By Sage Pathanjali

Sadashivashtakam

By Sage Pathanjali

(This stotra is from Halasya Puranam, (i.e. The story of the city of Madurai in Tamil Nadu) and is a prayer to Sundareswarar of Madurai. This is written by Sage Pathanjali one of those for whom Lord Shiva danced in Chidambaram. Since his feet is considered proper for salutation he was called Pathanjali. His greatest contributions are his commentary on Sanskrit grammar by Panini and his book on Yoga called Yoga Sutra.)

Suvarna padmini thatantha divya harmya vasine,
Suparna vahana priyata soorya koti thejase,
Aparnaya viharine phana darendra dharine,
Sada namashivaya they sadashivaya shambhave. 1

Forever salutations to the peaceful one,
Who blesses us with prosperity and who is ever peaceful,
Who resides in the holy building near the tank of golden lotus
Who is as brilliant as billions of suns,
Who is liked by he who rides on a bird,
Who lives with Parvathi,
And who wears the snake on his head.

Sathunga bhanga jahnuja sudhamsu ganda moulaye,
Pathanga pankaja suhruth krupeeta yoni chakshushe,
Bhujanga raja kundalaya, punya shali, bhandhave,
Sada namashivaya they sadashivaya shambhave. 2

Forever salutations to the peaceful one,
Who blesses us with prosperity and who is ever peaceful,
Who has on his head the river which fell from the sky,
And the piece of moon shedding nectar,
Who has moon, friend of lotus, and fire as eyes,
Who wears snakes as ear studs,
And who is the friend of all who do good deeds.

Chathur mukhanana aravinda veda geetha bhoothaye,
Chathurbhujanuja sareera shobha mana murthaye,
Chathurvidartha dana sounda thandava swaroopine,
Sada namashivaya they sadashivaya shambhave. 3

Forever salutations to the peaceful one,
Who blesses us with prosperity and who is ever peaceful,
Who is praised by the four Vedas sung by four faces of Brahma,
Who shines because of his merger with the sister of the four armed,
Who blesses us with just duty, assets, love and salvation,
And who has a form of the vigorous male dancer.

Saran nisakara prakasa manda hasa manjula,
Dhara pravala bhasa mana vakthra mandala sriye,
Karasphurath kapalamuktha Vishnu raktha payine,
Sada namashivaya they sadashivaya shambhave. 4

Forever salutations to the peaceful one,
Who blesses us with prosperity and who is ever peaceful,
Who is very pretty like the autumn moon with a smile,
Who shines with the lustre to his face added by his red lips,
Who holds a skull in his one free hand,
And who has got the sister of Lord Vishnu.

Sahasra pundareeka poojanaika soonya darshanath ,
Sahasra nethra kalpitharchanachyuthaya bhakthitha,
Sahasra bhanu mandala prakasa chakra dhayine,
Sada namashivaya they sadashivaya shambhave. 5

Forever salutations to the peaceful one,
Who blesses us with prosperity and who is ever peaceful,
Who gave the holy wheel with the brilliance of thousand solar systems,
To Him who took his own eye to offer to Him,
When he found that one flower was less out of thousand lotuses.

Rasaradhaya ramya pathra bruthradanga panaye,
Rasa darendra chapa sinjani krutha nilasine,
Swasaradhi kruthabja yoni nunna veda vajine,
Sada namashivaya they sadashivaya shambhave. 6

Forever salutations to the peaceful one,
Who blesses us with prosperity and who is ever peaceful,
Who travels in the pretty chariot of earth,
Who uses Lord Vishnu as powerful arrow,
Who has a bow made of the Mountain Meru,
For which the great snake has been tied as string,
Whose chariot is driven by Brahma,
With the four holy Vedas as horses.

Adhiprakalbha veerabhadra simha nada garjitha,
Sruthi prabheetha daksha yaga bhaginaga sadmanaam,
Gathi pradhaya garjithakhila prapancha sakshine,
Sada namashivaya they sadashivaya shambhave. 7

Forever salutations to the peaceful one,
Who blesses us with prosperity and who is ever peaceful,
Who gave protection to those who attended the Yaga of Daksha,
When they started trembling before efficient Veerabhadra with his lion like roar,
And who was the witness to the billions of the universe who heard the roar

Mrukandu soonu rakshana vadhootha danda panaye,
Suganda mandalasphurath prabha jithamruthamsave,
Akhanda bhoga sampadartha loka bhavithathmane,
Sada namashivaya they sadashivaya shambhave. 8

Forever salutations to the peaceful one,
Who blesses us with prosperity and who is ever peaceful,
Who took the punishing stick to save the son of Mrukandu from dying,
Whose pretty neck further shines because of the crescent moon,
And who blesses all those who pray for pleasure, wealth and salvation.

Madhuripu vidhi shakra mukhya devaii,
Api niyamarchitha pada pankajaya,
Kanaka giri sarasanaya thubhyam,
Rajatha sabha pathaye, namasivaya. 9

Salutations to the ever peaceful God,
Whose lotus like feet are worshipped 
By enemies of Madhu and other Devas,
Who has the golden mountain as his bow,
And who is the lord of the silver hall.

Halasya nadhaya maheshwaraya,
Hala halalankrutha kandharaya,
Meenekshanaya padaye shivaya,
Namo nama Sundara thandavaya. 10

Salutations and salutations to the handsome dancer,
Who is the great god and lord of the town of Madurai,
Who stopped the poison called halahala in his neck,
And who is the lord of the Devi with eyes like fish.

Ishwara Uvacha:-
Thwaya krutham idham sthothram ya padeth bhakthi samyutha,
Thasya ayur deergam arogyam sampadascha dadamyaham.

God told:
He who reads this prayer composed by you with devotion,
Will be given long life, health and wealth by me.

Goddess Saraswati – Goddess of wisdom

Saraswati Slokam

Goddess Saraswati – Goddess of wisdom

Goddess Saraswathi is the consort of Lord Brahma (Lord of Creation) and is the Goddess of wisdom and learning. Saraswati is the one who gives the essence (sara) of our own self (swa). She is considered as the personification of all knowledge – arts, sciences, crafts and other skills. She has a beautiful and elegant presence, is pure white in colour, clad in a white sari, seated on a white lotus, representing purity and brilliance. She has four hands representing four aspects of human personality in learning; mind, intellect, alertness and ego. She has the sacred scriptures in one hand and a lotus (a symbol of true knowledge) in the second. With her other two hands she plays the music of love and life on the veena. 

She is dressed in white (sign of purity) and rides on a white goose (swan). The swan is known for its pecliar characteristic of being capable of separating water from milk, indicating that we should possess discrimination in separating the bad from the good. The seat being a lotus or peacock implies that the teacher is well-established in the subjective experience of truth. When sitting on a peacock she reminds us that wisdom suppresses ego.

Like Brahma, she is not worshipped much in temples. However, every year Saraswathi Pooja (Navarathiri ) is celebrated by people all over India, be it students, workers, craftsmen, businessmen offering their prayers for a successful and fruitful year. However, Saraswathi does have a temple in Koothanur in Tanjavur district (Tamil Nadu).

Saraswati Namasthuvyam
Varadhe Kamaroopini
Vidyarambham Karishyami
Siddhahi Bavathumeh Sadah

Sree Saraswathi Dhyanam

Soorasoora Sevidha Pankaja
Gare Viraajat kamaneeya Pustakaa
Virinji Pathni kamalasana sthathitha
Saraswathee nruthyathu vasimeh sada

Sree Saraswathi Ashtothram

Om Sarasvatyai namah 
Om Maha-bhadrayai namah 
Om Maha-mayayai namah 
Om Vara-pradayai namah 
Om Sree pradayai namah 
Om Padma-nilayayai namah 
Om Padmakshmai namah 
Om Padma-vaktri-kayai namah 
Om Shivanu-jayai namah 
Om Pustaka-stayai namah 

Om Gynana-mudrayai namah 
Om Ramayai namah 
Om Kama-rupayai namah 
Om Maha-vidyayai namah 
Om Maha-pataka-nashinyai namah 
Om Maha-shrayayai namah 
Om Malinyai namah 
Om Maha-bhogayai namah 
Om Maha-bhujayai namah 
Om Maha-bagayai namah 

Om Maho-tsahayai namah 
Om Divyamgayai namah 
Om Sura-vandi-tayai namah 
Om Mahakalyai namah 
Om Maha-pashayai namah 
Om Maha-karayai namah 
Om Mahamkushayai namah 
Om Peetayai namah 
Om Vimalayai namah 
Om Vishvayai namah 

Om Vidyunma-layai namah 
Om Vaishnavyai namah 
Om Chandri-kayai namah 
Om Chandra-lekha-vibhu-shitayai namah 
Om Bhoga-dayai namah 
Om Savitryai namah 
Om Surasayai namah 
Om Devyai namah 
Om Divya-lankara-bhushitayai namah 
Om Vagdevyai namah 

Om Vasudayai namah 
Om Teevrayai namah 
Om Maha-bhadrayai namah 
Om Maha-phalayai namah 
Om Gomatyai namah 
Om Bharatyai namah 
Om Bhamayai namah 
Om Govimdayai namah 
Om Jati-layai namah 
Om Vindhya-vasayai namah 

Om Chandi-kayai namah 
Om Vaishnavyai namah 
Om Bramhyai namah 
Om Bramha-gynanaika-sadhanayai namah 
Om Soudaminyai namah 
Om Sudha-murtayai namah 
Om Subha-drayai namah 
Om Sura-puji-tayai namah 
Om Suvaa-sinyai namah 
Om Suveenayai namah 

Om Vini-drayai namah 
Om Padma-lochanayai namah 
Om Vidya-rupayai namah 
Om Vishalayai namah 
Om Bramha-jayayai namah 
Om maha palayai namah
Om Traeimurtyai namah 
Om Traeikalanjyai namah 
Om Traeikalanjyai namah 
Om Shastra-rupinyai namah 

Om Shumbha-sura-pramadhinyai namah
Om Shubha-dayai namah 
Om Sarvatmi-kayai namah 
Om Rakta-beejani-hantrai namah 
Om Chamundayai namah 
Om Ambikayai namah
Om Munda-kambi-katai namah 
Om Dhumra-lochana-mardhinyai namah 
Om Sarva-devastu-tayai namah 
Om Soumyayai namah 

Om Sura-sura-namaskrutayai namah 
Om Kala-ratryai namah 
Om Kala-dharayai namah 
Om Vagdevyai namah 
Om Vara-rohayai namah 
Om Varahyai namah 
Om Varijaa-sanayai namah 
Om Chitrambarayai namah 
Om Chitra-gamdhayai namah 
Om Chitra-malya-vibhushitayai namah 

Om Kantayai namah 
Om Kama-pradayai namah 
Om Vindyayai namah 
Om Rupa-soubhagya-daeinyai namah 
Om Shweta-sanayai namah 
Om Neela-bhujayai namah
Om Sura-puji-tayai namah 
Om Rakta-madhyayai namah 
Om Neela-jamghayai namah 
Om Niranja-nayai namah 

Om Chaturana-nasamrajyai namah 
Om Chaturvarga-phala-pradayai namah 
Om Hamsa-sanayai namah 
Om Bramha-vishu-sivatmi-kayai namah 
Om Sarva-mangalaya namah
Om Vedamathre namah
Om Saratayai namah 
Om Sri Saraswatyai namah 

Om Naanavidha Parimal Pathra Pushpaani Samarpayami

for Blessings, Purity, and Auspiciousness

smrite sakala-kalyana

bhajanam yatra jayate

purusham tam ajam nityam

vrajami sharanam harim

"I take shelter of Lord Hari, who is the unborn, eternal Supreme Personality of Godhead. Upon remembering Him, a reservoir of all auspiciousness is produced."

(Om) yam brahma vedanta-vido vadanti

pare pradhanam purusham tathanye

vishvodgateh karanam ishvaram va

tasmai namo vighna-vinashaya

"Obeisances unto Him who is the destroyer of all obstacles, who the knowers of Vedanta describe as the Supreme Brahman, and who others describe as the pradhana, or totality of mundane elements. Some describe Him as the supreme male person, or purusha, while others describe Him as the Supreme Lord and the cause of the creation of the universe." (Vishnu Purana)

om tad vishnoh paramam padam sada

pashyanti surayo diviva chakshur-atatam

tad vipraso vipanyavo jagrivamsaha

samindhate vishnor yat paramam padam

"Just as the sun's rays in the sky are extended to the mundane vision, so in the same way the wise and learned devotees always see the supreme abode of Lord Vishnu. Because those highly praiseworthy and spiritually awake brahmanas are able to see the spiritual world, they are also able to reveal that supreme abode of Lord Vishnu." (Rig Veda 1.22.20)

om krishno vai sac-cid-ananda-ghanaha krishna adi-purushaha

krishnaha purushottamaha krishno ha u karnadi-mulam krishnaha sa

ha sarvaih karyaha krishnaha kasham-krid-adisha-mukha-prabhu

pujyaha krishno 'nadis tasminn ajandantar-bahye yan

mangalam tal labhate kriti

"Lord Krishna is the color of a new rain cloud, therefore He is compared to a transcendental cloud full of eternity, bliss and cognizance. He is the original and supreme person. He is the origin of all activities and the one and only Lord of all. He is the worshipful Lord of the best of demigods, the controller of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Krishna is without any beginning. Whatever auspiciousness is found within or beyond this universe the devotee obtains in Krishna alone" (Rig Veda, Krishna Upanishad)

(Om) madhavo madhavo vaci

madhavo madhavo hridi

smaranti sadhavaha sarve

sarva-karyeshu madhavam

"Lord Madhava is in one's words and Lord Madhava is in one's heart. All the saintly persons remember Lord Madhava, the husband of the goddess of fortune, in all their undertakings." (Narasimha Purana)

(Om) svasti no govindah svasti no 'cyutanantau

svasti no vasudvo vishnur dadhatu

svasti no narayano naro vai

svasti nah padmanabhaha puroshottamo dadhatu

svasti no vishvakseno vishveshvaraha

svasti no hrishikesho harir dadhatu

svasti no vainateyo harih

svasti no 'njana-suto hanur bhagavato dadhatu

svasti svasti sumangalaih kesho mahan

shri-krishnaha sac-cid-ananda-ghanaha sarveshvareshvaro dadhatu

"May Lord Govinda, Acyuta, Ananta Shesha, Vasudeva and Lord Vishnu bestow auspiciousness upon us. May Nara-Narayana, Padmanabha and Purushottama bestow auspiciousness upon us. May Vishvaksena, the Lord of the universe, Hrishikesh and Lord Hari bestow auspiciousness upon us. May Garuda and the son of Anjana, who is the great devotee of Lord Rama, Hanuman, bestow auspiciousness upon us. May the great and only Lord of auspiciousness, Sri Krishna, who is like a transcendental cloud full of eternity, knowledge and bliss and who is the Lord of all the demigods, bestow upon us all prosperity and auspiciousness." (Rig Veda, Krishna Upanishad)

karotu svasti me krishnaha

sarva-lokeshvareshvaraha

karshnadayash cha kurvantu

svasti me loka-pavanaha

"May Lord Krishna, the Lord of the demigods, the presiding controller of all the worlds, bestow auspiciousness upon me. May His devotees, who are the saviors of all people, bestow benedictions of auspiciousness upon me." (Sammohana Tantra)

krishno mamaiva sarvatra

svasti kuryat shriya samam

tathaiva cha sada karshnihi

sarva-vighna-vinashanaha

"May Lord Krishna along with His beloved Radha bring about prosperity and auspiciousness at all times. In the same way may the devotee of Krishna, who is able to destroy all obstacles, always bring about auspiciousness." (Vishnu Yamala Samhita)

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

Atharva Vediya Gopala-tapani Upanishad, Purva Vibhaga,

verses 36-47

om namo vishva-rupaya

vishva-sthity-anta-hetave

vishveshvaraya vishvaya

govindaya namo namaha

"Lord Brahma, speaking to the great sages and saints, prayed to Lord Krishna as follows: I offer my humble obeisances to Lord Krishna, who is the giver of pleasure to the cows, whose external form is the form of the universe, who is the cause of the maintenance and dissolution of the material universe, and who is the Lord of the universe."

namo vijnana-rupaya

paramananda-rupine

krishnaya gopi-nathaya

govindayah namo namah

"I offer my obeisances to Lord Krishna, who is the giver of pleasure to the cows, who is the Lord of the gopis and who is the embodiment of unlimited knowledge and the highest bliss."

namah kamala-netraya

namah kamala-maline

namah kamal-nabhaya

kamala-pataye namaha

"I offer my obeisances to Krishna, who possesses lotus-petal eyes, who wears a garland of sweet-smelling lotus flowers, who has a lotus navel and who is the Lord of the gopis, who are as beautiful as lotus flowers."

barhapidabhiramaya

ramayakuntha-medhase

rama-manasa-hamsaya

govindaya namo namaha

"I offer my obeisances to Lord Govinda, who looks very beautiful wearing a peacock feather upon His head. His plenary expansion is Lord Ramachandra, His intelligence is eternal and ever-fresh, and He is the swan that swims in the mind of Lakshmi-devi."

kamsa-vamsha-vinashaya

keshi-chanura-ghatine

vrishabha-dhvaja-vandyaya

partha-sarathaye namaha

"I offer my obeisances unto Krishna, who is the destroyer of the dynasties of demons headed by King Kamsa. He is the slayer of the Keshi demon and the wrestler Chanura. He is offered prayers by Lord Shiva, whose chariot flag is marked with the insignia of Nandi, the bull, and He is the chariot driver of the son of Pritha, Arjuna."

venu-vadana-shilaya

gopalayahi-mardine

kalindi-kula-lolaya

lola-kundala-dharine

"I offer my obeisances to Krishna, who is accustomed to playing on a flute, who is the protector of the cows and the chastiser of the Kaliya serpent. He is fond of wandering here and there on the banks of the Yamuna and He is beautified by wearing swinging earrings."

ballavi-vadanambhoja-

maline nritya-shaline

namah pranata-palaya

shri-krishnaya namo namaha

"I offer my obeisances again and again unto Shri Krishna, who wears a garland of kisses from the lotus mouths of the gopis. He is conversant with the art of dancing and is the protector of the surrendered souls."

namah papa-pranashaya

govardhana-dharaya cha

putana-jivitantaya

trinavartasu-harine

"I offer my obeisances unto Lord Krishna, who is the destroyer of the sins of the fallen souls. He is the lifter of Govardhan Hill, He brought about the end to the life of Putana and He took away the life of the demon Trinavarta."

nishkalaya vimohaya

shuddhayashuddha-vairine

advitiyaya mahate

shri-krishnaya namo namaha

"I offer my humble obeisances again and again unto the great Lord Krishna, who is beyond the illusion of maya and from whom that illusion comes. He is the supreme pure, the enemy of the demons and is one without a second."

prasida paramananda

prasida parameshvara

adhi-vyadhi-bhujangena

dashtam mam uddhara prabho

"O Supreme Lord, O reservoir of the highest pleasure, be pleased upon me. I have been bitten by the poisonous snake of mental and bodily miseries. Therefore, O Lord, please deliver me."

shri-krishna rukmini-kanta

gopi-jana-manohara

samsara-sagare magnam

mam uddhara jagad-guro

"O Lord Krishna, O lover of Rukmini, O attractor of the minds of the gopis, please uplift me, for I am immersed in the ocean of birth and death, O spiritual preceptor of the universe."

keshava klesha-harana

narayana janardana

govinda paramananda

mam samuddhara madhava

"O Lord Keshava, O destroyer of the three-fold miseries, O only refuge of all souls, O destroyer of the Jana demons, O Govinda, O reservoir of pleasure, please uplift me who am fallen, O husband of the goddess of fortune."

he krishna karuna-sindho

dina-bandho jagat-pate

gopesha gopika-kanta

radha-kanta namo 'stu te

"O my dear Krishna, You are the friend of the distressed, the ocean of mercy, and the Lord of creation. You are the master of the cowherdsmen and the lover of the gopis, especially Radharani. I offer my respectful obeisances unto You."

Mere Man Mandir

This song prays that Lord Krishna, Giridhari, the lifter of Govardhan Hill, will appear to us in the temple (mandir) of our mind (man).

Mere man mandir mein ek bar tum a jao Giridhari

Giridhari Banavari

Manmohan kunjavihari pyare a jao Giridhari

O Giridhari! I am begging You to enter, just once, into the temple of my mind. O Giridhari, O Banavari, You who reside in the groves of Vrindavan and attract our minds towards You. O beloved Giridhari, please come to me.

Bahut bar he ter lagai

karuna nainan mein ghir ai

ye roya ek dukhari pyare a jao Giridhari

So many times have I called out to You with eyes over-flowing with tears. This most unhappy person is pleading before You. So please, O beloved Giridhari, please come to me.

mag johat ankhiyan pathrai

dar dar par maya takarai

ye dekho dasha hamari pyare a jao Giridhari

Simply waiting for You my eyes have become weary. Maya is attacking me at every step. Just see my pitiable condition, O beloved Giridhari, and please come to me.

thori kripa idhar barsao

prem boond pyase ko pao

mein aya ek bhikhari pyare a jao Giridhari

Please shower some of Your mercy here also. Being extremely thirsty, let me drink just a drop of your love. I am nothing but a beggar, begging from you. O beloved Giridhari, please come to me.

bhaint nahin mein kuch bhi laya

khali nath tere dar aya

mein tera prem pujari pyare a jao Giridhari

I have brought You no gifts, my Lord, and have come empty-handed at Your doorstep. I worship You with my love, so O beloved Giridhari, please come to me.

pyar karo chahe thukara do

pas bulao dur bhaga do

mein sab vidhi sharon tihari pyare a jao Giridhari

You are free to love me or reject me. You may call me near or You may send me away. In any condition of life, I am a soul surrendered unto You, please, O beloved Giridhari, please come to me.

Sri Dasavatara-stotra

These are verses glorifying the ten main incarnations of Lord Keshava, Krishna, from the Gita-Govinda. These show that Lord Krishna is the source of all other incarnations of God.

By Jayadeva Gosvami

(1)

pralaya-payodhi-jale dhritavan asi vedam

vihita-vahitra-charitram akhedam

keshava dhrita-mina-sharira jaya jagadisha hare

O Keshava! O Lord of the universe! O Lord Hari, who have assumed the form of a fish. All glories to You. You easily acted as a boat in the form of a giant fish just to give protection to the Vedas, which had become immersed in the turbulent sea of devastation.

(2)

kshitir iha vipulatare tishthati tava prishthe

dharani-dharana-kina-chakra-garishthe

keshava dhrita-kurma-sharira jaya jagadisha hare

O Keshava! O Lord of the universe! O Lord Hari, who have assumed the form of a tortoise. All glories to You. In this incarnation as a divine tortoise the great Mandara Mountain rests upon your gigantic back as a pivot for churning the ocean of milk. From holding up the huge mountain a large scar-like depression is put in Your back, which has become most glorious.

(3)

vasati dashana-shikhare dharani tava lagna

shashini kalanka-kaleva nimagna

Keshava dhrita-shukara-rupa jaya jagasihsa hare

O Keshava! O Lord of the universe! O Lord Hari, who have assumed the form of a boar. All glories to You. The earth, which had become immersed in the Garbhodaka Ocean at the bottom of the universe, sits fixed upon the tip of Your tusk like a spot upon the moon.

(4)

tava kara-kamala-vare nakham adbhuta-shringam

dalita-hiranyakashipu-tanu-bhringam

keshava dhrita-narahari-rupa jaya jagadisha hare

O Keshava! O Lord of the universe! O Lord Hari, who have assumed the form of half-man, half-lion. All glories to You. Just as one can easily crush a wasp between one's fingernails, so in the same way the body of the wasp-like demon Hiranyakashipu has been ripped away by the wonderful pointed nails on Your beautiful lotus hands.

(5)

chalayasi vikramane balim adbhuta-vamana

pada-nakha-nira-janita-jana-pavana

keshava dhrita-vamana-rupa jaya jagadisha hare

O Keshava! O Lord of the universe! O Lord Hari, who have assumed the form of a dwarf-brahmana. All glories to You. O wonderful dwarf, by Your massive steps You deceive King Bali, and by the Ganges water that has emanated from the nails of Your lotus feet, You deliver all living beings within this world.

(6)

kshatriya-rudhira-maye jagad-apagata-papam

snapayasi payasi shamita-bhavan-tapam

keshava dhrita-bhrigupati-rupa jaya jagadisha hare

O Keshava! O Lord of the universe! O Lord Hari, who have assumed the form of Bhrigupati [Parashurama]. All glories to You. At Kurukshetra You bathe the earth in the rivers of blood from the bodies of the demoniac kshatriyas [rulers] that You have slain. The sins of the world are washed away by You, and because of You people are relieved from the blazing fire of material existence.

(7)

vitarasi dikshu rane dik-pati-kamaniyam

dasha-mukha-mauli-balim ramaniyam

keshava-dhrita-rama-sharira jaya jagadisha hare

O Keshava! O Lord of the universe! O Lord Hari, who have assumed the form of Ramachandra. All glories to you. In the battle of Lanka You destroy the ten-headed demon Ravana and distribute his heads as a delightful offering to the presiding deities of the ten directions, headed by Indra. This action was long desired by all of them, who were much harassed by this monster.

(8)

vahasi vapushi vishade vasanam jaladabham

hala-hati-bhiti-milita-yamunabham

keshava dhrita-haladhara-rupa jaya jagadisha hare

O Keshava! O Lord of the universe! O Lord Hari, who have assumed the form of Balarama, the wielder of the plow. All glories to You. On Your brilliant white body You wear garments the color of a fresh blue rain cloud. These garments are colored like the beautiful dark hue of the River Yamuna, who feels great fear due to the striking of Your plowshare.

(9)

nindasi jajna-vidher ahaha shruti-jatam

sadaya-hridaya darshita-pashu-ghatam

keshava dhrita-buddha-sharira jaya jagadisha hare

O Keshava! O Lord of the universe! O Lord Hari, who have assumed the form of Buddha. All glories to You. O Buddha of compassionate heart, you descry the slaughtering of poor animals performed according to the rules of Vedic sacrifice.

(10)

mleccha-nivaha-nidhane kalayasi karavalam

dhumaketum iva kim api karalam

keshava dhrita-kalki-sharira jaya jagadisha hare

O Keshava! O Lord of the universe! O Lord Hari, who have assumed the form of Kalki. All glories to You. You appear like a comet and carry a terrifying sword for bringing about the annihilation of the wicked barbarian men at the end of Kali-yuga.

(11)

shri-jayadeva-kaver idam uditam udaram

shrinu sukha-dam shubha-dam bhava-saram

keshava dhrita-dasha-vidha-rupa jaya jagadisha hare

O Keshava! O Lord of the universe! O Lord Hari, who have assumed these ten different forms of incarnation. All glories to You. O readers, please hear this hymn of the poet Jayadeva, which is most excellent, an awarder of happiness, a bestower of auspiciousness, and is the best thing in this dark world.

(12)

vedan uddharate jaganti vahate bhu-golam udbibhrate

daityam darayate balim chalayate kshatra-kshayam kurvate

paulastyam jayate halam kalayate karunyam atanvate

mlecchan murchayate dashakriti-krite krishnaya tubhyam namaha

O Lord Krishna, I offer my obeisances unto You, who appear in the forms of these ten incarnations. In the form of Matsya You rescue the Vedas, and as Kurma You bear the Mandara Mountain on Your back. As Varaha You lift the earth with your tusk, and in the form of Narasimha you tear open the chest of the daitya Hiranyakashipu. In the form of Vamana You trick the daitya king Bali by asking him for only three steps of land, and then You take away the whole universe from him by expanding your steps. As Parashurama you slay all of the wicked kshatriyas, and as Ramachandra You conquer the rakshasa king Ravana. In the form of Balarama You carry a plow with which You subdue the wicked and draw toward you the River Yamuna. As Lord Buddha You show compassion toward all the living beings suffering in this world, and at the end of the Kali-yuga You appear as Kalki to bewilder the mlecchas [degraded low-class men].

108 Names of Krishna

OM SHRI KRISHNAYA NAMAHA

Salutations to Lord Shri Krishna

OM KAMALA NATHAYA NAMAHA

To Kamala's (Goddess Lakshmi's) spouse

OM VAASUDEVAYA NAMAHA

To Vasudeva (Vasudev's son, Krishna)

OM SANATANAYA NAMAHA

To the Eternal One

OM VASUDEVAYA NAMAHA

To the Son of Vasudeva

OM PUNYAYA NAMAHA

To the Meritorious One

OM LILA-MANUSHA-VIGRAHAYA NAMAHA

To Him who has assumed a human form to perform His pastimes

OM SHRIVATSA KAUSTHUBHA-DHARAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord who wears the Shri Vatsa (representing Shri Lakshmi) and the Kaustubha gem

OM YASHODA-VATSALAYA NAMAHA

To Mother Yashoda's darling child

OM HARAYE NAMAHA

To Shri Hari

OM CHATURBHUJATTA-CHAKRASI-GADA-SHANKADHYAYUDHAYA NAMAHA

To the Four-armed One who carries the weapons of disc, conch and club

OM DEVAKI NANDANAYA NAMAHA

To Mother Devaki's son

OM SHRISAYA NAMAHA

To the abode of Shri (Lakshmi)

OM NANDAGOPA PRIYATMAJAYA NAMAHA

To Nanda Gopa's darling child

OM YAMUNAVEGA SAMHARINE NAMAHA

To the Lord who destroyed the speed of the river Yamuna

OM BALABHADRA PRIYANUJAYA NAMAHA

To Balabhadra's (Balarama's) dear younger brother

OM PUTANA JIVITA HARAYA NAMAHA

To the Destroyer of the demoness Putana

OM SHAKATASURA BHANJANAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord who destroyed the demon Sakatasura

OM NANDAVRAJA JANA NANDINE NAMAHA

To the Lord who brought great happiness to Nanda and the people of Vraja

OM SACHIDANANDA VIGRAHAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord who is the embodiment of Existence, Awareness and Bliss

OM NAVANITA VILIPTANGAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord whose body is smeared with butter

OM NAVANITA NATAYA NAMAHA

To the One who danced to get butter

OM ANAGHAYA NAMAHA

To the sinless One

OM NAVANITA NAVAHARAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord who invented a new form of food-butter

(because He consumed large quantities of it)

OM MUCHUKUNDA PRASADAKAYA NAMAHA

to the Lord who blessed (gave salvation) to King Muchukunda

OM SHODASHA STHRI SAHASRESHAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord of sixteen thousand wives

OM TRIBHANGI LALITAKRITAYE NAMAHA

To the Lord who poses bent in three places

OM SUKAVAG AMRITABHDHINDAVE NAMAHA

To the ocean of nectar in the form of Sukadeva's words (spoken as Srimad-Bhagavatam)

OM GOVINDAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord of the cows

OM YOGINAM PATAYE NAMAHA

To the Lord of the yogis

OM VATSA VATACHARAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord who roamed (in Vrindavana) with the company of calves and friendly cowherd boys

OM ANANTAYA NAMAHA

To the Infinite One

OM DHENUKASURA MARDANAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord who killed the demon Dhenukasura

OM TRINIKRITA TRINAVARTAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord who destroyed the whirlwind demon Trinavarta

OM YAMALARJUNA BHANJANAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord who broke the two Yamalarjuna trees

OM UTTALA TALABHETTRE NAMAHA

To the Lord who broke the huge trees

OM TAMALA SHYAMALA KRITAYE NAMAHA

To the Lord who is a beautiful as the dark Tamala tree

OM GOPA GOPISHVARAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord of Gopas and Gopis

OM YOGINE NAMAHA

To the greatest Yogi

OM KOTI SURYA SAMAPRABHAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord who is as lustrous as a million suns

OM ILAPATAYE NAMAHA

To the Lord of the Earth

OM PARASMAI JYOTISHE NAMAHA

To the One who is the Supreme Light

OM YADAVENDRAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord of the Yadavas

OM YADUDVAHAYA NAMAHA

To the Leader of the Yadus

OM VANAMALINE NAMAHA

To the Lord who wears a sylvan garland

OM PITA VASASE NAMAHA

To the Lord who wears yellow robes

OM PARIJATAPA HARAKAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord who removed the parijatha flower (from India's garden)

OM GOVARDHANACHALO DHARTRE NAMAHA

To the Lord who lifted Govardhan Hill

OM GOPALAYA NAMAHA

To the protector of cows

OM SARVA PALAKAYA NAMAHA

To the protector of all beings

OM AJAYA NAMAHA

To the all-victorious Lord

OM NIRANJANAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord who is untainted

OM KAMA JANAKAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord who generates desires in the worldly-minded

OM KANCHA LOCHANAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord who has beautiful eyes

OM MADHUGHNE NAMAHA

To the Lord who killed the demon Madhu

OM MATHURA NATHAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord of the holy place of Mathura

OM DVARAKA NAYAKAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord of Dwaraka

OM BALINE NAMAHA

To the all-powerful Lord

OM BRINDAVANANTA SANCARINE NAMAHA

To the Lord who roamed around Vrindavana

OM TULASIDAMA BHUSHANAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord who adorns Himself with tulasi leaf garlands

OM SYAMANTAKA MANER HARTRE NAMAHA

To the Lord who stole the Syamantaka gem

OM NARA NARAYANATMAKAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord who has the twin forms of Nara and Narayana

OM KUBJA KRISHTAMBARADHARAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord who wore the ointment offered by Kubja, the hunchbacked lady

OM MAYINE NAMAHA

To the Lord of Maya (the illusion)

OM PARAMAPURUSHAYA NAMAHA

To the Supreme Person

OM MUSHTIKASURA CHANURA MALLAYUDHA-VISHARADAYA NAMAHA

To the expert wrestler who wrestled with the two demons, Mushtika and Chanura

OM SAMSARA VAIRINE NAMAHA

To the enemy of Samsara (the cycle of births and deaths)

OM KAMSARAYE NAMAHA

To the enemy of King Kamsa (who wanted to kill Krishna)

OM MURARAYE NAMAHA

To the enemy of the demon Mura

OM NARAKANTAKAYA NAMAHA

To the destroyer of the demon Naraka

OM ANADI BRAHMACHARINE NAMAHA

To the beginningless Absolute

OM KRISHNA VYASANA KARSHAKAYA NAMAHA

To the One who removed Draupadi's distress

OM SHISHUPALA SHIRASCETTRE NAMAHA

To the Lord who removed Sisupala's head

OM DURYODHANA KULANTAKAYA NAMAHA

To the destroyer of the dynasty of Durodhana

OM VIDURAKRURA VARADAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord who gave boons to Vidura and Akrura

OM VISHVARUPA PRADARSHAKAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord who revealed His Viswarupa (the Universal Form)

OM SATYAVACHE NAMAHA

To the Lord who utters only truth

OM SATYA SANKALPAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord of true resolve

OM SATYABHAMA RATAYA NAMAHA

To the Lover of Satyabhama

OM JAYINE NAMAHA

To the Lord who is ever victorious

OM SUBHADRA PURVAJAYA NAMAHA

To the elder brother of Subhadra

OM VISHNAVA NAMAHA

To Lord Vishnu

OM BHISHMA MUKTI PRADAYAKAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord who bestowed salvation on Bhishma

OM JAGADGURAVE NAMAHA

To the Lord who is Guru to the whole world

OM JAGANNATHAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord of the whole world

OM VENUNADA VISHARADAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord who is an expert in playing flute music

OM VRISHABHASURA VIDHVAMSINE NAMAHA

To the Lord who destroyed the demon Vrishaba

OM BANASURA KARANTAKAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord who chopped off the hands of the demon Banasura

OM YUDHISTHIRA PRATISHTHATRE NAMAHA

To the Lord who established Yudhisthir (as the king)

OM BARHI BARHAVATAMSAKAYA NAMAHA

To the One who is adorned with effulgent peacock feathers

OM PARTHASARATHAYE NAMAHA

To Partha Sarathi, the chariot driver of Arjuna

OM AVYAKTAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord who is difficult to comprehend

OM GITAMRITA MAHODADHAYE NAMAHA

To the Ocean containing the nectar of the Bhagavad-gita

OM KALIYAPHANI MANIKYA RANJITA SHRI PADAMBHUJAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord whose lotus feet are adorned with the gems from the hoods of the serpent Kaliya

OM DAMODARAYA NAMAHA

To the One who was tied with a grinding stone around His waist

OM YAJNABHOKTRE NAMAHA

To the Lord who consumes sacrificial offerings

OM DANAVENDRA VINASHAKAYA NAMAHA

To the destroyer of the Lord of Asuras

OM NARAYANAYA NAMAHA

To Lord Narayana

OM PARABRAHMANE NAMAHA

To the Supreme Brahman

OM PANNAGASHANA VAHANAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord who has a serpent (Adisesha) as His seat

OM JALAKRIDASAMASHAKTA GOPI VASTRAPAHARAKAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord who (playfully) hid the clothes (left on the shore) of the Gopis who were engrossed in playing in the waters of the Yamuna river

OM PUNYA-SHLOKAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord whose praises bestow merit

OM TIRTHAPADAYA NAMAHA

To the One whose feet are holy

OM VEDAVEDYAYA NAMAHA

To the source of the Vedas

OM DAYANIDHAYE NAMAHA

To the Treasure of compassion

OM SARVA BHUTATMAKAYA NAMAHA

To the Soul of the elements

OM SARVAGRAHA RUPINE NAMAHA

To the All-formed One

OM PARATPARAYA NAMAHA

To the One who is highest than the highest

Sri Nanda-Nandanastakam

An Old Prayer to Lord Krishna, author unknown

I offer pranama to Sri Nandanandana (the son of Nanda Maharaja, Krishna), whose face is extremely delightful, from whose beautiful ears hang jewelled earrings, and whose entire body is anointed with fragrant candana.

I offer pranama to Sri Nandanandana, whose eyes are more beautiful than the fully-bloomed lotus, whose head is beautifully adorned with an arrangement of peacock feathers, and who enchants millions of Cupids.

I offer pranama to Sri Nandanandana, from whose beautiful nose hangs an elephant-pearl, whose teeth are brilliantly shining, and whose bodily complexion is more beautiful and lustrous than a fresh rain cloud.

I offer pranama to Sri Nandanandana, whose lotus hands hold the flute, whose lingering gait defeats even that of an impassioned elephant, and whose dark limbs are beautified by a yellow shawl.

I offer pranama to Sri Nandanandana, whose three-fold bending posture is exquisitely elegant, the effulgence of whose toe-nails puts to shame even the moon, and who wears invaluable jewels and ornaments.

I offer pranama to Sri Nandanandana, whose body exudes an extraordinarily beautiful fragrance and whose broad chest is adorned with the kaustubha jewel and the mark of Srivatsa.

I offer pranama to Sri Nandanandana, Vrindavana's expert lover who dresses in a manner that enhances His charming, playful pastimes, and who pulverized the pride of Indra.

I offer pranama to Sri Nandanandana, who as the lover of the Vraja gopis perpetually delights them and who enchants the minds of all living entities.

Whoever regularly recites this Sri Nanda-Nandanastakam with deep faith will easily cross the seemingly insurmountable ocean of material existence and attain eternal residence at the lotus feet of Sri Krishna.

for Blessings, Purity, and Auspiciousness

for Blessings, Purity, and Auspiciousness

smrite sakala-kalyana

bhajanam yatra jayate

purusham tam ajam nityam

vrajami sharanam harim

"I take shelter of Lord Hari, who is the unborn, eternal Supreme Personality of Godhead. Upon remembering Him, a reservoir of all auspiciousness is produced."

(Om) yam brahma vedanta-vido vadanti

pare pradhanam purusham tathanye

vishvodgateh karanam ishvaram va

tasmai namo vighna-vinashaya

"Obeisances unto Him who is the destroyer of all obstacles, who the knowers of Vedanta describe as the Supreme Brahman, and who others describe as the pradhana, or totality of mundane elements. Some describe Him as the supreme male person, or purusha, while others describe Him as the Supreme Lord and the cause of the creation of the universe." (Vishnu Purana)

om tad vishnoh paramam padam sada

pashyanti surayo diviva chakshur-atatam

tad vipraso vipanyavo jagrivamsaha

samindhate vishnor yat paramam padam

"Just as the sun's rays in the sky are extended to the mundane vision, so in the same way the wise and learned devotees always see the supreme abode of Lord Vishnu. Because those highly praiseworthy and spiritually awake brahmanas are able to see the spiritual world, they are also able to reveal that supreme abode of Lord Vishnu." (Rig Veda 1.22.20)

om krishno vai sac-cid-ananda-ghanaha krishna adi-purushaha

krishnaha purushottamaha krishno ha u karnadi-mulam krishnaha sa

ha sarvaih karyaha krishnaha kasham-krid-adisha-mukha-prabhu

pujyaha krishno 'nadis tasminn ajandantar-bahye yan

mangalam tal labhate kriti

"Lord Krishna is the color of a new rain cloud, therefore He is compared to a transcendental cloud full of eternity, bliss and cognizance. He is the original and supreme person. He is the origin of all activities and the one and only Lord of all. He is the worshipful Lord of the best of demigods, the controller of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Krishna is without any beginning. Whatever auspiciousness is found within or beyond this universe the devotee obtains in Krishna alone" (Rig Veda, Krishna Upanishad)

(Om) madhavo madhavo vaci

madhavo madhavo hridi

smaranti sadhavaha sarve

sarva-karyeshu madhavam

"Lord Madhava is in one's words and Lord Madhava is in one's heart. All the saintly persons remember Lord Madhava, the husband of the goddess of fortune, in all their undertakings." (Narasimha Purana)

(Om) svasti no govindah svasti no 'cyutanantau

svasti no vasudvo vishnur dadhatu

svasti no narayano naro vai

svasti nah padmanabhaha puroshottamo dadhatu

svasti no vishvakseno vishveshvaraha

svasti no hrishikesho harir dadhatu

svasti no vainateyo harih

svasti no 'njana-suto hanur bhagavato dadhatu

svasti svasti sumangalaih kesho mahan

shri-krishnaha sac-cid-ananda-ghanaha sarveshvareshvaro dadhatu

"May Lord Govinda, Acyuta, Ananta Shesha, Vasudeva and Lord Vishnu bestow auspiciousness upon us. May Nara-Narayana, Padmanabha and Purushottama bestow auspiciousness upon us. May Vishvaksena, the Lord of the universe, Hrishikesh and Lord Hari bestow auspiciousness upon us. May Garuda and the son of Anjana, who is the great devotee of Lord Rama, Hanuman, bestow auspiciousness upon us. May the great and only Lord of auspiciousness, Sri Krishna, who is like a transcendental cloud full of eternity, knowledge and bliss and who is the Lord of all the demigods, bestow upon us all prosperity and auspiciousness." (Rig Veda, Krishna Upanishad)

karotu svasti me krishnaha

sarva-lokeshvareshvaraha

karshnadayash cha kurvantu

svasti me loka-pavanaha

"May Lord Krishna, the Lord of the demigods, the presiding controller of all the worlds, bestow auspiciousness upon me. May His devotees, who are the saviors of all people, bestow benedictions of auspiciousness upon me." (Sammohana Tantra)

krishno mamaiva sarvatra

svasti kuryat shriya samam

tathaiva cha sada karshnihi

sarva-vighna-vinashanaha

"May Lord Krishna along with His beloved Radha bring about prosperity and auspiciousness at all times. In the same way may the devotee of Krishna, who is able to destroy all obstacles, always bring about auspiciousness." (Vishnu Yamala Samhita)

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

Atharva Vediya Gopala-tapani Upanishad, Purva Vibhaga,

verses 36-47

om namo vishva-rupaya

vishva-sthity-anta-hetave

vishveshvaraya vishvaya

govindaya namo namaha

"Lord Brahma, speaking to the great sages and saints, prayed to Lord Krishna as follows: I offer my humble obeisances to Lord Krishna, who is the giver of pleasure to the cows, whose external form is the form of the universe, who is the cause of the maintenance and dissolution of the material universe, and who is the Lord of the universe."

namo vijnana-rupaya

paramananda-rupine

krishnaya gopi-nathaya

govindayah namo namah

"I offer my obeisances to Lord Krishna, who is the giver of pleasure to the cows, who is the Lord of the gopis and who is the embodiment of unlimited knowledge and the highest bliss."

namah kamala-netraya

namah kamala-maline

namah kamal-nabhaya

kamala-pataye namaha

"I offer my obeisances to Krishna, who possesses lotus-petal eyes, who wears a garland of sweet-smelling lotus flowers, who has a lotus navel and who is the Lord of the gopis, who are as beautiful as lotus flowers."

barhapidabhiramaya

ramayakuntha-medhase

rama-manasa-hamsaya

govindaya namo namaha

"I offer my obeisances to Lord Govinda, who looks very beautiful wearing a peacock feather upon His head. His plenary expansion is Lord Ramachandra, His intelligence is eternal and ever-fresh, and He is the swan that swims in the mind of Lakshmi-devi."

kamsa-vamsha-vinashaya

keshi-chanura-ghatine

vrishabha-dhvaja-vandyaya

partha-sarathaye namaha

"I offer my obeisances unto Krishna, who is the destroyer of the dynasties of demons headed by King Kamsa. He is the slayer of the Keshi demon and the wrestler Chanura. He is offered prayers by Lord Shiva, whose chariot flag is marked with the insignia of Nandi, the bull, and He is the chariot driver of the son of Pritha, Arjuna."

venu-vadana-shilaya

gopalayahi-mardine

kalindi-kula-lolaya

lola-kundala-dharine

"I offer my obeisances to Krishna, who is accustomed to playing on a flute, who is the protector of the cows and the chastiser of the Kaliya serpent. He is fond of wandering here and there on the banks of the Yamuna and He is beautified by wearing swinging earrings."

ballavi-vadanambhoja-

maline nritya-shaline

namah pranata-palaya

shri-krishnaya namo namaha

"I offer my obeisances again and again unto Shri Krishna, who wears a garland of kisses from the lotus mouths of the gopis. He is conversant with the art of dancing and is the protector of the surrendered souls."

namah papa-pranashaya

govardhana-dharaya cha

putana-jivitantaya

trinavartasu-harine

"I offer my obeisances unto Lord Krishna, who is the destroyer of the sins of the fallen souls. He is the lifter of Govardhan Hill, He brought about the end to the life of Putana and He took away the life of the demon Trinavarta."

nishkalaya vimohaya

shuddhayashuddha-vairine

advitiyaya mahate

shri-krishnaya namo namaha

"I offer my humble obeisances again and again unto the great Lord Krishna, who is beyond the illusion of maya and from whom that illusion comes. He is the supreme pure, the enemy of the demons and is one without a second."

prasida paramananda

prasida parameshvara

adhi-vyadhi-bhujangena

dashtam mam uddhara prabho

"O Supreme Lord, O reservoir of the highest pleasure, be pleased upon me. I have been bitten by the poisonous snake of mental and bodily miseries. Therefore, O Lord, please deliver me."

shri-krishna rukmini-kanta

gopi-jana-manohara

samsara-sagare magnam

mam uddhara jagad-guro

"O Lord Krishna, O lover of Rukmini, O attractor of the minds of the gopis, please uplift me, for I am immersed in the ocean of birth and death, O spiritual preceptor of the universe."

keshava klesha-harana

narayana janardana

govinda paramananda

mam samuddhara madhava

"O Lord Keshava, O destroyer of the three-fold miseries, O only refuge of all souls, O destroyer of the Jana demons, O Govinda, O reservoir of pleasure, please uplift me who am fallen, O husband of the goddess of fortune."

he krishna karuna-sindho

dina-bandho jagat-pate

gopesha gopika-kanta

radha-kanta namo 'stu te

"O my dear Krishna, You are the friend of the distressed, the ocean of mercy, and the Lord of creation. You are the master of the cowherdsmen and the lover of the gopis, especially Radharani. I offer my respectful obeisances unto You."

Mere Man Mandir

This song prays that Lord Krishna, Giridhari, the lifter of Govardhan Hill, will appear to us in the temple (mandir) of our mind (man).

Mere man mandir mein ek bar tum a jao Giridhari

Giridhari Banavari

Manmohan kunjavihari pyare a jao Giridhari

O Giridhari! I am begging You to enter, just once, into the temple of my mind. O Giridhari, O Banavari, You who reside in the groves of Vrindavan and attract our minds towards You. O beloved Giridhari, please come to me.

Bahut bar he ter lagai

karuna nainan mein ghir ai

ye roya ek dukhari pyare a jao Giridhari

So many times have I called out to You with eyes over-flowing with tears. This most unhappy person is pleading before You. So please, O beloved Giridhari, please come to me.

mag johat ankhiyan pathrai

dar dar par maya takarai

ye dekho dasha hamari pyare a jao Giridhari

Simply waiting for You my eyes have become weary. Maya is attacking me at every step. Just see my pitiable condition, O beloved Giridhari, and please come to me.

thori kripa idhar barsao

prem boond pyase ko pao

mein aya ek bhikhari pyare a jao Giridhari

Please shower some of Your mercy here also. Being extremely thirsty, let me drink just a drop of your love. I am nothing but a beggar, begging from you. O beloved Giridhari, please come to me.

bhaint nahin mein kuch bhi laya

khali nath tere dar aya

mein tera prem pujari pyare a jao Giridhari

I have brought You no gifts, my Lord, and have come empty-handed at Your doorstep. I worship You with my love, so O beloved Giridhari, please come to me.

pyar karo chahe thukara do

pas bulao dur bhaga do

mein sab vidhi sharon tihari pyare a jao Giridhari

You are free to love me or reject me. You may call me near or You may send me away. In any condition of life, I am a soul surrendered unto You, please, O beloved Giridhari, please come to me.

Sri Dasavatara-stotra

These are verses glorifying the ten main incarnations of Lord Keshava, Krishna, from the Gita-Govinda. These show that Lord Krishna is the source of all other incarnations of God.

By Jayadeva Gosvami

(1)

pralaya-payodhi-jale dhritavan asi vedam

vihita-vahitra-charitram akhedam

keshava dhrita-mina-sharira jaya jagadisha hare

O Keshava! O Lord of the universe! O Lord Hari, who have assumed the form of a fish. All glories to You. You easily acted as a boat in the form of a giant fish just to give protection to the Vedas, which had become immersed in the turbulent sea of devastation.

(2)

kshitir iha vipulatare tishthati tava prishthe

dharani-dharana-kina-chakra-garishthe

keshava dhrita-kurma-sharira jaya jagadisha hare

O Keshava! O Lord of the universe! O Lord Hari, who have assumed the form of a tortoise. All glories to You. In this incarnation as a divine tortoise the great Mandara Mountain rests upon your gigantic back as a pivot for churning the ocean of milk. From holding up the huge mountain a large scar-like depression is put in Your back, which has become most glorious.

(3)

vasati dashana-shikhare dharani tava lagna

shashini kalanka-kaleva nimagna

Keshava dhrita-shukara-rupa jaya jagasihsa hare

O Keshava! O Lord of the universe! O Lord Hari, who have assumed the form of a boar. All glories to You. The earth, which had become immersed in the Garbhodaka Ocean at the bottom of the universe, sits fixed upon the tip of Your tusk like a spot upon the moon.

(4)

tava kara-kamala-vare nakham adbhuta-shringam

dalita-hiranyakashipu-tanu-bhringam

keshava dhrita-narahari-rupa jaya jagadisha hare

O Keshava! O Lord of the universe! O Lord Hari, who have assumed the form of half-man, half-lion. All glories to You. Just as one can easily crush a wasp between one's fingernails, so in the same way the body of the wasp-like demon Hiranyakashipu has been ripped away by the wonderful pointed nails on Your beautiful lotus hands.

(5)

chalayasi vikramane balim adbhuta-vamana

pada-nakha-nira-janita-jana-pavana

keshava dhrita-vamana-rupa jaya jagadisha hare

O Keshava! O Lord of the universe! O Lord Hari, who have assumed the form of a dwarf-brahmana. All glories to You. O wonderful dwarf, by Your massive steps You deceive King Bali, and by the Ganges water that has emanated from the nails of Your lotus feet, You deliver all living beings within this world.

(6)

kshatriya-rudhira-maye jagad-apagata-papam

snapayasi payasi shamita-bhavan-tapam

keshava dhrita-bhrigupati-rupa jaya jagadisha hare

O Keshava! O Lord of the universe! O Lord Hari, who have assumed the form of Bhrigupati [Parashurama]. All glories to You. At Kurukshetra You bathe the earth in the rivers of blood from the bodies of the demoniac kshatriyas [rulers] that You have slain. The sins of the world are washed away by You, and because of You people are relieved from the blazing fire of material existence.

(7)

vitarasi dikshu rane dik-pati-kamaniyam

dasha-mukha-mauli-balim ramaniyam

keshava-dhrita-rama-sharira jaya jagadisha hare

O Keshava! O Lord of the universe! O Lord Hari, who have assumed the form of Ramachandra. All glories to you. In the battle of Lanka You destroy the ten-headed demon Ravana and distribute his heads as a delightful offering to the presiding deities of the ten directions, headed by Indra. This action was long desired by all of them, who were much harassed by this monster.

(8)

vahasi vapushi vishade vasanam jaladabham

hala-hati-bhiti-milita-yamunabham

keshava dhrita-haladhara-rupa jaya jagadisha hare

O Keshava! O Lord of the universe! O Lord Hari, who have assumed the form of Balarama, the wielder of the plow. All glories to You. On Your brilliant white body You wear garments the color of a fresh blue rain cloud. These garments are colored like the beautiful dark hue of the River Yamuna, who feels great fear due to the striking of Your plowshare.

(9)

nindasi jajna-vidher ahaha shruti-jatam

sadaya-hridaya darshita-pashu-ghatam

keshava dhrita-buddha-sharira jaya jagadisha hare

O Keshava! O Lord of the universe! O Lord Hari, who have assumed the form of Buddha. All glories to You. O Buddha of compassionate heart, you descry the slaughtering of poor animals performed according to the rules of Vedic sacrifice.

(10)

mleccha-nivaha-nidhane kalayasi karavalam

dhumaketum iva kim api karalam

keshava dhrita-kalki-sharira jaya jagadisha hare

O Keshava! O Lord of the universe! O Lord Hari, who have assumed the form of Kalki. All glories to You. You appear like a comet and carry a terrifying sword for bringing about the annihilation of the wicked barbarian men at the end of Kali-yuga.

(11)

shri-jayadeva-kaver idam uditam udaram

shrinu sukha-dam shubha-dam bhava-saram

keshava dhrita-dasha-vidha-rupa jaya jagadisha hare

O Keshava! O Lord of the universe! O Lord Hari, who have assumed these ten different forms of incarnation. All glories to You. O readers, please hear this hymn of the poet Jayadeva, which is most excellent, an awarder of happiness, a bestower of auspiciousness, and is the best thing in this dark world.

(12)

vedan uddharate jaganti vahate bhu-golam udbibhrate

daityam darayate balim chalayate kshatra-kshayam kurvate

paulastyam jayate halam kalayate karunyam atanvate

mlecchan murchayate dashakriti-krite krishnaya tubhyam namaha

O Lord Krishna, I offer my obeisances unto You, who appear in the forms of these ten incarnations. In the form of Matsya You rescue the Vedas, and as Kurma You bear the Mandara Mountain on Your back. As Varaha You lift the earth with your tusk, and in the form of Narasimha you tear open the chest of the daitya Hiranyakashipu. In the form of Vamana You trick the daitya king Bali by asking him for only three steps of land, and then You take away the whole universe from him by expanding your steps. As Parashurama you slay all of the wicked kshatriyas, and as Ramachandra You conquer the rakshasa king Ravana. In the form of Balarama You carry a plow with which You subdue the wicked and draw toward you the River Yamuna. As Lord Buddha You show compassion toward all the living beings suffering in this world, and at the end of the Kali-yuga You appear as Kalki to bewilder the mlecchas [degraded low-class men].

108 Names of Krishna

OM SHRI KRISHNAYA NAMAHA

Salutations to Lord Shri Krishna

OM KAMALA NATHAYA NAMAHA

To Kamala's (Goddess Lakshmi's) spouse

OM VAASUDEVAYA NAMAHA

To Vasudeva (Vasudev's son, Krishna)

OM SANATANAYA NAMAHA

To the Eternal One

OM VASUDEVAYA NAMAHA

To the Son of Vasudeva

OM PUNYAYA NAMAHA

To the Meritorious One

OM LILA-MANUSHA-VIGRAHAYA NAMAHA

To Him who has assumed a human form to perform His pastimes

OM SHRIVATSA KAUSTHUBHA-DHARAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord who wears the Shri Vatsa (representing Shri Lakshmi) and the Kaustubha gem

OM YASHODA-VATSALAYA NAMAHA

To Mother Yashoda's darling child

OM HARAYE NAMAHA

To Shri Hari

OM CHATURBHUJATTA-CHAKRASI-GADA-SHANKADHYAYUDHAYA NAMAHA

To the Four-armed One who carries the weapons of disc, conch and club

OM DEVAKI NANDANAYA NAMAHA

To Mother Devaki's son

OM SHRISAYA NAMAHA

To the abode of Shri (Lakshmi)

OM NANDAGOPA PRIYATMAJAYA NAMAHA

To Nanda Gopa's darling child

OM YAMUNAVEGA SAMHARINE NAMAHA

To the Lord who destroyed the speed of the river Yamuna

OM BALABHADRA PRIYANUJAYA NAMAHA

To Balabhadra's (Balarama's) dear younger brother

OM PUTANA JIVITA HARAYA NAMAHA

To the Destroyer of the demoness Putana

OM SHAKATASURA BHANJANAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord who destroyed the demon Sakatasura

OM NANDAVRAJA JANA NANDINE NAMAHA

To the Lord who brought great happiness to Nanda and the people of Vraja

OM SACHIDANANDA VIGRAHAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord who is the embodiment of Existence, Awareness and Bliss

OM NAVANITA VILIPTANGAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord whose body is smeared with butter

OM NAVANITA NATAYA NAMAHA

To the One who danced to get butter

OM ANAGHAYA NAMAHA

To the sinless One

OM NAVANITA NAVAHARAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord who invented a new form of food-butter

(because He consumed large quantities of it)

OM MUCHUKUNDA PRASADAKAYA NAMAHA

to the Lord who blessed (gave salvation) to King Muchukunda

OM SHODASHA STHRI SAHASRESHAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord of sixteen thousand wives

OM TRIBHANGI LALITAKRITAYE NAMAHA

To the Lord who poses bent in three places

OM SUKAVAG AMRITABHDHINDAVE NAMAHA

To the ocean of nectar in the form of Sukadeva's words (spoken as Srimad-Bhagavatam)

OM GOVINDAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord of the cows

OM YOGINAM PATAYE NAMAHA

To the Lord of the yogis

OM VATSA VATACHARAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord who roamed (in Vrindavana) with the company of calves and friendly cowherd boys

OM ANANTAYA NAMAHA

To the Infinite One

OM DHENUKASURA MARDANAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord who killed the demon Dhenukasura

OM TRINIKRITA TRINAVARTAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord who destroyed the whirlwind demon Trinavarta

OM YAMALARJUNA BHANJANAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord who broke the two Yamalarjuna trees

OM UTTALA TALABHETTRE NAMAHA

To the Lord who broke the huge trees

OM TAMALA SHYAMALA KRITAYE NAMAHA

To the Lord who is a beautiful as the dark Tamala tree

OM GOPA GOPISHVARAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord of Gopas and Gopis

OM YOGINE NAMAHA

To the greatest Yogi

OM KOTI SURYA SAMAPRABHAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord who is as lustrous as a million suns

OM ILAPATAYE NAMAHA

To the Lord of the Earth

OM PARASMAI JYOTISHE NAMAHA

To the One who is the Supreme Light

OM YADAVENDRAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord of the Yadavas

OM YADUDVAHAYA NAMAHA

To the Leader of the Yadus

OM VANAMALINE NAMAHA

To the Lord who wears a sylvan garland

OM PITA VASASE NAMAHA

To the Lord who wears yellow robes

OM PARIJATAPA HARAKAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord who removed the parijatha flower (from India's garden)

OM GOVARDHANACHALO DHARTRE NAMAHA

To the Lord who lifted Govardhan Hill

OM GOPALAYA NAMAHA

To the protector of cows

OM SARVA PALAKAYA NAMAHA

To the protector of all beings

OM AJAYA NAMAHA

To the all-victorious Lord

OM NIRANJANAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord who is untainted

OM KAMA JANAKAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord who generates desires in the worldly-minded

OM KANCHA LOCHANAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord who has beautiful eyes

OM MADHUGHNE NAMAHA

To the Lord who killed the demon Madhu

OM MATHURA NATHAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord of the holy place of Mathura

OM DVARAKA NAYAKAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord of Dwaraka

OM BALINE NAMAHA

To the all-powerful Lord

OM BRINDAVANANTA SANCARINE NAMAHA

To the Lord who roamed around Vrindavana

OM TULASIDAMA BHUSHANAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord who adorns Himself with tulasi leaf garlands

OM SYAMANTAKA MANER HARTRE NAMAHA

To the Lord who stole the Syamantaka gem

OM NARA NARAYANATMAKAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord who has the twin forms of Nara and Narayana

OM KUBJA KRISHTAMBARADHARAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord who wore the ointment offered by Kubja, the hunchbacked lady

OM MAYINE NAMAHA

To the Lord of Maya (the illusion)

OM PARAMAPURUSHAYA NAMAHA

To the Supreme Person

OM MUSHTIKASURA CHANURA MALLAYUDHA-VISHARADAYA NAMAHA

To the expert wrestler who wrestled with the two demons, Mushtika and Chanura

OM SAMSARA VAIRINE NAMAHA

To the enemy of Samsara (the cycle of births and deaths)

OM KAMSARAYE NAMAHA

To the enemy of King Kamsa (who wanted to kill Krishna)

OM MURARAYE NAMAHA

To the enemy of the demon Mura

OM NARAKANTAKAYA NAMAHA

To the destroyer of the demon Naraka

OM ANADI BRAHMACHARINE NAMAHA

To the beginningless Absolute

OM KRISHNA VYASANA KARSHAKAYA NAMAHA

To the One who removed Draupadi's distress

OM SHISHUPALA SHIRASCETTRE NAMAHA

To the Lord who removed Sisupala's head

OM DURYODHANA KULANTAKAYA NAMAHA

To the destroyer of the dynasty of Durodhana

OM VIDURAKRURA VARADAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord who gave boons to Vidura and Akrura

OM VISHVARUPA PRADARSHAKAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord who revealed His Viswarupa (the Universal Form)

OM SATYAVACHE NAMAHA

To the Lord who utters only truth

OM SATYA SANKALPAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord of true resolve

OM SATYABHAMA RATAYA NAMAHA

To the Lover of Satyabhama

OM JAYINE NAMAHA

To the Lord who is ever victorious

OM SUBHADRA PURVAJAYA NAMAHA

To the elder brother of Subhadra

OM VISHNAVA NAMAHA

To Lord Vishnu

OM BHISHMA MUKTI PRADAYAKAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord who bestowed salvation on Bhishma

OM JAGADGURAVE NAMAHA

To the Lord who is Guru to the whole world

OM JAGANNATHAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord of the whole world

OM VENUNADA VISHARADAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord who is an expert in playing flute music

OM VRISHABHASURA VIDHVAMSINE NAMAHA

To the Lord who destroyed the demon Vrishaba

OM BANASURA KARANTAKAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord who chopped off the hands of the demon Banasura

OM YUDHISTHIRA PRATISHTHATRE NAMAHA

To the Lord who established Yudhisthir (as the king)

OM BARHI BARHAVATAMSAKAYA NAMAHA

To the One who is adorned with effulgent peacock feathers

OM PARTHASARATHAYE NAMAHA

To Partha Sarathi, the chariot driver of Arjuna

OM AVYAKTAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord who is difficult to comprehend

OM GITAMRITA MAHODADHAYE NAMAHA

To the Ocean containing the nectar of the Bhagavad-gita

OM KALIYAPHANI MANIKYA RANJITA SHRI PADAMBHUJAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord whose lotus feet are adorned with the gems from the hoods of the serpent Kaliya

OM DAMODARAYA NAMAHA

To the One who was tied with a grinding stone around His waist

OM YAJNABHOKTRE NAMAHA

To the Lord who consumes sacrificial offerings

OM DANAVENDRA VINASHAKAYA NAMAHA

To the destroyer of the Lord of Asuras

OM NARAYANAYA NAMAHA

To Lord Narayana

OM PARABRAHMANE NAMAHA

To the Supreme Brahman

OM PANNAGASHANA VAHANAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord who has a serpent (Adisesha) as His seat

OM JALAKRIDASAMASHAKTA GOPI VASTRAPAHARAKAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord who (playfully) hid the clothes (left on the shore) of the Gopis who were engrossed in playing in the waters of the Yamuna river

OM PUNYA-SHLOKAYA NAMAHA

To the Lord whose praises bestow merit

OM TIRTHAPADAYA NAMAHA

To the One whose feet are holy

OM VEDAVEDYAYA NAMAHA

To the source of the Vedas

OM DAYANIDHAYE NAMAHA

To the Treasure of compassion

OM SARVA BHUTATMAKAYA NAMAHA

To the Soul of the elements

OM SARVAGRAHA RUPINE NAMAHA

To the All-formed One

OM PARATPARAYA NAMAHA

To the One who is highest than the highest

Sri Nanda-Nandanastakam

An Old Prayer to Lord Krishna, author unknown

I offer pranama to Sri Nandanandana (the son of Nanda Maharaja, Krishna), whose face is extremely delightful, from whose beautiful ears hang jewelled earrings, and whose entire body is anointed with fragrant candana.

I offer pranama to Sri Nandanandana, whose eyes are more beautiful than the fully-bloomed lotus, whose head is beautifully adorned with an arrangement of peacock feathers, and who enchants millions of Cupids.

I offer pranama to Sri Nandanandana, from whose beautiful nose hangs an elephant-pearl, whose teeth are brilliantly shining, and whose bodily complexion is more beautiful and lustrous than a fresh rain cloud.

I offer pranama to Sri Nandanandana, whose lotus hands hold the flute, whose lingering gait defeats even that of an impassioned elephant, and whose dark limbs are beautified by a yellow shawl.

I offer pranama to Sri Nandanandana, whose three-fold bending posture is exquisitely elegant, the effulgence of whose toe-nails puts to shame even the moon, and who wears invaluable jewels and ornaments.

I offer pranama to Sri Nandanandana, whose body exudes an extraordinarily beautiful fragrance and whose broad chest is adorned with the kaustubha jewel and the mark of Srivatsa.

I offer pranama to Sri Nandanandana, Vrindavana's expert lover who dresses in a manner that enhances His charming, playful pastimes, and who pulverized the pride of Indra.

I offer pranama to Sri Nandanandana, who as the lover of the Vraja gopis perpetually delights them and who enchants the minds of all living entities.

Whoever regularly recites this Sri Nanda-Nandanastakam with deep faith will easily cross the seemingly insurmountable ocean of material existence and attain eternal residence at the lotus feet of Sri Krishna.

Sri Krishna as the Lord of the Universe

Jagannathastaka

(As issued from the mouth of Lord Caitanya)

Sri Krishna as the Lord of the Universe

Jagannathastaka

(As issued from the mouth of Lord Caitanya)

kadacit kalindi-tata-vipina-sangitaka-ravo

mudabhiri-nari-vadana-kamalasvada-madhupaha

rama-shambhu-brahmamara-pati-ganesharcita-pado

jagannathah svami nayana-patha-gami bhavatu me

"Sometimes in great happiness Lord Jagannatha, with His flute, makes a loud concert in the groves on the banks of the Yamuna. He is like a bumblebee who tastes the beautiful lotus-like faces of the cowherd damsels of Vraja, and His lotus feet are worshiped by great personalities such as Lakshmi, Shiva, Brahma, Indra and Ganesha. May that Jagannatha Svami be the object of my vision."

bhuje savye venum Shirasi Shikhi-puccham katitate

dukulam netrante sahacara-kataksham vidadhate

sada shrimad-vrindavana-vasati-lila-paricayo

jagannathah svami nayana-patha-gami bhavatu me

"In His left hand Lord Jagannatha holds a flute. On His head He wears the feathers of peacocks and on His hips He wears fine yellow silken cloth. Out of the corners of His eyes He bestows sidelong glances upon His loving devotees and He always reveals Himself through His pastimes in His divine abode of Vrindavana. May that Jagannatha Svami be the object of my vision."

mahambhodhes tire kanaka-rucire nila-shikhare

vasan prasadantah sahaja-balabhadrena balina

subhadra-madhya-sthah sakala-sura-sevavasara-do

jagannathah svami nayana-patha-gami bhavatu me

"Residing on the shore of the great ocean, within a large palace situated upon the crest of the brilliant, golden Nilachala Hill, along with His powerful brother Balabhadra, and in the middle of Them His sister Subhadra, Lord Jagannatha bestows the opportunity for devotional service upon all godly souls. May that Jagannatha Svami be the object of my vision."

kripa-paravarah sajala-jalada-shreni-ruciro

rama-vani-ramah sphurad-amala-punkeruha-makhaha

surendrair aradhyah shruti-gana-shikha-gita-charito

jagannathah svami nayana-patha-gami bhavatu me

"Lord Jagannatha is an ocean of mercy and He is beautiful like a row of blackish rain clouds. He is the storehouse of bliss for Lakshmi and Sarasvati, and His face is like a spotless full-blown lotus. He is worshiped by the best of demigods and sages, and His glories are sung by the Upanishads. May that Jagannatha Svami be the object of my vision."

ratharudho gacchan pathi milita-bhudeva-patalaih

stuti-pradurbhavam prati-padam upakarnya sadayaha

daya-sindhur bandhuh sakala-jagatam sindhu-sutaya

jagannathah svami nayana-patha-gami bhavatu me

"When Lord Jagannatha is on His Ratha-yatra cart and is moving along the road, at every step there is a loud presentation of prayers and songs chanted by large assemblies of brahmanas. Hearing their hymns Lord Jagannatha is very favorably disposed towards them. He is the ocean of mercy and the true friend of all the worlds. May that Jagannatha Svami, along with His consort Lakshmi, who was born from the ocean of nectar, be the object of my vision."

para-brahmapidah kuvalaya-dalotphulla-nayano

nivasi niladrau nihita-carano 'nanta-shirasi

rasanando radha-sarasa-vapur-alingana-sukho

jagannathah svami nayana-patha-gami bhavatu me

"He is the ornament of the head of Lord Brahma and His eyes are like the full-blown petals of the lotus. He resides on the Nilachala Hill, and His lotus feet are placed on the heads of Anantadeva. Lord Jagannatha is overwhelmed by the mellows of love and He becomes joyful in the embracing of the body of Srimati Radharani, which is like a cool pond. May that Jagannatha Svami be the object of my vision."

na vai yace rajyam na cha kanaka-manikya-vibhavam

na yace 'ham ramyam sakala-jana-kamyam vara-vadhum

sada kale kale pramatha-patina gita-charito

jagannathah svami nayana-patha-gami bhavatu me

"I do not pray for a kingdom, nor for gold, rubies and wealth. I do not ask for an excellent and beautiful wife as desired by all men. I simply pray that Jagannatha Svami, whose glories are always sung by Lord Shiva, be the constant object of my vision."

hara tvam samsaram drutataram asaram sura-pate

hara tvam papanam vitatim aparam yadava-pate

aho dine 'nathe nihita-charano nishcitam idam

jagannathah svami nayana-patha-gami bhavatu me

"O Lord of the demigods, please quickly remove this useless material existence I am undergoing. O Lord of the Yadus, please destroy this vast ocean of sins which has no shore. Alas, this is certain that Lord Jagannatha's lotus feet are bestowed upon those who feel themselves fallen and have no shelter in this world but Him. May that Jagannatha Svami be the object of my vision."