतानन्दमचिन्त्यं चिन्तितसद्भावं
चिन्तामणिमहिमानं प्रणमत गोविन्दं परमानन्दम्॥
Word Meanings: गोपी-मण्डल-गोष्ठी-भेदम् = one who multiplied Himself among the groups of gopis; भेद-अवस्थम् = existing in a state of diversity; अभेद-आभम् = shining as non-dual; शश्वत् = eternally; गो-खुर-निर्धूत-उद्धत-धूली-धूसर-सौभाग्यम् = whose beauty is adorned by the grey dust raised by cow hooves; श्रद्धा-भक्ति-गृहीत-आनन्दम् = whose bliss is grasped through faith and devotion; अचिन्त्यम् = inconceivable; चिन्तित-सद्भावम् = whose true nature is revealed through contemplation; चिन्तामणि-महिमानम् = whose glory is like a wish-fulfilling gem
Translation: Bow down to Govinda, the Supreme Bliss, who multiplied Himself among the circles of gopis; who exists in a state of diversity yet shines as the non-dual Reality; whose beauty is ever adorned by the grey dust raised from cow hooves; whose bliss is grasped through faith and devotion; who is inconceivable yet whose true nature is revealed through contemplation; whose glory is like that of the wish-fulfilling gem Chintamani.
6 Sixth Verse
स्नानव्याकुलयोषिद्वस्त्रमुपादायागमुपारूढं
व्यादित्सन्तीरथ दिग्वस्त्रा ह्युपदातुमुपाकर्षन्तम्।
निर्धूतद्वयशोकविमोहं बुद्धं बुद्धेरन्तःस्थं
सत्तामात्रशरीरं प्रणमत गोविन्दं परमानन्दम्॥
व्यादित्सन्तीरथ दिग्वस्त्रा ह्युपदातुमुपाकर्षन्तम्।
निर्धूतद्वयशोकविमोहं बुद्धं बुद्धेरन्तःस्थं
सत्तामात्रशरीरं प्रणमत गोविन्दं परमानन्दम्॥
Word Meanings: स्नान-व्याकुल-योषित्-वस्त्रम् = garments of the women engrossed in bathing; उपादाय = having taken; अगम् = tree; उपारूढम् = having climbed; व्यादित्सन्तीः = those wishing to get back; अथ = then; दिग्वस्त्राः = sky-clad (unclothed); हि = indeed; उपदातुम् = to give back; उपाकर्षन्तम् = drawing near/attracting; निर्धूत-द्वय-शोक-विमोहम् = one who dispels duality, sorrow, and delusion; बुद्धम् = the Awakened One; बुद्धेः-अन्तःस्थम् = dwelling within the intellect; सत्ता-मात्र-शरीरम् = whose body is pure existence itself
Translation: Bow down to Govinda, the Supreme Bliss, who took the garments of the women engrossed in bathing and climbed up a tree; who attracted the unclad gopis wishing to reclaim their clothes; who dispels all duality, sorrow, and delusion; who is the Awakened One dwelling within the intellect; whose body is pure existence itself.
7 Seventh Verse
कान्तं कारणकारणमादिमनादिं कालमनाभासं
कालिन्दीगतकालियशिरसि मुहुर्नृत्यन्तं नृत्यन्तम्।
कालं कालकलातीतं कलिताशेषं कलिदोषघ्नं
कालत्रयगतिहेतुं प्रणमत गोविन्दं परमानन्दम्॥
कालिन्दीगतकालियशिरसि मुहुर्नृत्यन्तं नृत्यन्तम्।
कालं कालकलातीतं कलिताशेषं कलिदोषघ्नं
कालत्रयगतिहेतुं प्रणमत गोविन्दं परमानन्दम्॥
Word Meanings: कान्तम् = beautiful/beloved; कारण-कारणम् = cause of all causes; आदिम् = primeval; अनादिम् = without beginning; कालम् = Time itself; अनाभासम् = beyond appearance; कालिन्दी-गत-कालिय-शिरसि = on the head of Kaliya serpent in the river Yamuna; मुहुः = repeatedly; नृत्यन्तम् = dancing; काल-कला-अतीतम् = beyond the divisions of time; कलित-अशेषम् = encompassing everything; कलि-दोष-घ्नम् = destroyer of the evils of Kali Yuga; काल-त्रय-गति-हेतुम् = the cause of the movement of the three periods of time (past, present, future)
Translation: Bow down to Govinda, the Supreme Bliss, who is beautiful, the cause of all causes, the primeval one without beginning, Time itself yet beyond all appearance; who danced repeatedly on the head of the serpent Kaliya in the river Yamuna; who is Time yet transcends all divisions of time; who encompasses everything, destroys the evils of the Kali age, and is the cause behind the movement of past, present, and future.
8 Eighth Verse
वृन्दावनभुवि वृन्दारकगणवृन्दाराध्यं वन्देऽहं
कुन्दाभामलमन्दस्मेरसुधानन्दं सुहृदानन्दम्।
वन्द्याशेषमहामुनिमानसवन्द्यानन्दपदद्वन्द्वं
वन्द्याशेषगुणाब्धिं प्रणमत गोविन्दं परमानन्दम्॥
कुन्दाभामलमन्दस्मेरसुधानन्दं सुहृदानन्दम्।
वन्द्याशेषमहामुनिमानसवन्द्यानन्दपदद्वन्द्वं
वन्द्याशेषगुणाब्धिं प्रणमत गोविन्दं परमानन्दम्॥
Word Meanings: वृन्दावन-भुवि = in the land of Vrindavana; वृन्दारक-गण-वृन्द-आराध्यम् = worshipped by hosts of celestial beings; वन्दे अहम् = I worship; कुन्द-आभ-अमल-मन्द-स्मेर-सुधा-आनन्दम् = whose nectarean bliss shines through a gentle, pure smile radiant as jasmine; सुहृद्-आनन्दम् = delight of devotees and friends; वन्द्य-अशेष-महामुनि-मानस-वन्द्य = worshipped in the minds of all venerable great sages; आनन्द-पद-द्वन्द्वम् = whose pair of feet bestow bliss; वन्द्य-अशेष-गुण-अब्धिम् = ocean of all praiseworthy qualities
Translation: I worship Govinda in the land of Vrindavana, who is worshipped by multitudes of celestial beings; whose nectarean bliss radiates through a gentle, pure smile as luminous as jasmine; who is the delight of His devotees and friends; whose blissful pair of feet are worshipped in the minds of all the great sages; who is an ocean of all praiseworthy qualities. Bow down to Govinda, the Supreme Bliss.
✦ Phala Shruti (Fruit of Recitation)
गोविन्दाष्टकमेतदधीते गोविन्दार्पितचेता यो
गोविन्दाच्युत माधवविष्णो गोकुलनायक कृष्णेति।
गोविन्दाङ्घ्रिसरोजध्यानसुधाजलधौतसमस्ताघो
गोविन्दं परमानन्दामृतमन्तःस्थं स समभ्येति॥
गोविन्दाच्युत माधवविष्णो गोकुलनायक कृष्णेति।
गोविन्दाङ्घ्रिसरोजध्यानसुधाजलधौतसमस्ताघो
गोविन्दं परमानन्दामृतमन्तःस्थं स समभ्येति॥
Word Meanings: गोविन्दाष्टकम् = this eight-verse hymn to Govinda; एतत् = this; अधीते = studies/recites; गोविन्द-अर्पित-चेताः = with mind surrendered to Govinda; यः = whoever; गोविन्द-अच्युत-माधव-विष्णो-गोकुल-नायक-कृष्ण-इति = (chanting) "Govinda, Achyuta, Madhava, Vishnu, Leader of Gokula, Krishna"; गोविन्द-अङ्घ्रि-सरोज-ध्यान-सुधा-जल-धौत-समस्त-अघः = whose sins are all washed away by the nectarean waters of meditating on Govinda's lotus feet; परमानन्द-अमृतम् = the nectar of supreme bliss; अन्तःस्थम् = dwelling within; सः = that person; समभ्येति = attains
Translation: Whoever recites this Govinda Ashtakam with mind surrendered to Govinda, chanting "Govinda, Achyuta, Madhava, Vishnu, Leader of Gokula, Krishna" — that person, whose sins are all washed away by the nectarean waters of meditating on Govinda's lotus feet, attains Govinda, the nectar of supreme bliss dwelling within.
Spiritual Benefits of Reciting Shri Govinda Ashtakam
- Grants Spiritual Wisdom: Illuminates the path of Vedantic knowledge
- Deepens Devotion: Cultivates love and surrender to Lord Govinda
- Purifies the Mind: Removes ignorance and material attachments
- Bestows Peace: Brings tranquility and harmony to life
- Removes Obstacles: Clears hindrances from the spiritual path
- Attracts Prosperity: Invokes the grace of the supreme protector
- Enhances Meditation: Aids in deeper contemplation of the divine
- Grants Liberation: Guides the soul toward ultimate freedom
Chanting Instructions
- Sit in a clean, peaceful place facing east or north
- Light a lamp and incense before the image of Lord Krishna
- Offer tulsi leaves, flowers, or butter to Govinda
- Chant with clear pronunciation and heartfelt devotion
- Ideal times: early morning, Ekadashi days, Thursdays
- Recite 1, 3, or 11 times for maximum spiritual benefit
- Conclude with a prayer for Govinda's continued blessings
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Govinda Ashtakam
Who composed the Govinda Ashtakam and what is its significance?
The Govinda Ashtakam is attributed to Adi Shankaracharya, the great 8th-century Advaita Vedanta philosopher and saint. It is significant because it beautifully blends Vedantic philosophy with Bhakti devotion, describing Lord Govinda (Krishna/Vishnu) as the ultimate reality — both the formless Brahman and the playful cowherd of Vrindavana. Each verse reveals a paradoxical union of the Absolute and the personal God.
What does the name "Govinda" mean?
The name "Govinda" carries multiple profound meanings. It is derived from "Go" (cows, earth, senses, Vedas) and "Vinda" (protector, finder). Thus Govinda means the protector of cows, the upholder of the earth, the one who gives pleasure to the senses, and the one who is known through the Vedas. According to the Mahabharata, Lord Vishnu received this name after He recovered the earth from the depths of the cosmic ocean.
When is the best time to chant Govinda Ashtakam?
The Govinda Ashtakam can be chanted at any time, but it is considered especially auspicious during early morning (Brahma Muhurta, approximately 4:00–6:00 AM), on Ekadashi days, Thursdays, during Janmashtami, and on other festivals associated with Lord Krishna. Chanting during Saturdays is also recommended as Govinda is a protector who removes obstacles and sorrows.
How many verses are in the Govinda Ashtakam?
As the name suggests ("Ashtakam" means eight), the Govinda Ashtakam contains eight main verses (shlokas) that glorify Lord Govinda. Additionally, there is a ninth verse known as the Phala Shruti, which describes the spiritual fruits and benefits gained by reciting this sacred hymn with devotion and a surrendered mind.
What are the spiritual benefits of reciting Govinda Ashtakam regularly?
Regular recitation of the Govinda Ashtakam is believed to grant spiritual wisdom, purify the mind of ignorance and material attachments, deepen devotion to Lord Krishna, remove obstacles from the spiritual path, bestow inner peace and tranquility, and ultimately guide the soul toward liberation (moksha). The Phala Shruti states that the devotee's sins are washed away by meditating on Govinda's lotus feet.
Can anyone chant the Govinda Ashtakam regardless of background?
Yes, the Govinda Ashtakam can be chanted by anyone regardless of age, gender, caste, or background. Adi Shankaracharya's compositions are universal in nature and open to all sincere seekers. The most important prerequisites are faith (shraddha), devotion (bhakti), and a sincere desire to connect with the Divine. It is recommended to learn correct Sanskrit pronunciation for maximum benefit, but even chanting with a devoted heart is considered highly meritorious.
Is Shri Govinda Ashtakam available in Tamil lyrics?
Yes. This page includes Shri Govinda Ashtakam in Tamil (தமிழ்) script along with Sanskrit and English transliteration for easier recitation.