Barhapidabhiramaya Govindaya Namo Namah — Word-by-Word Meaning
बर्हापीडाभिरामाय गोविन्दाय नमो नमः
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
बर्हापीड
barha-pida
a crest / diadem of peacock feathers
अभिरामाय
abhiramaya
to the one who is charming and delightful (with the peacock crest)
रामाय
ramaya
to the one who delights all, the source of joy
अकुण्ठमेधसे
akuntha-medhase
to the one of unobstructed, ever-sharp intelligence
रमा
rama
Rama (Lakshmi), the goddess of fortune
मानस
manasa
the mind, the mental lake
हंसाय
hamsaya
to the swan (who sports in the lake of Lakshmi's mind)
गोविन्दाय
govindaya
to Govinda, the protector of cows and the earth
नमो नमः
namo namah
salutations again and again, I bow repeatedly
Complete Translation
Salutations again and again to Govinda — charming with his crest of peacock feathers, the source of all delight, of unobstructed and ever-sharp wisdom, the swan that sports in the lake of Lakshmi's heart.
Origin & History
Source: Traditional Krishna namaskara (salutation) shloka recited in Vaishnava worship of Govinda
Author: Traditional (anonymous)
Period: Classical / medieval devotional period
This salutation verse gathers four cherished aspects of Govinda — his peacock-feathered charm, his joy-giving nature, his unobstructed wisdom, and his role as the swan of Lakshmi's heart — into a single graceful namaskara. Its musical cadence and the doubled 'namo namah' made it a favourite bowing-verse among devotees who address Krishna as Govinda, the all-charming protector of cows.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'Barhapidabhiramaya' mean?▼
It means 'to the one made charming by a crest of peacock feathers,' an epithet of Krishna/Govinda. The full verse is a salutation: 'Salutations again and again to Govinda,' praising his beauty, his joyful nature, his keen wisdom, and his dwelling in Lakshmi's heart.
What is the image of the 'swan in the lake of Lakshmi's mind'?▼
'Rama-manasa-hamsaya' means the swan (hamsa) that sports in the manasa (mental lake) of Rama, i.e. Lakshmi. Just as a swan delights in a clear lake, Govinda forever delights the heart of the goddess of fortune — a poetic way of saying he is the beloved Lord of Lakshmi.
Why does the verse say 'namo namah' twice?▼
The repetition 'namo namah' means 'I bow again and again,' expressing intense and continual reverence. Such repeated salutation is a hallmark of devotional verses, conveying that one bow is never enough before the Lord.
How is this verse used in worship?▼
It is recited as a namaskara (salutation) verse before or after Krishna puja and bhajans, and is often repeated several times or used as japa to cultivate devotion and humility toward Govinda.
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