Shri Krishnah Sharanam Mama

The eight-syllable mantra of the Pushtimarg — "Shri Krishna is my refuge." Deeply loved by Vaishnavas of Gujarat and Braj.

श्रीकृष्णः शरणं मम

śrīkṛṣṇaḥ śaraṇaṃ mama

Meaning: "Shri Krishna is my refuge." This eight-syllable mantra expresses complete surrender — the very essence of Gita chapter 18, verse 66, "take refuge in Me alone".

It is the "ashtakshara mantra" of the Pushtimarg founded by Shri Vallabhacharya. In Vaishnava families connected with Nathdwara, Gokul and the havelis of Gujarat, it is customary to say it on waking, before meals and at the start of every auspicious task.

Anyone may remember it with love. For the formal Pushtimarg initiation, it is proper to ask a guru or haveli of the tradition.

Syllables

8

Source

Pushtimarg tradition of Shri Vallabhacharya