Vamshi Vibhushita Karat (Krishnat Param Kimapi) — Word-by-Word Meaning
वंशीविभूषितकरान्नवनीरदाभात्
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
वंशी
vamshi
the flute
विभूषितकरात्
vibhushita-karat
than the one whose hand is adorned (with the flute)
नवनीरदाभात्
nava-nirada-bhat
than the one with the lustre of a fresh rain-cloud
पीताम्बरात्
pitambarat
than the one clad in yellow silk
अरुणबिम्बफल
aruna-bimba-phala
like a reddish ripe bimba fruit
अधरोष्ठात्
adharoshthat
than the one whose lower lip is (red like the bimba fruit)
पूर्णेन्दु
purnendu
the full moon
सुन्दरमुखात्
sundara-mukhat
than the one with a face beautiful (as the full moon)
अरविन्दनेत्रात्
aravinda-netrat
than the lotus-eyed one
कृष्णात्
krishnat
than Krishna
परं
param
higher, beyond, other
किमपि
kimapi
anything whatsoever
तत्त्वम्
tattvam
reality, truth, principle
अहं न जाने
aham na jane
I do not know
Complete Translation
I know of no reality higher than Krishna — whose hand is adorned with the flute, whose lustre is that of a fresh rain-cloud, who is clad in yellow silk, whose lower lip is red like the ripe bimba fruit, whose face is lovely as the full moon, and whose eyes are like lotuses.
Origin & History
Source: Famous Krishna dhyana verse traditionally attributed to Madhusudana Saraswati
Author: Madhusudana Saraswati (traditional attribution)
Period: 16th century CE (medieval devotional period)
Madhusudana Saraswati, one of the greatest exponents of Advaita Vedanta, was at the same time a passionate lover of Krishna. This verse, cherished as among his most beloved, sets aside metaphysical argument to confess that he knows no reality higher than the flute-bearing, cloud-dark, lotus-eyed Krishna — and so it has become a favourite dhyana and a luminous emblem of how the highest knowledge culminates in love of God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'Krishnat param kimapi tattvam aham na jane' mean?▼
It means 'I know of no reality higher than Krishna.' After describing Krishna's beauty in detail, the devotee declares that for him there is no truth, principle, or reality beyond Krishna — the supreme statement of single-pointed devotion.
Who composed this verse?▼
It is traditionally attributed to Madhusudana Saraswati, the renowned 16th-century Advaita Vedanta scholar who was also a profound devotee of Krishna. The verse is famous for uniting the heights of Advaitic learning with intense personal love for the Lord.
What does the imagery describe?▼
It describes Krishna as Venu-Gopala: the flute adorning his hand, his complexion like a fresh rain-cloud, his yellow silk garment, his lower lip red like the ripe bimba fruit, his face lovely as the full moon, and his lotus-like eyes.
How is this verse used?▼
It is recited as a dhyana (meditation) verse before Krishna worship and meditation, and as a declaration of devotion. Many repeat it as japa to keep the mind absorbed in the beautiful form of Krishna.
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