Govindam Bhaja Mudhamate — Word-by-Word Meaning
गोविन्दं भज मूढमते
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
भज
Bhaja
Worship, seek, turn to, adore
गोविन्दं
Govindam
Govinda — Lord Krishna/Vishnu, the protector of cows and the senses
मूढमते
Mudhamate
O foolish/deluded mind!
सम्प्राप्ते
Samprapte
When it has fully arrived / drawn near
सन्निहिते
Sannihite
When it is close at hand, imminent
काले
Kale
The (appointed) time — of death
नहि नहि
Nahi nahi
Not at all, never (emphatic repetition)
रक्षति
Rakshati
Saves, protects, rescues
डुकृञ्करणे
Dukrinkarane
The grammar rules (Panini's conjugation of the root 'kr') — a symbol of dry, mechanical scholarship
Complete Translation
Worship Govinda, worship Govinda, worship Govinda, O foolish mind! When the appointed time of death has drawn near, the rules of grammar (Dukrin-karane) will not save you at all.
Origin & History
Source: Bhaja Govindam (Moha Mudgara), verse 1 and refrain
Author: Adi Shankaracharya
Period: 8th century CE (circa 788-820)
According to tradition, Adi Shankaracharya was walking through the streets of Varanasi (Kashi) with his disciples when he saw an aged scholar laboriously memorizing Panini's grammar rules. Moved by compassion, he spontaneously sang this verse, urging the old man that grammar would not save him at the hour of death and that he should instead worship Govinda. This opening verse became the refrain of the entire hymn, repeated after each subsequent verse.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'Govindam Bhaja Mudhamate' mean?▼
It means 'Worship Govinda (the Lord), O foolish mind!' Govinda is a name of Krishna/Vishnu, and 'mudhamate' addresses the deluded intellect. The line urges the mind to turn from worldly distraction toward God.
What is 'Dukrinkarane' in this verse?▼
'Dukrin-karane' refers to the rules of Sanskrit grammar (the conjugation of the verb-root 'kr'). Shankaracharya uses it as a symbol of dry, mechanical scholarship, saying such book-learning will not save you when death arrives.
Why is this line repeated so often?▼
It is the refrain (dhruvapada) of the whole Bhaja Govindam, returning between verses. The repetition hammers home the central teaching — hence the work is also called 'Moha Mudgara,' the hammer that shatters delusion.
Who composed this verse?▼
Adi Shankaracharya composed it. Tradition says he sang it spontaneously in Varanasi on seeing an aged scholar memorizing grammar rules instead of seeking God.
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