krishnagopaladevaki-nandanadhun

Gopala Gopala Devaki Nandana Gopala

गोपाल गोपाल देवकीनन्दन गोपाल

🕉️ hindu·📿 108× repetitions·🕐 Any time; especially morning, evening, during kirtan, or on Janmashtami·📜 Traditional Krishna dhun / nama-kirtan

Also known as: gopala gopala devaki nandana gopala · gopala dhun · devaki nandana gopala · gopala krishna dhun

📜 Complete Lyrics 📖 Word-by-Word Meaning ✨ Benefits & How to Chant ⬇️ PDF Download

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हिन्दी / देवनागरीతెలుగు தமிழ்ಕನ್ನಡ മലയാളം ગુજરાતી বাংলা ଓଡ଼ିଆ ਪੰਜਾਬੀ English සිංහල 𑌗𑍍𑌰𑌨𑍍𑌥

✦ Meaning

This is one of the most popular Krishna dhuns (repetitive devotional chants), lovingly repeating the names 'Gopala' (the cowherd protector) and 'Devaki-nandana' (the dear son of Devaki). Simple, sweet and rhythmic, it is sung in kirtans, satsangs and homes across India to fill the heart with Krishna's presence.

Origin & Story

Traditional Krishna dhun / nama-kirtan · Unknown (traditional / devotional folk) · Medieval to modern Bhakti tradition

Like the Hare Krishna mahamantra, this dhun belongs to the living tradition of nama-sankirtana — the congregational singing of the holy names. By repeating 'Gopala' and 'Devaki-nandana,' devotees remember both Krishna's intimate role as the cowherd protector of Vrindavan and His appearance in this world as the son of Devaki. It is one of the simplest and most widely loved Krishna chants in temples and homes alike.

✦ As told in scripture

Saints teach that the holy name is non-different from the Lord Himself; devotees who lose themselves in this simple dhun describe tears of love and a palpable sense of Krishna's nearness, as the repeated names dissolve worry and fill the heart with joy.

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The Mantra

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गोपाल गोपाल देवकीनन्दन गोपाल । गोपाल गोपाल देवकीनन्दन गोपाल ॥

Gopala Gopala Devaki-nandana Gopala Gopala Gopala Devaki-nandana Gopala

Meaning:O Gopala, Gopala — beloved son of Devaki, O Gopala! (Repeated as a loving chant of the holy names of Krishna, the cowherd Lord and son of mother Devaki.)

Word-by-Word Meaning

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गोपाल🔊GopalaProtector of the cows; the cowherd Lord — a beloved name of Krishna

गो🔊GoCows; also the senses and the earth

पाल🔊PalaProtector, nurturer, keeper

देवकी🔊DevakiDevaki, the divine mother who gave birth to Krishna

नन्दन🔊NandanaBeloved son; the delight (of Devaki)

देवकीनन्दन🔊Devaki-nandanaThe dear son of Devaki — Sri Krishna

गोपाल गोपाल🔊Gopala GopalaThe name 'Gopala' repeated in love — calling upon Krishna again and again as the cowherd Lord

कृष्ण🔊KrishnaThe all-attractive Lord whom these names of Gopala invoke (implied object of the chant)

नन्द🔊NandaJoy, delight; also a reminder of Nanda Maharaj, Krishna's foster-father in Gokul

गोविन्द🔊GovindaA related name of Krishna — giver of joy to the cows, the senses and the earth (often sung alongside Gopala)

Benefits of Chanting Gopala Gopala Devaki Nandana Gopala

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Repeating the holy names of Krishna (nama-japa) purifies the heart and mind

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Extremely simple and melodious, perfect for group kirtan, satsang and children

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Invokes Krishna as Gopala, the loving protector and nurturer of all beings

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Calms the restless mind and induces a deep, joyful absorption in devotion

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Can be chanted continuously for hours, leading the mind to one-pointed remembrance

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Remembers Krishna's birth as the son of Devaki, deepening the bond of love (bhakti)

How to Chant Gopala Gopala Devaki Nandana Gopala

Repetitions108times

Best TimeAny time; especially morning, evening, during kirtan, or on Janmashtami

FaceEast

Sing the names in a simple, repeating melody, either alone or in a group with the call-and-response of kirtan. Let the rhythm carry the mind into the names of Krishna. There is no fixed count — it may be chanted on a mala (108 times) or sung joyfully for as long as the heart desires. Hand clapping, harmonium or simple instruments deepen the absorption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gopala means 'protector of cows / the cowherd Lord,' a beloved name of Krishna. Devaki-nandana means 'the dear son of Devaki.' Together the dhun lovingly calls upon Krishna by these two cherished names.

Krishna grew up among the cowherds of Gokul and Vrindavan, tending cows and protecting all who took shelter in Him. 'Gopala' celebrates Him as the loving guardian — go-pala, the protector of cows, the senses and indeed all creation.

It is sung as a repetitive chant (dhun) in a simple, sweet melody, often in call-and-response kirtan. There is no fixed number of repetitions; devotees sing it for as long as they wish, allowing the names to absorb the mind in love for Krishna.

It is sung at any time as a daily remembrance, in bhajan and satsang gatherings, and especially on Janmashtami, Krishna's birthday, celebrating Him as the son of Devaki.