First 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 Nityānandāṣṭakam

Śrīla Vṛndāvana dāsa Ṭhākura

śarac-candra-bhrāntiṁ sphurad-amala-kāntiṁ gaja-gatiṁ
hari-premonmattaṁ dhṛta-parama-sattvaṁ smita-mukham
sadā ghūrṇan-netraṁ kara-kalita-vetraṁ kali-bhidaṁ
bhaje nityānandaṁ bhajana-taru-kandaṁ niravadhi (1)

The sphere of His bright face resembles a wandering autumnal moon, His pure complexion glistens, His gait is like that of an elephant, He is utterly intoxicated in kṛṣṇa-prema, and He is the personification of pure spiritual energy (viśuddha-sattva). His face is smiling, His eyes are ever rolling, His hand holds a staff, and (by the performance of nāma-saṅkīrtana) He dispels the forces of Kali. I perpetually worship Śrī Nityānanda Prabhu, the root of the kṛṣṇa-bhakti tree.

rasānām āgāraṁ svajana-gaṇa-sarvasvam atulaṁ
tadīyaika-prāṇa-pratima-vasudhā-jāhnavā-patim
sadā premonmādaṁ param-aviditaṁ manda-manasāṁ
bhaje nityānandaṁ bhajana-taru-kandaṁ niravadhi (2)

He is the abode of all rasas, He is everything to His devotees, He is beyond compare, and He is the dear husband of Vasudhā and Jāhnavā-devī, who are His very life. He is always maddened in prema, and He is unknown only to those of mundane intelligence. I perpetually worship Śrī Nityānanda Prabhu, the root of the kṛṣṇa-bhakti tree.

śacī-sūnu-preṣṭhaṁ nikhila-jagad-iṣṭaṁ sukha-mayaṁ
kalau majjaj-jīvoddharaṇa-karaṇoddāma-karuṇam
harer ākhyānād vā bhava-jaladhi-garvonnati-haraṁ
bhaje nityānandaṁ bhajana-taru-kandaṁ niravadhi (3)

He is most dear to Mother Śacī’s son, He is worshiped by the entire universe, and He is bursting with joy. By His unbounded mercy, He rescues the souls drowning in this age of Kali, and by performing śrī harināma-saṅkīrtana, He evaporates the swelling pride in this ocean of mundane existence. I perpetually worship Śrī Nityānanda Prabhu, the root of the kṛṣṇa-bhakti tree.

aye bhrātar nṛṇāṁ kali-kaluṣiṇāṁ kiṁ nu bhavitā
tathā prāyaścitaṁ racaya yad anāyāsata ime
vrajanti tvām itthaṁ saha bhagavatā mantrayati yo
bhaje nityānandaṁ bhajana-taru-kandaṁ niravadhi (4)

“O My brother [Gaurāṅga], contaminated by the vices of Kali-yuga, what will become of mankind?” He thus advises the Supreme Lord, Śrī Kṛṣṇa Caitanya, “Please devise a purificatory method whereby they can easily attain Your shelter.” I perpetually worship Śrī Nityānanda Prabhu, the root of the kṛṣṇa-bhakti tree.

yatheṣṭaṁ re bhrātaḥ! kuru hari-hari-dhvānam aniśaṁ
tato vaḥ saṁsārāmbudhi-taraṇa-dāyo mayi laget
idaṁ bāhu-sphoṭair aṭati raṭayan yaḥ prati-gṛhaṁ
bhaje nityānandaṁ bhajana-taru-kandaṁ niravadhi (5)

“O brothers, simply chant incessantly the names of Śrī Hari, and let the responsibility of delivering you from the ocean of repeated birth and death rest upon Me.” While traveling constantly, He approached the door of every home, declaring this with outstretched arms. I perpetually worship Śrī Nityānanda Prabhu, the root of the kṛṣṇa-bhakti tree.

balāt saṁsārāmbhonidhi-haraṇa-kumbhodbhavam aho!
satāṁ śreyaḥ-sindhūnnati-kumuda-bandhuṁ samuditam
khala-śreṇī-sphūrjat-timira-hara-sūrya-prabham ahaṁ
bhaje nityānandaṁ bhajana-taru-kandaṁ niravadhi (6)

How astonishing! He is [just like] Agastya Muni [who once swallowed the entire ocean], forcibly swallowing the ocean of repeated birth and death. He is the rising moon that causes the ocean of saintly persons’ good fortune to swell. He is the brilliant sun, blazing before the multitude of rogues and dispelling the darkness of their ignorance. I perpetually worship Śrī Nityānanda Prabhu, the root of the kṛṣṇa-bhakti tree.

naṭantaṁ gāyantaṁ harim anuvadantaṁ pathi pathi
vrajantaṁ paśyantaṁ svam api nadayantaṁ jana-gaṇam
prakurvantaṁ santaṁ sa-karuṇa-dṛg-antaṁ prakalanād
bhaje nityānandaṁ bhajana-taru-kandaṁ niravadhi (7)

Dancing, singing, and calling out the names of Śrī Hari and delighting His own associates, who are also absorbed in śrī harināma-kīrtana, with His darśana, He roams each and every path, casting merciful glances upon the saintly from the corners of His eyes. I perpetually worship Śrī Nityānanda Prabhu, the root of the kṛṣṇa-bhakti tree.

su-bibhrāṇaṁ bhrātuḥ kara-sarasijaṁ komalataraṁ
mitho vaktrālokocchalita-paramānanda-hṛdayam
bhramantaṁ mādhuryair ahaha! madayantaṁ pura-janān
bhaje nityānandaṁ bhajana-taru-kandaṁ niravadhi (8)

He gently held the supremely soft lotus hand of His brother, Their hearts soaring upward in the highest bliss as They gazed at each others’ faces. As He wandered here and there, He delighted the townspeople with His sweetness. I perpetually worship Śrī Nityānanda Prabhu, the root of the kṛṣṇa-bhakti tree.

rasānām ādhāraṁ rasika-vara-sad-vaiṣṇava-dhanaṁ
rasāgāraṁ sāraṁ patita-tati-tāraṁ smaraṇataḥ
paraṁ nityānandāṣṭakam idam apūrvaṁ paṭhati yas
tad-aṅghri-dvandvābjaṁ sphuratu nitarāṁ tasya hṛdaye (9)

May Śrī Nityānanda Prabhu’s two lotus feet brilliantly manifest in the hearts of those who recite this unprecedented and supremely potent Nityānandāṣṭakam, which is the reservoir of rasa, the treasure of exalted rasika Vaiṣṇavas, and the abode of the essence of bhakti-rasa. It bestows liberation upon all fallen souls who simply remember it.

Śrī Śacī-tanayāṣṭakam

Śrīla Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya

ujjvala-varaṇa-gaura-vara-dehaṁ
vilasita-niravadhi-bhāva-videham
tri-bhuvana-pāvana-kṛpāyā leśaṁ
taṁ praṇamāmi ca śrī-śacī-tanayam (1)

His sublime body is brilliant with a golden hue, and He incessantly performs pastimes, overwhelmed by transcendental moods (the bhāvas of Śrīmatī Rādhikā). A minute particle of His mercy purifies all the three worlds. I offer praṇāma to the beautiful son of Mother Śacī.

gadgada-antara-bhāva-vikāraṁ
durjana-tarjana-nāda-viśālam
bhava-bhaya-bhañjana-kāraṇa-karuṇaṁ
taṁ praṇamāmi ca śrī-śacī-tanayam (2)

Within His heart, transformations of bhāvas cause His voice to falter. His great roar strikes terror in the hearts of atheists, and His compassion nullifies the fear evoked by mundane existence. I offer praṇāma to the beautiful son of Mother Śacī.

aruṇāmbaradhara-cāru-kapolaṁ
indu-vinindita-nakha-caya-ruciram
jalpita-nija-guṇa-nāma-vinodaṁ
taṁ praṇamāmi ca śrī-śacī-tanayam (3)

He wears cloth the saffron hue of the rising sun, and His cheeks are charming. His fingernails and toenails radiate a brilliance that eclipses the glory of the full moon, and He receives immense bliss by performing the kīrtana of His own names and virtues. I offer praṇāma to the beautiful son of Mother Śacī.

vigalita-nayana-kamala-jaladhāraṁ
bhūṣaṇa-nava-rasa-bhāva-vikāram
gati-ati-manthara-nṛtya-vilāsaṁ
taṁ praṇamāmi ca śrī-śacī-tanayam (4)

Streams of tears flow from His lotus eyes. His body is adorned with ever new transformations of bhāva, and in His pastimes of dance, His movements flow most gently. I offer praṇāma to the beautiful son of Mother Śacī.

cañcala-cāru-caraṇa-gati-ruciram
mañjīra-rañjita-pada-yuga-madhuram
candra-vinindita-śītala-vadanaṁ
taṁ praṇamāmi ca śrī-śacī-tanayam (5)

The restless movements of His beautiful feet are very attractive. Those two sweet feet are adorned with delightful, tinkling ankle bells.  His cooling face reproaches the moon. I offer praṇāma to the beautiful son of Mother Śacī.

dhṛta-kaṭi-ḍora-kamaṇḍalu-daṇḍaṁ
divya-kalevara-muṇḍita-muṇḍam
durjana-kalmaṣa-khaṇḍana-daṇḍaṁ
taṁ praṇamāmi ca śrī-śacī-tanayam (6)

Around His waist, He wears a cloth belt for kaupīnas (ḍora), and He holds a kamaṇḍalu and a daṇḍa. His divine body is crowned with a shaven head. With His daṇḍa, He vanquishes the sins of the wicked. I offer praṇāma to the beautiful son of Mother Śacī.

bhūṣaṇa-bhūraja-alakā-valitaṁ
kampita-bimbādhara-vara-ruciram
malayaja-viracita-ujjvala-tilakaṁ
taṁ praṇamāmi ca śrī-śacī-tanayam (7)

His curling locks of hair are ornamented by the dust of the earth (which rises as He dances), and His captivating lips, crimson like bimba fruit, quiver. His body is adorned with bright tilaka made of Malaya sandalwood. I offer praṇāma to the beautiful son of Mother Śacī.

nindita-aruṇa-kamala-dala-nayanaṁ
ājānu-lambita-śrī-bhuja-yugalam
kalevara-kaiśora-nartaka-veśaṁ
taṁ praṇamāmi ca śrī-śacī-tanayam (8)

The shape of His eyes challenges the elongated form of a reddish lotus petal. His beautiful arms extend down to His knees, and His form is graced with the attire of a youthful dancer. I offer praṇāma to the beautiful son of Mother Śacī.

Śrī Kṛṣṇa-candrāṣṭakam

Śrīla Kṛṣṇadāsa Kavirāja Gosvāmī

ambudāñjanendra-nīla-nindi-kānti-ḍambaraḥ
kuṅkumodyad-arka-vidyud-aṁśu-divyad-ambaraḥ
śrīmad-aṅga-carcitendu-pītanākta-candanaḥ
svāṅghri-dāsyado ’stu me sa ballavendra-nandanaḥ (1)

Śrī Kṛṣṇa’s bodily complexion reproaches the luster of a fresh rain cloud, kājjala, and blue sapphires. His garments shine more than saffron, the rising sun, and a flash of lightning. His entire form is anointed with sandalwood mixed with camphor and saffron. May that Ballavendra-nandana Kṛṣṇa (Son of the king of cowherds) bless me with service to His lotus feet.

gaṇḍa-tāṇḍavāti-paṇḍitāṇḍajeśa-kuṇḍalaś
candra-padma-ṣaṇḍa-garva-khaṇḍanāsya-maṇḍalaḥ
ballavīṣu vardhitātma-gūḍha-bhāva-bandhanaḥ
svāṅghri-dāsyado ’stu me sa ballavendra-nandanaḥ (2)

On His cheeks dangle makara-shaped earrings that are most expert in dancing. His round face shatters the pride of the full moon and a host of lotuses. He tightens His shackles on the vraja-gopīs by eternally increasing their secret sentiments for Him. May that Ballavendra-nandana Kṛṣṇa bless me with service to His lotus feet.

nitya-navya-rūpa-veśa-hārda-keli-ceṣṭitaḥ
keli-narma-śarma-dāyi-mitra-vṛnda-veṣṭitaḥ
svīya-keli-kānanāṁśu-nirjitendra-nandanaḥ
svāṅghri-dāsyado ’stu me sa ballavendra-nandanaḥ (3)

His beauty, attire, love-laden pastimes, and loving endeavors are all ever fresh and new. He is always surrounded by a group of friends who delight Him with their joking words as they play. The rays emanating from His pleasure forest (Śrī Vṛndāvana) defeat Indra’s heavenly Nandana Garden. May that Ballavendra-nandana Kṛṣṇa bless me with service to His lotus feet.

prema-hema-maṇḍitātma-bandhutābhinanditaḥ
kṣauṇi-lagna-bhāla-lokapāla-pāli-vanditaḥ
nitya-kāla-sṛṣṭa-vipra-gauravāli-vandanaḥ
svāṅghri-dāsyado ’stu me sa ballavendra-nandanaḥ (4)

Delighted by His friends, who are adorned with the gold of prema, He is honored by the lords of various planets (such as Indra), their heads touching the ground [in obeisance]. Yet He Himself daily worships brāhmaṇas and His gurus, at the appropriate times of day. May that Ballavendra-nandana Kṛṣṇa bless me with service to His lotus feet.

līlayendra-kāliyoṣṇa-kaṁsa-vatsa-ghātakas
tat-tad-ātma-keli-vṛṣṭi-puṣṭa-bhakta-cātakaḥ
vīrya-śīla-līlayātma-ghoṣa-vāsi-nandanaḥ
svāṅghri-dāsyado ’stu me sa ballavendra-nandanaḥ (5)

He effortlessly cooled the heat of Indra and Kāliya-nāga and easily killed Kaṁsa and Vatsāsura. The rain of His playful pastimes nourishes His cātaka-bird-like (or one-pointed) devotees. He delights the vrajavāsīs with His valor, pure nature, and sweet pastimes. May that Ballavendra-nandana Kṛṣṇa bless me with service to His lotus feet.

kuñja-rāsa-keli-sīdhu-rādhikādi-toṣaṇas
tat-tad-ātma-keli-narma-tat-tad-āli-poṣaṇaḥ
prema-śīla-keli-kīrti-viśva-citta-nandanaḥ
svāṅghri-dāsyado ’stu me sa ballavendra-nandanaḥ (6)

He satisfies Śrīmatī Rādhikā and the other gopīs with the nectar of His pastimes within the kuñjas and the nectar of rāsa-līlā. He nourishes Śrīmatī Rādhikā and Her sakhīs with His amorous pastimes and tricks, and He delights the heart of everyone with His prema, nature, playfulness, and fame. May that Ballavendra-nandana Kṛṣṇa bless me with service to His lotus feet.

rāsa-keli-darśitātma-śuddha-bhakti-sat-pathaḥ
svīya-citra-rūpa-veśa-manmathāli-manmathaḥ
gopikāsu netra-koṇa-bhāva-vṛnda-gandhanaḥ
svāṅghri-dāsyado ’stu me sa ballavendra-nandanaḥ (7)

Through the rāsa-līlā, (which is free from any smell of mundane lust,) Śrī Kṛṣṇa shows the true path of pure bhakti to Him. With His charming beauty and attire, He churns the minds of those who churn minds (Cupids). Through the corners of His eyes, He intimates His moods to the gopīs. May that Ballavendra-nandana Kṛṣṇa bless me with service to His lotus feet.

puṣpa-cāyi-rādhikābhimarṣa-labdhi-tarṣitaḥ
prema-vāmya-ramya-rādhikāsya-dṛṣṭi-harṣitaḥ
rādhikorasīha lepa eṣa hāri-candanah
svāṅghri-dāsyado ’stu me sa ballavendra-nandanaḥ (8)

He is always eager to obtain the touch of Śrīmatī Rādhikā as She goes to pick flowers, and He is jubilant to receive darśana of the face of Rādhikā, who is so charming, with Her prema-laden crookedness. He is the enchanting sandal paste that adorns Rādhikā’s breasts. May that Ballavendra-nandana Kṛṣṇa bless me with service to His lotus feet.

aṣṭakena yas tv anena rādhikā-suvallabhaṁ
saṁstavīti darśane ’pi sindhujādi-durlabham
taṁ yunakti tuṣṭa-citta eṣa ghoṣa-kānane
rādhikāṅga-saṅga-nanditātma-pāda-sevane (9)

Whoever sings this aṣṭaka prays to Śrī Kṛṣṇa, who is the love of Rādhikā’s heart and whose darśana is not possible even for the celestial goddesses, headed by Lakṣmī. Thus he will please not only Him but also Rādhikā and Her companions, and Kṛṣṇa will engage such a devotee in service to His lotus feet in Śrī Vṛndāvana.

Śrī Rādhikāṣṭakam (3)

Śrīla Kṛṣṇadāsa Kavirāja Gosvāmī

kuṅkumākta-kāñcanābja-garva-hāri-gaura-bhā
pītanāñcitābja-gandha-kīrti-nindi-saurabhā
ballaveśa-sūnu-sarva-vāñchitārtha-sādhikā
mahyam ātma-pāda-padma-dāsya-dāstu rādhikā (1)

Śrīmatī Rādhikā’s bodily complexion snatches away the pride of a golden lotus flower tinged with kuṅkuma. Her bodily fragrance reproaches the fame of the scent of a lotus combined with saffron. She fulfills all the desires of the cowherd prince of Vraja. May that Śrīmatī Rādhikā forever bless me with service to Her lotus feet.

kauravinda-kānti-nindi-citra-paṭṭa-śāṭikā
kṛṣṇa-matta-bhṛṅga-keli-phulla-puṣpa-vāṭikā
kṛṣṇa-nitya-saṅgamārtha-padma-bandhu-rādhikā
mahyam ātma-pāda-padma-dāsya-dāstu rādhikā (2)

Her multi-colored silk sārī decries the splendor of coral. She is a garden of blooming flowers for the playful pleasure of the maddened bee Śrī Kṛṣṇa. She worships the sun-god to obtain the perpetual association of Śrī Kṛṣṇa. May that Śrīmatī Rādhikā forever bless me with service to Her lotus feet.

saukumārya-sṛṣṭa-pallavāli-kīrti-nigrahā
candra-candanotpalendu-sevya-śīta-vigrahā
svābhimarṣa-ballavīśa-kāma-tāpa-bādhikā
mahyam ātma-pāda-padma-dāsya-dāstu rādhikā (3)

The sublime softness of Her body reprimands the fame of a cluster of delicate blossoms. Her body’s coolness is worshipful for the moon, sandalwood paste, the lotus, and camphor. Her touch dispels the heat of Gopī-jana-vallabha Śrī Kṛṣṇa’s amorous desires. May that Śrīmatī Rādhikā forever bless me with service to Her lotus feet.

viśva-vandya-yauvatābhivanditāpi yā ramā
rūpa-navya-yauvanādi-sampadā na yat-samā
śīla-hārda-līlayā ca sā yato ’sti nādhikā
mahyam ātma-pāda-padma-dāsya-dāstu rādhikā (4)

Though honored by all the revered goddesses of the universe, Lakṣmī-devī does not compare with Śrīmatī Rādhikā in the opulence of Her beauty, eternal youth, and so on, nor does she surpass Her by her innate love or playful pastimes. May that Śrīmatī Rādhikā forever bless me with service to Her lotus feet.

rāsa-lāsya-gīta-narma-sat-kalāli-paṇḍitā
prema-ramya-rūpa-veśa-sad-guṇāli-maṇḍitā
viśva-navya-gopa-yoṣid-ālito ’pi yādhikā
mahyam ātma-pāda-padma-dāsya-dāstu rādhikā (5)

She is expert in the beautiful arts of rāsa-līlā, such as dancing, singing, and joking. She is adorned with supernatural prema, enchanting beauty, wonderful attire, and all divine virtues. Among all youthful cowherd maidens, She is topmost. May that Śrīmatī Rādhikā forever bless me with service to Her lotus feet.

nitya-navya-rūpa-keli-kṛṣṇa-bhāva-sampadā
kṛṣṇa-rāga-bandha-gopa-yauvateṣu kampadā
kṛṣṇa-rūpa-veśa-keli-lagna-sat-samādhikā
mahyam ātma-pāda-padma-dāsya-dāstu rādhikā (6)

By Her opulences of ever-fresh beauty, playfulness, and feelings for Kṛṣṇa, She causes all the young cowherd maidens, who are bound in deep attachment (anurāga) for Śrī Kṛṣṇa, to tremble. She is immersed in perpetual trance upon Śrī Kṛṣṇa’s beauty, attire, and playful pastimes. May that Śrīmatī Rādhikā forever bless me with service to Her lotus feet.

sveda-kampa-kaṇṭakāśru-gadgadādi-sañcitā-
marṣa-harṣa-vāmatādi-bhāva-bhūṣaṇāñcitā
kṛṣṇa-netra-toṣi-ratna-maṇḍanāli-dādhikā
mahyam ātma-pāda-padma-dāsya-dāstu rādhikā (7)

She is decorated with sāttvika-bhāvas such as perspiration, trembling, horripilation, tears, and a choked voice. She is adorned by ornaments of bhāvas, such as indignation, joy and contrariness, and She is bedecked with an array of jeweled ornaments, by which She delights the eyes of Śrī Kṛṣṇa. May that Śrīmatī Rādhikā forever bless me with service to Her lotus feet.

yā kṣaṇārdha-kṛṣṇa-viprayoga-santatoditā-
neka-dainya-cāpalādi-bhāva-vṛnda-moditā
yatna-labdha-kṛṣṇa-saṅga-nirgatākhilādhikā
mahyam ātma-pāda-padma-dāsya-dāstu rādhikā (8)

Upon being separated from Śrī Kṛṣṇa for even half a moment, She becomes distressed by the ever-arising feelings of lowliness and great restlessness; and She is relieved of all Her mental anguish upon meeting Kṛṣṇa as a result of the intense efforts of one of Their messengers. May that Śrīmatī Rādhikā forever bless me with service to Her lotus feet.

aṣṭakena yas tv anena nauti kṛṣṇa-vallabhāṁ
darśane ’pi śailajādi-yoṣid-āli-durlabhām
kṛṣṇa-saṅga-nanditātma-dāsya-sīdhu-bhājanaṁ
taṁ karoti nanditāli-sañcayāśu sā janam (9)

Śrīmatī Rādhikā, whose darśana is rarely attained even by Pārvatī-devī and other goddesses, gives great pleasure to Her sakhīs. She Herself becomes elated upon meeting with Śrī Kṛṣṇa, and She is Kṛṣṇa’s dearest beloved. She quickly makes that person who prays to Her by singing this aṣṭaka a recipient for the nectar of service to Her.