Krishna Aarti — Aarti Kunj Bihari Ki
Krishna Aarti — Aarti Kunj Bihari Ki in English · English
Origin & Story
Braj bhakti tradition, Vrindavan · Unknown (folk composition from Braj region) · Medieval period, likely 16th-17th century
This aarti emerged from the rich devotional culture of the Braj region — the land of Krishna's childhood. Vrindavan's temples, especially the famous Banke Bihari Temple, have sung this aarti for centuries. The word 'Kunj Bihari' itself is the name of the deity at Banke Bihari Temple, established by Swami Haridas, the guru of Tansen. The aarti paints a vivid portrait of Krishna — his peacock crown, flute, dark complexion, and musk tilak — inviting the devotee to visualize the Lord in all his beauty.
✦ As told in scripture
The Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan, where this aarti originates, is famous for its miraculous deity. The idol of Kunj Bihari is said to have appeared spontaneously during Swami Haridas's devotional singing in the 16th century. The deity's gaze is considered so powerful that the curtain before the idol is opened and closed repeatedly rather than left open — devotees believe that prolonged eye contact with the deity can cause one to lose consciousness in divine ecstasy. Countless devotees report feeling an overwhelming wave of love and bliss upon seeing the deity during the aarti.
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Complete Text with Meaning
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Aarti Kunj Bihari Ki Shri Giridhar Krishna Murari Ki
Meaning:Perform the aarti of Kunj Bihari — the one who wanders in the groves of Vrindavan. Of Shri Giridhar Krishna Murari.
Gale Mein Baijanti Mala Bajaave Murali Madhur Bala Shravan Mein Kundal Jhalakala Nand Ke Aanand Nandlala Gagan Sam Ang Kanti Kali Radhika Chamak Rahi Aali Latan Mein Thaade Banmali Bhramar Si Alak, Kasturi Tilak Lali
Meaning:Around his neck hangs a garland of Baijanti flowers. The beautiful child plays the sweet flute. Earrings sparkle on his ears. He is Nandlala, the joy of Nanda. His body gleams dark like the sky. Radhika shines beside him, O friend. The wearer of forest-flower garlands stands amidst the creepers. His curls are like black bees, with a musk tilak and rosy lips.
Aarti Kunj Bihari Ki Shri Giridhar Krishna Murari Ki
Meaning:Perform the aarti of Kunj Bihari — Shri Giridhar Krishna Murari.
Kanakmay Mor Mukut Bilasai Devata Darsan Ko Tarsein Gagan Son Suman Rasi Barsai Hathan Mein Venu Birajai Bhramar Si Alak, Kasturi Tilak Lali
Meaning:A golden peacock-feather crown adorns his head. Even the gods long for his sight. From the sky, showers of flowers rain down. In his hands the flute sits gracefully. His curls are like black bees, with a musk tilak and rosy lips.
Aarti Kunj Bihari Ki Shri Giridhar Krishna Murari Ki
Meaning:Perform the aarti of Kunj Bihari — Shri Giridhar Krishna Murari.
Chhappan Bhog Chhattis Vyanjan Surpatin Ko Bhi Man Bhavan Chaunsath Yogini Nachat Gagan Chhin Chhin Bhog Lagavat Sakhan Bhramar Si Alak, Kasturi Tilak Lali
Meaning:Fifty-six food offerings and thirty-six delicacies — delightful even to the king of gods. Sixty-four yoginis dance in the sky. Every moment, companions offer food to him. His curls are like black bees, with a musk tilak and rosy lips.
Aarti Kunj Bihari Ki Shri Giridhar Krishna Murari Ki
Meaning:Perform the aarti of Kunj Bihari — Shri Giridhar Krishna Murari.
Jahan Te Prakat Bhai Ganga Sakal Man Harini Shri Ganga Smaran Te Hot Moh Bhanga Basi Mere Nandlal Ke Sanga Bhramar Si Alak, Kasturi Tilak Lali
Meaning:From whose feet the holy Ganga appeared — the sacred Ganga who captivates all hearts. By remembering him, worldly delusion is destroyed. She dwells always with my Nandlal. His curls are like black bees, with a musk tilak and rosy lips.
Aarti Kunj Bihari Ki Shri Giridhar Krishna Murari Ki
Meaning:Perform the aarti of Kunj Bihari — Shri Giridhar Krishna Murari.
Word-by-Word Meaning
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Benefits of Chanting Krishna Aarti — Aarti Kunj Bihari Ki
Singing this aarti invokes Krishna's grace and fills the home with divine love
Removes attachment, sorrow and worldly delusion (moha)
Brings peace and joy to the mind through remembrance of Krishna's beautiful form
Traditionally performed every evening in Krishna temples across India
Strengthens devotion (bhakti) and deepens the connection with the divine
Creates a sacred atmosphere that purifies the environment
Said to attract the blessings of Radha and Krishna together
How to Chant Krishna Aarti — Aarti Kunj Bihari Ki
Light a diya or camphor on a plate. Stand before a Krishna idol or image. Sing the aarti while gently waving the lit plate clockwise before the deity. Ring a bell with the other hand if possible. At the conclusion, offer the flame to all present. The aarti can also be sung during Janmashtami celebrations at midnight.
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