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कृष्णाय वासुदेवाय — Word-by-Word Meaning

कृष्णाय वासुदेवाय

Every Sanskrit word explained in English

Word-by-Word Breakdown

कृष्णाय वासुदेवाय
Krishnaya vasudevaya
To Krishna, the son of Vasudeva
हरये परमात्मने
Haraye paramatmane
to Hari, the Supreme Self (Paramatma)
प्रणतक्लेशनाशाय
Pranata-klesa-nashaya
the destroyer of the sorrows of those who bow to Him
गोविन्दाय नमो नमः
Govindaya namo namah
to Govinda, salutations again and again

Complete Translation

वासुदेव के पुत्र श्रीकृष्ण को, परमात्मा हरि को, शरणागतों के क्लेश का नाश करने वाले गोविन्द को बार-बार नमस्कार है।

Origin & History

Source: Traditional Krishna namaskara shloka (Vishnu/Krishna stotra tradition)

Author: Traditional

Period: Classical

This cherished one-verse salutation is recited the world over as homage to Lord Krishna. Addressing Him by His best-loved names — Krishna, Vasudeva, Hari, Paramatma and Govinda — it praises Him as the Supreme Self who destroys the sorrows of all who take refuge in Him. Short and complete, it is chanted at the close of Krishna worship and repeated as a japa for peace and relief from suffering.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Krishnaya Vasudevaya mean?
It is a salutation to Lord Krishna — son of Vasudeva, Hari, the Supreme Self and Govinda — who destroys the sorrows of all who bow to Him. 'Namo namah' means salutations again and again.
When is Krishnaya Vasudevaya recited?
It is recited daily as a short namaskara to Krishna, at the end of puja and stotras, and especially on Janmashtami and Ekadashi. Many repeat it as a simple japa for relief from troubles.

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