Krishnashtakam — Benefits & How to Chant
कृष्णाष्टकम्
Complete guide to chanting correctly for maximum benefit
Benefits of Chanting Krishnashtakam
A beloved eight-verse hymn to Sri Krishna, beginning 'Vasudeva-sutam devam', recited the world over
Each verse adores a different aspect of Krishna's beauty and glory and ends with the refrain 'Krishnam vande jagadgurum'
'I bow to Krishna, the Guru of the world'
Its closing verse promises that reciting it at dawn destroys the sins of ten million births (koti janma)
Especially recited on Krishna Janmashtami, on Wednesdays and Ekadashi, and as a simple daily morning prayer
One of the first Sanskrit stotras taught to children for its simple, melodious metre
Bestows devotion, purity, protection and the grace of Lord Krishna
How to Chant Krishnashtakam
Instructions
As the closing verse directs, recite it on rising at dawn, after a bath, before an image of Sri Krishna. Chant all eight verses with the refrain 'Krishnam vande jagadgurum', then the closing phala-shruti. Its short, even metre makes it easy to memorise and to sing daily, and it is a favourite for Janmashtami worship.
Origin & History
Source: A traditional hymn to Sri Krishna
Author: Traditional
The Krishnashtakam beginning 'Vasudeva-sutam devam' is among the most widely recited of all hymns to Lord Krishna. In eight simple, melodious verses it adores Krishna feature by feature — the dark-cloud hue of his body, his lotus eyes and full-moon face, the peacock feather on his crest, the yellow silk and forest-flower garland, the conch and discus in his hands — each verse bowing to him as 'jagadguru', the Guru of the entire world. Its closing verse promises that to recite it at dawn dissolves the sins of countless births. Traditional in origin and beloved across India, it is sung above all on Krishna Janmashtami.