कराविन्देन (बालमुकुन्द ध्यान) — Word-by-Word Meaning
कराविन्देन (बालमुकुन्द ध्यान)
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
कराविन्देन
kararavindena
with his lotus-like little hand
पादारविन्दं
padaravindam
his lotus-like foot (toe)
मुखारविन्दे
mukharavinde
into his lotus-like mouth
विनिवेशयन्तम्
vinivesayantam
placing, putting (drawing the toe to his mouth)
वटस्य
vatasya
of the banyan tree
पत्रस्य
patrasya
of the leaf
पुटे
pute
in the cup/hollow (of the leaf)
शयानं
sayanam
reclining, lying down
बालं
balam
the child, the infant
मुकुन्दं
mukundam
Mukunda, the giver of liberation (a name of Krishna/Vishnu)
मनसा
manasa
with the mind, in the heart
स्मरामि
smarami
I remember, I meditate upon, I call to mind
Complete Translation
मैं अपने मन में उस बाल-मुकुन्द का स्मरण करता हूँ, जो वट के पत्ते के दोने पर लेटे हुए, अपने कमल-जैसे हाथ से अपने कमल-जैसे चरण (अँगूठे) को अपने कमल-मुख में रख रहे हैं।
Origin & History
Source: Opening dhyana verse of the Bala-Mukundashtakam (traditional Vaishnava hymn to the child Krishna)
Author: Traditional (anonymous)
Period: Classical / medieval devotional period
The Bala-Mukundashtakam meditates on Krishna in his infant form, and this opening verse fixes in the mind the celebrated image of the Lord as a child floating on a banyan leaf during cosmic dissolution, sucking his toe. The verse draws on the Puranic vision in which the sage Markandeya beheld the divine child Markandeya-darshana resting on the waters, and it became a treasured dhyana for those who love Krishna as Bala Gopala.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'Kararavindena padaravindam' describe?▼
It describes baby Krishna (Bala Mukunda) lying on a banyan leaf and, with his lotus-like hand, drawing his lotus-like little toe into his lotus mouth — a famous tender image meditated upon in the heart.
Why is the Lord shown lying on a banyan leaf?▼
The image refers to the pralaya (cosmic dissolution), when the entire universe is withdrawn into the Lord and he floats as a divine child on a single banyan (vata) leaf upon the cosmic ocean — showing that all creation rests within him even in his infant form.
What does 'Mukunda' mean?▼
Mukunda is a name of Krishna/Vishnu meaning 'the giver of mukti (liberation).' Calling the child 'Bala Mukunda' affirms that this playful infant is the same Supreme Lord who bestows liberation.
How is this verse used?▼
It is the opening dhyana of the Bala-Mukundashtakam and is recited on its own as a meditation verse before Krishna worship, as a daily remembrance, and as a soothing prayer for peace of mind.
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