Radhe Radhe Radhe Radhe Govinda
Brindavana Chanda
Anathanatha Deenabandhu Radhe Govinda
Nandakumara Navanita Chora Radhe Govinda
Brindavana Chanda
Anathanatha Deenabandhu Radhe Govinda
Purana Purusha Punya Shloka Radhe Govinda
Brindavana Chanda
Anathanatha Deenabandhu Radhe Govinda
Pandarinata Panduranga Radhe Govinda
Brindavana Chanda,
Anathanatha Deenabandhu Radhe Govinda
Jai Jai Vittala Jaya Hari Vittala Radhe Govinda
Brindavana Chanda,
Anathanatha Deenbandhu Radhe Govinda.
—
This beautiful bhajan is a soulful chant praising Lord Krishna (Govinda) and his divine consort Radha. It describes the various roles and qualities of Krishna that make him beloved to his devotees.
Here is the line-by-line meaning:
- Radhe Radhe Govinda / Brindavana Chanda:
Salutations to Radha and Govinda (Krishna). He is the “Moon of Brindavan” (Brindavana Chanda), meaning he is the cool, shining light and the joy of the entire Brindavan forest. - Anathanatha Deenabandhu:
Anathanatha means “Lord of those who have no protector.” Deenabandhu means “Friend of the humble and the poor.” It signifies that Krishna is the ultimate refuge for those who are helpless. - Nandakumara Navanita Chora:
Nandakumara is the son of Nanda Baba. Navanita Chora means the “Butter Thief.” This refers to his playful childhood (Leelas) where he stole butter from the Gopis’ houses. - Purana Purusha Punya Shloka:
Purana Purusha refers to the “Ancient/Supreme Being” who has existed since the beginning of time. Punya Shloka means “He whose very name or verses are meritorious/holy.” Just chanting his name brings spiritual merit. - Pandarinata Panduranga:
This connects Krishna to the deity of Pandharpur (Maharashtra), where he is worshipped as Lord Vitthal or Panduranga. It shows the oneness of Krishna across different regions. - Jai Jai Vittala Jaya Hari Vittala:
“Victory to Lord Vitthal! Victory to Lord Hari!” This is a joyful exclamation of surrender and praise.
In Essence:
The song starts with his beauty in Brindavan, moves to his kindness toward the poor, mentions his playful childhood, acknowledges his supreme divine nature, and ends with a grand salute to him as the Lord of all (Vitthal).
Would you like to know about the musical tune (Raga) this bhajan is usually sung in, or perhaps the significance of the name Govinda?