Govinda Damodara Stotram
GOVINDA DAMODARA STOTRAM
ॐ श्री गुरुभ्यो नमः ॐ श्री भवानिशङ्कराय नमः ॐ श्री मात्रे नमः
JAI SHANKAR
After a heavy dose of philosophy in BODHASAARA, now it is time for some light refreshments – wholesome and also nutritious.
So, I am taking up a most beautiful Stotra called Govinda Damodara Stotram. This is a favourite of devotees of KrishNa.
The author of this hymn of 71 verses is Shri Bilvamangal, a famous saint whose Samaadhi is in Gopinath Bazaar in Brindavan. He was born in 9th century in South India in a village near Krishnaveni river. His father was Raamadaasu. He took initiation into Sanyaas from a saint called Somagiri, who gave him the name Leelaashuka. Some scholars say Bilvamangal and Leelaashuka are different while some say they are one and the same.
Govinda Damodara Stotra is named after Bilvamangal while Shri KrishNa KarNaamritam, an exquisite Stotra of 108 verses, is named after Leelaashuka. However, it is interesting to note that a couple of verses in the former are found in the latter too.
Many singers have sung this partially – like late Pandit Jasraj – and they are available on YouTube. Most of them begin with the shloka
करारविन्देन पदारविन्दं मुखारविन्दे विनिवेशयन्तं।
वटस्य पत्रस्य पुटे शयानं बालं मुकुन्दं मनसा स्मरामि।।
But, this is not from Govinda Damodara Stotram. It is from बालमुकुन्दाष्टकम्। It is also no.57 in Shree KrishNa KarNaamritam. The singers sing a couple of more verses, too, after this shloka. They are from Govinda Damodara Stotram only.
The Stotra is soaked in devotional fervour and is a tribute to the flights of imagination of the Poet-Saint Bilvamangal. In many verses he implores the tongue(जिव्हा) to pray chant the name of Shri KrishNa. This is, indeed, like a reprimand to us, too, who misuse this precious gift – the tongue – for idle gossip!
Bilvamangal turned blind in his midlife. When he was singing bhajans in Brindavan, it is said the Lord used to come as a small boy, sit near him and listen. Once, He played a prank. He held Bilvamangal by hand and both walked together.
Abruptly, the naughty KrishNa flung aside BM’s hand and disappeared. Then BM said – and this verse has become famous – हस्तमुत्क्षिप्य यातोऽसि बलाद् कृष्ण किमद्भुतम्।
हृदयाद् यदि निर्यासि पौरुषं गणयामि ते।।
(By flinging aside my hand with force, O KrishNa, You have gone away! What is so brave or wonderful about it? Dare to depart from my heart, then I will deem it an act of manliness!)..
The Gita Press book STOTRA RATNAAVALI has this Stotra in it with a bare Hindi translation. It is my book of reference.
JAI SHANKAR
(CONTD) V.RAJAGOPAL BHAT। 02-03-2025
LET US CELEBRATE BY LISTENING TO THIS STOTRA SUNG BY SHRI ROHITH KAUSHIK.
Govinda Damodara Stotram
॥ श्री गोविन्द दामोदर स्तोत्रम् ॥
अग्रे कुरूणामथ पाण्डवानांदुःशासनेनाहृतवस्त्रकेशा।
कृष्णा तदाक्रोशदनन्यनाथागोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥1॥
श्रीकृष्ण विष्णो मधुकैटभारेभक्तानुकम्पिन् भगवन् मुरारे।
त्रायस्व मां केशव लोकनाथगोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥2॥
विक्रेतुकामाखिलगोपकन्यामुरारिपादार्पितचित्तवृत्तिः।
दध्यादिकं मोहवशादवोचद्गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥3॥
उलूखले सम्भृततण्डुलांश्चसंघट्टयन्त्यो मुसलैः प्रमुग्धाः।
गायन्ति गोप्यो जनितानुरागागोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥4॥
काचित्कराम्भोजपुटे निषण्णंक्रीडाशुकं किंशुकरक्ततुण्डम्।
अध्यापयामास सरोरुहाक्षीगोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥5॥
गृहे गृहे गोपवधूसमूहःप्रतिक्षणं पिञ्जरसारिकाणाम्।
स्खलद्गिरं वाचयितुं प्रवृत्तोगोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥6॥
पर्य्यङ्किकाभाजमलं कुमारंप्रस्वापयन्त्योऽखिलगोपकन्याः।
जगुः प्रबन्धं स्वरतालबन्धंगोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥7॥
रामानुजं वीक्षणकेलिलोलंगोपी गृहीत्वा नवनीतगोलम्।
आबालकं बालकमाजुहावगोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥8॥
विचित्रवर्णाभरणाभिरामेऽभिधेहिवक्त्राम्बुजराजहंसि।
सदा मदीये रसनेऽग्ररङ्गेगोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥9॥
अङ्काधिरूढं शिशुगोपगूढंस्तनं धयन्तं कमलैककान्तम्।
सम्बोधयामास मुदा यशोदागोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥10॥
क्रीडन्तमन्तर्व्रजमात्मजं स्वंसमं वयस्यैः पशुपालबालैः।
प्रेम्णा यशोदा प्रजुहाव कृष्णंगोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥11॥
यशोदया गाढमुलूखलेनगोकण्ठपाशेन निबध्यमानः।
रुरोद मन्दं नवनीतभोजीगोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥12॥
निजाङ्गणे कङ्कणकेलिलोलंगोपी गृहीत्वा नवनीतगोलम्।
आमर्दयत्पाणितलेन नेत्रेगोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥13॥
गृहे गृहे गोपवधूकदम्बाःसर्वे मिलित्वा समवाययोगे।
पुण्यानि नामानि पठन्ति नित्यंगोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥14॥
मन्दारमूले वदनाभिरामंबिम्बाधरे पूरितवेणुनादम्।
गोगोपगोपीजनमध्यसंस्थंगोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥15॥
उत्थाय गोप्योऽपररात्रभागेस्मृत्वा यशोदासुतबालकेलिम्।
गायन्ति प्रोच्चैर्दधि मन्थयन्त्योगोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥16॥
जग्धोऽथ दत्तो नवनीतपिण्डोगृहे यशोदा विचिकित्सयन्ती।
उवाच सत्यं वद हे मुरारेगोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥17॥
अभ्यर्च्य गेहं युवतिःप्रवृद्धप्रेमप्रवाहा दधि निर्ममन्थ।
गायन्ति गोप्योऽथ सखीसमेतागोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥18॥
क्वचित् प्रभाते दधिपूर्णपात्रेनिक्षिप्य मन्थं युवती मुकुन्दम्।
आलोक्य गानं विविधं करोतिगोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥19॥
क्रीडापरं भोजनमज्जनार्थंितैषिणी स्त्री तनुजं यशोदा।
आजूहवत् प्रेमपरिप्लुताक्षीगोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥20॥
सुखं शयानं निलये च विष्णुंदेवर्षिमुख्या मुनयः प्रपन्नाः।
तेनाच्युते तन्मयतां व्रजन्तिगोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥21॥
विहाय निद्रामरुणोदये चविधाय कृत्यानि च विप्रमुख्याः।
वेदावसाने प्रपठन्ति नित्यंगोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥22॥
वृन्दावने गोपगणाश्च गोप्योविलोक्य गोविन्दवियोगखिन्नाम्।
राधां जगुः साश्रुविलोचनाभ्यांगोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥23॥
प्रभातसञ्चारगता नुगावस्तद्रक्षणार्थं तनयं यशोदा।
प्राबोधयत् पाणितलेन मन्दंगोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥24॥
प्रवालशोभा इव दीर्घकेशावाताम्बुपर्णाशनपूतदेहाः।
मूले तरूणां मुनयः पठन्तिगोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥25॥
एवं ब्रुवाणा विरहातुरा भृशंव्रजस्त्रियः कृष्णविषक्तमानसाः।
विसृज्य लज्जां रुरुदुः स्म सुस्वरंगोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥26॥
गोपी कदाचिन्मणिपिञ्जरस्थंशुकं वचो वाचयितुं प्रवृत्ता।
आनन्दकन्द व्रजचन्द्र कृष्णगोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥27॥
गोवत्सबालैः शिशुकाकपक्षंबध्नन्तमम्भोजदलायताक्षम्।
उवाच माता चिबुकं गृहीत्वागोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥28॥
प्रभातकाले वरवल्लवौघागोरक्षणार्थं धृतवेत्रदण्डाः।
आकारयामासुरनन्तमाद्यंगोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥29॥
जलाशये कालियमर्दनाययदा कदम्बादपतन्मुरारिः।
गोपाङ्गनाश्चुक्रुशुरेत्य गोपागोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥30॥
अक्रूरमासाद्य यदा मुकुन्दश्चापोत्सवार्थंमथुरां प्रविष्टः।
तदा स पौरैर्जयतीत्यभाषिगोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥31॥
कंसस्य दूतेन यदैव नीतौवृन्दावनान्ताद् वसुदेवसूनू।
रुरोद गोपी भवनस्य मध्येगोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥32॥
सरोवरे कालियनागबद्धंशिशुं यशोदातनयं निशम्य।
चक्रुर्लुठन्त्यः पथि गोपबालागोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥33॥
अक्रूरयाने यदुवंशनाथंसंगच्छमानं मथुरां निरीक्ष्य।
ऊचुर्वियोगात् किल गोपबालागोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥34॥
चक्रन्द गोपी नलिनीवनान्तेकृष्णेन हीना कुसुमे शयाना।
प्रफुल्लनीलोत्पललोचनाभ्यांगोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥35॥
मातापितृभ्यां परिवार्यमाणागेहं प्रविष्टा विललाप गोपी।
आगत्य मां पालय विश्वनाथगोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥36॥
वृन्दावनस्थं हरिमाशु बुद्ध्वागोपी गता कापि वनं निशायाम्।
तत्राप्यदृष्ट्वातिभयादवोचद्गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥37॥
सुखं शयाना निलये निजेऽपिनामानि विष्णोः प्रवदन्ति मर्त्याः।
ते निश्चितं तन्मयतां व्रजन्तिगोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥38॥
सा नीरजाक्षीमवलोक्यराधां रुरोद गोविन्द वियोगखिन्नाम्।
सखी प्रफुल्लोत्पललोचनाभ्यांगोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥39॥
जिह्वे रसज्ञे मधुरप्रियात्वं सत्यं हितं त्वां परमं वदामि।
आवर्णयेथा मधुराक्षराणिगोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥40॥
आत्यन्तिकव्याधिहरं जनानांचिकित्सकं वेदविदो वदन्ति।
संसारतापत्रयनाशबीजंगोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥41॥
ताताज्ञया गच्छति रामचन्द्रेसलक्ष्मणेऽरण्यचये ससीते।
चक्रन्द रामस्य निजा जनित्रीगोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥42॥
एकाकिनी दण्डककाननान्तात्सा नीयमाना दशकन्धरेण।
सीता तदाक्रन्ददनन्यनाथागोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥43॥
रामाद्वियुक्ता जनकात्मजासा विचिन्तयन्ती हृदि रामरूपम्।
रुरोद सीता रघुनाथ पाहिगोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥44॥
प्रसीद विष्णो रघुवंशनाथसुरासुराणां सुखदुःखहेतो।
रुरोद सीता तु समुद्रमध्येगोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥45॥
अन्तर्जले ग्राहगृहीतपादोविसृष्टविक्लिष्टसमस्तबन्धुः।
तदा राजेन्द्रो नितरां जगादगोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥46॥
हंसध्वजः शङ्खयुतो ददर्शपुत्रं कटाहे प्रपतन्तमेनम्।
पुण्यानि नामानि हरेर्जपन्तंगोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥47॥
दुर्वाससो वाक्यमुपेत्य कृष्णासा चाब्रवीत् काननवासिनीशम्।
अन्तः प्रविष्टं मनसा जुहावगोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥48॥
ध्येयः सदा योगिभिरप्रमेयश्चिन्ता-हरश्चिन्तितपारिजातः।
कस्तूरिकाकल्पितनीलवर्णोगोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥49॥
संसारकूपे पतितोऽत्यगाधेमोहान्धपूर्णे विषयाभितप्ते।
करावलम्बं मम देहि विष्णोगोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥50॥
त्वामेव याचे मम देहिजिह्वे समागते दण्डधरे कृतान्ते।
वक्तव्यमेवं मधुरं सुभक्त्यागोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥51॥
भजस्व मन्त्रं भवबन्धमुक्त्यैजिह्वे रसज्ञे सुलभं मनोज्ञम्।
द्वैपायनाद्यैर्मुनिभिः प्रजप्तंगोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥52॥
गोपाल वंशीधर रूपसिन्धोलोकेश नारायण दीनबन्धो।
उच्चस्वरैस्त्वं वद सर्वदैवगोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥53॥
जिह्वे सदैवं भज सुन्दराणिनामानि कृष्णस्य मनोहराणि।
समस्तभक्तार्तिविनाशनानिगोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥54॥
गोविन्द गोविन्द हरे मुरारेगोविन्द गोविन्द मुकुन्द कृष्ण।
गोविन्द गोविन्द रथाङ्गपाणेगोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥55॥
सुखावसाने त्विदमेव सारंदुःखावसाने त्विदमेव गेयम्।
देहावसाने त्विदमेव जाप्यंगोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥56॥
दुर्वारवाक्यं परिगृह्य कृष्णामृगीव भीता तु कथं कथञ्चित्।
सभां प्रविष्टा मनसाजुहावगोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥57॥
श्रीकृष्ण राधावर गोकुलेशगोपाल गोवर्धन नाथ विष्णो।
जिह्वे पिबस्वामृतमेतदेवगोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥58॥
श्रीनाथ विश्वेश्वर विश्वमूर्तेश्रीदेवकीनन्दन दैत्यशत्रो।
जिह्वे पिबस्वामृतमेतदेवगोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥59॥
गोपीपते कंसरिपो मुकुन्दलक्ष्मीपते केशव वासुदेव।
जिह्वे पिबस्वामृतमेतदेवगोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥60॥
गोपीजनाह्लादकर व्रजेशगोचारणारण्यकृतप्रवेश।
जिह्वे पिबस्वामृतमेतदेवगोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥61॥
प्राणेश विश्वम्भर कैटभारेवैकुण्ठ नारायण चक्रपाणे।
जिह्वे पिबस्वामृतमेतदेवगोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥62॥
हरे मुरारे मधुसूदनाद्यश्रीराम सीतावर रावणारे।
जिह्वे पिबस्वामृतमेतदेवगोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥63॥
श्रीयादवेन्द्राद्रिधराम्बुजाक्षगोगोपगोपी सुखदानदक्ष।
जिह्वे पिबस्वामृतमेतदेवगोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥64॥
धराभरोत्तारणगोपवेषविहारलीलाकृतबन्धुशेष।
जिह्वे पिबस्वामृतमेतदेवगोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥65॥
बकीबकाघासुरधेनुकारेकेशीतृणावर्तविघातदक्ष।
जिह्वे पिबस्वामृतमेतदेवगोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥66॥
श्रीजानकीजीवन रामचन्द्रनिशाचरारे भरताग्रजेश।
जिह्वे पिबस्वामृतमेतदेवगोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥67॥
नारायणानन्त हरे नृसिंहप्रह्लादबाधाहर हे कृपालो।
जिह्वे पिबस्वामृतमेतदेवगोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥68॥
लीलामनुष्याकृतिरामरूपप्रतापदासीकृतसर्वभूप।
जिह्वे पिबस्वामृतमेतदेवगोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥69॥
श्रीकृष्ण गोविन्द हरे मुरारेहे नाथ नारायण वासुदेव।
जिह्वे पिबस्वामृतमेतदेवगोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥70॥
वक्तुं समर्थोऽपि न वक्ति कश्चिदहोजनानां व्यसनाभिमुख्यम्।
जिह्वे पिबस्वामृतमेतदेवगोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति॥71॥
॥ इति श्रीबिल्वमङ्गलाचार्यविरचितं श्रीगोविन्ददामोदरस्तोत्रं सम्पूर्णम् ॥
ॐ श्री गुरुभ्यो नमः। ॐ श्री भवानिशङ्कराय नमः।
ॐ श्री मात्रे नमः।
JAI SHANKAR
This Stotram is a treat to Sanskrit-lovers. The easy flow of words and the lack of complex compounds is endearing. A bit of imagination –
visualising the pranks of naughty KrishNa, the
impatience of Yashoda in dealing with Him and the ‘sweet harassment’ of Gopa Gopis at His
hands – is essential to enjoy this hymn.. The recurring refrain Govinda, Daamodara, Maadhava is captivating indeed. Skillfully, the poet-saint Bilvamangala makes sure that every verse ends with this refrain.
THIS STOTRA HAS A HEIGHTENED APPEAL WHEN WE CHANT IT RATHER THAN MERELY READ IT.
अग्रे कुरूणाम् अथ पाण्डवानां दुःशासनेनाहृतवस्त्रकेशा।
कृष्णा तदाक्रोशदनन्यनाथा गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति।।
1. When Draupadi was being dragged by her hair and saree by Duhshaasan right in front of Kaurava-s and PaaNDav-s, she, feeling helpless, cried aloud O Govinda, O Damodar,
O Madhava!
NOTE: Shri KrishNa had sisterly love for Draupadi. Hence her name as KrishNaa.
GOVINDA
AS(आचार्य शङ्कर) says: 1. Assuming the Great Boar(वराह) incarnation, VishNu got(विन्द्) back the earth(गौ) from the underworld.
2. Indra told KrishNa that He will be the Chieftain (Indra) of the cattle(गौ). इन्द्र word became इन्द.
3. By Veda(गौ), HE is obtained (विन्द् (understood). “वेदैश्च सर्वैः अहमेव वेद्यः”(गीता 15-15).
4. By Vedaantic speech(गौ), HE is known, obtained (विन्द्).
DAMODARA
AS says: 1. HE is realised by cultivating Saatvic virtues like दम (sense control) etc.
2. All the worlds (दाम) are in His stomach(उदर) as it were. MADHAVA AS says:
1. HE is the Lord (धव) of माया.
2. मा also means learning (विद्या). He is the Lord
(धव) of all learning.
2. श्रीकृष्ण विष्णो मधकैटभारे भक्तानुकम्पिन् भगवन् मुरारे।
त्रायस्व मां केशव लोकनाथ गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति।।
2.. O Shri KrishNa, O VishNo, O Enemy(अरि) of
Madhu-Kaitabha, O Merciful (anukampin) towards the devotees, O Bhagavan, O Enemy(अरि) of Mura, the demon. Pray protect me
O Keshava, O Lord of the worlds, O Govinda,
O Damodara, O Madhava!
Thus wailed piteously Draupadi.
NOTE: KRISHNA
AS says: 1. कृष् means existence, ण means bliss.
2. He is dusky(कृष्णवर्ण) in complexion.
Another meaning(not given by AS) is: He attracts (कर्षति) us.
VISHNU
AS says: 1. He has encircled, He has pervaded
the creation(वेवेष्टि, व्याप्नोति).
2. He has entered (विशतेर्वा) into creation.
3. He is moving everywhere (विष्णुः विक्रमणात्).
ENEMY OF MADHU KAITABHA
The story is given in Durgaa Saptashati. These two demons were born of the ear-wax of VishNu, who was asleep. They tried to kill
Brahmaa born in the navel-lotus(नाभि कमल) of
VishNu. Awakened by Devi, VishNu slays them.
Symbolically, these demons represent the urge to be a talebearer(पिशुन) and a sweet-talking(मधु) rogue or a trickster(कितव).
ENEMY IF MURA
Mura was a General in the army of Narakaasura. KrishNa killed both of them. Symbolically Mura represents the obstacles that surround(मुर संवेष्टने) a साधक.
KESHAVA
AS says: 1. He has beautiful hair(अभिरूपाः केशाः यस्य सः).
2. Ka is Brahmaa, अ is VishNu and ईश is Shiva – they are in His control(वशे वर्तन्ते).
3. He killed(वध) the demon Keshi.
Another popular meaning is: Keshava ends all our afflictions(केशवः क्लेशनाशनः).
3.विक्रेतुकामाखिल गोपकन्या मुरारिपादार्पितचित्तवृत्तिः।
दध्यादिकं मोहवशादवोचद् गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति।।
3. The maidens of the cowherds, with their mind offered to the Feet of the Enemy of Mura, setout to sell curds etc; but, they were so much infatuated with KrishNa that they uttered
Govinda, Damodara and Madhava instead
of saying ‘curds for sale’ ‘curds for sale’!
NOTE: Enemy of Mura, the demon, is KrishNa.
This verse reminds us of the Marathi song(गवळण ) – कुणि गोविन्द घ्या, कुणि गोपाळ घ्या।
This verse is no.55 in Shree KrishNa KarNaamritam. Yoga is चित्तवृत्ति निरोध says Patanjali. This निरोध (stilling of the thought waves) came easily and effortlessly to Gopi-s because their चित्तवृत्ति-s were glued to the Feet of Muraari(मुरारि पादार्पित चित्तवृत्तिः). This is the magic of Love.
4. उलूखले सम्भृततण्डुलांश्च संघट्टयन्त्यो मुसलैः प्रमुग्धाः।
गायन्ति गोप्यो जनितानुरागा गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति।।
4. The Gopi-s, simple at heart(प्रमुग्धा:), busy pounding rice in the mortar with pestle, were
singing, with love for KrishNa, Govinda,
Damodara and Madhava.
5. काचित् कराम्भोजपुटे निषण्णं क्रीडाशुकं किंशुकरक्ततुण्डम्।
अध्यापयामास सरोरुहाक्षी गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति।।
5. Some other Gopi, with eyes as beautiful as lotus, holding in her palm her play-parrot, whose beak was as red as the blossoms of Kimshuka tree, was teaching it to chant Govinda, Damodara and Madhava.
6. गृहे गृहे गोपवधूसमूहः प्रतिक्षणं पिञ्जरसारिकाणां।
स्खलद्गिरं वाचयितुं प्रवृत्तो गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति।।
6. In every home, the assembly of Gopi-s,
was busily engaged in teaching their Mainaa
birds in the cages to chant in their faltering voice Govinda, Damodara and Madhava.
7. पर्यङ्किकाभाजमलं कुमारं प्रस्वापायन्त्योऽखिलगोपकन्याः।
जगुः प्रबन्धं स्वरतालबन्धं गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति।।
7. All the Gopi-s, lulling to sleep the child in the
cradle, sang, set to melody and rhythm, Govinda, Damodara and Madhava.
8. रामानुजं वीक्षणकेलिलोलं गोपी गृहीत्वा नवनीतलोलम्।
आबालकं बालकमाजुहाव गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति।।
8. A Gopi, with a ball of butter in hand, sought out the younger brother of Balaram – KrishNa –
busy playing आङ्ख मिचौली (blindfold-game), from the group of boys, calling out Govinda, Damodara and Madhava.
9. विचित्रवर्णाभरणाभिरामेऽभिधेहि वक्त्राम्बुजराजहंसि।
सदा मदीये रसनेऽग्ररङ्गे गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति।।
9. O my tongue – who is like the royal swan to the lotus of my mouth – and who is looking
attractive being adorned with wonderful
and colourful ornaments, please chant always
first of all Govinda, Damodara and Madhava.
NOTE: The wonderful colourful ornaments
applicable to tongue are vowels and consonants
(स्वर and व्यञ्जन)..
First of all(अग्र रङ्गे) means: soon on getting up in the morning, before speaking anything else.
10.
अङ्काधिरूढं शिशुगोपगूढं स्तनंधयन्तं कमलैककान्तम्।
सम्बोधयामास मुदा यशोदा गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति।।
10. Yashodaa, caressing the little Gopa, spouse of Lakshmi – infant KrishNa – seated on her lap and suckling, addressed Him with joy O Govinda, O Damodara, O Madhava.
11.
क्रीडन्तमन्तर्व्रजमात्मजं स्वं समं वयस्यैः पशुपालबालैः।
प्रेम्णा यशोदा प्रजुहाव कृष्णं गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति।।
11. Yashodaa lovingly called out for KrishNa as Govinda, Damodara, Madhava – KrishNa, who was playing in Vrajabhoomi with His peers, the
children of cowherds.
12. यशोदया गाढ़मुलूखलेन गोकण्ठपाशेन निबध्यमानः।
रुरोद मन्दं नवनीतभोजी गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति।।
12. Bound tightly by Yashodaa to the mortar with a rope normally flung across the neck of a cow , the butter-eater(KrishNa) wept slowly
calling out (imitating Yashodaa) O Govinda, O Damodara, O Madhava!
13. निजाङ्गणे कङ्कणकेलिलोलं गोपी गृहीत्वा नवनीतगोलम्।
आमर्दयत् पाणितलेन नेत्रे गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति।।
13. The boy-KrishNa was playing in His courtyard with His wrist-band. Then came a Gopi, ball of butter in hand, and covered His both eyes with her palm, calling aloud Govinda, Damodara,
Madhava.
14. गृहे गृहे गोपवधूकदम्बाः सर्वे मिलित्वा समवाययोगे।
पुण्यानि नामानि पठन्ति नित्यं गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति।।
14. Whenever there arose an occasion for a
get-together of all Gopi-s, in each and every home they chanted always the holy names like
Govinda, Damodara and Madhava.
15. मन्दारमूले वदनाभिरामं बिम्बाधरे पूरितवेणुनादम्।
गोगोपगोपीजनमध्यसंस्थं गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति।।
15. We should always chant Govinda, Damodara, Madhava and invoke KrishNa, who is endowed with a beautiful face, seated below the Mandaara tree, music flowing out of His flute between His lips that are red like the Bimba fruit and who is amidst the cows, cowherds and cowherdesses.
16. उत्थाय गोप्योऽपररात्रभागे स्मृत्वा यशोदासुतबालकेलिम्।
गायन्ति प्रोच्चैः दधिमन्थयन्त्यो गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति।।
16. The Gopi-s, waking up much before dawn and recalling the pranks of the son of Yashoda as a child, sing aloud Govinda Damodara and Madhava while churning the curds.
17. जग्धोऽथ दत्तो नवनीतपिण्डो गृहे यशोदा विचिकित्सयन्ती।
उवाच सत्यं वद हे मुरारे गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति।।
17. (After churning, Yashoda had kept aside a lump of butter. Now it goes missing!). Looking for the lump of butter here and there at home (and not finding it) Yashoda admonishes Krishna: O Govinda, O Damodara, O Madhava,. Did you eat the butter or did you give it away? TELL THE TRUTH!!!
18. अभ्यर्च्य गेहं युवतिः प्रवृद्धप्रेमप्रवाहा दधि निर्ममन्थ।
गायन्ति गोप्योऽथ सखीसमेता गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति।।
18. A young Gopi, finishing her worship at home, her heart overflowing with love, sat down to churn the curds. Along with her, her fellow-companions, all Gopi-s, began to sing Govinda Daamodara and Madhava.
19.
क्वचित् प्रभाते दधिपूर्णपात्रे निक्षिप्य मन्थं युवती मुकुन्दम्।
आलोक्य गानं विविधं करोति गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति।।
19. Once, early morning, the young Yashodaa
placed the churning rod in the pot, full of curds.Then, she saw Mukunda(KrishNa) and burst out singing variously Govinda, Damodara and Madhava.
NOTE: AS says: God is called Mukunda because He bestows Mukti(Liberation)(मुक्तिं ददातीति मुकुन्दः).
20. क्रीडापरं भोजन मज्जनार्थं हितैषिणी स्त्री तनुजं यशोदा।
आजूहवत् प्रेमपरिप्लुताक्षी गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति।।
20. Mother Yashodaa, always wishing well of her child, her eyes full of love, called KrishNa, who was engaged in play, to come for bath and lunch therafter, saying aloud O Govinda, Damodara, Madhava.
21. सुखं शयानं निलये च विष्णुं देवर्षिमुख्या मुनयः प्रपन्नाः।
तेनाच्युते तन्मयतां व्रजन्ति गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति।।
21. Once many sages along with Narada saw
VishNu(KrishNa) asleep at home. They, imbued with the spirit of total surrender, became one with that Achyuta, singing Govinda, Daamodara, Maadhava.
NOTE: AS says: God is Achyuta because He does not(अ) slip (च्युत) from His nature as Sacchidananda. There is no slip from His power either.
(स्वरूप सामर्थ्यात् न च्युतो न च्यवते इति अच्युतः).
He is also free from the six modifications(षड् विकार) that characterise Nature(प्रकृति)
(षड् भाव विकार रहितत्वात् अच्युतः).
22. विहाय निद्राम् अरुणोदये च विधाय कृत्यानि च विप्रमुख्याः।
वेदावसाने प्रपठन्ति नित्यं गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति।।
22. Prominent Braahmins get up at dawn, conclude their morning ablutions and, at the end of their Vedic recitation, chant daily Govinda, Daamodara and Madhava.
23. वृन्दावने गोपगणाश्च गोप्यो विलोक्य गोविन्दवियोगखिन्नाम्।
राधां जगुः साश्रुविलोचनाभ्यां गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति।।
23. In Brindavan, mother Yashoda was dull and depressed because of separation from Govinda
(who had gone somewhere else). On seeing her, groups of Gopa-s and Gopi-s, with eyes full of tears, called out O Govinda, Damodara and Madhava.
24 प्रभातसञ्चारगता नु गावः तद्रक्षणार्थं तनयं यशोदा।
प्राबोधयत् पाणितलेन मन्दं गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति।।
24. The cows had gone out at dawn for grazing and, to take care of them, Yashodhaa slowly prodded Him to wake up by patting Him with her palm, saying O Govinda, O Damodara, O Madhava(please wake up).
25. प्रवालशोभा इव दीर्घकेशा वाताम्बुपर्णाशनपूतदेहाः।
मूले तरूणां मुनयः पठन्ति गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति।।
25. Underneath the trees, the ascetics, their long hair glistening like coral and with bodies rendered pure by consuming air, water and leaves, keep chanting Govinda, Damodara and Madhava.
26. एवं ब्रुवाणा विरहातुरा भृशं व्रजस्त्रियः कृष्णविषक्तमानसाः।
विसृज्य लज्जां रुरुदुः स्म सुस्वरं गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति।।
26. The womenfolk of Vraja, reeling under pangs of separation from KrishNa, their minds engrossed in Him, cried unabashedly, saying in chorus O Govinda, O Damodara, O Madhava.
27. गोपी कदाचिन्मणिपिञ्जरस्थं शुकं वचो वाचयितुं प्रवृत्ता।
आनन्दकन्द वृजचन्द्र कृष्ण गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति।।
27. Once a Gopi was engaged in tutoring her pet parrot inside the gem-studded cage to utter various names of KrishNa like Aanandakanda
(lump of bliss), Vrajachandra( Moonlike in
Vraja), Govinda, Damodara and Madhava.
28. गोवत्सबालैः शिशुकाकपक्षं बध्नन्तमम्भोजदलायताक्षम्।
उवाच माता चिबुकं गृहीत्वा गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति।।
28. The lotus-eyed KrishNa was once tying up the tuft(शेण्डी) of a Gopa’s child with the tail of a calf – His mischievous prank. Seeing this, mother Yashoda held Him by His chin(tried to stop His prank) and uttered O Govinda, Damodara and Madhava(please don’t do such mischief)..
29. प्रभातकाले वरवल्लवौघाः गोरक्षणार्थं धृतवेत्रदण्डाः।
आकारयामासुरनन्तमाद्यं गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति।।
29. At dawn, a group of KrishNa’s bosom friends, bamboo canes in hand, set out to take care of the cows and they called Him, the Infinite God and the Beginning(of creation): O Govinda, O Damodara, O Madhava (to request Him to join them).
30. जलाशये कालियमर्दनाय यदा कदम्बादपतन्मुरारिः।
गोपाङ्गनाश्चुक्रुशुरेत्य गोपा गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति।।
30. When Muraari(KrishNa) jumped down into the (Yamuna) reservoir from the Kadamba tree to pound and pummel the serpent Kaaliya, the Gopaa-s and their wives cried loudly: O Govinda, O Damodara, O Madhava.
31. अक्रूरमासाद्य यदा मुकुन्दः चापोत्सवार्थं मथुरां प्रविष्टः।
तदा स पौरैर्जयतीत्यभाषि गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति।।
31. After meeting Akroora(emissary of Kamsa),
Mukunda(KrishNa), along with him, entered
Mathura for the Archery Festival. On seeing Him the people of Mathura said: Be victorious O Govinda, be victorious O Damodara, be
victorious O Madhava.
32. कंसस्य दूतेन यदैव नीतौ वृन्दावनान्ताद् वसुदेवसूनू।
रुरोद गोपी भवनस्य मध्ये गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति।।
32. From Vrindavan were taken away the sons
– Balaram and KrishNa – of Vasudeva by the
emissary of Kamsa – Akroora – (to Mathuraa).
Then, Gopi Yashoda, who was at home, cried:
O Govinda, O Damodara, O Madhava.
33. सरोवरे कालियनागबद्धं शिशुं यशोदातनयं निशम्य।
चक्रुः लुठन्त्य पथि गोपबाला गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति।।
33. On hearing that Yashoda’s child – KrishNa –
is in the grip of the serpent Kaaliya, the Gopi
maidens rolled on the path (collapsed in fear and shock), chanting Govinda, Damodara and Madhava.
34. अक्रूरयाने यदुवंशनाथं संगच्छमानं मथुरां निरीक्ष्य।
ऊचुर्वियोगात् किलगोपबाला गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति।।
34. On seeing the Lord of Yadu dynasty – KrishNa – going to Mathuraa in Akroora’s chariot, the Gopi damsels, distressed by His separation, exclaimed: O Govinda, O Damodara, O Madhava.
35. चक्रन्द गोपी नलिनीवनान्ते कृष्णेन हीना कुसुमे शयाना।
प्रफुल्लनीलोत्पल लोचनाभ्यां गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति।।
35. Raadhaa, on a flowery bed without KrishNa, on the banks of a lotus-lake, had tears rolling down her blue-lotuslike eyes, exclaimed : O Govinda, O Damodara, O Madhava.
37. वृन्दावनस्थं हरिमाशु बुद्ध्वा गोपी गता कापि वनं निशायाम्।
तत्राप्यदृष्ट्वाति भयादवोचत् गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति।।
37. Once at night a Gopi had a hallucination that Hari (KrishNa),normally a resident of Brindavan, was away at a forest. So, she got up forthwith and rushed to the jungle. Alarmed at not finding him there, she cried aloud: O Govinda, O Damodara, O Madhava.
38. सुखं शायाना निलये निजेऽपि नामानि विष्णोः प्रवदन्ति मर्त्याः। ते निश्चितं तन्मयतां व्रजन्ति गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति।।
38. Even though asleep happily at one’s own home, if people chant names like Govinda, Damodara and Madhava, they become one with KrishNa.
39. सा नीरजाक्षीम् अवलोक्य राधां रुरोध गोविन्दवियोगखिन्नाम्।
सखी प्रफुल्लोत्पललोचनाभ्यां गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति।।
39. On seeing the lotus-eyed Radha, distressed because of absence of Govinda, her
companion Gopi, her lotuslike eyes shedding tears, cried, calling aloud O Govinda O Damodara O Madhava.
40. जिह्वे रसज्ञे मधुरप्रिया त्वं सत्यं हितं त्वां परमं वदामि।
आवर्णयेथा मधुराक्षराणि गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति।।
40. O my tongue, you are a connoisseur of good taste; you are fond of sweet things. I am telling you a supreme pleasant truth: pray repeat the sweet syllables: Govinda Damodara Madhava.
41. आत्यन्तिक व्याधिहरं जनानां चिकित्सकं वेदविदो वदन्ति।
संसारतापत्रयनाशबीजं गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति।।
41. The Knowers of Veda-s say that this triad of names – Govinda Damodara and Madhava –
is a permanent cure, a panacea, for all the ills that afflict mankind.
42. ताताज्ञया गच्छति रामचन्द्रे सलक्ष्मणेऽरण्यचये ससीते।
चक्रन्द रामस्य निजा जनित्री हे राम रघुनन्दन राघवेति।।
42. At the bidding of His father, when Shri Raama, accompanied by Lakshmana and Sita,
set forth to go to the dense jungle, Ramaa’s
mother(Kausalyaa) cried : O Ramaa, O
Raghunandana, O Raghava.
NOTE: KrishNa belongs to Dwapara Yuga and Shri Rama to Treta Yuga. So, obviously,
Kausalya could not call out KrishNa. This verse gives us the message that both Rama and KrishNa are identical(श्रीनाथे जानकीनाथे अभेदो परमात्मनि। तथापि मम सर्वस्वः रामो राजीवलोचनः।।). This is a classic utterance of Hanuman when he was asked why he was muttering Ram-naam during Dvapara Yuga, which is the Age of KrishNa.
He said: “I make no difference between the Lord of Shree(Laksmi) and the Lord of Janaki because both are परमात्मन्. However, my ‘all in all’ (सर्वस्व) (Ishta Dev) is the lotus-eyed Rama”).
43
एकाकिनी दण्डककाननान्तात् सा नीयमाना दशकन्धरेण।
सीता तदाक्रन्ददनन्यनाथा हे राम रघुनन्दन राघवेति।।
43. Seeing her alone, when Sita was kidnapped by the ten-faced RavaNa from DandakaaraNya, being helpless, she wailed, calling out O Rama, O Raghunandana, O Raghava.
44. रामाद्वियुक्ता जनकात्मजा सा विचिन्तयन्ती हृदि रामरूपम्।
रुरोद सीता रघुनाथ पाहि हे राम रघुनन्दन राघवेति।।
44. Separated from Rama, and, thinking only of Rama, whose form she cherished in her heart,
Sita cried calling out O Raghunath, O Rama,
O Raghava.
45. प्रसीद विष्णो रघुवंशनाथ सुरासुराणां सुखदुःखहेतो।
रुरोद सीता तु समुद्रमध्ये हे राम रघुनन्दन राघवेति।।
45. When kidnapped Sita was in the middle of
the ocean(while flying), she cried and prayed:
O VishNu, be Thou gracious, Thou art the cause of happiness and sorrow of gods and demons.
O Rama, O Raghunandana, O Raghava.
46. अन्तर्जले ग्राहगृहीतपादो विसृष्टविक्लिष्ट समस्तबन्धुः।
तदा गजेन्द्रो नितरां जगाद गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति।।
46. While he was deep in water, the mighty elephant’s leg was seized by a crocodile and he
(elephant ) got separated from his distressed kith and kin. Then he started calling out continuously O Govinda, 0 Damodara, O Madhava.
NOTE: This is the well-known Gajendra Moksha episode from Bhagwatam. The Gajendra symbolises a highly inflated ego(अहंकार). The crocodile is संसार.
47. हंसध्वज: शङ्खयुतो ददर्श पुत्रं कटाहे प्रपतन्तमेनम्।
पुण्यानि नामानि हरेर्जपन्तं गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति।।
47. King Hamsadhwaja, who was with his Purohit called Shankha, saw his son Sudhanva falling into a cauldron of boiling oil, muttering the sacred names of Hari such as: O Govinda, O Damodara, O Madhava.
NOTE: This is a story from Mahabharata.
48. दुर्वाससो वाक्यमुपेत्य कृष्णा सा चाब्रवीत् काननवासिनीशम्।
अन्तः प्रविष्टं मनसा जुहाव गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति।।
48. Draupadi (also called Krishnaa), a forest-dweller at that time(along with PaNDava-s) was very tense and nervous on hearing the words of the sage Durvaasa. Then,
she invoked her Lord, resident in her heart, as
O Govinda, O Damodara, O Madhava.
NOTE: The sage Durvaasa, noted for his foul temper, came once to the forest-dwelling of
PaNDava-s (during their exile) at an odd hour with a large group of his disciples and demanded भिक्षा for himself and his retinue.
The distraught Draupadi, fearing the curse of the irascible sage, invoked her Lord KrishNa as
O Govinda, O Damodara, O Madhava.
Lo, there was a miracle! The Lord came to her rescue and Draupadi’s cooking vessel turned into an अक्षयपात्र(an inexhaustible vessel).
She could serve भिक्षा to sage Durvasa and his
large group of disciples.
This story is in the AraNya Parva of Mahabharata.
49. यः सदा योगिभिरप्रमेयः चिन्ताहरः चिन्तितपारिजातः।
कस्तूरिकाकल्पितनीलवर्णो गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति।।
49. He is to be meditated upon as Govinda,
Damodara and Madhava by Yogi-s, He, who is
immeasurable (by senses and mind), who wipes out all worry, who is the wish-fulfilling tree(to the devotees) and whose complexion is the blue
hue of Kasturi.
50. संसारकूपे पतितोऽत्यगाधे मोहान्धपूर्णे विषयाभितप्ते।
करावलम्बं मम देहि विष्णो गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति।।
50. I have fallen into the bottomless pit of संसार, dense with the darkness of delusion and am scorched by the sense-objects. Pray extend to me Thy hand as support, O VishNo, O Govinda, O Damodara, O Madhava.
51. त्वामेव याचे मम देहि जिह्वे समागते दण्डधरे कृतान्ते।
वक्तव्यमेवं मधुरं सुभक्त्या गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति।।
51. O my tongue, please accede to my request::
When Yama(god of death) arrives with his cudgel in hand, please chant sweetly with devotion O Govinda, O Damodara, O Madhava.
52. भजस्व मन्त्रं भवबन्धमुक्त्यै जिव्हे रसज्ञे सुलभं मनोज्ञम्।
द्वैपायनाद्यैः मुनिभिः प्रजप्तं गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति।।
52. O my tongue, connoisseur of good taste,
pray chant this Mantra – O Govinda, O Damodara, O Madhava – easy and pleasing and which has been chanted by sages like Dvaipaayana (Veda Vyasa) for release from the bonds of संसार.
53. गोपाल वंशीधर रूपसिन्धो लोकेश नारायण दीनबंधो।
उच्चस्वरैः त्वं वद सर्वदैव गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति।।
53. (O my tongue), pray chant always in loud voice these names: O Gopala, O Bansidhar,
O Ocean of Beauty, O Universal Lord,
O NarayaNa, O Friend of the helpless, O Govinda, O Damodara, O Madhava.
NOTE: AS(Acharya Shankara) says: Atman is नर.The cosmic elements like earth, water etc that emanated from Him are called नार. They are the effects and He is the cause. He pervades them, so He is नारायण.(नर आत्मा, ततो जातानि आकाशादीनि नाराणि कार्याणि। तानि अयं कारणात्मना व्याप्नोति, अतश्च तानि अयनम् अस्येति नारायणः।). The Name नारायण is in above verse and hence this note.
54. जिह्वे सदैव भज सुन्दराणि नामानि कृष्णस्य मनोहराणि।
समस्तभक्तार्तिविनाशनानि गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति।।
54. O my tongue, pray chant always these beautiful names of KrishNa, that are enchanting to the mind and also dispel the distress of the devotees – O Govinda, O Damodara, O Madhava.
55. गोविन्द गोविन्द हरे मुरारे गोविन्द गोविन्द मुकुन्द कृष्ण।
गोविन्द गोविन्द रथाङ्गपाणे गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति।।
56. सुखावसाने त्विदमेव सारं दुःखावसाने त्विदमेव गेयम्।
देहावसाने त्विदमेव जाप्यं गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति।।
55-56. When the days of happiness are drawing to a close, when the days of sorrow, too, are
drawing to a close and when our life in the body is drawing to a close, the names of ShriKrishNa given in verse 55 should be muttered along with Govinda,, Damodara, Madhava. Verily, such a chant(गेयम् ) is the essence(सार ) of our life. Let it be the content of our जप(इदमेव जाप्यम्) too.
NOTE: रथाङ्ग means a part of the chariot. Here it means a wheel (chakra). So, रथाङ्गपाणि means चक्रपाणि. VishNu with discus in hand is
RathaangapaaNi (verse 55 above). This name is No.998 in VishNu Sahasranama and AS comments:
रथाङ्गं चक्रम् अस्य पाणौ स्थितमिति रथाङ्गपाणिः।
Santa Kabir lamented that everyone remembers God when in sorrow, but, not during happiness
(दुःखमे सुमिरन सब करे सुखमे करे न कोई). Bilvamangal exhorts to us to remember God always in weather fair and foul and also when we are about to breathe our last. This is also the teaching of the Lord in Gita: to remember Him when we are nearing our end in this body(अन्तकाले च मामेव स्मरन्मुक्त्वा कलेवरम्। 8-5).
57. दुर्वारवाक्यं परिगृह्य कृष्णा मृगीव भीता तु कथं कथञ्चित्।
सभां प्रविष्टा मनसाजुहाव गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति।।
57. In submission to the harsh and unavoidable command of Duhshaasana, KrishNaa(Draupadi), frightened like a doe, entered somehow the royal assembly, muttering mentally Govinda, Damodara, Madhava.
NOTE: Draupadi was so devoted to KrishNa that she got the name KrishNaa. The words कथं कथञ्चित् signify how distressed she was. Her entry into the royal assembly was not a pleasant decision. She had to do it willy nilly under duress.
The very first verse in this Stotra began with this unpleasant episode and again its inclusion here
sounds repetitious and a bit odd!
NOTE: Next we have thirteen(13) verses, second line of each verse being a gentle advice to the tongue to chant the names of God.
58. श्रीकृष्ण राधावर गोकुलेश गोपाल गोवर्धन नाथ विष्णो।
जिह्वे पिबस्वामृतमेतदेव गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति।।
58. O my tongue, pray imbibe these nectarlike names: ShrikrishNa, RadharamaNa, Gokulesha, Gopala, Govardhana, Naatha, VishNo, Govinda, Damodara and Madhava.
59. श्रीनाथ विश्वेश्वर विश्वमूर्ते श्री देवकीनन्दन दैत्यशत्रो।
जिह्वे पिबस्वामृतमेतदेव गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति।।
59. O my tongue! This alone is the nectar. Pray imbibe it – Names like Shrinath(Lord of Shree, Lakshmi), Vishveshvara (Lord of the universe), Vishvamoorti (whose visible form is the universe), Shri Devakinandan(son of Devaki),
Daityashatru (enemy of the demons), O Govinda, O Damodara, O Madhava.
57.
दुर्वारवाक्यं परिगृह्य कृष्णा मृगीव भीता तु कथं कथञ्चित्।
सभां प्रविष्टा मनसाजुहाव गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति।।
57. In submission to the harsh and unavoidable command of Duhshaasana, KrishNaa(Draupadi), frightened like a doe, entered somehow the royal assembly, muttering mentally Govinda, Damodara, Madhava.
NOTE: Draupadi was so devoted to KrishNa that she got the name KrishNaa. The words कथं कथञ्चित् signify how distressed she was. Her entry into the royal assembly was not a pleasant decision. She had to do it willy nilly under duress.
The very first verse in this Stotra began with this unpleasant episode and again its inclusion here
sounds repetitious and a bit odd!
NOTE: Next we have thirteen(13) verses, second line of each verse being a gentle advice to the tongue to chant the names of God.
60.
गोपीपते कंसरिपो मुकुन्द लक्ष्मीपते केशव वासुदेव।
जिह्वे पिबस्वामृतमेतदेव गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति।।
60. O my tongue! This alone is the nectar. Pray imbibe it – the Names like Gopipati(Lord of the Gopi-s), Kamsaripu (enemy of Kamsa), Mukunda, Lakshmipati, Keshava, Vaasudeva (son of Vasudeva), O Govinda, O Damodara, O Madhava.
61. गोपीजनाह्लादकर व्रजेश गोचारणारण्यकृतप्रवेशः।
जिह्वे पिबस्वामृतमेतदेव गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति।।
61. O my tongue! This alone is the nectar. Pray imbibe it – the Names like Giver of delight to Gopi-s, Lord of Brija, he, who enters the
forest to let the cattle graze, O Govinda, O Damodara, O Madhava.
62. प्राणेश विश्वम्भर कैटभारे वैकुण्ठ नारायण चक्रपाणे।
जिह्वे पिबस्वामृतमेतदेव गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति।।
62. O my tongue! This alone is the nectar. Pray
imbibe it – the Names like Lord of PraaNa, the
Sustainer of the universe, Enemy of Kaitabha
the demon, VaikuNTha, NarayaNa, Wielder of the Wheel(discus), O Govinda, O Damodara, O Madhava.
63. हरे मुरारे मधुसूदनाद्य श्रीराम सीतावर रावणारे।
जिह्वे पिबस्वामृतमेतदेव गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति।।
63. O my tongue! This alone is the nectar. Pray imbibe it – the Names like Hari, Muraari,
Madhusudana, Shri Rama, Seetaavara(Spouse of Seeta), RavaNaari (Enemy of RavaNa), O Govinda, O Damodara, O Madhava.
NOTE: Rama is Brahman who delights us (रमयति), in whose bliss the Yogi-s rejoice in meditation (रमन्ते योगिनो नित्यम्). Hari is Brahman who wipes out (हरति) our sinful propensities(हरिर्हरति पापानि), ignorance etc..The other names have been annotated earlier in this hymn.
64. श्रीयादवेन्द्राद्रिधराम्बुजाक्ष गोगोपगोपीसुखदानदक्ष।
जिह्वे पिबस्वामृतमेतदेव गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति।।
64. O my tongue! This alone is the nectar. Pray
imbibe it – the Names like Shri Yadavendra (Chieftain of the Yadava clan), Adridhara (Upholder of Govardhan Hill), Ambujaksha
(Lotus-eyed), Gogopagopisukhadaanadaksha
(Well-versed in giving joy to the cattle, cowherds and cowherdesses), O Govinda, O Damodara, O Madhava.
NOTE: In His KrishNa Jayanti bhajans (म्हण्ति),
Shri Ramavallabhdas interprets Gopi-s as symbols of chittavritti(thought-waves): वृत्ति गोपिका भूलूनि गेल्या, वृत्तिगोपि बहुत हर्षल्या, सकलही वृत्तिगोपी श्रीहरी स्तोत्र गाती। When our mind is totally devoted to KrishNa, He becomes गोपीवल्लभ.
65. धराभरोत्तारणगोपवेष विहारलीलाकृतबन्धुशेष।
जिह्वे पिबस्वामृतमेतदेव गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति।।
65. O my tongue! This alone is the nectar. Pray imbibe it – You, who assumed the form of a
cow-boy to lighten the burden of the earth, You,
who made Aadishesha Your brother to play Your joyous games, O Govinda, O Damodara, O Madhava.(LakshmaNa is said to be the अवतार of Aadishesha).
66. बकीबकासुरधेनुकारे केशीतृणावर्तविघातदक्ष।
जिह्वे पिबस्वामृतमेतदेव गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति।।
66. O my tongue! This alone is the nectar. Pray imbibe it – Names like Enemy of पूतना (बकी), बकासुर, धेनुक, केशी, तृणावर्त demons, in slaying whom He was most efficient, and also O Govinda, O Damodara, O Madhava.
67. श्रीजानकीजीवन रामचन्द्र निशाचरारे भरताग्रजेश।
जिह्वे पिबस्वामृतमेतदेव गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति।।
67. O my tongue! This alone is the nectar. Pray
imbibe it – Names like O Rama (the life of Janaki), Enemy of the demons(who prowl during nights), Elder brother of Bharata, O Lord, O Govinda, O Damodara, O Madhava.
68. नारायणानन्त हरे नृसिंह प्रह्लादबाधाहर हे कृपालो।
जिह्वे पिबस्वामृतमेतदेव गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति।।
68. O my tongue! This alone is the nectar.
Pray imbibe it – Names like NarayaNa, Ananta,
Hari, Narasimha, Remover of Prahlada’s agony,
O Merciful Govinda, O Damodara, O Madhava.
NOTE: God is अनन्त (infinite) –
सत्यं ज्ञानम् अनन्तं ब्रह्म।
He is everywhere, so spatial limitation (देश परिच्छेद) does not apply to Him. He was, is and will be forever, so temporal limitation (काल परिच्छेद) does not apply to Him. He is everything, so substantive limitation(वस्तु परिच्छेद) is not applicable to Him. Freedom from these three limitations makes Him Infinite. He is Narasimha, not just because He was partly human(नर) and partly lion (simha) to save Prahlada, but because He can assume not only pleasing human(नार )forms like Rama and KrishNa, but, can be ferocious and frightening, too, like lion (simha) for the sake of devotees
(नरवत् सिंहवत् रूपं यो बिभर्त्यभयप्रदं।
यथाकामं तु भक्तानां नारसिंहवपुश्च सः।।)
(Paraashara Bhatta).
69. लीलामनुष्याकृतिरामरूप प्रतापदासीकृतसर्वभूप।
जिह्वे पिबस्वामृतमेतदेव गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति।।
69. O my tongue! This alone is the nectar. Pray imbibe it – Names like He who playfully assumed human form as Rama, He who has made all kings subservient to Him by His prowess, O Govinda, O Damodara, O Madhava.
70. श्रीकृष्ण गोविन्द हरे मुरारे हे नाथ नारायण वासुदेव।
जिह्वे पिबस्वामृतमेतदेव गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति।।
70. O my tongue! This alone is the nectar. Pray imbibe it – Names like Shri KrishNa, Govinda,
Hari, Muraari, O Lord, NarayaNa, Vaasudeva, O Govinda, O Damodara, O Madhava.
71. वक्तुं समर्थोऽपि न वक्ति कश्चिदहो जनानां व्यसनाभिमुख्यम्।
जिह्वे पिबस्वामृतमेतदेव गोविन्द दामोदर माधवेति।।
71. Alas, though capable of speech, nobody chants(Divine Names). Oh how much the multitude is addicted (to unworthy passions)!
O my tongue! This alone is the nectar. Pray imbibe it – Names like Govinda, Damodara and Madhava,.
This completes the Shri Govinda Damodara Stotram, authored by Shri Bilvamangal.
It’s time to celebrate! Let’s listen to a scintillating Surdas Bhajan by two very talented sisters!”