कृष्णाय यादवेन्द्राय — Word-by-Word Meaning
कृष्णाय यादवेन्द्राय
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
कृष्णाय
krishnaya
to Krishna, the all-attractive Lord
यादवेन्द्राय
yadavendraya
to the chief (Indra) of the Yadavas, the lord of the Yadu dynasty
ज्ञानमुद्राय
jnana-mudraya
to the one who displays the jnana-mudra, the gesture of supreme knowledge
योगिने
yogine
to the great yogi, the master of yoga
नाथाय
nathaya
to the Lord, the protector and master
रुक्मिणीशाय
rukmini-shaya
to the lord (husband) of Rukmini
नमः
namah
salutations, I bow
वेदान्तवेदिने
vedanta-vedine
to the knower (and revealer) of the Vedanta, the essence of the Vedas
Complete Translation
उन कृष्ण को नमस्कार है, जो यादवों के अधिपति हैं, ज्ञानमुद्रा धारण करने वाले हैं, परम योगी हैं, सबके नाथ हैं, रुक्मिणी के पति हैं, और वेदान्त के ज्ञाता हैं।
Origin & History
Source: Traditional Vaishnava dhyana-namaskara shloka recited in Krishna worship
Author: Traditional (anonymous)
Period: Classical / medieval devotional period
Composed as a salutation that gathers Krishna's many dimensions into one verse, it deliberately pairs his earthly identity as the Yadava prince and husband of Rukmini with his transcendental identity as supreme yogi and knower of Vedanta. This balance of lila and jnana made it a popular invocation among devotees who seek both love of God and the wisdom of the Self.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'Krishnaya Yadavendraya' mean?▼
It is a salutation verse meaning 'Salutations to Krishna, the lord of the Yadavas, holder of the jnana-mudra, the great yogi, the Lord, the husband of Rukmini, and the knower of Vedanta.' Each word is one of Krishna's names or attributes.
What is the jnana-mudra mentioned in the verse?▼
The jnana-mudra is the hand gesture in which the tip of the thumb touches the tip of the index finger, symbolising the union of the individual soul with the Supreme. Krishna is praised as 'jnana-mudraya,' the one who teaches supreme knowledge through this seal.
Why is Krishna called Vedanta-vedi here?▼
Because, as the speaker of the Bhagavad Gita and the source of all scriptures, Krishna is the very knower and revealer of Vedanta — the culminating wisdom of the Vedas. The epithet shows that loving him and knowing the highest truth are one.
How should this shloka be used?▼
It is recited as a namaskara (salutation) and dhyana verse — typically three or eleven times before or after Krishna puja, bhajans, or meditation, and is also chanted as daily japa.
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