अष्टकम् · Krishna

Krishna Ashtakam

कृष्ण अष्टकम्

The Krishna Ashtakam, composed by Adi Shankaracharya, is a celebrated eight-verse hymn in Sanskrit that extols Lord Krishna in eight distinct aspects — from his role as the son of Vasudeva and the slayer of the demons Kansa and Chanura, to his supreme cosmic form as the universal protector. Each shloka begins with a specific epithet of Krishna and concludes with an invocation of surrender. Reciting this ashtakam daily, especially on Wednesdays and during Janmashtami, is said to bestow liberation, fulfillment of desires, and unwavering devotion to the Lord.

Sanskrit · By Adi Shankaracharya · 8 shlokas

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Shloka 1

वसुदेवसुतं देवं कंसचाणूरमर्दनम्। देवकीपरमानन्दं कृष्णं वन्दे जगद्गुरुम्॥

Shloka 2

अतसीपुष्पसङ्काशं हारनूपुरशोभितम्। रत्नकङ्कणकेयूरं कृष्णं वन्दे जगद्गुरुम्॥

Shloka 3

कुटिलालकसंयुक्तं पूर्णचन्द्रनिभाननम्। विलासद्वनमालाढ्यं कृष्णं वन्दे जगद्गुरुम्॥

Shloka 4

मन्दारगन्धसंयुक्तं चारुहासं चतुर्भुजम्। बर्हिपिञ्छावचूडाङ्गं कृष्णं वन्दे जगद्गुरुम्॥

Shloka 5

उत्फुल्लपद्मपत्राक्षं नीलजीमूतसन्निभम्। यादवानां शिरोरत्नं कृष्णं वन्दे जगद्गुरुम्॥

Shloka 6

रुक्मिणीकेलिसंयुक्तं पीताम्बरसुशोभितम्। अवाप्ततुलसीगन्धं कृष्णं वन्दे जगद्गुरुम्॥

Shloka 7

गोपिकानां कुचद्वन्द्वकुङ्कुमाङ्कितवक्षसम्। श्रीनिकेतनमव्यक्तं कृष्णं वन्दे जगद्गुरुम्॥

Shloka 8

कृष्णाष्टकमिदं पुण्यं प्रातरुत्थाय यः पठेत्। कोटिजन्मकृतं पापं स्मरणेन विनश्यति॥

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Frequently Asked Questions about Krishna Ashtakam

What is an Ashtakam?

An Ashtakam (Sanskrit: अष्टकम्) is a devotional hymn consisting of exactly eight (ashta = eight) verses or shlokas. Each verse praises a different attribute, form, or deed of the deity. Ashtakams are concise yet comprehensive forms of prayer widely used in Hindu worship.

Who wrote the Krishna Ashtakam?

The Krishna Ashtakam "Vasudeva Sutam Devam" is attributed to Adi Shankaracharya (8th century CE), the great Advaita Vedanta philosopher who composed numerous devotional hymns to Vishnu, Shiva, and other deities despite his non-dualistic philosophy.

What does "Vasudeva Sutam" mean?

"Vasudeva Sutam" means "the son of Vasudeva." Vasudeva was Krishna's father, and Sutam means son or offspring. The opening line "Vasudeva Sutam Devam Kansa Chanura Mardanam" salutes Krishna as the divine son of Vasudeva and the slayer of the demons Kansa (the tyrannical king) and Chanura (the wrestler).

What are the 8 aspects of Krishna praised in this Ashtakam?

The eight shlokas praise Krishna as: (1) son of Vasudeva and slayer of Kansa-Chanura, (2) adorned with jewels and garlands, (3) moon-faced with curly locks and flower garland, (4) fragrant with peacock-feather crown, (5) lotus-eyed Yadava crown-jewel, (6) companion of Rukmini in golden garments, (7) abode of all prosperity with Gopis' imprint on his chest, and (8) the Phalashruti (promise of liberation through recitation).

When is the best time to recite the Krishna Ashtakam?

The Krishna Ashtakam is ideally recited in the early morning (Brahma Muhurta) after bathing. Wednesday (Budhavara) is considered auspicious for Krishna worship. The most important day is Janmashtami (Krishna's birth anniversary in the month of Bhadrapada), when reciting this ashtakam is especially meritorious.