Who is Lord Krishna?
Lord Krishna is one of the most beloved and widely worshipped deities in all of Hinduism. He is the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu and is revered as the Supreme Being (Svayam Bhagavan) in the Vaishnava tradition. Krishna was born in Mathura to Devaki and Vasudeva and raised by his foster parents Yashoda and Nanda in the village of Gokul and later Vrindavan.
Krishna’s life encompasses extraordinary dimensions: as an infant he slew demonesses; as a young cowherd (Govinda) he enchanted all with his flute; as a youth he danced the Rasa Leela with the Gopis; as a warrior-statesman he guided the Pandavas through the Mahabharata; and as a divine teacher he delivered the Bhagavad Gita one of the world’s greatest spiritual texts to his devoted friend Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra.
Krishna embodies divine love (Prem), cosmic wisdom (Jnana), divine grace (Anugraha), and divine play (Leela). He is worshipped on Janmashtami (his birth anniversary) with great joy throughout India and the world.
॥ Doha — Opening Couplet ॥
Banshi Shobhit Kar Madhur, Neel Jalad Tan Shyam। Arun Adhar Janu Bimbaphal, Nayan Kamal Abhiram॥
Meaning: Holding the melodious flute, with a form as dark as a rain-laden cloud, ruby-red lips and enchanting lotus eyes hail Lord Krishna!
॥ Chaupai — 40 Sacred Verses ॥
1. Jai Yadunandan Jai Jagavandan, Jai Vasudev Devaki Nandan। Ras Rachaiya Natwar Nagar, Karuna Nidhan Anand Ke Sagar॥ Meaning: Glory to the son of Devaki and Vasudeva, worshipped by the world! Creator of the Rasa Leela, most graceful of all an ocean of compassion and bliss.
2. Kanhaiya Kanha Govind Gopal, Gyan Vigyan Mein Sab Se Shresth। Gita Gyaan Deke Taara, Arjun Ko Kiya Sukhara॥ Meaning: Kanhaiya, Kanha, Govind, Gopal supreme in knowledge and wisdom. You delivered the Gita’s knowledge and redeemed Arjuna, making him joyful and resolute.
3. Vrindavan Ke Raas Rachaye, Gopi Manon Ko Sukh Paye। Yamuna Taat Par Nrit Kiya, Madhur Murali Dhun Sunaya॥ Meaning: You orchestrated the Rasa Leela in Vrindavan, giving joy to the minds of the Gopis. Dancing on the banks of the Yamuna, you played the sweet melody of the flute.
4. Kans Ka Kiya Anta Prabhu Ne, Putana Ko Mukti Diya Prabhu Ne। Shakatasur Trinavart Ko Mara, Balram Ke Sang Dharma Dhara॥ Meaning: Lord ended Kansa and granted liberation to Putana. He slew Shakathasura and Trinavarta and, with Balaram, established dharma.
5. Govardhana Parvat Uthaya, Indra Ka Maan Toda Unhe Dikhaya। Sapaton Ki Raksha Ki, Govardhan Dharakar Bhakton Ki॥ Meaning: You lifted Mount Govardhan and humbled Indra’s pride. You protected the villagers by bearing Govardhan mountain for seven days.
6. Gita Ka Gyaan Diya Paavan, Jeevan Ka Arth Bataya Bhavan। Karm Gyan Bhakti Yoga Bataya, Jiwan Ka Sab Rog Mitaya॥ Meaning: You bestowed the pure knowledge of the Gita and revealed the meaning of life, O Lord. You taught Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga, and Bhakti Yoga and erased all of life’s diseases.
7. Shri Krishna Naam Ka Jaap Karo, Sab Dukh Aur Kasht Door Karo। Radha Prem Mein Doobo Prabhu, Krishna Bhakti Mein Sukh Lo Vibhu॥ Meaning: Chant Shri Krishna’s name and remove all sorrow and hardship. Immerse in Radha’s love, O Lord — find joy in Krishna’s devotion, O all-pervading one.
8. Janmashtami Ke Pavitya Din, Prabhu Krishna Ka Janam Abhin। Mathura Nagari Mein Aaye, Kans Ka Raja Ko Bhagaye॥ Meaning: On the sacred day of Janmashtami, Lord Krishna was born. He came to the city of Mathura and drove away the king of tyranny, Kansa.
9. Govind Naam Japne Se Sukh, Mitata Hai Jeewan Ka Dukh। Man Mein Prem Ki Jyot Jalti, Aatma Mein Shakti Aati॥ Meaning: Chanting Govind’s name brings happiness and erases life’s sorrow. The lamp of love lights in the heart and power comes to the soul.
10. Krishna Bhakti Ki Shakti Apaar, Bhakton Ko Dete Hain Uddhaar। Jo Koi Krishna Ko Dhyata Hai, Anand Ke Sagar Mein Doobjata॥ Meaning: The power of Krishna’s devotion is boundless — he uplifts all his devotees. Whoever meditates on Krishna drowns in the ocean of bliss.
11. Balram Ke Sang Prabhu Khele, Vasudeva Ki Aankh Ke Tare। Yashoda Maiya Ka Laala, Nandbaba Ka Pyara Bala॥ Meaning: The Lord played with Balaram, the apple of Vasudeva’s eye. Mother Yashoda’s darling child, dearest little one of Nanda Baba.
12. Banshi Ki Madhur Dhun Bajaate, Gopi Jan Sab Khinche Aate। Yamuna Taat Par Khade Hoke, Sab Ko Sukh Dete Roke॥ Meaning: Playing the flute’s sweet melody, the Gopis are all drawn near. Standing on the banks of the Yamuna, you give joy to all who come to you.
13. Krishna Naam Amrit Saman, Jap Lo Pao Param Kalyan। Shri Krishna Sharan Mein Aao, Sab Sankat Se Mukti Pao॥ Meaning: Krishna’s name is like nectar chant it and receive the supreme good. Come to Shri Krishna’s shelter and gain liberation from all troubles.
14. Radha Krishna Ka Yug Yugal, Prem Ka Anupam Ati Mangal। Vrindavan Mein Raas Rachaya, Prem Ka Darshan Sabko Dilaya॥ Meaning: Radha-Krishna the eternal divine couple love’s incomparable and most auspicious pair. They orchestrated the Rasa in Vrindavan and gave everyone the vision of love.
15. Gita Ke Gyaan Ko Apnao, Jeevan Mein Dharma Ko Jagao। Karm Yoga Mein Lag Jao, Phal Ki Chinta Chhor Jao॥ Meaning: Imbibe the Gita’s knowledge and awaken dharma in life. Engage in Karma Yoga and give up anxiety about the fruit of action.
16. Nishkam Karm Ka Path Dikha, Jeewan Ko Safal Banaya। Sattva Rajas Tamas Samjhaya, Param Tatva Ka Gyaan Dilaya॥ Meaning: You showed the path of desireless action and made life fruitful. You explained Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas, and bestowed knowledge of the supreme reality.
17. Arjun Ko Diya Gyan Apaar, Kurukshetra Ka Kiya Uddhaar। Sarathi Bane Paandav Ke, Dharma Ki Raah Dikhaayi॥ Meaning: You gave Arjuna boundless wisdom and redeemed the field of Kurukshetra. You became the charioteer of the Pandavas and showed the road of dharma.
18. Dwarkadhish Dwarka Ke Swami, Sudama Ke Param Anuragi। Sudama Ko Dhan Diya Prabhu Ne, Bhakti Ka Phal Usne Diya॥ Meaning: Lord of Dwaraka, the city of Dwaraka’s master, supremely affectionate toward Sudama. The Lord gave Sudama wealth this was the fruit of true devotion.
19. Govardhan Ki Puja Karo, Krishna Ki Kirpa Paro। Annakoot Ka Bhog Lagao, Prabhu Ko Prasann Karo॥ Meaning: Perform the Govardhan Puja and receive Krishna’s grace. Offer the Annakoot feast and make the Lord pleased.
20. Janmashtami Ko Vrat Karo, Krishna Janm Ka Utsav Karo। Raat Ko Jaagran Karo Prem Se, Krishna Naam Jap Lo Sukh Se॥ Meaning: Observe the Janmashtami fast and celebrate Krishna’s birth. Stay awake through the night with love and chant Krishna’s name peacefully.
21. Krishna Ka Naam Nit Japte Rehna, Har Buri Cheez Se Bachte Rehna। Man Mein Prem Ki Jyot Jalte Rehna, Jeevan Mein Sukh Ko Bharte Rehna॥ Meaning: Keep chanting Krishna’s name every day and remain safe from all harm. Keep the flame of love burning in the heart and keep filling life with happiness.
22. Bhagavad Gita Ka Adhyayan Karo, Jeevan Ka Arth Jaano। Atmajnan Ka Prakaash Pao, Sansar Ki Maya Se Bacho॥ Meaning: Study the Bhagavad Gita and understand the meaning of life. Receive the light of self-knowledge and be saved from the world’s illusion.
23. Vrindavan Ka Dhaam Hai Pavan, Mathura Nagari Hai Pavan। Jo Koi In Dhaam Mein Aaye, Krishna Ki Kirpa Woh Paye॥ Meaning: The abode of Vrindavan is sacred; the city of Mathura is sacred. Whoever comes to these holy places receives Krishna’s grace.
24. Krishna Naam Ki Mahima Badi, Bhakton Par Kirpa Ghari Ghari। Jo Jan Krishna Ko Nit Dhyaaye, Prem Ka Sagar Woh Paaiye॥ Meaning: Great is the glory of Krishna’s name; his grace rains on devotees every moment. Whoever meditates on Krishna daily let them attain the ocean of love.
25. Hari Naam Ka Jaap Karo, Sab Sankat Ko Door Karo। Govind Naam Se Jeevan Mein, Sukh Shanti Ka Aangan Ho॥ Meaning: Chant Hari’s name and remove all troubles. Through Govind’s name, may the courtyard of peace and happiness open in life.
26. Murali Manohar Krishna Prabhu, Man Ka Kasht Mitao Vibhu। Teri Banshi Ki Dhun Se, Man Ka Darr Dur Ho॥ Meaning: Flute-charmer Krishna, O Lord, remove the mind’s anguish. Through the tune of your flute, may the mind’s fear dissolve.
27. Shri Krishna Ki Kirpa Se, Sab Vighan Door Hote Hain। Bhakt Ka Jeevan Safal Hota, Man Ko Shanti Milti Hai॥ Meaning: By Shri Krishna’s grace, all obstacles are removed. The devotee’s life becomes fruitful and the mind attains peace.
28. Krishna Bhakti Jo Karte Hain, Woh Sab Sukh Ko Paate Hain। Unka Jeevan Dhanya Hota, Man Aur Tan Swasth Hota॥ Meaning: Those who practise Krishna’s devotion attain all happiness. Their life becomes blessed; mind and body become healthy.
29. Shri Krishna Ka Dhyan Karo, Aatma Shakti Ko Jagao। Har Kasht Aur Peeda Se, Mukti Lo Prabhu Ki Kirpa Se॥ Meaning: Meditate on Shri Krishna and awaken the soul’s power. Receive liberation from every hardship and pain through the Lord’s grace.
30. Govind Gopal Ki Pooja Se, Ghar Mein Sukh Shanti Aati Hai। Parivar Ka Kalyan Hota, Maa Lakshmi Ka Vaas Hota॥ Meaning: Through the worship of Govind Gopal, peace and happiness come to the home. The family’s welfare is ensured and Mother Lakshmi takes up residence.
31. Shri Krishna Chalisa Ko Nit, Padho Aur Sukh Lo Pavit। Jo Jan Nit Ye Path Kare, Krishan Kirpa Uspar Phare॥ Meaning: Read the Shri Krishna Chalisa daily and receive pure happiness. Whoever recites this path daily Krishna’s grace rains upon them.
32. Yashoda Maiya Ka Laadla, Nandbaba Ka Pyara Kanhaiya। Gopi Geet Mein Goonjata Tera, Vrindavan Mein Sohna Tera॥ Meaning: Yashoda’s darling, Nanda’s beloved Kanhaiya your name resounds in the Gopi Geet; how beautiful you are in Vrindavan!
33. Sudama Ki Bhakti Ko Maana, Krishna Ne Dhan Diya Dilana। Jo Koi Nishkam Bhakti Kare, Krishna Uska Dukh Hare॥ Meaning: Krishna honoured Sudama’s devotion and arranged to give him wealth. Whoever practises desireless devotion Krishna removes their sorrow.
34. Krishna Naam Ka Ratan Amol, Jap Lo Pao Sukh Ka Khol। Jo Jan Krishna Ko Prem Se Jaane, Woh Anand Ka Sagar Paane॥ Meaning: Krishna’s name is a priceless jewel chant it and open happiness’s chest. Whoever knows Krishna with love attains an ocean of bliss.
35. Bhagavad Gita Ka Sar Hai Yeh, Apna Karm Karo Aur Shesh। Phal Ki Chinta Chhor Do Bhai, Krishna Par Sab Kuch Chhor Jai॥ Meaning: This is the Gita’s essence: perform your duty and nothing else. Give up worry about the fruit, my friend leave everything to Krishna.
36. Shri Krishna Ki Leela Nyaari, Bhakton Ko Lagti Sabse Pyaari। Jo Koi Leela Ko Samjhe Nit, Woh Pata Hai Jeevan Ki Reeth॥ Meaning: Shri Krishna’s divine play is unique and most beloved to devotees. Whoever understands the Leela daily they discover life’s true way.
37. Vrindavan Ka Prem Jagao, Radha Krishna Ko Yaad Dilao। Bhajan Kirtan Mein Man Lagao, Prem Ka Sagar Pao॥ Meaning: Awaken Vrindavan’s love and bring Radha-Krishna into remembrance. Fix the mind in bhajan and kirtan and attain the ocean of love.
38. Shri Krishna Teri Mahima Badi, Bhakton Ko Lagti Sabse Pyadi। Teri Kirpa Se Jeevan Mein, Sukh Ka Savera Aata Hai॥ Meaning: Shri Krishna, your glory is great and most beloved to all devotees. By your grace, the dawn of happiness comes to life.
39. Krishna Chalisa Padh Ke Dekho, Jeevan Mein Badlaav Aata Hai। Govind Naam Ki Mahima Nyaari, Bhakton Ko Lagti Sabse Pyaari॥ Meaning: Read the Krishna Chalisa and see transformation comes to life. Govind’s name’s glory is unique and most beloved to all devotees.
40. Krishna Chalisa Sampan Hua, Krishna Ki Kirpa Ka Varan Hua। Jo Bhav Se Padhe Nit Ye Path, Shri Krishna Kirpa Rahe Sath॥ Meaning: The Krishna Chalisa is complete and Krishna’s grace has been invoked. Whoever reads this with devotion every day Shri Krishna’s grace shall always remain with them.
॥ Closing Doha ॥
Shri Krishna Ki Kirpa Se, Man Ko Mile Anand। Radha Prem Ka Amrit, Piye Aur Ho Abhiband॥
Meaning: By Shri Krishna’s grace, may the mind attain bliss. May one drink the nectar of Radha’s love and be forever free.
Benefits of Reciting Krishna Chalisa
- Divine love: Awakens pure, selfless love and devotion (Bhakti) in the heart
- Wisdom: Deepens understanding of the Bhagavad Gita and life’s purpose
- Peace of mind: Stills anxiety and grants inner calm
- Protection: Krishna’s presence shields devotees from danger
- Liberation: Following Krishna’s Gita teachings leads toward moksha
Best Time to Chant
- Janmashtami (Krishna’s birth anniversary — Bhadrapada Krishna Ashtami)
- Wednesday and Friday are especially auspicious
- Early morning (Brahma muhurta) with a clean mind and body
- During Govardhan Puja (day after Diwali)