Vasudeva Sutam Devam
वसुदेवसुतं देवं
Also known as: vasudeva sutam devam kamsa chanura mardanam · vasudevasutam devam · krishnam vande jagadgurum · krishna dhyana shloka
Origin & Story
Krishnashtakam (opening dhyana verse) · Traditional (attributed to Adi Shankaracharya) · Classical / Medieval
This is the beloved opening verse of the Krishnashtakam, among the most widely recited salutations to Lord Krishna. In a single shloka it recalls His birth as the son of Vasudeva and Devaki, His destruction of the tyrant Kamsa and the wrestler Chanura, and His glory as Jagadguru, the teacher of the world. It is chanted daily and especially on Janmashtami as a complete act of homage to Krishna.
✦ As told in scripture
It is said that whoever bows to Krishna with this verse, remembering Him as the joy of Devaki and the slayer of tyrants, is freed from inner foes and filled with devotion.
The Mantra
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वसुदेवसुतं देवं कंसचाणूरमर्दनम् । देवकीपरमानन्दं कृष्णं वन्दे जगद्गुरुम् ॥
Vasudevasutam devam kamsachanuramardanam Devakiparamanandam krishnam vande jagadgurum
Meaning:I bow to Krishna, the world-teacher — the divine son of Vasudeva, the slayer of Kamsa and Chanura, the supreme joy of Mother Devaki.
Word-by-Word Meaning
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Benefits of Chanting Vasudeva Sutam Devam
The famous opening dhyana (meditation) verse of the Krishnashtakam, recited daily in Krishna worship.
Salutes Krishna as the son of Vasudeva and Devaki, the slayer of the tyrants Kamsa and Chanura, and the Jagadguru — teacher of the world.
Chanted for devotion, peace of mind and the Lord's protection, especially on Janmashtami and Wednesdays.
A complete namaskara to Krishna in a single, easily-memorised verse.
Often among the first Krishna shlokas taught to children.
How to Chant Vasudeva Sutam Devam
Recite with devotion, picturing the dark-hued Lord Krishna, the joy of Devaki and Vasudeva, and bow to Him as the Jagadguru. Repeat three times or more.
Frequently Asked Questions
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