Krishnaya Vasudevaya Haraye Paramatmane

Where it comes from

This verse is Shrimad Bhagavatam 10.73.16, and it has a vivid setting. The tyrant king Jarasandha had defeated thousands of kings and locked them in his fortress at Girivraja, meaning to sacrifice them. Krishna went there with Bhima and Arjuna, and Bhima killed Jarasandha in a wrestling match. When the prisoners were released, starved, dirty and humbled, they saw Krishna standing before them. Chapter 73 records their prayer, and this verse is its heart. It was first spoken by people who had just been rescued from suffering and knew exactly who had rescued them. That is why it is chanted today as a prayer for relief.

Word by word

• Krishnaya: to Krishna.
• Vasudevaya: to Vasudeva, the son of Vasudeva, and also "the one who dwells in all beings".
• Haraye: to Hari, the one who takes away (sin and sorrow).
• Paramatmane: to the Supreme Self.
• Pranata klesha nashaya: to the one who destroys the distress (klesha) of those who bow down (pranata).
• Govindaya: to Govinda, protector of the cows, the one who gives joy to the senses and to the earth.
• Namo namah: salutations again and again.

Together: Again and again we bow to Krishna, Vasudeva, Hari, the Supreme Soul, Govinda, who destroys the suffering of all who surrender to him.

What makes it different

Most mantras ask for something. This one simply names what Krishna does, pranata klesha nashaya, and bows. The condition is in the word pranata: the relief belongs to those who bow down. So the practice is surrender more than petition. It is also free of any requirement for initiation, and suitable for anyone at any time. The first line can be taken on its own, but chanting the full two lines keeps the promise and the salutation together.

How to chant it

It is chanted as japa, usually one mala of 108 on a tulsi mala, in the morning or evening in front of an image of Krishna. It fits naturally on Janmashtami and Ekadashi, and many people turn to it during illness, anxiety or a crisis in the family. It pairs well with the twelve-syllable Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya, which also names him Vasudeva. You can close with the Aarti Kunj Bihari Ki or the Krishna Chalisa.