Achyutam Keshavam — Word-by-Word Meaning
अच्युतम् केशवम्
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
अच्युतम्
Achyutam
The infallible one, who never falls
केशवम्
Keshavam
One with beautiful hair, slayer of Keshi
रामनारायणम्
Rama Narayanam
Ram and Narayana — two forms of Vishnu
दामोदरम्
Damodaram
One bound by a rope around the waist (baby Krishna)
वासुदेवम्
Vasudevam
Son of Vasudeva
हरिम्
Harim
One who removes suffering
श्रीधरम्
Shridharam
Bearer of Shri (Lakshmi)
माधवम्
Madhavam
Husband of Lakshmi, spring deity
गोपिकावल्लभम्
Gopika Vallabham
Beloved of the gopis
रामचन्द्रम्
Ramachandram
Ram — beautiful as the moon
गोविन्द
Govinda
Protector of cows, finder of the senses
शेषशायी
Shesha Shayi
One who reclines on the cosmic serpent Shesha
जनार्दन
Janardana
One who helps people, destroyer of wicked
कंसविध्वंसी
Kamsa Vidhvamsi
Destroyer of the tyrant Kamsa
वंशी
Vanshi
Flute player
Complete Translation
I worship Achyuta, Keshava, Rama, Narayana — Krishna Damodara, Vasudeva, Hari. Shridhara, Madhava, beloved of the gopis — Lord Ramachandra, consort of Janaki.
I meditate on Achyuta, Keshava — husband of Satyabhama, Madhava, Shridhara, adored by Radhika. The temple of Goddess Indira (Lakshmi), beautiful to the heart — son of Devaki, born to Nanda.
Salutations to Vishnu, the victorious, bearer of the conch and discus. Beloved of Rukmini, known to Janaki. Beloved of the gopis, worshipped, the Supreme Self. Destroyer of Kamsa, player of the flute — I bow to you.
Krishna! Govinda! O Rama! O Narayana! Reclining on Shesha, Janardana, Vasudeva! Son of Devaki, crusher of Kamsa — cowherd boy, joy of Nanda, O Krishna!
Origin & History
Source: Traditional Sanskrit devotional literature
Author: Unknown (ancient tradition)
Period: Medieval period
Achyutam Keshavam is a name-chanting (Nama Sankirtana) bhajan that follows the ancient Vedic principle that simply reciting the divine names with devotion is the most powerful form of worship. This became especially prominent through the Bhakti movement (12th-17th century) when saints like Chaitanya, Mirabai, and Tulsidas popularized devotional singing. The bhajan systematically lists names from both Ram and Krishna traditions, unifying Vaishnavism.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Achyutam Keshavam?▼
It is a beautiful Sanskrit bhajan (devotional song) that lists the divine names of Lord Krishna/Vishnu — Achyuta, Keshava, Rama, Narayana, Damodara, Govinda, and many more. Each name describes a specific divine quality.
Who composed Achyutam Keshavam?▼
The exact composer is unknown. It is from the traditional Sanskrit devotional literature. Multiple versions exist across different regional traditions.
What does Achyutam mean?▼
Achyuta means 'the infallible one' or 'one who never falls from his position.' It is one of the most important names of Lord Vishnu/Krishna, signifying his eternal, unchanging nature.
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