वंशीविभूषितकरान्नवनीरदाभात् — Word-by-Word Meaning
वंशीविभूषितकरान्नवनीरदाभात्
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
वंशी
vamshi
the flute
विभूषितकरात्
vibhushita-karat
than the one whose hand is adorned (with the flute)
नवनीरदाभात्
nava-nirada-bhat
than the one with the lustre of a fresh rain-cloud
पीताम्बरात्
pitambarat
than the one clad in yellow silk
अरुणबिम्बफल
aruna-bimba-phala
like a reddish ripe bimba fruit
अधरोष्ठात्
adharoshthat
than the one whose lower lip is (red like the bimba fruit)
पूर्णेन्दु
purnendu
the full moon
सुन्दरमुखात्
sundara-mukhat
than the one with a face beautiful (as the full moon)
अरविन्दनेत्रात्
aravinda-netrat
than the lotus-eyed one
कृष्णात्
krishnat
than Krishna
परं
param
higher, beyond, other
किमपि
kimapi
anything whatsoever
तत्त्वम्
tattvam
reality, truth, principle
अहं न जाने
aham na jane
I do not know
Complete Translation
मैं कृष्ण से परे किसी भी तत्त्व को नहीं जानता — जिनका हाथ वंशी से सुशोभित है, जिनकी कान्ति नवीन मेघ-सी है, जो पीताम्बर धारण किए हैं, जिनका अधरोष्ठ पके बिम्बफल-सा अरुण है, जिनका मुख पूर्ण चन्द्रमा-सा सुन्दर है, और जिनके नेत्र कमल के समान हैं।
Origin & History
Source: Famous Krishna dhyana verse traditionally attributed to Madhusudana Saraswati
Author: Madhusudana Saraswati (traditional attribution)
Period: 16th century CE (medieval devotional period)
Madhusudana Saraswati, one of the greatest exponents of Advaita Vedanta, was at the same time a passionate lover of Krishna. This verse, cherished as among his most beloved, sets aside metaphysical argument to confess that he knows no reality higher than the flute-bearing, cloud-dark, lotus-eyed Krishna — and so it has become a favourite dhyana and a luminous emblem of how the highest knowledge culminates in love of God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'Krishnat param kimapi tattvam aham na jane' mean?▼
It means 'I know of no reality higher than Krishna.' After describing Krishna's beauty in detail, the devotee declares that for him there is no truth, principle, or reality beyond Krishna — the supreme statement of single-pointed devotion.
Who composed this verse?▼
It is traditionally attributed to Madhusudana Saraswati, the renowned 16th-century Advaita Vedanta scholar who was also a profound devotee of Krishna. The verse is famous for uniting the heights of Advaitic learning with intense personal love for the Lord.
What does the imagery describe?▼
It describes Krishna as Venu-Gopala: the flute adorning his hand, his complexion like a fresh rain-cloud, his yellow silk garment, his lower lip red like the ripe bimba fruit, his face lovely as the full moon, and his lotus-like eyes.
How is this verse used?▼
It is recited as a dhyana (meditation) verse before Krishna worship and meditation, and as a declaration of devotion. Many repeat it as japa to keep the mind absorbed in the beautiful form of Krishna.
Ready to start chanting?
See Benefits & How to Chant →