श्री राधा कृपा कटाक्ष स्तोत्रम् — Benefits & How to Chant
श्री राधा कृपा कटाक्ष स्तोत्रम्
Complete guide to chanting correctly for maximum benefit
Benefits of Chanting श्री राधा कृपा कटाक्ष स्तोत्रम्
Considered the foremost prayer for attaining the mercy (kripa) of Shri Radha Rani, the queen of Vrindavan
Each verse is a meditation on Radha's divine beauty, virtues and supremacy, deepening loving devotion (prema-bhakti)
Traditionally recited to gain entrance into the eternal loving service (seva) of Radha and Krishna in the groves of Vraja
Believed to remove the sorrows of the three worlds, as praised in its very first verse
Sung daily in temples throughout Braj (Vrindavan, Barsana) and cherished by Gaudiya and other Vaishnava devotees
Brings peace, sweetness of heart and the awakening of devotional longing (lalasa) for the Divine Couple
Revered as the words of Lord Shiva himself, the topmost of Vaishnavas, lending it special spiritual potency
How to Chant श्री राधा कृपा कटाक्ष स्तोत्रम्
Instructions
Bathe and sit before an image of Shri Radha or Radha-Krishna with a lamp and flowers. Recite the verses with feeling, dwelling on the meaning of each description of Radha and on the heartfelt refrain 'kada karishyasiha mam kripa-kataksha-bhajanam'. It may be sung in its traditional melody once daily, or more on special days. Many devotees in Vrindavan sing it as a group at dawn. Conclude by praying humbly for Radha's merciful glance and Her grace.
Spiritual Significance
Devotees of Vrindavan hold that sincere recitation of this stava, especially in Barsana (Radha's birthplace) and at the kunjas of Braj, draws Shri Radha's compassionate glance upon the worshipper, and that countless aspirants have felt their hearts melt and their longing for the Divine Couple awaken through its daily singing.
Origin & History
Source: Urdhvamnaya Tantra (Shri Radha Kripa Kataksha Stava Raja)
Author: Attributed to Lord Shiva (Sadashiva)
The Shri Radha Kripa Kataksha Stava Raja is traditionally found in the Urdhvamnaya Tantra, where Lord Shiva — honoured as the topmost of Vaishnavas — reveals it to his consort Parvati while glorifying Shri Radha as the supreme energy and the very heart of Krishna. In glowing imagery the hymn praises Radha enthroned in the flowering bowers of Vrindavan, golden-hued like lightning and champaka, worshipped by sages and even by the goddess Lakshmi, who holds Krishna ever under the sway of Her loving glance. The recurring refrain turns each description into a humble plea: 'When will You make me, here in this very life, the object of Your merciful sidelong glance?' It has become the most cherished daily prayer to Radha in the land of Braj.