नमो ब्रह्मण्यदेवाय — Word-by-Word Meaning
नमो ब्रह्मण्यदेवाय
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
नमः
Namah
Salutations, I bow
ब्रह्मण्यदेवाय
Brahmanya-Devaya
To the Lord (deva) who is devoted to / the protector of the Brahmanas and of Brahman (the Vedas and the pious)
गोब्राह्मणहिताय
Go-Brahmana-Hitaya
To Him who is the well-wisher / benefactor of cows and Brahmanas
च
Cha
And
जगद्धिताय
Jagad-Dhitaya
To Him who is the well-wisher / benefactor of the whole world
कृष्णाय
Krishnaya
To Krishna (the all-attractive Lord; the dark-hued one)
गोविन्दाय
Govindaya
To Govinda (protector of cows; one who is known through the Vedas)
नमो नमः
Namo Namah
Again and again I bow; repeated salutations
Complete Translation
उन प्रभु को नमस्कार जो ब्रह्मण्यदेव (ब्राह्मणों एवं वेद-धर्म के रक्षक) हैं; जो गौओं और ब्राह्मणों के हितैषी हैं; जो समस्त जगत् के कल्याणकर्ता हैं। उन कृष्ण को, उन गोविन्द को, मैं बारम्बार प्रणाम करता हूँ।
Origin & History
Source: Traditional salutation / shanti verse to Vishnu as Krishna-Govinda
Author: Traditional (recited across the Mahabharata and Puranic tradition)
Period: Classical
This salutation to the Lord as 'Brahmanya-deva' — the protector of Brahmanas, cows and the world — is among the most popular short verses of Vaishnava devotion. Addressing Krishna-Govinda as the universal well-wisher, it has long been used as a peace verse and a closing prayer in worship and discourse, expressing the wish that the Lord's grace bring welfare to all creation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'Namo Brahmanya Devaya' mean?▼
It means 'Salutations to the Lord who protects the Brahmanas and the sacred order, the benefactor of cows and Brahmanas and well-wisher of the whole world; to Krishna and Govinda I bow again and again.' It is a salutation to Vishnu as Krishna-Govinda.
Is this a verse to Vishnu or to Krishna?▼
Both — Krishna and Govinda are forms of Lord Vishnu. The verse addresses the Lord as 'Brahmanya-deva' (a Vishnu epithet) and then by His names Krishna and Govinda, so it is used in the worship of Vishnu and Krishna alike.
When is this verse recited?▼
It is widely recited as a peace verse and as a salutation at the beginning or close of pujas, scriptural recitations and discourses. Many devotees also repeat it daily as a brief prayer for the good of all.
Why does the verse mention cows and Brahmanas?▼
Cows and Brahmanas traditionally symbolise the sustenance of life and the preservation of sacred knowledge. Saluting the Lord as their protector affirms Him as the guardian of dharma and the welfare of the world.
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