Vasudeva Sutham (Krishnashtakam)
Translated By P.R.Ramachander
This popular prayer is sometimes ascribed to Adi Shankara.
Vasudeva sutham devam, Kamsa Chanura Mardhanam, Devaki paramaanandham, Krishnam vande Jagat Gurum., 1
I salute the world teacher Krishna,
Who is the son of Vasudeva,
Who killed Kamdsa and Chanura,
And the source of great joy to Devaki.
Athasee pushpa sangasam, Hara noopura shobhitham, Rathna kankana keyuram, Krishnam vande Jagat Gurum., 2
I salute the world teacher Krishna,
Who is surrounded by hemp flowers,
Who shines in necklaces and anklets,
And who wears gem studded bangles and armlets.
Kutilalaka samyuktham, Poorna chandra nibhananam, Vilasad kundala dharam, Krishnam vande Jagat Gurum., 3
I salute the world teacher Krishna,
Who is with curly locks of hair,
Who resembles the full moon,
And who shines in his ear studs.
Mandhaara gandha samyuktham, Charu hasam, Chathur bhujam, Barhi pinnchava choodangam, Krishnam vande Jagat Gurum., 4
I salute the world teacher Krishna,
Who is with the smell of Mandhara flowers,
Who has a pretty smile and four hands,
And who wears the feather of peacock.
Uthphulla pathra padamaksham, Neelaji mudha sannibham, Yadavaanaam siro rathnam, Krishnam vande Jagat Gurum., 5
I salute the world teacher Krishna,
Who has eyes like fully opened petals of lotus,
Who resembles the rich blue cloud,
And is the greatest gem among Yadavas.
Rukmani keli samyuktham, Peetambara sushobhitham, Avaptha thulasi gandham, Krishnam vande Jagat Gurum., 6
I salute the world teacher Krishna,
Who is with the playuful Rukhmani,
And who shines in yellow silks,
And who has the scent of holy basil.
Gopeenaam Kucha dwanda, Kunkumankitha vakshasam, Sri niketham, maheshvasam, Krishnam vande Jagat Gurum., 7
I salute the world teacher Krishna,
Who is coated with the saffron powder,
From the two breasts of gopis,
And who is the home of Lakshmi and
In whom the great God lives.
Sri Vathsankam mahoraskam, Vana maala virajitham, Sankha chakra dharam devam, Krishnam vande Jagat Gurum., 8
I salute the world teacher Krishna,
Who has Sri Vathsa on his chest,
Who is deorated by forest garland,
And is the God who holds conch and wheel.
Krishnashtakam mitham punyam, Prathar uthaya ya padteth, Kodi janma krutham papam, Sathyameva vinasyathi., 9
If this blessed octet on Krishna,
Is sung as soon as one wakes up in the morning,
The sins done in billions of births,
Will truely be destroyed.