Standard Songs Used in the Hare Krishna

Temples
Obeisances to Srila Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
(Said upon entering the temple room by his disciples, and sung during many
arati ceremonies.)
nama om vishnu-padaya
krishna-preshthaya bhu-tale
shrimate bhaktivedantasvamin iti namine
namas te sarasvate deve
gaura-vani-pracharine
nirvishesha-shunyavadipashcatya-desha-tarine
Translation
I offer my respectful obeisances unto His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta
Swami Prabhupada, who is very dear to Lord Krishna, having taken shelter at
His lotus feet.
Our respectful obeisances are unto you, O spiritual master, servant of
Sarasvati Gosvami. You are kindly preaching the message of Lord
Chaitanyadeva and delivering the Western countries, which are filled with
impersonalism and voidism.

Sri Sri Gurvashtaka

(Glories of the Spiritual Master, sung for early morning mangala arati,
by Srila Vishvanatha Chakravarti Thakura)
(1)
samsara-davanala-lidha-loka
tranaya karunya-ghanaghanatvam
praptasya kalyana-gunarnavasya
vande guroh shri-charanaravindam
(2)
mahaprabhoh kirtana-nritya-gita-

vaditra-madyan-manaso rasena
romancha-kampashru-taranga-bhajo
vande guroh shri-charanaravindam
(3)
shri-vigraharadhana-nitya-nanashringara-tan-mandira-marjanadau
yuktasya bhaktamsh cha niyunjato 'pi
vande guroh shri-charanaravindam
(4)
chatur-vidha-shri-bhagavat-prasadasvadv-anna-triptan hari-bhakta-sanghan
kritvaiva triptim bhajatah sadaiva
vande guroh shri-charanaravindam
(5)
shri-radhika-madhavayor aparamadhurya-lila-guna-rupa-namnam
prati-kshanasvadana-lolupasya
vande guroh shri-charanaravindam
(6)
nikunja-yuno rati-keli-siddhyai
ya yalibhir yuktir apekshaniya
tatrati-dakshyad ati-vallabhasya
vande guroh shri-charanaravindam
(7)
sakshad-dharitvena samasta-shastrair
uktas tatha bhavyata eva sadbhih
kintu prabhor yah priya eva tasya
vande guroh shri-charanaravindam
(8)
yasya prasadad bhagavat-prasado

yasyaprasadan na gatih kuto 'pi

dhyayan stuvams tasya yashas tri-sandhyam
vande guroh shri-charanaravindam
(9)
srimad-guror ashtakam etad uccair
brahme muhurte pathati prayatnat
yas tena vrindavana-natha-sakshatsevaiva labhya janusha 'nta eva
Translation
(1) The spiritual master is receiving benediction from the ocean of mercy. Just
as a cloud pours water on a forest fire to extinguish it, so the spiritual master
delivers the materially afflicted world by extinguishing the blazing fire of material
existence. I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual
master, who is an ocean of auspicious qualities.
(2) Chanting the holy name, dancing in ecstasy, singing, and playing musical
instruments, the spiritual master is always gladdened by the sankirtana
movement of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Because he is relishing the mellows
of pure devotion within his mind, sometimes his hair stands on end, he feels
quivering in his body, and tears flow from his eyes like waves. I offer my
respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master.
(3) The spiritual master is always engaged in the temple worship of Shri Shri
Radha and Krishna. He also engages his disciples in such worship. They dress
the Deities in beautiful clothes and ornaments, clean Their temple, and perform
other similar worship of the Lord. I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus
feet of such a spiritual master.
(4) The spiritual master is always offering Krishna four kinds of delicious food
[analyzed as that which is licked, chewed, drunk, and sucked]. When the
spiritual master sees that the devotees are satisfied by eating bhagavatprasada, he is satisfied. I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of
such a spiritual master.
(5) The spiritual master is always eager to hear and chant about the unlimited
conjugal pastimes of Radhika and Madhava, and Their qualities, names, and
forms. The spiritual master aspires to relish these at every moment. I offer my
respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master.
(6) The spiritual master is very dear, because he is expert in assisting the gopis,

who at different times make different tasteful arrangements for the perfection of
Radha and Krishna's conjugal loving affairs within the groves of Vrindavana. I
offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master.
(7) The spiritual master is to be honored as much as the Supreme Lord,
because he is the most confidential servitor of the Lord. This is acknowledged in
all revealed scriptures and followed by all authorities. Therefore I offer my
humble obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master, who is a bona
fide representative of Shri Hari [Krishna].
(8) By the mercy of the spiritual master one receives the benediction of Krishna.
Without the grace of the spiritual master, one cannot make any advancement.
Therefore, I should always remember and praise the spiritual master. At least
three times a day I should offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of
my a spiritual master.
(9) That person who very attentively recites this ashtakam to Sri Gurudeva
during the brahma muhurta is sure to achieve direct service to the lotus feet of
Sri Krishna, the very life and soul of Vrindavana (Vrindavana-natha), upon
attaining his vastu-siddhi, or pure spiritual form.

Additional Prayers Sung During Mangala Arati

The Pancha-Tattva Maha Mantra
(Jaya) shri-krishna-caitanya
prabhu nityananda
shri-advaita gadadhara
shrivasadi-gaura-bhakta-vrinda
I offer my obeisances unto the Supreme Lord, Shri Krishna Chaitanya
Mahaprabhu, along with His associates, Lord Nityananda, Shri Advaita Acharya,
Gadadhara, Shrivasa and all the devotees of the Lord. (This mantra is very
important and is known as the Pancha-tattva Maha-mantra. In order to derive
the full benefit of chanting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra, we must first take
shelter of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, learn the Pancha-tattva mantra, and then
chant the Hare Krishna maha-mantra. That will be very effective. So this mantra
is sung in most kirtanas before singing Hare Krishna, as well as before chanting
japa.)

The Hare Krishna Maha-mantra

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna
Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama
Rama Rama Hare Hare
Translation
"Oh Lord Krishna, Oh energy of the Lord, please engage me in Your devotional
service." (This is a simple call to the Lord and His energies. It should be chanted
exactly like a small child crying for it's mother. The transcendental sound
vibration of this mantra is the essence of all the Vedas and non-different from
Lord Krishna personally. In the temples, this mantra is sung during some portion
of almost all kirtanas.)

Prema-Dhvani or Pranam Prayers

(Someone says these prayers after the arati, while everyone joins in with the
"Jaya" at the end of each line. This is a very basic rendition, while additional
lines and obeisances to other personalities and holy places can be said as well.)

1. Jaya-nitya-lila-pravishta om Vishnu-pada paramahamsa parivrajakacharya

ashtottara-shata Shri Srimad His Divine Grace Srila A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
Maharaja Prabhupada ki jaya.
2. Jaya om Vishnu-pada paramahamsa parivrajakacharya ashtottara-shata Shri
Srimad Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Goswami Maharaja Prabhupada ki jaya.
3. Ananta-kotivaishnava-vrinda ki jaya.
4. Namacharya Haridasa Thakura ki jaya
5. Iskcon founder acharya Srila Prabhupada ki jaya.
6. Premse kaho Shri-Krishna-Caitanya, Prabhu Nityananda, jaya Advaita,
Gadadhara, Shrivasadi-gaura-bhakta-vrinda ki jaya.
7. Shri-Shri-Radha-Krishna Gopa-Gopinatha, Shyama Kund, Radha Kund,
Girigovardhana ki jaya.
8. Vrindavana-dhama ki jaya.
9. Mathura-dhama ki jaya.

10. Navadvipa-dhama ki jaya.

11. Jagannatha-puri dhama ki jaya.
12. Ganga-mayi ki jaya
13. Yamuna-mayi ki jaya.
14. Tulasi-devi ki jaya.
15. Bhakti-devi ki jaya.
16. Sankirtana-yajna ki jaya.
17. Brihad-mridanga ki jaya.
18. Samaveta-bhakta-vrinda ki jaya.
19. Gaura-premananda Hari Hari bol,
20. All glories to the assembled devotees. (Hare Krishna) All glories to the
assembled devotees. (Hare Krishna) All glories to Sri Guru and Gauranga.

Shri Nrisimha Pranam

(Obeisances to Lord Nrisimha, sung at the end of arati)
namas te narasimhaya
prahladahlada-dayine
hiranyakashipor vakshahshila-tanka-nakhalaye
ito nrisimhah parato nrisimho
yato yato yami tato nrisimhah
bahir nrisimho hridaye nrisimho
nrisimham adim sharanam prapadye
tave kara-kamala-vare nakham
adbhuta-shringam
dalita-hiranyakashipu-tanu-bhrigam
keshava-dhrita-narahari-rupa jaya jagadisha hare
Translation
I offer my obeisances to Lord Narasimha, who gives joy to Prahlada
Maharaja and whose nails are like chisels on the stonelike chest of the demon
Hiranyakashipu.

Lord Nrisimha is here and also there. Wherever I go Lord Nrisimha is there.
He is in the heart and is outside as well. I surrender to Lord Nrisimha, the origin
of all things and the supreme refuge.
O Keshava! O Lord of the universe! O Lord Hari, who have assumed the
form of half-man, half-lion! All glories to You! Just as one can easily crush a
wasp between one's fingernails, so in the same way the body of the wasp-like
demon, Hiranyakashipu, has been ripped apart by the wonderful pointed nails
on Your beautiful lotus hands. (This verse is from Shri Dasavatara-stotra, the
Gita-govinda, written by Jayadeva Gosvami.)

Tulasi-arati Kirtana
vrindayai tulasi-devyai
priyayai keshavasya cha
vishnu-bhakti-prade devi
satyavatyai namo namaha
Translation
(The first mantra is offering of obeisances to Shrimati Tulasi Devi. Srila
Prabhupada explains that the Tulasi tree is a pure devotee of Krishna in the
body of a plant. Worship of the Tulasi plant is very important in devotional
service.) "I offer my repeated obeisances unto Vrinda, Shrimati Tulasi Devi, who
is very dear to Lord Keshava. O goddess, you bestow devotional service to Lord
Krishna and possess the highest truth."
namo namah tulasi krishna-preyasi namo namaha
radha-krishna-seva pabo ei abhilashi
ye tomara sharana loy, tara vancha purna hoy
kripa kori' koro tare brindavana-basi
mor ei abhilash bilas kunje dio vas
nayane heribo sada jugala-rupa-rashi
ei nivedana dharo sakhir anugata koro
seva-adhikara diye koro nija dasi
dina krishna-dase koy ei jena mora hoy
shri-radha-govinda-preme sada jena bhasi
Translation
O Tulasi, beloved of Krishna, I bow before you again and again. My desire is
to obtain the service of Shri Shri Radha-Krishna.

Whoever takes shelter of you has his wishes fulfilled. Bestowing your mercy
on him, you make him a resident of Vrindavana.
My desire is that you will also grant me a residence in the pleasure groves of
Shri Vrindavana-dhama. Thus, within my vision I will always behold the beautiful
pastimes of Radha and Krishna.
I beg you to make me a follower of the cowherd damsels of Vraja. Please
give me the privilege of devotional service and make me your own maidservant.
This very fallen and lowly servant of Krishna prays, "May I always swim in
the love of Shri Radha and Govinda."
Devotees circumambulate the Tulasi plant while singing the following prayer:
yani kani cha papani
brahma-hatyadikani cha
tani tani pranashyanti
pradakshina pade pade
"By the circumambulation of Shrimati Tulasi Devi all the sins that one may have
committed are destroyed at every step, even the sin of killing a brahman."

The Ten Offenses in Chanting the Holy Names

(The general order of prayers in many temples is that after the Tulasi puja, the
ten offenses in Chanting Hare Krishna japa are recited, usually together with
whoever is at the morning program.)
1. To blaspheme the devotees who have dedicated their lives to the propagation
of the holy names of the Lord.
2. To consider the names of the demigods like lord Shiva or lord Brahma to be
equal to, or independent of, the name of Lord Vishnu.
3. To disobey the orders of the spiritual master.
4. To blaspheme the Vedic literature or literature in pursuance of the Vedic
version.
5. To consider the glories of chanting Hare Krishna as imagination.
6. To give mundane interpretation of the holy name of the Lord.
7. To commit sinful activities on the strength of chanting the holy names of the
Lord.

8. To consider the chanting of Hare Krishna as one of the auspicious, ritualistic

activities which are offered in the Vedas as fruitive activities (karma-kanda).
9. To instruct a faithless person about the glories of the holy name.
10. To not have complete faith in the chanting of the holy names and to maintain
material attachments even after understanding so many instructions on this
matter. It is also offensive to be inattentive while chanting.
Anyone who claims to be a Vaishnava must carefully guard against these
ten offenses in order to quickly achieve the desired success, Krishna Prema!
Now let us offer are respectful obeisances unto all the Vaishnavas, devotees
of the Lord. They are just like desire trees who can fulfill the desires of everyone
and they are full of compassion for the fallen conditioned souls.
Shri Vaishnava Pranam
(Obeisances to fellow devotees often said after the early aratis and before doing
japa)
vancha-kalpatarubhyash cha
kripa-sindubhya eva cha
patitanam pavanabhyo
vaishnavebhyo namo namaha
Translation
I offer my respectful obeisances unto all the Vaishnavas, devotees of the Lord.
They are just like desire trees who can fulfill the desires of everyone and they
are full of compassion for the fallen conditioned souls.

Sri Sri Shikshashtaka

by Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu
Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu did not do much writing, but was widely renowned
as a scholar in His youth. Nonetheless, He did leave these eight verses known
as Sikshashtaka. These explain the essence of His mission and the philosophy
of devotional service to Lord Krishna. See the article on Lord Caitanya to learn
more about Him.
(1)
cheto-darpana-marjanam bhava-maha-davagni-nirvapanam

shreyah-kairava-chandrika-vitaranam vidya-vadhu-jivanam
anandambhudhi-vardhanam prati-padam purnamritasvadanam
sarvatma-snapanam param vijayate shri-krishna-sankirtanam
Glory to the Shri Krishna sankirtana (congregational chanting of the Lord's holy
names), which cleanses the heart of all the dust accumulated for years and
extinguishes the fire of conditional life, of repeated birth and death. That
sankirtana movement is the prime benediction for humanity at large because it
spreads the rays of the benediction moon. It is the life of all transcendental
knowledge. It increases the ocean of transcendental bliss, and it enables us to
fully taste the nectar for which we are always anxious.
(2)
namnam akari bahudha nija-sarva-shaktis
tatrarpita niyamitah smarane na kalaha
etadrishi tava kripa bhagavan mamapi
durdaivam idrisham ihajani nanuragahah
O my Lord, Your holy name alone can render all benediction to living beings,
and thus You have hundreds and millions of names, like Krishna and Govinda.
In these transcendental names, you have invested all Your transcendental
energies. There are not even hard and fast rules for chanting these names. O
my Lord, out of kindness You enable us to easily approach you by Your holy
names, but I am so unfortunate that I have no attraction for them.
(3)
trinad api sunicena
taror api sahishnuna
amanina manadena
kirtaniyah sada harihi
One should chant the holy name of the Lord in a humble state of mind, thinking
oneself lower than the straw in the street; one should be more tolerant than a
tree, devoid of all sense of false prestige, and should be ready to offer all
respect to others. In such a state of mind one can chant the holy name of the
Lord constantly.
(4)
na dhanam na janam na sundarim
kavitam va jagad-isha kamaye

mama janmani janmanishvare

bhavatad bhaktir ahaituki tvayi
O almighty Lord, I have no desire to accumulate wealth, nor do I desire beautiful
women, nor do I want any number of followers. I only want your causeless
devotional service, birth after birth.
(5)
ayi nanda-tanuja kinkaram
patitam mam vishame bhavambudhau
kripaya tava pada-pankajasthita-dhuli-sadrisham vichintaya
O son of Maharaja Nanda [Krishna], I am Your eternal servitor, yet somehow or
other I have fallen into the ocean of birth and death. Please pick me up from this
ocean of death and place me as one of the atoms at Your lotus feet.
(6)
nayanam galad-ashru-dharaya
vadanam gadgada-ruddhaya gira
pulakair nichitam vapuh kada
tava nama-grahane bhavishyati
O my Lord, when will my eyes be decorated with tears of love flowing constantly
when I chant Your holy name? When will my voice choke up, and when will the
hairs of my body stand on end at the recitation of Your name?
(7)
yugayitam nimeshena
chakshusha pravrishayitam
shunyayitam jagat sarvam
govinda-virahena me
O Govinda! Feeling Your separation, I am considering a moment to be like
twelve years or more. Tears are flowing from my eyes like torrents of rain, and I
am feeling all vacant in the world in Your absence.
(8)
ashlishya va pada-ratam pinashtu mam
adarshanan marma-hatam karotu va
yatha tatha va vidadhatu lampato

mat-prana-nathas tu sa eva naparaha

I know no one but Krishna as my Lord, and He shall remain so even if He
handles me roughly by His embrace or makes me brokenhearted by not being
present before me. He is completely free to do anything and everything, for He
is always my worshipful Lord, unconditionally.

Jaya Radha-Madhava
(Sung before morning class, written by Shrila Bhaktinoda Thakura)
jaya radha-madhava kunja-bihari
gopi-jana-vallabha giri-vara-dhari
yashoda-nandana braja-jana-ranjana
jamuna-tira-vana-chari
Translation
Krishna is the lover of Radha. He displays many amorous pastimes in the
groves of Vrindavana, He is the lover of the cowherd maidens of Vraja, the
holder of the great hill named Govardhana, the beloved son of Mother Yashoda,
the delighter of the inhabitants of Vraja, and He wanders in the forests along the
banks of the River Yamuna.
(Srila Prabhupada was very fond of this song and sang it just before his
lectures. In Allahabad and Gorakhpur, Srila Prabhupada fell into a trance after
singing the first two lines, and after some time he came back into external
consciousness and said: "Now just chant Hare Krishna." Srila Prabhupada said
that this song is "a picture of Vrindavana. Everything is there--Shrimati
Radharani, Vrindavana, Govardhana, Yashoda, and all the cowherd boys.")

Mantras Chanted Before Class

Om namah bhagavate vasudevaya
I offer my obeisances to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Vasudeva.
narayanam namaskritya
naram chaiva narottamam

devim sarasvatim vyasam

tato jayam udirayet
Before reciting this Srimad-Bhagavatam, which is the very means of
conquest, one should offer respectful obeisances unto the Personality of
Godhead, Narayana, unto Nara-narayana Rishi, the supermost human being,
unto Mother Sarasvati, the goddess of learning, and unto Srila Vyasadeva, the
author. (Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.2.4)
Shrinvatam sva-kathah krsnah
punya-shravana-kirtanah
hridy antah stho hy abhadrani
vidhunoti suhrit satam
Sri Krishna, the Personality of Godhead, who is the Paramatma in
everyone's heart and the benefactor of the truthful devotee, cleanses desire for
material enjoyment from the heart of the devotee who has developed the urge to
hear His messages, which are in themselves virtuous when properly heard and
chanted. (Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.2.17)
nashta-prayeshu abhadreshu
nityam bhagavata-sevaya
bhagavaty uttama-shloke
bhaktir bhavati naishthiki
By regular attendance in classes on the Bhagavatam and by rendering
service to the pure devotee, all that is troublesome to the heart is almost
completely destroyed, and loving service unto the Personality of Godhead, who
is praised with transcendental songs, is established as an irrevocable fact.

Mantras Chanted Before Class Commentary

Sri Guru Pranama

Om ajnana-timirandhasya
chakshur unmilitam yena

jnananjana-shalakaya

tasmai shri-guruve namaha

I was born in the darkest of ignorance, and my spiritual master opened my eyes
with the torch of knowledge. I offer my respectful obeisances unto him.
Sri Rupa Pranama
shri-chaitanya-mano 'bhishtam
svayam rupah kada mahyam

sthapitam yena bhu-tale

dadati sva-padantikam

When will Srila Rupa Gosvami Prabhupada, who has established within this
material world the mission to fulfill the desire of Lord Chaitanya, give me shelter
under his lotus feet?
Mangalacarana
vande 'ham shri-guroh shri-yuta-pada-kamalam shri-gurun vaishnavams cha
shri-rupam sagrajatam saha-gana-raghunathanvitam tam sa-jivam
sadvaitam savadhutam parijana-sahitam krishna-chaitanya-devam
shri-radha-krishna-padan saha-gana-lalita-shri-vishakhanvitamsh cha
I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of my spiritual master and
unto the feet of all Vaishnavas. I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus
feet of Shrila Rupa Gosvami along with his elder brother Sanatana Gosvami, as
well as Raghunatha Dasa and Raghunatha Bhatta, Gopala Bhatta, and Shrila
Jiva Gosvami. I offer my respectful obeisances to Lord Krishna Chaitanya and
Lord Nityananda, along with Advaita Acharya, Gadadhara, Shrivasa, and other
associates. I offer my respectful obeisances to Shrimati Radharani, and Shri
Krishna along with Their associates, Shri Lalita and Vishakha.
Sri Krishna Pranama
he krishna karuna-sindho
gopesha gopika-kanta

dina bandho jagat pate

radha-kanta namo 'stu te

O my dear Krishna, You are the friend of the distressed and the source of

creation. You are the master of the gopis and the lover of Radharani. I offer my
respectful obeisances unto You.
Sri Radha Pranama
tapta-kanchana-gaurangi
vrishabhanu-sute devi

radhe vrindavaneshvari
pranamami hari-priye

I offer my respects to Radharani whose bodily complexion is like molten gold

and who is the Queen of Vrindavana. You are the daughter of King Vrishabhanu,
and You are very dear to Lord Krishna.
Sri Vaishnava Pranama
vancha-kalpatarubhyash cha
patitanam pavanebhyo

kripa-sindhubhya eva cha

vaishnavebhyo namo namaha

I offer my respectful obeisances unto all the Vaishnava devotees of the Lord
who can fulfill the desires of everyone, just like desire trees, and who are full of
compassion for the fallen souls.
Pancha-tattva Maha-mantra
shri krishna chaitanya prabhu nityananda
shri advaita gadadhara shrivasadi-gaura-bhakta-vrinda
I offer my obeisances to Shri Krishna Chaitanya, Prabhu Nityananda, Sri
Advaita, Gadadhara, Shrivasa and all others in the line of devotion.

Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare

Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare

Additional Pranama Mantras

(These, along with the previous ones listed above, are often used during pushpa

abhisheka ceremonies)
Sri Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Pranati
namo om vishnu-padaya krishna-preshthaya bhutale
shrimate bhaktisiddhanta-sarasvati namine
I offer my respectful obeisances unto His Divine Grace Bhaktisiddhanta
Sarasvati, who is very dear to Lord Krishna, having taken shelter of His lotus
feet.
shri-varshabhanavi-devi-dayitaya kripabdhaye
krishna-sambandha-vijnana-dayine prabhave namaha
I offer my respectful obeisances to Sri Varshabhanavi-devi-dayita dasa [another
name of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati], who is favored by Srimati Radharani
and who is the ocean of transcendental mercy and the deliverer of the science
of Krishna.
madhuryojjvala-premadhya-sri-rupanuga-bhaktidasri-gaura-karuna-shakti-vigrahaya namo 'stu te
I offer my respectful obeisances unto you, the personified energy of Sri
Chaitanya's mercy, who delivers devotional service which is enriched with
conjugal love of Radha and Krishna, coming exactly in the line of revelation of
Srila Rupa Goswami.
namas te gaura-vani-shri-murtaye dina-tarine
rupanuga-viruddhapasiddhanta-dhvanta-harine
I offer my respectful obeisances unto you, who are the personified teachings of
Lord Chaitanya. You are the deliverer of the fallen souls. You do not tolerate any
statement which is against the teachings of devotional service enunciated by
Srila Rupa Goswami.

Srila Gaurakishora Pranati

namo gaura-kishoraya sakshad-vairagya-murtaye
vipralambha-rasambhode padambujaya te namaha
I offer my respectful obeisances unto Gaurakishora dasa Babaji Maharaja [the
spiritual master of Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati], who is renunciation personified.
He is always merged in a feeling of separation and intense love of Krishna.
Srila Bhaktivinoda Pranati
namo bhaktivinodaya sac-cid-ananda-namine
gaura-shakti-svarupaya rupanuga-varaya te
I offer my respectful obeisances unto Saccidananda Bhaktivinoda, who is
transcendental energy of Caitanya Mahaprabhu. He is a strict follower of the
Gosvamis, headed by Srila Rupa.
SrilaJagannatha Pranati
gauravirbhava-bhumes tvam nirdeshta saj-jana-priyaha
vaishnava-sarvabhaumah sri-jagannathaya te namaha
I offer my respectful obeisances to Jagannatha dasa Babaji, who is respected by
the entire Vaishnava community and who discovered the place where Lord
Caitanya appeared.
Sri Gauranga Pranama
namo maha-vadanyaya krishna-prema-pradaya te
krishnaya krishna-caitanya-namne gaura-tvise namaha
O most munificent incarnation! You are Krishna Himself appearing as Sri
Krishna Caitanya Mahaprabhu. You have assumed the golden color of Srimati
Radharani, and You are widely distributing pure love of Krishna. We offer our
respectful obeisances unto You.
Sri Pancha-tattva Pranama

pancha-tattvatmakam krishnam bhakta-rupa-svarupakam

bhaktavataram bhaktakhyam namami bhakta-shaktikam
I offer my obeisances unto the Supreme Lord, Krishna, who is nondifferent from
His features as a devotee, devotional incarnation, devotional manifestation, pure
devotee, and devotional energy.
Sambandhadhideva Pranama
jayatam suratau pangor mama manda-mater gati
mat-sarvasva-padambhojau radha-madana-mohanau
Glory to the all-merciful Radha and Madana-mohana! I am lame and ill advised,
yet they are my directors, and Their lotus feet are everything to me.
Abhidheyadhideva Pranama
divyad-vrindaranya-kalpa-drumadhaha
shrimad-ratnagara-simhasana-sthau
shrimad-radha-shrila-govinda-devau
preshthalibhih sevyamanau smarami
In a temple of jewels in Vrindavana, underneath a desire tree, Sri Sri RadhaGovinda, served by their most confidential associates, sit upon an effulgent
throne. I offer my humble obeisances unto Them.
Prayojanadhideva Pranama
shriman rasa-rasarambhi vamshi-vata-tata-sthitaha
karshan venu-svanair gopir gopinathaha shriye 'stu naha
Sri Srila Gopinatha, who originated the transcendental mellow of
the rasa dance, stands on the shore in Vamshivata and attracts the attention of
the cowherd damsels with the sound of His celebrated flute. May they all confer
upon us their benediction.

From the Brahma-samhita

(Sung during the greeting of the Deities)
govindam adi-purusham tam aham bhajami
govindam adi-purusham tam aham bhajami
govindam adi-purusham tam aham bhajami
venum kvanantam aravinda-dalayataksham
barhavatamsam asitambuda-sundarangam
kandarpa-koti-kamaniya-vishesha-shobham
govindam adi-purusham tam aham bhajami
Translation
I worship Govinda, the primeval Lord, who is adept at playing on His flute,
whose eyes are like the petals of a blooming lotus, whose head is bedecked
with a peacock's feather, whose figure of beauty is tinged with the hue of blue
clouds, and whose unique loveliness charms millions of Cupids.

angani yasya sakalendriya-vittimanti

pashyanti panti kalayanti chiram jaganti
ananda-chin-maya-sad-ujjvala-virgrahasya
govindam adi-purusham tam aham bhajami
Translation
I worship Govinda, the primeval Lord, whose transcendental form is full of
bliss, truth, and substantiality and thus emanates the most dazzling splendor.
Each of the limbs of that transcendental figure possesses in itself the full-fledged
functions of all the organs, and He eternally sees, maintains, and manifests the
infinite universes, both spiritual and material.

Sri Guru-vandana
(Sung during Guru-puja, worship of the spiritual master, by Shrila Narottama

dasa Thakura)
(1)
shri-guru-charana-padma, kevala-bhakati-sadma
bando mui savadhana mate
jahara prasade bhai, e bhava toriya jai,
krishna-prapti hoy jaha ha'te
(2)
guru-mukha-padma-vakya, chittete koriya aikya
ar na koriho mane asha
shri-guru-charane rati, ei se uttama-gati
je prasade pure sarva asha
(3)
chakhu-dan dilo jei, janme janme prabhu sei
divya-jnan hride prokashito
prema-bhakti jaha hoite, avidya vinasha jate
vede gay jahara charito
(4)
shri-guru karuna-sindhu, adhama janara bandhu
lokanath lokera jivana
ha ha prabhu koro doya, deho more pada-chaya
ebe jasha ghushuk tribhavana
tuya pade loinu sarana
jaya jaya prabhupada! jaya jaya gurudeva!
Translation
(1) The lotus feet of our spiritual master are the only way by which we can attain
pure devotional service. I bow to his lotus feet with great awe and reverence. By
his grace one can cross the ocean of material suffering and obtain the mercy of
Krishna.
(2) My only wish is to have my consciousness purified by the words emanating
from his lotus mouth. Attachment to his lotus feet is the perfection that fulfills all
desires.

(3) He opens my darkened eyes and fills my heart with transcendental

knowledge. He is my Lord birth after birth. From him ecstatic prema emanates;
by him ignorance is destroyed. The Vedic scriptures sing of his character.
(4) Our spiritual master is the ocean of mercy, the friend of the poor, and the lord
and master of the devotees. O master! Be merciful unto me. Give me the shade
of your lotus feet. Your fame is spread all over the three worlds. We take shelter
of your lotus feet. You are the friend of the most fallen.
I take shelter at your lotus feet
All glories to Srila Prabhupada! All glories to Gurudeva!

Sri Nama-Kirtana
(Another nice song sung anytime, but often after greeting the Deities,
by Shrila Bhaktivinoda Thakura)
(1)
yashomati-nandana, braja-baro-nagara
gokula-ranjana kana
gopi-parana-dhana, madana-manohara
kaliya-damana-vidhana
(2)
amala harinam amiya-vilasa
vipina-purandara, navina nagara-bora
bamshi-badana suvasa
(3)
braja-jana-palana, asura-kula-nashana
nanda-godhana-rakhowala
govinda madhava, navanita-taskara
sundara nanda-gopala
(4)
jamuna-tata-chara, gopi-basana-hara
rasa-rasika kripamoya
shri-radha-vallabha, brindabana-natabara
bhakativinod-ashraya

Translation
(1) Lord Krishna is the beloved son of mother Yashoda; the transcendental lover
in the land of Vraja; the delight of Gokula; Kana [a nickname of Krishna]; the
wealth of the lives of the gopis. He steals the mind of even Cupid and punishes
the Kaliya serpent.
(2) These pure, holy names of Lord Hari are full of sweet, nectarean pastimes.
Krishna is the Lord of the twelve forests of Vraja. He is ever-youthful and is the
best of lovers. He is always playing on a flute, and He is an excellent dresser.
(3) Krishna is the protector of the inhabitants of Vraja; the destroyer of various
demoniac dynasties; the keeper and tender of Nanda Maharaja's cows; the giver
of pleasure to the cows, land, and spiritual senses; the husband of the goddess
of fortune; the butter thief; and the beautiful cowherd boy of Nanda Maharaja.
(4) Krishna wanders along the banks of the River Yamuna. He stole the
garments of the young damsels of Vraja who were bathing there. He delights in
the mellows of the rasa dance; He is very merciful; the lover and beloved of
Shrimati Radharani; the great dancer of Vrindavana; and the shelter and only
refuge of Thakura Bhaktivinoda.

Other Nice Songs That Are Sung

Govinda Jaya Jaya

govinda jaya jaya gopala jaya jaya
radha-ramana hari govinda jaya jaya
Translation
All glories to Lord Govinda (the giver of pleasure to the senses and cows) and
Lord Gopala (the transcendental Cowherd Boy). All glories to Radha-Ramana
(another name of Krishna), Hari (Lord Krishna who takes away the material
attachments of the devotees) and Govinda.

Prayer to Lord Chaitanya and Lord Nityananda

nitai gouranga, nitai gouranga
jaya shachinandana, gaura hari
Translation
All glories to Lord Nityananda and Lord Chaitanya, the son of Shachi-devi, who
is Krishna Himself with a golden hue.

Prayers to Lord Jagannatha

jagannatha Swami nayana-patha-gami bhavatu me
Translation
May that Jagannatha Swami (Lord of the universe) be the object of my vision.

Prasada-sevaya
(Sung before honoring the Lord's prasada--from Gitavali)
Sharira abidya-jal, jodendriya tahe kal,
jiva phele vishaya-sagore
ta'ra madhye jihwa ati, lobhamoy sudurmati,
ta'ke jeta kathina samsare
krishna baro doyamoy, koribare jihwa jay,
swa-prasad-anna dilo bhai
sei annamrita pao, radha-krishna-guna gao,
preme dako chaitanya-nitai
1. This material body is a network of ignorance, and the senses are one's deadly
enemies, for they throw the soul into this ocean of material sense enjoyment.
Among those senses the tongue is the most voracious and uncontrollable; it is
very difficult to conquer the tongue in this world.

2. Lord Krishna is very merciful and has given us the remnants of His own food
just to control the tongue. Now please accept that nectarean Krishna-prasada
and sing the glories of Their Lordships Sri Sri Radha and Krishna, and in love
call out "Chaitanya Nitai!"

Glorification of the Lord's Prasada

(from the Mahabharata)
maha-prasade govinde
nama-brahmani-vaishnava
svalpa-punya-vatam rajan
vishvaso naiva jayate
"O King, for those who have amassed very few pious activities, their faith in
maha-prasada, in Sri Govinda, in the Holy Name and in the Vaishnava is never
born [again]."

ADDITIONAL KIRTANS
From Shri Shri Shad-goswamy-ashtaka
(Verse 2 is sung before reading The Nectar of Devotion)
Verse 1
krishnotkirtana-gana-nartana-parau premamritambho-nidhi
dhiradhira-jana-priyau priya-karau nirmatsarau pujitau
sri-caitanya-kripa-bharau bhuvi bhuvo bharavahantarakau
vande rupa-sanatanau raghu-yugau sri-jiva-gopalakau
I offer my respectful obeisances unto the six Gosvamis, namely Sri Rupa
Gosvami, Sri Sanatana Gosvami, Sri Raghunatha Bhatta Gosvami, Sri
Raghunatha dasa Gosvami, Sri Jiva Gosvami, and Sri Gopala Bhatta Gosvami,
who are always engaged in chanting the holy name of Krishna and dancing.

They are just like the ocean of love of God, and they are popular both with the
gentle and with the ruffians, because they are not envious of anyone. Whatever
they do, they are all-pleasing to everyone, and they are fully blessed by Lord
Caitanya. Thus they are engaged in missionary activities meant to deliver all the
conditioned souls in the material universe.
Verse 2
nana-sastra-vicaranaika-nipunau sad-dharma-samsthapakau
lokanam hita-karinau tri-bhuvane manyau saranyakarau
radha-krsna-padaravinda-bhajananandena mattalikau
vande rupa-sanatanau raghu-yugau sri-jiva-gopalakau
I offer my respectful obeisances unto the six Gosvamis, namely Sri Rupa Gosvami, Sri

Sanatana Gosvami, Sri Raghunatha Bhatta Gosvami, Sri Raghunatha dasa

Gosvami, Sri Jiva Gosvami, and Sri Gopala Bhatta Gosvami, who are very
expert in scrutinizingly studying all the revealed scriptures with the aim of
establishing eternal religious principles for the benefit of all human beings. Thus
they are honored all over the three worlds and they are worth taking shelter of
because they are absorbed in the mood of the gopis and are engaged in the
transcendental loving service of Radha and Krishna.
Verse 3
sri-gauranga-gunanuvarnana-vidhau sraddha-samrddhy-anvitau
papottapa-nikrntanau tanu-bhrtam govinda-ganamrtaih
anandambudhi-vardhanaika-nipunau kaivalya-nistarakau
vande rupa-sanatanau raghu-yugau sri-jiva-gopalakau
I offer my respectful obeisances unto the six Gosvamis, namely Sri Rupa
Gosvami, Sri Sanatana Gosvami, Sri Raghunatha Bhatta Gosvami, Sri
Raghunatha dasa Gosvami, Sri Jiva Gosvami, and Sri Gopala Bhatta Gosvami,
who are very much enriched in understanding of Lord Chaitanya and who are
thus expert in narrating His transcendental qualities. They can purify all
conditioned souls from the reactions of their sinful activities by pouring upon
them transcendental songs about Govinda. As such, they are very expert in
increasing the limits of the ocean of transcendental bliss, and they are the
saviors of the living entities from the devouring mouth of liberation.
Verse 4
tyaktva turnam asesa-mandala-pati-srenim sada tuccha-vat
bhutva dina-ganesakau karunaya kaupina-kanthasritau
gopi-bhava-rasamrtabdhi-lahari-kallola-magnau muhur
vande rupa-sanatanau raghu-yugau sri-jiva-gopalakau

I offer my respectful obeisances unto the six Gosvamis, namely Sri Rupa
Gosvami, Sri Sanatana Gosvami, Sri Raghunatha Bhatta Gosvami, Sri
Raghunatha dasa Gosvami, Sri Jiva Gosvami, and Sri Gopala Bhatta Gosvami,
who kicked off all association of aristocracy as insignificant. In order to deliver
the poor conditioned souls, they accepted loincloths, treating themselves as
mendicants, but they are always merged in the ecstatic ocean of the gopis' love
for Krishna and bathe always and repeatedly in the waves of that ocean.
Verse 5
kujat-kokila-hamsa-sarasa-ganakirne mayurakule
nana-ratna-nibaddha-mula-vitapa-sri-yukta-vrndavane
radha-krsnam ahar-nisam prabhajatau jivarthadau yau muda
vande rupa-sanatanau raghu-yugau sri-jiva-gopalakau
I offer my respectful obeisances unto the six Gosvamis, namely Sri Rupa
Gosvami, Sri Sanatana Gosvami, Sri Raghunatha Bhatta Gosvami, Sri
Raghunatha dasa Gosvami, Sri Jiva Gosvami, and Sri Gopala Bhatta Gosvami,
who were always engaged in worshiping Radha-Krishna in the transcendental
land of Vrindavana where there are beautiful trees full of fruits and flowers
which have under their roots all valuable jewels. The Gosvamis are perfectly
competent to bestow upon the living entities the greatest boon of the goal of life.
Verse 6
sankhya-purvaka-nama-gana-natibhih kalavasani-krtau
nidrahara-viharakadi-vijitau catyanta-dinau ca yau
radha-krsna-guna-smrter madhurimanandena sammohitau
vande rupa-sanatanau raghu-yugau sri-jiva-gopalakau
I offer my respectful obeisances unto the six Gosvamis, namely Sri Rupa
Gosvami, Sri Sanatana Gosvami, Sri Raghunatha Bhatta Gosvami, Sri
Raghunatha dasa Gosvami, Sri Jiva Gosvami, and Sri Gopala Bhatta Gosvami,
who were engaged in chanting the holy names of the Lord and bowing down in
a scheduled measurement. In this way they utilized their valuable lives and in
executing these devotional activities they conquered over eating and sleeping
and were always meek and humble enchanted by remembering the
transcendental qualities of the Lord.
Verse 7
radha-kunda-tate kalinda-tanaya-tire ca vamsivate
premonmada-vasad asesa-dasaya grastau pramattau sada
gayantau ca kada harer guna-varam bhavabhibhutau muda

vande rupa-sanatanau raghu-yugau sri-jiva-gopalakau

I offer my respectful obeisances unto the six Gosvamis, namely Sri Rupa
Gosvami, Sri Sanatana Gosvami, Sri Raghunatha Bhatta Gosvami, Sri
Raghunatha dasa Gosvami, Sri Jiva Gosvami, and Sri Gopala Bhatta Gosvami,
who were sometimes on the bank of the Radha-kunda lake or the shores of the
Yamuna and sometimes at Vamsivata. There they appeared just like madmen in
the full ecstasy of love for Krishna, exhibiting different transcendental symptoms
in their bodies, and they were merged in the ecstasy of Krishna consciousness.
Verse 8
he radhe vraja-devike ca lalite he nanda-suno kutah
sri-govardhana-kalpa-padapa-tale kalindi-vane kutah
ghosantav iti sarvato vraja-pure khedair maha-vihvalau
vande rupa-sanatanau raghu-yugau sri-jiva-gopalakau
I offer my respectful obeisances unto the six Gosvamis, namely Sri Rupa
Gosvami, Sri Sanatana Gosvami, Sri Raghunatha Bhatta Gosvami, Sri
Raghunatha dasa Gosvami, Sri Jiva Gosvami, and Sri Gopala Bhatta Gosvami,
who were chanting very loudly everywhere in Vrindavana, shouting, "Queen of
Vrindavana, Radharani! O Lalita! O son of Nanda Maharaja! Where are you all
now? Are you just on the hill of Govardhana, or are you under the trees on the
bank of the Yamuna? Where are you?" These were their moods in executing Krishna
consciousness.

Recited Before Reading Krishna Book

krishna krishna krishna krishna krishna krishna krishna he
krishna krishna krishna krishna krishna krishna krishna he
krishna krishna krishna krishna krishna krishna raksha mam
krishna krishna krishna krishna krishna krishna pahi mam
rama raghava rama raghava rama raghava raksha mam
krishna keshava krishna keshava krishna keshava pahi mam
O Lord Krishna, please protect me and maintain me. O Lord Rama, descendant
of King Raghu, please protect me. O Krishna, O Keshava, killer of the Keshi
demon, please maintain me.

Nama-Sankirtana
By Srila Narottama dasa Thakura
1
hari harayenamah krishna yadavaya namaha
yadavaya madhavaya keshavaya namaha
2
gopala govinda rama shri-madhusudana
giridhari gopinatha madana-mohana
3
shri-chaitanya-nityananda shri-adwaita-sita
hari guru vaishnava bhagavata gita
4
shri-rupa-sanatana bhatta-raghunatha
shri-jiva gopala-bhatta dasa-raghunatha
5
ei chay gosair kori charana vandan
jaha hoite bighna-nash abhishta-puran
6
ei chay gosai jar-mui tar das
ta-sabara pada-renu mora pancha-gras
7
tadera charana-sebi-bhakta-sane bas

janame janame hoy e abhilash

8
ei chay gosai jabe braje koila bas
radha-krishna-nitya-lila korila prakash
9
anande bolo hari bhaja brindaban
shri-guru-vaishnava-pade mayaiya man
10
shri-guru-vaishnava-pada-padma kori ash
narottama dasa kohe nama-sankirtana
1. O Lord Hari, O Lord Krishna, I offer my obeisances to You, who are known as
Hari, Yadava, Madhava, and Keshava.
2. O Gopala, Govinda, Rama, Shri Madhusudana, Giridhari, Gopinatha, and
Madana-mohana.
3. All glories to Shri Chaitanya and Nityananda. All glories to Shri Adwaita
Acharya and His consort, Shri Sita Thakurani. All glories to Lord Hari, to the
spiritual master, the Vaishnavas, Srimad-Bhagavatam, and Srimad Bhagavadgita.
4. All glories to Shri Rupa Goswami, Sanatana Goswami, Raghunatha Bhatta
Goswami, Shri Jiva Goswami, Gopala Bhatta Goswami, and Raghunatha Dasa
Goswami.
5. I offer my obeisances to the feet of these Six Goswamis. Bowing to them
destroys all obstacles to devotion and fulfills all spiritual desires.
6. I am the servant of that person who is a servant of these Six Goswamis. the
dust of their lotus feet is my five kinds of foods.

7. This is my desire: that birth after birth I may live with those devotees who
serve the lotus feet of these Six Goswamis.
8. When these Six Goswamis lived in Vraja, they revealed the lost holy places
and explained the eternal pastimes of Radha and Krishna.
9. Just shout the names of Lord Hari in great ecstasy and worship the
transcendental realm of Vrindavana while absorbing your mind in meditation
upon the divine feet of the spiritual master and the Vaishnavas.
10. Desiring to serve the lotus feet of Shri Guru and the Vaishnavas, Narottama
Dasa sings this sankirtana of the holy names of Lord Hari.

Gaura-Arati
(The evening arati song, by Shrila Bhaktivinoda Thakura)
(kiba) jaya jaya gorachander aratiko shobha
jahnavi-tata-vane jaga-mana-lobha
(Refrain:) jaga-mana-lobha
gauranger arotik shobha
jaga-mana-lobha
dakhine nitaicand, bame gadadhara
nikate adwaita, shrinivasa chatra-dhara
bosiyache gorachand ratna-simhasane
arati koren brahma-adi devi-gane
narahari-adi kori' chamara dhulaya
sanjaya-mukunda-basu-ghosh-adi gaya
shanka baje ghanta baje karatala
madhura mridanga baje parama rasala
(Refrain:) madhur madhur madhur baje
shanka baje ghanta baje

madhur madhur madhur baje

(kiba) bahu-koti chandra jini' vadana ujjvala
gala-deshe bana-mala kore jhalamala
shiva-shuka-narada preme gada-gada
bhaktivinoda dekhe gorara sampada
(Repeat first verse of song)
Translation
All glories, all glories to the beautiful arati ceremony of Lord Chaitanya. This
Gaura-arati is taking place in a grove on the banks of the Jahnavi [Ganges] and
is attracting the minds of all living entities in the universe.
On Lord Chaitanya's right side is Lord Nityananda, and on His left side is Shri
Gadadhara. Nearby stand Shri Advaita, and Shrivasa Thakura is holding an
umbrella over Lord Chaitanya's head.
Lord Chaitanya has sat down on a jeweled throne, and the demigods, headed
by Lord Brahma, perform the arati ceremony.
Narahari Sarakara and other associates of Lord Chaitanya fan Him with
chamaras, and devotees headed by Sanjaya Pandita, Mukunda Datta, and Vasu
Ghosha sing sweet kirtana.
Conchshells, bells, and karatalas resound, and the mridangas play very sweetly.
This kirtana music is supremely sweet and relishable to hear.
The brilliance of Lord Chaitanya's face conquers millions upon millions of
moons, and the garland of forest flowers around His neck shines.
Lord Shiva, Sukadeva Gosvami, and Narada Muni are all there, and their voices
are choked with the ecstasy of transcendental love. Thus Thakura Bhaktivinoda
envisions the glory of Lord Shri Chaitanya.

Shri Damodarashtaka
(Sung every morning during the month of Kartika (October-November)
(found in the Padma Purana of Krsna Dvaipayana Vyasa, spoken by Satyavrata Muni in a conversation
with Narada Muni and Saunaka Rsi.)
In the month of Kartika one should worship Lord Damodara and daily recite the prayer known as
Damodarastaka, which has been spoken by the sage Satyavrata and which attracts Lord Damodara.

(Sri Hari-bhakti-vilasa 2.16.198)

(1)
namamisvaram sac-cid-ananda-rupam
lasat-kundalam gokule bhrajamanam
yasoda-bhiyolukhalad dhavamanam
paramrstam atyantato drutya gopya
(2)
rudantam muhur netra-yugmam mrjantam
karambhoja-yugmena satanka-netram
muhuh svasa-kampa-trirekhanka-kanthasthita-graivam damodaram bhakti-baddham
(3)
itidrk sva-lilabhir ananda-kunde
sva-ghosam nimajjantam akhyapayantam
tadiyesita-jnesu bhaktair jitatvam
punah prematas tam satavrtti vande
(4)
varam deva moksam na moksavadhim va
na canyam vrne ham varesad apiha
idam te vapur natha gopala-balam
sada me manasy avirastam kim anyaih
(5)
idam te mukhambhojam atyanta-nilair
vrtam kuntalaih snigdha-raktais ca gopya
muhus cumbitam bimba-raktadharam me
manasy avirastam alam laksa-labhaih
(6)
namo deva damodarananta visno
prasida prabho duhkha-jalabdhi-magnam
krpa-drsti-vrstyati-dinam batanu
grhanesa mam ajnam edhy aksi-drsyah
(7)
kuveratmajau baddha-murtyaiva yadvat
tvaya mocitau bhakti-bhajau krtau ca
tatha prema-bhaktim svakam me prayaccha
na mokse graho me sti damodareha
(8)
namas te stu damne sphurad-dipti-dhamne

tvadiyodarayatha visvasya dhamne

namo radhikayai tvadiya-priyayai
namo nanta-lilaya devaya tubhyam
Translation
(1) To the Supreme Lord, whose form is the embodiment of eternal existence,
knowledge, and bliss, whose shark-shaped earrings are swinging to and fro,
who is beautifully shining in the divine realm of Gokula, who [due to the offense
of breaking the pot of yogurt that His mother was churning into butter and then
stealing the butter that was kept hanging from a swing] is quickly running from
the wooden grinding mortar in fear of mother Yasoda, but who has been caught
from behind by her who ran after Him with greater speed - to that Supreme Lord,
Sri Damodara, I offer my humble obeisances.
(2) [Seeing the whipping stick in His mother's hand,] He is crying and rubbing
His eyes again and again with His two lotus hands. His eyes are filled with fear,
and the necklace of pearls around His neck, which is marked with three lines
like a conchshell, is shaking because of His quick breathing due to crying. To
this Supreme Lord, Sri Damodara, whose belly is bound not with ropes but with
His mother's pure love, I offer my humble obeisances.
(3) By such childhood pastimes as this He is drowning the inhabitants of Gokula
in pools of ecstasy, and is revealing to those devotees who are absorbed in
knowledge of His supreme majesty and opulence that He is only conquered by
devotees whose pure love is imbued with intimacy and is free from all
conceptions of awe and reverence. With great love I again offer my obeisances
to Lord Damodara hundreds and hundreds of times.
(4) 0 Lord, although You are able to give all kinds of benedictions, I do not pray
to You for the boon of impersonal liberation, nor the highest liberation of eternal
life in Vaikuntha, nor any other boon [which may be obtained by executing the
nine processes of bhakti]. O Lord, I simply wish that this form of Yours as Bala
Gopala in Vrndavana may ever be manifest in my heart, for what is the use to
me of any other boon besides this?
(5) 0 Lord, Your lotus face, which is encircled by locks of soft black hair tinged
with red, is kissed again and again by Mother Yasoda, and Your lips are reddish

like the bimba fruit. May this beautiful vision of Your lotus face be ever manifest
in my heart. Thousands and thousands of other benedictions are of no use to
me.
(6) 0 Supreme Godhead, I offer my obeisances unto You. O Damodara! O
Ananta! O Visnu! O master! O my Lord, be pleased upon me. By showering Your
glance of mercy upon me, deliver this poor ignorant fool who is immersed in an
ocean of worldly sorrows, and become visible to my eyes.
(7) 0 Lord Damodara, just as the two sons of Kuvera - Manigriva and
Nalakuvara - were delivered from the curse of Narada and made into great
devotees by You in Your form as a baby tied with rope to a wooden grinding
mortar, in the same way, please give to me Your own prema-bhakti. I only long
for this and have no desire for any kind of liberation.
(8) 0 Lord Damodara, I first of all offer my obeisances to the brilliantly effulgent
rope which binds Your belly. I then offer my obeisances to Your belly, which is
the abode of the entire universe. I humbly bow down to Your most beloved
Srimati Radharani, and I offer all obeisances to You, the Supreme Lord, who
displays unlimited pastimes.

Saparshada-bhagavad-viraha-janita-vilapa
(Lamentation Due to Separation from the Lord and His Associates)
(Sung on the disappearance days of saints)
1
ye anila prema-dhana karuna prachura
heno prabhu kotha gela acharya-thakura
2
kaha mora svarupa rupa kaha sanatana
kaha dasa raghunatha patita-pavana
3
kaha mora bhatta-yuga kaha kaviraja

eka-kale kotha gela gora nata-raja

4
pashane kutibo matha anale pashibo
gauranga gunera nidhi kotha gele pabo
5
se-saba sangira sange ye koilo vilasa
se-sanga na paiya kande narottama dasa

1. He who brought the treasure of divine love and who was filled with
compassion and mercy--where has such a personality as Shrinivasa Acharya
gone?
2. Where are my Svarupa Damodara and Rupa Goswami? Where is Sanatana?
Where is Raghunatha dasa, the savior of the fallen?
3. Where are my Raghunatha Bhatta and Gopala Bhatta, and where is
Krishnadasa Kaviraja? Where did Lord Gauranga, the great dancer, suddenly
go?
4. I will smash my head against the rock and enter into the fire. Where will I find
Lord Gauranga, the reservoir of all wonderful qualities?
5. Being unable to obtain the association of Lord Gauranga accompanied by all
of these devotees in whose association He performed His pastimes, Narottama
Das simply weeps.

Shri Jagannathashtaka
(Eight verses in glorification of Lord Jagannatha)
(1)

kadachit kalindi-tata-vipina-sangitaka-ravo
mudabhiri-nari-vadana-kamalasvada-madhupaha
rama-shambhu-brahmamara-pati-ganesharchita-pado
jagannathah swami nayana-patha-gami bhavatu me
(2)
bhuje savye venum shirasi shikhi-puccham kati-tate
dukulam netrante sahachara-kataksham vidadhate
sada shrimad-vrindavana-vasati-lila-paricayo
jagannathah swami nayana-patha-gami bhavatu me
(3)
mahambhodhes tire kanaka-rucire nila-shikhare
vasan prasadantah sahaja-balabhadrena balina
subhadra-madhya-sthah sakala-sura-sevavasara-do
jagannathah swami nayana-patha-gami bhavatu me
(4)
kripa-paravarah sajala-jalada-shreni-ruchiro
rama-vani-ramah sphurad-amala-pankeruha-mukhaha
surendrair aradhyah shruti-gana-shikha-gita-charito
jagannathah swami nayana-patha-gami bhavatu me
(5)
ratharudho gacchan pathi milita-bhudeva-patalaiha
stuti-pradurbhavam prati-padam upakarnya sa-dayaha
daya-sindhur bandhuh sakala jagatam sindhu-sutaya
jagannathah swami nayana-patha-gami bhavatu me
(6)
para-brahmapidah kuvalaya-dalotphulla-nayano

nivasi niladrau nihita-charano 'nanta-shirasi

rasanando radha-sarasa-vapur-alingana-sukho
jagannathah swami nayana-patha-gami bhavatu me
(7)
na vai yache rajyam na cha kanaka-manikya-vibhavam
na yache 'ham ramyam sakala jana-kamyam vara-vadhum
sada kale kale pramatha-patina gita-charito
jagannathah swami nayana-patha-gami bhavatu me
(8)
hara tvam samsaram druta-taram asaram sura-pate
hara tvam papanam vitatim aparam yadava-pate
aho dine 'nathe nihita-charano nishchitam idam
jagannathah swami nayana-patha-gami bhavatu me
Translation
(1) Sometimes in great happiness Lord Jagannatha makes a loud concert
with His flute in the groves on the banks of the Yamuna. He is like a bumblebee
tasting the beautiful lotus-like faces of the cowherd damsels of Vraja, and great
personalities such as Lakshmi, Shiva, Brahma, Indra, and Ganesh worship His
lotus feet. May that Jagannatha Swami be the object of my vision.
(2) In His left hand Lord Jagannatha holds a flute, on His head He wears
peacock feathers, and on His hips He wears fine yellow silken cloth. From the
corners of His eyes He bestows sidelong glances upon His loving devotees, and
He always reveals Himself through His pastimes in His divine abode of
Vrindavana. May that Jagannatha Swami be the object of my vision.
(3) On the shore of the great ocean, within a large palace atop the brilliant,
golden Nilachala Hill, Lord Jagannatha resides with His powerful brother
Balabhadra and His sister Subhadra, who stands between Them. May that
Jagannatha Swami, who bestows the opportunity for devotional service upon all
godly souls, be the object of my vision.
(4) Lord Jagannatha is an ocean of mercy and is as beautiful as a row of
blackish rain clouds. He is the storehouse of bliss for Lakshmi and Saraswati,
and His face resembles a spotless, full-blown lotus. The best of demigods and

sages worship Him, and the Upanishads sing His glories. May that Jagannatha
Swami be the object of my vision.
(5) When Lord Jagannatha moves along the road on His Rathayatra car, at
every step large assemblies of brahmanas loudly chant prayers and sing songs
for His pleasure. Hearing their hymns, Lord Jagannatha becomes very favorably
disposed toward them. He is the ocean of mercy and the true friend of all the
worlds. May that Jagannatha Swami, along with His consort Lakshmi, who was
born from the ocean of nectar, be the object of my vision.
(6) Lord Jagannatha, whose eyes resemble full-blown lotus petals, is the
ornament of Lord Brahma's head. He resides on Nilachala Hill with His lotus feet
placed on the heads of Anantadeva. Overwhelmed by the mellows of love, He
joyfully embraces Srimati Radharani's body, which is like a cool pond. May that
Jagannatha Swami be the object of my vision.
(7) I do not pray for a kingdom, nor for gold, rubies, or wealth. I do not ask
for a beautiful wife, as desired by all men. I simply pray that Jagannatha Swami,
whose glories Lord Shiva always sings, may be the constant object of my vision.
(8) O Lord of the demigods, please quickly remove this useless material
existence I am undergoing. O Lord of the Yadus, please destroy this vast,
shoreless ocean of sins. Ah, this is certain: Lord Jagannatha bestows His lotus
feet upon those who feel themselves fallen and have no shelter in this world but
Him. May that Jagannatha Swami be the object of my vision.

Gurudeva
(By Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura)
(1)
gurudev!
kripa-bindu diya, koro ei dase
trinapekha ati hina
sakala sahane, bala diya koro
nija-mane spriha-hina
(2)
sakale sammana, korite shakati
deho natha jathajatha
tabe to gaibo, hari-nama-sukhe,

aparadha habe hata

(3)
kabe heno kripa, labhiya e jana
kritartha hoibe, natha
shakti-buddhi-hina, ami ati dina
koro more atma-satha
(4)
jogyata-vichare, kichu nahi pai
tomara karunasara
karuna na hoile, kandiya kandiya
prana no rakhibo ara
Translation
(1) Gurudeva! By a drop of your mercy make this servant of yours more humble
than a blade of grass. Give me strength to bear all trials and troubles, and free
me from all desires for personal honor.
(2) O lord and master! Invest me with the power to properly honor all living
beings. Only then will I sing the holy name in great ecstasy and will all me
offenses cease.
(3) O lord and master! When will this devotee be blessed by obtaining your
mercy? I am low, fallen, and devoid of all strength and intelligence. Please make
me your beloved servant.
(4) When I examine myself, I find nothing of value. Your mercy is therefore
essential to me. If you are not merciful, I will constantly weep, and I will not
maintain my life any longer.

Savarana-sri-gaura-pada-padme
Prarthana
(A Prayer to the Lotus Feet of Sri Gauranga,
from Prarthana by Srila Narottama dasa Thakura)
(1)
shri-krishna-chaitanya prabhu doya koro more

toma bina ke doyalu jagat-samsare

(2)
patita-pavana-hetu tava avatara
mo sama patita prabhu na paibe ara
(3)
ha ha prabhu nityananda, premananda sukhi
kripabalokana koro ami boro duhkhi
(4)
doya koro sita-pati adwaita gosai
tava kripa-bale pai chaitanya-nitai
(5)
ha ha swarup, santana, rupa, raghunatha
bhatta-juga, shri-jiva ha prabhu lokanatha
(6)
doya koro shri-acharya prabhu shrinivasa
ramachandra-sanga mage narottama-dasa
Purport
by His Divine Grace
Srila A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
This is a song composed by Narottama dasa Thakura. He prays to Lord
Chaitanya, "My dear Lord, please be merciful to me, because who can be more
merciful than Your Lordship within these three worlds?" Actually, this is a fact.
Not only Narottama dasa Thakura, but Rupa Goswami also prayed to Lord
Chaitanya in this way. At the time of the first meeting of Lord Chaitanya and
Rupa Goswami at Prayag (Allahabad), Srila Rupa Goswami said, "My dear
Lord, You are the most munificent of all incarnations, because You are
distributing love of Krishna, Krishna consciousness."
When Krishna was personally present, He simply asked us to surrender, but

He did not distribute Himself so easily. He made conditions"First of all you

surrender." But this incarnation, Lord Chaitanya, although Krishna Himself,
makes no such condition. He simply distributes: "Take love of Krishna."
Therefore, Lord Chaitanya is approved as the most munificent incarnation.
Narottama dasa Thakura says, "Please be merciful to me. You are so
magnanimous because You have seen the fallen souls of this age, and You are
very much compassionate to them, but You should know also that I am the most
fallen. No one is more greatly fallen than me." Patita-pavana-hetu tava avatara:
"Your incarnation is just to reclaim the conditioned fallen souls, but I assure You
that You will not find a greater fallen soul than me. Therefore, my claim is first."
Then he prays to Lord Nityananda. He says, ha ha prabhu nityananda
premananda-sukhi: "My dear Lord Nityananda, You are always joyful in spiritual
bliss. Since You always appear very happy, I have come to You because I am
most unhappy. If You kindly put Your glance over me, I may also become
happy." Then he prays to Advaita Prabhu. Doya koro sita-pati adwaita gosai.
Advaita Prabhus wifes name was Sita. Therefore He is sometimes addressed
as sita-pati. Thus, Narottama dasa Thakura prays, "My dear Adwaita Prabhu,
husband of Sita, You are so kind. Please be kind to me. It You are kind to me,
naturally Lord Chaitanya and Nityananda will also be kind to me." Actually,
Advaita Prabhu invited Lord Chaitanya to come down (and appear in this
material world). When Advaita Prabhu saw that the fallen souls were all
engaged simply in sense gratificatory processes, not understanding Krishna
consciousness, He felt very much compassionate toward the fallen souls, and
He also felt Himself incapable of claiming them all. He therefore prayed to Lord
Krishna, "Please come Yourself. Without Your personal presence it is not
possible to deliver these fallen souls." Thus, by His invitation, Lord Chaitanya
appeared. Naturally, Narottama dasa Thakura prays to Advaita Prabhu, "If You
will be kind to me, naturally Lord Chaitanya and Nityananda also will be kind to
me."
Then he prays to the Goswamis: ha ha swarup, santana, rupa, raghunatha.
Swarup refers to Swarupa Damodara, the personal secretary of Lord Chaitanya.
He was always with Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and immediately arranged for
whatever Chaitanya Mahaprabhu wanted. Two personal attendants, Svarupa
Damodara and Govinda, were always constantly with Lord Chaitanya.
Therefore, Narottama dasa Thakura also prays to Svarupa Damodara and then
to the six Goswamis, the next disciples of Lord ChaitanyaSri Rupa Goswami,
Sri Sanatana Goswami, Sri Bhatta Raghunatha Goswami, Sri Gopal Bhatta
Goswami, Sri Jiva Goswami, and Sri Raghunatha dasa Goswami. These six
Goswamis were directly instructed by Lord Chaitanya to spread this movement
of Krishna consciousness. Narottama dasa Thakura also prays for their mercy.
After the six Goswamis, the next acharya was Srinivas Acharya. Actually,

Narottama dasa Thakura was in the disciplic succession after Srinivasa Acharya
and was almost his contemporary, and Narottama dasas personal friend was
Ramachandra Chakravarti. Therefore he prays, "I always desire the company of
Ramachandra." He desires a devotees company. The whole process is that we
should always pray for the mercy of the superior acharyas and keep company
with pure devotees. Then it will be easier for us to advance in Krishna
consciousness and receive the mercy of Lord Chaitanya and Lord Krishna. This
is the sum and substance of this song sung by Narottama Dasa Thakura.

Putting on Tilaka
In the Uttara-khanada of the Padma Purana, Lord Shiva says to Parvati that
in the middle of the "V" of the Vaishnava tilaka mark there is a space and in that
space reside Lakshmi and Narayana. Therefore, the body that is decorated with
tilaka should be considered a temple of Lord Vishnu. The Padma Purana also
states:
vama-parshve sthito brahma
dakshine cha sadashivaha
madhye vishnum vijaniyat
Tasman madhyam na lepayet
"On the left side of the tilaka Lord Brahma is situated, and on the right side
is Sadashiva, but one should know that in the middle dwells Lord Vishnu.
Therefore one should not smear the middle section."
One should pour a little water into the palm of his left hand and rub gopichandana (mud from Dwaraka) into it. When making Tilaka the following mantra
from the Uttara Khanda of thePadma Purana:
lalate keshavam dhyayen
narayanam athodare
vaksha-sthale madhavam tu
govindam kantha-kupake
vishnum cha dakshine kukshau

bahau cha madhusudanam

trivikramam kandare tu
vamanam vama-parshvake
shridharam vama-bahau tu
hrishikesham cha kandhare
pristhe tu padma-nabham cha
katyam damodaram nyaset
tat prakshalana-toyam tu
vasudeveti murdhani
In accordance with the above mentioned mantra one should apply the gopichandana with the ball of the middle finger tip to make the tilaka marks on the
twelve parts of the body. According to the Brahmanda Purana, one should not
use the fingernail to make the space in the middle of the tilaka. One should
place a thin damp cloth over the finger and make the space with that. Thus,
when the tilaka is applied, the following mantras should be chanted:
The forehead--om keshavaya namaha
The belly--om narayanaya namaha
The chest--om madhavaya namaha
The throat--om govindaya namaha
The right side of the waist--om vishnave namaha
The right upper arm--om madhusudanaya namaha
The right shoulder--om trivikramaya namaha
The left side of the waist--om vamanaya namaha
The left upper arm--om shridharaya namaha
The left shoulder--om hrishikeshaya namaha
The upper back--om padmanabhaya namaha
The lower back--om damodaraya namaha

Finally, after washing one's had, whatever water is left should be wiped on
the top of the head in the region of the shikha (tuft of hair) with the mantra: om
vasudevaya namaha.
In the Padma Purana it is stated:
nasadi-kesha-paryantam
urdhva-pundram sushobhanam
madhye chidra-samayuktam
tad vidyad dhari-mandiram
"That marking (of tilaka), which begins from the root of the nose and extends
up to the hairline, which has a space in it and is very beautiful, is known
as urdhva-pundra (tilaka). One should know it to be a temple of Lord Hari
[Vishnu]." The Padma Purana also mentions that the tilaka marking should only
extend three quarters of the way down the nose from the root of the nose, which
is located between the eyebrows. The space in the middle of the tilaka should
begin from between the eyebrows and extend up to the hairline. The marking on
the nose and forehead should be connected. That is a perfect tilaka marking.

[These prayers are available at www.stephen-knapp.com]

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