Banke Bihari Aarti — Word-by-Word Meaning
श्री बाँके बिहारी आरती
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
Complete Translation
O Giridhar, I sing your aarti and delight you, my beloved; O beautiful dark-hued one, I sing your aarti — O Shri Banke Bihari, I sing your aarti.
The peacock-crown graces your dear head and your sweet flute enchants my mind; beholding your beauty, I give myself wholly to you.
From your feet flowed the beloved Ganga that delivered the whole world; may I gain the darshan of those feet.
You are the Lord of the orphaned servant; in sorrow and joy you are the dear companion of life; at Hari's feet I bow my head.
You are the beloved of Shri Haridas; you are my Mohan, the very treasure of my life; beholding the divine pair (Radha-Krishna), I offer myself again and again.
Origin & History
Source: Traditional Hindi devotional aarti
Author: Traditional
Period: Devotional era
Shri Banke Bihari Ji is the enchanting tribhanga form of Lord Krishna, revealed at Vrindavan by the great saint-musician Swami Haridas — so captivating that the temple keeps a curtain drawn before the deity, lest the gaze of Bihari overwhelm the devotee. This aarti, dwelling on his peacock-crown and flute, is sung at the close of his worship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Banke Bihari?▼
Banke Bihari Ji is a beloved form of Lord Krishna enshrined at the famous Banke Bihari temple in Vrindavan. 'Banke' means bent in three places (tribhanga) and 'Bihari' the enjoyer; the deity was revealed by the great saint and musician Swami Haridas.
What is the Banke Bihari Aarti?▼
It is the Hindi aarti 'He Giridhar teri aarti gaaun', sung in praise of Shri Banke Bihari (Krishna) at the close of worship, dwelling on his enchanting flute-playing, peacock-crowned form.
When is this aarti sung?▼
It is sung at morning and evening worship of Krishna, and especially at Vrindavan and on Janmashtami. Light a lamp, circle it before the deity while singing, and take the aarti blessing.
Ready to start chanting?
See Benefits & How to Chant →