Bhagavad Gita World

Aarti, Bhajan & Stuti

Traditional aartis, stotras and hymns — the original text with its meaning.

  • Aarti Kunj Bihari Ki – The best-loved traditional aarti of Shri Giridhar Krishna Murari, sung every evening and especially on Janmashtami.
  • Om Jai Jagdish Hare – The aarti of Lord Vishnu (Hari) sung in almost every Hindu home and temple, composed in the 19th century by Pt. Shardha Ram Phillauri.
  • Madhurashtakam – Eight Sanskrit verses by Shri Vallabhacharya: "madhuradhipater akhilam madhuram" — everything about the Lord of sweetness is sweet.
  • Achyutam Keshavam (Achyutashtakam) – The famous opening verses of the Achyutashtakam, traditionally attributed to Adi Shankaracharya, weaving together the names of Krishna and Rama.
  • Govinda Damodara Stotram – The famous hymn of the saint Bilvamangala (Lilashuka), in which every verse ends with "Govinda Damodara Madhaveti".
  • Shri Krishnashtakam (Bhaje Vrajaika Mandanam) – Opening verses of the Shri Krishnashtakam attributed to Adi Shankaracharya — praise of Nanda's son, the one ornament of Vraja.
  • Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum – The well-known salutation verse recited before reading the Gita: I bow to Krishna, the teacher of the world.
  • Vaishnav Jan To – The immortal bhajan of Gujarat's great poet-saint Narsinh Mehta (15th century), describing the qualities of a true Vaishnava, a devotee of God.
  • Shri Krishna Govind Hare Murari (Dhun) – A simple traditional name-chant (dhun) sung together in satsang and kirtan.
  • Hare Krishna Kirtan – Congregational singing of the Mahamantra — the tradition of naam-sankirtan spread by Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
  • Gopala Gopala Devaki Nandana Gopala (Dhun) – A simple traditional chant of the names of child Gopala, sung in satsangs and evening bhajans.
  • Payoji Maine Ram Ratan Dhan Payo (Mirabai) – A famous pada of Mirabai (16th century): the Lord's name, received by the guru's grace, is the most priceless treasure.
  • Mere To Giridhar Gopal, Dusro Na Koi (Mirabai) – Mirabai's immortal pada — "Giridhar Gopal alone is mine, there is no other." A most beautiful expression of undivided devotion.
  • Maiya Mori Main Nahi Makhan Khayo (Surdas) – A famous pada of Surdas (16th century) full of parental love — little Kanha's sweet excuses after being caught stealing butter.
  • Gita Govinda — Dashavatara Stotra (Jayadeva) – The first ashtapadi of poet Jayadeva's Gita Govinda (12th century) — "Keshava dhrita ... jaya jagadisha hare", praising the ten avatars.