युगलाष्टकम् — Benefits & How to Chant
युगलाष्टकम्
Complete guide to chanting correctly for maximum benefit
Benefits of Chanting युगलाष्टकम्
Establishes Sri Radha and Sri Krishna together as the single object of exclusive worship and refuge (gati)
Cultivates yugala-bhakti
loving devotion to the Divine Couple rather than to either alone
Each verse is a complete meditation on the inseparable oneness of Radha and Krishna in love
The repeated refrain 'radha-krishnau gatir mama' trains the heart in total surrender for life and death alike
Short, rhythmic and easy to memorise, making it ideal for daily japa and kirtan
Cherished in the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition and sung in Vrindavan, Barsana and Braj temples
Brings sweetness, peace and one-pointed remembrance of the Yugala Sarkar (Divine Couple)
How to Chant युगलाष्टकम्
Instructions
Sit before an image of Sri Sri Radha-Krishna and recite the eight verses slowly, reflecting on each way in which Radha and Krishna belong wholly to one another. Let the refrain 'jivane nidhane nityam radha-krishnau gatir mama' deepen into heartfelt surrender. It may be sung melodiously in kirtan; the simple metre makes it perfect for daily practice and for memorisation.
Spiritual Significance
Devotees of Braj hold that one who takes the Yugala (Divine Couple) as the sole refuge — as this prayer vows — is never abandoned by Them; countless aspirants have testified that singing 'radha-krishnau gatir mama' with feeling melts the heart and binds it forever to the loving service of Radha and Krishna.
Origin & History
Source: Gaudiya Vaishnava devotional literature (traditionally attributed to Srila Jiva Goswami)
Author: Srila Jiva Goswami
The Yugalashtakam arose from the Gaudiya Vaishnava theology of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and the Six Goswamis of Vrindavan, for whom the highest truth is not Krishna alone but Radha and Krishna together as one Divine Couple (Yugala). In eight crystalline couplets the hymn declares that Radha is made of love for Krishna and Krishna of love for Radha, that each is the other's treasure, life-breath, heart and home — and that, accordingly, the devotee takes the Divine Couple alone as refuge in life and in death. It became a treasured daily prayer expressing exclusive devotion to Sri Sri Radha-Krishna of Vrindavan.