Achyutam Keshavam Meaning — Line by Line

अच्युतम् केशवम्

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Meaning — Line by Line

Every verse of Achyutam Keshavam with its English meaning. Tap any word to hear it, or ▶ to recite the verse.

Verse 1#

अच्युतम् केशवम् रामनारायणम् कृष्णदामोदरम् वासुदेवम् हरिम्। श्रीधरम् माधवम् गोपिकावल्लभम् जानकीनायकम् रामचन्द्रम् भजे॥

Achyutam Keshavam Rama Narayanam Krishna Damodaram Vasudevam Harim Shridharam Madhavam Gopika Vallabham Janaki Nayakam Ramachandram Bhaje

MeaningI worship Achyuta, Keshava, Rama, Narayana — Krishna Damodara, Vasudeva, Hari. Shridhara, Madhava, beloved of the gopis — Lord Ramachandra, consort of Janaki.

Verse 2#

अच्युतम् केशवम् सत्यभामाधवम् माधवम् श्रीधरम् राधिकाराधितम्। इन्दिरामन्दिरम् चेतसा सुन्दरम् देवकीनन्दनम् नन्दजम् सन्दधे॥

Achyutam Keshavam Satyabhama Dhavam Madhavam Shridharam Radhika Radhitam Indira Mandiram Chetasa Sundaram Devaki Nandanam Nandajam Sandadhe

MeaningI meditate on Achyuta, Keshava — husband of Satyabhama, Madhava, Shridhara, adored by Radhika. The temple of Goddess Indira (Lakshmi), beautiful to the heart — son of Devaki, born to Nanda.

Verse 3#

विष्णवे जिष्णवे शंखिने चक्रिणे रुक्मिणीरागिणे जानकीजानये। वल्लवीवल्लभाय अर्चिताय आत्मने कंसविध्वंसिने वंशिने ते नमः॥

Vishnave Jishnave Shankhine Chakrine Rukmini Ragine Janaki Jaanaye Vallavi Vallabhaya Architaya Atmane Kamsa Vidhvamsine Vanshine Te Namah

MeaningSalutations to Vishnu, the victorious, bearer of the conch and discus. Beloved of Rukmini, known to Janaki. Beloved of the gopis, worshipped, the Supreme Self. Destroyer of Kamsa, player of the flute — I bow to you.

Verse 4#

कृष्ण गोविन्द हे राम नारायण शेषशायी जनार्दन वासुदेव। देवकीनन्दन कंसमर्दन गोपबालक नन्दनन्दन कृष्ण॥

Krishna Govinda He Rama Narayana Shesha Shayi Janardana Vasudeva Devaki Nandana Kamsa Mardana Gopa Balaka Nanda Nandana Krishna

MeaningKrishna! Govinda! O Rama! O Narayana! Reclining on Shesha, Janardana, Vasudeva! Son of Devaki, crusher of Kamsa — cowherd boy, joy of Nanda, O Krishna!

Word-by-Word Breakdown

अच्युतम्

Achyutam

The infallible one, who never falls

केशवम्

Keshavam

One with beautiful hair, slayer of Keshi

रामनारायणम्

Rama Narayanam

Ram and Narayana — two forms of Vishnu

दामोदरम्

Damodaram

One bound by a rope around the waist (baby Krishna)

वासुदेवम्

Vasudevam

Son of Vasudeva

हरिम्

Harim

One who removes suffering

श्रीधरम्

Shridharam

Bearer of Shri (Lakshmi)

माधवम्

Madhavam

Husband of Lakshmi, spring deity

गोपिकावल्लभम्

Gopika Vallabham

Beloved of the gopis

रामचन्द्रम्

Ramachandram

Ram — beautiful as the moon

गोविन्द

Govinda

Protector of cows, finder of the senses

शेषशायी

Shesha Shayi

One who reclines on the cosmic serpent Shesha

जनार्दन

Janardana

One who helps people, destroyer of wicked

कंसविध्वंसी

Kamsa Vidhvamsi

Destroyer of the tyrant Kamsa

वंशी

Vanshi

Flute player

Origin & History

Source: Traditional Sanskrit devotional literature

Author: Unknown (ancient tradition)

Period: Medieval period

Achyutam Keshavam is a name-chanting (Nama Sankirtana) bhajan that follows the ancient Vedic principle that simply reciting the divine names with devotion is the most powerful form of worship. This became especially prominent through the Bhakti movement (12th-17th century) when saints like Chaitanya, Mirabai, and Tulsidas popularized devotional singing. The bhajan systematically lists names from both Ram and Krishna traditions, unifying Vaishnavism.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Achyutam Keshavam?▼

It is a beautiful Sanskrit bhajan (devotional song) that lists the divine names of Lord Krishna/Vishnu — Achyuta, Keshava, Rama, Narayana, Damodara, Govinda, and many more. Each name describes a specific divine quality.

Who composed Achyutam Keshavam?▼

The exact composer is unknown. It is from the traditional Sanskrit devotional literature. Multiple versions exist across different regional traditions.

What does Achyutam mean?▼

Achyuta means 'the infallible one' or 'one who never falls from his position.' It is one of the most important names of Lord Vishnu/Krishna, signifying his eternal, unchanging nature.

What is the meaning of Achyutam Keshavam Krishna Damodaram?▼

Achyutam means "the infallible one who never falls from His nature"; Keshavam means "the slayer of the demon Keshi" (also "the one of beautiful locks"); Krishna Damodaram refers to Krishna whom mother Yashoda bound with a rope (dama) around his belly (udara); Rama Narayanam is Rama who is Narayana himself; and Janaki-vallabham means "the beloved of Janaki (Sita)". The verse strings together these beloved names of Vishnu in his forms as Krishna and Rama.

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