Shri Nandakumar Ashtakam
Introduction to Shri Nandakumar Ashtakam
The Shri Nandakumar Ashtakam beginning with "Sundaragopalam Uravanamalam" is a beautiful eight-verse hymn dedicated to Lord Krishna in His enchanting child form as the beloved son of Nanda Maharaja. "Nandakumar" literally means "the son of Nanda," celebrating Krishna's divine childhood pastimes in the pastoral paradise of Vrindavan.
This ashtakam paints vivid imagery of the beautiful cowherd boy adorned with forest garlands, the one who captivated the hearts of all Gokul with His divine charm, playful antics, and innocent beauty. Each verse celebrates a different aspect of Bal Krishna's enchanting personality and His loving relationships with the residents of Vrindavan.
Reciting the Nandakumar Ashtakam awakens the devotional mood of parental love (vatsalya bhava) toward the divine child, purifying the heart and filling it with transcendental joy. It is especially beloved during Krishna Janmashtami celebrations and Nanda Mahotsav.
Watch Shri Nandakumar Ashtakam
Shri Nandakumar Ashtakam: Sanskrit, English & Tamil Verses
॥ श्रीनन्दकुमाराष्टकम् ॥
सुन्दरगोपालम् उरवनमालं नयनविशालं दुःखहरं।
वृन्दावनचन्द्रम् आनन्दकन्दं परमानन्दं धरणिधरं।
वल्लभघनश्यामं पूर्णकामं अत्यभिरामं प्रीतिकरं।
भज नन्दकुमारं सर्वसुखसारं तत्त्वविचारं ब्रह्मपरम्॥१॥
सुन्दरवारिजवदनं निर्जितमदनं आनन्दसदनं मुकुटधरं।
गुञ्जाकृतिहारं विपिनविहारं परमोदारं चीरहरं।
वल्लभपटपीतं कृतउपवीतं करनवनीतं विबुधवरं।
भज नन्दकुमारं सर्वसुखसारं तत्त्वविचारं ब्रह्मपरम्॥२॥
शोभितमुखधूलं यमुनाकूलं निपटअतूलं सुखदतरं।
मुखमण्डितरेणुं चारितधेनुं वादितवेणुं मधुरसुरं।
वल्लभमतिविमलं शुभपदकमलं नखरुचिअमलं तिमिरहरं।
भज नन्दकुमारं सर्वसुखसारं तत्त्वविचारं ब्रह्मपरम्॥३॥
शिरमुकुटसुदेशं कुञ्चितकेशं नटवरवेशं कामवरं।
मायाकृतमनुजं हलधरअनुजं प्रतिहतदनुजं भारहरं।
वल्लभव्रजपालं सुभगसुचालं हितमनुकालं भाववरं।
भज नन्दकुमारं सर्वसुखसारं तत्त्वविचारं ब्रह्मपरम्॥४॥
इन्दीवरभासं प्रकटसुरासं कुसुमविकासं वंशिधरं।
हृतमन्मथमानं रूपनिधानं कृतकलगानं चित्तहरं।
वल्लभमृदुहासं कुञ्जनिवासं विविधविलासं केलिकरं।
भज नन्दकुमारं सर्वसुखसारं तत्त्वविचारं ब्रह्मपरम्॥५॥
अतिपरप्रवीणं पालितदीनं भक्ताधीनं कर्मकरं।
मोहनमतिधीरं फणिबलवीरं हतपरवीरं तरलतरं।
वल्लभव्रजरमणं वारिजवदनं हलधरशमनं शैलधरं।
भज नन्दकुमारं सर्वसुखसारं तत्त्वविचारं ब्रह्मपरम्॥६॥
जलधरद्युतिअङ्गं ललितत्रिभङ्गं बहुकृतरङ्गं रसिकवरं।
गोकुलपरिवारं मदनाकारं कुञ्जविहारं गूढतरं।
वल्लभव्रजचन्द्रं सुभगसुछन्दं कृतआनन्दं भ्रान्तिहरं।
भज नन्दकुमारं सर्वसुखसारं तत्त्वविचारं ब्रह्मपरम्॥७॥
वन्दितयुगचरणं पावनकरणं जगदुद्धरणं विमलधरं।
कालियशिरगमनं कृतफणिनमनं घातितयमनं मृदुलतरं।
वल्लभदुःखहरणं निर्मलचरणम् अशरणशरणं मुक्तिकरं।
भज नन्दकुमारं सर्वसुखसारं तत्त्वविचारं ब्रह्मपरम्॥८॥
॥ इति श्रीमहाप्रभुवल्लभाचार्यविरचितं श्रीनन्दकुमाराष्टकं सम्पूर्णम् ॥
॥ Shri Nandakumarashtakam ॥
Sundaragopaalam Uravanamaalam Nayanavishaalaam Duhkhaharam।
Vrindaavanachandram Aanandakandam Paramaanandam Dharanidharam।
Vallabhaghana-shyaamam Poornakaamam Atyabhiraamam Preetikaram।
Bhaja Nandakumaaram Sarvasukhasaaram Tattvavichaaram Brahmaparam॥1॥
Sundaravaarijvadanam Nirjitamadanam Aanandasadanam Mukutadharam।
Gunjaakritiharam Vipinavihaaram Paramodaaram Cheeraharam।
Vallabhapatapeetam Kritaupaveetam Karanavanitam Vibudhavaram।
Bhaja Nandakumaaram Sarvasukhasaaram Tattvavichaaram Brahmaparam॥2॥
Shobhitamukhadhoolam Yamunaakoolam Nipataatoolam Sukhadataram।
Mukhamanditarenum Chaaritadhenum Vaaditavenum Madhurasuram।
Vallabhamativimalam Shubhapadakamalam Nakharuchimalam Timiraharam।
Bhaja Nandakumaaram Sarvasukhasaaram Tattvavichaaram Brahmaparam॥3॥
Shiramukutasudesham Kunchitakesham Natavaraveesham Kaamavaram।
Maayaakritamanujam Haladharanujam Pratihatadanujam Bhaaraharam।
Vallabhavrajapaalam Subhagasuchaalam Hitaanukaalam Bhaavavaram।
Bhaja Nandakumaaram Sarvasukhasaaram Tattvavichaaram Brahmaparam॥4॥
Indeevarabhaasam Prakatasurasam Kusumavikasam Vamshidharam।
Hritanmathamaanam Roopanidhaanam Kritakalagaanam Chittaharam।
Vallabhamriduhaasam Kunjanivāsam Vividhavilāsam Kelikaram।
Bhaja Nandakumaaram Sarvasukhasaaram Tattvavichaaram Brahmaparam॥5॥
Atiparapraveenam Paalitadeenam Bhaktaadheenam Karmakaram।
Mohanamatidheeram Phanibalaveeram Hataparaveearam Taralataram।
Vallabhavrajaramanam Vaarijvadanam Haladharashamanam Shailadharam।
Bhaja Nandakumaaram Sarvasukhasaaram Tattvavichaaram Brahmaparam॥6॥
Jaladhardyutiangam Lalitatribhangam Bahukritarangam Rasikavaram।
Gokulaparivaaram Madanakaaram Kunjavihaaram Goodhataram।
Vallabhavrajachandram Subhagasuchhandam Kritaanandam Bhraantiharam।
Bhaja Nandakumaaram Sarvasukhasaaram Tattvavichaaram Brahmaparam॥7॥
Vanditayugacharanam Paavanakaranam Jagaduddharanam Vimaladharam।
Kaaliyashiragamanam Kritaphaninmanam Ghaatitayamanam Mridulataram।
Vallabhaduhkhaharanam Nirmalcharanam Asharanasharanam Muktikaram।
Bhaja Nandakumaaram Sarvasukhasaaram Tattvavichaaram Brahmaparam॥8॥
॥ Iti Shri Mahaprabhu Vallabhaacharyavirachitam Shri Nandakumarashtakam Sampoornam ॥
॥ ஶ்ரீநந்தகுமாராஷ்டகம் ॥
ஸுந்தரகோபாலம் உரவனமாலம்நயனவிஶாலம் துःகஹரம்।
வ்ருந்தாவனசந்த்ரமானந்தகந்தம்பரமானந்தம் தரணிதர
வல்லபகனஶ்யாமம் பூர்ணகாமம்அத்யபிராமம் ப்ரீதிகரம்।
பஜ நந்தகுமாரம் ஸர்வஸுகஸாரம்தத்த்வவிசாரம் ப்ரஹ்மபரம்॥1॥
ஸுந்தரவாரிஜவதனம் நிர்ஜிதமதனம்ஆனந்தஸதனம் முகுடதரம்।
குஞ்ஜாக்ருதிஹாரம் விபினவிஹாரம்பரமோதாரம் சீரஹர
வல்லபபடபீதம் க்ருதஉபவீதம்கரனவனீதம் விபுதவரம்।
பஜ நந்தகுமாரம் ஸர்வஸுகஸாரம்தத்த்வவிசாரம் ப்ரஹ்மபரம்॥2॥
ஶோபிதமுகதூலம் யமுனாகூலம்நிபடஅதூலம் ஸுகததரம்।
முகமண்டிதரேணும் சாரிததேனும்வாதிதவேணும் மதுரஸுர
வல்லபமதிவிமலம் ஶுபபதகமலம்நகருசிஅமலம் திமிரஹரம்।
பஜ நந்தகுமாரம் ஸர்வஸுகஸாரம்தத்த்வவிசாரம் ப்ரஹ்மபரம்॥3॥
ஶிரமுகுடஸுதேஶம் குஞ்சிதகேஶம்நடவரவேஶம் காமவரம்।
மாயாக்ருதமனுஜம் ஹலதரஅனுஜம்ப்ரதிஹததனுஜம் பாரஹர
வல்லபவ்ரஜபாலம் ஸுபகஸுசாலம்ஹிதமனுகாலம் பாவவரம்।
பஜ நந்தகுமாரம் ஸர்வஸுகஸாரம்தத்த்வவிசாரம் ப்ரஹ்மபரம்॥4॥
இந்தீவரபாஸம் ப்ரகடஸுராஸம்குஸுமவிகாஸம் வம்ஶிதரம்।
ஹ்ருதமன்மதமானம் ரூபநிதானம்க்ருதகலகானம் சித்தஹர
வல்லபம்ருதுஹாஸம் குஞ்ஜநிவாஸம்விவிதவிலாஸம் கேலிகரம்।
பஜ நந்தகுமாரம் ஸர்வஸுகஸாரம்தத்த்வவிசாரம் ப்ரஹ்மபரம்॥5॥
அதிபரப்ரவீணம் பாலிததீனம்பக்தாதீனம் கர்மகரம்।
மோஹனமதிதீரம் பணிபலவீரம்ஹதபரவீரம் தரலதர
வல்லபவ்ரஜரமணம் வாரிஜவதனம்ஹலதரஶமனம் ஶைலதரம்।
பஜ நந்தகுமாரம் ஸர்வஸுகஸாரம்தத்த்வவிசாரம் ப்ரஹ்மபரம்॥6॥
ஜலதரத்யுதிஅங்கம் லலிதத்ரிபங்கம்பஹுக்ருதரங்கம் ரஸிகவரம்।
கோகுலபரிவாரம் மதனாகாரம்குஞ்ஜவிஹாரம் கூடதர
வல்லபவ்ரஜசந்த்ரம் ஸுபகஸுசந்தம்க்ருதஆனந்தம் ப்ராந்திஹரம்।
பஜ நந்தகுமாரம் ஸர்வஸுகஸாரம்தத்த்வவிசாரம் ப்ரஹ்மபரம்॥7॥
வந்திதயுகசரணம் பாவனகரணம்ஜகதுத்தரணம் விமலதரம்।
காலியஶிரகமனம் க்ருதபணினமனம்காதிதயமனம் ம்ருதுலதர
வல்லபதுःகஹரணம் நிர்மலசரணம்அஶரணஶரணம் முக்திகரம்।
பஜ நந்தகுமாரம் ஸர்வஸுகஸாரம்தத்த்வவிசாரம் ப்ரஹ்மபரம்॥8॥
॥ இதி ஶ்ரீமஹாப்ரபுவல்லபாசார்யவிரசிதம் ஶ்ரீநந்தகுமாராஷ்டகம் ஸம்பூர்ணம் ॥
॥ శ్రీనందకుమారాష్టకం ॥
సుందరగోపాలం ఉరవనమాలంనయనవిశాలం దుఃఖహరం।
వృందావనచంద్రమానందకందంపరమానందం ధరణిధర
వల్లభఘనశ్యామం పూర్ణకామంఅత్యభిరామం ప్రీతికరం।
భజ నందకుమారం సర్వసుఖసారంతత్త్వవిచారం బ్రహ్మపరం॥1॥
సుందరవారిజవదనం నిర్జితమదనంఆనందసదనం ముకుటధరం।
గుంజాకృతిహారం విపినవిహారంపరమోదారం చీరహర
వల్లభపటపీతం కృతఉపవీతంకరనవనీతం విబుధవరం।
భజ నందకుమారం సర్వసుఖసారంతత్త్వవిచారం బ్రహ్మపరం॥2॥
శోభితముఖధూలం యమునాకూలంనిపటఅతూలం సుఖదతరం।
ముఖమండితరేణుం చారితధేనుంవాదితవేణుం మధురసుర
వల్లభమతివిమలం శుభపదకమలంనఖరుచిఅమలం తిమిరహరం।
భజ నందకుమారం సర్వసుఖసారంతత్త్వవిచారం బ్రహ్మపరం॥3॥
శిరముకుటసుదేశం కుంచితకేశంనటవరవేశం కామవరం।
మాయాకృతమనుజం హలధరఅనుజంప్రతిహతదనుజం భారహర
వల్లభవ్రజపాలం సుభగసుచాలంహితమనుకాలం భావవరం।
భజ నందకుమారం సర్వసుఖసారంతత్త్వవిచారం బ్రహ్మపరం॥4॥
ఇందీవరభాసం ప్రకటసురాసంకుసుమవికాసం వంశిధరం।
హృతమన్మథమానం రూపనిధానంకృతకలగానం చిత్తహర
వల్లభమృదుహాసం కుంజనివాసంవివిధవిలాసం కేలికరం।
భజ నందకుమారం సర్వసుఖసారంతత్త్వవిచారం బ్రహ్మపరం॥5॥
అతిపరప్రవీణం పాలితదీనంభక్తాధీనం కర్మకరం।
మోహనమతిధీరం ఫణిబలవీరంహతపరవీరం తరలతర
వల్లభవ్రజరమణం వారిజవదనంహలధరశమనం శైలధరం।
భజ నందకుమారం సర్వసుఖసారంతత్త్వవిచారం బ్రహ్మపరం॥6॥
జలధరద్యుతిఅంగం లలితత్రిభంగంబహుకృతరంగం రసికవరం।
గోకులపరివారం మదనాకారంకుంజవిహారం గూఢతర
వల్లభవ్రజచంద్రం సుభగసుఛందంకృతఆనందం భ్రాంతిహరం।
భజ నందకుమారం సర్వసుఖసారంతత్త్వవిచారం బ్రహ్మపరం॥7॥
వందితయుగచరణం పావనకరణంజగదుద్ధరణం విమలధరం।
కాలియశిరగమనం కృతఫణినమనంఘాతితయమనం మృదులతర
వల్లభదుఃఖహరణం నిర్మలచరణంఅశరణశరణం ముక్తికరం।
భజ నందకుమారం సర్వసుఖసారంతత్త్వవిచారం బ్రహ్మపరం॥8॥
॥ ఇతి శ్రీమహాప్రభువల్లభాచార్యవిరచితం శ్రీనందకుమారాష్టకం సంపూర్ణం ॥
Verse-by-Verse Meaning of Nandakumar Ashtakam
1 First Verse
सुन्दरगोपालम् उरवनमालं नयनविशालं दुःखहरं।
वृन्दावनचन्द्रम् आनन्दकन्दं परमानन्दं धरणिधरं।
वल्लभघनश्यामं पूर्णकामं अत्यभिरामं प्रीतिकरं।
भज नन्दकुमारं सर्वसुखसारं तत्त्वविचारं ब्रह्मपरम्॥
वृन्दावनचन्द्रम् आनन्दकन्दं परमानन्दं धरणिधरं।
वल्लभघनश्यामं पूर्णकामं अत्यभिरामं प्रीतिकरं।
भज नन्दकुमारं सर्वसुखसारं तत्त्वविचारं ब्रह्मपरम्॥
Word Meanings: सुन्दर = beautiful; गोपालम् = cowherd (protector of cows); उर = chest; वनमालं = wearing a forest garland; नयनविशालं = with large, wide eyes; दुःखहरं = remover of sorrows; वृन्दावनचन्द्रम् = the moon of Vrindavan; आनन्दकन्दं = the root/source of bliss; परमानन्दं = supreme bliss personified; धरणिधरं = upholder of the earth; वल्लभ = beloved; घनश्यामं = dark-complexioned like a rain cloud; पूर्णकामं = one whose desires are all fulfilled; अत्यभिरामं = exceedingly charming; प्रीतिकरं = bestower of love; भज = worship; नन्दकुमारं = the son of Nanda; सर्वसुखसारं = essence of all happiness; तत्त्वविचारं = embodiment of supreme truth; ब्रह्मपरम् = the highest Brahman
Translation: Worship the beautiful cowherd boy who wears a forest garland upon His chest, whose eyes are vast and captivating, and who is the remover of all sorrows. He is the moon of Vrindavan, the root of all bliss, supreme joy personified, and the upholder of the earth. The beloved Lord is dark as a rain cloud, His desires are all fulfilled, He is exceedingly charming, and the bestower of divine love. Worship Nandakumar, who is the essence of all happiness, the embodiment of supreme truth, and the highest Brahman.
2 Second Verse
सुन्दरवारिजवदनं निर्जितमदनं आनन्दसदनं मुकुटधरं।
गुञ्जाकृतिहारं विपिनविहारं परमोदारं चीरहरं।
वल्लभपटपीतं कृतउपवीतं करनवनीतं विबुधवरं।
भज नन्दकुमारं सर्वसुखसारं तत्त्वविचारं ब्रह्मपरम्॥
गुञ्जाकृतिहारं विपिनविहारं परमोदारं चीरहरं।
वल्लभपटपीतं कृतउपवीतं करनवनीतं विबुधवरं।
भज नन्दकुमारं सर्वसुखसारं तत्त्वविचारं ब्रह्मपरम्॥
Word Meanings: सुन्दरवारिजवदनं = one whose face is like a beautiful lotus; निर्जितमदनं = one who has surpassed Cupid (Madana) in beauty; आनन्दसदनं = abode of bliss; मुकुटधरं = wearer of a crown; गुञ्जाकृतिहारं = wearing a necklace made of gunja berries; विपिनविहारं = one who roams and plays in the forest; परमोदारं = supremely generous; चीरहरं = stealer of garments (of the gopis); वल्लभ = beloved; पटपीतं = dressed in yellow garments; कृतउपवीतं = wearing the sacred thread; करनवनीतं = holding fresh butter in His hand; विबुधवरं = the best among the wise and the gods
Translation: Worship Nandakumar, whose face is beautiful like a lotus, who surpasses even Cupid in charm, who is the very abode of bliss, and who wears a jeweled crown. He adorns a necklace of gunja berries, sports playfully in the forest groves, is supremely generous, and is the one who stole the garments of the gopis. The beloved Lord wears yellow silken garments, bears the sacred thread, and holds fresh butter in His hand — He is the best among the gods.
3 Third Verse
शोभितमुखधूलं यमुनाकूलं निपटअतूलं सुखदतरं।
मुखमण्डितरेणुं चारितधेनुं वादितवेणुं मधुरसुरं।
वल्लभमतिविमलं शुभपदकमलं नखरुचिअमलं तिमिरहरं।
भज नन्दकुमारं सर्वसुखसारं तत्त्वविचारं ब्रह्मपरम्॥
मुखमण्डितरेणुं चारितधेनुं वादितवेणुं मधुरसुरं।
वल्लभमतिविमलं शुभपदकमलं नखरुचिअमलं तिमिरहरं।
भज नन्दकुमारं सर्वसुखसारं तत्त्वविचारं ब्रह्मपरम्॥
Word Meanings: शोभितमुखधूलं = one whose face is beautified with dust; यमुनाकूलं = on the banks of the Yamuna river; निपटअतूलं = absolutely incomparable; सुखदतरं = the greatest giver of happiness; मुखमण्डितरेणुं = face adorned with dust particles; चारितधेनुं = one who grazes the cows; वादितवेणुं = one who plays the flute; मधुरसुरं = with sweet melodies; वल्लभ = beloved; मतिविमलं = whose intellect is supremely pure; शुभपदकमलं = whose lotus feet are auspicious; नखरुचिअमलं = whose nails radiate spotless brilliance; तिमिरहरं = the dispeller of darkness and ignorance
Translation: Worship Nandakumar, whose face is charmingly beautified with dust as He plays on the banks of the Yamuna. He is absolutely incomparable and the greatest bestower of joy. His face is adorned with tiny dust particles from the cowherding pastures, He grazes the cows, and plays sweet melodies on His flute. The beloved Lord's intellect is supremely pure, His lotus feet are auspicious, His toenails radiate spotless brilliance, and He is the dispeller of all darkness and ignorance.
4 Fourth Verse
शिरमुकुटसुदेशं कुञ्चितकेशं नटवरवेशं कामवरं।
मायाकृतमनुजं हलधरअनुजं प्रतिहतदनुजं भारहरं।
वल्लभव्रजपालं सुभगसुचालं हितमनुकालं भाववरं।
भज नन्दकुमारं सर्वसुखसारं तत्त्वविचारं ब्रह्मपरम्॥
मायाकृतमनुजं हलधरअनुजं प्रतिहतदनुजं भारहरं।
वल्लभव्रजपालं सुभगसुचालं हितमनुकालं भाववरं।
भज नन्दकुमारं सर्वसुखसारं तत्त्वविचारं ब्रह्मपरम्॥
Word Meanings: शिरमुकुटसुदेशं = with a beautiful crown gracing His head; कुञ्चितकेशं = with curly locks of hair; नटवरवेशं = dressed in the attire of the supreme dancer; कामवरं = the fulfiller of all desires; मायाकृतमनुजं = one who assumed human form through His own divine maya; हलधरअनुजं = the younger brother of Haladhara (Balarama, the plough-bearer); प्रतिहतदनुजं = the vanquisher of demons; भारहरं = the remover of the earth's burden; वल्लभ = beloved; व्रजपालं = protector of Vraja; सुभगसुचालं = gracefully moving and auspicious; हितमनुकालं = one who acts for the welfare of all at every moment; भाववरं = the best in devotional sentiment
Translation: Worship Nandakumar, who wears a beautiful crown upon His head, whose hair falls in lovely curls, who is dressed as the supreme dancer, and who fulfills all desires. He assumed human form by His own divine maya, is the younger brother of Balarama, vanquishes all demons, and removes the burden of the earth. The beloved Lord is the protector of Vraja, moves with divine grace, acts for the welfare of all at every moment, and embodies the highest devotional sentiment.
5 Fifth Verse
इन्दीवरभासं प्रकटसुरासं कुसुमविकासं वंशिधरं।
हृतमन्मथमानं रूपनिधानं कृतकलगानं चित्तहरं।
वल्लभमृदुहासं कुञ्जनिवासं विविधविलासं केलिकरं।
भज नन्दकुमारं सर्वसुखसारं तत्त्वविचारं ब्रह्मपरम्॥
हृतमन्मथमानं रूपनिधानं कृतकलगानं चित्तहरं।
वल्लभमृदुहासं कुञ्जनिवासं विविधविलासं केलिकरं।
भज नन्दकुमारं सर्वसुखसारं तत्त्वविचारं ब्रह्मपरम्॥
Word Meanings: इन्दीवरभासं = shining with the lustre of a blue lotus; प्रकटसुरासं = radiating manifest divine delight; कुसुमविकासं = blossoming like a flower; वंशिधरं = the holder of the flute; हृतमन्मथमानं = one who humbles the pride of Cupid; रूपनिधानं = the treasury of beauty; कृतकलगानं = one who sings melodious artistic songs; चित्तहरं = the captivator of hearts and minds; वल्लभ = beloved; मृदुहासं = with a gentle, tender smile; कुञ्जनिवासं = dweller of the forest bowers; विविधविलासं = of diverse playful pastimes; केलिकरं = performer of divine sports
Translation: Worship Nandakumar, who shines with the lustre of a blue lotus, who radiates divine delight, who blossoms like a beautiful flower, and who holds the enchanting flute. He humbles even the pride of Cupid, is a treasury of beauty, sings the most melodious songs, and captivates all hearts. The beloved Lord has the gentlest smile, dwells in the forest bowers, displays a multitude of playful pastimes, and is the performer of divine sports.
6 Sixth Verse
अतिपरप्रवीणं पालितदीनं भक्ताधीनं कर्मकरं।
मोहनमतिधीरं फणिबलवीरं हतपरवीरं तरलतरं।
वल्लभव्रजरमणं वारिजवदनं हलधरशमनं शैलधरं।
भज नन्दकुमारं सर्वसुखसारं तत्त्वविचारं ब्रह्मपरम्॥
मोहनमतिधीरं फणिबलवीरं हतपरवीरं तरलतरं।
वल्लभव्रजरमणं वारिजवदनं हलधरशमनं शैलधरं।
भज नन्दकुमारं सर्वसुखसारं तत्त्वविचारं ब्रह्मपरम्॥
Word Meanings: अतिपरप्रवीणं = supremely skilled and expert; पालितदीनं = the protector of the humble and the meek; भक्ताधीनं = one who is under the control of His devotees; कर्मकरं = the performer of divine deeds; मोहनमतिधीरं = enchanting yet supremely steadfast; फणिबलवीरं = the hero who conquered the serpent (Kaliya) by His might; हतपरवीरं = the slayer of mighty enemy warriors (demons); तरलतरं = most playful and dynamic; वल्लभ = beloved; व्रजरमणं = the delight of Vraja; वारिजवदनं = lotus-faced; हलधरशमनं = the gentle companion of Balarama (Haladhara); शैलधरं = the lifter of the mountain (Govardhan)
Translation: Worship Nandakumar, who is supremely skillful, the protector of the humble, who submits Himself to the will of His devotees, and the performer of divine deeds. He is enchanting yet supremely courageous, the hero who conquered the mighty serpent Kaliya, the vanquisher of powerful demons, and the most playful and dynamic. The beloved Lord is the delight of Vraja, lotus-faced, the tender companion of Balarama, and the one who lifted the Govardhan mountain.
7 Seventh Verse
जलधरद्युतिअङ्गं ललितत्रिभङ्गं बहुकृतरङ्गं रसिकवरं।
गोकुलपरिवारं मदनाकारं कुञ्जविहारं गूढतरं।
वल्लभव्रजचन्द्रं सुभगसुछन्दं कृतआनन्दं भ्रान्तिहरं।
भज नन्दकुमारं सर्वसुखसारं तत्त्वविचारं ब्रह्मपरम्॥
गोकुलपरिवारं मदनाकारं कुञ्जविहारं गूढतरं।
वल्लभव्रजचन्द्रं सुभगसुछन्दं कृतआनन्दं भ्रान्तिहरं।
भज नन्दकुमारं सर्वसुखसारं तत्त्वविचारं ब्रह्मपरम्॥
Word Meanings: जलधरद्युतिअङ्गं = whose body glows with the lustre of rain clouds; ललितत्रिभङ्गं = standing gracefully in the triple-bend (tribhanga) posture; बहुकृतरङ्गं = the creator of manifold joyous sports; रसिकवरं = the best among the connoisseurs of divine rasa; गोकुलपरिवारं = whose family is the community of Gokul; मदनाकारं = having a form as enchanting as Cupid; कुञ्जविहारं = one who plays in the forest bowers; गूढतरं = the most mysterious and hidden (divine secret); वल्लभ = beloved; व्रजचन्द्रं = the moon of Vraja; सुभगसुछन्दं = auspicious and graceful in movement; कृतआनन्दं = the creator of bliss; भ्रान्तिहरं = the remover of all delusion and illusion
Translation: Worship Nandakumar, whose body glows with the lustre of dark rain clouds, who stands gracefully in the enchanting triple-bend posture, who creates manifold joyful sports, and who is the supreme connoisseur of divine rasa. His family is the entire community of Gokul, His form rivals that of Cupid, He plays in the forest bowers, and He is the most profound divine mystery. The beloved Lord is the moon of Vraja, auspicious and graceful, the creator of all bliss, and the remover of all delusion.
8 Eighth Verse
वन्दितयुगचरणं पावनकरणं जगदुद्धरणं विमलधरं।
कालियशिरगमनं कृतफणिनमनं घातितयमनं मृदुलतरं।
वल्लभदुःखहरणं निर्मलचरणम् अशरणशरणं मुक्तिकरं।
भज नन्दकुमारं सर्वसुखसारं तत्त्वविचारं ब्रह्मपरम्॥
कालियशिरगमनं कृतफणिनमनं घातितयमनं मृदुलतरं।
वल्लभदुःखहरणं निर्मलचरणम् अशरणशरणं मुक्तिकरं।
भज नन्दकुमारं सर्वसुखसारं तत्त्वविचारं ब्रह्मपरम्॥
Word Meanings: वन्दितयुगचरणं = whose pair of feet are worshipped by all; पावनकरणं = the purifier of all; जगदुद्धरणं = the uplifter and savior of the world; विमलधरं = the bearer of purity; कालियशिरगमनं = one who danced upon the head of the serpent Kaliya; कृतफणिनमनं = one who made the great serpent bow down in submission; घातितयमनं = the conqueror of Yama (death); मृदुलतरं = the most gentle and tender; वल्लभ = beloved; दुःखहरणं = the remover of all sorrows; निर्मलचरणम् = whose feet are spotlessly pure; अशरणशरणं = the refuge of the shelterless; मुक्तिकरं = the bestower of liberation (moksha)
Translation: Worship Nandakumar, whose pair of lotus feet are worshipped by all, who is the purifier, the uplifter and savior of the entire world, and the bearer of perfect purity. He danced on the head of the serpent Kaliya, made the great serpent bow in surrender, conquered even death itself, yet He is the most gentle and tender. The beloved Lord is the remover of all sorrows, His feet are spotlessly pure, He is the refuge of the shelterless, and the bestower of ultimate liberation.
Spiritual Benefits of Reciting Shri Nandakumar Ashtakam
- Awakens Parental Love: Cultivates vatsalya bhava toward divine child Krishna
- Purifies the Heart: Fills the heart with innocence and transcendental joy
- Blesses Children: Invokes protection and blessings for children
- Removes Negativity: Destroys negative energies and fears
- Grants Happiness: Brings domestic peace and family harmony
- Enhances Devotion: Deepens the bond with Lord Krishna
- Inner Bliss: Fills the mind with divine childlike joy
- Spiritual Progress: Advances the soul on the devotional path
Chanting Instructions
- Sit in a clean place facing east or north
- Place an image of Bal Krishna or Laddu Gopal before you
- Offer butter, milk sweets, or fresh fruits to the Lord
- Chant with a loving, tender mood as if singing to the divine child
- Ideal times: morning worship, Janmashtami, Nanda Mahotsav
- Recite 1, 3, or 11 times for maximum benefit
- Conclude with a prayer for Krishna's blessings on your family
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Nandakumar Ashtakam
Who composed the Nandakumar Ashtakam?
The Nandakumar Ashtakam was composed by Shri Mahaprabhu Vallabhacharya (1479–1531 CE), the great Vaishnava saint and founder of the Pushti Marg (Path of Grace) tradition. Vallabhacharya was a renowned philosopher and devotee of Lord Krishna. This ashtakam is one of his most treasured compositions celebrating the divine child form of Lord Krishna as the beloved son of Nanda Maharaja.
What does "Nandakumar" mean?
"Nandakumar" is a Sanskrit compound word: "Nanda" refers to Nanda Maharaja, the foster father of Lord Krishna and chieftain of the cowherds in Vrindavan, while "Kumar" means son or young boy. Together, "Nandakumar" means "the son of Nanda" — a deeply affectionate name for Lord Krishna that evokes His divine childhood pastimes in Gokul and Vrindavan, emphasizing the vatsalya (parental love) aspect of devotion.
What is the refrain "Bhaja Nandakumaaram" that appears in every verse?
The refrain "Bhaja Nandakumaaram Sarvasukhasaaram Tattvavichaaram Brahmaparam" appears at the end of each of the eight verses. "Bhaja" means "worship" or "adore," and the full refrain translates to: "Worship Nandakumar, who is the essence of all happiness, the embodiment of supreme truth, and the highest Brahman." This powerful refrain reminds the devotee that the playful child Krishna is simultaneously the Supreme Absolute Truth (Brahman), merging the sweetness of devotion with the profundity of Vedantic philosophy.
When is the best time to chant the Nandakumar Ashtakam?
The Nandakumar Ashtakam can be chanted at any time, but it is especially auspicious during morning worship (pratar-puja), Krishna Janmashtami (the birthday of Lord Krishna), Nanda Mahotsav (the celebration by Nanda Maharaja the day after Janmashtami), and during special Pushti Marg festivals. Devotees in the Vallabha tradition often recite it as part of their daily seva (worship) before the deity of Bal Gopala or Shrinathji.
What spiritual benefits does reciting the Nandakumar Ashtakam bring?
Reciting the Nandakumar Ashtakam cultivates vatsalya bhava (parental love) toward the divine child Krishna, purifies the heart, and fills the devotee with transcendental joy. It is believed to invoke blessings and protection for children, remove negative energies and fears, bring domestic peace and family harmony, and deepen one's devotional bond with Lord Krishna. The ashtakam also advances the soul on the devotional path by merging beautiful imagery of Krishna's childhood with meditation on His supreme divine nature.
What is the significance of the Pushti Marg tradition in relation to this ashtakam?
The Pushti Marg ("Path of Grace") is a Vaishnava tradition founded by Vallabhacharya, the author of this ashtakam. In this tradition, the emphasis is on bhakti (devotion) through divine grace rather than self-effort alone. The Nandakumar Ashtakam is a key devotional text in Pushti Marg because it celebrates Bal Krishna — the childhood form that is central to this tradition's worship. Pushti Marg temples (havelis) often feature Shrinathji and Bal Gopala, and this ashtakam is recited as a loving offering to the divine child, reflecting the tradition's emphasis on spontaneous, love-filled devotion.
Is Nandakumar Ashtakam available in Tamil lyrics?
Yes. This page includes Nandakumar Ashtakam in Tamil (தமிழ்) script along with Sanskrit and English transliteration for easier recitation.