Achyutananta Govinda (Nama-aushadha Healing Verse) — Word-by-Word Meaning
अच्युतानन्तगोविन्द
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
अच्युत
acyuta
the infallible one, who never falls from His nature (Vishnu)
अनन्त
ananta
the endless, limitless one
गोविन्द
govinda
the protector of cows and senses, Krishna
नाम
nāma
the (holy) name
उच्चारण
uccāraṇa
the uttering, pronunciation
भेषजात्
bheṣajāt
from the medicine (of)
नश्यन्ति
naśyanti
are destroyed, perish
सकलाः
sakalāḥ
all, every kind of
रोगाः
rogāḥ
diseases, ailments
सत्यं सत्यं
satyaṃ satyaṃ
truly, truly (it is true, it is true)
वदामि अहम्
vadāmi aham
I declare, I say
Complete Translation
By the medicine of uttering the names Achyuta, Ananta and Govinda, all diseases are destroyed — this I declare to be true, truly true.
Origin & History
Source: Traditional Vaishnava nama-mahima verse (recited in the Vishnu-smarana / Sahasranama tradition)
Author: Traditional
Period: Puranic / classical
Among the verses praising the glory of the holy name (nama-mahima) in the Vaishnava tradition, this short shloka is one of the best known for the purpose of healing. It distills the conviction, repeated throughout the Puranas, that the names of the Lord are not ordinary sound but possess the power of the Lord Himself. By calling the names a 'bheshaja' (medicine) and swearing twice that it is true, the verse offers the suffering a remedy of pure faith. It is commonly chanted at sickbeds and during recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Achyutananta Govinda mantra for?▼
It is a traditional healing prayer. The verse states that uttering the Lord's names Achyuta, Ananta and Govinda is itself a medicine that destroys all diseases, so it is chanted for health and recovery.
What do the three names mean?▼
Achyuta means 'the infallible one who never falls'; Ananta means 'the endless, infinite one'; Govinda means 'protector of cows and the senses' — all well-known names of Lord Vishnu / Krishna.
Does chanting it replace medicine?▼
Traditionally it is chanted alongside ordinary treatment, not as a substitute for it. It is a devotional prayer that brings faith, peace of mind and the grace of the Lord during illness, supporting recovery.
Who can chant this verse?▼
Anyone may chant it — the patient, family members, or well-wishers. It requires no formal initiation and is valued precisely because it is short and easy to repeat with devotion.
Ready to start chanting?
See Benefits & How to Chant →