Original text
आरती श्री गैय्या मैय्या की, आरती हरनि विश्व धैय्या की ॥ अर्थकाम सद्धर्म प्रदायिनि, अविचल अमल मुक्तिपददायिनि । सुर मानव सौभाग्य विधायिनि, प्यारी पूज्य नंद छैय्या की ॥ आरती श्री गैय्या मैय्या की, आरती हरनि विश्व धैय्या की ॥ अखिल विश्व प्रतिपालिनी माता, मधुर अमिय दुग्धान्न प्रदाता । रोग शोक संकट परित्राता, भवसागर हित दृढ़ नैय्या की ॥ आरती श्री गैय्या मैय्या की, आरती हरनि विश्व धैय्या की ॥ आयु ओज आरोग्य विकाशिनि, दुख दैन्य दारिद्रय विनाशिनि । सुष्मा सौख्य समृद्धि प्रकाशिनि, विमल विवेक बुद्धि दैय्या की ॥ आरती श्री गैय्या मैय्या की, आरती हरनि विश्व धैय्या की ॥ सेवक जो चाहे दुखदाई, सम पय सुधा पियावति माई । शत्रु मित्र सबको दुखदायी, स्नेह स्वभाव विश्व जैय्या की ॥ आरती श्री गैय्या मैय्या की, आरती हरनि विश्व धैय्या की ॥
Transliteration
Aarti Shri Gaiya Maiya Ki, Aarti Harani Vishva Dhaiya Ki. Arthkam Saddharm Pradayini, Avichal Amal Muktipaddayini. Sur Manav Saubhagya Vidhayini, Pyari Poojya Nand Chhaiya Ki. Aarti Shri Gaiya Maiya Ki, Aarti Harani Vishva Dhaiya Ki. Akhil Vishva Pratipalini Mata, Madhur Amiy Dugdhann Pradata. Rog Shok Sankat Paritrata, Bhavsagar Hit Dridh Naiya Ki. Aarti Shri Gaiya Maiya Ki, Aarti Harani Vishva Dhaiya Ki. Aayu Oj Aarogya Vikashini, Dukh Dainya Daridrya Vinashini. Sushma Saukhya Samriddhi Prakashini, Vimal Vivek Buddhi Daiya Ki. Aarti Shri Gaiya Maiya Ki, Aarti Harani Vishva Dhaiya Ki. Sevak Jo Chahe Dukhdai, Sam Pay Sudha Piyavati Mai. Shatru Mitra Sabko Dukhdayi, Sneh Svabhav Vishva Jaiya Ki. Aarti Shri Gaiya Maiya Ki, Aarti Harani Vishva Dhaiya Ki.
The cow as Mother
In Hindu tradition the cow is Gau Mata, Mother Cow: Kamadhenu, the wish-fulfilling cow, rose from the churning of the ocean, and Krishna spent his childhood as Gopala, the cowherd of Vrindavan. This aarti addresses the cow simply and warmly as gaiya maiya, "mother cow", in the Braj-tinged Hindi of household worship. Its refrain calls her the one who takes away the world's burdens.
What the stanzas say
- Stanza 1: she grants wealth, fulfilment and true dharma, and the steady, pure state of liberation; she shapes the good fortune of gods and humans; she is the beloved, worshipful companion of Nanda's son — Krishna.
- Stanza 2: she nurtures the whole world, gives sweet, nectar-like milk and food, rescues from disease, grief and crisis, and is a firm boat across the ocean of worldly life.
- Stanza 3: she increases life, vigour and health, destroys sorrow, want and poverty, brings beauty, happiness and prosperity, and grants a pure, discerning mind.
- Stanza 4: she gives the same nectar-like milk to all, even to one who wishes her harm; her nature is affection, and she belongs to the whole world.
The aarti is short and is printed in slightly different spellings (गैय्या मैंय्या, गैय्या मैय्या); the version above follows the most widely circulated text.
When it is sung
- Gopashtami, Kartik Shukla Ashtami, when Krishna is said to have first taken the cows out to graze as a cowherd; cows are bathed, decorated and worshipped.
- Govatsa Dwadashi (Bach Baras), Kartik Krishna Dwadashi, when the cow and her calf are worshipped together, especially by mothers for their children.
- At gaushalas, at Govardhan Puja, and in daily worship by families who keep or serve cows.
- Many feed a cow green fodder or a roti with jaggery before or after singing it.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the cow called Gau Mata?
Because, like a mother, she nourishes everyone with her milk; tradition also honours her as Kamadhenu and Surabhi, and as the companion of Krishna Gopala.
When is Gopashtami?
On Kartik Shukla Ashtami (October–November), about a week after Diwali.
Who is "Nand chhaiya" in the aarti?
Nanda's little son — Krishna, who grew up among the cows of Gokul and Vrindavan.
Can the Gau Mata aarti be sung at home without a cow?
Yes. Sing it before a picture of Kamadhenu or Krishna with cows, and if possible offer food to a cow that day.
What should be offered to a cow during the puja?
Green grass or fodder, roti with jaggery, soaked grain, and water; roli and a garland can be offered, and some families tie a red thread on the horns.
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