Original text
वसुदेवसुतं देवं कंसचाणूरमर्दनम् । देवकीपरमानन्दं कृष्णं वन्दे जगद्गुरुम् ॥
Transliteration
Vasudevasutam devam kamsachanuramardanam. Devakiparamanandam krishnam vande jagadgurum.
Where the verse comes from
This is the first verse of the Krishnashtakam, a hymn of eight verses that all end with the same refrain, krishnam vande jagadgurum, "I bow to Krishna, the teacher of the world." It is popularly attributed to Adi Shankaracharya, though the attribution is traditional rather than firmly established. The first verse is so widely known that most people recite it by itself, as a complete prayer.
What it says
- Vasudevasutam devam: the divine son of Vasudeva.
- Kamsachanuramardanam: the crusher of Kamsa and Chanura. Kamsa was the tyrant king of Mathura, Krishna's maternal uncle, who imprisoned Vasudeva and Devaki. Chanura was the wrestler Kamsa set against the young Krishna in the Mathura arena.
- Devakiparamanandam: the supreme joy of Devaki, his mother, who lost six children to Kamsa before him.
- Krishnam vande jagadgurum: I bow to Krishna, the guru of the world.
In two lines the verse tells his whole early story: born to Vasudeva and Devaki in Kamsa's prison, carried across the Yamuna to Gokul, and returning to end Kamsa's rule. It closes on jagadguru, the Krishna of the Bhagavad Gita, who teaches Arjuna on the battlefield.
When and how to recite it
- Janmashtami: it is one of the most recited verses on Krishna's birth night, especially in the hours before midnight.
- Before reading the Gita: because it names Krishna as jagadguru, many people say it before their daily Gita reading, as students bow to a teacher before a lesson.
- Daily puja: once in the morning before Krishna's image, along with Krishnaya Vasudevaya or the Hare Krishna mahamantra.
- Children's prayer: its short lines and clear story make it one of the first Sanskrit shlokas children learn.
If you want to continue with the full Krishnashtakam, its remaining seven verses describe Krishna's appearance: the colour of the atasi flower, the jewelled bangles, the curling hair and full-moon face, the peacock feather, Rukmini at his side, the yellow silk and the tulsi garland.
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of "Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum"?
"I bow to Krishna, the guru of the world." Jagadguru means the teacher of all beings, a title that points to Krishna's teaching of the Bhagavad Gita.
Who wrote Vasudeva Sutam Devam?
It is the first verse of the Krishnashtakam, popularly attributed to Adi Shankaracharya. The attribution is traditional and not firmly established.
Who was Chanura?
A wrestler in Kamsa's court. When Krishna and Balarama came to Mathura, Kamsa set Chanura and Mushtika against them in the arena, and Krishna defeated Chanura before killing Kamsa.
Is this a mantra for japa?
It is a shloka, usually said once or a few times as a prayer. People who want japa often choose "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya" or the Hare Krishna mahamantra instead.
Can it be recited on Janmashtami night?
Yes, it is one of the most common verses that night. Recite it during the midnight puja along with the birth celebration and aarti.
Why is Devaki named instead of Yashoda?
Because the verse follows his birth story: Devaki and Vasudeva are his birth parents in Kamsa's prison. Yashoda, who raised him in Gokul, appears in many other hymns.
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