Nanda Kumara Ashtakam — Benefits & How to Chant
नन्दकुमाराष्टकम्
Complete guide to chanting correctly for maximum benefit
Benefits of Chanting Nanda Kumara Ashtakam
Kindles deep love (bhakti-rasa) for the sweet, child-like form of Sri Krishna of Vrindavan.
Each verse meditates on a divine pastime
Kaliya, Govardhana, Kamsa, the butter-theft — making it a complete remembrance of Krishna's lila.
The refrain 'Nanda-sutaya namo namah' fills the heart with surrender and the joy of His name.
Said to remove sorrow (duhkha-haram) and bestow Krishna's grace upon the one who recites or hears it with faith.
Melodious and easy to sing, making it ideal for daily bhajan, kirtan and for children.
Especially cherished on Janmashtami and during Vrindavan-centred Krishna worship.
How to Chant Nanda Kumara Ashtakam
Instructions
Sit before an image of Bala-Krishna or Gopala and sing the verses melodiously, picturing each pastime — the lifting of Govardhana, the dance upon Kaliya, the stealing of butter in Yashoda's home. Let the heart melt at the refrain 'Nanda-sutaya namo namah'. It may be sung as a bhajan in kirtan with others, or recited quietly as daily remembrance of the Lord of Vrindavan.
Spiritual Significance
Devotees hold that this hymn carries the very sweetness of Vrindavan: the final phala-verse promises that whoever recites the Nanda-Kumara Ashtakam, or even hears it with faith, receives the loving grace of Vrindavana-chandra, the son of Nanda, who removes sorrow and draws the heart irresistibly into His blissful presence.
Origin & History
Source: Traditional Sanskrit hymn (Vaishnava / Krishna-bhakti tradition)
Author: Unknown (traditional)
The Nanda Kumara Ashtakam is a much-loved hymn from the devotional tradition centred on Krishna's childhood pastimes in Vrindavan. Its verses gather together the most beloved lilas of the Lord — the dancing upon the hood of Kaliya, the lifting of Govardhana to shelter the cowherds from Indra's wrath, the destruction of demons and of Kamsa, and the tender butter-thieving in Yashoda's courtyard — and offer them at the feet of 'Nanda-Kumara', the son of Nanda. It is sung as a bhajan throughout the Vaishnava world.