Second Month of Cāturmāsya Stotrams
Śrī Gurvaṣṭakam
Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura
saṁsāra-dāvānala-līḍha-loka-
trāṇāya kāruṇya-ghanāghanatvam
prāptasya kalyāṇa-guṇārṇavasya
vande guroḥ śrī-caraṇāravindam (1)
To deliver the living beings scorched by the blazing forest fire of material existence, śrī gurudeva, who is an ocean of auspicious qualities, manifests like a condensed cloud of mercy. I adore the lotus feet of that śrī gurudeva.
mahāprabhoḥ kīrtana-nṛtya-gīta-
vāditra-mādyan manaso rasena
romañca-kampāśru-taraṅga-bhājo
vande guroḥ śrī-caraṇāravindam (2)
His heart intoxicated in the prema-rasa of Śrīman Mahāprabhu’s kīrtana, śrī guru dances, sings, and plays various instruments. Becoming intoxicated by love, his hair stands on end, he shivers, and sheds torrents of tears. I adore the lotus feet of that śrī gurudeva.
śrī-vigrahārādhana-nitya-nānā-
śṛṅgāra-tan-mandira-mārjanādau
yuktasya bhaktāṁś ca niyuñjato ’pi
vande guroḥ śrī-caraṇāravindam (3)
Śrī gurudeva always worships and serves śrī vigraha, dressing and decorating Them in varieties of raiments and ornaments (that stimulate Their śṛṅgāra-rasa) and performing other services such as cleansing the temple. He also engages the devotees (under his guidance) in these services. I adore the lotus feet of that śrī gurudeva.
catur-vidha-śrī-bhagavat-prasāda-
svādv-anna-tṛptān hari-bhakta-saṅghān
kṛtvaiva tṛptiṁ bhajataḥ sadaiva
vande guroḥ śrī-caraṇāravindam (4)
Śrī guru feels much contentment in satisfying Śrī Hari’s devotees with the four kinds of bhagavat-prasāda—that which is chewed, sucked, licked, and drunk. (By honoring such prasāda, material life is destroyed and true satisfaction, or the bliss of prema, is attained.) I adore the lotus feet of that śrī gurudeva.
śrī-rādhikā-mādhavayor apāra-
mādhurya-līlā-guṇa-rūpa-nāmnām
prati-kṣaṇāsvādana-lolupasya
vande guroḥ śrī-caraṇāravindam (5)
At every moment, śrī gurudeva is experiencing intense greed in his heart to relish the unlimited sweetness of the holy names, forms, qualities, and pastimes of Śrī Śrī Rādhā-Mādhava. I adore the lotus feet of that śrī gurudeva.
nikuñja-yūno rati-keli-siddhyai
yā yālibhir yuktir apekṣaṇīyā
tatrāti-dākṣyād ati-vallabhasya
vande guroḥ śrī-caraṇāravindam (6)
In carrying out the sakhīs’ arrangements for the perfection of Śrī Śrī Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa’s amorous pastimes within the groves of Vṛndāvana, śrī guru is masterfully adept and thus especially dear to Them. I adore the lotus feet of that śrī gurudeva.
sākṣād-dharitvena samasta-śāstrair
uktas tathā bhāvyata eva sadbhiḥ
kintu prabhor yaḥ priya eva tasya
vande guroḥ śrī-caraṇāravindam (7)
Scriptures unanimously proclaim śrī guru to be sākṣāt-hari, directlly Śrī Hari. This is a fact jointly corroborated by all saintly persons. Yet at the same time, śrī guru is very dear to Bhagavān. I adore the lotus feet of that śrī gurudeva (who is inconceivably one with and different from Bhagavān).
yasya prasādād bhagavat-prasādo
yasyāprasādān na gatiḥ kuto ‘pi
dhyāyan stuvaṁs tasya yaśas tri-sandhyaṁ
vande guroḥ śrī-caraṇāravindam (8)
Solely by the mercy of śrī guru one can receive the mercy of Bhagavān; without it, one cannot make any advancement. Meditate on and sing śrī guru’s glories at the three sacred junctions of the day. I adore the lotus feet of that śrī gurudeva.
śrīmad-guror aṣṭakam etad uccair
brāhme muhūrte paṭhati prayatnāt
yas tena vṛndāvana-nātha-sākṣāt-
sevaiva labhyā januṣo ’nta eva (9)
That person who, during brāhma-muhūrta, loudly and attentively recites this Gurvaṣṭakam is sure to achieve direct service to the lotus feet of Śrī Kṛṣṇa, the life and soul of Vṛndāvana, at the end of his current life (upon attaining vastu-siddhi, his eternal spiritual form).
Śrī Prabhupāda-padma-stavakaḥ
Śrīla Bhakti Rakṣaka Śrīdhara Gosvāmī Mahārāja
sujanārbuda-rādhita-pāda-yugaṁ
yuga-dharma-dhurandhara-pātra-varam
varadābhaya-dāyaka-pūjya-padaṁ
praṇamāmi sadā prabhupāda-padam (1)
His two lotus feet are worshiped by an unlimited number of saintly persons, and he is the most competent personality to lead the process of realization for this age, nāma-saṅkīrtana. His adorable lotus feet grant all kinds of benedictions and fearlessness. I forever offer praṇāma unto the feet of Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura Prabhupāda.
bhajanorjita-sajjana-saṅgha-patiṁ
patitādhika-kāruṇikaika-gatim
gati-vañcita-vañcakācintya-padaṁ
praṇamāmi sadā prabhupāda-padam (2)
He is the leader of the assembly of saints who are powerful in bhajana. He is most compassionate to the fallen, as he is their sole refuge. His inconceivable feet deceive the cheaters. I forever offer praṇāma unto the feet of Śrīla Prabhupāda.
ati-komala-kāñcana-dīrgha-tanuṁ
tanu-nindita-hema-mṛṇāla-madam
madanārbuda-vandita-candra-padaṁ
praṇamāmi sadā prabhupāda-padam (3)
His tall golden figure, which is very soft, mocks the pride of a golden lotus. His moonlike feet are worshiped by countless Cupids. I forever offer praṇāma unto the feet of Śrīla Prabhupāda.
nija-sevaka-tāraka-rañji-vidhuṁ
vidhutāhita-huṅkṛta-siṁha-varam
varaṇāgata-bāliśa-śanda-padaṁ
praṇamāmi sadā prabhupāda-padam (4)
He is the pleasing moon for his servitor stars, and with the excellence of a roaring lion, he causes inimical persons to flee in fear. Choosing the shelter of his feet, the innocent attain auspiciousness. I forever offer praṇāma unto the feet of Śrīla Prabhupāda.
vipulī-kṛta-vaibhava-gaura-bhuvaṁ
bhuvaneṣu vikīrtita-gaura-dayam
dayanīya-gaṇārpita-gaura-padaṁ
praṇamāmi sadā prabhupāda-padam (5)
He has widely spread the splendor of Śrī Gaurāṅga’s holy abode, Śrī Navadvīpa-dhāma; he has specially glorified Śrī Gaurāṅga’s mercy throughout the whole world; and he has bestowed Gaurāṅga’s holy feet upon those who are most desperate for mercy. I forever offer praṇāma unto the feet of Śrīla Prabhupāda.
cira-gaura-janāśraya-viśva-guruṁ
guru-gaura-kiśoraka-dāsya-param
paramādṛta-bhaktivinoda-padaṁ
praṇamāmi sadā prabhupāda-padam (6)
He is the eternal refuge and universal guru for the devotees of Śrī Gaurāṅga. He is always dedicated to the service of his holy master, Śrīla Gaura-kiśora dāsa Bābājī, and he is the abode of utmost honor for the feet of Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura. I forever offer praṇāma unto the feet of Śrīla Prabhupāda.
raghu-rūpa-sanātana-kīrti-dharaṁ
dharaṇī-tala-kīrtita-jīva-kavim
kavirāja-narottama-sakhya-padaṁ
praṇamāmi sadā prabhupāda-padam (7)
He shares renown with Raghunātha dāsa, Rūpa, and Sanātana Gosvāmīs and is glorified the world over for having the philosophical genius of Śrīla Jīva Gosvāmī. He shares friendship with Kṛṣṇadāsa Kavirāja Gosvāmī and Narottama dāsa Ṭhākura. I forever offer praṇāma unto the feet of Śrīla Prabhupāda.
kṛpayā hari-kīrtana-mūrti-dharaṁ
dharaṇī-bhara-hāraka-gaura-janam
janakādhika-vatsala-snigdha-padaṁ
praṇamāmi sadā prabhupāda-padam (8)
Out of mercy, he reveals himself as the embodiment of hari-kīrtana. He is an eternal associate of Lord Gaura, born to remove the great burden of the Earth. His nature is even more loving and affectionate than that of a father. I forever offer praṇāma unto the feet of Śrīla Prabhupāda.
śaraṇāgata-kiṅkara-kalpa-taruṁ
taru-dhik-kṛta-dhīra-vadānya-varam
varadendra-gaṇārcita-divya-padaṁ
praṇamāmi sadā prabhupāda-padam (9)
He is a desire tree (of benedictions) for his surrendered servants. His patience and benevolence put a tree to shame. His divine feet are worshiped by the best of those who offer benedictions. I forever offer praṇāma unto the feet of Śrīla Prabhupāda.
parahaṁsa-varaṁ paramārtha-patiṁ
patitoddharaṇe kṛta-veśa-yatim
yati-rāja-gaṇaiḥ parisevya-padaṁ
praṇamāmi sadā prabhupāda-padam (10)
He is the best amongst paramahaṁsas. He is the proprietor of the treasure of the ultimate objective of life (kṛṣṇa-prema). He accepts the dress of a sannyāsī to uplift the fallen souls. His feet are carefully served by the best among sannyāsīs. I forever offer praṇāma unto the feet of Śrīla Prabhupāda.
vṛṣabhānu-sutā-dayitānucaraṁ
caraṇāśrita-reṇu-dharas tam aham
mahad-adbhuta-pāvana-śakti-padaṁ
praṇamāmi sadā prabhupāda-padam (11)
He is a most beloved attendant of the daughter of King Vṛṣabhānu. I have taken shelter of his feet by keeping their dust [on my head]. Those feet possess immense and astonishing power to purify. I forever offer praṇāma unto the feet of Śrīla Prabhupāda.
Śrī Ṣaḍ-gosvāmyaṣṭakam
Śrīla Śrīnivāsa Ācārya
kṛṣṇotkīrtana-gāna-nartana-parau premāmṛtāmbho-nidhī
dhīrādhīra-jana-priyau priya-karau nirmatsarau pūjitau
śrī-caitanya-kṛpā-bharau bhuvi bhuvo bhārāvahantārakau
vande rūpa-sanātanau raghu-yugau śrī-jīva-gopālakau (1)
Perpetually immersed in singing, dancing, and heartfelt kīrtana [of the name, form, qualities, pastimes, associates, and realm] of Śrī Kṛṣṇa, the six Gosvāmīs embody the ocean of nectarean love. Dear to both gentlemen and ruffians, always engaged in pleasing activities, and completely free from envy, they are adored by all. They are the recipients of Śrī Caitanya’s immense mercy, and they therefore remove the burden of the earth (through the distribution of bhakti-rasa). I worship [the six Gosvāmīs:] Śrī Rūpa, Śrī Sanātana, Śrī Raghunātha Bhaṭṭa, Śrī Raghunātha dāsa, Śrī Jīva, and Śrī Gopāla Bhaṭṭa.
nānā-śāstra-vicāraṇaika-nipuṇau sad-dharma-saṁsthāpakau
lokānāṁ hita-kāriṇau tri-bhuvane mānyau śaraṇyākarau
rādhā-kṛṣṇa-padāravinda-bhajanānandena mattālikau
vande rūpa-sanātanau raghu-yugau śrī-jīva-gopālakau (2)
They are uniquely expert in ascertaining the essence of all revealed scriptures, and they establish the supreme occupation of the soul (bhagavad-bhakti). They are the true benefactors of the people, worshipful for the three worlds, and affectionate to those who have taken shelter of them. Due to the bliss of bhajana of the lotus feet of Śrī Śrī Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa, they have become like intoxicated honeybees. I worship Śrī Rūpa, Sanātana, Raghunātha Bhaṭṭa, Raghunātha dāsa, Jīva, and Gopāla Bhaṭṭa Gosvāmīs.
śrī-gaurāṅga-guṇānuvarṇana-vidhau śraddhā-samṛddhy-anvitau
pāpottāpa-nikṛntanau tanu-bhṛtāṁ govinda-gānāmṛtaiḥ
ānandāmbudhi-vardhanaika-nipuṇau kaivalya-nistārakau
vande rūpa-sanātanau raghu-yugau śrī-jīva-gopālakau (3)
They are enriched with deep faith in the process of describing the various qualities of Śrī Gaurāṅga. They nullify the great distress generated from the sinful activities of embodied beings by showering on them nectarean songs about Govinda. They are especially expert in expanding the ocean of bliss, and they rescue all from impersonalism (by imparting the secrets of bhakti). I worship Śrī Rūpa, Sanātana, Raghunātha Bhaṭṭa, Raghunātha dāsa, Jīva, and Gopāla Bhaṭṭa Gosvāmīs.
tyaktvā tūrṇam aśeṣa-maṇḍala-pati-śreṇīṁ sadā tuccha-vat
bhūtvā dīna-gaṇeśakau karuṇayā kaupīna-kanthāśritau
gopī-bhāva-rasāmṛtābdhi-laharī-kallola-magnau muhur
vande rūpa-sanātanau raghu-yugau śrī-jīva-gopālakau (4)
They fully abandoned at once the association of kingly aristocracy, deeming it insignificant, and out of compassion they humbly wore only loincloths and ragged quilts. Thereafter, they repeatedly immersed themselves in the delightful, billowing waves in the nectarous ocean of rasa—the bhāvas felt by the gopīs. I worship Śrī Rūpa, Sanātana, Raghunātha Bhaṭṭa, Raghunātha dāsa, Jīva, and Gopāla Bhaṭṭa Gosvāmīs.
kūjat-kokila-haṁsa-sārasa-gaṇākīrṇe mayūrākule
nānā-ratna-nibaddha-mūla-viṭapa-śrī-yukta-vṛndāvane
rādhā-kṛṣṇam ahar-niśaṁ prabhajatau jīvārthadau yau mudā
vande rūpa-sanātanau raghu-yugau śrī-jīva-gopālakau (5)
Crowded with sweetly cooing cuckoos, swans, and cranes, as well as groups of peacocks, Vṛndāvana is shining beautifully with trees that have many varieties of gems inlaid beneath their roots. There, day and night, the Gosvāmīs intensely worship Śrī Śrī Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa, thus endowing all jīvas with the ultimate benefit of life. I worship Śrī Rūpa, Sanātana, Raghunātha Bhaṭṭa, Raghunātha dāsa, Jīva, and Gopāla Bhaṭṭa Gosvāmīs.
saṅkhyā-pūrvaka-nāma-gāna-natibhiḥ kālāvasānī-kṛtau
nidrāhāra-vihārakādi-vijitau cātyanta-dīnau ca yau
rādhā-kṛṣṇa-guṇa-smṛter madhurimānandena sammohitau
vande rūpa-sanātanau raghu-yugau śrī-jīva-gopālakau (6)
They would pass their time by daily chanting a fixed number of holy names, singing particular songs, and offering regulated obeisances [to saints, deities, and the Lord’s pastime places]. Thus they fully conquered the urges of eating, sleeping, recreation, and so forth. Always considering themselves to be unlimitedly lowly and insignificant, they became enchanted in sweet rapture by remembering Śrī Śrī Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa’s qualities. I worship Śrī Rūpa, Sanātana, Raghunātha Bhaṭṭa, Raghunātha dāsa, Jīva, and Gopāla Bhaṭṭa Gosvāmīs.
rādhā-kuṇḍa-taṭe kalinda-tanayā-tīre ca vaṁśīvaṭe
premonmāda-vaśād aśeṣa-daśayā grastau pramattau sadā
gāyantau ca kadā harer guṇa-varaṁ bhāvābhibhūtau mudā
vande rūpa-sanātanau raghu-yugau śrī-jīva-gopālakau (7)
Wandering along the banks of Rādhā-kuṇḍa or the Yamunā, and sometimes at Vaṁśīvaṭa, they would be forever seized by limitless transcendental states, intoxicated by the utter madness of prema. Overwhelmed with bhāva, they would jubilantly sing about the exalted qualities of Śrī Hari. I worship Śrī Rūpa, Sanātana, Raghunātha Bhaṭṭa, Raghunātha dāsa, Jīva, and Gopāla Bhaṭṭa Gosvāmīs.
he rādhe! vraja-devike! ca lalite! he nanda-sūno! kutaḥ
śrī-govardhana-kalpa-pādapa-tale kālindī-vanye kutaḥ
ghoṣantāv iti sarvato vraja-pure khedair mahā-vihvalau
vande rūpa-sanātanau raghu-yugau śrī-jīva-gopālakau (8)
“O Rādha, Queen of Vṛndāvana! O Lalitā! O son of Nanda Mahārāja! Where are You? Are You beneath the kalpa-vṛkṣa trees of Śrī Govardhana Hill? Or are you in the forests on the banks of the Kālindī?” Thus calling out, greatly overwhelmed in separation, they would wander throughout the length and breadth of Vraja-maṇḍala. I worship Śrī Rūpa, Sanātana, Raghunātha Bhaṭṭa, Raghunātha dāsa, Jīva, and Gopāla Bhaṭṭa Gosvāmīs.
Śrī Gaura-Gadādharāṣṭakam
Śrīmad Acyutānanda Gosvāmī (son of Śrī Advaita Ācārya)
kṣitau luṭhada-gaura-kalevarābhyāṁ
sadā mahā-prema-vilāsakābhyām
samudra-tīre naṭa-nāgarābhyāṁ,
namo’stu me gaura-gadādharābhyām (1)
Their two golden figures would writhe upon the Earth
Always in the great rapture of divine love
On the shore of the ocean they would dance, the hero and heroine of yore
I bow to Śrī Śrī Gaura-Gadādhara
hā hā kṛ rādheti muhuḥ sthitābhyāṁ,
śrī-rādhikā-kṛṣṇa-vapur-dharābhyām
ānanda-līlā-rasa-rañjitābhyāṁ
namo’stu me gaura-gadādharābhyām (2)
Oh Kṛ! Oh Rādhe! Again and again they would cry out thus
Though they are none other than Śrī Rādhikā and Kṛṣṇa Themselves
Delighted in ecstatic pastimes of love
I bow unto Śrī Śrī Gaura Gadādhara
advaita-cintā-hara-sambhavābhyāṁ
sadā bhāvānanda-manoharābhyām
acintya-līlā-pari-pūritābhyāṁ
namo’stu me gaura-gadādharābhyām (3)
They incarnated to alleviate the distress of Śrī Advaita
They are always absorbed in the bliss of love and thus ever enchanting
They bring total fulfillment to Their ever-evolving inconceivable pastimes
I bow unto Śrī Śrī Gaura Gadādhara
jīvaika-nistāra-dhṛta-vratābhyāṁ
śrī-kṛṣṇa-nāmnā-jana-tārakābhyām
hare hare kṛṣṇa mukhāmbujābhyāṁ
namo’stu me gaura-gadādharābhyām (4)
They have vowed to uplift all souls
And deliver them by means of Śrī Kṛṣṇa’s holy names
Their mouths constantly sing the names, “Hare Hare Kṛṣṇa”
I bow unto Śrī Śrī Gaura Gadādhara
aśeṣa-duḥkhāmaya-bheṣajābhyāṁ
kirīṭa-keyūra-vibhūṣitābhyām
graiveya-mālā-maṇi-rañjitābhyāṁ
namo’stu me gaura-gadādharābhyām (5)
They cure the torment of endless nescience
They are adorned with crowns and armlets
And jewel-studded necklaces shine upon Their necks
I bow unto Śrī Śrī Gaura Gadādhara
śrīvatsa-romāvali-rañjitābhyāṁ
vakṣa-sthale kaustubha-bhūṣitābhyām
trailokya-sanmohana-sundarābhyāṁ
namo’stu me gaura-gadādharābhyām (6)
Atop beautiful curls of hair
Their chests are adorned by Kaustubha gems
Their beauty bewilders the three worlds
I bow unto Śrī Śrī Gaura Gadādhara
sphurac-calat-kāñcana-kuṇḍalābhyāṁ
sadāṣṭa-bhāvaiḥ pariśobhitābhyām
svedāśru-kampādi-vibhūṣitābhyāṁ
namo’stu me gaura-gadādharābhyām (7)
They sport brilliant restless gold earrings
They are decorated by the eight symptoms of ecstatic love
Perspiration, tears, and trembling adorn their figures
I bow unto Śrī Śrī Gaura Gadādhara
śrīmac-chivānanda-manorathābhyāṁ
sadā sukhānanda-rasa-sphurābhyām
madīya-sarvasva-padāmbujābhyāṁ
namo’stu me gaura-gadādharābhyām (8)
They fulfill the desires of Śrī Śivānanda
They are forever resplendent in the blissful happiness of rasa
Their lotus feet are my all-in-all
I bow unto Śrī Śrī Gaura Gadādhara
paṭhanti ye gaura-gadādharāṣṭakaṁ
padyaṁ labhante vraja-yugma-pādam
advaita-putreṇa mayoktam-etan
nāmnāccutyānanda-janena dhīmatā (9)
Whoever reads this eightfold hymn to Śrī Gaura-Gadādhara
Will attain the feet of the Divine Couple of Vraja
This hymn was composed by son of Śrī Advaita
By the name of Acyutānanda
Śrī Caitanyāṣṭakam
Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī
sadopāsyaḥ śrīmān dhṛta-manuja-kāyaiḥ praṇayitāṁ
vahadbhir gīrvāṇair giriśa-parameṣṭhi-prabhṛtibhiḥ
sva-bhaktebhyaḥ śuddhāṁ nija-bhajana-mudrām upadiśan
sa caitanyaḥ kiṁ me punar api dṛśor yāsyati padam (1)
Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu is perpetually worshipable for demigods such as Śiva and Brahmā, who have assumed human form (as Advaita Ācārya and Haridāsa Ṭhākura) and who nurture great love for Him; He is supremely radiant; and He instructs His devotees on the practice of pure bhajana. When will that Śrī Caitanya-deva again become visible to me?
sureśānāṁ durgaṁ gatir atiśayenopaniṣadāṁ
munīnāṁ sarva svaṁ praṇata-paṭalīnāṁ madhurimā
viniryāsaḥ premṇo nikhila-paśu-pālāmbuja-dṛśāṁ
sa caitanyaḥ kiṁ me punar api dṛśor yāsyati padam (2)
Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu is a fortress that constitutes the basis of fearlessness for the demigods; He is the ultimate truth and goal as delineated by the Upaniṣads, the wealth of the sages in both worlds, and the embodiment of sweetness for His devotees who approach Him in the mood of servitude; He is the essence of that type of kṛṣṇa-prema that the gopīs of Vraja possess. When will that Śrī Caitanya-deva again become visible to me?
svarūpaṁ bibhrāṇo jagad-atulam advaita-dayitaḥ
prapanna-śrīvāso janita-paramānanda-garimā
harir dīnoddhārī gaja-pati-kṛpotseka-taralaḥ
sa caitanyaḥ kiṁ me punar api dṛśor yāsyati padam (3)
Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu with the nectar of His mercy forever nourishes His eternal associates such as Svarūpa Dāmodara and Anupama (father of Jīva Gosvāmī); He is very dear to Advaita Ācārya and the object of Śrīvāsa Paṇḍita’s surrender; He honored Paramānanda Purī as His Guru; He is known as Hari because He steals away the ignorance of material existence; He is the saviour of the fallen who are oppressed by the three-fold miseries; and He is always eager to shower Gajapati Pratāparudra, the king of Orissa, with streams of His mercy. When will that Śrī Caitanya-deva again become visible to me?
rasoddāmā kāmārbuda-madhura-dhāmojjvala-tanur
yatīnām uttaṁsas taraṇi-kara-vidyoti-vasanaḥ
hiraṇyānāṁ lakṣmī-bharam abhibhavann āṅgika-rucā
sa caitanyaḥ kiṁ me punar api dṛśor yāsyati padam (4)
Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu is forever intoxicated in the happiness of relishing madhura-rasa; His captivating form is more splendrous than the sweet, enchanting radiance of millions of Kāmadevas; He is the crest-jewel of sannyāsīs; His cloth is the color of the rays of the rising sun, and His bodily complexion defeats the splendor of molten gold. When will that Śrī Caitanya-deva again become visible to me?
hare kṛṣṇety uccaiḥ sphurita-rasano nāma-gaṇanā-
kṛta-granthi-śreṇī-subhaga-kaṭi-sūtrojjvala-karaḥ
viśālākṣo dīrghārgala-yugala-khelāñcita-bhujaḥ
sa caitanyaḥ kiṁ me punar api dṛśor yāsyati padam (5)
Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s tongue is always dancing by loudly calling out “Hare Kṛṣṇa!” (or the mahā-mantra ecstatically dances of its own volition on the theatrical stage of His tongue); He counts the names that He is calling out on the exquisite strip of kaupīna cloth from around His waist which has been tied with knots for chanting; His eyes are so large that they seem to reach His ears; and His long arms extend down to His knees. When will that Śrī Caitanya-deva again become visible to me?
payorāśes tīre sphurad-upavanālī-kalanayā
muhur vṛndāraṇya-smaraṇa-janita-prema-vivaśaḥ
kvacit kṛṣṇāvṛtti-pracala-rasano bhakti-rasikaḥ
sa caitanyaḥ kiṁ me punar api dṛśor yāsyati padam (6)
Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, upon seeing the wondrous gardens that line the shores of the ocean at Jagannātha Purī, time and again becomes overwhelmed by the prema that arises from remembering Vṛndāvana; He is the supreme rasika of prema-bhakti, and His tongue thus sings the names of Kṛṣṇa at every moment. When will that Śrī Caitanya-deva again become visible to me?
rathārūḍhasyārād adhipadavi nīlācala-pater
adabhra-premormi-sphurita-naṭanollāsa-vivaśaḥ
sa-harṣaṁ gāyadbhiḥ parivṛta-tanur vaiṣṇava-janaiḥ
sa caitanyaḥ kiṁ me punar api dṛśor yāsyati padam (7)
Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, surrounded on all sides by jubilant devotees performing nāma-saṅkīrtana and overwhelmed in great prema, dances before the cart of Jagannātha-deva. When will that Śrī Caitanya-deva again become visible to me?
bhuvaṁ siñcann aśru-srutibhir abhitaḥ sāndra-pulakaiḥ
parītāṅgo nīpa-stabaka-nava-kiñjalka-jayibhiḥ
ghana-sveda-stoma-stimita-tanur utkīrtana-sukhī
sa caitanyaḥ kiṁ me punar api dṛśor yāsyati padam (8)
Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu drenches the ground with the streams of tears falling from His eyes; His limbs are decorated with horripilation that defeats the beauty of clusters of kadamba blossoms; His entire body is moist with perspiration; and He is blissful as He brazenly performs kīrtana while standing with upraised arms. When will that Śrī Caitanya-deva again become visible to me?
adhīte gaurāṅga-smaraṇa-padavī-maṅgalataraṁ
kṛtī yo viśrambha-sphurad-amala-dhīr aṣṭakam idam
parānande sadyas tad-amala-padāmbhoja-yugale
parisphārā tasya sphuratu nitarāṁ prema-laharī (9)
That fortunate person of pure intelligence who remembers Śrī Caitanya-deva by faithfully reciting this very auspicious aṣṭaka will instantly experience powerful waves of prema for Mahāprabhu’s supremely blissful lotus feet arising within his heart—this is the blessing of the author.
Śrī Kunja-viharyaṣṭakam
Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī
indranīla-maṇi-mañjula-varṇaḥ
phulla-nīpa-kusumāñcita-karṇaḥ
kṛṣṇalābhir akṛśorasi-hārī
sundaro jayati kuñja-vihārī (1)
The hue of His body is the charming color of sapphire. His ears are graced by blossoming kadamba flowers, and His broad chest is adorned with a guñjā-mālā. All glories to beautiful Kuñja-bihārī!
rādhikā-vadana-candra-cakoraḥ
sarva-ballava-vadhū-dhṛti-cauraḥ
carcarī-caturatāñcita-cārī
cāruto jayati kuñja-vihārī (2)
He is the cakora bird who drinks the rays emanating from the moon of Śrī Rādhā’s face. He steals away the composure of all the chaste brides of the gopas and He skillfully dances to the rhythm known as carcarī. All glories to Kuñja-bihārī!
sarvataḥ prathita-kaulika-parva-
dhvaṁsanena hṛta-vāsava-garvaḥ
goṣṭha-rakṣaṇa-kṛte giridhārī
līlayā jayati kuñja-vihārī (3)
Putting an end to the renowned customary worship of Indra (as was performed by the cowherds of Vraja), He removed Indra’s pride, and to protect the people of Vraja (from Indra’s wrath), He playfully lifted Govardhana Hill. All glories to Kuñja-
bihārī!
rāga-maṇḍala-vibhūṣita-vaṁśī-
vibhrameṇa madanotsava-śaṁsī
stūyamāna-caritaḥ śuka-śārī-
śreṇibhir jayati kuñja-vihārī (4)
His vaṁśī is decorated with different rāgas and rāginīs, by which He announces (to the gopīs) the festival of transcendental Cupid. (Hearing the sweet sound of that vaṁśī,) flocks of enamored male and female parrots extol His character. All glories to Kuñja-bihārī!
śātakumbha-ruci-hāri-dukūlaḥ
keki-candraka-virājita-cūlaḥ
navya-yauvana-lasad-vraja-nārī-
rañjano jayati kuñja-vihārī (5)
His beautiful garments have the splendor of gold. The top of His head is decorated with a peacock feather, and He delights the girls of Vraja, who shine with ever-fresh youth. All glories to Kuñja-bihārī!
sthāsakī-kṛta-sugandhi-paṭīraḥ
svarṇa-kañci-pariśobhi-kaṭīraḥ
rādhikonnata-payodhara-vārī-
kuñjaro jayati kuñja-vihārī (6)
He is anointed with fragrant sandal paste. His hips are decorated with a golden belt. He is the elephant bound by the rope of the raised breasts of Śrī Rādhikā. All glories to Kuñja-bihārī!
gaura-dhātu-tilakojjvala-bhālaḥ
keli-cañcalita-campaka-mālaḥ
adri-kandara-gṛheṣv abhisārī
subhruvāṁ jayati kuñja-vihārī (7)
His forehead is made splendid with tilaka ground from golden minerals. His campaka garland playfully sways to and fro. He goes to mountain caves for a tryst (abhisāra) with the beautiful eyebrowed gopīs. All glories to Kuñja-bihārī!
vibhramoccala-dṛg-añcala-nṛtya-
kṣipta-gopa-lalanākhila-kṛtyāḥ
prema-matta-vṛṣabhānu-kumārī-
nāgaro jayati kuñja-bihārī (8)
His restless, dancing sidelong glances make the gopīs drop all their household duties. He is the paramour of Vṛṣabhānu’s daughter, who is mad with love for Him. All glories to Kuñja-bihārī!
aṣṭakaṁ madhura-kuñja-vihāri-
krīḍayā paṭhati yaḥ kila hāri
sa prayāti vilasat para-bhāgaṁ
tasya pāda-kamalārcana-rāgam (9)
He who recites these eight verses about the sweet, playful pastimes of Kuñja-bihārī will certainly attain the greatest fortune, anurāga (deep attachment) to the worship of His lotus feet.
Śrī Rādhikāṣṭakam (1)
Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī
diśi diśi racayantīṁ sañcaran-netra-lakṣmī-
vilasita-khuralībhiḥ khañjarīṭasya khelām
hṛdaya-madhupa-mallīṁ ballavādhīśa-sūnor
akhila-guṇa-gambhīrāṁ rādhikām arcayāmi (1)
I worship that Śrīmatī Rādhikā, whose restless eyes, moving like flocks of khañjarīṭa birds (wagtails), playfully wander in all directions, constantly searching out Her prey, Śrī Kṛṣṇa. Upon sighting Him, like an expert hunter She casts the arrows of Her provocative, sidelong glances. She is the jasmine flower for the bumblebee Śrī Kṛṣṇa. Just as the jasmine elates the bumblebee, She gives great joy to Śrī Kṛṣṇa’s heart, completely making Him Hers. She is very mysterious with Her countless deep qualities.
pitur iha vṛṣabhānor anvavāya-praśastiṁ
jagati kila samaste suṣṭhu vistārayantīm
vraja-nṛpati-kumāraṁ khelayantīṁ sakhībhiḥ
surabhiṇi nija-kuṇḍe rādhikām arcayāmi (2)
I worship that Śrīmatī Rādhikā, who wonderfully increases the fame of Vṛṣabhānu Mahārāja’s dynasty here in Vraja and throughout the world by inducing the Prince of Vraja to give up His royal behavior and openly sport in a carefree manner with Her and all the sakhīs in Her fragrant kuṇḍa.
śarad-upacita-rākā-kaumudī-nātha-kīrti-
prakara-damana-dīkṣā-dakṣiṇa-smera-vaktrām
naṭad-aghabhid-apāṅgottuṅgitānaṅga-raṅgām
kalita-ruci-taraṅgāṁ rādhikām arcayāmi (3)
I worship that Śrīmatī Rādhikā, whose smiling, blooming lotus face expertly belittles the vast glory of the brilliant śarad full moon, the lord of the night-blooming kumud lotus, and diminishes the beauty of all the other gopīs [just as guru by dīkṣā cuts the pride of his disciple]; whose pure amorous desires are aroused by Aghabhid Śrī Kṛṣṇa’s dancing sidelong glances; and who is endowed with waves of beauty, grace and charm.
vividha-kusuma-vṛndotphulla-dhammilla-dhāṭī-
vighaṭita-mada-ghūrṇat keki-piccha-praśastiṁ
madhuripu-mukha-bimbodgīrṇa-tāmbūla-rāga-
sphurad-amala-kapolāṁ rādhikām arcayāmi (4)
I worship that Śrīmatī Rādhikā, whose braided hair, beautifully adorned with clusters of many varieties of fully blossomed flowers, forcibly attacks and reproaches the fame of the tail-feathers of an intoxicated, dancing peacock; whose pure, unblemished cheeks are reddish and very lustrous from the juice of the tāmbūla remnants from Madhuripu Śrī Kṛṣṇa’s bimba-fruit lips.
amalina-lalitāntaḥ sneha-siktāntaraṅgām
akhila-vidha-viśākhā-sakhya-vikhyāta-śīlām
sphurad-aghabhid-anargha-prema-māṇikya-peṭīṁ
dhṛta-madhura-vinodāṁ rādhikām arcayāmi (5)
I worship that Śrīmatī Rādhikā, whose heart is always saturated with Lalitā-sakhī’s pure, unrestrained affection; whose sublime nature is made more famous due to sharing intimate friendship with Viśākhā-sakhī; who is a treasure-chest wherein She conceals the glistening, priceless ruby of Aghabhid Śrī Kṛṣṇa’s prema; who bathes and dresses in Her own beauty and sweetness (Her different bhāvas for Śrī Kṛṣṇa).
atula-mahasi vṛndāraṇya-rājye ’bhiṣiktāṁ
nikhila-samaya-bhartuḥ kārtikasyādhidevīm
aparimita-mukunda-preyasī-vṛnda-mukhyāṁ
jagad-agha-hara-kīrtiṁ rādhikām arcayāmi (6)
I worship that Śrīmatī Rādhikā, who is enthroned as the queen of the incomparable festive and supreme abode, Śrī Vṛndāvana; who is the presiding goddess of Kārttika, the king of months; who is the foremost of Śrī Kṛṣṇa’s innumerable beloveds; and whose fame, which destroys sins, instills desire to serve Kṛṣṇa.
hari-pada-nakha-koṭī-pṛṣṭha-paryanta-sīmā-
taṭam api kalayantīṁ prāṇa-koṭer abhīṣṭam
pramudita-madirākṣī-vṛnda-vaidagdhya-dīkṣā-
gurum ati-guru-kīrtiṁ rādhikām arcayāmi (7)
I worship that Śrīmatī Rādhikā, who considers just the outermost extremity of the very edge of the tips of Śrī Kṛṣṇa’s toes to be millions of times dearer than Her own life. Indeed, Śrī Kṛṣṇa is Her very life and She knows nothing other than Him. Famous as the supreme initiating guru for the joyful gopīs, whose beautiful eyes are intoxicated with prema, She instructs them in the arts of cleverly serving Kṛṣṇa.
amala-kanaka-paṭṭodghṛṣṭa-kāśmīra-gaurīṁ
madhurima-laharībhiḥ samparītāṁ kiśorīm
hari-bhuja-parirabdhāṁ labdha-romāñca-pāliṁ
sphurad-aruṇa-dukūlāṁ rādhikām arcayāmi (8)
I worship that Śrīmatī Rādhikā, whose fair complexion resembles saffron that has been ground upon a slab of pure gold; whose youthful pastimes are filled with endless waves of sweetness; whose hairs stand on end in bliss when Śrī Kṛṣṇa embraces Her; whose dress is the color of the rising sun.
tad-amala-madhurimṇāṁ kāmam ādhāra-rūpaṁ
paripaṭhati variṣṭhaṁ suṣṭhu rādhāṣṭakaṁ yaḥ
ahima-kiraṇa-putrī-kūla-kalyāṇa-candraḥ
sphuṭam akhilam abhīṣṭaṁ tasya tuṣṭas tanoti (9)
Those who lovingly and deeply recite this wonderful Rādhikāṣṭakam, which embodies Śrīmatī Rādhikā’s pure sweetness, will please the moon of all auspiciousness, Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra, who is playing on the banks of the Yamunā with Śrīmatī Rādhikā. Kṛṣṇa Himself will cause the lotus flower of the desire to serve Śrīmatī Rādhikā to bloom in their hearts.